"Let go. Release that ghost," the red-faced man said, watching with a cold glint in his eyes. "Marquis of Linru County, take my advice. It's for your own good!"
Chen Cuo held that spark of True Spirit between his fingers and looked at the newcomer. "Who are you?"
"I am Hou Xiao, a lieutenant under the Duke of Guiyang Commandery!" The red-faced man looked proud. "Don't think you can do whatever you please just because you belong to the Imperial Clan. Even the emperor owes his throne to my general, and the Imperial Palace often hosts his banquets. Don't overestimate your status. I, too, am a county marquis!"
Information about the man surfaced in Chen Cuo's mind.
Hou Xiao was Hou Andu's younger cousin. He had followed the great general through campaigns north and south and won outstanding military honors.
When Chen Cuo said nothing, Hou Xiao's Qi and Blood surged, revealing the level of his cultivation—
Faint True Qi flowed over his body, and his Qi and Blood blazed like a rainbow. He had reached the Second Realm of the Martial Path and developed a Martial Divine Ability!
His gaze was as cold and sharp as a blade. "Hand over the ghost, and you may leave unharmed." His words were threatening, but he did not rush in. Something seemed to give him pause.
"The Second Realm..." Chen Cuo shook his head. "All the more reason I can't let it go."
Hou Xiao sneered. "Even if that thing is your inner demon, once it falls into my general's hands, it becomes a Hou Household Heart Slave. I'm still asking nicely. Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit."
Chen Cuo had no wish to say more. He had made up his mind.
The Evil Ghost had always been a