C37 Corpse Devil

"Even your father is in the dark about this, so it's no wonder I'm at a loss. But when I first saw you consuming the corpse, the Yin Qi in your body surged like you were possessed by a vengeful ghost. That's why I mistook you for some kind of malevolent entity," Deaf Zhang explained.

"What?!" I exclaimed in shock.

Deaf Zhang went on, "But now, the Yin Qi in your body has diminished significantly. Perhaps it's because you've expended a lot of energy during our scuffle."

I let out a sigh, feeling increasingly detached from the living. I inquired, "So, Mr. Ergou, how else can I replenish the Yin Qi?"

After pondering for a moment, Deaf Zhang advised, "Well, there are objects like ancient blades or swords steeped in bloodlust, bracelets crafted from human bones, or jade pendants from millennia-old tombs—all brimming with profound Yin Qi. But these items are also steeped in malevolence. Carrying them not only brings misfortune but also leaves you susceptible to their malignant Qi. Hold on, I've just thought of something safe—the Corpse Pill."

"Corpse Pill?"

"You're familiar with the Taoist concept of the Golden Core, the cultivation of the Inner Core, right? The Corpse Pill is akin to that Inner Core, as well as the Yin Pill refined by ghosts and the Demon Core by demons," Deaf Zhang clarified.

"So, the Corpse Pill is an Inner Core refined by corpses?" I asked.

Deaf Zhang nodded, "Correct, but not all corpses have Corpse Pills. Only those zombies that have attained a certain level of cultivation possess them. Take, for instance, the Corpse Devil I encountered before—her..."

"What! Corpse Devil!" I couldn't let Deaf Zhang finish, as I interrupted in astonishment. The Corpse Devil he mentioned was one of the thirteen corpses my foster father had spoken of before his passing.

Eagerly, I pressed on, "Mr. Ergou, where did you come across the Corpse Devil?"

"She was in this very cemetery, draped in a red veil and clad in a red bridal gown," Deaf Zhang revealed. I was taken aback and blurted out, "That woman is a Corpse Devil! How can you be certain?"

As Pond Collecting Men, we're constantly dealing with death, and the Yin Yang Eyes we've honed are even stronger than those of Taoist priests. I'm certain of my sight. This Corpse Devil is not like your run-of-the-mill corpses or zombies; it's a hybrid of both, akin to the White Bone Spirit from 'Journey to the West.' That's what we're dealing with here," Deaf Zhang explained to me.

I sighed deeply, realizing that finding this Corpse Devil again would be a daunting task, likely taking up to three years.

However, even if I were to encounter the Corpse Devil once more, I was at a loss for what to do next. My foster father had instructed me to locate these thirteen bodies to defy destiny and alter my own fate.

"By the way, Mr. Ergou, the Corpse Devil inscribed a life and death contract on me. Can you tell what it says?" I asked as I undid my shirt.

Deaf Zhang scrutinized the writing on my chest and uttered, "Rumeng..."

"Rumeng? That's what's written across my chest?"

He nodded affirmatively, "Yes, and the character for 'dream' is in traditional script."

Rumeng? I pondered the significance. Could it be the name of the Corpse Devil? My interest in this red-clad Corpse Devil, dressed as if for a wedding, grew immensely.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I inquired further, "Mr. Ergou, the Corpse Devil mentioned that if I stay by her side, she could regain her soul! Is that even possible?"

Deaf Zhang pondered my question before responding, "I... I've never heard of a corpse reclaiming its soul; it's nearly inconceivable... But your constitution is even more extraordinary than that of the Corpse Devil. The unique energy and aura you possess could potentially aid the Corpse Devil."

"My aura?" I questioned, puzzled.

Deaf Zhang's demeanor turned grave upon my inquiry. His speech, now free from any hesitation, carried a weighty tone. "The Yin Qi within you is much more potent than that of any ghost or zombie. Should an ordinary person be in close proximity to you over an extended period, their health would deteriorate, and their life could be cut tragically short..."

"What?!" I exclaimed, stumbling backward in shock and inadvertently slamming into a large tree. Collapsing to the ground, my spirits plummeted.

A wave of gloom washed over me. It appeared the others were right; I was a curse, responsible for the deaths of many, including Grandma Lee who had cared for me for so long...

Deaf Zhang lifted me to my feet, but I feared he might be affected by my presence, so I maintained a safe distance from him.

"Changsheng, don't worry. I'm no ordinary man. We Pond Collecting Men deal with ghost corpses all year round. The Yin Qi on your body won't harm me in the slightest. Don't believe me? Look at these small wine jugs tied around me. They contain powerful spirits, and even their intense Yin Qi can't touch me," Deaf Zhang reassured me with a smile, gently patting the three wine jugs strapped to his back.

I gazed at his sincere expression and said with gratitude, "Mr. Ergou, thank you."

Deaf Zhang smiled and clapped me on the shoulder, "Stop worrying so much, Changsheng. Let's get going. Dawn is almost upon us."

"Where are we headed?" I inquired, puzzled.

"Weren't we set on visiting Hundred Ghost Slope together?" Deaf Zhang reminded me.

"Oh, right..." I followed Deaf Zhang toward a different trail leading up the rear mountain. But we hadn't gone far when a perplexing question suddenly dawned on me!