Chapter 168: Should Have Acted Sooner

City God Cao’s words were tactful, but anyone could hear the underlying meaning.

In his view, even if the “murderer” was guilty of heinous crimes, they were still a living person of the mortal realm. He had no authority to interfere and was even responsible for ensuring they were not harmed by ghosts or spirits.

And no matter how great the stone broker, Huang Yong’s grievances were, the dead were still dead… Once a person passed away, their mortal affairs should dissipate like smoke in the wind, never entangling the living again.

It had to be said—City God Cao’s perspective, while lacking in compassion, strictly adhered to the principles of the underworld.

Following the rules, at the very least, was not wrong.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Gu Ning’an flicked his fingers, and a strand of spiritual light emerged from his fingertips.

Immediately, a previously imperceptible white thread appeared at the center of the stone broker, Huang Yong’s forehead.

“This is the thread of karma.”

With a casual motion, Gu Ning’an plucked at the thread, splitting it into several thinner strands. These strands swiftly extended eastward and finally landed within the eaves of a building.

City God Cao’s eyes sharpened as he saw the strands leading into a gambling den—connecting directly to the foreheads of those responsible for Huang Yong’s demise!

“Lord City God, upholding the rules is commendable, but the realms of yin and yang are not as strictly separate as water and fire.”

“Take this thread of karma that I forcibly manifested… If the past were truly meant to fade with death, then it would not be able to pierce the barrier between life and death, linking a wandering soul to the living.”

The power of karma was among the most ineffable forces in existence!

Yet someone had managed to manifest it through sheer technique!

What kind of cultivation level and what profound secret arts would this require?!

At that moment, City God Cao finally understood—the green-robed gentleman before him was far beyond what he had imagined!

The fact that this man had taken the time to explain so much was entirely due to his own magnanimity.

Could it be that today, Cao Hua had encountered a true immortal?

A true immortal… A true immortal!

A single green robe, straddling the line between mortal and celestial, bearing the name Gu Ning’an!

In an instant, City God Cao recalled the name that had once shaken the underworld—the very same Gu Ning’an whom King Mingling had warned all City Gods must never offend!

“Very well!”

City God Cao turned swiftly and smiled. “Earlier, I was blind and failed to perceive the karmic ties between this wandering soul and the mortal world.”

“Now, thanks to Mr. Gu’s guidance, I realize that if we were to bring Huang Yong to the underworld, that too would be interfering with mortal affairs and breaking the rules!”

“Many thanks to Mr. Gu! You have saved us from violating our own principles!”

By the end of his speech, City God Cao even bowed deeply in gratitude!

“Please, rise quickly!” Gu Ning’an helped him up with a smile. “Lord City God speaks too gravely. The power of karma is inherently elusive—my methods are but a small trick, allowing me to glimpse only a fraction of it.”

“Even if you had taken Huang Yong, it would not have been a true violation of the rules…”

“Ai!” City God Cao waved his hand. “What must be thanked should be thanked properly…”

At those words, Gu Ning’an changed the subject. “Since Lord City God has given his approval, I shall take this wandering soul with me for now. Once this matter is resolved, I will personally return him. How about that?”

City God Cao cupped his hands. “I shall trouble Mr. Gu with this!”

Without further words, Gu Ning’an casually released the restraints on Huang Yong’s soul, drawing him to his side.

The ghost remained silent. Even though his bindings were lifted, he showed no intention of fleeing—he simply followed Gu Ning’an quietly into the night.

After Gu Ning’an and his group had left.

Still unable to figure out why City God Cao had suddenly changed his stance, Patrol Officer Fang couldn’t help but ask, “City God, why did you suddenly agree?”

City God Cao clasped his hands behind his back, a look of deep emotion on his face as he replied, “That man is Mr. Gu!”

“Mr. Gu? Haven’t I been saying all along that his surname is Gu?”

“So you know him?”

Hearing this, City God Cao cast a glance at Officer Fang and slowly uttered four words: ‘Xiangzhou Demon Chaos.’

“Xiangzhou Demon Chaos?”

“Xiangzhou Demon Chaos!”

Patrol Officer Fang repeated it twice, his tone changing dramatically!

“That man is a true immortal! How did I not realize it earlier?!”

City God Cao nodded. “I didn’t realize it at first either…”

Hic—Hic—

Long, drawn-out drunken hiccups echoed in front of the ‘Good Fortune’ Gambling House.

With his chest exposed, Zheng Er tugged at his collar and spat on the ground. “Damn it! What a joke of a ‘Good Fortune’ Gambling House—haven’t won a single round today!”

“Tell me about it! It’s all that damned woman’s fault. She must’ve sucked away all our luck!”

“Yeah! It must be her! Brother Zheng Er, I say we skip going to Lingering Fragrance and just go find that bitch instead. Saves us from spending money on drinks!”

“Good idea! She made us lose money—we’ll take it back from her!”

Zheng Er tugged at his collar and laughed. “Then let’s go!”

The gang of thugs quickly reached an agreement, swaying drunkenly as they trudged through the snow towards Mao Cuicui’s residence.

They hadn’t gone far when, passing a small alley, Zheng Er suddenly shivered. “Wait up, gotta take a piss first.”

“Yeah, same here!”

“Let’s see who can piss the farthest!”

“My bladder’s the biggest!”

Thick white steam, reeking of alcohol and filth, rose from the base of the walls and was carried away by the wind.

After finishing their business, the gang linked arms, singing a tune as they continued on their way.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the alley, figures lurked.

Captain Zhao clenched his fists. “Follow them!”

“Dammit, are we lost? Why aren’t we there yet?” Zheng Er squinted in frustration.

“No, we’re on the right path. That woman lives in a godforsaken place—it’s just far.”

“Yeah, I remember. Cross this street, head north, and we’ll reach it.”

“Huh? You drunk or what? I remember we have to go south after crossing!”

“Bullshit! It’s north! I’ve been there before—even if the land was plowed three feet deep, I could still find it!”

Ta-ta-ta! Ta-ta-ta!

A flurry of footsteps echoed from all directions!

In an instant, Zheng Er and his gang were completely surrounded by constables!

Seeing the situation, the thugs showed no fear. Instead, they pointed at the approaching officers and began cursing!

“Oh-ho! Look at this! So many esteemed officers out here late at night to block our way—what do you want?”

Zheng Er swept his gaze around and finally locked onto a familiar face nearby. “Well, well, if it isn’t Zhao Quan, our dear Head Constable?”

“What wind blew you here?”

From among the constables, Captain Zhao stepped forward, his expression grim as he said coldly, “Zheng Er, you lot have truly gone too far!”

“You killed someone and still dare to return to the crime scene?!”

Zheng Er sneered. “Not only did we kill someone, but we also had our fun with a woman!”

“So what?”

“Is the great Head Constable here to arrest us?”

“Do you dare?”

Captain Zhao clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. “Why wouldn’t I dare?”

“Hah! What a joke!”

Zheng Er smirked, lazily pointing a finger at Captain Zhao as he taunted, “If you had the guts, you would’ve acted back in the alley next to the gambling house!”