Chapter Five: The Fierce Ghost King Arrives

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Suddenly, her question caught me off guard. Panic swept over me: with a train full of ghosts, what would happen if they discovered I was human? As soon as she spoke, everyone turned to look at me, leaving me even more uncertain of how to answer.

“If you’re human, why don’t you have a human scent? And how can you see us?” the old woman pressed again.

At that moment, Tan Xiao stood up and shoved her. “Enough. Shut up. Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t!”

The old woman was stunned by the push. She said nothing further and switched seats.

After she left, Tan Xiao sat beside me, remaining silent. I had countless questions for her, but given the tense atmosphere, I kept them to myself.

Not long after, a group of particularly unfriendly, grotesque ghosts entered from another carriage. Their twisted faces and snarling mouths suggested that even in life, they hadn’t been good people.

While I was still pondering, one pointed at me. “I heard someone on this train can see us. Is it you?”

“What business is it of yours? Stay out of trouble!” Tan Xiao barked before I could respond, glaring darkly at them.

But the gang of evil spirits clearly didn’t fear her. Though they were all ghosts, these newcomers seemed much fiercer. I tugged at Tan Xiao’s sleeve, signaling her not to provoke them—if things got violent, I wouldn’t be able to help.

She ignored me entirely, her face still cold as she stared them down.

“Little girl, what’s your relationship with him? Why are you so protective? But since you look quite nice, we’ll let it go this time. Step aside!”

“I told you, it’s none of your business!” Tan Xiao seemed furious, and then a black mist began to seep from her body. I edged away, wondering if this was the legendary ‘ghost aura.’

“Heh, angry now? Then let the brothers entertain you. As for this human, we’ll deal with him later. He’s not getting off the train anytime soon.” With that, the evil spirits began to surround Tan Xiao.

Standing close by, I couldn’t just watch a gang of men bully a girl—even if they were ghosts. I rose, pulling Tan Xiao behind me, and said, “What kind of men gang up on a girl? How about a fair fight?”

“A fair fight? Are you sure?” The tusked ghost sauntered over, grinning wickedly.

I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth, but it was too late to take them back. Not only was he hideous, but his breath was so foul I turned away and retched.

Perhaps my reaction provoked him; seeing me gag, the tusked ghost grabbed my collar. “Tired of living, huh? You dare mock me!”

“It’s not mockery, just disgust—your breath is unbearable. Don’t you ever brush your teeth?” I leaned back, avoiding his face.

Tan Xiao, pulled behind me, couldn’t help but laugh. She stepped forward, pried the tusked ghost’s hand from my shirt, and said, “He’s right. You really do stink. Leave now, or you’ll make him angrier—and trust me, he won’t show mercy just because you smell bad.”

“What nonsense. You two can’t possibly take us all,” the tusked ghost scoffed.

But as he scoffed, my fist suddenly shot out and struck his face. The tusked ghost flew two meters and landed sprawled across the seats.

He coughed up a puff of black mist as he fell, shocking me so much I stared at my own hand, unable to fathom how I’d moved so quickly or hit so hard—my hand tingled from the force.

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“I told you he was strong, but you wouldn’t believe me!” Tan Xiao said calmly, walking over to face the evil spirits.

Instead of being frightened, the remaining ghosts grew even angrier, their eyes burning with murderous intent. A chilling wind swept through the carriage and the lights began to flicker.

“There’s a good show coming!” The bystander ghosts discussed excitedly, clearing space.

I was speechless. Wasn’t anyone going to intervene? Weren’t there underworld wardens to keep the peace? I scanned the carriage, but saw no sign of any ghost officials.

It seemed there was no avoiding the fight. I rolled up my sleeves, ready to go all out.

But just then, the lights went out entirely. My eyes struggled to adjust to the sudden darkness; I could see nothing, only hear the sounds of fighting and screams.

“Tan Xiao?” The scene was terrifying, so I called out the name of the ghost girl who’d followed me all this way.

She didn’t answer. Was she fighting the evil spirits? I rubbed my eyes, focusing intently on the pitch-black carriage.

Gradually, my vision cleared, and I witnessed a shocking sight: Tan Xiao, who seemed so ordinary, was subduing the evil spirits single-handedly. I never expected her to be so formidable.

As the evil spirits lay on the floor, howling in pain, I prepared to join in, hoping to score a few kicks and ridicule them for good measure.

But before I could approach, a mass of black mist surged from another carriage, speeding toward Tan Xiao. It moved so quickly I couldn’t even cry out a warning before it slammed into her, knocking us both to the floor.

I felt like I’d been shattered—if the train’s flooring weren’t so forgiving, I might not have survived.

“Are you alright?” Tan Xiao was draped over me, motionless. I struggled to sit up and nudged her.

She finally opened her eyes, looking at me weakly. “The Fierce Ghost King is on this train!”

“The Fierce Ghost King? What’s that? Never mind—how are you?” I asked anxiously, seeing how frail her spirit looked.

“I’m fine, just hurt. Be careful, she—”

“What about me?” As Tan Xiao spoke, a woman in a floor-length black dress suddenly appeared beside us.

I glanced over and was stunned to find that the Fierce Ghost King was an extraordinarily elegant beauty—tall and statuesque, like a model, the very embodiment of a goddess.

“You—what are you doing here?” Tan Xiao clutched her chest, weakly questioning the Ghost King.

“What do you think, little warden?” The Fierce Ghost King replied leisurely, reaching out her long, black-polished fingers to lift my chin, scrutinizing me.

“Isn’t there a rule forbidding you from leaving the underworld? How did you get out?” Tan Xiao pressed.

“I heard a new warden has been chosen, so I came to see for myself. But you—how dare you injure my subordinates? Do you wish for your soul to be scattered?” Suddenly, the Ghost King reached out and snatched Tan Xiao away.

“Let her go! Come at me if you must!” Tan Xiao was already so weak; if the Ghost King used any more force, her soul could truly be destroyed.

“Relax. I came here for you!” The Ghost King smiled wickedly at me.

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A sense of foreboding crept over me. Was this woman some kind of lustful spirit?

“Enough. I promised the King of the Underworld not to harm her subordinates, so I’ll let you go this time!” With a dismissive wave, the Ghost King released Tan Xiao, then turned to me with a seductive smile. “Zhang Xiaobei! Would you like to be under my protection?”

“What do you mean?” I was confused.

“Xiaobei, you’re a warden, under the King of the Underworld’s command. You mustn’t accept her offer!” Tan Xiao hurriedly reminded me.

So I was currently under the King of the Underworld’s protection? Why would I need another Ghost King’s shield? I politely declined, “Sister Ghost King, Zhang Xiaobei only wants to survive—no other ambitions. I’ll stick to my duties as a warden.”

“Fool. I’m not asking you to give up your post, but to enjoy life with me!” She leaned in, blowing softly into my ear, sending a shiver through me and making me almost want to follow her.

“Do you need time to think? Whenever you’re ready, come find me!” Seeing my hesitation, she teased playfully.

“Where can I find you?” Without thinking, I blurted out the question.

“The Ghost King Temple. Knock on the altar three times, and I’ll appear before you!” With those words, she spun away, swaying her graceful figure, and vanished.

I stared at the spot where she disappeared, lost in thought, until Tan Xiao’s weak voice called out, “Zhang Xiaobei, have you stared long enough?”

“Ah!” I replied, embarrassed. After all, it was the first time in my life I’d met such a beautiful and forward woman—I’d lost my composure.

But why was Tan Xiao so upset? She seemed inexplicably annoyed. The Ghost King had called her a warden—was she really one? I asked, “So, you’re a warden? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why should I? What’s it got to do with you?” She slumped in her seat, disgruntled.

Her sudden moodiness annoyed me as well. “If it’s none of my business, why are you following me?”

“You think I want to follow a useless warden like you? If it weren’t my duty, I’d never bother!” She shouted, then vanished.

Infuriated, I muttered, “What the hell—she insults me and disappears before I can retort.”

She called me a useless warden—how amusing, as if I cared about the position at all.

And didn’t she say nothing would be blamed on me? Every job comes with training, but I was thrown in without warning, followed by a female ghost who said nothing.

Frustrated, I drew the curtain and crossed my arms, gazing out at the night.

The events just now left me uncomfortable. I saved her, yet she scolded me so inexplicably.