Emperor’s Domination

Cultivators from Enigma and Immortal Suppression traveled to Phantom, wanting to take a look at the famous ghost market.

Its rules and culture allowed for endless possibilities. After all, even lifespan could be traded to the right ghost. Rumor has it that even kindness and evil could be traded as long as the demand was there.

Emperors and desolate gods had a different goal on the other side of the spectrum - lifespan. The price was high but just the possibility attracted their presence.

The market was packed when Li Qiye’s group made it there with local cultivators. The entrance was packed with an endless line.

It consisted of a towering peak that seemed to have been split in two, creating a pathway wide enough to accommodate hundreds coming in and out.

The gloomy darkness emanated from this region and enveloped the sky. It gave the impression of entering a world of ghosts.

After climbing the steps and making it through the entrance, it was time to trade at the ghost market.

The simplest rule stated that all transactions were voluntary. Once a transaction was made, it could not be reversed.

Li Qiye and Six-style entered and took a look around. They saw faint figures and lanterns scattering throughout the mountain. As they looked farther, the undulating hills beneath the murky darkness gave a sense of dread, no different from beasts crouching and waiting.

“Ghosts in the mortal world, are they real?” She asked Li Qiye.

“If they were, there would be more ghosts than people. We wouldn’t have enough room to stand.” Li Qiye smiled.

“That’s a persuasive argument.” She couldn’t help but let out a graceful laughter.

Her beauty captivated those nearby and drew countless gazes. Being a mortal didn’t diminish this.

“How did this place become the major ghost market?” Li Qiye focused on observing the terrain and its changes.

“Is there something amiss?” She could no longer witness the flow of the dao. Of course, she didn’t need to since Li Qiye was her companion.

“Nothing, this isn’t a ghastly place or anything, just a place to facilitate transformations. It seems to have lost that property after falling here.” Li Qiye said.

“This phenomenon occurred after the great wars. They devastated the land and changed Three Immortals entirely. Holy lands crashed to the continents or were reduced to dust.” She said.

“Come, come…” A man in black with a towel wrapped around his neck enthusiastically greeted visitors and offered them a bowl of dessert soup.

“Esteemed guests, thank you for making the long journey to our market, why don’t you have a bowl of sweet soup before coming in?” A smile was plastered on his face, seemingly genuine and devoid of malice.

One couldn’t sense any yin aura so this ghost looked like a human. Nevertheless, a ghost was still a ghost and people didn’t dare to accept the offer.

What if something was wrong with the soup? They would be putting themselves in danger.

“Is it free?” Of course, some were bold enough to accept the offer.

“Yes, certainly, there is no need to pay, have some more.” He served with enthusiasm.

Only a few dared to drink it. Most pushed the bowl away, took a few steps back, or walked around it.

“Please have some, refresh yourself.” He offered one to Li Qiye and Six-style Emperor.

Li Qiye drank it all in one gulp without looking at the contents. She felt reassured and drank hers as well.

“Sir, you must be tired, one more?” The man happily filled another bowl from the barrel nearby, appearing to find joy when others appreciated his soup.

“It’s been a while since I’ve met an open-minded person such as yourself, Sir. Is this your first time at the market?” He asked.

“Yes.” Li Qiye nodded, showing no prejudice.

The ghost seemed to have the character “hospitable” written on his face. He grabbed the towel around his neck and wiped his hands while speaking: “Sir, allow me to introduce you to our market. Here, all trades are voluntary, you can trade anything as long as you find the right person.”

“The right ghost.” Six-style corrected.

“Exactly, exactly, the right ghost.” He smiled: “And then we have two ways of trading.”

“Go on.” Li Qiye said.

He was moved by Li Qiye’s lack of prejudice and enthusiastically explained: “The first is personal, the second is through ghost coins. Personal trading is when you use yourself to trade. For example, your lifespan, true blood, and anything else.”

He paused for a moment and continued: “The second is the more popular one because ghost coins are the official currency of the market.”