Chapter 14: Illusionary Realm

Shen Changqing was no stranger to the encroaching chill.

In his past days within the Demon Suppression Prison, such a chill had appeared frequently.

However.

Compared to the Demon Suppression Prison, the chill before him was still far inferior.

But even if it was inferior, that was only in comparison to a Meridian-opening martial artist; for those below the Meridian-opening stage, it would still have a significant impact.

Glancing sideways at Zhang Long’s slightly pale face, Shen Changqing slowed his pace slightly.

"Constable Zhang, why don't you wait outside the village? I can handle the evil spirits here by myself."

"Lord Shen, you overstate it. Dealing with evil spirits is everyone's responsibility; how could I shrink back? Besides, although Guyue Village is not large, it is not small either. To accurately locate the evil spirit, someone is still needed to lead the way."

Zhang Long shook his head in refusal. Despite his pale complexion, he showed no intention of retreating.

Seeing this.

Shen Changqing did not force the matter.

The two walked quietly through the village. At some unknown point, the scorching sun overhead had quietly weakened, as if the entire village were shrouded in a layer of mist, completely isolated from the world.

There were no insect chirps, nor the songs of birds.

Only the faint, meticulous sound of footsteps echoed in their ears.

Gradually.

An invisible pressure surged from all directions, as if it could stir up endless fear in one's heart.

But that pressure had little effect on Shen Changqing.

As someone who had patrolled the Demon Suppression Prison for years, he had seen many demons and specters, and possessed a profound understanding of such evils.

According to intelligence.

The specter in Guyue Village was merely a low-level Ghost-grade, not even qualified to be imprisoned in the Demon Suppression Prison; it could not compare at all to those powerful demons and specters.

Furthermore, while the cells in the Demon Suppression Prison were equipped with restrictive powers, it was impossible to block out every single trace of influence.

Therefore.

He was largely immune to the influence of evil spirits.

Even if there was still a slight effect, it was not enough to disrupt him significantly.

Zhang Long’s face was somewhat pale now, but his demeanor remained calm.

"Lord Shen, that house ahead is where the evil spirit has been wreaking havoc."

As he spoke, he pointed toward a house in the village.

That house was built of bluestone, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding houses made of yellow mud, looking quite out of place.

"This family must have been quite wealthy."

"They were famous landlords in Guyue Village. Unfortunately, with the evil spirit's interference, no amount of wealth could help. They still died in their home; by the time they were discovered, they had already become dried corpses."

Zhang Long sighed, feeling quite powerless against the evil spirits.

Shen Changqing asked, "Where are those dried corpses now?"

"Because the deaths were caused by an evil spirit, we were worried the corpses might undergo some changes. Therefore, after the coroner performed the autopsies, we cremated them immediately to prevent the possibility of the evil spirit using the bodies to harm people."

"I see."

Hearing Zhang Long's answer, Shen Changqing nodded.

The approach taken by the Lin'an City Yamen was indeed correct.

Some powerful evil spirits could reanimate the dead to slaughter the living; the method of cremating corpses was essential.

During their conversation.

The two had already arrived in front of the bluestone house.

Only when they stood directly before it did Shen Changqing realize that the so-called house was actually a sizable courtyard. The gates were tightly locked, and an ominous aura leaked from within.

With a single palm strike.

Shen Changqing directly shattered the lock on the courtyard gate, then pushed it open and walked straight in.

"Lord Shen's internal strength is formidable!"

Seeing him shatter the lock with one palm, Zhang Long's expression shifted slightly.

One had to know.

The lock was cast from pure iron; it was no easy feat to shatter it with true qi.

The fact that Shen Changqing could do this spoke volumes of his strength.

As he spoke.

Shen Changqing had already stepped into the courtyard.

The already dim environment became even darker. Although it hadn't reached the point where one couldn't see their own hand, it was certainly hard to imagine that the actual scene outside should be under a scorching sun.

An unknown tree grew in the courtyard, its branches and leaves quite lush. Unfortunately, most of the foliage had turned withered and yellow. As the courtyard gate was pushed open, a slight draft caused some of the yellow leaves to flutter down.

"Lord Shen, when this family was discovered, they were dead inside the master bedroom. Please follow me!"

Zhang Long's voice sounded from behind.

Immediately after.

He was seen leading the way, walking toward one section of the courtyard.

Seeing this.

Shen Changqing followed behind Zhang Long.

The man was clearly very familiar with the courtyard; it took almost no time at all to arrive before a tightly closed room door.

"Lord Shen, this is where the evil spirit first appeared."

Zhang Long pointed at the door, his expression turning solemn.

Upon hearing this.

Shen Changqing kicked the door open, the loud bang echoing incessantly through the silent courtyard.

He stepped into the room and happened to see a bronze mirror placed there.

In that instant.

The surrounding scene changed abruptly.

The room was still the same room, but compared to what he had just seen, it had become much more dilapidated, as if no one had lived there for many years.

Shen Changqing looked back; Zhang Long had disappeared at some unknown point.

"Sob... sob..."

The sound of soft sobbing drifted toward his ears, as if someone were hiding in a corner, weeping quietly.

But soon.

The sobbing vanished, replaced by the sound of cheerful laughter ringing through the silent space.

Shen Changqing's gaze fell upon the courtyard, where he saw several dark shadows whose specific features were unclear, running and chasing each other around. Judging by their forms, they appeared to be children.

And the toy they were playing with.

Was a round object that was being kicked back and forth.

Suddenly.

One of the children seemed to exert too much force, and that round sphere flew toward Shen Changqing.

Instantly.

His long saber unsheathed with a roar.

A cold, piercing light flashed, instantly cleaving the round object in two.

Blood splattered.

The round object fell to the ground in two halves; it was, quite clearly, a severed head.

The split head still had its eyes wide open, staring fixedly at him.

Shen Changqing walked forward slowly and crushed one half of the head under his foot. As black blood splashed across the ground, he looked toward the dark shadows in the courtyard with a slightly ferocious expression.

"Come to think of it, I have never fought a true specter before!"

"This is the perfect chance to see exactly what kind of tricks you specters possess. If this is merely a simple illusion, it will be a great disappointment—"

Just as he was slowly approaching.

A streak of cold, sharp light abruptly rose from the dim environment, tearing through everything.

(End of Chapter)