I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 93 The Spirit Infant Servant's Identity, Li Residence in Qinghe Town!
Liu Junxi was the first to recover his senses and shouted angrily, "Manager Chen is really quite imposing, treating his fellow disciples with such ruthlessness!"

As he spoke, Liu Junxi rushed frantically out of the courtyard, shouting, "Xiao Wu!!"

He quickly reached the artificial hill, pushed aside countless rubble, dug out Liu Wu lying beneath the debris, scooped him up in his arms, and ran away without looking back. He had clearly tacitly admitted to forfeiting.

The stewards in the council chamber exchanged bewildered glances. Many of them grumbled inwardly that Chen Mo had acted too ruthlessly and was somewhat abusing his power.

All of this was, of course, intentionally done by Chen Mo.

Since you've decided to compete for the position of incense master, you must secure your place in it firmly. And the best way to secure that position is to demonstrate strength that leaves your competitors breathless.

Shatter all their illusions.

In this way, they will not cause trouble for me in the future.

Chen Mo didn't want to become the leader of the incense shop and then be constantly harassed by a bunch of competitors or unscrupulous people.

Either don’t do it or never do it.

"Hahaha."

Zhu Qingfeng then spoke up, "Steward Chen truly lives up to Shao Siming's high regard; his martial arts skills are extraordinary. He is indeed a talent of our Black Mountain Stronghold. In that case, Steward Chen will take over as the head of Shoulu Manor. Does anyone have any objections?"

After witnessing Chen Mo's extraordinary skills, who would still have any objections?
They all nodded in agreement.

Zhu Qingfeng made the decision, "Then I will take charge of this matter. Steward Chen can go to Shoulu Manor now. As for the robe and waist token, I will have them prepared immediately and sent over later."

……

"Xiao Wu, how are you feeling about your injuries?"

In a living room, Liu Junxi applied medicine to Liu Wu's wounds while asking him with concern.

When Liu Wu was first brought back, Liu Junxi thought that Liu Wu would be crippled if he wasn't dead. But after a closer examination, he found that Liu Wu's injuries were not as serious as he had imagined.

While stretching his limbs, Liu Wu said, "Thank you for your concern, Master. Manager Chen stopped at the crucial moment, so my bones weren't injured. It's just some superficial wounds."

Liu Jun, still in disbelief, took Liu Wu's pulse again. Sure enough, he found the pulse to be steady, and although the internal energy was disordered, it had not damaged the bones and muscles. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

Liu Wu said, "Master, that Manager Chen only wanted to establish his authority and had no intention of harming me. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly. The position of incense master should rightfully belong to him."

Liu Junxi, though unwilling, could only nod. At the same time, he felt a chill run down his spine: to unleash such a powerful sword technique and kill, and yet still be able to stop at the crucial moment—this mastery of even the slightest nuance was something he himself could not match.

Although he still showed resentment on the surface, deep down... Liu Junxi no longer dared to compete with Chen Mo for the position of incense master.

This boy is terrifying.

Eh.

Liu Junxi sighed deeply: "It's just that you've had to suffer. If you miss this opportunity, who knows how many years you'll have to wait before you can make it big."

Liu Wu lowered his head sadly, "Master, I've endured twenty years, I can wait any longer."

Liu Jun, his face streaked with heartache, said, "How many twenty-year periods does one have in a lifetime?"

……

Meanwhile, Guo Ziyu brought some everyday gifts and intended to give them to Chen Mo at Shoulu Manor. She also took the opportunity to remind Chen Mo of the things he should pay attention to after becoming the head of the incense shop.

Upon entering, they found no Chen Moren, only Li Qing cleaning the yard.

"Is the blue ox settling in well here?"

Upon seeing Guo Ziyu, Li Qingniu respectfully cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "It's quite the habit. Thank you for your concern, Steward Guo. I'll make you some tea right away."

On his first day as the head of the incense shop, Chen Mo assigned Li Qingniu to help out at Shoulu Manor, and Guo Ziyu also generously released him.

Li Qingniu was a grateful person, so he naturally kept it in mind.

Guo Ziyu said calmly, "No need for tea. Where is Chenxiang's master?"

Li Qingniu said, "Master Chen went to the Martial Arts Pavilion early this morning and hasn't returned yet."

Guo Ziyu was taken aback, thinking to herself: This guy knows how to exercise his privileges. He just took office and dumped all the miscellaneous tasks on Li Qingniu, while he himself stayed in the Martial Arts Pavilion.

……

The Black Mountain Village Martial Arts Pavilion is located in a very remote area, and few people usually come here.

After all, ordinary staff and disciples of the village are not qualified to come here; only the managers are allowed. The Martial Arts Pavilion is divided into three floors. Managers can only go to the first floor, while only the incense masters, deputy hall masters, and hall masters can go to the upper two floors.

The one guarding the Martial Arts Pavilion was an old man with a white beard, so old he was practically toothless.

Chen Mo showed the old man his identity token as the incense master, and after receiving the old man's approval, he went directly to the second floor and began to look through the martial arts manuals one by one.

His purpose was clear:
Currently, he mainly cultivates the Mingyu Gong and the Hongdeng Cunning Shen Fa. Both are considered techniques, not skills. Although he learned some talisman skills from Guo Ziyu, they are relatively rudimentary and he has not yet mastered them to a sufficient level.

Chen Mo felt that he needed to master one or two top-tier martial arts techniques to unleash even greater combat power.

After searching around, although these martial arts techniques were all quite good, none of them particularly appealed to Chen Mo.

He then went to the third floor to search.

Finally, in a narrow corner of a bookshelf, I found a martial art I liked: Black Fiend Blood Blade.

After examining it closely, I realized that the core of the Black Fiend Blood Blade is to nourish the fiend with the soul and the blade with blood. Ultimately, it treats the blade as one's strongest limb, allowing it to unleash tremendous power.

One needs to be a fourth-level martial artist to begin cultivation.

The high threshold alone is enough to demonstrate the extraordinary nature of this swordsmanship.

"It sounds eerie, but it's perfect for me."

Chen Mo opened the panel.

[Currently available original solution essence: 0]

[Current remaining read attempts: 6]

[Readable item detected]

[Read?]

"Read!"

A wave of dizziness washed over me, and the panel quickly changed.

【Name: Black Fiend Blood Blade】

[Type: Yin-type sword technique]

[Introduction: A sword technique created by a master swordsman, nourishing the sword with the soul and blood, primarily using malevolent energy for killing. It can break through the defenses of a master swordsman and slay ghosts and spirits. It consists of four forms (Blood Fiend, Black Tiger, Blood Blade, and Heavenly Gang)].

[Note: This sword technique is extremely evil, and the training process is very dangerous. The slightest mistake in nurturing the sword or cultivating its power will result in demonic possession and death.]

[Note: Your bloodline is compatible with both the Yin and Yang attributes of the Mingyu Gong and the blood of the Ghost Curse. It already contains extremely concentrated malevolent energy, so you can cultivate with confidence and achieve twice the results with half the effort.]

"Just as I predicted. This is the one."

Chen Mo took the manual downstairs and asked the white-bearded old man if he could borrow it.

The old man didn't say anything, but with trembling hands he opened the book and made notes.

Chen Mo watched as the old man's hand trembled violently as he wrote, and couldn't help but worry that the old man might suddenly kick the bucket. Was it really appropriate to assign such an old man to guard the Martial Arts Pavilion?
So old... his mind is probably all muddled, it would be bad if he made a mistake.

Fortunately, the old man managed to record the secret technique successfully. He handed the manual to Chen Mo and, with trembling hands, instructed him, "This sword technique hasn't been found for many years. You have a sharp eye. But it's difficult to master. If you don't succeed, you'll suffer a qi deviation. Young man, don't be too ambitious."

Chen Mo said, "I'll just take a look. If it's not good, I'll return it. But you, father-in-law, should take better care of yourself."

The old man snorted, "I'm perfectly healthy, you don't need to worry about me... cough cough!" Before he could finish speaking, he started coughing violently again.

Chen Mo asked a few words of concern, then hurriedly left.

Upon returning to Shoulu Manor, Chen Mo learned that Guo Ziyu had visited and brought some daily necessities. Chen Mo instructed Li Qingniu to accept them. He then summoned the dozen or so employees of Shoulu Manor to the inner courtyard, pointed at Li Qingniu, and said, "From now on, Li Qingniu will be my deputy. You can report any miscellaneous matters directly to Li Qingniu. If anyone dares to cause trouble, don't blame me for being ruthless."

The group of men had already heard that Liu Wu had been sent flying with a single blow, so they didn't dare to say anything more and all nodded in agreement.

After giving his instructions, Chen Mo became a hands-off manager, locking himself in the main room to practice the Black Fiend Blade Technique, the Ghost Shadow Technique, the Bright Jade Skill, and the Spirit Preservation Technique, among other things.

He's just too busy.

In the following days, peace returned again.

Chen Mo spent most of his time cultivating, and used the rest of his time to lead his men on daily patrols.

Shouluzhuang's patrol area was mainly concentrated in the western part of Wuqiao Town, a relatively safe area far from Dayin Mountain. However, just to be on the safe side, Chen Mo still personally led his men on night patrols. He also made sure to teach Li Qingniu some skills.

Ten days passed in a flash.

Chen Mo's Black Fiend Blade Technique has finally broken through the first move, and he has also mastered Ghost Shadow.

That night, while Chen Mo was eating in the living room, the baby jade pendant in his arms suddenly stirred. Upon taking it out, he saw that it was emitting bursts of white light, as if it were some kind of summons.

"The spirit infant servant has been summoned."

Chen Mo immediately changed into night clothes, covered his face, and then quietly left the house.

Following Li Yuanlong's original information, he arrived near the western edge of Qinghe Town. Sure enough, in an inconspicuous grove, he found an abandoned ancient temple.

Above the entrance hangs a horizontal plaque with four large characters: Baicao Ancient Temple.

Chen Mo deliberately slowed down, arriving rather late. Upon reaching the entrance of the ancient temple, he saw many figures inside, with two masked men guarding the gate, examining the baby jade pendants one by one.

Chen Mo followed the group slowly forward, and when he got close, he showed the jade pendant. The man examined it for a moment and then let him pass.

Upon entering the ancient temple, Chen Mo saw a dozen or so people gathered in the courtyard.

Although they were all dressed in black and concealed their identities by wearing masks, Chen Mo observed their speech and behavior and discovered that these people were no ordinary individuals. Most of them were worldly-wise wealthy merchants and gentry, and there were also a few martial arts masters.

Chen Mo thought to himself: Just as Li Yuanlong said. Most of these internal martial arts masters are from the city's three major martial arts schools, while the wealthy merchants and gentry are all prominent figures from various regions. The Spirit Infant Attendant has indeed managed to win over such a group of influential people lurking inside and outside the city; it would be easy for him to accomplish great things. He wondered what the Spirit Infant Attendant had summoned everyone for today.

Chen Mo found a secluded spot to wait, not speaking to anyone. In fact, everyone here was relatively cautious and spoke very little. Only a few people who had met several times would exchange pleasantries.

Not long after.

A voice called out from the doorway:
"The waiter has arrived."

The whole place fell silent immediately.

Chen Mo looked in the direction of the sound and saw a robust middle-aged man in a white robe stride in. The man's face was covered, so his appearance was not clear.

Everyone bowed in greeting.

The man in white robes walked to the eaves, turned around and looked at everyone, waving his hand and saying, "No need for formalities. I've called you here for nothing else. Just go to the ancient temple as usual to collect your items, and then go back to distribute and arrange them. Line up and go in one by one."

Objects?
Distribution?

Filled with curiosity, Chen Mo joined the end of the queue. Soon he saw the person in front of him go in, and when they came out, they were carrying a large wooden box. They then hurriedly left the ancient temple, and he wondered what was inside the wooden box.

When it was Chen Mo's turn, he entered the living room and was also given a wooden box.

Quite heavy.

No one else opened it, so Chen Mo wasn't in a hurry. After walking about fifty meters from the ancient temple and seeing that no one was around, he leaped into the woods and hid behind a large, secluded tree. He then placed the wooden box on the ground.

"Let me see what's inside."

Squeak.

As the wooden box was opened, two items were found inside.

One is a sculpture covered with a red veil, and the other is a two-foot-tall ceramic jar with its mouth sealed.

Chen Mo's pupils immediately contracted.

He was very familiar with both of these things.

One is the image of a spirit infant, made of resurrection wood. The other jar... likely contains a living ghost infant.

"I see……"

"This spirit infant attendant keeps distributing ghost infants and dharma images, letting prominent people take them and distribute them to suitable villagers' homes to be placed. Then, ghost infants are born one after another. That's how my Chen family suffered. This spirit infant attendant behind the scenes is truly not simple."

After a moment's thought, Chen Mo quickly placed the wooden box in the nearby bushes, concealing it. Then he returned to the entrance of the ancient temple, found a large tree to hide under, and stared intently at the temple gate not far away.

"I want to see what kind of person that spirit infant attendant is. It is this person who has brought disaster to my Chen family. He caused my second mother to lose her child and almost killed me."

Chen Mo concealed his presence and lay quietly behind a large tree, waiting.

Finally, the believers who had gathered at the ancient temple carrying large boxes left. After quite some time, the attendant of the spirit child finally came out of the ancient temple, looked around and, not seeing anyone, hurriedly left.

Chen Mo didn't know the spirit infant attendant's cultivation level, so to be on the safe side, he didn't follow directly behind. Instead, he had the ghost shadow leave his body and follow behind the spirit infant attendant. Chen Mo then followed behind the ghost shadow.

After recent adjustments, the link between Ghost Shadow and Chen Mo has been extended to 150 meters.

In this way, Chen Mo could maintain a sufficient distance from the spirit infant attendant to avoid being discovered.

The night was deep, and a cold wind was blowing.

Chen Mo followed closely, and through the ghost's perception, he learned that the masked spirit infant attendant had arrived at the stone gate of Qinghe Town and then disappeared into the town.

Chen Mo observed the surrounding mist from afar, made a quick decision, and then had Ghost Shadow follow him into Qinghe Town. He then slowly moved forward himself. However, Chen Mo stopped when he reached the stone gate of Qinghe Town.

There is still pressure to move forward.

But the ghost was not afraid.

Through the ghostly figure's perception, Chen Mo knew that the infant spirit attendant had entered a coffin-making room a hundred meters from the town entrance, where an old woman was making coffins. Besides making coffins, the old woman also knew how to sculpt and make pottery jars.

Clearly, these sculptures made of the resurrection wood, as well as the jar containing the ghost baby, were made by this old woman.

The spirit infant attendant bowed to the old woman and replied, "Grandma Gu, the items have all been distributed. When will the next batch of items arrive?"

The old woman said, "Things have become difficult lately. Since the failed siege of the Red Lantern Temple on New Year's Day, the Lesser Master of Fate has sent two highly skilled individuals to settle in the town. They're also keeping an eye on the Li residence. I can't easily sneak into the Li residence to see the Infant Master. But those two are about to die. Once they're dead, I'll go to the Li residence to see the Infant Master and get some Dharma images and ghost infants for you. By the way, has there been any movement from Black Mountain Stronghold?"

The spirit infant attendant said, "There's no movement. Li Yuanlong was killed by the ghost infant. Why is that?"

The old woman said, "It's not a problem with the spirit infant. Li Yuanlong was killed. The ghost infant is dead too. This Black Mountain Stronghold is in turmoil. You need to find out who is opposing us. If you can't find out, this stronghold will be out of control. We can't let it live; we have to kill them all."

The spirit infant attendant said, "I understand. If Granny Gu has no further instructions, I will depart."

"Go ahead. Also, in about a month, the infant master will need to be revived and awaken. Find a group of believers to feed the infant master."

"Yes."

After saying this, the spirit infant attendant left the palanquin room and then left Qinghe Town.

Chen Mo followed the spirit infant attendant through the ghostly figure, secretly astonished: these ghost infants and their manifestations all originated from the Li residence in Qinghe Town. That was the home of Li Qing and Shen Yujun, and also the place where the spirit infants were first born…

Chen Mo felt he was getting closer and closer to the truth.

However, he also knew that now was not the time to ponder, and that he should focus on following the spirit infant attendant.

They continued on their journey and eventually discovered that the spirit infant attendant had entered Black Mountain Village!

(End of this chapter)