Chapter 21: Liu’s Zhong Kui

"Zhong Kui greets the Celestial Master."
As a voice sounded in Ou Xiaolu's ear, a ghost king with a full beard appeared in the room, accompanied by five little ghosts. It was clear that the ghost king was quite dissatisfied with his own face, constantly trying to shift the skin into a different position.

"Are you really Zhong Kui?" Now that ghosts had appeared, Ou Xiaolu was less afraid.

"Zhong Kui of the Liu family," Zhong Kui replied with a somewhat helpless smile. "According to the rules, any ghost king formed from attachment to a portrait of Zhong Kui bears the name Zhong Kui. My portrait was painted by an artist surnamed Liu, so I am known as Zhong Kui of the Liu family."

[Liu's Zhong Kui, character card, supporting role level, combat power ???/???, non-directly controlled character, unable to project into the world, can only communicate indirectly.]

"Liu's Zhong Kui? Don't you have your own name?" Ou Xiaolu couldn't help but ask.

"I used to, but if I use my original name, my power drops by thirty percent. After so many years, I've gotten used to it," Zhong Kui said as he adjusted his facial skin.

Seeing Zhong Kui like this, Ou Xiaolu asked no further questions.

At this moment, Zhong Kui became quite enthusiastic and introduced the five little ghosts under his command. These five were not the elemental ghosts of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, but each had their own abilities. Like Zhong Kui, they could not be controlled nor projected into the world.

The Roadside Ghost, the one with red eyes, possessed rapid movement and the ability to create ghost walls. He was also a local expert on Xinxiang's geography; any questions about locations should be directed to him.

The Timid Ghost, with yellow eyes, was extremely cowardly and the first to disappear at the slightest disturbance. He was also adept at gathering information, and there was little about Xinxiang he didn't know.

The Strong Ghost, with blue eyes, was the most powerful of the five, and the only one capable of moving objects in the real world. Stealing things or five-ghost transport—he alone was sufficient.

The Deceitful Ghost, with green eyes, was the most proficient illusionist among the five. He could easily turn a place into a horror movie all by himself.

The Martial Ghost, with purple eyes, was the only one among the five with combat ability—Zhong Kui's primary force. Ordinary evil spirits could be dealt with by him alone.

After introducing the five ghosts, Zhong Kui introduced himself again, stating that he could handle many matters involving evil spirits and ghosts. As long as the enemy's strength did not exceed the level of a ghost king, he could deal with them.

Of course, if Ou Xiaolu wanted him to act, he would need to pay a reward. What sort of reward would depend on Ou Xiaolu's circumstances. Since they could communicate, it wouldn't be like those who used foul blood as a sacrifice, causing the five ghosts to go mad and kill.

Hearing Zhong Kui's requirements, Ou Xiaolu thought for a moment. "How about this?"

He took out a small bottle of mysterious potion.

Zhong Kui took the potion, dipped his finger in it and tasted it. He nodded, spreading his fingers wide. "This stuff lets me act at least five times. For them, it would be fifty times."

Ou Xiaolu nodded, understanding that having Zhong Kui act cost ten points of combat power per time, while the five ghosts cost one point each—much cheaper than his own character cards.

Seeing Ou Xiaolu nod, Zhong Kui knew the deal was settled. "It's agreed then. Just keep that folding fan with you, and call us when you need us."

Ou Xiaolu suddenly thought of another question. "If you encounter an evil spirit, do you eat it, or how do you handle it?"

"Mostly eat them. Ghost kings still consume ghosts, and evil spirits are edible," Zhong Kui mused. "Unless you want those evil spirits, we could sell them to you, trading them for more of this liquid."

"No," Ou Xiaolu shook his head, wanting to explain but unable to clarify. He stood and asked Zhong Kui, "If you go out with me, will you be noticed by others?"

"Rest assured. We've been ghosts for many years and never been discovered," replied the Deceitful Ghost with green eyes, not Zhong Kui himself.

"Oh, then come with me. I'll take you somewhere," Ou Xiaolu beckoned.

Zhong Kui grinned, clearly not fond of returning to the cramped space of the folding fan. He put his hands behind his back and followed Ou Xiaolu.

As for the five ghosts, they vanished into the air; Ou Xiaolu could sense their presence but had no idea where they were.

Soon, Ou Xiaolu brought them before the last piece of graffiti, pointing at the double-headed vulture. "Is that considered an evil spirit?"

Actually, as they approached the graffiti, Zhong Kui had already noticed its unusual nature. When Ou Xiaolu asked, he replied, "This thing is half an earthbound spirit, but differs somewhat from the usual. It has fewer evil ghost elements and more spiritual energy.

How should I put it? We eat ghosts because their essence matches ours and can be digested directly. Evil spirits differ from ghosts in essence; we can eat them, but only digest about eighty percent. As for this thing, if we can digest ten percent, it's already good.

Of course, if you want us to help defeat it, that's fine. It's strong, but trapped here and can't harm us."

Ou Xiaolu shook his head. "More than half the strange events I've encountered recently relate to this creature. Can you help me find out what it's thinking?"

Zhong Kui thought for a moment, then beckoned to his subordinates. The five ghosts appeared with a gust of cold wind. The Martial Ghost sat on the ground, unimpressed. "I'm no good at gathering information, so I'll pass."

The Strong Ghost nodded, indicating he had nothing to do here.

The Roadside Ghost, the Timid Ghost, and the Deceitful Ghost huddled together to discuss, then vanished on the spot, evidently off to gather intelligence.

Watching the five ghosts act on their own, Ou Xiaolu was a bit dumbfounded. "Is this how you manage them?"

"Manage? Why manage? Just let them out—they'll do what they're supposed to. If not, eat them and replace them," Zhong Kui said, confused.

Seeing Zhong Kui's matter-of-fact expression, Ou Xiaolu considered his own mostly useless character cards. Unless he simply released them into the sea to fend for themselves, perhaps they'd find something valuable. If not, octopus and seahorse taste pretty good too.