Ethan Gu leaned against Maxwell Jing, letting out a weary sigh. Closing his eyes, he murmured, "Maxwell, you know I've long cut ties with Galen Gu." To him, Galen was never a father—just a master, the exalted head of the Gu family. That had always been the case, for as long as he could remember. And after everything that happened, his connection to both the Healer's Sanctuary and Galen Gu had been severed beyond repair.
Maxwell Jing's playful expression faded, his voice soft. "He's still your father. Let me handle the matters of the Healer's Sanctuary." Galen Gu was already restless; Maxwell had dragged Ethan away early in the morning to keep him from dealing with Ghost Guild affairs. He knew Ethan's choice, but didn't want him to confront Galen directly. After all, who could cast their own father into the abyss and be glad about it, even if that father had failed them?
Even without love, there's a sense of tragedy.
A faint, helpless smile appeared on Ethan Gu's face. Maxwell Jing might seem carefree and unrestrained, but in truth, he shouldered more burdens than anyone—always taking everything upon himself.
He always did. And he still does.
Suddenly, Ethan Gu asked quietly, "Tell me... if I hadn't asked you to stay back then, what would have happened?"
Maxwell Jing replied lazily, "Hypotheticals aren't worth discussing!" He paused, then feigned a dreamy look. "If that were the case, I'd probably have gathered a whole harem of beauties by now!" He looked positively lovestruck, nearly drooling at the thought.
Ethan Gu was about to interrupt his wild fantasy when he heard Maxwell murmur, "Or maybe... I'd have stayed anyway."
Hearing this, Ethan Gu couldn't help but arch an eyebrow, turning to look at him, about to speak—when Maxwell Jing suddenly announced, "The guildmaster is here!"
This was a tavern owned by the Ghost Guild. The entire floor was closed to outsiders, reserved only for their own. Damien Gray entered his private suite, his arm around Morgan Shangguan. Their room was right next door to Maxwell Jing and Ethan Gu, with only one room separating them from Quinn Yan.
Maxwell Jing was eager to bring Qin Yan over, but Ethan Gu grabbed his arm, pulling him toward the bed instead, confusion flickering in Maxwell's eyes.
Maxwell Jing stared blankly. "What are you doing?"
Ethan Gu glanced out the window, his face impassive. "It's dark. Time to rest."
Maxwell Jing twitched his lips. Rest now? Really?
Ethan Gu nudged him onto the bed. "The guildmaster will see us when he wants. Be careful not to stir up trouble."
Maxwell Jing didn't argue. He was always getting into trouble, but he wasn't stupid; he knew where the boundaries lay. As long as he didn't cross the line, Damien Gray wouldn't really do anything to him. Watching the drama always came at a price.
Sure enough, after waiting a long while, there was no sound from the room next door.
Finally, as Qin Yan debated whether to head back, stay the night, or just sit until dawn to show his sincerity, someone finally came to invite him to meet Lord Ghostmaster.
Qin Yan exhaled, mentally rehearsing his words, as he was led into the room.
The door creaked softly shut behind him. Inside, the gentle glow of night pearls cast a soothing light.
Qin Yan looked up and saw several layers of sheer curtains swaying gently. On a lounge chair sat a tall, languid man, a woman nestled in his arms. Even through the gauzy veil, it was clear she was a beauty.
It seemed Ghostmaster Damien Gray wasn't wearing his mask tonight. Qin Yan was curious about the true face behind the legend, but didn't dare overstep. He certainly hadn't expected to find Damien Gray with a woman in his arms—he always appeared alone, accompanied only by his two chief protectors. Rumor had it that beauties sent to him vanished without a trace, and eventually, people stopped trying.
Sending beauties to Ghostmaster was either a ploy for espionage or an attempt at flattery. But with no reward ever returned, after a few failed attempts, no one was foolish enough to keep trying.
Carefully, Qin Yan spoke, "Lord Ghostmaster..."
Damien Gray didn't reply. He simply held Morgan Shangguan closer, his large hand lazily tracing her waist. Morgan yawned, curling up against him, too comfortable to move.
With no response from inside, Qin Yan grew uneasy. Still, he stated his purpose for coming, then waited nervously for Damien Gray's answer, wondering what leverage he had left if Ghostmaster refused.
"To deal with the Cloud Guild?"
A lazy voice drifted out. Qin Yan snapped to attention, his attitude humble. "Yes, Lord Ghostmaster, please help me. You're my only hope."
Inside, Damien Gray arched a brow at Morgan Shangguan, his eyes playful—almost as if to say, Someone wants me to deal with you.
Morgan Shangguan curled her lips into a smile, shifting closer until she was whispering in his ear. "It's a major martial clan, after all. Their foundation isn't weak. How about we work together?" Truthfully, the Cloud Guild could easily swallow up the Qin Fortress, but with Damien Gray involved, the drama would be far more entertaining.
Damien Gray seemed to consider, then made his demand. "A fifty-fifty split. And..." He didn't finish the sentence, instead leaning in to nip at her lips—his meaning unmistakable.
It wasn't stinginess that made him suggest an even split—it was Morgan Shangguan's restless ambition. If the Cloud Guild grew too powerful too quickly, he was certain the Ghost Guild would never know peace.
Clearly, this hungry wolf still wasn't satisfied! Morgan Shangguan smiled faintly. "Seems I'm getting the short end of the stick. Sixty-forty, in my favor! I've put everything on the line, after all."
Damien Gray pondered, then agreed. "Fine! But you have to stay with me for a month." At last, he'd found a way to get rid of those two little burdens—if only for a while.
Morgan Shangguan considered briefly, then nodded. "Deal."
Outside the curtain, Qin Yan suddenly shivered, still unaware of the looming disaster. He could only make out muffled voices from within, unable to distinguish what was being said. Unease crept into his heart—if only Lord Ghostmaster would make his position clear!