Chapter 12: Messenger of the Underworld? Ordinary Man?

To become a ghost warden was not a sudden whim for Xu Ye, but a decision made after careful consideration.

First of all, as a traveler from another world whose family had fallen into ruin upon arrival, he needed a profession to survive and integrate into this realm.

Secondly, the duties of a ghost warden resembled the work he had done in his previous life—it was, in a sense, returning to his old trade.

Most importantly, the past fortnight spent imprisoned by ghosts had only deepened his curiosity about this strange world. The profession of a ghost warden was, without doubt, the best opportunity he had to uncover the truth of this world.

"You wish to become a ghost warden?" The martial judge was clearly surprised at Xu Ye’s request.

"I hope you will grant me this chance," Xu Ye replied earnestly, nodding.

"My lord, this youth is nothing but a lazy, unlearned idler. How could he be admitted to such a post?" Before the martial judge could speak, Sun Wuchang interjected his objection.

The martial judge raised his hand, signaling Sun Wuchang to silence. Then he stepped forward and scrutinized Xu Ye carefully before speaking.

"If you wish to be a ghost warden, you must first possess the courage of a common man. Do you dare let me test you?"

Hearing this, Sun Wuchang’s eyes brightened, and he echoed with a smile, "The lord speaks truly. To become a ghost warden, one must first prove the courage of a common man."

"What is the courage of a common man?" Xu Ye was somewhat bewildered.

"You truly are ignorant, not even knowing what a common man is," Sun Wuchang sneered at Xu Ye before explaining, "A common man is the first realm in the martial path of the Confucian school. The key is courage—only the brave may reach the realm of the common man."

Despite Sun Wuchang's lengthy explanation, Xu Ye remained confused. These concepts were clearly not something he could grasp all at once.

"My lords, I think we should keep things simple. Just tell me: how do you test for the courage of a common man?" Xu Ye asked, waving his hand.

The martial judge smiled at this and turned to Sun Wuchang. "Fetch the Sword of Righteousness."

"Yes!" Sun Wuchang replied, bowing with a beaming smile before quickly leaving the room.

…

A moment later.

"This is the Sword of Righteousness. It will never harm the brave. Whether you possess the courage of a common man or not, one strike will reveal it," the martial judge said, raising a gleaming longsword before the slightly dazed Xu Ye.

"My lord, you cannot strike indiscriminately—it could cost a life!" Xu Ye exclaimed in alarm.

He had expected some advanced technology to test courage, but instead, the method was this direct.

"If you don’t dare, then stop asking for favors," the martial judge said, smiling slyly.

"My lord, since you claim the sword will not harm the brave, could you test it first on this gentleman? If it truly acts as you say, I will gladly try it myself," Xu Ye pointed at Sun Wuchang.

"My lord, please grant me the sword!" To Xu Ye’s surprise, Sun Wuchang agreed without hesitation.

Clang!

As if rehearsed, Sun Wuchang had barely finished speaking when the martial judge drew the sword and struck at him.

Bang!

Xu Ye had no time to close his eyes before seeing a faint golden halo emerge from Sun Wuchang’s body, blocking the martial judge’s blade just as it was about to hit.

"He really... wasn't killed?" Xu Ye was amazed.

"Xu Ye, do you have the courage to try?" The martial judge, holding the sword with a blade sharp as autumn water, looked at Xu Ye with a smile.

"Since this gentleman is unharmed, I will try as well," Xu Ye thought carefully and nodded.

He did not believe himself to be lacking in courage, nor did he think the two before him would go to such lengths merely to silence him.

Seeing Xu Ye’s resolve, both the martial judge and Sun Wuchang regarded him with a hint of approval.

"I can let you try, but let me warn you: if you are timid and cowardly, this Sword of Righteousness will truly slay you," the martial judge cautioned sternly.

"My lord, please strike as you wish," Xu Ye replied calmly with a smile.

This smile, to the martial judge, was nothing short of a provocation. His expression darkened, thinking, "This scoundrel hardly seems brave. Even if I manage to pull back the sword in time, I’ll make sure he tastes some pain."

With that thought, the martial judge glanced at Sun Wuchang. "Sun Wuchang, though this is not a formal test, according to the rules, you should wait outside."

"Yes!" Sun Wuchang replied respectfully and withdrew.

"I ask you again, do you truly dare to try?" With Sun Wuchang gone, the martial judge raised the sword, his gaze tinged with murderous intent as he looked at Xu Ye.

"I dare," Xu Ye nodded.

"Very well." The martial judge’s lips curled into a smile. He raised the sword and, without hesitation, brought it down on Xu Ye.

Buzz...

If this strike landed, Xu Ye would surely lose his head, but just as the sword was about to touch his neck, the Sword of Righteousness in the martial judge’s hand suddenly trembled as if confronted by something terrifying.

The martial judge sensed something amiss, but once the momentum of the sword was set, even he could not halt it instantly.

Boom!

In that instant, a fierce surge of energy erupted around Xu Ye, like a gale battering the martial judge and Sun Wuchang at his side.

Immediately, dazzling golden light swept out from Xu Ye, forming into a wall before the Sword of Righteousness.

Bang!

Unable to stop, the sword crashed heavily into the golden surge, the martial judge’s hand jarred so violently that his palm split.

But the martial judge had no thought for his injury, for before him unfolded a scene he would never forget—

Golden arms, one after another, stretched out from the golden waves enveloping Xu Ye. Each arm, with defined joints, taut muscles, and bulging veins, stood firm as if protecting a beloved friend or dear one, resolutely shielding Xu Ye, reaching unflinchingly for the blade.

Crack...

As the martial judge stared in shock, a crack appeared in the Sword of Righteousness, then another, and another.

Finally, the sharp sword shattered completely with a crisp snap.

"The courage that breaks the sword?" Awakened by the sound of shattering steel, the martial judge stared at Xu Ye with an expression of utter disbelief.