Gustave led Shanks over to where Ning Caichen was preparing for departure.
"Brother Ning, Shanks would like to see your world," Gustave explained with casual diplomacy. "When you return home, would you mind if he accompanied you?"
"That would be wonderful! Brother Shanks, you're coming with me?" Ning Caichen's face lit up with genuine enthusiasm. "Master Fahai has also decided to join our journey!"
"Fahai is going too?" Gustave's interest sharpened considerably. "This should be fascinating."
"During our earlier conversation, Brother Ning described a world overrun with demons," Fahai explained with calm authority. "As the saying goes, good and evil cannot coexist peacefully. I feel compelled to investigate this situation personally."
Though this version of Fahai showed remarkable open-mindedness—he'd refrained from attacking Tu Shanyan despite recognizing her demonic nature—his core mission remained unchanged. Any creature he confirmed as genuinely evil would face swift retribution.
"How about I join this expedition as well?" Gustave suggested with barely concealed excitement.
The prospect of witnessing Fahai's entrance into the Chinese Ghost Story world was too intriguing to resist. The meeting of these legendary figures promised entertainment beyond measure.
"Nothing could be better!" Ning Caichen replied with heartfelt relief.
If Fahai considered Gustave near-immortal in power, having more such protectors could only improve his survival odds in a demon-haunted landscape.
"Then it's settled. Brother Ning, let me gather some appropriate currency and we'll depart immediately!"
Modern bank cards and paper money would prove useless in an ancient world. Fortunately, Tu Shanyan's room and board payments had been made in traditional gold and silver—perfect for their needs.
While collecting the precious metals, Gustave found himself wishing for a proper storage ring or spatial treasure. When he'd asked the Moral Lord about such conveniences, his master had confirmed their existence but stated they'd only be provided when formal training began.
"When will I finally break through this barrier?" Gustave muttered, loading the coins into a cross-body bag Yang Chan had bought during one of her adventures with the Kasukabe Defense Force.
Shanks gathered his own traveling funds, and soon all four men stood before the Gate of All Worlds.
"The evil spirits are overwhelming!" Fahai declared the moment they emerged in the new dimension. "The demonic presence in Brother Ning's world exceeds my worst expectations!"
If the Nexus world pulsed with active dark forces, the Chinese Ghost Story realm practically reeked of malevolent supernatural energy. Here, demons weren't occasional threats—they were the dominant power.
"So this is another world," Shanks observed with keen interest, his head swiveling as he took in every detail. "The atmosphere certainly feels different from our world."
His Observation Haki spread outward, mapping their new environment while cataloging the strange energies that permeated everything.
"Brother Ning, since this is your homeland, what would you suggest for our itinerary?" Gustave asked diplomatically.
"I'm ashamed to admit that despite my scholarly pursuits, I've failed the imperial examinations," Ning Caichen replied with obvious embarrassment. "The next provincial exam won't be held for two years. Until then, I must earn my living collecting debts for others."
He straightened with sudden resolve. "Since you've honored me by visiting my world, perhaps I should abandon this work and show you our most beautiful sights instead?"
"Brother Ning, that won't be necessary," Gustave interjected quickly. "We can't ask you to sacrifice your livelihood for our curiosity. Besides, traveling with you on debt collection rounds will let us see the countryside just as effectively."
I can't let him quit his job, Gustave thought with concern. What if that disrupts his meeting with Nie Xiaoqian?
"Brother Gustave speaks wisely," Fahai agreed with a thoughtful nod.
"I'm fine with whatever you decide," Shanks added, content to follow his friends' lead in unfamiliar territory.
"Thank you, Brother Gustave!" Ning Caichen bowed deeply before Gustave could help him upright.
The scholar's excessive politeness would take getting used to, though Gustave appreciated his other qualities.
Ning Caichen shouldered his bamboo pack and consulted a worn ledger, flipping to a marked page and studying the entries carefully.
"According to my employer's records, my next stop is Guobei County," he announced.
"Then we'll accompany you to Guobei County!" Gustave declared with satisfaction.
Perfect. Near Guobei County stood Lanruo Temple, home to the tree demon grandmother and the tragic beauty Nie Xiaoqian. Gustave knew this story intimately—it would be fascinating to witness the events unfold firsthand.
The four travelers set off following Ning Caichen's preferred route, which proved remarkably unconventional. Rather than taking well-maintained official roads, the scholar led them through deep forests and mountain paths, claiming these shortcuts offered both faster travel and superior scenery.
Most remarkably, he never seemed to lose his way. Armed with nothing but a battered compass, Ning Caichen navigated complex wilderness terrain with unerring accuracy. If Zoro possessed even half this natural sense of direction, Gustave mused, he swordsman wouldn't get lost in his own hometown.
With Gustave's group providing support, Ning Caichen's wilderness experience improved dramatically. When hunger struck, fresh meat appeared. Thirst was quenched with clean water. Rain was deflected by Gustave's electromagnetic barriers. Previously, forest travel had meant subsisting on rock-hard sesame cakes while enduring whatever weather conditions arose.
"Brothers, Guobei County lies just ahead!" Ning Caichen announced with excitement as they emerged from the latest stretch of woodland onto a proper road.
At that precise moment, thunder rolled across the sky. The previously clear afternoon transformed rapidly, dark clouds gathering with supernatural speed to block out the sun.
"Brothers, let's take shelter in that hut up ahead!" Ning Caichen called out, pointing toward a weathered thatched structure beside the road.
Gustave could have simply expanded his electromagnetic shield to protect them all, but Ning Caichen clearly hadn't adjusted to such conveniences. The scholar's first instinct remained seeking traditional shelter from approaching storms.