### Chapter 57: The Majestic Aura of Righteousness Disperses All Evil - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

### Chapter 57: The Righteous Spirit Disperses All Evil Upon discovering the courier official was a paper figure, Su Mo immediately recalled the paper art from the arcane paths he learned from Xiao Qing during the White Snake Legend simulation. Uncertain if this was the same technique, he vaguely remembered the enormous spiritual power consumption required by the paper art. Even Xiao Qing could only use it sparingly before needing to recuperate her spiritual energy. The benefit, however, was significant: the paper figure’s lifespan could extend for decades. Given the appearance of such a creation in Gulancounty, it was evident that this demon wasn’t ordinary. Would his righteous spirit be able to withstand this, he wondered? He hoped it wouldn't lead to his demise. That would truly be the end, wouldn't it? ... [Upon realizing that the courier official was a paper man, you felt a rush of panic. Such legendary sorcery, only mentioned in texts, was something you had never encountered before.] [Just when you intended to leave, the woman silently approached from behind, her ice-cold fingertips tracing your cheek.] "Ah, I’ve waited so long for you..." [Her voice was melancholic and sorrowful, as if in that moment, you were a wayward soul returning to the forlorn wife you once abandoned.] [She implored, "Stay with me, it’s too lonely here..."] [Ensnared by her voice, you involuntarily followed her back to your former quarters.] In the scene, the ghostly woman gracefully removed her robe, approached with delicate steps, and pushed Su Mo down... Outside of the scene, Su Mo watched the battle intently, afraid to miss any detail. It must be said: the flawless, pale skin had its own peculiar charm. ... [You felt your vitality being sapped away by a cold, yielding force. When you reached a critical threshold, an overwhelming light erupted within you.] [This light was majestic, immense, and unshakeable.] [The woman, sprawled before you, suddenly stiffened, and vanished into smoke under the light's brilliance, leaving just a faint, cold touch.] The sudden burst of white light in the scene made Su Mo squint. Once the light receded, nothing remained of the ghostly woman. Was this the righteous spirit? It had vanquished the ghost instantly. Impressive, truly impressive! Su Mo couldn’t help but feel envious. If only he possessed such a righteous spirit, there’d be no need to fear the demons of Black Wind Mountain. Alas, his temperament wasn’t suited to nurture righteous spirit. Within his own body, it would surely fizzle out... ... [Unsure of what transpired, in a haze, it felt like you had a vivid dream.] [Upon awakening, you found yourself not in an inn, but in a desolate field peppered with graves, lying atop a fractured tombstone.] [Realizing you had encountered a supernatural phenomenon described in folklore, where ghosts lead travelers astray, you hurriedly set out for Gulancounty by nightfall, guided only by the map.] [As you journeyed, you vomited repeatedly, finally expelling a yellow mixture of clay and stomach acid.] [You realized that the two dumplings you ate were merely dirt clumps.] [Nearing Gulancounty, relief washed over you, especially upon seeing the inn’s proximity to the county’s outskirts.] [As daylight fully broke, you lost the will to return to the inn and proceeded directly into the city.] [Upon entering Gulancounty, you discovered its bustling nature rivaled any county you had ever seen, akin even to a prefectural city.] [The streets were packed with people, even offering rare items not found in the capital.] [Despite the tales of this area's notorious boldness you've heard during your time in the capital, it seemed possible that appearances were deceiving.] [Choosing not to linger, you made for the county office, needing to establish your position officially.] [Arriving at the county office, you found its gates shut and the place deserted. Only at noon did a heavily intoxicated old clerk stagger in.] [Approaching him, you inquired,] “Brother, during broad daylight, why is the county office shut? What are the common folk to do?” [The old clerk glanced at you, then noted the appointment papers in your hand and sobered considerably.] “It seems the new lord has arrived. Please, come inside, and I’ll explain.” [Following him into the county office, you saw it shrouded in dust and cobwebs, evidently long abandoned for official use.] [No trace of the assistant, registrar, patrol inspector, captain, or clerks remained.] [Your anger brewed, aware the empress would inspect in a year, putting your life at risk.] [Failing would give Xiao Huang ample reason to have you eliminated.] [The old clerk, the only remaining staff in the county office, became your sole chance for assistance.] [Through brief exchanges, you learned his name was Liu Laohu and asked a critical question.] “Where have all the officials gone?” [Upon your query, Liu Laohu hastily closed the doors, surveyed his surroundings, then spoke.] “Milord, as you are new here, unaware—this office has long been abandoned. Everyone has gone to the Flower Pavilion. They not only eat and sleep there but even adjudicate cases.” “Flower Pavilion?” [You recalled passing by this Flower Pavilion, realizing it was merely a brothel. The fact that Gulancounty's entire officialdom operated from there signified deep-rooted corruption.] [Faced with such a dilemma, you found it tricky yet could not back down, owing to your character.] [At this point, what will you choose?] [Option 1: Restore the county office, force all officials to work there, and assert your authority.] [Option 2: Ignore everything, align with the officials, and express desire to partake in their loose ways.] [Option 3: Be patient post-appointment, conduct covert investigations to identify marginalized personnel within the county office to recruit as trusted aides.] ... Considering the three options, Su Mo felt inclined towards the second. Yet, with a potential demon lurking in Gulancounty and no righteous spirit protection, calamity may befall him before the empress’ arrival. Thus, only the first and third options were viable. The first option was rather confrontational. Even Hai Gangfeng would hesitate to choose it. The third option, a middling approach, seemed the wise choice, balancing risks while gradually gaining control over Gulancounty. With this conclusion, Su Mo opted for the third option. ... [You chose to bide your time and conduct investigations.] [You noted Liu Laohu’s envious look when mentioning officials at the Flower Pavilion, concluding he lacked entry privilege.] [As the lone soul at the county office, you decided to make Liu Laohu your initial point of breakthrough!] (End of Chapter)