I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 135 Take Action, He's a Zombie!!!
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Tree Brother let out a piercing scream, startling the birds in the nearby trees and attracting the howls of wild beasts.

Then, it fell silent.

However, having witnessed Fat Tiger's death, Tree Brother was somewhat prepared. As he lay dying, he detonated a signal flare at his waist. With a whoosh, a firework shot up to the nearby treetops, bursting into a dazzling display.

"Kakaka~"

The old man in black ignored the signal flare and took a bite out of it. In no time, he had devoured Tree Brother's body completely.

Bright red blood flowed down the dense fangs, dripping onto the ground.

"Jie Jie Jie~"

The old man in black had white eyes and let out a sinister laugh, licking his lips with satisfaction.

Sitting in the chair, Chen Ashui seemed startled by the old man in black before him, staring blankly for a long while before speaking: "This is a signal flare from the Green Wolf Gang. They have disciples patrolling nearby. Once they see this signal, they'll be here soon. We need to leave quickly."

"Jie Jie Jie~"

The old man in black grinned sinisterly as he picked up the coffin lid from the ground, saying, "You can't leave, you can't leave. I can't leave this coffin for long right now; I need to lie inside."

As he spoke, the old man in black lay back down in the upright coffin, his hands supporting the lid which was about to slip off at any moment. He solemnly instructed, "You can't leave. You have to hide, hide. I'm almost at the end of my cultivation journey. Once I'm complete, I can escape this broken coffin. Red Lantern Goddess, you dug me out of the Huai River. We made a deal. Hide me, and once I'm free from this coffin, I'll definitely help you with your business."

The woman in red standing in the living room, half of her body hidden in shadow, was particularly frightening in her red dress and shadow.

The woman in red showed no expression, only nodding sinisterly: "Mm."

"Then I'm relieved. When I've achieved great success in my cultivation, I will repay you. Hehe, hehe..." The old man in black chuckled sinisterly, then released his hand. Suddenly, with a "whoosh," the coffin lid slid off and closed again.

The rotten wooden coffin was sealed tightly, yet a sinister "heh heh" sound could still be heard coming from inside. It took a long time for silence to return.

The chilling aura emanating from Chen Ashui finally dissipated, and he regained his composure. He turned to look at the woman in red in the living room: "What if we're discovered?"

The woman in red said coldly, "You've become my corpse puppet, and there's no zombie aura within you. As long as you don't go berserk and eat people, your teeth won't be seen. Except for the lack of body temperature, you're no different from a human. I'll hide you in the cellar in the backyard with the coffin. Who can find you?"

After hearing the woman's words, Chen Ashui calmed down considerably and said, "I understand."

brush~
The woman in red walked out of the living room, her footsteps clearly making no sound at all.

Chen Ashui watched quietly as the woman in red walked to the side of the upright coffin, then lifted the coffin and went to the backyard with small, quick steps.

"Remember to clean up the bloodstains around you. I'll be staying at your house for a while."

"Yes."

Chen Ashui stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and watched the woman in red disappear into the distance before letting out a sigh of relief. His tense body gradually relaxed, and he went to the ancient well in the courtyard to fetch water and then grabbed a rag to clean up the bloodstains.

They also burned mugwort in the yard to remove the smell of blood from the surrounding area.

Chen Ashui would occasionally look up at the moon in the sky. He had so much to say, yet he couldn't say it. He also had so many things he wanted to do, like reporting to the Green Wolf Gang... but his body wouldn't cooperate, and he couldn't do them.

He vaguely remembered that a few days ago he rented a sampan on the Huai River and went fishing at the dock. The catch was good, and he sold the fish at the fish market at the dock for a full two hundred coins.

That day was the anniversary of his parents' and younger brother's death. He specially bought some offerings, paper money, and incense to pay respects to his relatives. He prayed that his loved ones were doing well in heaven and would not encounter demons or monsters again.

Then, he thought of that night twenty years ago.

This is a shadow that he can never erase for the rest of his life.

A sixteen-year-old boy witnessed his parents and younger brother being eaten by a ghost. That feeling... even after twenty years, he still remembers it vividly and has nightmares about it every time.

He harbored resentment.

Although the young leader of the Green Wolf Gang and the lord of Tangjiabao stayed in Dazexiang for a month, they still couldn't find the ghost, so they had no choice but to bury the empty coffin on the banks of the Huai River.

On the day he paid respects to his relatives, Chen Ashui, who was nearly forty years old, knelt before the grave and wailed. Afterwards, he took a hoe, went to the Huai River, and dug open the coffin.

He planned to burn the coffin.

Although Tang Xianhe, the lord of Tangjiabao, warned Chen Ashui not to touch the empty coffin when he buried it.

But Chen Ashui couldn't stand it.

However, just as Chen Ashui dug up the grave and was about to burn the coffin, he was horrified to discover that... inside the originally empty coffin lay the old man in black who had haunted his nightmares for twenty years.

Chen Ashui was terrified and was about to call for help when he saw a woman in red passing by. The woman in red was very surprised when she saw the old man in the coffin, and her face lit up with joy.

Then, Chen Ashui was bitten by the woman in red.

When Chen Ashui was bitten, he saw the red-clothed woman's mouth full of dense fangs, just like the black-clothed old man had eaten his own family members twenty years ago.

At that time, Chen Ashui knew that the woman in red and the old man in black were the same kind of terrifying beings.

Chen Ashui thought he was going to die, but he didn't... He became the red-clad woman's corpse puppet. He had to obey the red-clad woman in everything and couldn't refuse.

After that, the woman in red asked him to secretly move the coffin back to her home, and he stayed there.

During this time, Chen Ashui tried many ways to send a message.

But... I really can't do it.

Chen Ashui harbored hatred, resentment, and anger.

A raging inferno.

But it didn't work.

With their meager abilities, they were utterly powerless to resist.

He knew that something big was about to happen in Dazexiang.

Many, many people will die.

He didn't want it to be like this.

But there is no way.

How to do?
what should I do?
Chen Ashui asked himself this question over and over again.

……

Dazexiang Wharf.

Although it was nightfall, there were still some fish market workers and fishermen returning from fishing at the dock. They moored their boats at the dock, disembarked, and brought their catch to sell at the dock.

The weather cleared up in May, and the water level rose. It was the best time of year for fishing.

In addition, Dazexiang is located outside the city, so there is no curfew. Fishermen are willing to fish late at night, and the owners and employees of the fish market are also willing to stay open longer so that they can collect more fish to sell.

"Manager Liu, these groupers were just caught. They're fresh and plump. Take them home and make soup so your wife can recover." The old manager of the fish market scooped two plump groupers from the fish basket, pierced their gills with bamboo strips, and handed them to Manager Liu.

"Oh dear, sir, I can't accept this. Every time I come on patrol, I take a few fish from you. It's not right, not right at all." Manager Liu didn't reach out to take the fish, but waved his hand with a smile. He was an outer disciple of the Green Wolf Gang, named Liu Xiang. He managed more than a dozen Green Wolf Gang members, specifically responsible for patrolling the Dazexiang area.

If bandits or disputes occurred in the area, Liu Xiang would handle them. Over time, the villagers came to know Liu Xiang and became familiar with him.

The old fishmonger smiled and stuffed the bamboo strips into Liu Xiang's hand. "Manager Liu, please don't be so polite with me. We've been able to run our business safely all these years thanks to your help. These two groupers aren't anything valuable. If you don't accept them, it means you look down on me."

Liu Xiang smiled broadly and said, "In that case, I shall accept your offer."

Seeing that Liu Xiang had accepted the grouper, the old shopkeeper breathed a sigh of relief and then instructed several of his employees to send large carp to each of Liu Xiang's six or seven men.

Everyone's mood improved after getting the fish.

"It's getting late, shopkeeper, don't be greedy for a few coins. Close up shop early. Things haven't been peaceful in Dazexiang lately," Liu Xiang instructed, then picked up the two large groupers and prepared to leave.

Just in time——

call out!
A signal flare exploded in the sky above Dazexiang, bursting into bright fireworks.

Liu Xiang was initially stunned, but after seeing the color of the fireworks clearly, her expression suddenly changed drastically.

"Oops, something happened!"

pat!

The large grouper in his hand fell to the ground.

Liu Xiang, disregarding everything else, immediately drew her sword and called to her men to rush towards the direction of the smoke. She also instructed the fish market owner, "Owner, close the shop immediately. Tell the fishermen in the vicinity not to go to the dock; they should all go home."

Seeing Liu Xiang and the others rushing away so hastily, the old shopkeeper immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. "Close the shop quickly! Go home!!"

After closing the shop door, the old shopkeeper hurriedly left. He accidentally stepped on something and looked down. There stood the two grouper, trampled to death, their eyes wide open, a horrifying white showing.

The old shopkeeper felt a sinister gaze upon him and, not daring to linger, hurriedly left. A bad premonition lingered in his heart.

Meanwhile, Liu Xiang led six or seven men on a frantic run.

One of the men said, "Boss, those fireworks seem to be coming from Chen Ashui's house. Let's go take a look."

"it is good."

They rushed all the way to Chen Ashui's house.

The door was ajar.

Chen Ashui sat on a bamboo chair in the courtyard, weaving a fish basket, with his back to everyone.

Liu Xiang breathed a sigh of relief: "Uncle Shui, did you see anything just now? Or did anything strange happen?"

Chen Ashui didn't say anything.

What he wanted to say.

But I can't put it into words.

Liu Xiang knew that Chen Ashui wasn't a talkative person, so she didn't think much of it and led a few men inside. "Let's go to the well to get some water and see if there's anything unusual at Uncle Ashui's house."

Chen Ashui caught a glimpse of Liu Xiang leading the way in from the corner of his eye.

His inner voice screamed: Don't come in! Don't come in!!

But I can't put it into words.

This made Chen Ashui feel extremely devastated.

Liu Xiang led her men to the well to fetch water and drink it. They then checked Ah Shui's house but found nothing amiss. Finally, she approached Chen Ah Shui and asked with concern, "Uncle Ah Shui, why aren't you saying anything? Are you feeling unwell?"

Chen Ashui knew that these people usually took good care of him, and he appreciated their kindness.

His mind was screaming: Don't be curious, don't come near me, don't come near me!!

But I can't put it into words.

"Uncle Ashui, what's wrong?"

……

After a month of seclusion, Chen Mo finally ventured out.

Perhaps because he hadn't been out and about for so long, Chen Mo was quite pleased to see the lively Green Wolf Gang members sparring and practicing their martial arts. The constant flow of members coming and going made him feel very relaxed.

Chen Mo's bald head made him extremely conspicuous.

Many disciples stopped sparring when they saw Chen Mo, becoming very reserved, and some even gossiped about it privately.

"Is this the new disciple our leader has taken in?"

"It's definitely him. It's really strange. Our leader is a hero of his generation. So many people would kill to become his apprentice. But he didn't agree to any of them... and he's taken on a newcomer instead."

"What can we do? This newcomer is just too capable. He's gained the leader's favor."

"Let's keep quiet. This guy looks like a fierce and dangerous person. We don't want to get punched away by him."

"..."

The murmurs were not loud, and the speakers all assumed that Chen Mo could not hear them.

In fact, after Chen Mo entered the True Fire level, his six senses became exceptionally sharp, and he heard it long ago.

Chen Mo didn't take it seriously and walked straight ahead with his hands behind his back.

"Mr. Mo!"

Suddenly, a person ran out from the crowd.

It was Lu Chengzhuang.

"Lu Chengzhuang, how have you been these days?" Chen Mo asked with a light smile when he saw an acquaintance.

When Chen Mo first came to the Green Wolf Gang, Lu Chengzhuang naturally followed. However, Lu Chengzhuang's abilities were limited, and he only became a very lowly outer disciple. Later, Chen Mo was busy with his seclusion and didn't inquire much about Lu Chengzhuang's progress.

As Lu Chengzhuang followed behind Chen Mo, he chuckled, "I'm doing quite well in the gang. At first, a few scoundrels from the outer sect didn't take me seriously. But when they learned that Young Master Mo had knocked the young gang leader away with one punch, they immediately came to apologize to me. But there were still some outer sect managers who didn't respect me. But when they learned that Young Master Mo had become the gang leader's personal disciple, they immediately greeted me with smiles. Whatever training resources I wanted, they gave me. I'm really benefiting from Young Master's good fortune."

Chen Mo said calmly, "The most common human thoughts are bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Has your martial arts improved?"

Hey.

Lu Chengzhuang smiled and said, "Thanks to the special care of Steward Li from the outer sect, I have been given a lot of resources. I have now stepped into the ninth level of martial arts. I know that these achievements are nothing in front of you, but for me, they are achievements that I never dared to dream of in Honghe County. I will always remember your kindness, Young Master Mo."

Chen Mo nodded slightly: "The Green Wolf Gang is a Jianghu force built by Tang Family Fort with all its resources. It is rich in resources. You must make good use of it and strive to make a name for yourself here. I have some important matters to attend to, so I will not talk to you for now."

"Young master, you are busy. I will continue practicing my skills."

After taking a few steps, Chen Mo suddenly remembered: "By the way, is it possible to visit Cuiwei Residence in the prefectural city recently?"

Lu Chengzhuang said, "I will follow your instructions, young master, and go to Cuiwei Residence whenever I have free time."

"Has Miss Xiaoye returned?"

"I've seen her twice, but Miss Xiaoye seems to go out frequently, probably hanging out with her friends. She always comes back very late. I reckon... most of her friends are just fair-weather friends. They might have bad intentions towards Miss Xiaoye. Xiaoye is new to the martial world and inexperienced. It would be a real pity if she were to be ruined by those scoundrels. Why don't you bring her to the Green Wolf Gang, young master?"

Chen Mo thought for a moment, "Does she have any intention of coming here?"

"Yes, she really wanted to come when she learned that you had come to the Green Wolf Gang. But I saw that you were in seclusion, so I didn't disturb you."

“In that case, bring him to the Green Wolf Gang. Although this place is poor, it’s better than her being harmed by those scoundrels.”

"But the Green Wolf Gang has extremely strict screening procedures for recruiting members. That Xiao Ye comes from the capital, I'm afraid..."

"No need for such trouble. Just say she's my personal maid, whom I called to serve you. I don't think the young master will make things difficult for you."

"Young master is wise. I will go and inform Xiaoye immediately."

After saying goodbye to Lu Chengzhuang, Chen Mo put Xiao Ye's matter out of his mind and immediately went to Tang Binghu's villa.

"Brother Mo!"

As soon as they entered, they heard Tang Peng's surprised and joyful shouts.

"Brother Peng, is Master inside?"

Tang Peng eagerly pulled Chen Mo inside, saying, "Here I am. Father has been talking about you a lot this past month. He's been saying why you haven't come to ask him about the Dragon Elephant Kung Fu. Master even went to your place a few times during that time, worried that you might go astray in your practice. But each time he saw that your breathing was steady, Father didn't disturb your seclusion."

Chen Mo hadn't expected Tang Binghu to care about him so much.

He was, after all, the only disciple.

"Master is so kind."

Upon entering the inner courtyard, Chen Mo saw Tang Binghu practicing his cultivation technique. He waited for a moment in the corridor until Tang Binghu finished his practice before stepping forward and bowing respectfully: "Master. I heard from Brother Peng that you have come to see me several times, worried that I might suffer a qi deviation. Your disciple thanks you."

Tang Binghu smiled broadly: "These are all minor matters, not worth mentioning. By the way, you've completed a month of cultivating the Dragon Elephant Technique. Have you realized the difficulties involved?"

Tang Binghu didn't ask Chen Mo if he had mastered the skills, but instead asked him to... understand the difficulties involved.

It is clear that Tang Binghu did not believe Chen Mo was capable of mastering the art.

After all, even with Tang Binghu's talent, it took him five years to master the basics. Chen Mo only took a month... how is that possible?

Chen Mo didn't expose him, lest he disturb his master's resolve, and said, "This technique can indeed reach the advanced level, its profound meaning is extraordinary. The difficulty of cultivation is unheard of, but I have already grasped the basics. I think it won't take long before I can master the first level of the Giant Elephant Force."

Chen Mo had already spoken very cautiously, leaving himself some room for maneuver. If Tang Binghu were to discover that he had mastered the art one day, it would be a case of anticipating it in advance.

Tang Binghu, however, smiled dismissively and said, "It's good that young people have ambition. But the greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment. It's better to lower your goals. Don't rush things. Otherwise, if the progress doesn't meet expectations, it might damage your Dao heart and cause you harm."

“Master’s teachings are correct.”

"Haha, come here, I've created a new cursive script, my apprentice, help me decipher it."

"..."

Helpless, Chen Mo went to look at his master's cursive script, which was clearly a bunch of scribbles, but Chen Mo still praised it enthusiastically under Tang Peng's incredulous gaze. This made Tang Binghu beam with joy.

"Since my disciple says so, I suppose my creative direction for cursive script is correct. From now on, I will stride forward on this path to innovate and seek new ideas."

Chen Mo: "..."

If nobody recognizes you now, and you try to expand even further... I'm afraid even ghosts won't recognize you.

But since his master liked it, Chen Mo didn't discourage him.

Tang Binghu asked the waiter to cook a meal, which Tang Peng and Chen Mo then ate together.

After the meal, Tang Binghu spoke up, "It's not good for you to stay in your room all the time, cultivating in seclusion. Studying martial arts in seclusion is one thing, but you still need to focus on practical application. After all, only in actual combat can you discover your weaknesses and make adjustments. Therefore, I've arranged for you to be one of the Fifth Elders, mainly responsible for external affairs. I'll take you to the council hall to meet the other elders later. That will settle things."

Chen Mo had no objection to this and agreed with Tang Binghu's point of view.

Ultimately, martial arts skills can only be honed and improved through actual combat.

Real-world experience is always the best teacher. "Thank you, Master, for making these arrangements for me."

"Come on, today I have achieved great success in calligraphy. Let's have a drink for this calligraphy."

Although he felt the reason was a bit awkward, Chen Mo still raised his glass: "Congratulations, Master, on your great achievement in calligraphy."

Tang Peng, standing to the side, was completely bewildered and at a loss for what to do.

Tang Binghu glared at Tang Peng: "What? You won't toast your father?"

Tang Peng reluctantly raised his glass: "Congratulations, Father, on your great achievement in calligraphy."

"That's more like my son."

Tang Peng: "..."

Tang Peng felt that he had been corrupted by someone... The atmosphere in this family was becoming increasingly strange.

……

"Ahead is the council hall of the Green Wolf Gang, called the Green Wolf Hall. Ordinary disciples cannot enter unless they have urgent matters to report. Only the four elders of the gang and the deputy gang leader are allowed to enter. It is a solemn place for discussing important matters."

After dinner, Tang Binghu led Chen Mo and Tang Peng away from the villa and headed straight for the Azure Wolf Palace.

When they arrived at the main gate of the Azure Wolf Palace, Chen Mo was somewhat impressed by the grandeur of the hall.

It's even more impressive than the main hall of Tangjiabao.

It even surpasses the ancient pagoda of Hongdeng Temple in Honghe County.

Outside the main hall was a huge training ground, capable of holding several thousand people. Above the main hall's entrance hung a magnificent, golden plaque, but... Chen Mo couldn't recognize the three characters written on it.

Needless to say, it was definitely Master showing off his calligraphy. I wonder if the other elders have any objections.

There must be some people who have opinions, but they dare not speak out...

Upon entering the main hall, I found it resembled the imperial court's assembly hall. The surrounding area was empty, with no seats. The only seat was placed directly in front, requiring a climb of six steps.

Sitting in that position, he looked incredibly imposing.

There were two people standing in the hall at that moment.

A man in his forties, dressed in gray, was seven feet tall, comparable to Tang Tongshan. He had a prominent vertical scar on his face, making him look quite ferocious. A five-foot-long broadsword slung across his back, his imposing presence deterring anyone from looking directly at him.

The other woman appeared to be in her early thirties, wearing a long pink dress with a high slit that revealed her long, slender, and fair legs. She wore cloud-patterned boots and had her hair tied in a ponytail. Several whips were wrapped around her waist, presumably her weapon.

"Gang leader."

Upon seeing Tang Binghu, the two men bowed and greeted him.

Ok.

Tang Binghu casually stepped up six steps, plopped down in a chair, and said with an air of authority, "This is my newly accepted disciple, Chen Mo. You all already know him. Little Mo, this beautiful woman is Tang Mei, the fourth elder of our Green Wolf Gang. She is skilled with the whip and is a master of the fifth level of aristocratic bloodline."

"Greetings, Elder Tang Mei." Chen Mo cupped his hands in greeting, but was quite surprised.

After such a long period of bloodline cultivation, Chen Mo now knows that aristocratic bloodlines can activate a total of six levels of abilities. The difference between each level is significant. Starting with the initial blood energy, it progresses to blood fire, and then true fire.

Currently, Chen Mo's family bloodline level is True Fire.

Further on, there are three more abilities that can be activated: Blood Mist, Blood Rift, and Blood Illumination.

These three layers employ an almost desperate fighting style, demonstrating an incredibly exaggerated level of skill.

Tang Mei looks to be only in her early thirties, yet she has already reached the Blood Rift level. Truly remarkable.

"I've long heard of Young Master Mo's feat of knocking the young gang leader away with a single punch. No wonder he's so favored by the gang leader. Seeing him today, he truly is a handsome man." Tang Mei spoke in a charming and alluring voice, as if she could bewitch anyone's soul.

Even Chen Mo felt his bones go weak upon hearing this, and he quickly rallied his spirit to dispel the bewitching effect.

Tang Mei was surprised to see Chen Mo recover so quickly.

Tang Binghu laughed, "Tang Mei is mischievous and easily makes young men's hearts flutter. If they really fall for her tricks, it won't be good. Xiao Mo, don't worry about it. This is a seven-foot-tall man, Tang Lei, the third elder of our Green Wolf Gang. He has a natural Thunderclap physique and has mastered the Thunderclap Force, reaching an unprecedented level. He is also a master of the fifth level of aristocratic bloodline. He is mainly responsible for dealing with ghosts in the surrounding area."

Chen Mo bowed politely and said, "Greetings, Elder Tang Lei."

Tang Lei was not as "enthusiastic" as Tang Mei; he just snorted and said nothing more.

Tang Binghu didn't mind and said, "My disciple is a genius, but he likes to cultivate in seclusion. I always felt that he needed more experience, so I added a fifth elder position to the Green Wolf Gang, which my disciple will hold. Do either of you have any objections?"

Tang Mei readily agreed, but Tang Lei was somewhat reluctant. "I have no objection to the decision made by the gang leader. However... our Green Wolf Gang is currently under a lot of pressure. Young Master Mo is still young, and even as an elder, he needs someone to guide him, which is quite a burden on the gang's affairs."

Tang Binghu waved his hand and said, "That's perfect. From now on, you can mentor the newcomers more."

Tang Lei showed no respect whatsoever, turning his head away and remaining silent.

Tang Mei spoke up: "I find this young man quite pleasing to the eye. He can come with me on missions from now on."

"Then it's decided." Tang Binghu breathed a sigh of relief. He had long known that Tang Lei was arrogant and looked down on newcomers, finding them troublesome. Fortunately, he had discussed it with Tang Mei beforehand. Otherwise, today's meeting might have made Tang Binghu lose face.

Just then, an inner disciple rushed in, "Reporting. Clan Leader, Third Elder, Fourth Elder, Young Clan Leader... something has happened in Dazexiang."

Tang Lei glared at him, "Getting so worked up over such a small thing, what kind of behavior is this?"

The inner disciple, intimidated by Tang Lei's imposing presence, took two steps back. Tang Mei stepped forward and asked, "Tang Lei, why are you showing off to a disciple? Don't be afraid, tell me."

The disciple then dared to speak, "A few days ago, when Awei went on patrol in Daze Township, he didn't come back. But everyone thought Awei usually liked to gamble, so we didn't think much of it and just assumed he went somewhere to have fun. Just now, our signal flare went off. It went off twice! I happened to be patrolling nearby, so I took some men to check, only to find that Liu Xiang and her group were gone. I searched the entire Daze Township with my men, but we didn't find anything. But Liu Xiang and her whole squad couldn't just disappear for no reason."

These words immediately made the atmosphere in the hall much more somber.

The Green Wolf Gang is no ordinary martial arts force; it was formed by a family of demon-suppressing clans. They specialize in dealing with ghosts and spirits. Their patrol team arrangements are also carefully planned to prevent an entire patrol squad from disappearing without a trace.

Over the years, there has never been a situation where the entire team has disappeared.

However, no one was really panicked.

Tang Binghu waved his hand: "Perfect timing, Tang Mei and Tang Lei, take Xiao Mo over and see what's going on. Xiao Mo, you shouldn't stay in seclusion forever, go out with the two elders and broaden your horizons."

Chen Mo nodded in agreement.

Tang Peng added, "Boss, I'd like to go and broaden my horizons too."

Tang Binghu waved his hand dismissively: "It's nothing, go if you want."

After leaving a message, Tang Binghu got up and left, presumably to start his new calligraphy business.

Tang Mei asked the inner disciple, "What's your name?"

The disciple said, "I am Zhang Kuang, the captain of the patrol team responsible for the towns next to Daze Township."

Tang Mei said, "You've had a long and tiring journey. Go back and have a drink of water and rest for a while. Wait for us at the entrance of the Green Wolf Gang in a quarter of an hour."

"Yes."

Zhang Kuang bowed and took his leave.

Tang Mei then instructed Chen Mo and the other man to go back and prepare, take their preferred weapons, and gather at the main gate.

After Chen Mo and the other person left, Tang Lei said, "Xiao Mei, you're making too much of a fuss. We're usually so busy with our own affairs that we don't even have time to train a newbie. Not only will she not be of any help, but she'll also need extra care, which will only cause more trouble."

Tang Mei said, "The gang leader hasn't taken on any disciples for many years, and now he's finally done so on a whim. We shouldn't spoil his fun."

Tang Lei was still reluctant: "But Chen Mo is too young. He comes from a small place like Honghe County. Although he has good talent, he lacks experience. The young leader is family, so it's fine for us to guide him. He's an outsider, and we have to protect him in every way. If something happens to him, it will be difficult to explain to the leader. It's really a lot of trouble."

Tang Mei laughed and said, "Alright, that's enough. It's just once. I'll take care of him myself from now on. It's no trouble for you, okay? Besides, I think this Young Master Mo is quite good; he might not be completely useless."

Tang Lei snorted, "I've seen plenty of geniuses. How many of them can become anything significant? This trip to Dazexiang was completely useless... I only took him because of the gang leader and your reputation, otherwise I would never have brought him along."

……

Chen Mo walked slowly, and with his extraordinary senses, he had already taken in Tang Lei's words.

This scarred-face guy seems to have a lot of complaints about himself.

Little do you know... If it weren't for my master's sake, I really wouldn't want to go through any trials.

All my true energy has been transformed into true fire, its power exceeding that of ordinary scions of noble families by five or six times. Add to that the supernatural abilities of the first level of the Giant Elephant Force, and I might not be able to defeat you, Scarface. Moreover, this isn't even my trump card.

Chen Mo muttered a couple of things to himself before returning to his own villa.

As soon as I arrived at the door, I saw Lu Chengzhuang and Xiao Ye waiting for me.

Why did Xiaoye arrive so quickly?

Two months had passed since I last saw Xiaoye. When we met again, I noticed that she wasn't dressed as elaborately as when we first met. She wore light makeup and a light purple dress, yet she still looked elegant and refined, with a unique charm.

"Young Master Mo, it's been a long time. You've become even more formidable."

"Xiaoye has become even more beautiful. I have to go out today, so you stay in the courtyard with her. If anyone asks about your identity, just say you are my personal maid, someone I specially called here to serve you. Understand?"

Xiaoye gritted her teeth and said, "I understand."

She hadn't seen Chen Mo for two months, and was actually in a pretty good mood. But now that she saw him again, and he spoke to her in a commanding tone, her mood soured.

Chen Mo ignored Xiao Ye, hurriedly entered the house, grabbed a broadsword and a mirror, and was about to leave.

Unexpectedly, Xiaoye slipped over and asked, "Where are you going, young master? Could you take me with you?"

Chen Mo immediately refused: "I have important matters to attend to in the gang, so it's inconvenient to take you with me."

After leaving a message, Chen Mo left in a hurry.

Little did she know that Xiaoye had secretly followed them.

……

"drive!!"

The group rode their horses to the entrance of Dazexiang.

Tang Mei and Tang Lei walked in front, Chen Mo and Tang Peng followed closely behind, while Zhang Kuang led more than a dozen skilled men behind them.

The village of Daze was quiet at night, with many fishing boats coming and going along the river, mostly driven by local fishermen. Hoping to earn a few more coins, they braved the late hour to go out.

As they approached the dock, Tang Mei slowed down and called Zhang Kuang closer: "You said before that Liu Xiang took the old shopkeeper's grouper at the dock, then saw the signal flare, and then lost the corpse spot to find the source of the signal flare?"

As the patrol captain, Zhang Kuang had already done his research before reporting, so he naturally knew what was going on: "Yes."

Tang Mei asked, "Where is the old shopkeeper at the dock?"

"He's still in the shop. I've had someone watch over the old manager. Fourth Elder, come with me." Zhang Kuang led the group to the fish market at the dock, where they met the old manager.

When the old shopkeeper saw the two elders of the Green Wolf Gang arrive, he was both delighted and frightened. He quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "This humble servant greets the Third Elder and the Fourth Elder."

Tang Mei asked, "Tell me in detail what you saw and heard at that time. Don't leave out any detail."

The old shopkeeper dared not hide anything and recounted the events of that time in detail.

Tang Lei interjected, "Was the signal flare aimed at Chen Ashui's house?"

The old shopkeeper said, "It's roughly in that direction, but I don't know which house it's near."

"Lead the way, to the direction of the signal flare you saw." Tang Lei's words were few, but they carried great weight.

The old shopkeeper then led the way, bringing everyone to a secluded intersection. He stopped and looked around, saying, "This is probably it. There are twelve households around here. I don't know exactly which ones..."

Tang Lei dismounted and instructed his men: "Go and check these twelve households to see if anything strange has happened. Remember to take detailed notes, and question each family member separately and compare the information. Report back immediately if anything seems amiss."

"Yes!"

The young men dismounted and went to each household to inquire about and record their findings.

Tang Mei, meanwhile, started a fire on the roadside and took out a kettle to drink water.

Chen Mo knew he was just a "newcomer" who came out to learn, so he didn't say much. Instead, he walked up to Zhang Kuang and asked in a low voice, "Zhang Kuang, is Chen Ashui still alive?"

Zhang Kuang said, "Yes, I'm almost forty."

Perhaps because of the story his master told him, Chen Mo paid special attention to Chen Ashui. "Where does Chen Ashui live?"

Zhang Kuang pointed to a house with blue bricks and white tiles at the very end, "That's it."

Chen Mo glanced at the house from afar. The surrounding trees were tall and sturdy, their lush foliage blocking out the moonlight, making it pitch black. Apart from that, he didn't see anything unusual.

"Have you been to Chen Ashui's house before?"

"I asked at the door, but Chen Ashui didn't say much, so I left."

Chen Mo nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Before long, the young men who had gone out to question others returned.

No one encountered anything strange, because farmhouses all had a courtyard, and people stayed in the living room late at night. Therefore, they did not see Liu Xiang and the others come.

Tang Lei muttered to himself, "That's really strange. A patrol team just vanished like that? By the way, Zhang Kuang, where was the signal flare you saw earlier?"

Zhang Kuang pondered for a moment and said, "I was too far away at the time to pinpoint the exact location. But it was roughly in this area. I suppose Liu Xiang and the others launched that signal flare."

Tang Lei made a decision: "Continue to expand the scope of the interrogation. Go to every household within a three-mile radius and ask them. Make sure you get all the answers."

The men dispersed to question him.

Tang Mei and the others sat down around the fire, waiting for the disciples who had been questioned to return and report.

The night is getting deeper and deeper.

The wind howled.

The moon hid behind the dark clouds, and the surroundings were pitch black, with only the occasional cry of crows adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Tang Peng then spoke up, "I'm afraid they've encountered ghosts here."

The old shopkeeper was terrified upon hearing this. "In the past twenty years, we have never encountered any ghosts in Daze Township. How could this be?"

Tang Peng said, "Only ghosts could make an entire patrol team disappear."

The old shopkeeper shrank back, not daring to speak, feeling a chill run down his spine.

Before long, the men who had gone out to question the children returned, handing over the recorded statements, all indicating that everything was normal. The information and statements from each family matched, and nothing was disclosed.

Everyone was at a loss and didn't know what to do.

Tang Lei said, "Then let's stay here for the night and take turns on duty."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Chen Mo, however, took the booklet of statements and carefully flipped through it when he had nothing else to do.

The statement is indeed correct.

Each household had several people, and the younger members were suddenly questioned separately. They recorded what each person did at each time, ensuring the records matched. Given the surprise questioning, and the villagers' simple-mindedness, it was unlikely there would be any collusion.

It's truly a ghost that can make an entire patrol squad disappear.

The question is, where do the ghosts appear?
Chen Mo continued flipping through the pages, and when he came across the questions from Chen Ashui's family.

Chen Mo was taken aback.

The records in the book are blank.

Chen Ashui lives alone.

Moreover, Chen Ashui did not reply.

Chen Mo took the booklet and looked around: "Who went to Chen Ashui's house to question him just now?"

A member of the gang walked up dejectedly: "I was the one who asked."

Chen Mo asked, "Why is there no record of Chen Ashui's reply in the booklet?"

The young man said, "Uncle Ashui is very popular. Whenever we come here, he always gives us some fish to eat. In addition, the gang leader and Uncle Ashui used to be friends. I went to the courtyard and saw Uncle Ashui weaving fish baskets. He looked very tired, so I gave up."

Chen Mo dismissed the disciple and handed the booklet to Tang Lei and Tang Mei. "In my opinion, Chen Ashui's statement is not detailed enough. We need to send someone to take another look."

After reading it, Tang Mei and Tang Lei both nodded in approval.

Tang Mei said, "Young Master Mo is very meticulous, that's good. We should go and ask him again."

Tang Lei nodded, a rare occurrence for him: "Since the gang leader has sent you out to gain experience, then you should go and ask him."

Chen Mo didn't think much of it and nodded. Tang Peng and Zhang Kuang said they wanted to go together, and Chen Mo agreed. The three of them then headed towards Chen Ashui's house.

Upon arriving at the gate, I saw that the gate was ajar, and a lantern was lit in the courtyard. An old man who looked to be about forty years old was sitting on a bamboo chair weaving a bamboo basket.

Zhang Kuang spoke up: "Uncle Shui, the Fifth Elder and Young Master of our Green Wolf Gang have come to see you."

Chen Ashui remained seated, his back to everyone, and did not speak.

Tang Peng then walked in, slowly approached Chen Ashui, and said with a smile, "Uncle Ashui, we're just here to ask a few questions, to go through the motions. Did anything strange happen at home just now?"

Just then——

Clang!

Chen Mo suddenly drew his sword and shouted, "Don't go near him! He's a zombie!!!"

(End of this chapter)