As he was about to pass through the wall, an individual approached from the opposite direction, offering a greeting with a smile: "Old Zhang, where are you headed? All your old companions are here, don't depart without a proper farewell."
It was the Smiling Face Ghost King, Gui Jianchou!
Only then did Zhang Gunli comprehend the origin of the Lost Soul he had captured earlier.
This entity was Gui Jianchou's Ghost Servant, masquerading as He Jiaqing. Its uncanny imitation suggested it was no mere puppet, but a disciple of the Drama Cultivation path!
The ability to control puppets further hinted at a connection to Craftsman Cultivation.
His Strength Cultivation technique was also neutralized. It seemed a Strength Cultivator had been involved. The convergence of three high-level Lost Souls into a single Ghost Servant was a feat achievable only by Gui Jianchou.
A surge of Yin Energy emanated, preventing Zhang Gunli's escape. Gui Jianchou had seen through his Concealment Technique!
Zhang Gunli knitted his brows and declared, "Ah Gui, our past dealings were settled long ago."
"The accounts may be settled, but I haven't forgotten the grievance!" Gui Jianchou's smile remained unchanged. "Your 'interest calculations' nearly led me to ruin!"
Zhang Gunli gritted his teeth. "Since I entered the Taoist Sect, this has been my method of operation. I never coerced anyone into borrowing. You all agreed to the terms back then, so why seek retribution now?"
Gui Jianchou chuckled. "Old Zhang, you know deep down that someone inevitably seeks vengeance against you. With your business practices, you were bound to meet such an end sooner or later."
Zhang Gunli retorted, "I've navigated these waters for many years; why is it that only today has fate intervened?"
Gui Jianchou nodded. "The timing is impeccable. Today is indeed the day you pay the ultimate price. Take my counsel and accept your destiny!"
"Accept my fate? You dare suggest such a thing after what you've done!" Zhang Gunli wasn't exaggerating the truth; his shrewdness had propelled his business to its current standing. Gui Jianchou, Ye Jianhuang, Qiao Wuzui – all had been indebted to him. Facing them individually, he felt no fear.
Even if Gui Jianchou and Feng Chongli stood before him together today, Zhang Gunli was confident in his ability to escape.
Whoosh!
A chilling sensation washed over Zhang Gunli as a gash appeared along his spine.
Mu Yuejuan stood behind him, a brush in hand, its tip still glistening with blood.
Zhang Gunli twisted his head to look at Mu Yuejuan. "Miss Mu, our past interactions weren't fraught with animosity. The interest rates I charged you were hardly exorbitant, were they?"
Mu Yuejuan responded with an expression of feigned innocence. "Oh dear, Brother Zhang, with so many people against you, why are you singling me out for such treatment?"
Her tone... it was something else entirely.
Gui Jianchou guffawed. "Old Zhang, your words make me lose respect for you. Mu Yuejuan bears no personal grudge, but there are profits to be made here.
Amidst such activity, where fortunes are made and lost, don't you grasp the underlying principle, Old Zhang? You are destined to perish here. How could Miss Mu resist the opportunity to gain some advantage?"
"Everyone seeks to profit?" Zhang Gunli surveyed the assembled individuals.
Mu Yuejuan displayed a look of mock regret. "After your demise, I shall leave you with a painting – a depiction of a thousand drums beating as one. Therefore, bear me no ill will."
"Indeed, a thousand drums beating as one," Zhang Gunli scoffed. "You band of reprobates, what brings you all together today?"
"No need to rush that inquiry; perhaps you'll discover the answer in due time." Gui Jianchou gestured, and a throng of Ghost Servants surged towards Zhang Gunli.
Zhang Gunli engaged in a fierce battle, wielding his Magical Treasures against the Ghost Servants. Meanwhile, Mu Yuejuan rapidly painted nine spirit snakes, which coiled around Zhang Gunli, constricting him.
Zhang Gunli attempted to deploy a Water Cultivation Treasure to dispel the painted serpents, but it was nowhere to be found.
He then considered using a Sound Cultivation Treasure to drive back the Ghost Servants, only to realize that this artifact was also missing.
One by one, the Magical Treasures on his person vanished, leaving Zhang Gunli gravely wounded.
These very items had been pilfered by He Jiaqing, who remained concealed in the shadows!
Feng Chongli plunged the disassembled abacus into Zhang Gunli's chest. The abacus rods churned within him, stripping him of his ability to resist.
Mu Yuejuan swung her brush repeatedly, swiftly dismembering Zhang Gunli's body.
Gui Jianchou produced a porcelain bottle, heated its mouth with a candle, and proceeded to collect Zhang Gunli's soul directly.
With the stopper firmly in place, Zhang Gunli was utterly vanquished.
Loan documents lay scattered across the ground. Mu Yuejuan sighed, "These represent all the unpaid debts, truly benefiting these individuals."
Gui Jianchou chuckled. "If you don't wish to benefit them yourself, you could always take these documents and pursue the debt collection business."
Mu Yuejuan shook her head. "I would never engage in such a trade. I have no desire to meet the same end as him."
Furthermore, I don't recognize the individuals listed on these documents. While it's inexpensive, some bargains cannot be accepted without cost. Young Master He, wouldn't you agree?
Zhang Gunli had completely fixated on the Ghost Servants, oblivious that the actual He Jiaqing was concealed within the Silver Yuan. While he was embroiled in a fight with Feng Chongli, his walnuts had been pilfered.
He Jiaqing emerged from the mound of Silver Yuan and addressed the onlookers: "Esteemed seniors, I harbor no intention of exploiting you. Zhang Gunli's pair of walnuts are in my possession, and I shall surrender them for your esteemed seniors to hold."
With that declaration, He Jiaqing presented one walnut to Gui Jianchou.
Gui Jianchou was taken aback: "You're giving it to me? You place that much trust in me?"
He Jiaqing nodded affirmatively: "Your esteemed reputation, Senior Ghost King, has reached my ears."
Mu Yuejuan voiced her objection: "What is the meaning of this? Is my Hundred Flowers Fine Painting's reputation lesser than his? Without my intercession, you wouldn't have achieved this outcome, would you?"
He Jiaqing then handed the second walnut to Mu Yuejuan: "I shall certainly not forget this kindness. With both seniors acting as overseers, I am confident this matter can be resolved equitably."
With Gui Jianchou holding one walnut and Mu Yuejuan the other, they possessed the combined ability to unlock Zhang Gunli's treasure vault.
Given their standing, would they truly set their sights on Zhang Gunli's meager possessions?
Covet, they truly did covet these riches.
Zhang Gunli's hoard was far from insignificant.
Gui Jianchou then inquired, "Miss Mu, Young Master He desires fairness. So, should you be the one to define this fairness, or shall I?"