Qingyang City, a private residence.
Xia Ping had been summoned out of the Scripture Library by a soldier, who claimed there was an important matter to discuss—something too sensitive for anyone else to know and unsuitable for discussion in the City Lord's Mansion. Thus, they had arranged to meet elsewhere.
Confident in his own strength and boldness, he had no concern for traps. He came directly to the appointment and entered the residence.
The moment he stepped inside, he found several people gathered within. Among them were Deputy City Lord Tang Yu and even Qingyang City's commander of the three armies, Che Xiujun. Many high-ranking figures of Qingyang City were present, but the City Lord himself was nowhere to be seen.
"I didn't expect so many of Qingyang City's higher-ups to gather here. What matter is so secret that it can't be discussed in the City Lord's Mansion?"
Xia Ping swept his gaze over the group.
"This matter is of great importance. It cannot be discussed in the City Lord's Mansion."
Deputy City Lord Tang Yu stepped forward and sighed. "You may not believe this, but the entire City Lord's Mansion has now been infiltrated by Nether Ghosts. Their companions are everywhere, and Qingyang City is under their surveillance as well. Even the City Lord has become a Nether Ghost."
He clenched his fists, his face filled with grief.
"I didn't expect you to know that the City Lord had been possessed by a Nether Ghost."
Xia Ping narrowed his eyes.
"You knew too?"
The crowd was stunned. They had not expected Xia Ping to have seen through it as well.
"Of course I knew. The ghostly qi on them is as dazzling as the sun. It would be strange if I couldn't see it. I merely had something I