But Qin Jun hadn’t slept long before his steward Fulun woke him. Opening his eyes, Qin Jun saw Fulun and the three men—Amov, Ke Dong, and Ke Xi—standing together, heads bowed, looking very nervous.

Qin Jun yawned. “No need to be so tense. I don’t ask much—just do what I say.”

He turned to Fulun. “You finished? That was quick.”

Fulun, not taking credit, smiled. “It’s my duty, Master.”

Qin Jun nodded. “Good. Take me to the house.”

Fulun led the way. On the path, Qin Jun told Amov and the brothers, “Change those all-black outfits later. What kind of look is that?”

The three muttered inwardly: *When we first arrived, we planned to kill and rob. How could we not dress like this?*

But they only said, “Understood, Master.”

When Fulun brought Qin Jun’s group to a mansion, Qin Jun was impressed. “Fulun, you’re truly capable. Finding this place at night and buying it so fast—it’s remarkable.”

Fulun smiled. “I stumbled on a ‘For Sale’ notice. Thought I’d try. It worked—a direct deal. Here’s the deed, Master.”

Fulun handed over the deed. Qin Jun took it and stored it in his storage space.

Fulun’s tone shifted. “Master, there’s one thing I haven’t mentioned.”

Qin Jun asked, “What?”

“The mansion sold quickly because it’s rumored to be haunted.”

Qin Jun perked up. “Ghosts?”

He sensed the courtyard. Nothing but small animals—wait, ah. He quickly found the cause: someone had set up a device here. When people approached, it whooshed and made ghostly wails.

Ke Dong suddenly interjected, face pale with fear. “Is this the haunted mansion in Falcon City everyone talks about?”

Ke Dong is the older brother; Ke Xi is the younger.

Qin Jun glanced at him. “You know it too?”

Ke Xi answered for his brother. “Yes. Renters suffer endless ghostly torment—not fatal, but it causes widespread resentment.”

Amov nodded in agreement.

Qin Jun chuckled inwardly: *Perfect. I’ve got teasing ideas now. Who told you to be better-looking than me? A little fun for myself.*

He said aloud, “Fear nothing. Whatever it is, if it nears me, I’ll destroy it. I’ll sleep soon. You guard outside.”

Amov, Ke Xi, and Ke Dong looked grim. Only Fulun remained unfazed, still smiling. Qin Jun guessed the old man saw through everything. *Unexpected—Fulun’s only level 20-something, yet so perceptive. But he’s my slave. I’ll learn more later.* He led them into the courtyard.

Chilly gusts swept through the mansion, mixed with ghostly howls. Amov and the brothers trembled. *Killers afraid of ghosts?*

Fulun calmly guided Qin Jun to a prepared room. After Qin Jun slept, Fulun stood obediently with Amov and the three, waiting for dawn.

Amov asked, “Old Master Fulun, aren’t you scared at all?”

Fulun smiled. “Why fear?”

Ke Xi, youngest at eighteen and most terrified, said, “What if ghosts drag our souls away?”

Ke Dong nodded, uneasy.

Old Master Fulun laughed. “Nonsense. Ghosts may or may not exist, but this is just a Barrier.”

All three puzzled: “Barrier?”

“I’ve lost my strength, but my insight remains. I’d remove it if I could.” He added, “The Master wants to scare you—I see it. Especially you two.” He pointed at Ke Xi and Ke Dong.

They protested, “Why? We haven’t offended him!”

Fulun chuckled lightly. “You’re just better-looking than him.”

Amov asked, “How do you know that?”

“Eyes. They reveal a person’s thoughts best.”

Fortunately, Qin Jun slept. Otherwise, he’d realize how frighteningly sharp this steward was.