Chapter 81: The Token of the Ghost King

During these past few days, I have been practicing Bajiquan relentlessly. Second Uncle taught me every technique he knew, and though I cannot wield spiritual energy, my mastery of the forms is enough to make me formidable. Yet, the absence of spiritual energy remains my greatest flaw—without it, I can hardly survive in this world of cultivation, where the weak are devoured by the strong. Even if I manage a lucky victory, facing the Ghost King would still mean certain death.

Now, all my classmates in the group chat have entered the cultivation circle. For ordinary practitioners of the first rank, I might stand a chance. But these are people who have endured the Ghost King's trials, hardened to the point where their lives mean nothing—they fight with unmatched ferocity.

Another few days slipped by. Aside from constant practice in martial arts, I also trained in swordsmanship. Though I cannot summon the Snow Blade, Second Uncle gave me a Miao Dao instead.

On this day, as I was absorbed in my training, my phone suddenly rang. I picked it up, holding onto a sliver of hope, but there was no escaping it.

"Classmates, this will be your third-to-last game."

I paused, rubbing my eyes to make sure I read that right. Third to last? That means after this and two more games, we can finally break free from the Ghost King's grasp.

A smile curled at my lips as thoughts of a brighter future began to fill my mind.

"This time, the game's deadline is one month. You must find the tokens I have hidden around the world. If you fail, you will be executed."

This was an unprecedented challenge—the deadline alone stretched to a month, and the tokens were scattered across the globe. It was like searching for a needle in the ocean.

The message sent shockwaves through the group, with classmates frantically messaging and calling out.

But I was already pondering the situation. There could be fewer tokens than there are participants, and the tokens might be anything—stones, weapons, pouches. I needed to act fast.

I stood up, ready to talk to Second Uncle. Though I still didn’t understand the Ghost King’s motives, completing these tasks would surely reveal everything in time. Whether that was good or bad, I couldn’t say, nor was it something I could control.

Second Uncle was in the yard, smoking and lost in thought. When he saw me, he spoke.

“What is it? Heading out?”

I nodded.

He calmly reached into his sleeve and produced an envelope, handing it over as he spoke.

“Kid, take a look. A letter from your parents.”

I had thought it was a weapon, but it turned out to be a letter from my parents. It had been ages since I last called them, and I never expected they would write to me first.

I quickly sat down and opened the envelope. It was a plain envelope, containing a single sheet of paper with writing on it.

“Son, are you well? Your father and I are doing great and we're safe. Don’t blame your mother for leaving without saying goodbye—it was a last resort. We heard you’ve become quite remarkable lately, and your mother is proud. You must have guessed by now that your father and I are not ordinary people. I cannot tell you what our identities are yet, but I believe with your abilities, you'll become a great hero one day. Don’t worry about us; we're living well and want for nothing. Listen to Second Uncle, don’t be too stubborn, and don’t rush to find us—we are in no danger, and you will see us again in the end. Love, Mother.”

I read the letter all at once. Even though I had prepared myself, my heart was still unsettled for a long time.

But my parents were safe—they were alive—which gave me new motivation. The letter was full of hints, not revealing their location, but assuring me of their safety.

“Kid, your parents are remarkable people,” Second Uncle said, smiling at me.

I didn’t ask for details, knowing he must know something but would not say.

“I might be gone for quite a while this time, probably won’t be back soon.”

“No worries, just go. If anything happens, give me a call.”

Second Uncle never opposed anything I wanted to do, always supporting me.

Before I left, he gave me a shorter sword, easier to carry and less conspicuous on the street.

I tucked the sword at my waist; with only the tip showing, it was almost invisible.

After saying goodbye, I descended the mountain. Though I hadn’t left in about a month, I still remembered the way.

With no clear goal, I wandered aimlessly, but decided to return to the city first.

I called Li Zijian, arranging to meet him at a park beneath my building—he agreed. I also called Chen Chen, but he had gone south with his family and wouldn’t be back soon, so I didn’t bring him along.

After a short walk, I hailed a taxi. Remembering my previous experience, I was extremely cautious, watching carefully before getting in.

Fortunately, the journey was smooth, and I soon arrived at the park below my home.

I didn’t go back to my apartment, since Li Zijian should already be waiting. I’d save the visit for another time.

Jogging into the park, I saw Li Zijian already seated on a bench.

He waved to me, and I noticed his cultivation had advanced yet again. If I wasn’t mistaken, he was now at the third rank of spiritual leaf—a rapid pace, and he looked much more spirited.

“Brother Yao, have you broken through again? I can’t even see your spiritual energy anymore,” Li Zijian said as we walked. I saw no reason to hide anything and told him everything.

He grew agitated, muttering curses under his breath.

I patted him on the shoulder, wanting to say more, but the words wouldn’t come.

“No worries, Brother Yao. You’ll be fine.”

Touched, I nodded, and we continued walking.

It was midday, the sun blazing overhead, making my skin sting.

Li Zijian seemed unaffected—probably thanks to his spiritual energy shielding him.

To break the awkward silence, I asked, “Do you know what the Ghost King’s token is?”

Li Zijian was still agitated, but calmed when I asked.

“I don’t know—is it a letter?”

I shook my head decisively. It couldn’t be a letter; if it were, none of us could find it.

“Looks like we’ll have to ask around.”

Li Zijian nodded. “Who should we ask?”

That stumped me. The Ghost King’s matters couldn’t be discussed openly, so I couldn’t just ask anyone.

It was a tricky situation.

“Let’s just keep walking and see.”

So, Li Zijian and I walked and talked, our conversation drifting away from the Ghost King’s game.