Who Is the Ghost

The Immortal Realm, Wuji’s Divine Hall.

Wuji let out a long sigh of relief as he watched his avatar completely shake off Chen Yi’s pursuit in the Mirror of Heaven’s Observation.

“Hah…”

“As expected of a variable—just a slight entanglement brings misfortune. Truly detestable!”

“Fortunately, the losses weren’t maximized. Cutting losses in time leaves me with strength to scheme. Chen Yi, you freak… we’ll have plenty of time to settle this.”

A flicker of anger flashed in Wuji’s profound eyes, but it was outweighed by calm.

The anger stemmed from the humiliation of being chased like a fugitive despite his status as an Immortal Emperor. An Emperor must not be disgraced, yet he had no choice but to demean himself!

The calm, too, came from his identity as an Immortal Emperor. What was done was done—defeat was defeat. No excuses could whitewash it. If humiliated, he’d simply reclaim his dignity next time!

Buzz—

Just then, the Mirror of Heaven’s Observation trembled faintly before projecting a new scene.

Within the image, azure radiance shimmered—the Dao resonance of Ling Xiao.

At the center of the glow, the shattered halves of the Primordial Chaos Creation Disk floated ominously, partially obscuring a glimpse of the Epoch Treasury’s phantom. A sea of resources flickered in and out of view.

“Wuji, I know you’re watching!”

“Just keep watching as the Epoch Treasury you covet so much falls into that man’s hands!”

“Who’d have thought you couldn’t even best him? You fled in such disgrace without me needing to lift a finger… how pathetic.”

“Well? That throne isn’t so comfortable, is it?”

“Did you really think it was your flawless schemes that overthrew me back then?”

“You’re wrong. Dead wrong. Sitting on that seat, you govern the heavens and earth—yet you’re also bound by them. There are things you know but cannot stop, even blinded by variables into making incomprehensible moves!”

“So, my advice? Stop playing Immortal Emperor. Be a carefree Dao Ancestor instead. It’s not like you lack the chance to prove yourself as a so-called Chaos Sovereign. Don’t you—”

Ling Xiao’s voice rambled on—a pre-recorded monologue with two versions, ready to taunt whoever lost.

Logically, Wuji shouldn’t have listened. Yet he did, absorbing every word.

After all, measured mockery only hardened his Dao heart—especially after such a bitter lesson. The more Ling Xiao jeered, the clearer Wuji’s mind became.

Only losers barked like dogs. To him, it sounded more like a victor’s triumphant anthem!

Not that Wuji had won, but his losses were minimal. Unlike that idiot Ling Xiao, whose home had been looted bare!

“I can’t fathom how you’re still laughing. True, your accumulated Dao resonance in the lower realm is troublesome for me—but Chen Yi will drive the knife straight into your heart!”

“Laugh while you can. When your smile fades, you’ll see how I end you.”

Wuji’s gaze deepened as the Mirror of Heaven’s Observation began to blur—proof that Chen Yi had arrived.

Such a technique could even shield against an Immortal Emperor’s perception… truly terrifying!

After a contemplative pause, Wuji resolved to act.

“Chi Guowei, Chen Ye, Liu Xiaoyao—attend me!”

Swiftly, three divine platforms materialized below the throne, projecting the figures of Wuji’s trusted aides:

Chi Guowei, the Wealth God of Wuji’s Celestial Court; Chen Ye, the Seal-Bearing Immortal Official; and Liu Xiaoyao, the Hall Guardian General.

No matter their current duties, an Imperial summons demanded immediate response.

“Your servants Chi Guowei (Chen Ye, Liu Xiaoyao) pay homage to Your Majesty!”

The three bowed with reverence, their eyes brimming with unwavering loyalty.

Wuji nodded slightly. “Rise.”

“What task does Your Majesty assign? Whatever it is, this servant will spare no effort, even at the cost of ten thousand deaths!” The fiercely loyal Chi Guowei stepped forward first, pledging his life to Wuji’s cause.

Chen Ye and Liu Xiaoyao remained silent, their gazes fixed on Wuji with steely resolve.

Some things didn’t need grand declarations. As Wuji’s inner circle, actions spoke louder than words. Their deeds would prove their worth!

After another pause, Wuji spoke deliberately. “Today, I summon you for a critical mission—one with considerable risk. Are you prepared?”

“We await Your Majesty’s command!” they chorused.

“Good.” Wuji nodded in approval. “Chen Ye and Liu Xiaoyao, assemble a covert team to descend to the lower realm. Chi Guowei will handle logistics—bypass standard channels, draw all resources from my private treasury. Absolute secrecy is mandatory. Can you do this?”

“Without question!” Chi Guowei accepted without hesitation.

But Chen Ye’s eyes narrowed as he asked, “Your Majesty… do you suspect a traitor remains among us?”

Liu Xiaoyao stiffened, murder flashing in his eyes. “I always felt the purge was incomplete, but Chen Ye insisted on closing the case. I don’t know what you were rushing for.”

Chen Ye’s gaze turned icy. “Are you doubting me?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Liu Xiaoyao averted his eyes, tone flat. “I merely suggest the rat is well-hidden.”

His glance then slid pointedly toward the composed Chi Guowei.

“The hell’s your problem? Suspecting me?” Chi Guowei bristled, glaring. “Don’t think seniority lets you slander me! I’ve died for Wuji’s Majesty more times than I count—if anyone’s clean, it’s me!”

Liu Xiaoyao sneered. “I never named you. Why so defensive? Guilty conscience?”

“Liu Xiaoyao, you motherf—!” Chi Guowei rolled up his sleeves, revealing corded muscles. “One more baseless accusation, and I’ll drag you outside to settle this!”

“Look at you—always so reactive.”

“You goddamn—! You’re picking a fight on purpose! Knowing I’m no traitor yet needling me—what’s your game?!”

“When did I call you a rat? You’re the one losing your head. I wasn’t suspicious before, but now I’m keeping an open mind.”

“I—” Chi Guowei choked. The logic was airtight. Flustered, he turned pleadingly to Wuji. “Your Majesty, my loyalty is absolute. I beg your discernment!”

Wuji observed his three confidants bickering with quiet satisfaction.

Had they been united as one, he’d have questioned whether his inner circle was compromised.

But this? This was perfect. Their mutual distrust proved their purity—and their fitness for the task ahead.