Emperor’s Domination

The transactions in the ghost markets weren’t limited to physical things such as treasures and people. Intangible things such as emotions or virtues could also be sold. Some great ghosts liked to collect just about anything.

“Why do the ghosts buy these things?” Six-style found it puzzling.

“We touched on this briefly, they’re still people.” Li Qiye said.

“Oh?” She replied.

“They were people once, transformed into these beings. The question is, do they want to continue being ghosts or return to being regular people?” He said.

“Reversion is possible?” She didn’t expect this possibility.

“People can turn into ghosts so ghosts can change back as well.” He said.

“What is the process?” She took a deep breath and asked.

“The ghosts here are people who have lost what they once had. When they find and trade for it, they’ll turn back to normal and forget about how they were once ghosts, like a forgotten previous life. You could have been one.” He said.

She shuddered after hearing this.

“Therefore, they’re not scarier than people and have merely lost some things, like their courage or kindness, freedom, part of many transactions.” He smiled.

“Hence the markets.” She gradually understood the reason for the ghost markets.

“Yes, they’re trying to use these rules to exchange for lost things, an attempt to become people again.” He said: “And then we have devils disguised as people. They have lost everything yet still pretended to be normal while committing atrocities far beyond what these ghosts could do.”

“I see.” She understood his points - many powerful cultivators looked to be normal on the outside but their inside was rotten.

“That’s why they’re pitiful. For example, a ghost who had exchanged his kindness away will always feel cold, akin to a naked mortal amidst the chills of winter. The warmth of kindness wrapping his heart is no longer there, he’ll sorely miss it.” He continued.

“Yet others still want to sell their kindness.” She said softly.

“When ability does not match desire, that is when they sell.” He said.

She couldn’t help but look around the market after hearing this. In fact, transactions were happening and some might be selling their kindness and lifespan.

“I want to sell half of my lifespan.” One cultivator asked a ghost.

After paying with ghost coins, the ghost drained half of his lifespan. His knees trembled and he turned pale and old.

Of course, not all lifespans were desirable. A cultivator on the verge of death would get zero attention. On the other hand, powerful desolate gods and emperors’ lifespans were too expensive for most ghosts. The stronger the cultivator, the more precious their lifespan in terms of quality and quantity.

One cultivator sold her courage and became cowardly and timid like a mouse. Although she had enough ghost coins to buy a treasure, she lost the courage and determination to move forward. Having a powerful treasure didn’t guarantee a better future.

As for those who sold their kindness, they would be reviled due to having psychopathic tendencies, no longer refraining from murder and crime.

“Nothing surpasses greed in people.” Six-style commented after observing enough transactions.

“That’s why people should be feared.” Li Qiye smiled.

“Sir, are you interested in selling anything?” Someone approached and quietly asked Li Qiye.

The ghost was shrouded in fog. It felt as if a gust of wind could make it disperse. Nevertheless, a mighty physique brimming with life could be seen within.

“What do you have available?” Li Qiye asked.

“It depends on what you’re looking for.” The ghost seemed keen on doing business with Li Qiye.

“What I’m looking for might be beyond your procuring ability.” Li Qiye said.

“Perhaps.” The ghost stared at Li Qiye briefly before nodding: “But you can hire me. I have information no one else does in this market.”

“I’m interested. I know a war occurred here but no one knows the details. Can you say otherwise?” Li Qiye said.

“I cannot assist before you hire me, Sir. As for the war you’re talking about, I was not a ghost then, the details also elude me.” The ghost said.

“Then that’s the end of it.” Li Qiye waved his hand.

“I do have pertinent and valuable information though.” The ghost said.

“Oh? How much does it cost to hire you then.” Li Qiye asked.

“The price would be higher for summoning, but since I took the initiative today, you can hire me for one hundred million ghost coins. I will stay until you leave, Sir.” The ghost said.

“One hundred million?” Six-style was surprised to hear the fee.