Chapter 49: Miss Nan Zhi

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“Iron Mask, is that Miss Nanzhi also a ghost?”

After leaving the Hall of Rewards and Punishments, Xu Ye curiously questioned Iron Mask.

“Miss Nanzhi is not the same as that ghostly woman, Zhen. She isn’t exactly a ghost. Though she’s possessed by a spirit, she can suppress the ghost within and even wield some of its powers. Lord Yan took pity on her and brought her into the Ghost Suppression Division. There are many of her kind—half-ghosts—among us.”

As he spoke, Iron Mask suddenly lowered his voice and leaned in to whisper in Xu Ye’s ear:

“In fact, one of the six adjudicators of the Ming Division, Lord Nameless, is also half-ghost. He’s now stationed year-round in the outer city, constantly dealing with the most vicious of spirits.”

This was the first Xu Ye had heard of the Faceless Adjudicator.

“Even a half-ghost can be an adjudicator?” he asked in surprise.

“Many high officials at court have complained about it,” Iron Mask explained animatedly. “But Lord Yan stood firm and silenced all dissent. Plus, Lord Faceless has achieved great feats again and again; those who once objected have no choice but to turn a blind eye now.”

“It sounds like Lord Yan is truly a remarkable figure,” Xu Ye couldn’t help but feel a tinge of respect after hearing Iron Mask’s account.

“Of course. Our Lord Yan of the Ming Division once ventured alone into the Ghost Nation. The late emperor himself conferred upon him the title Ghost Butcher. Among the three Lords Yan of the Ghost Suppression Division, he’s recognized as the most formidable in battle,” Iron Mask replied with evident pride.

“Come on, let’s head to the Hundred Refinements Pavilion. I’ll show you the methods for nurturing ghost soldiers and tempering martial courage.” With that, he patted Xu Ye on the shoulder.

…

Afternoon.

After spending nearly half the day under Iron Mask’s guidance, Xu Ye finally understood the methods of nurturing ghost soldiers and refining martial courage.

Both required reciting the Six Classics every morning. For nurturing ghost soldiers, one recited “Minor Odes: June” and “Minor Odes: Gathering Artemisia.” To strengthen martial courage, the Six Oaths were recited.

The difference lies in the intention: when nurturing ghost soldiers, reciting the Six Classics is to suppress the spirits within. The stronger the seal, the less likely the ghost soldiers are to rebel. Once stable, additional spirits can be sealed to enhance their power.

For refining martial courage, however, reciting the Six Classics serves solely to fortify one’s vital energy, enlarging the vessel for martial valor.

“Actually, perhaps I could recite other well-known works of the same type to bolster my martial courage or seal ghosts. For instance, I could use military classics to nurture ghost soldiers—after all, their energy of war is even stronger. And in terms of cultivating martial courage, if it’s just about growing righteous energy, I could simply read the Analects or Mencius. It seems that in this world, sages like Confucius don’t exist.”

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After leaving the Hundred Refinements Pavilion, Xu Ye pondered how to use his resources to quickly enhance his strength.

This world is unlike home—only with formidable martial virtue will others be willing to reason with you.

Just like Lord Yan of the Ming Division—if not for his unmatched prowess, how could he have stood against all opposition and brought half-ghosts like Miss Nanzhi into the Ghost Suppression Division?

“Xiao Ye, if there’s anything you still don’t understand, just list it out. If I haven’t explained clearly enough, we can ask our Zhou Wuchang for help,” Iron Mask said, mistaking Xu Ye’s silence for difficulties in cultivation.

“No, Iron Mask, you’ve explained everything very clearly. I was just thinking about matters at home,” Xu Ye fibbed, realizing Iron Mask misunderstood.

“You’re worried about your younger sister, aren’t you?” Iron Mask asked with concern. He had learned during their time together that Xu Ye had a sister being treated at the Medical Bureau.

Xu Ye felt a pang of guilt—so much had happened lately that he hadn’t found time to visit his sister.

“Iron Mask! Night Candle!”

At that moment, a tall figure appeared ahead. Xu Ye looked closely—it was none other than Zhou Mang, known as Zhou Wuchang.

“Zhou Wuchang!” they both called, hurrying over.

“It’s just as well you two were present at the incident at the Cao Residence. The Martial Adjudicator is currently investigating the matter. Come with me to provide your statements,” Zhou Wuchang said, nodding slightly, his expression as inscrutable as ever.

Xu Ye and Iron Mask exchanged glances, knowing that what must come had finally arrived.

“Yes, sir!” they answered in unison, quickening their steps to follow Zhou Wuchang to the Adjudicator’s Hall.

…

Inside the Martial Adjudicator’s Hall.

Each adjudicator of the Ghost Suppression Division had their own residence; unless the case was major, Wuchang would usually visit with the ghost officers to report.

“There’s quite a commotion at the Adjudicator’s Hall today—not just the Third and Sixth Banners, but even Yu Wuchang from the Ninth Banner has shown up.”

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Following Zhou Wuchang into the Adjudicator’s Hall, Iron Mask glanced around and whispered to Xu Ye.

As the Martial Adjudicator had not yet arrived, many ghost officers were discussing their cases, making the hall noisy enough that they didn’t worry about being overheard.

“Yu Wuchang—is that the well-endowed lady?” Xu Ye’s gaze fell on the beautiful woman seated on the east side of the hall.

Apart from Zhou Wuchang and Sun Wuchang, she was the only one with a seat, making her status obvious.

“Ahem…” Iron Mask cleared his throat and warned Xu Ye quietly, “Be careful what you say. Of the three Wuchangs in the Martial Adjudicator’s Hall, Yu Wuchang has the worst temper. Once, a ghost officer stared at her a bit too long and was beaten half to death.”

Xu Ye hurriedly averted his gaze.

“You’re new here, Xu Ye, so don’t say I didn’t warn you. Sister Yudie’s cultivation is higher than mine. If she wants to beat you up, I probably couldn’t stop her. And she has a habit—when fighting men, she always targets the crotch,” Zhou Mang warned without turning his head.

“The boss is right,” Iron Mask agreed, nodding.

“Thank you for the warning,” Xu Ye replied, quickly tightening his legs and nodding repeatedly.

“No need to worry too much, Xiao Ye. The Medical Bureau has ways to restore you to your former self. You’re on good terms with Miss Buyu—if anything happens, just ask her for help,” Iron Mask whispered with a playful grin.

“If I go to her for that, she’ll probably tear me apart,” Xu Ye thought grimly, unable to imagine himself asking Lin Buyu to repair such an injury.

Iron Mask and Zhou Wuchang both let out a stifled laugh.

Just then, Yu Wuchang, who had been sitting with her eyes closed, suddenly opened them and fixed her gaze on the three of them.

All three immediately fell silent, not daring to breathe.