Muriel Murong was, of course, unconcerned. She knew all too well the relationship between Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan. In her opinion, if anything, it was more likely that the Ghostmaster and the Princess Consort were getting cozy together—she certainly wasn’t foolish enough to go check!
Everyone tried, without drawing attention, to peer into the human wall, but each time their eyes met the cold, masked gaze of the black-clad members of the Ghost Guild, they had no choice but to give up. No one dared risk angering the Ghostmaster now, lest they end up wishing for death but unable to die.
Inside the circle, Damien Gray had already walked over and pulled Morgan Shangguan into his arms, peeling grapes for her. Morgan leaned into his embrace, savoring the sweet grapes, glancing at the ring of backs around them, and praised, “The Ghost Guild’s people really are impressive!” They were skilled at reading the room, and never curious about things they shouldn’t be. Well-trained, they were far above ordinary martial factions. The Ghost Guild’s standing was certainly not due to Damien Gray’s martial prowess alone!
Damien Gray pinched her chin, stole a kiss, and finally said, “They’re my shadow guards.” This team belonged entirely to him, naturally the best, and they knew his mind perfectly.
The two of them were all lovey-dovey inside, while the wall of people outside remained expressionless—though with their masks, no expressions could be seen anyway. Their cold eyes blocked every curious glance, and they paid no heed to the soft, intimate whispers coming from within.
Maxwell Jing glanced that way and couldn’t help sighing. Why did the Right Guardian get to hold a beauty in his arms, while they had to stand here like decorations?
Noah Duanmu, Liam Duanmu, and Quentin Drake were still locked in a stalemate. Qin Yan watched Noah’s outstanding skills, his gaze flickered, and he gave a subtle signal to the person behind him.
“Hey…” Maxwell Jing nudged Ethan Gu again. Ethan frowned, “I saw.” He glanced at the circular wall of people, and in the end decided it was best not to disturb them.
After a moment’s thought, he said, “Let’s see what he’s up to first.” He didn’t believe Qin Yan could pull any tricks at this moment.
Maxwell Jing nodded. With Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan protected by such a large group, there was no safer place. With Ethan Gu by his side, he certainly wasn’t worried about Qin Yan stirring up trouble!
It was precisely because they underestimated Qin Yan that he found an opportunity—and managed to seize Muriel Murong.
Muriel Murong’s martial arts were strong, but it’s always easier to dodge an open attack than a hidden one. Who would have thought Qin Yan would dare poison her in front of everyone? And the one who did the poisoning was a master, too!
Held captive, Muriel Murong was furious. She blamed Noah Duanmu—if he hadn’t gone off to fight, if she hadn’t worried he’d go soft and get hurt by Quentin Drake and Liam Duanmu, she wouldn’t have been distracted and caught!
Seeing Muriel Murong in Qin Yan’s grasp, the three fighters stopped. Noah Duanmu’s face was icy cold, the killing intent so fierce even the seasoned Qin Yan felt a chill.
But right now, he had no other choice. Even if they backed down, the Ghostmaster wouldn’t spare them. So, better to gamble everything!
Noah Duanmu’s martial arts were excellent—he was a weapon to be used!
“Noah Duanmu, kill the Ghostmaster and I’ll let this witch go. Otherwise…” He paused, pressing the dagger harder against Muriel Murong’s neck. Blood instantly welled up and dripped down the gleaming blade.
Muriel Murong’s eyes turned cold. Though restrained, she kept her composure, forcing her energy to suppress the poison inside, ready to strike back at any moment.
The others watched the chaos—some stunned, some excited. To rid themselves of the Ghostmaster without risking their own lives was a blessing. Still, some blamed Qin Yan for it all.
Qin Yan’s move would anger not only the Ghostmaster but also the Cloud Guildmaster. If he pushed those two to join forces, the Righteous Path would be doomed!
Although they had previously agreed to convene the Martial Arts Assembly, thereby offending both parties, after everything that happened, they deeply regretted it. Now, the Ghost Guild and Cloud Guild were utterly incompatible—soon enough, a major clash was inevitable. When that happened, they could just sit back and reap the benefits!
Now, if Qin Yan succeeded, it would be great. But what if he failed? Given the Ghostmaster’s temperament, he might destroy all the righteous factions in a fit of rage—the very thought was terrifying!
A flash of coldness passed through Morgan Shangguan’s eyes, then she pointed at the grapes on the table, signaling Damien Gray to continue peeling. Damien glanced at her, lips curling slightly. It seemed the Qin Fortress would soon vanish from the martial world.
Morgan Shangguan wasn’t worried. Qin Yan wasn’t a fool—unless something happened to her and Damien Gray, he wouldn’t dare kill Muriel Murong. Otherwise, not only would he fail, he’d cut off his own retreat!
Seeing Morgan Shangguan and Damien Gray unmoved, the crowd was uneasy. Qin Yan had openly threatened to kill the Ghostmaster, and the Ghostmaster would never let him off easily. Even if he wasn’t reacting now, it was clear Qin Yan’s fate would be grim!
But they couldn’t figure out what the Cloud Guildmaster was thinking. Even if she didn’t care about her subordinates’ lives, Qin Yan’s actions were an affront to her dignity!
From what they remembered, the Cloud Guildmaster always seemed gentle. If she ever truly got angry, who knew what she’d be like? Hopefully not too terrifying—one Ghostmaster was frightening enough. Let the Cloud Guildmaster stay gentle forever!
Qin Yan was already nervous. Now, seeing Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan completely unfazed, he grew even more flustered. He glared at Noah Duanmu and shouted, “Noah Duanmu, do you want to watch this witch die?” For a fortress master, his current state was hardly admirable!
Morgan Shangguan finally finished eating and rewarded Damien Gray with a kiss before standing up. The human wall parted automatically, and as everyone looked up, they saw no trace of anger on her face. They wondered—did she really not care about her subordinates? Muriel Murong was one of the Council of Five in the Cloud Guild; if she died, it would be a huge loss for the guild!
Morgan Shangguan looked at Qin Yan’s panicked face and calmly reminded him, “Fortress Master Qin, don’t panic. If your hand slips, you might lose your life!”