Spoiled by Eight Uncles (Lily)

Chapter 1300 Crawford Ancestor’s Identity Jalen asked in a low voice while brushing his beard, “Do you know there are many desolate lands in the underworld?” “Yeah, | know that.” Other than places like Ghost Town and the 13 Stations of the Underworld, the underground was largely uncharted and referred to as the desolate land. In this desolate land, there were many places where ghosts. could cultivate virtue. Although Ghost Town was sizable, when it became crowded, the accumulation of virtue became more challenging.

Moreover, not all ghosts ended up in the underworld upon their death. There were wandering spirits, ghosts that chose not to be reborn, and those who escaped after committing misdeeds. With a growing ghost population, a sort of ecosystem outside the official rules of the Underworld formed. Here, lawlessness prevailed, with plunder, robbery, and survival of the fittest being the norm.

“Until one day, a novice ghost stepped forward and established an alternative system of order beyond the reach of the official underworld. He claimed territories near the virtuous sites, creating his own Ghost Towns, Ghost Markets, and establishments, including the one we're in now.” These territories were his brainchild, built by his hands and bolstered by his reputation. Although this particular Ghost Market was the smallest, it served as a haven for ordinary ghosts who pursued virtue, worked, and enjoyed themselves.

“Be it normal or novice ghosts, they all followed the rules set by that person. That was because he was powerful, and these ghosts needed a safe place for themselves.” Alanna was intrigued and asked, “Jalen, are you saying that this person... is Crawford Ancestor?” Jalen nodded. “Indeed, he is! Joseph Crawford, the ancestor of Fifth Palace's King of Hell.” Jalen hadn't known him personally at first, just like everyone else. He had heard of him during his time working at the inn but had never met him.

“Yesterday, when | accompanied my boss to apologize to King of Hell, | was taken aback to see Joseph standing nearby. Given Joseph's reputation in the desolate land, his newfound identity as Crawford Ancestor will surely spread quickly, especially among the upper circles.” The desolate land was vast, and many novice ghosts had followed Joseph's example, trying to stake their claims and establish businesses. Some aligned themselves with Joseph, while others, with more power, ventured independently. There were often disputes over territory with good geographical locations as well “With that new identity of his, there are going to be even more ghosts trying to curry favors with hum in the future. If you really want to secure your shop, he can really help you with just a word from him!” After all Crawford Ancestor owned the entire Ghost Market None of the novice ghosts that were hiding in the dark would dare to make a move with his involvement Alanna was excited and said. “If that's the case, Ill try to end those clothes to hund However, she looked at falen with a suitous expression and asked. But Jalen, you suddenly came to advise me What do you want from Jalen chuckled “I do have my own interests in mind ofourse Business is business, after all” 11 12 Seeing Alanna nod, he continued, “Firstly, if you manage to build a relationship with King of Hell or Joseph in the future, please introduce me to them. Secondly, now that your husband is in Hell, and the shop is solely in your hands, it might be challenging for you to manage everything alone. I'd like to invest in the business, and I'm asking for a 10% share of the monthly virtue dividends.” Jalen had another hidden agenda. Raul and the two malignant spirits sent to Hell couldn't take their possessions with them. This meant that the Azurite gemstones used for cultivation were returned to Alanna.

Azurite gemstones were valuable for cultivation, and novice ghosts like them couldn't easily acquire them. If he could establish a good relationship with Alanna, make her feel indebted to him, and maybe even get together with her, he might be able to persuade her to give him an Azurite gemstone.

Alanna, perceptive as ever, detected Jalen’s third goal. She sighed inwardly, finding some men’s tactics quite repulsive. They wanted money and more, all while maintaining a facade of righteousness. With a wry smile, she responded, “Jalen, the information you've provided today is indeed valuable. | can offer you ten million in compensation right away. However, the 10% monthly share is not something | can agree to.” Alanna considered her running costs, including investment and employee wages, leaving her with around 30% of the shop's earnings per month. If she gave away 10% of that to Jalen, it wouldn't be worth her while when she could use those earnings to curry favor with the King of Hell.

Alanna pondered these thoughts and realized that they made sense. Indeed, the King of Hell had rejected the valuable clothes as they constituted bribery and crossed her ethical boundaries. However, asking for her assistance while being willing to offer a 5% or even 10% share of the profits was a different matter. Money offered freely... surely, no one would refuse that, right? II