Chapter Seven: Encounter with a Ghost

Although Yang Meng was now the “Emperor of Mount East,” ruler over all spirits and ghosts, this was, in truth, his first encounter with the supernatural. He managed a calm expression as he stared at the plump female ghost, but his trembling legs betrayed the fear that churned within him.

Still, as the Emperor of Mount East, he felt obliged to at least warn the young woman who was being haunted. Whether she believed him or not was her own concern.

The girl, however, clearly had no faith in Yang Meng’s words. She scoffed coldly, “I told you before, your flirting techniques are crude. And please, mind your manners. If you continue to harass me, I’ll call security—or even the police. Show some respect.”

Yang Meng merely shrugged, indifferent. He had said everything he needed to; what happened next was none of his concern. He turned away, refusing to spare another glance at the girl.

Truthfully, he wished even more to avoid looking at the ghost—was he unafraid? That was pure nonsense.

No sooner had he turned his back than the plump female ghost revealed her intentions. Her face contorted, and she let out a piercing shriek. The elevator jolted to a halt, the lights flickered erratically, and within seconds, darkness enveloped them.

Despite the pitch black, Yang Meng could see everything with unusual clarity: unlike what he’d imagined, the girl leaned against the elevator wall, showing no trace of fear. But the female ghost beside her had changed dramatically.

Where once she’d looked merely like an exhausted, overweight woman with dark circles and pale skin, her face was now ashen, her skin decaying and slack. Two long fangs had punctured her lips, protruding sinisterly as black blood oozed from the wounds, dripping onto the floor. The sight was chilling.

Even though Yang Meng had braced himself, the horror stunned him—this was far more terrifying than any zombie from Resident Evil.

The ghost’s eyes locked onto Yang Meng, and she flashed a wicked smile. He watched in horror as her mouth split open, her entire face transforming into a monstrous maw.

Yang Meng’s scalp tingled; trapped in such a confined space with this grotesque apparition, he only wished he could shrink into a tiny, invisible corner, hoping the ghost would overlook him.

But that hope was in vain. With another bloodcurdling scream, the ghost lunged at Yang Meng, jaws wide.

Was she planning to bite off his head in one go?

There was nowhere to run in the cramped elevator, nor did Yang Meng even think to try—he was frozen in terror.

His first encounter with a ghost, and it had to be a vengeful one? It was like entering an online game and running into the final boss straight out of the starter village—how was he supposed to enjoy the experience?

Though Yang Meng was the Emperor of Mount East and knew a few basic exorcism spells, his nerves had betrayed him; he’d forgotten everything.

It was hard to blame him. Anyone’s first brush with the supernatural—especially a malevolent ghost—would likely be the same.

As Yang Meng finally recovered, the ghost’s gaping maw closed down on his head. “This is the end,” he thought, closing his eyes in despair.

Yet, in the next moment, he heard the ghost screech in agony. Then silence.

What happened?

Yang Meng cautiously opened one eye and was stunned by what he saw: the female ghost cowered in the corner, staring at him in terror. She was now even more horrifying; her face had rotted further, riddled with holes through which Yang Meng could see her broken teeth and tongue. The two intimidating fangs were snapped. What had happened to her?

He checked himself—no injuries. Yet a faint, dark flame flickered around his body, reminiscent of a Super Saiyan from Dragon Ball.

Wasn’t this the “Black Domain” flame from that mysterious middle-aged man? How did it end up on him?

Suddenly, Yang Meng constructed a grand scenario in his mind: the man, concerned for his safety, had left the Black Domain flame to protect him at critical moments. What a benevolent immortal! He must thank him someday—at the very least, treat him to some white liquor. The poor fellow had never tasted it…

If the male immortals in the Mount East Palace knew Yang Meng’s thoughts, they would surely curse him: “You little thief, you stole my Black Domain and now you’re making light of it? Just wait until I deal with you!”

Now, Yang Meng regained his composure, a smug smile on his face. Who was he? The Emperor of Mount East! Natural nemesis of ghosts and monsters! Was he supposed to fear a mere female ghost? What a joke!

The Black Domain flame faded from his body, and he said coldly to the ghost, “I won’t bother you, so don’t bother me. You can’t afford to provoke me.”

The ghost, terrified, brightened at his words, nodded hastily, and vanished into a shadow. As she departed, the elevator lights restored and resumed normal operation.

It wasn’t out of kindness that Yang Meng let the vengeful ghost go. The Black Domain flame was beyond his control, appearing and disappearing as it pleased. Though he knew some exorcism spells, who could say whether those would work on such a powerful ghost? Better to act like a master and scare her away.

Seeing the ghost gone, Yang Meng looked at the beautiful woman with pride. The elevator had just malfunctioned—how could she still say he was talking nonsense? Surely she must be terrified now.

But as the lights returned, Yang Meng saw her standing with arms crossed, wearing a cold smile.

Yang Meng waved dismissively. “No need to thank me. It was nothing.”

The woman sneered, “Why would I thank you? Did you conspire with the elevator technician to pull this trick for your pickup attempt? It’s novel, I admit, but I can only describe it with two words: despicable! Hmph! I’m going to ask the management about this. How can they guarantee residents’ safety with such elevator staff?”

Yang Meng sighed, “Sister, don’t flatter yourself. I already have a girlfriend, and you’re nowhere near her.”

She eyed him with disdain. “You? …Ha, what woman could possibly be blind enough to choose you?”

Yang Meng blinked. “You, who can’t see the truth, call others blind? Have you ever looked in a mirror?”

Her anger made her voice shrill. “What did you just say?”

Yang Meng dug at his ear, “Not only blind, but deaf too? This cramped space and you still can’t hear me? So you’re a disabled person—blind and deaf.” He turned away, refusing to look at her. “I don’t know what kind of environment you live in—maybe you’re used to people hitting on you? Sorry, I don’t have that habit. They say beauties attract scoundrels, so perhaps those who flirt with you are more your type. Wake up. You’ll never be lucky enough for a good man like me.” As he finished, the elevator doors opened and Yang Meng strode out without a backward glance.

The woman was stunned as she watched him leave. What did he mean? After all the theatrics, wasn’t he just trying to strike up a conversation with her? Why had he just walked away? Was it all just to scare her?

She wanted to sincerely ask Yang Meng—was he out of his mind?

As the elevator doors nearly closed, she finally snapped out of it. Wasn’t she supposed to get off at the eighteenth floor too? She hurried out, just as a young man in a suit jogged over. “Baby, why are you so late? I was just about to call you.”

“Don’t mention it. I just ran into a lunatic in the elevator—the one who just left. Didn’t you see him? Has the country come to this? People like that belong in a hospital! Who’s responsible if they cause harm?”

The young man tensed and asked, “Huh? What happened? I was smoking in the fire escape and heard the elevator, but only caught the sound of someone leaving, didn’t see anyone.”

She recounted the elevator incident to him. His expression changed dramatically. “Yao Yao, leave it to me. If he got off on the same floor, he might be a threat to you! We have to find him—management must be involved. How else could he control the elevator to scare you? We’ll go to the management office; they won’t let him get away!”

He took out his phone to call.

She hurriedly grabbed his arm. “Tao, don’t make a scene. I wasn’t harmed. There’s a meeting soon; don’t waste time.”

“How were you not harmed?” Tao glared. “No one bullies my baby! Not just anyone can trample on our Long family! I’ll teach him a lesson, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing—just a little warning.”

She blushed at Tao’s words. “We’re not married yet and you’re already talking about ‘our Long family.’ Aren’t you embarrassed? But Feng Tao, you’re so talented and capable—I feel bad about you marrying into my family. I’ll talk to my father again when I get home!”

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