Quentin Hua instantly bristled, clearly provoked by a taboo. His voice sharpened, "Neither man nor woman? You actually called this Lotus Sect Master neither man nor woman! Don't think that just because you're the Ghostmaster, I wouldn't dare take you on!"
Jing Mohen and Gu Yihan were unfazed, but everyone else broke out in a cold sweat for him. How could someone so beautiful be so reckless? Everyone knew the Ghostmaster was notorious for his ruthlessness—would this breathtaking beauty meet a tragic end in the next moment?
Morgan Shangguan suddenly spoke, "Lotus Sect Master, may I borrow you for a moment?"
"Huh?" Quentin Hua, still flustered and angry, was momentarily stunned. Borrow him for a moment—what did that mean? He blinked, then looked as if he understood, a little embarrassed as he asked, "Cloud Guildmaster, are you interested in me?" His bashful, coy demeanor made one marvel at how quickly he could switch roles!
"Cloud—Guild—master!" Damien Gray spat out the words through clenched teeth, his eyes full of warning. Was this woman determined to provoke him?
Morgan Shangguan smiled lightly. "I'm just borrowing him for a bit. Surely the Ghostmaster isn't that petty? I promise to return him to you safe and sound when I'm done!"
Quentin Hua twitched his lips. Why did he feel like he was just a commodity? Besides, shouldn't they be asking him whether he agreed or not? But if the Ghostmaster agreed, he really wouldn't have the strength to resist—at least for now...
Morgan Shangguan sensed Quentin Hua played a crucial role—he was indispensable. Damien Gray surely knew this, so her words were just to reassure him she wouldn't harm Quentin Hua. But right now, Damien Gray was less worried about Quentin Hua's safety and more afraid that she'd be seduced by that enchanting troublemaker.
The two stared each other down, neither willing to yield. The poor group of demonic path followers in the hall could only pray the Ghostmaster wouldn't lose his temper!
After a long moment, Morgan Shangguan frowned and turned to Quentin Hua, asking calmly, "Lotus Sect Master, what do you think?"
Quentin Hua flashed a devilish smile, glanced provocatively at Damien Gray, then gazed at Morgan Shangguan with deep affection. In a shy voice, he said, "I've long admired the Cloud Guildmaster's reputation. Now that I've met you, I see what it means for a hero to be young. I..."
Morgan Shangguan interrupted with a gentle laugh, "Lotus Sect Master, if you would be so kind as to come with me."
With that, she headed straight upstairs, not caring whether Quentin Hua would follow. A glint flashed in Quentin Hua's eyes, and he quickly followed after her.
A bloodthirsty smile curled at Damien Gray's lips, and a faint amusement flickered in his eyes. Yet that smile sent chills down everyone's spine—no one dared look at him directly.
To ignore him—how bold!
Maxwell Jing sighed. The Lotus Sect Master was really falling for it—was this a blessing or a curse? No, what he should be worrying about was Morgan Shangguan's fate. The Lotus Sect Master was angry, and the consequences could be severe!
Inside Morgan Shangguan's room, Quentin Hua narrowed his eyes, sizing her up. Suddenly, he smiled and slowly approached, his voice tinged with seduction. "I wonder how the Cloud Guildmaster intends to use me?" As he spoke, he leaned closer to her lips.
"Hiss..."
Just as he was a few centimeters from Morgan Shangguan's lips, Quentin Hua suddenly drew in a sharp breath, clutching his stomach and stepping back. He grumbled, "Cloud Guildmaster, you really don't know how to cherish beauty!" That was a ruthless move—he was only joking, and hadn't even kissed her yet!
Morgan Shangguan answered his earlier question with a calm smile, "I simply have a few questions for the Lotus Sect Master." Her composed demeanor made it seem as though she hadn't just hurt him, nor noticed his discomfort.
Watching Quentin Hua leave, Morgan Shangguan frowned in thought. There was something strange about Quentin Hua's aura, as if he'd come into contact with someone possessing a unique power. Yet, her probing questions yielded nothing, and even her punch revealed no clues. The Lotus Sect...
No matter what role Quentin Hua was playing, one thing was clear—he was anything but indifferent or without desire.
Maybe Damien Gray knew something. After a moment's hesitation, Morgan Shangguan decided to seek him out. She glanced at the hall below and, seeing Damien was gone, headed straight for a nearby room.
Maxwell Jing was whispering with Ethan Gu, but when they saw Morgan Shangguan, they immediately straightened up. "Cloud Guildmaster."
Morgan Shangguan gave them a brief look, uninterested in their conversation. She simply asked, "Is the Ghostmaster in?"
Before Maxwell Jing could answer, Damien Gray's voice came from inside the room. "Come in."
Morgan Shangguan pushed the door open and walked in. Maxwell Jing frowned, puzzled. Wasn't the Lotus Sect Master just threatening to kill someone? Why was his tone so calm now? Was this the calm before the storm?
Behind a large screen, wisps of smoke curled upward, and the air was thick and humid.
Hearing the sound of water, Morgan Shangguan realized Damien Gray was bathing. She didn't leave, but sat at the table, poured herself a cup of tea, and stared at it in contemplation. She asked, "Damien Gray, are you close with Quentin Hua?"
Her very first question was about Quentin Hua, and Damien Gray's suppressed anger flared up again. He knew he was being irrational—Morgan Shangguan wasn't a frivolous woman—but the jealousy in his heart refused to subside.
For a long moment, there was no response. Morgan Shangguan frowned. "Damien Gray..." She turned just in time to see him emerge from behind the screen, wearing a loose black robe that revealed his fair, muscular chest. The stark contrast of black and white drew the eye, and his wet hair clung to his shoulders and back, water droplets sliding down his chest and disappearing toward his abdomen.
As he moved, his perfect abs came in and out of view, his presence almost deliberately seductive, yet impossible to resist. Without his mask, he seemed less cold and mysterious, but his exquisite features and handsome face were simply mesmerizing.