I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 169: The High Priest! The Great Yin Mountain is Summoning Souls!!!

Over the past ten days, Chen Mo has been using his heartbeat technique while also having Li Huabai investigate a lot of information about Jiang Hongyue.

But that's not enough...

Far from enough.

Thinking of this, Chen Mo couldn't help but smile wryly, "Of course, the preparations weren't done well. But plans can never keep up with changes, and what's meant to happen will happen. Even if we weren't prepared, we can only keep moving forward."

Xiaoye looked up at the moon reflected on the river and the shimmering water. "Most things in this world are beyond our control. By the way, do you have an avatar?"

Chen Mo was slightly surprised.

The other party noticed that?
Chen Mo initially wanted to keep it a secret, but then he thought... who knows what will happen after the shamanic ritual is completed.

One's own body might die directly.

Other unpredictable changes may also occur.

Now that Xiaoye is by my side, I might need her help... there's really no need to hide it.

It's just an avatar, not a cheat code...

"Xiaoye has keen insight, that's for sure."

Xiaoye said, "The ability to create an avatar is a legendary magical technique that even I haven't been able to master. How did you manage to do it?"

Chen Mo said, "To be honest, Xiao Ye, I bought a miraculous herb on the black market years ago. After taking it, I gained the ability to create an avatar. Unfortunately, when I wanted to buy another one, the mysterious peddler disappeared without a trace."

Xiao Ye nodded slightly: "You are truly blessed. You were able to find such miraculous herbs. It's not that I'm being nosy, but this avatar might be useful. If any unforeseen circumstances arise during the shamanic ritual, your avatar could save your life. But this is just my guess; I'm not sure if the avatar will actually work."

Chen Mo had planned this all along. "How did you know I have a clone?"

Xiaoye: "You treated me to drinks the other day, and you were drunk. You said it yourself."

Chen Mo's face immediately darkened: "This is impossible..."

Phew.

Xiao Ye suddenly laughed, "Just kidding. I've been dancing with you for half a month, if I hadn't noticed this little detail, wouldn't I be blind?"

The two chatted without saying a word.

Chen Mo noticed that Xiao Ye, who was usually quiet, was much more talkative today. Moreover, she was very considerate of his feelings... It felt as if he was about to die and Xiao Ye was comforting him.

As midnight approached, Xiao Ye asked, "Does Young Master have anything else to say?"

Chen Mo said, "If I die, I would appreciate it if Xiao Ye could take care of my family. Oh, and my master Tang Binghu, Tang Wan, Juan'er, Lu Chengzhuang..."

Xiaoye said, "I've agreed to everything. We don't have much time, so please focus on the important points."

Chen Mo raised two fingers. "Two things. First, I want to know your real name. If I really die tonight, at least I'll know who's taking care of me in my final moments. That's not too much to ask, is it?"

Xiao Ye said, "That's not excessive. My surname is Nangong, and my given name is Ye."

Nangong Ye?
Chen Mo muttered three words, and although he didn't know who this person was, he still commented, "Good name. Second thing, are you really from the Demon Clan of Jingzhen Town?"

Nangong Ye said, "I'll leave the answer to you. If you're lucky enough to go to the capital someday, you'll naturally find out."

Chen Mo didn't force him; on the contrary, he found it quite evocative.

The next moment, Chen Mo felt his blood and qi begin to flow in reverse, so he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Nangong Ye, "Nangong Ye... never mind, this is too formal, I'm still used to calling you Xiao Ye. Thank you, Xiao Ye. I'm off."

Click.

The reverse flow of qi and blood happened very quickly. In the blink of an eye, Chen Mo completely lost consciousness and collapsed onto the deck.

Not long after, Chen Mo stood up again in a daze, and then, unconsciously, began sleepwalking, jumping into the water. He took steps, making a sound that immediately attracted countless large snakes.

These giant snakes were immediately drained of their life force by Chen Mo.

Then, Chen Mo began to run, dance, perform shamanistic rituals, and chant incantations on the water.

Nangong Ye drove his awning boat, closely following Chen Mo from behind, but in his heart he was thinking: Why does he always drain the life force of countless giant snakes before performing the shamanic ritual?

Are you worried that Chen Mo's physical strength and mental state are not enough to support the shamanistic ritual?
Nangong Ye pondered but could not find an answer.

Soon, an hour passed.

Chen Mo traveled along the upper reaches of the Huai River for over a hundred miles.

Both the speed and distance far exceeded those of the past.

At this point, the ritual of shamanic dancing had only completed less than a third of the steps, based on the number of movements performed.

Usually, it takes until almost all the movements are completed before running more than a hundred miles.

Clearly, things started to go wrong today.

Nangong Ye frowned and followed. He saw that Chen Mo's pace was getting faster and faster, and his shamanistic postures and movements were becoming more and more skilled.

Another hour passed, and Chen Mo had traveled another two hundred miles.

This speed is extremely frightening.

That is to say, the speed reached 100 miles per hour.

It's about the same speed as the highway Chen Mo used in his previous life.

"The changes are getting bigger and bigger. The final ceremony was definitely different."

Nangong Ye's premonition grew increasingly ominous.

When the third hour had passed, Chen Mo had traveled another two hundred miles forward.

They ran a full 500 li (approximately 250 kilometers).

It was already dawn.

Chen Mo's shamanistic ritual was nearing completion, and he made one last move: he suddenly knelt down in a deep bow towards the source of the Huai River.

This bow caused the Huai River to surge with enormous waves, and countless large snakes following Chen Mo prostrated themselves in response.

Everything came to an abrupt end.

stopped.

Nangong Ye stared intently at Chen Mo: "Wait, there's still one last incantation left..."

Just then, Chen Mo spoke, and what he uttered was not the incantation that Nangong Ye couldn't understand, but human speech.

"Mom...Mom, come back."

Mom? Come back?
In the Great Qian Dynasty, the word "mother" wasn't commonly used. It was mostly used to refer to brothel madams or deities and spirits, such as Mazu.

In ordinary families, the main terms used are "mother" or "mother".

Upon hearing these four words, Nangong Ye felt a strange chill: "Does this mean that Chen Mo's shamanic ritual passed Jiang Hongyue's selection? And he has become the chief priest?"

At that moment, Nangong Ye's pupils contracted:
She saw a red glow emanating from Chen Mo. Upon closer inspection, she discovered that Chen Mo's gray brocade robe had disappeared, replaced by a red... groom's attire.

During the Great Qian Dynasty, there were many customs surrounding wedding attire for men and women. Women typically wore a red Xiuhe dress or a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe. Men's wedding attire was often the robe of a top scholar, paired with a black gauze hat and palace flowers, symbolizing fame and good fortune.

At this moment, Chen Mo was actually wearing... the robes of a top scholar.

But... Chen Mo knelt on the water the entire time, without ever moving. How could his clothes have been changed so quietly?
The groom lay quietly on the surface of the Huai River, surrounded by silence and utter loneliness. The scarlet color stood out starkly against the surrounding black tones, creating a jarring and incongruous scene.

Especially under the moonlight, it appeared even more scarlet and terrifying.

brush!
Nangong Ye appeared before Chen Mo and called his name, only to find him motionless. She tried to forcefully wake him, but worried that he might lose his mind in the process.

So they picked Chen Mo up, only to find that Chen Mo's body was stiff, as if it had been frozen in place. Even after picking him up, Chen Mo remained in the same position as before.

It resembles a bronze statue that has been cast.

It's very heavy.

"This is really weird, even I can't budge him. Let's take him back first!" Nangong Ye forcibly moved Chen Mo into the awning boat. Then he steered the boat downstream at breakneck speed.

A journey of 500 li would take several days by boat.

But Nangong Ye was different; he activated his bloodline power and steered the small boat at breakneck speed. As dusk approached, they reached the shore of the Feilai Mountain River.

Nangong Ye carried Chen Mo back to Lengyue Residence.

With Nangong Ye's methods, naturally no one saw him along the way.

Once inside the room, Nangong Ye placed Chen Mo on the bed and then breathed a sigh of relief.

It was already dark, and only an oil lamp was lit in the room. When Nangong Ye turned around, he was shocked to see Chen Mo, dressed in a bright red wedding suit, kneeling on the bed.

It's really quite frightening.

Fortunately, Nangong Ye was the head of the group and was very knowledgeable, so he didn't think much of it. However, he was puzzled: "Usually, after Chen Mo finished his shamanistic ritual, he would quickly regain consciousness thanks to the return of his clone. Today, it's been a whole day, and he still hasn't recovered. I wonder where his clone went. I didn't even sense it."

Thinking of this, Nangong Ye walked up to Chen Mo, rolled up Chen Mo's sleeve, and was surprised to see a small loach tattoo on his arm.

That tattoo is dead, there's no sign of it.

"My clone seems to be imprisoned by something?"

"Moreover, he was completely lifeless, as if he were dead."

"No rush, let's wait and see. If Chen Mo can recover on his own, that would be best. He wouldn't have been forcibly awakened and lost his soul. I just don't know how long Chen Mo needs to sleep."

"However, Chen Mo's identity is special. If he is not around, the Green Wolf Gang is prone to chaos. If the Green Wolf Gang is in chaos, the entire Nanyang Prefecture will be in complete chaos."

……

Baicao Garden.

Tang Wan and Lu Chengzhuang waited inside all day, but Chen Mo still hadn't returned, so they couldn't help but worry.

Tang Wan, in particular, paced back and forth in the courtyard, her face pale with anxiety.

Lu Chengzhuang asked, "Wan'er, did the young master say anything to you when he went out last night?"

Tang Wan shook her head: "No. Young Master just said it was a normal seclusion for martial arts training."

"Think again, has the young master done anything unusual?"

Tang Wan tilted her head and thought carefully for a moment, then said, "Last night, before you left, you stared at me for a long time, which made me feel a little embarrassed. Did you know something bad was going to happen?"

Lu Chengzhuang slapped his forehead: "That must be it. We can't wait any longer. Send people out to search immediately. By the way, Young Master always goes out with that Xiao Ye. I'll go ask Xiao Ye."

Just then, Li Huabai walked in. "Hasn't the young master returned yet?"

Tang Wan repeated what she had just said.

Xiaoye?

Li Huabai paused for a moment, thinking to himself: Is this the Xiao Ye who instantly killed Old Madam Xiulan? I've seen this woman twice before; she also has white hair. But she exudes an extraordinary aura. I wonder which powerful figure she is.

During this period, Li Huabai has been helping Chen Mo investigate information about the dragon-walking and shamanic rituals, especially about the Dayin Mountain and Jiang Hongyue.

Unexpectedly, before the investigation was even complete, the young master ran into trouble.

This is not what Li Huabai wanted to see.

Black Mountain Tower is now completely at odds with Washington.

Following Chen Mo gave Li Huabai a sense of security. Especially the mysterious and unpredictable Xiao Ye, who reassured Li Huabai. However, Xiao Ye rarely interacted with outsiders, only communicating with Chen Mo.

If anything were to happen to Chen Mo, Li Huabai estimated that... Black Mountain Tower would also be in danger.

"Wan'er, don't worry, I'll immediately send the Black Mountain Tower people to search. Also, I'll go and pay a visit to that Xiao Ye."

Just then, footsteps were heard outside the door.

Everyone turned around and saw a white-haired woman wearing a purple ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress). Although her hair was white, she possessed an extraordinary grace and unparalleled beauty, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at her.

The three of them bowed respectfully, not daring to breathe.

Compared to their respect for Chen Mo, they held the mysterious and unpredictable Xiao Ye in even greater awe.

Wan'er spoke first, "Sister Xiaoye, did my young master come back with you?"

Nangong Ye nodded: "We came back together, but Chen Mo ran into some trouble and is currently staying at Lengyue Residence, so it's inconvenient for him to see anyone. Don't worry, there's no need to look for him everywhere."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Nangong Ye said, "Besides Chen Mo, who else in the Green Wolf Gang can make decisions?"

Lu Chengzhuang said, "Young Master is the deputy leader, and there are no positions like elders. If Young Master is busy, the Green Wolf Gang needs... the old leader to step in for the best outcome."

Nangong Ye asked, "Tang Binghu?"

"Yes."

"Go and get ready. Take me to see the old gang leader." Nangong Ye strode into the main room and found Juan'er.

Juan'er was terrified when she saw Nangong Ye approaching, and she lost all interest in tidying up the shadow puppet.

In truth, Juan'er felt very puzzled: she had followed the young master all over the country and had never been afraid of anything. Yet now she was afraid of the woman in front of her.

The woman in front of her clearly meant no harm, but Juan'er was still afraid.

Nangong Ye said, "Juan'er, don't be afraid, I mean no harm. Go to Lengyue Residence and keep your young master company. Don't let anyone into Lengyue Residence."

Juan'er sensed the undeniable force in those words and replied, "May I take the puppet over there to keep you company, young master?"

"of course can."

"Thank you, Sister Xiaoye." Juan'er packed up the puppet and then hurriedly went to Lengyue Residence.

Having arranged everything, Nangong Ye turned to look at Li Huabai, "You are Li Huabai? You're the one who orchestrated Chen Mo's dragon-walking and shamanistic ritual?"

Li Huabai bowed and said, "Yes."

Nangong Ye said, "People from Nanzhou may have come. Have someone investigate and report back immediately if there is any news."

"Yes."

Nangong Ye nodded, then said to Lu Chengzhuang, "Take me to Tangjiabao."

……

Tangjiabao.

Jingsi Garden.

Tang Binghu moved into the place where his father had once lived. He spent his days studying martial arts and occasionally exchanging ideas with Tang Feifei.

After the last sudden change, Tang Feifei and Tang Binghu no longer had the same spirit as before. Although they studied martial arts all day long, their faces were always full of worry.

"Seventh Brother, this can't go on forever." Tang Feifei came over with a few martial arts manuals and sighed, "Our Black God Master of Tang Family Fortress is dead, and the bloodline of our Tang family members has disappeared. I'm afraid it's destined that our Tang family will just be an ordinary aristocratic family from now on. We'll never be able to return to our former glory. We can't find a way out on our own."

Eh.

Tang Binghu sighed, putting down the martial arts manual in his hand. He looked much older than before. "Yes. A hundred years ago, Grandpa obtained the Four Souls Jade from Jiang Hongyue, and from then on, we became a family that suppressed demons. After four generations of hard work, we finally stood at the pinnacle of Nanyang Prefecture. Now, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, everything has returned to what it was a hundred years ago. What was the meaning of the efforts of our Tang family for four generations over the past hundred years?"

At this point, Tang Binghu started coughing incessantly.

Once upon a time, Tang Binghu was also full of vigor and ambition.

Even though he was constantly outdone by Shen Wudao of the Shen family, he still harbored a burning passion within him. He always dreamed that one day he would lead the Shen family to new heights.

But now, with the disappearance of the associated blood.

The last glimmer of hope has been extinguished.

Tang Feifei said, "If it weren't for Seventh Brother taking Xiao Mo as his disciple, our Tang Family Fortress would probably have perished long ago, just like the Shen Family. The current situation is already a very good outcome. Seventh Brother, don't torment yourself anymore. Without the symbiotic bloodline, we are ultimately just ordinary people. We can't transcend the mundane world."

Tang Binghu gritted his teeth and remained silent. His eyes, however, were already bloodshot.

He vaguely remembered how, in order to fight the zombies, he had traversed mountains and rivers, traveling across the five continents and four seas. Finally, he found his master, Sun Luhai, in Nanzhou. There, he obtained the Dragon Elephant Skill, and from then on, he had hope of breaking through to the Transcendent Realm.

But the Dragon Elephant Skill can only be practiced by relying on the bloodline of a prestigious family.

Now that the Tang family's symbiotic bloodline is gone, Tang Binghu and Tang Feifei's cultivation levels have plummeted. They've reverted to the ninth level of Martial Master. They have no chance of ever transcending the mortal realm in this lifetime.

"In the end, it was my incompetence. The Tang family's four-generation legacy was ultimately destroyed in my hands. In the future... how will I face my ancestors in the afterlife?" Tang Binghu was heartbroken and filled with self-reproach.

Just then, footsteps came from outside the door.

A member of the Tang family came to report: "Lord of the Fortress, Third Master. Young Master Mo's trusted confidant, Lu Chengzhuang, is requesting an audience with his men."

Tang Binghu immediately composed himself and forced a smile: "Quickly, let them in."

After saying that, Tang Binghu instructed Tang Feifei: "Third sister, go and prepare tea and pastries. Our incompetence is our own problem. Xiao Mo has been working hard outside these days, which has been especially difficult for him."

"Yes, I know. Fifth Brother and Second Brother have entered the capital and haven't returned yet. Tang Lei and Tang Mei have taken the core disciples of the Tang family to Nanzhou to settle down. Naturally, we can't be impolite." Although Tang Feifei has a strong personality, she is also sensible and polite.

Not long after, Lu Chengzhuang brought Nangong Ye in. Tang Feifei and Tang Binghu were shocked the moment they saw Nangong Ye.

They had spent half their lives stationed in Nanyang Prefecture and were quite knowledgeable. But the woman before them possessed an aura of such high elegance that it was almost impossible to look directly at her.

"Greetings, Lord of the Fortress, Third Master." Lu Chengzhuang cupped his hands in greeting, then introduced, "This is Miss Xiaoye, a close friend of the young master. She has come to see you on business."

"Greetings, Miss Xiaoye. Please have a seat. Third Sister, please make some tea for Miss Xiaoye." Tang Binghu invited Xiaoye to sit down, then exchanged a few pleasantries before asking, "Has something happened to the Green Wolf Gang?"

Nangong Ye wasn't one to meddle, nor did he like to interfere in other people's affairs. However, Chen Mo was currently unconscious and likely wouldn't wake up for a long time, so he needed to make arrangements for Chen Mo's funeral.

"Does Lord Tang know that Chen Mo has become entangled with Jiang Hongyue?"

Tang Binghu was taken aback, but made no attempt to hide anything: "I know. I've known for a long time. My father was still alive then, and he sent my fifth and second brothers to the Nantianlou in the capital to report on this matter. They haven't returned since."

Nangong Ye nodded: "Chen Mo has now been chosen by Jiang Hongyue as the chief priest for the sacrifice. He has been in a long coma and we don't know when he will wake up."

what?
Tang Binghu suddenly stood up: "Xiao Mo is unconscious. I want to go see her..."

Nangong Ye interrupted, "I'm afraid that's inconvenient. The reason I came to see Lord Tang is that I hope that while Chen Mo is unconscious, Lord Tang can maintain the order of the Green Wolf Gang and prevent a major internal strife from occurring in Nanyang Prefecture."

Tang Binghu said, "Maintaining order is no problem, it's what I should do. But Xiao Mo is unconscious, and as his master, I should go and visit him. Otherwise, I won't be at ease."

Nangong Ye thought for a moment and said, "Alright. You go to the Green Wolf Gang first, and I'll take you to visit Lengyue Residence after I get back. Until then, don't go near Lengyue Residence."

Tang Binghu was still worried: "Has something happened to Xiao Mo?"

Given Xiao Ye's personality, she would have refused the invitation directly if it were an outsider. But considering that he was Chen Mo's master, she couldn't bear to refuse. "You'll see when the time comes. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

……

Chen Residence, Nanyang Prefecture.

The place was just as lively and bustling as usual.

The guards could focus on their martial arts practice, and Qiu Lan and Ma Tie were living a prosperous life. Chen Wu and Xiao Yu'er continued to go to the martial arts school every day, while Chen Yinfu was busy managing the family business.

This day is also the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the moon is full.

The family sat in the living room in the courtyard, enjoying their reunion dinner.

Chen Mo was the only one missing.

Lin Yulan had little appetite; after eating a few bites, she stood under the eaves looking at the moon in the sky.

Before long, Xiaoyuer came over and tugged at Lin Yulan's sleeve. "Auntie, do you miss your second brother?"

Lin Yulan squatted down and gently stroked Xiaoyuer's nose. "Do you miss your second brother?"

Little Fish sniffed, her eyes red-rimmed: "I miss him. I miss him so much. I really want my second brother to come and check my homework, I really want my second brother to hold my little hand and go to school. But my second brother is always so busy, Little Fish hasn't seen him for months."

Hearing this, Chen Wu felt a lump in his throat and a pang of sadness.

Although Chen Mo didn't have many opportunities to talk to him, the words Chen Mo spoke to him were very powerful and deeply influenced Chen Wu.

Chen Yinfu spoke up at this moment, "Alright, stop crying like this. Xiao Mo's life is different from ours, and the world he lives in is also different from ours. Perhaps to Xiao Mo, aren't we just a burden?"

Just then, Haitang rushed in, "Master, Madam. The Second Young Master has sent someone."

brush!
Chen Yinfu, who had been uttering harsh words, was the first to leave his seat and rush to the eaves after hearing this: "Has Xiao Mo arrived?"

Haitang shook her head: "No."

Chen Yinfu felt a pang of disappointment, but quickly rallied, "It's good that someone's here. Quickly, let them in."

Before long, Haitang brought Xiaoye and Lu Chengzhuang in, accompanied by a young man in a silver brocade robe, who was none other than Chen Kun.

The others were fine; Lu Chengzhuang and Chen Yinfu's family were old acquaintances.

When they saw Xiaoye, the whole family instinctively stood up, realizing that this woman was truly extraordinary.

Upon meeting Chen Mo's family, Nangong Ye was quite unpretentious, and his tone softened considerably. "I am a close friend of Chen Mo; you can call me Xiao Ye. I've come here to say a few words on behalf of Chen Mo."

Lin Yulan spoke first, smiling, "Miss Xiaoye, please sit down. Haitang, go make some tea and bring some snacks."

Thinking that Chen Mo's fate was uncertain and that he had entrusted her with taking care of his family, Nangong Ye sat down and took a couple of sips of the tea from Haitang.

At this moment, Xiaoyuer approached Nangong Ye and tugged at her sleeve, "Sister Xiaoye, you are so beautiful."

Looking at the cute and innocent Xiaoyuer, Nangong Ye couldn't help but laugh and ask, "Are you Chen Mo's sister?"

Little Fish said, "Um, my name is Chen Fish. My second brother often calls me Little Fish. Is my second brother very busy? He hasn't come home to check my studies for months."

Nangong Ye was suddenly moved, seemingly not expecting that Chen Mo would have such a harmonious family. In addition, Xiaoyuer was extremely cute, so he reached out and touched Xiaoyuer's face, "Do you miss your second brother?"

Little Fish nodded emphatically: "Yes, Little Fish misses Second Brother so much. Second Brother always told me to study hard. Little Fish was very serious about it and always wanted Second Brother to know, but Second Brother hasn't come to see me for a long time..."

Nangong Ye felt a pang of sympathy. "Your second brother is indeed very busy."

This is the truth.

Knowing Chen Mo as well as Nangong Ye did, he was well aware that Chen Mo had never had a peaceful day. He lived in constant fear and anxiety, always living under Jiang Hongyue's shadow. No wonder he had become estranged from his family.

Xiaoyuer said, "Sister Xiaoye, I'll show you my recent homework, and then you can tell Second Brother, okay? Let Second Brother know that Xiaoyuer is very obedient at home and works very hard at school."

Nangong Ye was deeply moved. "Alright. Go to your room and get ready. Your sister will come to your room later to check your homework. Then she'll tell your second brother."

"Hehe, thank you, Sister Xiaoye. I'll go right now." Xiaoyuer was very polite, bowed to Nangong Ye, and then ran out the door.

Chen Wu, watching from the side, was very envious; he also wanted to learn from Xiao Yu'er. However, being a few years older and a boy, he ultimately couldn't bring himself to do it.

Without Xiaoyuer around, Chen Yinfu realized something and asked, "May I ask, Miss Xiaoye, has Xiaomo encountered any trouble outside?"

Nangong Ye glanced at the family and said, "Chen Mo has indeed run into trouble. Moreover, he may not be able to come back alive."

"Oh dear, Erlang!" Upon hearing this, Lin Yulan felt dizzy and almost fainted. Fortunately, Zhang Ru helped her up and comforted her.

The once lively atmosphere suddenly turned icy cold.

Chen Yinfu's face was deathly pale, and his voice trembled slightly: "I wonder who Xiao Mo has offended?"

Nangong Ye said, "I won't go into details to avoid causing everyone unnecessary worry. Chen Mo is outstanding; he's a young hero. Before this, Chen Mo instructed me to take good care of your family. Chen Kun."

Chen Kun stood up. "Yes."

Nangong Ye introduced the Chen family member, "This is Chen Kun, the Prefect of the Demon Suppression Bureau of Nanyang Prefecture. He will be visiting the Chen residence frequently in the future. If the Chen residence needs anything, please just let Chen Kun know."

Chen Kun, no matter what, you must ensure the safety of the Chen family. If anything happens to them, you shouldn't return to Beijing.

"Yes!" Chen Kun was inwardly bitter, thinking to himself that Lord Nangong was blatantly siding with outsiders. He wasn't taking care of his own people at all.

Nangong Ye glanced at Chen Kun: "You seem to have some complaints?"

Hey.

Chen Kun immediately smiled apologetically: "Your Excellency has wronged me. Your affairs are my affairs. From now on... Young Master Mo's affairs are my affairs."

Nangong Ye stood up and said to everyone, "I will do my best to ensure Chen Mo's safety, but this place is dangerous, and I cannot guarantee anything. No matter the outcome, Chen Mo is still the filial son of the Chen family. He is just suffering and has never had a peaceful day. He has no intention of distancing himself from you. Farewell."

As Nangong Ye left the courtyard, he heard a chorus of sobs coming from the living room.

Haitang led Nangong Ye to Xiaoyuer's residence. As soon as they arrived at the door, Nangong Ye saw an oil lamp lit in the living room. Xiaoyuer, dressed in a pink silk dress, was hunched over a long table, writing furiously and reciting ancient poems from time to time.

Haitang, having served as the head maid of the Chen family for many years, was naturally adept at reading people and quickly discerned Nangong Ye's extraordinary status. She explained, "Although Xiaoyuer is young, she always cares about the Second Young Master. Even though the Second Young Master doesn't come home often, Xiaoyuer truly loves him. Every time she comes back, she clings to him and listens to him the most."

Nangong Ye was slightly moved. "Chen Mo is so lucky to have such a cute and sensible little sister. I like a little sister like that too. You may leave now, I'll go check Xiaoyuer's homework."

Nangong Ye entered the living room alone.

"Sister Xiaoye, please sit across from me. Just like the teacher at school, check my homework. If I do anything wrong, like mispronouncing a word, please correct me. I also wrote a letter to my second brother. Could you please give it to him later, Sister Xiaoye?"

Nangong Ye listened to Xiaoyuer's words and sat down opposite him. Then he watched Xiaoyuer recite poems fluently and even write some down from memory.

Little Fish was extremely serious.

Nangong Ye could tell that Xiaoyuer really liked Chen Mo and desperately wanted his approval and praise.

As he looked at the screen, Nangong Ye recalled that when he was young, he also had an older brother, but that brother schemed against him in every way and wished he could kill him.

In contrast, Nangong Ye's eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

……

Tang Binghu and Tang Feifei joined the Green Wolf Gang.

Led by Nangong Ye, they saw Chen Mo in a strange posture.

Even a big shot like Tang Binghu couldn't help but be surprised, "Miss Xiao Ye, what is Xiao Mo...?"

Nangong Ye said, "I've said everything I needed to say, there's no point in saying more. If Chen Mo doesn't wake up by tomorrow, I'll take him away from here. I'm entrusting the affairs of the Green Wolf Gang to you."

Tang Binghu then stopped asking questions.

After dismissing everyone, Nangong Ye left only Li Huabai in the living room.

Juan'er was still fiddling with her shadow puppets in the living room, seemingly oblivious to everything else around her.

Li Huabai brewed tea for Nangong Ye and cautiously asked, "Just now, Miss Ye said she wanted to take Young Master Mo away from here? Where are they going?"

Nangong Ye said, "Chen Mo completed the shamanic ritual last night, which caused a change in him, and he has become unresponsive. If he doesn't wake up by tomorrow, I'm afraid we'll have to take him to the Great Yin Mountain to have any chance of waking him up."

Da Yin Mountain.

Upon hearing these three words, Li Huabai was taken aback, but quickly recovered: "Will taking him to the Great Yin Mountain wake him up?"

Nangong Ye said, "If Chen Mo passed the high priest's selection, then Chen Mo is already the high priest chosen by Jiang Hongyue. Jiang Hongyue is no longer a person, she is not in the mortal realm. Therefore, her priests should also not be in the mortal realm."

Li Huabai grew increasingly astonished, realizing that Xiao Ye knew far more than he did. "You mean... Young Master Mo is already dead?"

Nangong Ye said, "I can't sense any life. His soul is no longer here. It's been taken away."

"In the Yin Mountains?"

"It should be. That's where Jiang Hongyue fell. I'm telling you this so you can be an insider. Also, I haven't been in Dayin Mountain for long, so I don't know much about it. Heishanlou is good at investigating information, and I need your help."

"I understand. I will compile all the information into a booklet by tomorrow and give it to Miss Xiaoye."

"Well, let's go."

After dismissing Li Huabai, Nangong Ye walked up to Chen Mo and examined Chen Mo's hands and feet.

It was ice cold, with no pulse, no breathing, no heartbeat, and not even a ripple in its head.

He looked exactly like a dead person.

But Nangong Ye knew that Chen Mo was not dead yet.

Because she had heard the ghost story and knew some of the details.

"Just wait until tomorrow."

……

The next day, at dusk.

Another day passed.

Chen Mo remained lying on the headboard, maintaining the same posture as before.

Lifeless.

Instead of showing any signs of waking up, his body became even stiffer and colder. This was a sign of deterioration.

Nangong Ye knew he couldn't wait any longer.

She packed her luggage and suddenly noticed a burlap sack on Chen Mo's back.

The linen has all turned red.

Reaching out to touch it, I initially sensed that it was a mirror.

Nangong Ye initially intended to throw the mirror away, but recalling how Chen Mo always carried it with him whenever he went out, never leaving his side, she ultimately decided against taking it down out of respect for the "deceased."

A short while later, Li Huabai came in with a booklet, presenting it with both hands: "All the information is in this. There's nothing more that my Black Mountain Tower can investigate for the time being."

Nangong Ye took the booklet and said, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

Li Huabai gritted her teeth and said, "I should have followed you to Da Yin Mountain. However, my sister's injuries have not yet healed. If you wake up, please tell you, Miss Xiao Ye, that I will always be grateful for your great kindness. If you ever come to Nanzhou, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse."

"understood."

Nangong Ye waved his hand, and Li Huabai withdrew.

She closed the book, then picked up Chen Mo and murmured, "The Great Yin Mountain is truly a dangerous place. Logically speaking, no one should go there. The chances of survival are slim. I was just doing my duty, and after hearing those ghost stories, my fate seems inescapable. And now, you've become a pitiful soul."

……

Huai River.

A small boat with a black awning was traveling upstream on the Huai River at an incredibly fast speed.

A groom was huddled inside the awning, while a woman in purple with white hair stood at the bow, playing a melodious flute.

Starting from Feilai Mountain, it is a journey of two thousand miles to Honghe County.

Even though the awning boat travels very fast, it still takes three or four days. It's not that Nangong Ye lacks strength, but rather that the materials used in the awning boat can't withstand the speed; it would simply crumble if it went too fast.

On the first day, we traveled 600 li.

Nangong Ye noticed that Chen Mo's body was not as stiff anymore, and his condition had improved.

This surprised and delighted Nangong Ye. "Sure enough, you were chosen by Jiang Hongyue to be the chief priest. Your soul is no longer here; it is in the Great Yin Mountain. The closer you get to the Great Yin Mountain, the better your condition will be."

The next day, they traveled another 600 li.

Although Chen Mo was still wearing his scholar's robes and lying on the ground, his body had softened. His muscles were no longer stiff and were quite flexible.

However, Nangong Ye discovered that his ghost curse was starting to take effect.

There is a tendency for recurrence...

On the third day, they still traveled 600 li.

Finally, on the morning of the fourth day, the awning boat arrived at the foot of Dayin Mountain and followed the Qinghe River to the back of Qinghe Town.

The Qinghe River has a rapid current and occasional gorges, making it impossible for boats to proceed.

Nangong Ye then packed up the boat, carried Chen Mo on his back, crossed the Red Bridge, and entered the Dayin Mountain.

hiss.

Nangong Ye gritted his teeth, "This guy is incredibly heavy. Ever since I met him, he's taken advantage of me so many times. I hope you really are a high priest..."

We followed the mountain path, traversing mountains and valleys.

The area was densely wooded, the mountain path was difficult to traverse, and the moon overhead had turned blood red, making the whole place eerie. Every now and then, dark shadows would flash through the woods, accompanied by ghostly howls.

Fortunately, Nangong Ye was skilled enough; otherwise, carrying such a thing on his back, he really wouldn't have been able to go that far.

Since Nangong Ye had been here before, he knew the way well and quickly crossed several small hills, arriving at the foot of the main mountain range of Dayin Mountain.

Down the mountain stands that familiar teahouse.

Red walls, red lanterns.

Although the old Taoist priest and the big bell were gone, the tea pavilion was spotless, the stove was warm, and charcoal was still burning in the firebox.

Nangong Ye was a little tired, so he went into the tea pavilion and put Chen Mo on a bench. Chen Mo was unconscious and couldn't sit still, so he slumped onto the table.

call!
Nangong Ye sat down and stretched his arms and legs. "This thing is really heavy."

Before long, the sound of bells could be heard in the distance.

Jingle Bell.

Nangong Ye suddenly looked up and saw four girls dressed in red robes carrying a red sedan chair coming down the mountain. The four girls hopped and skipped, their feet barely touching the ground, while muttering something under their breath:
"Back then, that man cut a clear river with his sword, and from then on, the rules were established. As the saying goes, the Qinghe River is divided into two parts, Yin and Yang. The ceremony of welcoming people up the mountain must not be taken lightly."

"Oh dear, this sedan chair is carrying a dragon walker! Strangers should not look at it, lest they be cursed and never have peace."

"One sedan chair after another is going up the mountain. I wonder what Your Highness is waiting for?"

"What are we waiting for? We're just missing a priest."

Nangong Ye felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this, and just then...

brush!
Chen Mo suddenly sat up straight...

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: This volume is nearing its end. It expanded so much, with so many threads intertwined. Now it's time for all those threads to converge and explode, making it genuinely difficult to write.
(End of this chapter)