The White-robed Ghost Messenger and Biao Po exchanged a look, understanding each other's thoughts.
Though neither spoke, it was as if they were already communicating.
The White-robed Ghost Messenger's lips curved upwards, his eyes seeming to say, "You're bluffing me."
Biao Po looked at the White-robed Ghost Messenger, also with a smile, his eyes responding, "So what? Do you dare to gamble?"
The White-robed Ghost Messenger tightened his grip on his mourning stick, ultimately compromising. He glanced at the Black-robed Ghost Messenger beside him and said, "Let's go."
The Black-robed Ghost Messenger nodded without speaking, understanding clearly that capturing Yu Daohen was impossible.
Seeing the two ghost messengers leave, Biao Po behind them cupped his hands and said with mock solemnity, "We bid farewell to the two esteemed ghost messengers."
After the two ghost messengers were long gone, Biao Po spat and cursed, "Hmph, do they really think the Underworld still has its former deterrence?"
Yu Daohen looked at Biao Po before him, not daring to be careless.
Although this person's strength was not great, from their brief exchange, Yu Daohen could tell he was deeply calculating.
With just a few words, he had made two ghost messengers retreat, something not easily achieved by ordinary people.
Biao Po turned to face Yu Daohen, a smile on his face, "I didn't expect Master Yu of Jiangdu to visit my jurisdiction."
Yu Daohen returned a polite smile, "I'm merely here to visit relatives."
"Relatives?"
Biao Po's interest was piqued, and he inquired, "I didn't expect Master Yu to have relatives here. Could you inform Biao, so I can offer some assistance in the future?"
Yu Daohen waved his hand, offering a casual excuse, "Thank you for your kind offer, Director Biao. However, my relatives enjoy traveling the world, so I won't trouble you with it."
Upon hearing this, Biao Po changed the subject, "Speaking of which, I often hear my younger brother mention Master Yu, but I've never had the chance to meet you."
"Younger brother?"
Yu Daohen suddenly realized, his face breaking into a smile, "So you are the elder brother of Director Biao Tao."
Looking at Biao Po, Yu Daohen was somewhat shocked.
No wonder the name Biao Po sounded familiar; he was the elder brother of that plump Biao.
The brothers were similar in age, but they were remarkably dissimilar.
That plump Biao was corpulent and round, with a lecherous expression, especially his protruding oily belly, making him look like a robber.
But then there was this Biao Po; although a bit thinner, he was at least a standard handsome man.
It was as if these two brothers weren't born of the same mother, but perhaps two different fathers.
Biao Po seemed to sense Yu Daohen's thoughts and chuckled, "People in the martial world all say that we brothers don't resemble each other at all."
Yu Daohen, seeing his unspoken thoughts exposed, offered an embarrassed smile and remained silent.
After a few more casual remarks, Biao Po intended to offer some hospitality, but Yu Daohen politely declined.
Seeing this, Biao Po could only raise his hand in farewell.
Once Biao Po had completely departed, Yu Daohen let out a sigh and shook his head helplessly, "Alas, indeed, it is most difficult to deal with intelligent people."
Zhou Fu beside him remained silent but inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, he hadn't been exposed. If his lack of a soul were discovered, his master would know he was merely a copy.
Yu Daohen looked at Zhou Fu, a gentle smile on his face, "Since you're not in a hurry to roam the martial world, why not accompany your master for a few days?"
Without a second thought, Zhou Fu agreed, "Alright, disciple will accompany master for a few days."
Yu Daohen actually planned to use these days to teach the young man the Flame Swallowing Art.
The matter thus concluded, and Yu Daohen's old classmates were sent home by Biao Po's men.
As for the rest, Yu Daohen couldn't interfere.
In the old Yu family residence.
Yu Daohen sat on a stool while Zhou Fu bandaged his wounds.
Looking at the old-fashioned furniture and decor, Zhou Fu couldn't help but ask, "Master, is this your former home?"
Yu Daohen looked around, recalling his childhood, a joyful smile appearing on his face, "That's right. Your master lived here when I was a child."
The two chatted idly, their conversation continuing until late into the night.
Zhou Fu also recounted the places he had visited over the past year.
Of course, he fabricated a story to conceal how he had escaped from that village.
Meanwhile.
On a small path leading to the Ghost Gate, the Black-robed Ghost Messenger and the White-robed Ghost Messenger were escorting twenty souls.
The White-robed Ghost Messenger noticed his partner's worried expression and asked, "Old Qiu, what's wrong? You seem troubled."
The Black-robed Ghost Messenger shook his head, a sheepish smile on his face, "It's nothing. Let's hurry, the Ghost Gate is just ahead."
Seeing his partner unwilling to speak, the White-robed Ghost Messenger continued, "Old Qiu, I know. The higher-ups never issued any secret mission."
Hearing this, the Black-robed Ghost Messenger's expression tensed, and he looked at his partner, "Old Luo, you..."
The White-robed Ghost Messenger smiled, "Don't worry. We've worked together for so many years. I'll keep your secret."
The Black-robed Ghost Messenger was touched and smiled, "As expected of my brother, you're reliable when it matters."
The White-robed Ghost Messenger waved his hand, "Why are we saying such things?"
The Black-robed Ghost Messenger nodded, suddenly remembering something, "Right, how many souls were we supposed to escort this time?"
The White-robed Ghost Messenger looked at him speechlessly, "Have you been drinking too much? Of course, it's twenty."
As the White-robed Ghost Messenger spoke, he turned his head. The moment he turned, the Black-robed Ghost Messenger suddenly swung his chain, wrapping it around his neck.
The White-robed Ghost Messenger, caught completely off guard, was immediately ensnared by the sudden chain.
A fierce glint appeared on the Black-robed Ghost Messenger's face, "Old Luo, you can't blame me."
"Why!?" the White-robed Ghost Messenger exclaimed, disbelief etched on his face.
No matter how intelligent he was, he never expected his partner of many years to want to kill him.
The Black-robed Ghost Messenger's face was filled with malice, and he spoke coldly, "Only the dead can keep secrets forever."
"I..." The White-robed Ghost Messenger struggled to breathe, his hands clawing desperately.
"Old Luo, farewell!" As soon as the Black-robed Ghost Messenger finished speaking, he exerted a sudden force.
The White-robed Ghost Messenger gradually lost consciousness, finally dissipating into a wisp of smoke in the air, his white official robe falling to the ground.
The Black-robed Ghost Messenger looked at the official robe and mourning stick on the ground, then at the row of souls behind him.
Those souls, terrified, immediately knelt on the ground.
The Black-robed Ghost Messenger looked at these innocent souls, his voice icy, "Since you saw it, you can't blame me."
He swung his chain, and the twenty souls instantly vanished into nothingness.
The White-robed Ghost Messenger retracted his chain, then struck his own shoulder with his palm, scattering ghost energy.
He then picked up the fallen white official robe and mourning stick, already formulating his explanation for returning.