While Yichen comforted Pei Sijing, assuring her that her brother was still alive, Yun Guang noticed how pale Yichen appeared. It was clear his energy had been heavily depleted—not only from the strain of connecting with Siheng's life force but also from his repeated journeys to the astral plane.
"Yichen, you should take a nap. You really need it. Don't push yourself too hard. I've got this covered, so rest easy," Yun Guang said gently. Yichen felt a wave of gratitude wash over him for his cousin's kindness, realizing just how exhausted he truly was.
"Absolutely, Xiao Zhuo! We're a fierce crew of ghost hunters, and even if a whole bunch of them show up, we'll take them down without breaking a sweat," Bai Jiu declared confidently. Yet, Yun Guang felt a strong urge to give the young man a playful smack on the back of his head, just like Ying Lei ended up doing for him, as if he could read his thoughts.
"Ouch! What was that for?!" Bai Jiu exclaimed, staring at Ying Lei in disbelief while rubbing the spot where he had been hit.
"Do you really need to ask? Are you trying to jinx us? We're cruising down an open road with hardly any protective talismans. It's a miracle we haven't run into any wandering spirits yet," Ying Lei replied, making Bai Jiu's cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"Ah, right... I totally forgot that the roads in the countryside are less protected. My bad..." he admitted, his voice still echoing through the speakers. Meanwhile, Wen Xiao couldn't help but stifle a giggle.
"Come on, everyone, let's not pick on our sweet Xiao Jiu. He's still so pure and innocent," Wen Xiao playfully remarked.
"Hey! I'm not!" He shot back, but Ying Lei's laughter rang out, causing Bai Jiu to turn a deeper shade of crimson. Yichen chuckled, his eyes drifting shut, feeling a mix of relief and amusement. At least someone else was blushing, taking the spotlight off him. Yet, it brought back memories of his own encounter with Zhu Yan, where their conversation had set off a flurry of red flags in his mind.
First, Zhu Yan possessed an uncanny awareness, not just of every action he took—whether within the astral plane or beyond it—but also of the unfolding events in the world, despite being sealed away in a cursed mountain for centuries. How he managed this was beyond comprehension. He simply had no answers.
Second, Zhu Yan seemed to have an intimate understanding of his abilities. It wasn't just an awareness of what those powers were, but a grasp of their significance, their implications, and the potential consequences of wielding them recklessly. He cautioned him not to overreach, because doing so could prove fatal. It was as though Zhu Yan truly knew him, even though he himself had been entirely unaware of Zhu Yan's existence until Captain Pei called him.
Third, he understood that Yun Guang served as his spiritual anchor, a bond so subtle that Yun Guang only stepped in, during his astral journeys when danger loomed. But how did he get that knowledge? How did he realize that Yun Guang was his cousin? And what about Siheng? How did he come to know about their connection at all?
Upon their initial encounter, Zhu Yan was certain that Siheng was the one he had been looking for. He assured him of his protection, despite the absence of any previous connection between them. Encouraging Yichen to reach out to him, Zhu Yan was emphasizing that, to some degree, it wasn't just about fulfilling their duties—it was about getting back a friend. He understood that without a doubt.
Then there was that undeniable sense of familiarity that Zhu Yan exuded, leading him effortlessly. First, Zhu Yan reached for his hand, drawn in like a moth to a flame. Before he knew it, he blissfully overlooked the fact that the old demon had his hand resting snugly on his waist, as if it were meant to be there! It felt so natural that his mind didn't even question it until much later. What on earth had he been thinking? He was a demon, for heaven's sake!
"Yichen... I can see you're spiraling." Yun Guang's voice broke through his thoughts, startling him so much that he jolted in his seat. The interruption was unexpected, and Yun Guang wore a smirk that only added to Yichen's irritation.
"Weren't you the one insisting I should rest? Why barge in and startle me like that?" Yichen retorted sharply, shooting a pointed look while Bai Jiu let out an exasperated sigh.
"Because they're all so mean..." Bai Jiu mumbled with a pout. Noticing the subtle sulk, Ying Lei, feeling a twinge of guilt from scolding him earlier, gently placed a comforting hand on the younger man's shoulder and moved closer in an attempt to console him.
"Hey, I didn't mean to be harsh. We're not mean, I promise," Ying Lei said, trying to smooth things over, but Yichen scoffed.
"Ying Lei might not be, but my cousin definitely is," Yichen declared, glancing at Yun Guang, who merely shrugged, clearly unbothered by the accusation.
"As your guardian, being a little pushy comes with the job. Still, for what it's worth, I care about you more than you seem to care for yourself. You were spinning out of control, weren't you?" Yun Guang probed, and Yichen turned his head away with a trace of embarrassment—an answer enough for his cousin.
"Look, dear cousin, just because we haven't teamed up as often as we used to, doesn't mean I've lost touch with you. I still know you like the back of my hand." Those words struck Yichen like an arrow to the heart, piercing right through because they rang absolutely true.
"And he's spot on, Xiao Zhuo, so lighten up with Xiao Yun and actually take a real break, okay?" Hearing Wen Xiao speak made Yichen notice the call was still live, and he realized he hadn't truly 'rested' for more than a few minutes. It felt strange, though, because he could've sworn time had stretched longer.
"I just can't force myself to sleep," Yichen protested, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Why not try meditating? Seriously, Yichen, don't make me resort to a spell on you," Yun Guang warned, but Yichen, as always, brushed him off.
Sure, he found himself tangled in a web of overthinking after his recent encounter with Zhu Yan, and for good reason. The situation was riddled with uncertainties that turned rest into a luxury he couldn't afford. That demon might be laying a trap, and who knew? Zhu Yan could have already slipped into his mind, gathering just enough information to draw him in. Then coaxing him into helping him break free of his seal. As a team leader, he needed to take that possibility into account.
"Of all the things you could throw my way, putting me to sleep with a spell is not one of them. That would cloud my senses, and out here on an open road, away from the city's safety, that could spell disaster. We're not safe anywhere until we reach the next town, which feels like a lifetime away," Yichen challenged him.
"Just take a moment for yourself and unwind. Is that really too much to ask? Listen closely. You don't need to shoulder the burden of this mission alone. I'm right here, right behind the wheel that will safely steer us to the nearest town while you recharge. Protecting you is my job, so let that stubbornness slide—just breathe for a bit. And hey, if you want to daydream about a hot demon, go for it..." Yun Guang teased, making Yichen blush as he caught the glimmer of laughter in both Bai Jiu's and Ying Lei's eyes. Despite the annoyance of being ribbed by family, he couldn't help but feel the tension ease away.
"What hot demon? More like an ancient relic with a pervert complex," Yichen muttered under his breath. The team erupted into laughter, but somewhere far away, someone sneezed indignantly, deeply offended at being dubbed both old and a pervert once again.
"Xiao Zhuo, you're so heartless in this reincarnation..." Zhu Yan grumbled inside the grand, yet suffocating mansion that served as both his sanctuary and his cage. His seal lay hidden deep within an underground chamber, meticulously arranged in a formation he had never realized was being crafted right under his nose.
Zhu Yan could not step into that chamber, but he was free to roam within the confines of the mansion. Though the seal prevented his escape, the mansion itself, constructed atop a powerful dragon vein, allowed him to absorb fragments of energy from his surroundings. He could absorb its vitality, nurturing it within himself, but it remained a bittersweet gift, one he could not wield to break his chains.
The root of his imprisonment lay in a heartbreakingly tragic tale he longed to erase from memory. Within this cursed life, his only solace was the profound soulbond he shared with Yichen. A connection forged in their past life, still flickering with warmth in the cold embrace of his captivity. Yet it was forgotten by the one who needed to remember it the most.
The moment Zhu Yan first realized his spirit could extend beyond the seal, came with Yichen's birth in his first reincarnation. Their souls, entwined for eternity, allowed Zhu Yan to connect with Yichen through dreams and delve into his mind. Through this profound bond, he perceived the outside world through Yichen's eyes. As Yichen began to awaken his supernatural abilities once more, Zhu Yan finally found a way to reach him in the astral plane.
In the past, he had always approached Yichen with great caution, fully aware that stepping into the reincarnation system meant erasing every precious memory. He knew that Yichen would forget their first encounter, how they worked together for a common cause. The love that blossomed between them, the deep soulbond they forged as lovers. The shocking betrayal from someone they trusted, and the heart-wrenching moment he was killed right before Zhu Yan's eyes.
Zhu Yan felt a flicker of relief that Yichen had managed to forget that haunting tragedy, which had tormented him like a relentless specter for centuries. Yet, every year, on the anniversary of that dark day, he found himself dragged back into the depths of that sorrow. As if the very essence of the event had etched so deeply into the fabric of the land itself, that it replayed like a broken record into a never-ending loop. The echoes of that malevolence lingered, refusing to fade away, unlike its ill-fated victims, condemning him to relive the pain year after year.
After the first century, he held back his tears, yet his heart continued to bleed from the agony of watching the man he loved so mercilessly be taken away from him. Unable to save him, Zhu Yan clung to Yichen's final words, echoing in his mind as he fiercely fought against the cursed barrier that separated them. With a broken, yet soft, voice, Yichen begged him not to feel guilty, insisting that his death wasn't his fault. He implored him to stay alive, so he could set right the wrongs that had unfolded in that fateful twilight.
By some twist of fate, that day was destined to replay itself soon. Knowing this, Ahu Yan had desperately tried to convince Yichen to arrive sooner—before he, too, could bear witness to the tragedy that had claimed his life. Yet, the residual memory imprinted on the land would be evidence enough for Yichen to uncover the truth he so desperately denies.
That is, he had a past life that was inextricably linked to his own. After all, Yichen had whispered his love for him mere seconds before his vision darkened forever, leaving him unable to watch as Zhu Yan, like a fereal caged beast, cried his name with such raw agony that the heavens themselves weep.
Rain poured relentlessly for days, mirroring the tears that streamed from him for weeks, months, and even years. Just as despair began to settle in, making him doubt he'd ever escape his fancy cage and fulfill his beloved Yichen's last wish, his beloved reborn. The sheer ecstasy of reconnecting with his soul was beyond description. Words failed to capture the profound sense of wholeness that enveloped him once more.
Though their bond had faded, Zhu Yan began to realize with each Yichen's rebirth, that it could be revitalized through gentle guidance. One small step at a time—an occasional dream here and there, a fleeting whisper in the breeze, a soft brush against his thoughts, a hint of his essence lingering in the air. By the time Yichen reborn in this current life, Zhu Yan had already mastered the art of rekindling their connection. Then fate, ever so playful, conspired to lead a young man, who shared a subtle link to Yichen, into the cursed depths of the Guilin mountains.
Even more astonishing was how the young man had somehow slipped past the cursed array that had claimed the lives of countless souls before him. Then, as if guided by the very hands of destiny, Siheng stumbled into the mansion just before collapsing onto the floor, teetering on the edge of consciousness.
Zhu Yan saw this as a sign that the heavens were finally showing him mercy, and this time, he would reclaim not just his freedom, but also his beloved Yichen, who looked and acted more stunningly than ever, like his original self. Like two drops of water, finally mergin into one. He would rather watch hell freeze over, than let go of the chance to fully reignite their bond.
Ever since Zhu Yan uncovered the ability to channel his power through their soulbond, he vowed to protect Yichen at all costs, ready to face whatever dark forces dared to endanger him. He understood the challenges humanity faced, the underlying cause of the world's descent into a supernatural chaos, and the identity of the mastermind orchestrating an even greater threat to humanity's existence. Yet, despite this knowledge, he couldn't share any of it with Yichen, as the constraints of his seal forbade him from doing so.
Until Yichen's team safely arrived at the mansion, his role was to keep a watchful eye on him and provide warnings about the perils he would encounter upon entering the Guilin Mountains and stepping within the array. Yet, if the risks grew overwhelming, he was prepared to push the boundaries of their soulbond, channeling or transferring as much power as needed to ensure Yichen and his team's survival.
Seated in the lotus position, he concentrated on drawing energy from the dragon vein, simultaneously channeling a portion of his vitality with Siheng, who was already trapped within the seal. Then he waited calmly for his former lover to arrive and save him—a situation that stung his pride, not to mention deeply embarrassed him, given he was the second most powerful great demon in history—before he was caught off guard.
Meanwhile, inside the van, Yun Guang sensed a subtle shift in the energy surrounding them. Despite the unease it brought, he found comfort in knowing that Yichen had managed to catch nearly two hours of rest. Shadows flickered through the forest on either side of the vehicle, suggesting ghostly figures gliding just beyond the edge of visibility.
It was the protective barrier they had carefully constructed within the van that kept those spectral presences at bay. Yet, one ghost stood out to him, radiating an unsettling energy. Almost as if sensing the tension, Yichen began to stir from his light slumber.
He gradually opened his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the enveloping darkness before shifting his focus to the hazy, ghostly flashes outside.
"Yichen..." Yun Guang whispered his name, a sound that carried an unspoken warning Yichen recognized all too well.
"Child spirits are the trickiest to handle. They're unpredictable and mischievous, and if they linger as ghosts for too long, they turn wicked," Yichen murmured, careful not to disturb Bai Jiu and Ying Lei, who were peacefully dozing in the back seat.
"Should we pull over and take care of them now? He's not alone, and we're still about half an hour away from the nearest town," Yun Guang suggested, his brow furrowed with concern.
"The barrier will keep them at bay. They won't come any closer. What I'm sensing is a powerful cluster of dark energy up ahead—likely the source of the ghosts' strength and the reason they're on our tail. If that source is near the town, we should definitely check it out. The Zhuo Gui Agency isn't just about the money. Those folks might already be at their breaking point, if no one has come to their aid before," Yichen replied. Yun Guang smiled, feeling a warm sense of pride that his cousin still had such a compassionate heart.
"Well said, but this could get messy. We've got quite a crowd on our tail," Yun Guang still thought it necessary to give him a warning.
Yichen nodded, maintaining his focus. "I know, but we've faced worse before. Let's pick up the pace. The faster we reach that town, the quicker we can help them out. I'll let Wen Xiao know," With that, he quietly reached for his phone and engaged in a hushed conversation with the two women following in the van behind them.
The road stretched smoothly ahead, its well-paved surface a testament to the sparse traffic in this remote region. Yet, the absence of streetlights lent an eerie atmosphere, as faintly glowing specters drifted like moonstones, casting a pale greenish hue over the scenery. Bai Jiu jolted awake, sensing the sudden chill that enveloped both the inside and outside of the van as the temperature noticeably plunged. Without hesitation, he leaned over and gently shook Ying Lei's thigh, rousing him from his sleep.
"Do you think we're about to be attacked?" Bai Jiu asked, his gaze nervously fixed on the strange sights beyond the window.
"Not yet," Yichen replied calmly, though his voice carried a weight of inevitability.
"But it's only a matter of time. Ying Lei, grab the protective gear for you and Bai Ji from the backpacks. Also keep a close eye on Bai Jui to make sure he stays safe. And don't skimp on the talismans; we'll need plenty to handle multiple ghosts. As soon as we step out of this van, I'll set up a mobile barrier." Yichen paused his explanation, reaching for the backpack that Ying Lei handed him.
"Stick together while you use your own techniques to hunt down the ghost. This time, we're facing the ghost of a child who has collected a hefty amount of dark energy, maybe for centuries. With all that power, he might try to pull us apart, viewing us as playmates. This means we could be in for some deadly pranks!" With that, Ying Lei and Bai Jiu sprang into action, searching for everything they'd need for the task ahead.
Yun Guang pressed down on the gas pedal, as if he were in a ghostly race down an endless stretch of road. The air inside the van grew frigid, making their breath visible like wisps of fog. Bai Jiu shivered slightly, but Ying Lei wrapped an arm around him, offering warmth with gentle rubs. After ten minutes of this high-speed chase, Yichen noticed the kid's impatience bubbling up, and that wasn't a good omen for them. Suddenly, he felt a surge of darkness approaching, ready to unleash its energy upon them.
"Hold tight! They're coming fast!" Yichen shouted as Yun Guang swerved across the road's dividing line and slammed on the brakes, making space for the second van to stop just in time to avoid a collision. Drawing on a portion of his spiritual energy, Yichen unleashed it in all directions, forming a protective dome around both vehicles.
As the two forces clashed, the vans trembled violently, mimicking the tremors of an earthquake—an apt comparison, really. Yet, the barrier stood firm, with the restless ghosts still hurling themselves against it, desperate to break through. Just as Yichen reached for the door, ready to confront the spectral onslaught, Yun Guang caught his arm, pausing him for a brief moment.
"Allow me to take care of this. Those ghost aren't the real problem—save your strength for the one controling them." He shot a playful wink at Yichen, who rolled his eyes. Yet he couldn't help but watch as his cousin grabbed the longsword gifted by the monks of Mount Kunlun from where it rested beside his seat. He stepped out of the van with an air of someone destined for greatness. His confidence always soared high, but thankfully, it never crossed the line into arrogance.
"Hey you, dead guys! Let's show some respect to the drivers chasing adventures. They don't appreciate rudeness, especially when they're all ghost hunters..." In a flash, so swift that only Yichen managed to catch the movement, Yung Guang drew his sword, which ignited with swirling flames of blue and red, and swung it to release the flames directly into the ghosts striking the barrier.
The flames swiftly banished the ghosts that they struck, for low-level spirits were little more than wispy remnants, barely clinging to their smoky forms. Only the more powerful entities retained a solid shape, wreaking havoc on cities like any other ruthless criminal.
The fight turned out to be a walk in the park for Yun Guang. With a leap over the barrier, he transformed the battlefield into a whirlwind of blue and red flames, dispatching his foes in mere seconds.
"Show off..." Yichen murmured softly, but a smile crept onto his face despite himself.
Bai Jiu's eyes sparkled with admiration. "He's so awesome!" he declared, practically glowing as he watched. Of course, Yun Guang was his second favorite hero—because his loyalty truly belonged to his number one, the legendary Xiao Zhuo Ge.
"Hey, Xiao Zhuo... did that overkill manage to intimidate the other spirit?" Ying Lei asked, while Yichen closed his eyes, tuning into the kid's energy for a moment.
"Nope. I think he's now convinced we're worthy players in his game. He'll be waiting for us in the next town. Let's hit the road..." Yichen rolled down the van's window, feeling the rush of fresh air.
"Come on, you over-the-top blue hero! We need to keep moving!" Yichen shouted, and Yun Guang chuckled as he strolled back.
"I knew you'd whip out a nickname, but blue hero? Really, Yichen, your creativity needs a boost." Bai Jiu laughed, but he turned serious when Yichen shot him a glance. Yichen's phone buzzed to life, and he quickly hit speakerphone, bringing Wen Xiao into the conversation once more.
"Yun Guang Ge, that was absolutely fantastic, just like always!" Wen Xiao cheered, and Yichen felt the urge to roll his eyes again.
"Yeah, he really is something. But we've got some serious challenges coming our way, and with this ghost's nature, it's bound to be something really bad," Yichen cautioned, though he knew Wen Xiao had a soft spot for the spirits of children.
"Maybe I can help him find some peace and so he can move on," she suggested. Normally, Yichen would let her have her way, but this time felt different.
"As much as it hurts to say this, a cleansing won't do any good here. This ghost has lingered for far too long, soaking up too much dark energy. It's no longer just a mischievous kid; it's too corrupted to change. I'm sorry, Wen Xiao, but this kind of ghost will seriously try to kill you—and find it fun," A thick silence followed, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
"Don't worry, Zhuo Daren; just do what you feel is right. We have faith in your judgment—it's never let us down. We'll follow your lead, and the folks in the next town definitely need someone to lend them a hand." Sijing spoke up, gently squeezing Wen Xiao's hand, offering a touch of comfort.
"I'm serious, guys. Brace yourselves for something truly eerie." With that, they journeyed the rest of the way in a thick silence, Yichen keeping a close watch on the ghost for any further threats.
As the town emerged on the horizon, shock washed over them at the sight of its decay. Even in the dead of night, the place felt eerily empty, save for the flickering glow of protective talismans. While night activities were restricted in most cities due to safety concerns, this didn't result in lifeless urban landscapes.
Even with the majority of residents staying indoors, lights from homes and buildings continued to glow, and the subtle hum of human presence lingered, much like an ambient white noise. However, in that town, it looked as if the very essence of the town had been drained away. Yichen found it hard to discern whether the townsfolk were alive or had slipped into the realm of the dead.
"Are the people here all gone?" Bai Jiu wondered as the van rolled closer to the town's entrance.
Shadows clung to most of the houses, their windows dark and their exteriors a bit neglected, giving off an eerie emptiness. To Yichen, the place pulsed with what he called dark energy. It felt like an invisible weight pressing down, a suffocating presence that wrapped around him. The air seemed thick, almost tangible, and a chill crept through him—not just from the cold, but from an unsettling sense of dread that hung in the atmosphere.
Yun Guan eased off the gas as they rolled onto the empty main street. Not a single car lingered in sight, just a light gray fog that draped itself over the pavement. Peering closely at the houses revealed protective charm dolls hanging in front of most of them. Crafted from simple white cloth, each doll sported a string around its neck, supporting a big round head. Some bore faintly painted eyes and mouths, while others displayed a blank expression.
These dolls, infused with protective talismans against wandering spirits, emitted a subtle glow. Yet, to an outsider, they offered no sense of safety. Instead, they appeared downright ominous, swaying gently in the night breeze, transforming the street into a scene straight out of a ghost town.
"Captain Pei, has there been any report about attacks on this town?" Yichen asked her and Sijing tried to recall whether they had seen or heard anything related to it.
Unfortunately, the city was often overwhelmed with handling the chaos within its own borders. As a result, events occurring beyond their jurisdiction typically went unnoticed—unless they were of significant importance.
"None that I'm aware of, though it's not as if we regularly receive news from beyond the city. That said, if an entire town was wiped out by ghosts, it must be reported and investigated right away," Sijing remarked, with Yichen nodding in agreement. If the situation was indeed escalating, it was crucial for everyone to be informed—with solid evidence to support the claims, rather than tossing around theories just to catch attention.
"Alright, let's take a look." Yun Guang reached for the door, ready to investigate further, but Yichen's hand shot out and gripped his arm firmly.
"Something serious is happening here," Yichen said, his voice low and heavy with caution. "I can feel it. Promise me you won't try to be the hero this time. This isn't just a reckless kid playing with dangerous games." Yun Guang felt a surge of gratitude for Yichen's concern, but as a guardian, he knew he had to face every threat head-on, and he was prepared to give it his all.
Yun Guang gently rested his hand on Yichen's, a warm smile lighting up his face. "I can't make any promises, but you know I'm tough to take down. Just be careful too, Yichen. I mean it." Yichen felt the weight of that determination and let out a resigned sigh as he began to rise.
"Okay then. Everyone, stay alert. This unsettling calm might just be the prelude to some nightmares." With those words, Yichen swung the door open and stepped into the mist that blanketed the ground and the rest of the team followed.
The moment Yichen's feet hit the ground, a wave of nausea crashed over him. It wasn't the foul odor of the place that triggered it, but rather a dark energy that invaded his senses, almost like a living entity trying to probe at his very being. Yet, just as swiftly as it descended upon him, that haunting presence recoiled, blocked by something powerful within him.
"Yichen, are you alright?" As expected, Yun Guang noticed right away.
"I'm fine. Let's start by checking out one of the houses," Yichen replied.
Pei Siging stepped forward, holding a special ghost-hunting dagger capable of banishing ordinary spirits, along with her old fashion flashlight inscribed with protective talismans to ensure it wouldn't give out at critical moments. While the others flaunted their advance gadgets on their wrists, she preferred the familiarity of something that offered a deeper reach.
Her years as a police officer handling supernatural cases had heightened her instincts. She moved forward with purpose, crossing the street and entering one of the houses, with an open door leading to a small yard, followed closely by Yung Guang, then Yichen.
Wen Xiao, Bai Jiu, and Ying Lei trailed behind them, each holding a similar dagger. Yichen, however, carried no weapon, as his formidable abilities combined psychokinesis with spiritual power, allowing him to transform virtually any object into a lethal tool.
"Hello? Is anyone home? We're here to help," Pei Sijing called as she edged closer to the front door. A protective doll dangled from a beam, its presence ghostly against the backdrop of darkness. Through the glass windows, the darkness inside revealed no signs of life.
With a careful flicker of his power, Yichen nudged the door open when silence lingered too long. He wanted to keep his team safe, not wanting to push their luck. The door swung wide, revealing nothing but shadows beneath Sijing's flashlight.
"It seems like no one has lived here for a while. The dust is everywhere..." Wen Xiao remarked and Yichen chimed in, stepping closer.
"And there's no sign of life force either—just this heavy, pulsing darkness." Suddenly, laughter, light and airy like a child's, echoed from all directions.
They instinctively formed a circle, their wrist flashlights casting beams of light across the yard as they searched for the source of the giggles. But there was none to be found; the laughter seemed to rise from the very chilling air around them, echoing faintly at first, then drawing nearer.
"Is it that ghost?" Bai Jiu wondered aloud, scanning the dim corners filled with cobwebs, forgotten possessions, and the unpleasant mist that seemed to cling everywhere.
"I'll just take a quick look to see if there's something on the floor. Bodies tell stories too." Sijing stepped forward, but Wen Xiao gently grasped her shoulder.
"Sijing, there's a dangerous ghost lurking around. We should head back to the cars..." She urged. Yet, like Yun Guang, Sijing's responsibilities were not only to the team, but also to those she was chosen to protect when enlisting in the police force.
"Stay back. I'll check it out myself," Yun Guang declared, dashing into the house before Sijing could voice a protest or Yichen could intervene. His sword came to life in his grip, with flames , pushing back the shadows and granting Yun Guang a moment to peer inside.
A wave of relief washed over him as he scanned the scene. All he found was dust—no bodies, no signs of struggle, no hint of violence. It appeared as though the inhabitants had simply walked away, leaving the chaos behind. Just as Yichen called him back, Yun Guang's gaze landed on something intriguing resting on a table.
An old notebook lay forgotten, buried under layers of dust. The characters on its cover had faded, yet he could still read "doll ghosts" with surprising clarity. Intrigued, he snatched up the book just as the giggles around him grew louder. He joined the others and they all moved toward the open door toward the street, eager to escape. But just as they reached the yard door, it slammed shut with a thunderous bang. Startled, they all fall back a few steps with their hearts racing like crazy.
As Yichen prepared to blast the door, the mist creeping along the floor began to shift, growing thicker and rising until it swelled into an ominous fog that blanketed the area, defying even the growing gusts of wind. In front of them, the spooky doll dangling from the beam started to emit an unearthly dark gray glow. Swaying with the breeze, its hollow eyes suddenly ignited into a piercing red crescent moon glowing eyes, and a jagged smile. Blood-red and sinister, it carved its way across its face like the warped semblance of a possessed doll.
"Let's play! Let's play!" the doll shrieked in a shrill, otherworldly voice—its tone gleeful yet tinged with malice. Clearly manipulated by the malevolent spirit, it snapped free from its hanging spot and dropped into the thickening fog below, vanishing into the swirling mist.
Yun Guang swung his flaming sword, aiming to cut through the fog, but instead of parting the fog, it thickened even more around the spot where the doll had fallen. Suddenly, the fog twisted and morphed into a colossal version of the doll, towering over the house. The jagged smile on its oversized round head stretched into a sinister grin, and arms began to take shape at its sides.
"What on earth is that?!" Ying Lei shouted, his voice laced with horror as he stared at the horrifying transformation. Meanwhile, Yichen had no intention of wasting time debating the kid's bizarre choice in toys. With a swift motion of his hand, he obliterated the yard door into splinters.
"Move! Run!" Yichen commanded sharply, and no one dared linger. They bolted into the street, only to be met with another unsettling sight—grotesque dolls, both 'male' and 'female,' were scattered everywhere along the long road, encircling their vans in an terrifying display.
The dolls didn't just wait for them. They unleashed a wave of dark energy that filled the street. The vans escaped unscathed, only because they were shielded by the barriers inside, but even from a short distance, everyone sensed that facing those evil dolls could bring more than just physical harm.
"This is absolutely insane!" Wen Xiao exclaimed, her disbelief echoing in the chilling air as she stared at the handiwork of a tainted child ghost. Sure, she had encountered horrors before, but the sheer malevolence radiating from those dolls surpassed anything she had ever seen.
"I warned you that innocence can morph into something far more sinister than anything else," Yichen declared, channeling a surge of raw seething energy. Drawing upon his connection with the astral plane, he unleashed that ectoplasm energy that obliterated every fog-doll in his path, clearing the way to the vans.
"Go!" Yichen shouted, and everyone sprinted toward the safety of the vans—everyone except Yichen himself, who stumbled and nearly collapsed in the street from pushing his powers too hard. Thankfully, Yung Guang swooped in, lifting him just in time. He dashed to the open van door and gently settled Yichen into the back seat, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.
Because Yichen was prone to fainting during high-risk situations like this, their van had been customized with an extra seat. It typically held equipment during routine cases, but doubled as a makeshift bed whenever Yichen passed out. Inside, Bai Jiu, ever the attentive healer, was already waiting for him. Yun Guang, however, closed the side door firmly without stepping in, unlike the others.
"Hey! What are you doing? Get inside!" Ying Lei shouted, but with Yichen knocked out cold, the weight of responsibility rested squarely on his shoulders.
With his flaming sword in hand, he summoned more spiritual power and stood tall against the towering dolls. Sure, they were three to five times his size, but size didn't scare him one bit. What mattered was obliterating the dark energy that sustained those creepy things.
Amidst all that swirling dark energy, he struggled to track down the ghost puppeteering the dolls. Only Yichen possessed the uncanny ability to do that with ease. That's what made him the strongest in the Zhuo family. Yet, he could slice through the horde of dolls just enough to make a break for it. After all, those vans might have formidable repelling barriers, but the dolls had enough destructive power on their own to wreak havoc on the town, effectively blocking them from escaping.
Yun Guang pushed everything else aside and charged into battle, unleashing his fury on the dolls that swarmed him. Meanwhile, Ying Lei, Wen Xiao, and Sijing joined the fray, wielding their most powerful talismans to banish the dolls like leaves in a storm.
Back inside the van, Bai Jiu focused intently on channeling his energy into the unconscious Yichen, hoping to stabilize him. What he didn't realize, however, was that Yichen's consciousness had become ensnared within the astral plane. In that otherworldly realm, Zhu Yan was accomplishing far more for Yichen than Bai Jiu could ever dream of.
On the astral plane, Yichen's unconscious body sprawled across Zhu Yan's lap, a sight that would make anyone raise an eyebrow. Just when Yichen pulled off a rare astral manipulation stunt—an act so extraordinary that only a handful of humans in history could pull it off—Zhu Yan felt the weight of the moment crash down on him.
Without a second thought, he abandoned his cultivation and dived into the astral plane, only to find Yichen lying there, like a rag doll on the frigid stone floor. He picked him up in an instant, channeling his own energy to mend the damaged remnants of his spirit.
"My handsome baobei, how on earth am I supposed to keep you safe when you're so hell-bent on self-destruction? I warned you about being so reckless. Just take a good look at your sorry self..." Zhu Yan murmured, gently starting to revitalize his lost energy.
He couldn't help but feel a surge of relief that the demon who trapped him in that mansion had completely missed three crucial details—one of which was his soulbond with Yichen, which was the key to his incoming freedom.
While Zhu Yan fought to keep Yichen alive, the latter began to mumble in his unconscious state. Even in the depths of his slumber, Yichen's determination to save his people shone through. His unwavering spirit only deepened Zhu Yan's affection for him. How could he not admire a man so noble, even when he was out cold?
"Xiao Zhuo, you sure know how to ask for the moon, but hey, for you, I'd leap through hoops. Don't stress about your team. Sure, your former sword's spirit is hanging around, ready to destroy anything for you, but a request for help is still a request." He gently caressed his pale face.
"I'll handle that nasty little soul for you. Just so you know, that thing? Not a kid at all—it's a little demon born from chaos... and definitely not something you want to tangle with just yet." Zhu Yan whispered to the sleeping beauty cradled in his arms. Just when he thought about setting him down, Yichen stirred and murmured his name back in another plea.
"Zhu Yan... protect them..." Zhu Yan's ears caught the faintest whisper, barely audible yet unmistakable, even from thousands of miles away.
A gentle smile played on his lips as he responded softly, "Don't worry, baobei. Your people are mine now. I won't let harm come to them. Will that earn me a little bit of your love when I save them?"
"Please…" Another murmured word escaped Yichen's lips, fragile yet desperate. With a resigned sigh, Zhu Yan brushed his lips against Yichen's, letting the moment linger before pulling away.
"I'll take that stolen kiss as my payment," he mused, a hint of playful melancholy in his tone.
"Lucky for me, I still have access to my cultivation here. Too bad you won't get to witness the spectacle." Resolute now, he let go of Yichen with tender care, his teasing demeanor slipping into focused determination.
Zhu Yan rose to his feet, channeling a surge of demonic energy into his fingertip. With a dramatic hand seal, he unleashed a spectacular explosion of dark red energy that spiraled across the astral plane like tendrils of chaos, poised to strike.
"Soul projection!" With the invocation of his spell, a portion of his soul instantly detached, transcending the boundaries of the astral plane and manifesting amidst the chaotic battle raging between the ghost hunters and the puppet dolls.
The houses lay in ruins, turning the street into a chaotic mess of debris. Zhu Yan spotted Wen Xiao, a streak of crimson blood coloring the white fabric on her shoulder. Ying Lei had a fresh cut on his cheek and neck, while Pei Sijing's face bore a nasty splash of blood on her left side. And then there was Yun Guang—good luck trying to get near that overbearing sword spirit. He stood there, a fierce beast on guard, ready to defend the van in which Yichen and the young healer nestled safely within.
"Ah, the man still commands my utmost respect," Zhu Yan murmured to himself, striding ahead and finally catching the eye of the human reincarnation of a heavenly sword.
In his soul projection mode, he appeared solid—though not quite in a natural way. Yun Guang, taken aback by this peculiar sight, found himself flung like a ragdoll, hurtling toward a nearby house. Just as he was about to crash into the crumbling wooden wall, Zhu Yan swooped in, catching him effortlessly in his arms.
"Whoops, my bad! I shouldn't have distracted you like that," Zhu Yan teased his old friend, who, predictably, had no clue who he was. But thanks to Yichen, he at least had a hunch.
"Are you Zhu Yan?" Indeed. His instincts were razor-sharp. Zhu Yan grinned as he released him, letting him regain his balance and dignity.
"Yes, I am. My apologies for barging in like this. I understand that you don't know me and have no reason to trust me at this moment, but I promise you, Yichen's well-being is my utmost priority…" Just then, as yet another 'female' doll lunged at them, Zhu Yan unleashed a wave of demonic energy that obliterated not just that little menace but pretty much every other doll lurking in the shadows along the dark road leading into town. It goes without saying that Yun Guang, along with the rest of the team, were stunned.
"That's..." The word 'impossible' hung in Yun Guang's throat, caught like a fish on a hook, as Zhu Yan raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.
"I'll handle these pesky troublemakers. Get in the cars. Yichen needs to heal, and this chaos energy? It's no good for him. You're his guardian, always have been, so keep that up and drive him away from this place. I'll do my best to heal his spirit, still wandering in the astral plane. Once he's strong enough, I'll send him back." For reasons beyond understanding, Yun Guang found himself trusting him.
"I'll believe you this time, but we're still stuck here," Yun Guang said, gesturing to the piles of debris blocking the road.
"Oh, that? Don't worry. I'll handle it. Just get back in the cars," Zhu Yan confidently replied. Yun Guang didn't need any further convincing. He quickly urged everyone to get into the vans, telling them to trust him. There would be time for questions and answers later, but their priority was clear—they had to get Yichen out of there immediately.
Once everyone was safely secured away behind closed doors, they watched in awe as Zhu Yan summoned a surge of demonic energy. From the depths of the thick fog, the decayed ghost of a child, no older than ten, was dragged forth, forced to kneel before Zhu Yan.
"You've lingered in this world far too long, demon," Zhu Yan's voice rumbled like thunder, sending shivers through the ghost, who immediately began to plead for mercy. But Zhu Yan whispered a one-word spell that stripped away the ghost's facade, revealing its true nature—a foul creature that reeked of rotten eggs.
Wen Xiao nearly choked on the foul smell, and Bai Jiu wasn't far behind, but they both managed to swallow their disgust and kept their eyes glued to the scene. In a heartbeat, a single word from Zhu Yan obliterates the demon into nothing but a bad memory.
As the demon vanished in dust, the fog lifted, and with a final, one-word spell, Zhu Yan restored the ghost town, clearing the way for the cars. Yun Guang shot Zhu Yan a glance before flooring the gas pedal, eager to escape that nightmarish place. But when he glanced in the side mirror one last time, Zhu Yan had vanished into thin air.
AN: This was such an intense chapter that I couldn't cut it, even if it turned out to be 7.6k words long! So I hope you guys dont mind it, and rest assured that the explanations of the paranormal stuff will be explained in the next one, because otherwise this would have been a 10k word piece instead. 😂 Thanks for reading, and until next time, take care.