Chapter 256 Coming in droves
It is unclear how long this peaceful and tranquil situation will last.

The dragon slayer who disappeared in public, the lame Old Seven who no one can find for the time being, the local forces in Shanyin Ghost Market, as well as the Super Working Committee and the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly who tried to intervene… I think there will be another fight between dragons and tigers.

When he thought of this, Cen Dongsheng felt a sense of urgency and felt that he should seize the opportunity to ask his sister to come over as soon as possible.

The current peace is false and can only last temporarily.

The premise for no chaos is that all parties can exercise restraint. Is this possible? The man has no hope.

He had a premonition that if a fight broke out again, the number of people involved and the scale of the war would probably be several times greater than his one-on-one fight with the human-demon.

At that time, this underground city that had been built with so much painstaking effort would be destroyed.

It’s quite a pity when I think about it.

Perhaps it was Cen Dongsheng’s arrival that changed history, turning this largest folk trading place for curse masters, which originally had a chance to survive in the world, into a precarious “large dangerous building”.

Cen Dongsheng will not feel guilty about this.

Because the fuse leading to the war may have been lit by several people, including him; but the mountain of explosives under the city had been piled there from the beginning.

Considering the inexplicable death of the dragon slayer, and the designer of the dragon-banning law who betrayed the city… the nails of conflict and contradiction had already been driven in, and it just “happened” that the ghost market was not blown up in the previous life.

“By the way, you just said ‘the reconstruction has come to an end’? The streets destroyed by me and that demon have been repaired, right?”

“Haha, we are curse masters.”

Yue Sihan replied with a smile.

“It’s not just about fighting. We need to do better than ordinary people in every aspect of social life, including small things like this. That’s what makes us great.”

“That’s a good thing.”

Cen Dongsheng appreciated this attitude and nodded.

If the power of curses could only be used for fighting, people like my elder sister would not firmly believe that a society ruled by curse masters is the next stage in the development of human civilization.

Creation is more valuable than destruction.

From this perspective, he had been thinking wrongly before. Shanyin Ghost Market might have also been destroyed in the previous life, but was later repaired by someone.

“Can you share this technology with the Super Working Committee?”

“what?”

Yue Sihan widened his eyes, seeming surprised.

“Since that’s your request…”

This matter has nothing to do with strengthening power or plundering wealth. It is purely a convenient method. The Ghost Market has no reason to refuse.

In Cen Dongsheng’s view, this method is quite valuable for organizations that want to create, rule and lead a new human society.

He remembered that the ruling bureau in his previous life had a similar “pre-event/post-event handling department”. After all, it was easy for the curse masters to cause a big commotion when they took action. If it suddenly broke out in a densely populated urban area, the consequences would be disastrous.

Although there are rules such as “No one may use destructive spells above level XI without permission in the city”, once a vicious incident related to the supernatural occurs, both the criminals and those trying to stop the crime will let loose, and a war is inevitable.

Therefore, the responsibilities of the relevant departments are to give early warnings before sabotage occurs, respond quickly, disperse crowds, release barriers, divide the battlefield, and dispatch professionals to handle the situation, so as to minimize the scale of damage;
On the other hand, they also have to shoulder the responsibility of cleaning up the battlefield and repairing the signs of damage in the surrounding environment as quickly as possible, which requires the participation of the Curse Master.

Cen Dongsheng knew nothing about this, and the experience of the reborn was hard to use. But if they could absorb the technical experience of the ghost market, it should be possible for Sister Zhizhen’s subordinates to reach the progress of their previous life earlier.

……

The news of the upcoming “Anniversary Day” has affected the atmosphere of the Ghost Market. Lanterns hung everywhere indicate that a different day is about to come.

Not all guests from afar are aware that the ghost market has its own festival, but most of them apparently don’t mind joining in the fun.

A week ago, the arrival of the Super Working Committee brought in a group of fresh blood; a few days ago, Cen Dongsheng’s battle with the human-demon drove away a group of people, but attracted some troublemakers and spectators with unclear motives to pour in. The situation inside the Ghost Market was as complicated as a spider web.

Just like this day itself was slowly unveiling the curtain of a big drama, soon, the Shanyin Ghost Market ushered in the second major event –

The chief of the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly, the special master of forbidden spells, the future King of Spirits, and “the Divine and Enlightened” Zhang Shidao came to visit in person.

*
Cen Dongsheng heard the news from his elder sister. At that time, he was lying in An Zhizhen’s arms, leaning against the woman’s soft and plump thighs, drowsy.

In the warm and elastic embrace, Sister Zhizhen’s slender fingers gently stroked his cheek, which felt itchy and very comfortable.

The atmosphere filled with a sense of security makes people miss sweet dreams, not to mention that they just had an “intense exercise” and consumed their energy…

“Sister Zhizhen, I want to sleep.”

“Well, go to sleep.”

The woman who had gone through a lot of hardships had a ruddy face, a gentle smile, and answered softly. She slowly closed Cen Dongsheng’s eyelids and picked up the book on the table with her other hand.

An Zhizhen was not tired yet and planned to accompany the man to rest for a few hours.

“Nothing else?”

“You don’t need to worry, just rest.”

The coolness from the fingertips gradually smoothed the young man’s subconsciously frowned brows.

“Are you really okay? Then I’ll go to sleep…”

“Yes, there is. Do you really want to know?”

“……Um.”

“Yinlian just reported to me that there was news from the spies that Zhang Shidao was planning to come over in person to visit. The people in the Ghost Market have already known about this and are preparing to welcome him.”

Although An Zhizhen did not intend to let her brother participate, she did not hide it.

As soon as these words came out, Cen Dongsheng, who was enjoying the lap pillow, suddenly woke up. He turned over and sat up under the woman’s slightly amused gaze.

“Really? It seems like he can’t sit still anymore?”

“Yes. I guess he got some solid information, or someone in the ghost city contacted him, and he made this choice when he saw me coming in person.”

“How are you going to deal with this?”

The elder sister’s answer was understated:
“It’s not clear what his intentions are. I’ll mobilize some people first.”

“Are you ready for war?”

“That’s not quite right. After all, the branch of the Super Working Committee has been recognized by the Ghost City.” An Zhizhen said with a smile, “We are just doing a good job of defense in advance to protect our own city.”

“Too.”

Cen Dongsheng also laughed.

“However, Dragon Slayer formally denied any cooperation with Zhang Shidao at the meeting at that time, and even said frankly that he could not stand the way the Ten Thousand Immortals’ Court Meeting was doing. If he had to choose a side, he would only vote for the Chao Working Committee. I don’t think he would lie about such a thing, so…”

The man pondered for a moment and quickly came to a conclusion. “——Someone in the operation team went against the Dragon Slayer’s idea and took the initiative to invite Zhang Shidao.”

If there is no invitation, then it cannot be considered a “welcome”, but an uninvited guest with malicious intent, and the atmosphere in the ghost market will only become tense;
But now, the Ten Thousand Immortals Meeting used the term “formal visit” and there was no hostility… at least not on the surface.

Cen Dongsheng could understand the feelings of some people in the Ghost Market who wanted to join the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly.

In this turbulent and crisis-ridden era, if he were to encounter a leader who was obviously capable but unwilling to protect his subordinates, he would inevitably become disloyal.

only……

This decision was tantamount to directly rejecting the Dragon Slayer’s opinion and slapping the face of their current boss. It was unclear whether it was a collective decision made by the Ghost Market operators or the independent action of one of the forces.

At least, based on his understanding of Yue Sihan, he felt that this person was unlikely to do such radical behavior.

During this period, Tianbao Pavilion was indeed suspected of deliberately trying to win over people. It could not be said that they had no other intentions in showing goodwill to key figures like Cen Dongsheng. However, Yue Sihan himself was tactful and would not openly tear his face with the big boss, nor would he make the efforts to please the Chao Working Committee meaningless.

Yes, inviting the leader of the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly to come is not only disrespectful to the Dragon Slayer, but also offends the Super Working Committee.

They frankly disclosed at the meeting that “An Zhizhen and Zhang Shidao had fought each other” and that there was tension between the government and large local forces.

“good.”

An Zhizhen nodded slightly.

“It’s only natural that the subordinates secretly complain about the hands-off boss. But going against his opinion is like slapping the face of a special curse master… Haha, I really look forward to what will happen next.”

The woman curled her lips, as if she was watching a fun event, with an amused smile on her face.

“If the man hiding underground heard about this, how would he react? From what I see, he just doesn’t care about things that don’t matter to him, but he is not the kind of person who is tolerant and generous…”

Seeing that Cen Dongsheng seemed to be still thinking, An Zhizhen advised:

“Okay, don’t think about it. Compared to Zhang Shidao, don’t you have more important things to do tomorrow?”

Cen Dongsheng came back to his senses and nodded slightly.

“Well, you’re right.”

“Don’t worry about others, we just need to do our own thing.”

The elder sister stroked the man’s cheek.

“If I could have a reliable and powerful helper, even I would feel more at ease…”

*
Just as the two had guessed, after the news that the Wanxian Dynasty would be invited to the Ghost Market spread, those who didn’t know the reason would probably just sigh, “It’s getting more and more lively lately.” But within the core circle of the Ghost Market operators, this matter caused an uproar.

“What on earth are you thinking about?!”

Zhou Ruian, who was originally just an ordinary deacon in the Geomancer Association but has now gradually become the representative and face of this force, slammed the table in front of him with his face flushed and extremely angry.

“Why did you invite all the immortals to the meeting? Are you planning to betray us and invite a wolf into the house?!”

Yue Sihan, who always showed a friendly attitude and was respectful to everyone, showed a rare serious expression at this moment. He stood with Zhou Ruian, obviously supporting him in his attack on the grass;
Not far behind them, in the corner, stood a woman in gorgeous costumes, with her arms folded, looking at the men in front of her with a mocking look.

And the one standing opposite them was naturally the remaining one among the four forces—the representative of the paper-making craftsmen, Caojiezi.

This gentle-looking middle-aged man had a blank expression on his face and said nothing.

“This matter has nothing to do with my apprentice. It was my idea.”

At this time, an old voice appeared in the reception room, attracting everyone’s attention.

He was a short old man with a long white beard and a high forehead, looking quite like an immortal. He sat cross-legged on a stone turtle covered with moss. His whole aura was out of place with the modern-style office, as if he had jumped out of a fairy tale.

The eyes of the stone turtle under the old man’s seat were rolling around, looking very smart.

“Lingxi Weng…”

Zhou Ruian took a deep breath and said nothing, but his heart gradually sank.

The paper-making craftsman Lingxi Weng, the first master of Tianbao Pavilion, and the head boss of the Yin Opera Troupe were all invited by the Dragon Slayer himself to become the first generation operators of the Ghost Market. Needless to say, their importance is undeniable.

The remaining few people stopped talking. Lingxi Weng was their elder, and to the heirs who were not from the paper-making lineage, he was like an “uncle” or “uncle”. Although he had retired to the second line for several years, he still had a huge influence and was widely respected by the members.

Such a person chose to jump out at this time…

“Our president hasn’t appeared for a long time.”

Lingxi Weng’s words were straightforward.

“I am old now, and my only wish is that my life’s work can be preserved after my death. Today’s dragon slayer no longer takes the ghost market seriously, but he doesn’t care, I do.”

“Master means that he wants to find a real force to rely on and someone who can protect this city before the big boss gradually retreats behind the scenes.” Caojiezi added.

“…No, that’s not right.”

Zhou Ruian retorted through gritted teeth.

“You have violated our leader’s orders without authorization and challenged his authority. You are inciting civil strife! And you still talk about protecting—”

At the same time, another cold voice sounded in the room.

“There is one more thing. I’m afraid you have forgotten it, so I’ll just remind you…”

Li Ruizhu said.

“You only care about the opinion of the big boss, but not the opinion of our new partners?”

Everyone fell into silence.

After a long while, someone finally spoke:
“Friends… I’m afraid they have been planning to swallow us up from the beginning, right?”

“Then the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly is here to do charity?” Someone immediately retorted.

“But now that we’re here, what can we do? We will still be targeted even if we do nothing.”

“Since Zhang Shidao is visiting in person this time, if the big boss and consultant An don’t make any new statements, there is only one thing we can do… open the door to welcome guests.”

……

The managers of the Ghost Market are arguing fiercely over the arrival of the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly.

In a quiet dawn, in a corner where no one knows.

Cen Dongsheng is going to pick someone up——

The fourth special-class spell-binding master is about to arrive in this city.

(End of this chapter)