Maxwell Jing clicked his tongue and said, "I think you worry far too much. Be careful, you’ll age before your time!"
Ethan Gu’s face darkened. He kicked out, "And you, who indulges yourself too much, have the nerve to say that?"
Maxwell Jing quickly retreated, dodging the kick. He glanced at the wooden table that had fallen victim to Ethan Gu’s foot, patted his chest in lingering fear, and shook his head, "You just don’t know how to enjoy life!"
Ethan Gu couldn’t be bothered to respond. His brows remained tightly furrowed; he couldn’t shake the feeling that the Guildmaster had a different attitude toward the Cloud Guildmaster.
Though the gathering hadn’t officially begun, the festivities never stopped—especially with the Ghost Guildmaster and the Cloud Guildmaster both present, the Blue Lake Tavern was livelier than ever.
Damien Gray had left on urgent business. Morgan Shangguan stood by the window, watching the bustling hall below with a sense of boredom. Though it was called a tavern, Blue Lake Tavern felt more like a brothel to her. It was hard to blame her for thinking so—the dancing girls and singers wore scant clothing, and anyone who fancied one could simply drag her into a room. Some even started their antics right in the hall, hands wandering and bodies entangled.
Those who preferred peace could find company in their own rooms. Whether you wanted to watch the performances or do something else, there was always someone ready to serve your every need. It was, truly, an indulgence.
After ordering hot water, Morgan Shangguan waved away the beautiful attendants who wished to serve her. She slowly undressed and stepped into the bath, leaning back and closing her eyes to think.
Rakshasa Palace was now leaderless, which was why they feared the Cloud Guild might take advantage of the situation. So, how would they deal with the Cloud Guild? By using the Ghost Guild? Damien Gray was not so easily manipulated, and Rakshasa Palace surely knew that. That must be why they invited Liam Duanmu as well.
Liam Duanmu’s acceptance of the invitation was no surprise. Rather than remain ignorant of the Evil Path’s schemes, it was better to take this chance to listen and observe.
Is Rakshasa Palace trying to use the righteous factions to strike at the Cloud Guild?
If things don’t go as planned, might they even try to assassinate her outright? After all, Rakshasa Palace is infamous for its poisons.
In the hall, Ryan Ouyang stomped his feet in anger at the scandalous scene and reached out to cover Susie Yun’s eyes.
Susie Yun tried to pry his hands away from her eyes. "Ryan, let me go!"
Ryan Ouyang, flustered and exasperated, said, "You’re not allowed to look! If I’d known, I never would have let you come to a place like this!"
Susie Yun patted his hands over her eyes and said, "I just want to see Liam Duanmu! He looks so lonely, probably because Miss left without saying goodbye—that’s why he’s so sad!" Susie Yun wasn’t bothered by the setting; she only paid attention to what she wanted to see and ignored the rest.
Damien Gray passed by the two of them. Hearing Susie Yun’s muttering, he didn’t find it odd. Though he could never see Ryan Ouyang, his extraordinary intuition sensed something unusual, so he never took Susie Yun for a fool.
But when he heard Susie Yun’s last words, he couldn’t help but stop in his tracks. The ‘Miss’ she mentioned was, of course, Morgan Shangguan.
Are Morgan Shangguan and Liam Duanmu close? Was she so eager to learn Rakshasa Palace’s intentions not just because of the Cloud Guild, but also out of concern for Liam Duanmu?
Damien Gray glanced at Liam Duanmu, a sudden discomfort rising in his chest. It felt as if something that belonged to him was being watched by another.
Liam Duanmu sensed the intense gaze and looked up, meeting Damien Gray’s eyes. The two leaders—one righteous, one demonic—were natural enemies, and Damien’s look was anything but friendly.
For a moment, something seemed to stir in the air, a sense of danger creeping in. No matter what people were doing in the hall, everyone gradually stopped.
"Ghostmaster…" Violet Snow couldn’t help but call out softly.
Damien Gray withdrew his gaze, his eyes deep and unreadable. He turned and headed upstairs, completely ignoring Violet Snow’s call behind him.
Noah Duanmu frowned and whispered, "Big brother, why does the Ghostmaster seem to hate you so much?" Liam Duanmu hadn’t been Martial Alliance Chief for long, and hadn’t taken any action against the Ghost Guild, so there was no reason for such hostility.
Liam Duanmu frowned but said nothing.
Seeing his brother’s low spirits, Noah Duanmu sighed. That woman had left without saying goodbye—it seemed she wasn’t interested in his brother at all!
He couldn’t help but grumble inwardly. Really, what was wrong with his brother? He had looks, status—where could you find a better man? Who knew what that woman was thinking!
Ryan Ouyang glared at Damien Gray’s retreating figure and snorted. The Ghostmaster was his greatest enemy, and he’d been killed by the Ghost Guild. Normally, he would have attacked on sight, but after dying once—and with Morgan Shangguan’s influence—he found himself less obsessed with vengeance. Though he still disliked Damien Gray, he no longer wanted to fight to the death. Ryan frowned. Was he becoming one of the demonic faction himself?
The more Damien Gray thought about it, the more irritated he became. When did Morgan Shangguan meet Liam Duanmu? Were they close? She actually worried about him so much!
His heart twisted with jealousy, not realizing that it was all in his imagination. Had he actually seen Morgan Shangguan worrying about Liam Duanmu?
Damien Gray shoved open the door with force, his tone harsh. "Morgan Shangguan, you—" He suddenly stopped, his anger surging even higher. "Morgan Shangguan!"
Hearing his voice, Morgan Shangguan quickly closed her robe. Her movements were swift but not flustered. She looked up at him and frowned, "Don’t you know how to knock?"
Seeing the anger in Damien Gray’s eyes, Morgan Shangguan raised her brow and asked, "Is something the matter?"
Damien Gray said coldly, "I want to kill someone!" There was even a faint sound of him grinding his teeth.
Morgan Shangguan frowned in confusion. What was he going crazy about now? Damien Gray snorted, flung his sleeve, and stormed off. He really did want to kill someone—if he didn’t leave, he might lose control and do something reckless.