Emperor’s Domination

“Ghost coins.” Li Qiye repeated.

“Yes, as long as you have enough of this currency in the ghost market, you can obtain what you came for and even many things not for sale.” The man said: “As the saying goes, money can make a ghost push a grindmill.”

“Talking about yourself?” Li Qiye smiled.

“Sir, it’s not bad being a ghost, there are fewer problems in this problematic world.” The man chuckled.

Six-style didn’t expect this response. Perhaps only a ghost would know all the pros.

“Can’t argue with that.” Li Qiye nodded: “No descendants to worry about, only yourself. It’s not a bad thing.”

“Oh? Would you like to stay here and join us?” The man smiled.

“Who would ever agree?” Six-style shook her head.

“Sigh, don’t say that.” The man disagreed: “If you ever become one, you might find how nice it is to not worry about mortal affairs. You might not want to be alive again.”

This statement coming from a ghost was rather creepy, like being tempted to jump off a creep and join them in eternal damnation.

“No mortal affairs, sure, but ghost matters instead.” Li Qiye chuckled.

“Well…” In response, the man scratched his head: “That’s also true. We have other worries but at the very least, I prefer being a ghost over a human. I only worry about myself as opposed to worrying about everyone else. Hell, humans worry about their dogs too.”

“Maybe everyone should try being a ghost then, to see if it’s better or otherwise.” Li Qiye was amused.

“Now’s a good time, Sir.” The man’s eyes lit up.

Listeners nearby were creeped out - who would pick being a ghost over a healthy human? Only someone with something wrong in their brains. Therefore, passersby took the long way around, not wanting to be a part of this.

“How do I become one?” Li Qiye asked.

“It’s a transaction, go to the ghost shrine and maybe you’ll get a shell.” The man said.

Li Qiye looked forward and shook his head: “That place can no longer perform any transformation, it lost its fuel.”

“You’re aware, Sir?!” The man became startled.

“It didn’t pop up overnight and doesn’t belong to this world. It fell and became your paradise.” Li Qiye said.

The man couldn’t help but be surprised by Li Qiye’s knowledge.

“Were you being honest earlier, money can make a ghost toil?” Li Qiye asked.

“The effort depends on the amount, the more money, the faster and harder we’ll push the grindmill.” The man smiled.

“Does it have to be money?” Li Qiye smirked.

The man staggered backward and became alarmed.

“How strange, how strange.” He let out a sigh after gazing at Li Qiye closely.

“What’s strange?” Six-style asked.

“The young noble is stranger, stranger than ghosts like us. I cannot see through him.” He revealed.

Six-style agreed because Li Qiye was just an unknown being shrouded in fog.

“What do you think about the suggestion?” Li Qiye asked.

“I understand. I’m sure you can flip over the major ghost market and just take everything but the rules exist for a reason. Once you break it, it is no longer a ghost market.” He said.

Li Qiye nodded in agreement: “Indeed, those are the rules. Once determined, they become meaningful and cannot be changed.”

“Thus, even if I want to work for you, I am still bound by the rules. Of course, I’m sure you can break them given your ability, Sir.” He said.

“Sounds like you want me to do it.” Li Qiye said.

“Of course not, we both know that flipping the board during the game is not a good move. You would certainly never do something so uncouth, it’s not your style.” He said.

“I’ve grown fond of how highly you painted me so I can’t be so tasteless and flip the table. I’ll hold off on that for now.” Li Qiye said.

“The market is grateful then, Sir.” He smiled.

“A battle occurred here in the past, I want to know the details and the location of a certain thing.” Li Qiye commanded.

“That, at least in my experience, was unclear.” He said: “If you want me to answer, you have to pay with ghost coins. Do you have any, Sir?”

He extended his hand afterward.

“I can’t take back my words after our exchange earlier. Fine, I’ll return after getting some coins.” Li Qiye said.

“Sure thing, it’s nice of you to help me make some money.” He said before offering more dessert to Li Qiye.

Li Qiye drank another bowl and he filled it up again. Six-style, on the other hand, refused the offer.

“Okay, when a the ghost market, do as the ghosts do. Let’s see how fun this custom is.” Li Qiye put down his bowl and said.

“I wish you the best of luck.” He responded.

Li Qiye and Six-style walked several steps away before Li Qiye looked back and asked: “Do you want to stay a ghost or return to being a human?”

He became frozen for a moment before bowing: “Sir, I prefer being a ghost right now.”

Li Qiye chuckled and walked away.