Chapter 8: Stop Right There!

"What time do you think it is? How do you still have the leisure to chat with girls?"
"Clearly, you have no idea what death means!"
The Skull Brother shouted, raising his machete to strike.

But the ring on Lin Qiu’s hand spun sharply!

Buzz!

"Yama’s Domain!"

In that instant, it was as if all time around them was frozen. Everyone became motionless, the whole world slipping into a strange, otherworldly space of black and white.

Only Lin Qiu remained in color.

And—

The swirling, deep-blue soul smoke rushing toward him.

"Roar!"

A Bull-Nosed Ghost suddenly manifested before Lin Qiu.

This Skull Brother seemed to be draped in a cloak of eerie blue mist, and atop his head, the Bull-Nosed Ghost perched, baring its fangs and claws. "Who are you? How dare you force me to reveal myself!"

Lin Qiu stepped forward without a word and dealt a fierce slap across the Bull-Nosed Ghost’s face!

"How dare you strike me?!"

The Bull-Nosed Ghost was incensed, a surge of ghostly energy emanating from its body!

Smack!

Another slap.

"I’ll strike you as I please."

"Aooo! I’ll eat you alive!"

The Bull-Nosed Ghost howled in fury, its shrill cry threatening to split the heavens. It lunged at Lin Qiu, murderous intent blazing, the terrifying black aura radiating outward like poison.

"Stubborn to the core."

Lin Qiu shook his head coldly. Then, Yama’s Ring in his hand began to glow!

Hiss!

A long, pitch-black chain materialized in his grasp, billowing with mist as it lashed out violently!

Crack!

A sharp, resounding snap!

"Howl!"

The Bull-Nosed Ghost screamed in agony as a glaring, fiery red wound opened across its body, flames licking at the edges.

"This… this is the Soul Chain! Are you… are you an Underworld Enforcer?!"

Lin Qiu sneered, "An Underworld Enforcer isn’t even fit to carry my shoes."

Hiss!

The chain lashed out again, even more mercilessly!

"Howl!"

The Bull-Nosed Ghost shrieked. That blow nearly scattered its very soul!

"Please, have mercy! Spare me, sir! I failed to recognize true power before me. I beg you, let this worthless ghost go!"

Now the Bull-Nosed Ghost fully realized Lin Qiu’s overwhelming might. If he took a third strike, his soul would be utterly annihilated, decades of cultivation lost in an instant!

Lin Qiu cast him a cold glance. "There are countless ghosts who cultivate the Bull-Nosed Ghost path. You’re the first to challenge me. Even your Bull-Nosed Ghost King would bow before me. Still, you seem sincere, so I’ll leave you with a trace of spirit. Reflect on your crimes in the underworld."

With that, Lin Qiu withdrew the chain and parted his lips. The ghostly aura from the Bull-Nosed Ghost began to stream steadily into Lin Qiu’s mouth!

He’s… devouring it?!

The Bull-Nosed Ghost was petrified with terror. Only a master of the Ghost Hero rank or above could devour evil spirits directly!

How could such a terrifying being exist in this world?!

"No! Please, no!"

The Bull-Nosed Ghost suddenly shouted, "Sir, great Ghost King, revered Ghost Immortal! I… I have some influence in this area. If you need evil spirits, I can surely be of service! I will follow you loyally, face any trial, risk my life without hesitation!"

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Lin Qiu narrowed his eyes.

So, this Bull-Nosed Ghost wasn’t entirely stupid after all; he had some brains.

Buzz.

Lin Qiu halted his devouring and said coolly, "So you have connections and resources?"

"Absolutely! Night Market Street is a den of crime where evil spirits love to gather. If you enjoy devouring evil spirits, as long as I’m around, I guarantee you’ll feast every day!"

Lin Qiu replied, "One thing must be clear. I only devour cruel and malevolent spirits. If a soul is kind, I help them move on. Do you understand?"

"Understood!"

The Bull-Nosed Ghost was already kneeling before Lin Qiu, knocking his head repeatedly on the ground. "You are merciful and benevolent, a savior of souls! I worship and revere you!"

Lin Qiu said indifferently, "Saving all beings is Ksitigarbha’s duty, not mine. At most, I’ll send them to the underworld. I owe Ksitigarbha a favor—he swore that hell will not be empty before he becomes a Buddha. If I destroy a few more evil spirits, I’m simply doing him a kindness."

Ksitigarbha? As a friend?!

The Bull-Nosed Ghost was nearly scared out of his wits!

Who was this man, to call King Ksitigarbha a friend?!

"Enough. Since you’re clever, I’ll spare your life."

With that, Lin Qiu pressed a hand to the Bull-Nosed Ghost’s head. Waves of energy flowed from Lin Qiu’s palm, surging into the ghost’s body.

Clang—

A mark was stamped deep within the Bull-Nosed Ghost.

"From now on, obey my commands, do good deeds, atone for your past sins. Otherwise, I’ll see to it you’re never reborn."

"Yes! Yes!"

Buzz—buzz—buzz—

Yama’s Ring spun once more in Lin Qiu’s hand.

In the next moment, everything returned to normal.

Everyone regained movement, but when they looked down, their faces turned deathly pale!

What the—?!

When did Skull Brother start kneeling to Lin Qiu?!

Not only that, Skull Brother was kowtowing fervently before him, his forehead thudding against the ground, "Master, from this day forth, I will serve you with utter loyalty and devotion!"

Lin Qiu said impatiently, "I have a name. It’s Lin Qiu."

"Master Qiu!"

Skull Brother’s will had been completely subdued by the Bull-Nosed Ghost. He turned, glaring at his men, and barked, "What are you standing around for? Kneel and pay your respects to Master Qiu!"

A gust swept through.

Everyone on site seemed petrified.

Especially Zhu Yiqun, who had swaggered moments before—now his face was as white as chalk.

He trembled all over, stammering, "S-Skull Brother… what are you…"

Skull Brother shot him a furious look, grabbed his machete, and charged, "You heard me! Kneel and honor Master Qiu, or I’ll split your soul with a single strike!"

"Spare me, Skull Brother!"

Seeing Skull Brother charging at him, Zhu Yiqun dropped to his knees with a thud, perfectly crisp. "I’ll kneel! I’ll kneel!"

"Say, 'Greetings, Master Qiu!'"

Skull Brother pressed the blade to Zhu Yiqun’s neck.

Feeling the cold steel, Zhu Yiqun was already terrified out of his mind. He knocked his head on the ground over and over, shouting,

"Greetings, Master Qiu! Greetings, Master Qiu! Greetings, Master Qiu!"