C56 The Miscalculation

As the ghostly claw nearly grasped us, I quickly yanked Deaf Zhang back, attempting to dodge. To our dismay, we slipped and tumbled down the slope like bowling balls.

Hundred Ghost Slope wasn't particularly tall, but its incline was both smooth and steep. Helplessly, we rolled down, coming to a stop on the flat ground at the base of the slope.

The ordeal left us dizzy and in excruciating pain. Groaning, I tried to pick myself up, but out of the corner of my eye, I spotted someone standing nearby.

Before I could fully process the situation, a streak of green light shot towards us. Deaf Zhang, with his quick reflexes, lashed out with his whip, ensnaring the hilt of the bronze sword.

Seizing the moment, I scrambled to my feet and retreated to a safe distance. Only then did Deaf Zhang withdraw his whip, and I realized that the figure before us was none other than the Evil Taoist we had been doggedly pursuing.

Our previous encounters had given us a taste of his guile, malice, and brutality. Instinctively, we kept our distance.

Illuminated by the moon's glow, the Evil Taoist's ghastly pale face seemed even more sinister. He sneered, "You seem quite frightened of me. In theory, you're the cats, and I'm the mouse. Shouldn't I be the one who's scared?"

"You... you fiend, don't... don't get ahead of yourself. We were indeed chasing... chasing you at first!" Deaf Zhang stuttered, his nervousness betraying his lack of confidence.

"Humph, and what about now?" the Evil Taoist taunted, as a dark figure materialized beside him. Though I couldn't make out the identity of the shadow, I sensed it was Deaf Zhang's ghost.

Incredulous, Deaf Zhang exclaimed, "My ghost... What's wrong with it? Why... Why can't I control it? We made a pact; it... it shouldn't obey you!"

The Evil Taoist dismissed him with a sneer, "Humph, whether you're a Pond Collecting Man or practice Mao Mountain's Ghost Nurturing Technique, no bond between man and ghost is too strong for me to break. You think you two greenhorns can take my life? I've been onto your little schemes from the start!"

The Taoist priest let out a derisive laugh, sending a chill through my heart. I had been concerned about being discovered, but I never anticipated that the Evil Taoist would not only see through our ruse but also outmaneuver us with his own scheme.

Had it not been for the warning from the man in white, Deaf Zhang and I would have been trapped in that pitch-black cave, left to die of hunger and thirst.

Having narrowly escaped that fate, the question now was: what to do next? Deaf Zhang was no match for the Evil Taoist, especially now that he had the ghoul under his control.

It became clear that our only option was to make a run for it.

While I was contemplating our escape, the Evil Taoist spoke up icily, "However, I must admit I'm surprised you saw through the cave's trap. It seems you're not entirely worthless."

His mention of the cave's trap brought the white-robed man to mind. Would he come to our rescue once more at this critical juncture?

Though the man in white had never taken action, his mere presence had been enough to drive off the Corpse Devil, signaling that he was no ordinary individual. He might even be more formidable than the Evil Taoist.

Bolstered by this thought, I found the courage to shout to Deaf Zhang, "Mr. Ergou, don't be afraid. Remember, the Evil Taoist was wounded by the Ghost Messenger. He's just putting on a show of strength!"

"You're right. I almost fell for his intimidation. I saw with my own eyes the sorcerer get hurt by the Ghost Messenger!" Deaf Zhang exclaimed, snapping his whip and charging into the fray.

The Evil Taoist's brow furrowed, confirming my suspicion. The ghoul posed no threat to Deaf Zhang, a Pond Collecting Man. Without even using a Pond Collecting Talisman, he scattered the ghoul's soul.

As they engaged in combat again, Deaf Zhang was as vigorous as ever, brimming with unstoppable energy. The Evil Taoist, on the other hand, was visibly weakened. He couldn't muster his Palm Thunder, let alone cast a Talisman.

Within a few exchanges, the Evil Taoist was on the back foot, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Yet, what puzzled me was his lack of fear. Instead, he wore an eerie smile.

As time ticked by, a growing sense of unease settled over me, the cause of which eluded me. It wasn't until the Evil Taoist repelled Deaf Zhang with a Talisman that I finally grasped the situation at hand...