Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 135 Becoming a Spirit, Taking Action, Mass Grave

In Chen Ye's bloody vision, the ornate three-story building seemed to come to life.

Countless chaotic and complex thoughts, filled with desire, swirled and intertwined within it, eventually converging into that eerie gray mist.

It's like a huge, lust-driven monster, lurking in the street, greedily sucking the life essence of everyone who steps into its territory.

This building... it's come to life!

Chen Ye finally understood why Cong Bo had tried every method but couldn't detect any demonic or ghostly energy.

Because this thing is not a demon or ghost in the traditional sense!

It is a kind of architectural evil spirit born from the seven emotions and six desires of countless people, and from the decadent atmosphere accumulated day by day in this den of extravagance!
It has no physical form; its power originates from the human heart; and its attack method is to enter dreams.

These factors combined make it impossible to defend against!
Having uncovered the truth, Chen Ye did not linger any longer and immediately left the alley.

Because he knew that this level of evil spirit was beyond his ability to deal with alone.

The safest approach is to inform Cong Bo and let the Demon Slayer Bureau, a professional organization, handle the matter.

In any case, my task is simply to find out the truth.

As for how to proceed, that's something Cong Bo should worry about.

……

At this moment, Cong Bo was sitting in the room, lost in thought.

He looked noticeably haggard during this period because people were still dying in the case, but he couldn't find any clues. The pressure from all sides was driving him crazy.

As for Chen Ye, on whom he had placed high hopes, there was no movement whatsoever.

Thinking of this, Cong Bo couldn't help but feel sad. He felt that he definitely couldn't keep his position, and that he probably wouldn't be able to hear anyone call him "Head Cong" again.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door outside.

"Who is it!" Cong Bo said impatiently.

"It's me," Chen Ye's voice came from outside the door.

Upon hearing the voice, Cong Bo perked up, rushed over, and opened the door.

Chen Ye stood in front of the door with a smile on his face.

"How...how is it?" Cong Bo stammered.

"Fortunately, I live up to my fate!"

call!
Cong Bo immediately let out a breath, feeling completely relaxed, and all his previous anxiety vanished.

Chen Ye then told Cong Bo about his findings and speculations in detail.

After hearing this, Cong Bo's face also showed disbelief.

"You mean... the building itself malfunctioned?"

It's no wonder he reacted that way.

After all, he had dealt with demons and monsters for half his life, and had seen all kinds of zombies, vengeful ghosts, fox spirits, and tree spirits, but he had never heard of a brothel becoming a spirit and harming people before.

"It's true."

Chen Ye's tone was very certain.

“I saw it with my own eyes last night; that strange power was emanating from the entire Drunken Spring Pavilion.”

"It uses the girls in the building as a medium to enter their dreams and kill them, absorbing their yang energy."

Cong Bo released his grip and paced back and forth in the room, his expression shifting between light and dark.

He knew Chen Ye wasn't one to speak carelessly.

But this was still somewhat beyond his expectations.

“Architectural evil spirit… Damn it, how could such a monstrous thing appear!” Cong Bo finally cursed under his breath, then looked at Chen Ye with a solemn expression.

"Brother, we really owe you a lot this time. If it weren't for you, we probably would have racked our brains and never figured out that the problem was here!"

He was genuinely impressed.

This case had been troubling him for more than half a month, leaving the entire Demon Slayer Division helpless. However, Chen Ye found the root of the problem in just a few days.

This ability is truly amazing.

"Now that the truth has been revealed, what do you plan to do next, Lord Cong?" Chen Ye asked directly.

He was more concerned with how to solve this problem.

Upon hearing this, Cong Bo's face revealed a fierce expression.

"What can we do? What else can we do?"

He snorted coldly, "Now that we've found the root cause, we naturally have to dig it out!"

"I'll go find Magistrate Huang right now and get this straight!"

Cong Bo is very proactive; after all, he won't have peace of mind until this matter is resolved.

He immediately straightened his clothes and headed straight for the county government office.

Chen Ye stayed at the Demon Slayer Division, leisurely drinking tea and waiting for the results.

He knew that Cong Bo could definitely handle this matter well.

After all, this was a case concerning the safety of the entire city's residents, and even involved the lives of officials' sons, in addition to the clear evidence and pressure provided by the Demon Slayer Bureau.

Anyone who isn't an idiot would know which option to choose.

Sure enough, Cong Bo returned not long after.

He had a smug look on his face, clearly indicating that things were going very smoothly.

"nailed it!"

Cong Bo plopped down and took a big gulp of tea.

"When the man surnamed Huang heard that his cash cow had turned into a man-eating monster, his face turned green."

“As soon as I explained the pros and cons to him, he immediately backed down and agreed to cooperate with us.”

"In order not to affect his meager business, he will announce that Zuichunlou has been in disrepair for many years and needs to be temporarily closed for three days for renovation."

Chen Ye nodded; that was a good excuse.

"Therefore, the time to take action is set for the third watch of tomorrow night."

Cong Bo looked at Chen Ye and extended an invitation, "Brother, would you be interested in coming with me to take a look?"

Chen Ye smiled and agreed.

He was also curious about what method Cong Bo would use to deal with this invisible and intangible architectural evil spirit.

He also wanted to take this opportunity to see the true strength of this centurion of the Demon Slayer Division.

The next day, Zuichunlou indeed closed its doors and shut down, citing the need for renovations and a three-day closure.

These pleasure-seekers were naturally extremely disappointed, but fortunately, there were many brothels in Yuhuo County, so no one paid too much attention to the matter.

That night, around midnight.

This time of day is usually the liveliest, but now it's dark and deathly silent.

On the second floor of a teahouse opposite Zuichunlou, Chen Ye and Cong Bo stood by the window, quietly watching the building shrouded in darkness.

Apart from the two of them, the surrounding streets had already been cleared out by the Demon Slayer Bureau, and not even a fly could get in.

"That's about it," Cong Bo said in a deep voice, glancing at the sky.

This is the time of day when yin energy is at its peak, and also when evil spirits are most active.

Cong Bo took a deep breath, and his aura suddenly changed.

If he was a dormant tiger before, then he is now a ferocious beast unleashed from its cage!

A vast and boundless aura, far surpassing the Unobstructed Realm, erupted from his body!

This aura was so strong that it even caused the surrounding air to vibrate.

Chen Ye stood behind him, his pupils suddenly contracting.

He clearly felt an indescribable pressure coming at him, making it difficult for him to even breathe.

Condensed Sea Realm!
This seemingly rugged and bold centurion of the Demon Slayer Division is actually a master of the Condensation Sea Realm who has already condensed his dantian and qi sea!

The seven realms of Qi Refining are: Foundation Building, Qi Nourishment, Unobstructed Flow, Sea of ​​Qi Condensation, Inner Landscape, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul Transformation.

Although the Unobstructed Realm and the Sea Condensation Realm are only one realm apart, they are worlds apart!

One body has only internal energy flowing, while the other's dantian has become a sea of ​​qi, with internal energy that is inexhaustible, powerful and domineering, and they are not comparable.

No wonder he was able to hold onto his position as a centurion in the Demon Slaying Division of Yuhuo County!
Just as Chen Ye was surprised, Cong Bo made a move.

He didn't use any magical artifacts or chant any incantations; he simply raised his hand, aimed it at the Drunken Spring Pavilion, and clenched it tightly!
"Get out here!"

A thunderous roar erupted from his mouth.

Boom!

As if in response to his command, the once silent Drunken Spring Pavilion suddenly began to tremble violently!

The bricks and tiles rustled and the entire building groaned under the weight of the load.

Immediately afterwards, a huge and distorted phantom formed from countless gray mists was forcibly dragged out of the building by an invisible force!
This phantom has no fixed form; sometimes it transforms into a charming woman, and sometimes into a ferocious demon, emitting a series of shrill and ear-piercing screams, filled with resentment and unwillingness.

At the same time, it struggled frantically, trying to escape back into its "body".

However, in the face of the absolute power of a master at the Sea Condensation Realm, all its resistance was futile.

"Hmph! You wretched creature!" Cong Bo sneered, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Then, a fierce, sun-like blood-red aura suddenly erupted from his body!
"break!"

A single word, like a thunderclap from the heavens, exploded with deafening force. The crimson aura transformed into a giant hand, instantly grasping the gray phantom in its palm.

sizzle.

Like boiling oil poured on snow, the incredibly tough gray evil spirit melted away like ice and snow the moment it came into contact with the bloodthirsty aura, then let out a desperate wail and vanished completely.

The whole process took only a few breaths.

When everything settled down, Cong Bo withdrew his hand and his aura subsided once more.

Then he turned around, grinned at Chen Ye, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Done, call it a day."

Chen Ye looked at him, speechless for a long time.

Is this the power of the Sea Condensation Realm?

It's incredibly strong!
"Kid, here's the commission I promised you." Cong Bo tossed over a money pouch filled with gleaming gold coins.

Chen Ye didn't stand on ceremony and put it away directly.

Cong Bo watched Chen Ye's actions, then smiled slightly, "Kid, are you interested in working under me? With your abilities, I believe it won't be long before you surpass me, and it's not impossible for you to even become a commander of a thousand households."

In fact, Cong Bo had long wanted to recruit Chen Ye, because in his opinion, it was a waste for such a talented person to only be a bounty hunter.

Chen Ye simply smiled at this, "No need. I'm used to being a free spirit. If I really entered the officialdom and was bound by those rules, I would probably find it very difficult to get used to. It's more convenient for me to be an unofficial staff member."

Upon hearing this, Cong Bo sighed with regret, but did not insist.

With the case at Zuichunlou closed, Chen Ye's life returned to normal.

But he knew this peace was only temporary.

There is a problem he must solve as soon as possible.

Lü Song!

That young master with kidney deficiency from White Bone Mountain is like a thorn stuck in the flesh; although it's not fatal for the time being, it always makes people feel uncomfortable.

Chen Ye happens to be someone who doesn't like to leave trouble overnight.

He wouldn't let a grudge go unpunished; that's not his style.

In particular, this Lü Song had repeatedly caused him trouble, and last time at Fengmanlou, he even had murderous intent.

Since the feud has already begun, there is no possibility of resolving it.

Either you die or I die.

Instead of waiting for the other party to pop up and annoy you again at any time, it's better to take the initiative and nip the threat in the bud.

So, in the following days, Chen Ye did not go into seclusion to cultivate.

He began to use his current status as an unofficial member of the Demon Slayer Division, as well as the good relationship he had established with Cong Bo, to quietly investigate Lü Song and Bai Gu Shan's stronghold in Yu Huo County.

The intelligence network of the Demon Slayer Bureau was indeed much more efficient than him wandering around aimlessly like a headless fly.

Two days later, a detailed document about Lü Song arrived in Chen Ye's hands.

The document contains detailed records of Lü Song's recent activities, his residence, and even some of his daily habits.

It turns out that Baigushan had a small contact point in the east of Yuhuo County, which was disguised as a coffin shop.

Lu Song and his fellow apprentices usually lived in the backyard of that coffin shop.

Ever since he suffered a great loss at Fengmanlou, the tall, thin senior brother who had been locked up by Cong Bo for ten days left Yuhuo County in a sorry state the very day he was released, not daring to stay any longer.

The remaining senior brother also became much more low-key.

Only Lü Song seemed unwilling to give up.

According to intelligence, he has been secretly gathering information about Chen Ye in recent days, seemingly plotting some kind of revenge.

"Things that don't know whether to live or die."

Chen Ye looked at the documents in his hand, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes.

Since you insist on courting death, don't blame me for being ruthless.

He memorized the contents of the document, then burned it, leaving no trace.

The next step is to wait for the right opportunity.

An opportunity to strike decisively and leave no loose ends.

Chen Ye was very patient, like a hunter waiting for his prey to make a mistake.

And this wait lasted for three days.

That day, Chen Ye finally received a message from an informant in the Demon Slayer Division.

Lu Song left the coffin shop alone, acting suspiciously, and headed out of the city.

Judging from the direction he was heading, his destination seemed to be that infamous mass grave on the outskirts of the city.

The opportunity is coming!

Chen Ye's eyes instantly sharpened.

Because he immediately guessed Lü Song's purpose.

This guy must have run out of the ashes he usually uses for drugs, so he's going to the mass grave to restock.

The mass graves outside the city are desolate and eerie places, perfect for murder and disposing of corpses.

Without the slightest hesitation, Chen Ye changed into clothes that were easy to move in, wrapped his long sword in black cloth, and then left the inn silently.

……

at dusk.

On the dirt road leading to the mass grave, Lü Song was hurrying along, carrying a dim lantern.

His face was somewhat pale, and his eyes held a hint of barely suppressed resentment and impatience.

That day at Fengmanlou, he was publicly humiliated, and Chen Ye twisted his arm like a pretzel, breaking it. This was a humiliation he would never forget in his life.

So these past few days he's been thinking constantly about how to get revenge.

Unfortunately, Chen Ye had gotten involved with Cong Bo of the Demon Slayer Bureau. Even though the Demon Slayer Bureau had gradually declined in recent years, he still dared not make a move in the city.

The senior apprentice was a coward; he was terrified by Cong Bo and had already run away.

He was no match for that kid surnamed Chen on his own.

"Damn it! Once I refine an even stronger Yin Sha Bone Powder this time, I'll make you wish you were dead!"

Lu Song gritted his teeth and cursed under his breath, completely unaware that a black figure was silently following him in the shadows of the woods not far behind him.

Chen Ye stared coldly at the oblivious figure in front of him.

However, Chen Ye did not rush to make a move because the city gate was not far enough away. He had to wait for a place where there was absolutely no chance of success.

With one person in front and the other behind, they soon arrived at the mass grave.

A chilling wind blew through the mass grave, and a ghostly atmosphere filled the air.

Everywhere there were crooked graves, some of which had even collapsed, revealing the stark white bones inside.

The air was filled with the stench of rotting corpses and the stench of earth, making one want to vomit.

Lü Song was clearly very familiar with this place.

Carrying a lantern, he skillfully turned into the depths of a cemetery, finally stopping in front of a relatively fresh-looking grave mound.

He put down the lantern, took out a small iron shovel from his pocket, and prepared to start digging up the grave and exhuming the corpse.

Just as he bent down and shoveled the first shovelful of soil...

A chilling killing intent shot out from behind him without warning!

laugh!
A sharp blade of light, like lightning flashing in the night, with a piercing shriek that tore through the air, aimed straight for his vital back!

That strike was swift, precise, and ruthless!

This was Chen Ye's long-awaited, fatal blow!
However, as expected of a disciple from an unorthodox sect, Lü Song was indeed much more vigilant than the average person.

The moment the blade touched his body, the hairs on his body stood on end. A strong sense of crisis made him roll over on the spot without thinking and scramble to the side!

puff!

Although he managed to dodge a fatal blow, the deadly blade still left a deep, bone-revealing wound on his back.

Blood instantly stained his clothes.

"what!"

Lu Song let out a cry of pain, scrambled to his feet, and looked back in utter horror.

Under the moonlight, a man dressed entirely in black, with his face covered by a black cloth, revealing only a pair of cold eyes, stood silently in the spot where he had just been standing, holding a long knife.

"It's...it's you!"

Even though the other person's face was covered, Lu Song would recognize those eyes and that murderous aura even if he were reduced to ashes!

It's that guy surnamed Chen!

Why is he here? !
A bone-chilling cold instantly shot from the soles of Lü Song's feet straight to the top of his head!

He couldn't understand how his whereabouts had been exposed!
But now, there's no time for him to think about these things.

Because Lü Song knew that the other party's presence here was definitely not to chat or reminisce.

This is... a cover-up!
run!
Otherwise, I would definitely be dead today!

Once the thought crossed his mind, Lü Song turned and fled into the depths of the mass grave.

"Trying to run?" Chen Ye chuckled. "Do you think you can escape?"

(End of this chapter)