I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 166 Deducing the Four Souls Jade, Hua Yunfeng Creates Animal Soul Return!

Ouch!
Law! Law!
Li Huabai rode his horse to Feilai Mountain, but was stopped by the patrolling disciples of the Green Wolf Gang just as he approached the entrance to the mountain path.

"Who is coming?"

"I am the manager of Black Mountain Tower, and I have a long-standing business relationship with Chief Chen. I have come today to pay my respects to Chief Chen." Li Huabai, sitting on his horse, was quite polite. In fact, given Li Huabai's personality, he would normally not take the mere Green Wolf Gang seriously.

But recent events have really struck Li Huabai as very strange.

Hua Xiong struck Chen Mo's maid, and Hua Xiong died.

Hua Yunfeng went to seek revenge, but his whereabouts became unknown.

Li Huabai had always felt that there was something wrong with the Green Wolf Gang, so being a newcomer... he naturally became more cautious.

Upon hearing this, the disciple immediately allowed them to pass, only instructing them: "The leader prefers peace and quiet. Once you're on Feilai Mountain, please don't make any noise."

The gang leader has a wide circle of friends and has recently been amassed by a large collection of artifacts related to talismans and spirit writing. It's not uncommon for people from all walks of life to come and trade with him.

Li Huabai rode his horse up the mountain path, seeing disciples training in the mountains along the way. Although these disciples no longer had the bloodline of noble families, their internal energy skills were not weak, and they were all diligent.

Upon reaching the mountaintop, a continuous stretch of buildings came into view, resembling a large village perched atop the peak. After traversing countless buildings, we finally arrived at the entrance to the Green Wolf Gang's headquarters.

After explaining his purpose, a disciple led Li Huabai to the main gate of the Hundred Herbs Garden.

Upon receiving the report, Lu Chengzhuang came out of the courtyard and sized up the white-haired woman before him. He found her to be beautiful and imposing, and her attitude was also quite respectful. "Miss, are you here to see the gang leader?"

Li Huabai said, "I am the manager of Black Mountain Tower. Black Mountain Tower and Chief Chen have done several transactions before, so we are quite familiar with each other."

Black Mountain Tower?
Lu Chengzhuang was unaware of this matter, but seeing that the woman was extraordinary, he still agreed: "The gang leader is out in seclusion. If you need anything, please come with me to the front yard to wait."

Li Huabai said, "Thank you for your trouble."

The Hundred Herbs Garden is very large, divided into a front yard, a middle yard, and a back yard. The front yard is specifically used to entertain distinguished guests.

Lu Chengzhuang led Li Huabai to a tea pavilion in the front yard, then called Tang Wan to make tea, and went to do his own thing.

Tang Wan, dressed in a pink silk dress, was exquisitely beautiful and serene. She came over to make tea for Li Huabai and said politely, "The leader probably won't be back until dusk. You'll have to wait a while, young lady."

"It's alright." Li Huabai took the teacup Tang Wan offered and carefully examined her. "You're Wan'er, the personal maid of Chief Chen?"

Tang Wan didn't know why the other party asked such a question, but she still politely replied, "Yes."

Li Huabai said calmly, "It's clear you know how to serve people. Chief Chen treats you very well too."

Adhering to the principle of caution, Tang Wan remained silent.

Li Huabai took a sip of tea. "I heard that when Hua Yunfeng and Hua Xiong came here last time, they had some conflict with Chief Chen. In a fit of anger, Hua Xiong injured you. How are you feeling now?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Wan immediately became alert, but said calmly, "Thanks to the leader's mercy, Wan'er's injuries have healed."

Li Huabai said, "That's good. It's not easy for girls to survive in this world, let alone establish themselves. They need to be very careful when they're out in the world. But Wan'er is lucky to have received the care of Chief Chen."

Tang Wan said, "Thank you for your concern, Miss. If there's nothing else, I'll go ahead and attend to my business. If you need anything, please feel free to call me anytime."

Just then, a woman's voice came from afar.

"Wan'er, come quickly. I've made you a new set of clothes. Come and see if they fit." Ouyang Yu rushed over with the clothes in her hands.

During this period, Ouyang Lu and his sister Ouyang Yu lived not far from the Hundred Herbs Garden. Perhaps because they knew that Chen Mo valued Wan'er, and also because Ouyang Yu and Tang Wan were about the same age, they visited each other quite often.

"Coming!" Tang Wan jogged over. "Sister Yu, why go to so much trouble? Wan'er has plenty of clothes."

Ouyang Yu affectionately took Tang Wan's arm, "You've finally recovered from your injury. I don't have any gifts to offer, so I'll just make you a new outfit. Come and try it on."

"Thank you, Sister Yu."

Li Huabai watched the two women leave, and they didn't return for a long time. So he stood up alone, slowly entered the hanging flower gate, and went into the central courtyard.

The courtyard was quiet, with potted plants around it. In the center was a practice area with some practice tools. The entire courtyard was very tidy.

Da da da.

Li Huabai strode forward, walking step by step towards the main house.

Out of curiosity about Chen Mo, Li Huabai wanted to take a closer look at Chen Mo's residence. As the owner of Black Mountain Tower, she was quite perceptive in investigating matters and could always find clues that ordinary people could not discover from many seemingly insignificant details.

'If Hua Yunfeng was indeed killed by Chen Mo, then Chen Mo's strength must have reached at least the sixth-tier Transcendent Realm. That's terrifying. How could a mere Nanyang Prefecture breed such a terrifying monster?'

"I'm a business partner of Elder Hua, and he still holds leverage over me, constantly manipulating me. I need to find out Hua Yunfeng's fate before I can make any further plans."

Li Huabai entered the main hall while thinking about it.

Just as I was about to head to the bedroom, I suddenly saw a red shadow flash by.

brush!
Li Huabai turned around abruptly and saw a young girl in a red ruqun sitting by a long table in the bedroom, fiddling with a shadow puppet.

"Crack, click, click."

The girl in red was engrossed in working on the shadow puppets, lying on the long table. She seemed oblivious to Li Huabai's arrival.

However, Li Huabai was extremely surprised when he saw it.

Li Huabai activated his summoning power and was shocked to realize that... this girl was actually a Five-Choice Black Shadow Ghost.

She's only thirteen years old.

He actually mastered the power and cultivation of five black shadow ghosts!?

Horror!
A fine layer of sweat appeared on Li Huabai's forehead as he thought to himself: This small place actually has five shadowy ghosts present. It's truly terrifying. If a young girl is like this, what about Chen Mo himself?
Just then——

Click.

The girl put down the shadow puppet in her hand, looked up at Li Huabai, and frowned slightly: "Who are you? Why are you trespassing into the young master's residence?"

This is naturally Juan'er.

Juan'er returned from Jinguang Temple in Dayu County a while ago.

To be honest, Juan'er is indeed a terrifying person.

No need to put in much effort, just follow Chen Mo, this 'big brother,' and reap the benefits...

Although Li Huabai was not afraid of Juan'er, he was quite terrified. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "I am from Black Mountain Tower. I came here to find Young Master Chen Mo. I have mistakenly entered this place. I apologize for my rudeness."

Juan'er tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said, "Black Mountain Tower. I know that. What's your relationship with Bai Ye?"

When they were in Wucheng, Juan'er had gone with Chen Mo to trade with Bai Ye. She naturally recognized Bai Ye and knew about Black Mountain Tower.

Li Huabai was surprised to hear this, thinking to himself: Lu Chengzhuang and Tang Wan didn't know anything about Black Mountain Tower and Bai Ye before. This girl knows so much. It's clear that this girl is closer to Chen Mo.

Li Huabai said, "I am Bai Ye's older sister. Li Huabai."

Juan'er nodded calmly, "I see. My young master does like to do business with Black Mountain Tower. However, he doesn't like outsiders entering his palace. You can wait outside. If you need anything, just ask Wan'er."

After saying that, Juan'er continued to fuss over the puppet, ignoring Li Huabai.

"Sorry for bothering you."

Li Huabai left the room and returned to the tea pavilion in the front courtyard. Beads of sweat streamed down his forehead. He thought to himself: This girl might be a ghost raised by Chen Mo. A mere ghost has already reached the fifth level of cultivation. Chen Mo's strength is truly unfathomable; he might actually be able to kill Hua Yunfeng.

'Hua Yunfeng must have been killed by Chen Mo. This little Green Wolf Gang is truly terrifying. However, if Hua Yunfeng is dead, I'm afraid Nanzhou will be shaken. People inside might show up… In that case, Nanyang Prefecture will be a place of great upheaval. Chen Mo will likely have no chance of survival. I need to cut ties with Chen Mo immediately. I must not have any contact with him. But before that, I should ask Chen Mo if he knows the whereabouts of the strange snake's corpse…'

Thinking of this, Li Huabai's hand holding the teacup trembled uncontrollably.

It's truly unimaginable that the master of the Black Mountain Tower in Nanzhou would become so apprehensive and cautious in this small Green Wolf Gang...

……

On the banks of the Huai River.

The warm sun, like jade, poured down on the rocks, making the surrounding waters sparkle.

Chen Mo sat cross-legged on the reef with his eyes closed.

As soon as the thought crossed Chen Mo's mind, a sharp pain shot through him, as if his head were about to explode. Chen Mo had no choice but to grit his teeth and endure it.

After a long time, the pain disappeared.

Lines of subtitles appeared one by one.

[Successfully deconstructing the problem leads to logical deduction.]

[Function: Building upon the analysis of the factors that form things, it allows for further logical deduction.]

[Hint 1: So-called deduction is based on the logical factors that form external objects, seeing through the loopholes in the logic, and then re-deducing. It can be used to deduce higher-level martial arts from lower-level martial arts, breaking conventions.]

[Hint 2: Each logical deduction requires a sufficient amount of the original solution's essence.]

[Tip 3: Consuming a million Ultimate Essences will allow you to advance to the next level: Fusion Level. The Fusion Level involves fusing and embedding characteristic skills, attributes, and more based on logical deduction.]

"It worked! The cheat system has finally reached the level of logical deduction. The next level is fusion... It can fuse and embed characteristic skills and attributes, etc.? It looks amazing."

"My current modification function actually modifies my own physique, bloodline, etc., to make it compatible with the other party and achieve a similar effect. But the fusion level should be different. Although I don't know the specific differences, it's still very exciting. However, to advance to the fusion level, I must collect a maximum of one million original essences. Maximum... Could this be the limit of my current cheat ability? After entering the fusion level, will my cheat ability transform? Will I no longer need original essences?"

A rare smile appeared on Chen Mo's lips as he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Let me first use logic to deduce the Shikon Jewel."

Chen Mo was still looking forward to the next level of his cheat ability.

He immediately activated the Tranquility Technique to bring his mind to a state of complete calm before opening his inner vision and staring at the stiff patterns in his sea of ​​consciousness... the Four Souls Jade pattern inside.

The panel also changed accordingly.

[Something that can be deduced has been detected]

[Note: Deducing this item requires 20000 Original Solution Essence]

[Should we perform a simulation?]

Chen Mo took a deep breath. "Deduction."

boom!
The moment the thought crossed Chen Mo's mind, he felt as if his brain had been blessed, as if his brain development had been dramatically enhanced. This was followed by an endless, piercing pain.

Countless images flashed through Chen Mo's mind.

"what!!"

It hurt so much. Even Chen Mo couldn't help but cry out in surprise.

After an unknown amount of time, Chen Mo's mind became somewhat hazy, and the subtitles began to appear.

Name: Shikon Jewel

[Type: consumables]

【Function: Transformation from a Dragon into a Demon】

[Introduction: The Shikon Jewel is based on a piece of Blood Moon Jade, inscribed with four patterns. Each pattern is fused with a nascent soul of a dragon-walking being: the Soul of the Python, the Soul of the Serpent, the Soul of the Serpent, and the Soul of the Dragon. The process of walking the dragon is the process of absorbing these four nascent souls. Once all four nascent souls have been absorbed, the dragon-walking process ends, and the being transforms into a great dragon-serpent demon.]

[Ingredients: The Blood Moon Jade contains blood of non-human beings, and the Shikon Jewel consists of four non-existent, illusory souls. The Blood Moon is the spirit, and the illusory souls are the essence. When the spirit and essence unite, the transformation into a dragon is complete. After being illuminated by the Blood Moon in the sky, it can be completely transformed into a great dragon-serpent demon.]

[Logic: The Shikon Jewel is an evil object created by humans, using the Blood Moon Soul to give birth to demons.]

[Origin: The Shikon Jewel was developed by the head of a top-tier demon-suppressing family in the Great Qian Dynasty; it was an unfinished product. Its original purpose was to create demons. Its intended use was to sacrifice humans and dragons to powerful demons, allowing the resentment of the deceased to return to life.]

[Weakness: It has geographical limitations; the final step of demon transformation can only be completed after being exposed to the Blood Moon. Once transformed, it cannot escape the Blood Moon's control. However, as long as it is not exposed to the Blood Moon, it will not completely lose control.]

After reading all the information, Chen Mo was quite surprised.

"This logical deduction is truly remarkable. It directly deduced the answer that I had been struggling to obtain for a long time. Moreover, it is more complete and thorough."

Just then, the subtitles appeared again.

This item is inextricably linked to human-dragon sacrifices.

To continue the deduction, 5 original solution essences are required.

what?
Can we continue to deduce the human-dragon sacrifice?

However, it requires 50,000 original solution essences.

That's pretty good.

However… Chen Mo has exhausted all his original essence. He simply can't obtain another 50,000 units of original essence in the short term, which is truly regrettable.

"I've figured it out. Logical deduction is good... but it consumes too much of the essence of the original solution. Once you reach this level, it feels like the essence of the original solution is no longer essence, but just flowing water..."

Chen Mo rubbed his forehead, a headache coming on.

Having previously expended the essence of the original solution, at least there was some tangible gain; at least something could be modified to grant oneself a certain ability immediately.

Now it's all gone, just a snap... a quick calculation and it's gone.

It's too expensive.

They really spend money like water.

Chen Mo muttered a few words before regaining his composure.

"But the deduction is indeed mysterious. Its value is even greater. Moreover, the hand gestures and incantations I used in my shamanistic ritual are the ritual of human-dragon sacrifice. Next, I only need to obtain 50,000 original solution essences to deduce all the details of human-dragon sacrifice. It's much simpler."

"No, 50,000 isn't enough. I need to obtain enough Original Essence to start deducing martial arts, cultivation levels, zombie patterns, and the innate fragrance of ghosts... Damn, thinking about it, I'm really short of money. I'm so poor..."

There is no harm without comparison.

Previously, as long as he had a few tens of thousands of original essences stored up, Chen Mo would feel secure, always feeling that it would be enough.

However, once the golden finger entered into logical deduction, he felt like he was a poor wretch.

Next, we must fiercely kill the ghosts and eliminate the zombies.

Chen Mo let out a long sigh of relief, regaining his senses. Looking up, he realized it was already dusk.

"Does it really take this long to do a simulation? A whole afternoon!"

"It's time to go back."

Chen Mo stood up, realizing his head was throbbing with pain. He felt dizzy and disoriented, as if he hadn't slept for days. He could fall asleep the moment he lay down...

"It seems that while logical deduction is a cheat ability, it is also extremely mentally taxing. You can't do it continuously, or your brain will burn out sooner or later."

Chen Mo squatted down and washed his face with the cold water from the Huai River.

Still feeling mentally foggy, I took off my clothes and jumped into the Huai River for a cold bath. Only then did I feel much more clear-headed.

"I'm so tired, I need to go back and get some sleep. After all, I still need to go perform a shamanic ritual in the early hours of the morning... I'm just too busy."

Chen Mo put on his clothes, slung a mirror over his shoulder, and headed towards Feilai Mountain.

Before long, they arrived at the Green Wolf Gang, where countless members came over to greet him, showing great respect to Chen Mo.

"Greetings, Boss!"

"See the gang leader."

"No need for formalities," Chen Mo said, heading straight for the Hundred Herbs Garden.

They encountered Lu Chengzhuang midway, and Lu Chengzhuang quickly caught up with them: "Young master, a woman from Black Mountain Tower came looking for you today."

"The woman from Black Mountain Tower? Is her name Bai Ye?"

"I didn't ask. The other person looked quite imposing and had a full head of white hair. Perhaps he had something important to discuss with you, young master, because he's been waiting for quite a while at the tea pavilion in the front yard of the Hundred Herbs Garden."

"I understand, go and do your work."

Chen Mo dismissed Lu Chengzhuang and hurriedly headed towards the Hundred Herbs Garden.

White-haired woman?

Of the women from Black Mountain Tower, Chen Mo had only ever seen Li Qing'er and Bai Ye. Neither of them had white hair.

Chen Mo couldn't help but feel curious. When he arrived at the tea pavilion in the Hundred Herbs Garden and saw the white-haired woman, he was slightly surprised. He felt that he couldn't fathom the depth of her cultivation, but his intuition told him that she was far more terrifying than Li Qing'er. She was probably not much different from Hua Yunfeng in terms of cultivation.

Tang Wan walked over at this moment, bowed to Chen Mo, and introduced, "Young master, this young lady has been waiting all day."

Chen Mo dismissed Tang Wan and entered the tea pavilion.

"I am Li Huabai, the master of Black Mountain Tower. I greet Young Master Mo." Li Huabai stood up, her manner impeccable.

Chen Mo returned the greeting: "So it's you, Master. Please have a seat."

The two sat on either side of a long table. Li Huabai poured tea for Chen Mo while smiling faintly, "Li Qing'er is my younger sister. I had heard Xiao Qing mention you before, saying that you are an extraordinary person, a young genius, and handsome. Seeing you today, it is indeed true."

Chen Mo took the teacup, not daring to be careless. "It's all Miss Xiaoqing's flattery; I really don't deserve it. May I ask what business Miss Huabai has with me?"

Li Huabai smiled and said, "Firstly, Bai Ye told me that when we were at Snake Mountain, Young Master Mo helped me look for my Qing'er. I've come to express my gratitude."

Chen Mo smiled and said, "I have some acquaintance with Miss Xiaoqing, so it's only right that we help each other out."

Li Huabai said, "I know that Young Master Mo is a man of noble character and deep affection, and doesn't care about such trivial matters. But as his elder sister, I cannot be impolite. I must still express my gratitude. Otherwise, outsiders will say I'm inconsiderate." Chen Mo hadn't expected this Black Mountain Tower Master to be so humble. However, he dared not believe it was true. His intuition told him that Li Huabai was probably here for Hua Yun Peak.

But Chen Mo wasn't in a hurry, and slowly started chatting: "Have you found Miss Xiaoqing?"

Li Huabai said, "Of course we found it. It's a pity that Xiaoqing fell under the spell of the monstrous snake, and her lower body turned into a monstrous snake. If Xiaoqing hadn't used the isolation talisman to sever the connection between her upper and lower body, she probably would have turned into a monstrous snake herself."

Chen Mo was not surprised by this.

The Water Serpent does indeed possess this ability.

Then Hua Yunfeng would become a monstrous snake...

Just then, Li Huabai cupped her hands to Chen Mo, saying, "Secondly, I would also like to ask Young Master Mo if you have found the corpse or shed skin of that strange snake from that day? If so, I would be grateful if you could grant me the favor, and I can also heal Xiaoqing's injuries."

Li Qing'er's image appeared in Chen Mo's mind.

To be honest, Chen Mo's impression of Li Qing'er wasn't bad.

The transaction was pleasant for both parties.

Moreover, if Li Qing'er is cured, Black Mountain Tower will owe him a great favor, making future transactions much easier. For example… information on sword talismans. Black Mountain Tower should have that information.

Thinking of this, Chen Mo said, "I have seen the corpse of the strange snake before, and I even preserved a little bit of it."

The Water Serpent... refers to Chen Mo and his second brother.

Chen Mo could easily cut off a piece of meat, which would then transform into a very small water snake.

It's not difficult.

Li Huabai was overjoyed and stood up excitedly: "Please, Young Master Mo, have mercy and save my Xiaoqing. I, Li Huabai, will be eternally grateful for your kindness. No matter how much silver, other items, or information you desire, I will not hesitate to give it to you."

Chen Mo didn't rush to agree, but instead asked, "I don't need money. Coincidentally, I've recently been practicing talisman techniques, especially sword talismans. Unfortunately, there aren't many in Nanyang Prefecture. If Miss Hua Bai could give me some mental techniques related to sword talismans, that would be even better."

Sure enough, what Chen Mo couldn't find in Nanyang Prefecture was not difficult for Li Huabai...

"This is not difficult. I have two sword and talisman techniques in my family. I will copy them down for you later. Please, sir..."

Chen Mo interrupted, "Obtaining the Water Serpent's corpse was no easy feat; it was a near-death experience. So..."

Li Huabai was taken aback, then said, "I understand. I will go back and copy down the two sword and talisman manuals, and bring them to you tomorrow. At that time, I would also appreciate it if you could give me the monstrous snake's corpse. Is that alright?"

Chen Mo said, "Alright. It's late tonight, and I'm tired, so I won't keep Miss Hua Bai for dinner."

"I appreciate your kindness, young master." Li Huabai got up and left, but turned back after a few steps.

Chen Mo was taken aback: "Miss Hua Bai, is there something else?"

After much deliberation, Li Huabai finally spoke up, "I have some dealings with Hua Yunfeng. Elder Hua told me before that he wanted to meet with you, young master. But then Elder Hua disappeared. Have you seen Elder Hua yet?"

Chen Mo said, "Hua Yunfeng did indeed ask me to meet a few days ago. But I did not go. I am not a member of the imperial court, nor have I ever held an important position in a demon-suppressing family. I declined Hua Yunfeng's invitation."

"I see, I understand now. Farewell."

After watching Li Huabai leave, Chen Mo thought to himself: Hua Yunfeng told Li Huabai about the meeting, so their relationship must be quite deep. It's not just a simple exchange. Li Huabai was deliberately testing me just now; I need to be wary of this person in the future.

"Young master, who is this person?" Tang Wan walked over at this moment and asked curiously.

Chen Mo said, "Black Mountain Tower Master, be careful when this person comes looking for me in the future."

"Yes. I've prepared dinner for you, young master. Please come and have some."

Chen Mo nodded and followed him into the central courtyard living room. He then called Juan'er to join them for dinner.

Juan'er had little appetite, and after eating a couple of mouthfuls of rice, she put down her chopsticks. "By the way, young master, that woman came into the main hall during the day, wanting to go to your bedroom."

Ok?
Chen Mo's pupils contracted.

It seems that Li Huabai has doubts about me.

If she were someone who knew her place, then it would be fine.

If they don't know how to behave appropriately, then... they can't be kept here.

After eating, Chen Mo went straight to sleep and asked Juan's son, Shi Chu, to wake him up.

……

The courtyard next to the Hundred Herbs Garden.

Ouyang Lu and Ouyang Yu sat together eating.

During the meal, Ouyang Yu was very cautious, even going to the nearby door and window to look outside. Seeing no one approaching, she returned to her seat and said carefully:
"Brother, in my opinion, Hua Xiong and Hua Yunfeng were killed by Young Master Mo."

Ouyang Lu said, "Young Master Mo has already been kind by taking us in. Let's not cause any trouble and add to Young Master Mo's burden."

Ouyang Yu said, "But Chen Mo killed Hua Yunfeng. This can't be kept secret. The Hua family of Nanzhou must have sensed Hua Yunfeng's death through the life talisman. This matter will definitely alarm the Rakshasa Shrine of Nanzhou. If the Rakshasa Shrine sends people to Nanyang Prefecture, the sky will fall in Nanyang Prefecture. Will we still have a place to live then?"

Ouyang Lu frowned: "You mean...we should continue running away now?"

Ouyang Lu said, "We deceived Young Master Mo once before. We are not from Qingyun Prefecture at all. It just so happens that there is an Ouyang family in Qingyun Prefecture. Moreover, we are carrying that thing. If the Rakshasa Shrine comes, we will be exposed. At that time, Young Master Mo will kill us before the Rakshasa Shrine even makes a move."

Eh.

Ouyang Lu sighed, "We're really in a bad situation. We've been on the run all the way without even a place to stay. Now we've finally been taken in by Young Master Mo, but because of Hua Yunfeng's death, we're about to be exposed. However, Young Master Mo has treated us well, and he's incredibly powerful, a local tyrant in Nanyang. Staying here for now is the best option. If the Rakshasa Shrine people come, we'll leave beforehand so as not to implicate Young Master Mo."

Ouyang Yu said, "Then let's listen to your brother. Besides, I think that Young Master Mo is also pitiful. I'm afraid he's a dragon-walker. That's why I want to ask about the human-dragon sacrifice."

Ouyang Lu said, "Alright, we can barely take care of ourselves. How can we worry about others? Let's enjoy a few days of peace first."

“Brother is right.”

……

Nanzhou.

The Hua family, a clan renowned for suppressing demons.

Compared to the scale of the Shen family in Nanyang, this Hua Mansion is much more impressive.

Nanzhou, as the capital city of the entire southeast, is also the largest city. This place is blessed with outstanding natural beauty and excellent feng shui. Most of the geniuses and prodigies of Nanzhou, as well as influential figures, gather in Nanzhou City.

There are naturally many families in Nanzhou City that are skilled in suppressing demons.

Among them, the most outstanding demon-suppressing families consist of seven surnames, known as the Seven Heroes of the Southern Continent.

Washington, D.C. is one of them.

In the past, the Hua family had Hua Yunfeng, a top figure who presided over the Demon Suppression Division, holding a high position and wielding great power and prestige. The Hua family was once at its peak. Because of Hua Yunfeng's reputation and status, people regarded him as the undisputed pinnacle of the entire Southern State.

But now, white lanterns have been hung in Washington, D.C., and a mourning hall has been set up.

Many of Washington D.C.'s scions were weeping in the funeral parlor.

"Xiong'er, you went to Nanyang Prefecture with Yunfeng, how could you be gone? Xiong'er died so tragically."

An elderly woman with white hair, dressed in mourning clothes, knelt before the coffin, weeping bitterly.

The surrounding young men from the Washington family came up to comfort them.

"Madam, please take good care of yourself."

"Please take good care of yourself, Madam."

"Madam, our entire Hua family is counting on you to take charge of things."

"..."

Faced with everyone's comforting words, the old lady cried even more bitterly, nearly fainting several times. This moved all the young men of the Hua family around her to admire her compassionate heart.

Finally, the old lady cried so hard that she fainted.

A middle-aged noblewoman hurriedly shouted, "The old lady has fainted! Quickly, someone, carry the old lady away to rest!"

The mourning hall was bustling with activity. Countless members of the family, their eyes blurred with tears, rushed forward to carry the old lady back to the side courtyard to rest. They all murmured, "If anything were to happen to the old lady, what would become of our Hua family?"

Without him.

This old lady was Hua Yunfeng's second wife. For many years, Hua Yunfeng had been in charge of the Zhenmo Prefecture Division outside the capital, while the old lady had been in charge of the Hua family's internal affairs. The two complemented each other perfectly and were praised by countless people.

When Hua Yunfeng was alive, the old lady's prestige was at its peak.

Now that Hua Yunfeng is away, no one can challenge the old lady's prestige. Throughout the Hua household, everyone respects the old lady's orders.

Upon arriving at the side courtyard, the middle-aged noblewoman had someone place the old lady on the bed, then dismissed everyone else and knelt down to carefully take care of her.

brush!
The old lady suddenly opened her eyes and sat up abruptly. "Ah Xiang, go check if Yunfeng's life talisman is still there?"

The noblewoman named A Xiang said, "Madam, you are not feeling well, so please rest well. Don't worry about anything else. Master will be fine on his way south to Nanyang Prefecture."

The old lady shouted, "Go and see!"

A-Xiang dared not resist and hurriedly ran to check Hua Yunfeng's life talisman. Then she rushed over with a brocade box, her face full of surprise: "Madam, look! Master's life talisman has spontaneously combusted."

The old lady trembled as she took the brocade box, opened it, and found that all that remained inside was the ash from the burning coals.

Ah Xiang cried out, "How could this happen? Master was the pillar of our Hua family. How could he die in Nanyang Prefecture? What on earth happened in this mere Nanyang Prefecture? Waaah... Now that our Hua family has lost Master, I'm afraid we'll be doomed."

The old lady did not speak, but stared intently at the charcoal ash of the life talisman in the brocade box.

As she watched, the old lady suddenly let out a sinister laugh.

"Jie Jie Jie~"

Seeing the old lady's unusual expression, A-Xiang was even more shocked: "Old Madam, the master is gone. Our Hua family is doomed... How can you still laugh?"

Jiejiejie~
The old lady continued to smile: "Who said the Hua family is going to fall?"

Ah Xiang said, "Our seven great families in Nanzhou have been vying for power for many years. Master only got his position as the Chief of the Demon Suppression Division because of the Empress's favor. Now that Master has passed away, I'm afraid the other six great families will be eager to rush up and tear us to pieces."

Jiejiejie~
The old lady laughed and said, "Who said Hua Yunfeng is dead?"

hiss!
Ah Xiang's eyes widened suddenly as she stared at the old lady in disbelief. "Old lady, what... are you saying?"

The old lady said in a sinister tone, "You were the maid who came with me when I entered the Hua family as part of my dowry. There are some things that others may not know, but you should know. Her Majesty knew long ago that Hua Yunfeng was unreliable, so she made another arrangement."

Ah Xiang said, "But the master is dead after all."

The old lady said, "Go and get some paper and oil paint. Also, get some bamboo strips. Remember, do it secretly. Also, whatever you do, don't tell anyone that Yunfeng is dead. And go find a big rooster."

Ah Xiang nodded in agreement and immediately did as instructed.

Before long, they brought in some bamboo strips, paper paste, oil paint, and other items.

The old lady slowly got out of bed, then sat on a bamboo chair in the room and made a paper figure out of bamboo strips and paper.

The old lady was extremely skilled at making paper figures. In no time, she had made a paper figure that looked remarkably like Hua Yunfeng. Then she dressed the paper figure in clothes and painted it with oil paint.

After all the procedures were completed, the paper figure already bore a striking resemblance to Hua Yunfeng.

The next moment, the old lady bit her finger, letting the blood drip onto the paper figure.

hum.

The paper figure actually trembled, making it even more lifelike.

Ah Xiang, standing to the side, trembled with fear, covering her mouth and daring not to speak.

“Yunfeng, when I married into the Hua family, it wasn’t my original intention. It was only for the sake of the Rakshasa Shrine. After all, there are some things that the Empress can’t do in the light of day, so the Rakshasa Shrine has to do them for her.”

As the old lady muttered to herself, she took out a brocade box from under the bed, pulled out a shrine from the box, and placed it on the altar next to the paper figure. Then she brought over an incense burner and lit three sticks of incense.

puff.

The old lady knelt down, bit her finger, and dripped her blood onto the incense burner.

The originally white smoke instantly turned blood red, continuously flowing into the shrine.

The old lady took out a bell, knelt on the ground, and crawled around the paper figure, shaking the bell and chanting: "Yunfeng, you were born a person. But heaven did not bless you. You were framed by thieves in Nanyang Prefecture and died a tragic death. But our Rakshasa Shrine's mother remembers you."

"Rakshasa Mother, please bless me and let me summon Yunfeng's soul back. I, Xiulan, am a follower of Rakshasa Mother. Please bless me, Rakshasa Mother. Summon Yunfeng's soul, and I will know what Yunfeng experienced in his life. Once his soul returns, Yunfeng will be a follower of Mother, and he will be filial to Mother..."

Jingle bell bell~
The old lady crawled faster and faster, muttering incantations that no one else could understand.

Finally, as if driven by something, the old lady suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsed to the ground, and was on the verge of death.

"The entire Southern Prefecture is under Mother's jurisdiction. Mother knows where Yunfeng's soul is. She can definitely call Yunfeng's soul back."

"Yunfeng, if you hear this bell, hurry and follow the sound to return."

"My soul, my soul, listen to your mother Rakshasa, come back quickly."

"Listen to Mother Rakshasa, return quickly."

"Quickly...quickly...come...back!"

hum! ! !
The paper figure moved the next moment.

Click.

At first, the paper figure moved its left hand slightly and slowly lifted up.

Immediately afterward, the paper figure's right hand moved. Then its neck twisted, making a "crackling" sound.

Before long, the paper figure began to walk.

The paper figure opened its eyes.

The paper figure looked around blankly, then slowly knelt down in front of the shrine, uttering a hoarse, low voice, "Yunfeng is late, I thank Mother Rakshasa. Thank you Mother Rakshasa for recalling my soul."

The old lady was overjoyed at the sight and immediately said to Ah Xiang, who was standing to the side, "Quickly, bring the rooster here."

Ah Xiang, who had been frightened by the sight before her, suddenly snapped out of her daze and immediately took the rooster and handed it to the old lady.

puff!

The old lady had already started vomiting blood, but she couldn't care less about her injuries. She grabbed the rooster with one hand, then used a dagger to cut open the rooster's throat, spilling the scalding blood onto the paper figure.

The originally cold paper figure immediately began to heat up.

Before long, the paper figure calmed down and stopped moving. It lay motionless on the ground and remained silent.

but--

The rooster actually came back to life.

Speaking in a human voice.

It was Hua Yunfeng's voice.

The rooster flapped its wings and knelt down before the shrine: "Thank you, Mother Rakshasa, for finding a body for my soul."

The shrine remained motionless, absorbed only the crimson smoke.

The old lady hurriedly kowtowed: "Thank you, Rakshasa Mother, for bestowing your grace and recalling Yunfeng's soul. From now on, Yunfeng will be Your Majesty's most devout believer."

After bowing and kowtowing three times, the old lady finally sat up and hurriedly instructed A-Xiang, "A-Xiang, go to the drawer and get my needle and thread."

A-Xiang was so frightened that her hair stood on end. She quickly ran to get a brocade box containing needles and thread.

However, these are not ordinary needles and threads used for mending clothes.

The needle was very long and thick, and the thread was made of human skin.

The old lady took the needle and thread, then cradled the rooster in her arms and began to sew it up little by little, muttering, "Yunfeng has suffered so much, don't worry. I'll let you come back..."

The rooster was docile and didn't make a sound.

However, Ah Xiang covered her mouth tightly, and in her shocked eyes, she clearly saw the old lady slowly sewing a rooster into the shape of a human.

Gradually... the rooster transformed into the real Hua Yunfeng.

Exactly.

hiss!
Ah Xiang covered her mouth tightly, a chill running down her spine. Her whole body was trembling.

The old lady put away her needlework and looked at Hua Yunfeng with satisfaction. "Yunfeng, is there anything wrong?"

Aside from a slightly blank expression, Hua Yunfeng seemed perfectly normal. "No. Thank you, Xiulan."

The old lady chuckled and said, "We have a long life ahead of us. We're an old married couple, no need for thanks. By the way, how did you die in Nanyang Prefecture?"

Hua Yunfeng said, "It's Chen Mo, a guy named Chen Mo. Kill me!"

The old lady's pupils contracted: "Chen Mo..."

(End of this chapter)