Chapter 21: The Beheading Ghost
Li Yanchu said, “It’s likely we’ve entered a place similar to the ghost villages or ghost markets spoken of in old folk tales.”
Head Constable Wang's hand trembled slightly at those words.
Li Yanchu continued, “Head Constable Wang, it’s best if you take your men and withdraw for now. Stay with the carriages. I’ll go investigate alone.”
Head Constable Wang opened his mouth to speak, but Li Yanchu cut in,“This place is stranger than I imagined. If it weren’t for the need to save someone, retreating would absolutely be the wisest course.”
Head Constable Wang sighed. “In that case, take care, Daoist Master Yanchu.”
Old Wang wasn’t the kind to act rashly. Even Zhao Wuzhu had fallen, becoming a corpse possessed by a paper effigy spirit. His own martial ability was on par with Zhao Wuzhu’s, but he lacked any means to handle supernatural forces. Forcing his way in would only create more problems.
Song Sanlang clasped his hands and said solemnly, “Daoist Master Yanchu, your righteousness is admirable. I’ve dabbled in some minor Daoist arts and am willing to lend you my aid.”
Li Yanchu nodded in approval.
The corpse-bearer trade came with many taboos, and the ability to handle fierce or cursed corpses required real skill. He didn’t refuse the offer.
Head Constable Wang led the officers away, while Li Yanchu and Song Sanlang headed in the direction where the mysterious footprints had disappeared.
By now, the world they saw was completely different from reality. And just like that, after walking only a few more steps, the two of them vanished from sight, right under everyone’s noses.