### Chapter 60: Encounter with the Five Ghosts and the Great Demon Yu Luonang Hidden in Gulan County - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

### Chapter 60: Encounter with the Five Ghosts and the Great Demon Yu Luonang Hidden in Gulan County You have been residing in the back chambers of the county office, yet today, sleeping here, you sensed something amiss. As midnight approached, you noticed shadows flitting all over the county office, as if someone had broken in to hold a grand assembly on your territory. However, just as you tried to look closer, you found you couldn't see anyone at all. You realized something was seriously wrong. Ever since settling a case during the day, you'd felt a strange and powerful energy within you. Although you were unsure of its nature, you had faintly grasped how to utilize it. Without hesitation, you took out your ink brush and inscribed the character "镇" (Zhen - Suppress) on a blank piece of rice paper. Sure enough, as soon as the final stroke was completed, a formidable suppressive power descended on the paper. The paper emanated white light, seemingly illuminating the space with flashes of white lightning, revealing five ghostly figures of varying shapes and sizes. You finally saw the true forms of these five phantoms: Leading the group was a ghost as tall as a giant, its body pitch black. The second was a lean and malevolent-looking green ghost. The third was a ghastly pale white ghost, devoid of any coloration. The fourth and fifth were dwarfs, floating in the air dressed in red and purple respectively. Upon the appearance of your "镇" character, these five ghosts froze in place, as though facing a great terror, unable to move. You realized the immense power of the force within you. Though you didn't know how you had acquired such power, it sufficed to help you overcome this crisis, leaving the origins of the power unimportant for now. You approached the five ghosts to interrogate them. "Who sent you?" In the eyes of the five ghosts, you appeared cloaked in divine white armor, with a voice booming like thunder. Seeing you resemble a deity descending to earth, the ghosts shuddered uncontrollably, eager to speak every word they knew. "We... we confess. The five of us were sent by Yu Luonang. She said... said that you were a menace in Gulan County, and commanded us to come here to harm you." "She promised us a foundational ghost energy as a reward, which would enhance our cultivation." "Forgive us, lord, we were momentarily led astray; we never intended to harm you on purpose!" "Indeed, we brothers were content residing in Yin Mountain until Yu Luonang used a ghost-summoning spell to forcefully enlist us." "Essentially, we had no desire to do this!" After hearing their explanations, you realized that Yu Luonang was the demon entrenched in Gulan County. The previous county magistrate was likely either killed or banished by these five ghosts. It's quite possible that Zheng Boyuan is intimately connected with Yu Luonang. Having just concluded an investigation during the day, only to have imps sent your way at night, anyone could see who was behind this. Little did Zheng Boyuan know that you possessed such a wondrous power, not only surviving but capturing the imps as well. You immediately returned to your desk, wielded your brush once more, and swiftly inscribed the character "杀" (Sha - Kill) thrice! The "杀" character was far more ferocious than "镇," infused with the fatal red glow symbolizing the ruthless aura of heaven and earth, causing the five ghosts to tremble with fear. They sensed that had you written "杀" from the start, their fate would have been sealed. You picked up the paper, gazing intently at the five ghosts. "Now, take me to find Yu Luonang." Upon learning of your intentions to seek out Yu Luonang, the five ghosts hurriedly led the way, exiting the county office and heading towards Qipan Street in Gulan County. Qipan Street, home to the Huajian Restaurant, is at the heart of Gulan County, with eight long alleys branching out to connect the entire town. When you reached Qipan Street, the Huajian Restaurant was bustling with people seeking pleasures and entertainment. Recognizing you from the daytime court case, people in Gulan County had already heard of your repute. Seeing you visit the Huajian Restaurant, familiar faces revealed expressions of mutual understanding. At present, in your view, the top floor of Huajian Restaurant was the center of a massive spider web, stretching across the sky, enveloping most of Gulan County, siphoning off substantial energy and essence. You recalled a saying: "Everything in nature is born to consume and be consumed, following the cycle of Dao." Nature steals from all creation; all creation steals from man; and man steals from all creation. To survive, humans cut down trees, hunt animals, cultivate, cook, and consume resources, thus earning the title of thieves of all creation. Meanwhile, creation, through human desires—ears, eyes, nose, mouth, intent—extensively drains human vitality, reclaiming its essence. It's similar to focusing on a beautiful flower: should the mind dwell on the flower, or should the flower dwell in one's eyes? Everyone places their heart and mind on the flower. In this way, emotions are stirred, boundless desires indulged, depleting vitality. And this web, in your eyes, was the net stealing humanity's vitality. Through some mysterious means, Yu Luonang was absorbing the essence of the county's populace. A natural cycle disrupted to concentrate the essence to this web spelled grave misfortune. A demon like this must be eradicated posthaste! With the five ghosts as guides, you barged into the restaurant. Your entrance caused some officials to be apprehensive, uncertain of your intention. Yet you continued without pause, heading straight to the top floor. Reaching the top, you found only a single room, its door closed, the surroundings utterly silent. Just as you prepared to push open the door, it swung open on its own, revealing a woman in white emerging from behind a screen. The woman's skin was icy white, her beauty captivating, mesmerizing the soul. Even you found it difficult to stabilize your gaze. --- Watching the scene unfold, Su Mo was slightly astonished. This must be Yu Luonang. Her allure seemed on par with Xiao Qing, each having their unique charm. Could it be that all female demons are this beautiful post-transformation? However, recalling some female demons witnessed in the yin-yang market, Su Mo quickly dismissed this notion. He surmised it must relate to the demons' aesthetic sensibilities. Some demons, yet to shed their bestial nature, retain a beast-like aesthetic—hence less attractive. The beautiful ones are likely more human, possessing higher insight and fortunate encounters. Such rare female demons are indeed scarce... Reflecting for a moment, Su Mo continued to observe the simulated scene. --- In the scene... The woman's crimson lips curled into a smile before she even spoke. "My lord, since you're here, why not enjoy a cup of fresh tea?" Having spoken, the woman made way, revealing a tea set on the table, with an aromatic brew already prepared, evidently anticipating your arrival. The five ghosts at your side trembled, hesitant to approach—undoubtedly recognizing her as Yu Luonang from their stories. Accompanied by Yu Luonang, you entered the room. Within, red candles flickered, the room was tastefully adorned. Gauzy curtains veiled aromatic bedding, enhancing the ambience. "Yu Luonang?" "It is indeed I, my lord. Earlier, I truly underestimated you." Unexpectedly, Yu Luonang seemed to stumble, falling effortlessly into your arms. Without thinking, you caught her, the fragrance—rich and distinctive—wafting into your nostrils... Yu Luonang delicately placed one of your fingers into her warm, moist mouth... "My lord must be weary of investigation, why not indulge tonight..." (Chapter ends)