Chapter 046: The Dead Speak.
Author's Note:
I've rewritten the previous chapter and half of the one before it. You'll need to revisit them to understand this chapter. My apologies.
*
Outside Bai Hengqing's mansion, every light was turned on, illuminating the area as bright as day. The brightest spotlight fell on a young man standing in the center, shining on him like the spotlight on a main stage actor.
The young man, standing tall and straight in the beam of light, resembled a freshly grown pine tree. He tilted his head slightly down, the corners of his lips curling into a peculiar smile.
What greeted Chi Shen was not adulation fit for the main character but accusations and vitriol.
Many of those who had gathered weren't clear on the evening's events. Even Bai Ximing had only just received word of the evidence that Chi Shen had been harboring ghosts. Yet, once Bai Ximing mentioned it, understanding dawned on their faces, sparking a flurry of discussion.
"He must have found something in the old mansion and learned to keep ghosts!"
"He also killed He Chao and Lu Xiangyang, for seemingly no reason."
"Such a young man, but with such a malicious heart!"
"I've heard that he used the most sinister method, digging up the bones of the deceased and sealing them away. This turns the deceased's spirit into a vengeful ghost, forever searching for its bones."
"That's beyond cruel. How can there be such wicked people?"
"It's a good thing he didn't return to the Bai family. If the family was inherited by someone like him, we'd all suffer in the future."
"It's one thing to use such malevolent methods on strangers, but using them against our own Bai family members? It's heinous."
"You didn't see the scene at the old mansion. He Chao's death was horrifying; all his internal organs were consumed. Half of Lu Xiangyang's body was gone. Look at him, denying it so vehemently; he must have done it!"
"I always said, who could stay in that old mansion for more than three days? Turns out, it's someone who harbors ghosts."
"He probably angered Elder He to death. It has to be him!"
"They found a spirit-sealing bead in the room he stayed in; it's irrefutable evidence!"
Those gossiping were relatives of the Bai family who had come to deal with the matters of the Bai's old mansion and were attending a meeting at Bai Hengqing's place, as well as some disciples not of the Bai surname. Despite their chatter, not one of them dared to approach Chi Shen. Given their belief that Chi Shen controlled spirits, they were naturally cautious, fearing that any powerful spirit summoned by him might lead to their demise. They were here to watch the spectacle, not to risk their lives.
Bai Ran looked at Chi Shen. Though he was so pained that his face was pale, sweat dripping, and his lips bloodless, he still managed to muster a smile. Today, he was determined to see Chi Shen perish here.
Bai Ximing looked at Chi Shen with sorrowful eyes, "Today, we've identified the culprit behind the Bai family's ghost-related murders. To think it's my own flesh and blood! But rest assured, everyone, I will make this right! Seize him!"
Immediately, a few ambitious members of the Bai family lunged forward.
Bai Ran, sitting by the window with a cruel smile, knew that once Chi Shen was killed, no one would discover that he had betrayed Bai Ximing. Even with a broken leg, he remained the precious son in his parents' eyes, the pitiable young master of the Bai family.
Beneath the light, a ghostly face on Chi Shen's shoulder whispered in terror, "What do we do? Big bro, think of something. I don't want to die here!"
Chi Shen smiled faintly, "Do me a favor."
The ghostly face responded, "Huh?"
Just as the Bai family members were about to grab Chi Shen, he raised his hand, flinging the ghostly face into the air and quickly pocketing a small mirror from his robe.
A force, akin to an explosive wave of ghostly energy, emanated from Chi Shen's position, knocking down the approaching Bai family members.
The airborne ghostly face quickly grasped Chi Shen's intention, expanding rapidly in mid-air and feigning that the ghostly force originated from him. With its shrill voice, it bellowed, "Dare lay a hand on Chi Shen, and see what happens!"
This roar seemed to confirm suspicions about Chi Shen's spirit taming, causing commotion amongst the crowd. Many pulled out their talismanic mirrors and wooden swords.
"Quick, stop him!" someone shouted.
Suddenly, a fierce wind swept through the garden, causing trees to spontaneously combust in eerie blue flames. A garden rockery exploded, revealing its dark insides.
Chi Shen had always known that the garden was meticulously set up for spiritual protection, keeping ordinary spirits at bay. The fact that he could bring in his armless ghost and the ghostly face was only due to his Faceless Mirror.
Though unfamiliar with these spiritual arrangements, he knew that in the face of overwhelming power, such formations would implode and collapse entirely.
As the fire began in the bushes, the garden's spiritual barrier broke. The invisible force keeping spirits out vanished, allowing any spirit to come and go freely.
As the wind suddenly halted, only Chi Shen stood still amidst the turmoil. Even Bai Ximing shielded himself from the strong gust and bursting spiritual energy.
"I did not kill He Chao and Lu Xiangyang," Chi Shen stated, bathed in the persistent beam of light, making him the evening's sole focus. "As for who did, asking them directly would be more accurate."
An overwhelming stench filled the air, reminiscent of the putrid smell from a freezer filled with meat that had been left unplugged for ten days.
Amidst this nauseating odor, Bai Ran, leaning on the window, shouted, "Their souls have been devoured by the ghosts. How can you ask them? Even now, you still attempt to defend yourself!"
To such words, Chi Shen remained silent.
Just outside the garden, a monster with a torso covered in tumors and pus-filled sores, yet a perfectly normal lower half clad in cotton pajama bottoms, approached. With every step he took, the putrid stench grew more intense.
"Bai Ran," the monster opened its vast mouth, speaking with the voice of a common young man, even a hint of pain revealed in the human eyes hidden among the tumors, "Don't you recognize me?"
Bai Ran's smile froze on his face. After several glances at the creature, he immediately shook his head. "I don’t know you. Why would I?"
"Are you... Lu Xiangyang?" A younger member of the crowd hesitated before stepping forward, "That's Lu Xiangyang’s voice. Are you him?!"
Chi Shen took a step back, gestured towards the still-intimidating ghost face in the air, and yielded the spotlight to Lu Xiangyang.
That day at the old mansion, he had brought Lu Xiangyang to He Chao's side. When Lu vomited uncontrollably, fearing that Lu might die or lose his soul from sheer fright, Chi Shen infused him with a hint of ghost energy to stabilize him.
Unexpectedly, this hint of ghost energy not only kept Lu Xiangyang alive temporarily but also caused him to merge with the ghost consuming him. As a result, the ghost filled his mangled upper body, resulting in grotesque tumors, and due to the incomplete fusion, his skin erupted with pus-filled sores, exuding an unbearable stench.
"Those are Lu Xiangyang’s clothes!"
"That look, it's definitely Lu Xiangyang!"
As more people identified Lu Xiangyang, Bai Ran panicked. He vehemently denied, "No, this isn’t Lu Xiangyang. Lu Xiangyang was consumed by a ghost. You've just found some monster to pose as him. You won't escape by tricking us like this!"
Naturally, Lu Xiangyang knew who had murdered him—it was Bai Ran. When Lu appeared, Bai Ran's composure completely shattered. If he could just deny this creature was Lu, he might still stand a chance.
"That day, you told me that Chi Shen was trying to usurp your position, and you lured him into the old house," the monstrous Lu Xiangyang slowly emerged into the light, looking directly at Bai Ran. "You had me and He Chao enter with century-old ashes... saying it would make Chi Shen's death more painful."
The crowd murmured in shock.
This version contrasted starkly with what they knew. Even Bai Ximing stared in surprise, not intervening. Xu XiuYun, who had arrived with the crowd, was stunned, murmuring, "Ranran... How could Ranran do this?"
Chapter 046: The Dead Speak.
Author's Note:
I've rewritten the previous chapter and half of the one before it. You'll need to revisit them to understand this chapter. My apologies.
*
Outside Bai Hengqing's mansion, every light was turned on, illuminating the area as bright as day. The brightest spotlight fell on a young man standing in the center, shining on him like the spotlight on a main stage actor.
The young man, standing tall and straight in the beam of light, resembled a freshly grown pine tree. He tilted his head slightly down, the corners of his lips curling into a peculiar smile.
What greeted Chi Shen was not adulation fit for the main character but accusations and vitriol.
Many of those who had gathered weren't clear on the evening's events. Even Bai Ximing had only just received word of the evidence that Chi Shen had been harboring ghosts. Yet, once Bai Ximing mentioned it, understanding dawned on their faces, sparking a flurry of discussion.
"He must have found something in the old mansion and learned to keep ghosts!"
"He also killed He Chao and Lu Xiangyang, for seemingly no reason."
"Such a young man, but with such a malicious heart!"
"I've heard that he used the most sinister method, digging up the bones of the deceased and sealing them away. This turns the deceased's spirit into a vengeful ghost, forever searching for its bones."
"That's beyond cruel. How can there be such wicked people?"
"It's a good thing he didn't return to the Bai family. If the family was inherited by someone like him, we'd all suffer in the future."
"It's one thing to use such malevolent methods on strangers, but using them against our own Bai family members? It's heinous."
"You didn't see the scene at the old mansion. He Chao's death was horrifying; all his internal organs were consumed. Half of Lu Xiangyang's body was gone. Look at him, denying it so vehemently; he must have done it!"
"I always said, who could stay in that old mansion for more than three days? Turns out, it's someone who harbors ghosts."
"He probably angered Elder He to death. It has to be him!"
"They found a spirit-sealing bead in the room he stayed in; it's irrefutable evidence!"
Those gossiping were relatives of the Bai family who had come to deal with the matters of the Bai's old mansion and were attending a meeting at Bai Hengqing's place, as well as some disciples not of the Bai surname. Despite their chatter, not one of them dared to approach Chi Shen. Given their belief that Chi Shen controlled spirits, they were naturally cautious, fearing that any powerful spirit summoned by him might lead to their demise. They were here to watch the spectacle, not to risk their lives.
Bai Ran looked at Chi Shen. Though he was so pained that his face was pale, sweat dripping, and his lips bloodless, he still managed to muster a smile. Today, he was determined to see Chi Shen perish here.
Bai Ximing looked at Chi Shen with sorrowful eyes, "Today, we've identified the culprit behind the Bai family's ghost-related murders. To think it's my own flesh and blood! But rest assured, everyone, I will make this right! Seize him!"
Immediately, a few ambitious members of the Bai family lunged forward.
Bai Ran, sitting by the window with a cruel smile, knew that once Chi Shen was killed, no one would discover that he had betrayed Bai Ximing. Even with a broken leg, he remained the precious son in his parents' eyes, the pitiable young master of the Bai family.
Beneath the light, a ghostly face on Chi Shen's shoulder whispered in terror, "What do we do? Big bro, think of something. I don't want to die here!"
Chi Shen smiled faintly, "Do me a favor."
The ghostly face responded, "Huh?"
Just as the Bai family members were about to grab Chi Shen, he raised his hand, flinging the ghostly face into the air and quickly pocketing a small mirror from his robe.
A force, akin to an explosive wave of ghostly energy, emanated from Chi Shen's position, knocking down the approaching Bai family members.
The airborne ghostly face quickly grasped Chi Shen's intention, expanding rapidly in mid-air and feigning that the ghostly force originated from him. With its shrill voice, it bellowed, "Dare lay a hand on Chi Shen, and see what happens!"
This roar seemed to confirm suspicions about Chi Shen's spirit taming, causing commotion amongst the crowd. Many pulled out their talismanic mirrors and wooden swords.
"Quick, stop him!" someone shouted.
Suddenly, a fierce wind swept through the garden, causing trees to spontaneously combust in eerie blue flames. A garden rockery exploded, revealing its dark insides.
Chi Shen had always known that the garden was meticulously set up for spiritual protection, keeping ordinary spirits at bay. The fact that he could bring in his armless ghost and the ghostly face was only due to his Faceless Mirror.
Though unfamiliar with these spiritual arrangements, he knew that in the face of overwhelming power, such formations would implode and collapse entirely.
As the fire began in the bushes, the garden's spiritual barrier broke. The invisible force keeping spirits out vanished, allowing any spirit to come and go freely.
As the wind suddenly halted, only Chi Shen stood still amidst the turmoil. Even Bai Ximing shielded himself from the strong gust and bursting spiritual energy.
"I did not kill He Chao and Lu Xiangyang," Chi Shen stated, bathed in the persistent beam of light, making him the evening's sole focus. "As for who did, asking them directly would be more accurate."
An overwhelming stench filled the air, reminiscent of the putrid smell from a freezer filled with meat that had been left unplugged for ten days.
Amidst this nauseating odor, Bai Ran, leaning on the window, shouted, "Their souls have been devoured by the ghosts. How can you ask them? Even now, you still attempt to defend yourself!"
To such words, Chi Shen remained silent.
Just outside the garden, a monster with a torso covered in tumors and pus-filled sores, yet a perfectly normal lower half clad in cotton pajama bottoms, approached. With every step he took, the putrid stench grew more intense.
"Bai Ran," the monster opened its vast mouth, speaking with the voice of a common young man, even a hint of pain revealed in the human eyes hidden among the tumors, "Don't you recognize me?"
Bai Ran's smile froze on his face. After several glances at the creature, he immediately shook his head. "I don’t know you. Why would I?"
"Are you... Lu Xiangyang?" A younger member of the crowd hesitated before stepping forward, "That's Lu Xiangyang’s voice. Are you him?!"
Chi Shen took a step back, gestured towards the still-intimidating ghost face in the air, and yielded the spotlight to Lu Xiangyang.
That day at the old mansion, he had brought Lu Xiangyang to He Chao's side. When Lu vomited uncontrollably, fearing that Lu might die or lose his soul from sheer fright, Chi Shen infused him with a hint of ghost energy to stabilize him.
Unexpectedly, this hint of ghost energy not only kept Lu Xiangyang alive temporarily but also caused him to merge with the ghost consuming him. As a result, the ghost filled his mangled upper body, resulting in grotesque tumors, and due to the incomplete fusion, his skin erupted with pus-filled sores, exuding an unbearable stench.
"Those are Lu Xiangyang’s clothes!"
"That look, it's definitely Lu Xiangyang!"
As more people identified Lu Xiangyang, Bai Ran panicked. He vehemently denied, "No, this isn’t Lu Xiangyang. Lu Xiangyang was consumed by a ghost. You've just found some monster to pose as him. You won't escape by tricking us like this!"
Naturally, Lu Xiangyang knew who had murdered him—it was Bai Ran. When Lu appeared, Bai Ran's composure completely shattered. If he could just deny this creature was Lu, he might still stand a chance.
"That day, you told me that Chi Shen was trying to usurp your position, and you lured him into the old house," the monstrous Lu Xiangyang slowly emerged into the light, looking directly at Bai Ran. "You had me and He Chao enter with century-old ashes... saying it would make Chi Shen's death more painful."
The crowd murmured in shock.
This version contrasted starkly with what they knew. Even Bai Ximing stared in surprise, not intervening. Xu XiuYun, who had arrived with the crowd, was stunned, murmuring, "Ranran... How could Ranran do this?"
