C92 Death

The Ghost Doctor's stance was unwavering, much to Second Master Lei's astonishment. He pressed on, "Old man, don't you desire Immortality? Are you content to spend your days in this pitch-black tomb, leading a life that's even beneath that of a bug?"

"Hmph, that's still preferable to losing one's life. Now that Half Immortal Zhao is no more, the prospect of entering the final main chamber, let alone getting out alive, is doubtful," the Ghost Doctor retorted.

Second Master Lei scoffed, "We've overcome every obstacle we've faced thus far. We've marked each fork in the road, and Changsheng's right hand is the key to unlocking the secret door of the main chamber."

"What?" exclaimed the Ghost Doctor, his gaze shifting to my right hand. In a hushed tone, he asked, "Child, may I take a look at your right hand?"

I nodded and extended my hand toward him. The Ghost Doctor touched my arm, his hand as cold as ice, seemingly devoid of warmth, as if he were taking my pulse.

His expression morphed into one of astonishment as he examined my hand, then my head, and finally my body.

I had the eerie feeling that his eyes were like an X-ray machine, piercing through me and unveiling all my hidden secrets. A chill ran through me. Could he possibly know about the object concealed within me?

After what seemed like an eternity, the Ghost Doctor's demeanor settled into a calm. He addressed me, "Changsheng, you have a black mark on your right hand, don't you?"

I nodded, and he continued, "Does that mark resemble this character?" He proceeded to trace a peculiar symbol on the moist table, the very same one etched onto my hand.

"Yes, that's it! You're familiar with these marks?" I asked, taken aback.

"Of course, I am the Ghost Doctor," he replied with a slight smile. Meanwhile, Second Master Lei furrowed his brows, fixing the Ghost Doctor with a piercing gaze. "Old man, you recognize these symbols? Then why were you silent in front of the secret door? What game are you playing with us? What exactly was inscribed on that door?"

After a moment of reflection, the Ghost Doctor responded to Second Master Lei, "The secret door bore the inscription 'Beyond this door lies a utopia, free from the torments of reincarnation, a realm of eternal bliss.' At that time, I saw no point in discussing such flowery prose. After all, we were unable to open the door."

"You're not deceiving me with just these eighteen characters?" Second Master Lei asked skeptically. Truth be told, I harbored my own doubts.

"Why would I deceive you? If you're still unsure, go find someone who understands the script to check. If even half a word I've said is wrong, you can take my life!" Ghost Doctor replied icily.

"Hmph, it seems you've made up your mind not to go. Very well, but at least you can tell me what the inscription on Changsheng's palm means," Second Master Lei pressed.

Ghost Doctor cast a glance at the characters on the table, his brow furrowing as he informed us, "This character means 'death.'"

"Death?" Second Master Lei and I exclaimed in unison, taken aback.

"And what exactly does this 'death' signify?" Second Master Lei pursued.

Ghost Doctor let out a dismissive snort. "How should I know? I'm not the Half Immortal Zhao, capable of divining such things. However, I do sense that this character may be an omen."

Second Master Lei's frown deepened. "An omen of what?"

"An omen that someone will die in the mausoleum this time. It's possible that what lies beyond the secret door is not immortality, but death itself!" Ghost Doctor said with a sardonic laugh.

At this, Second Master Lei's patience snapped. He slammed his hand on the table, fury rising in his voice, "You, who are neither fully human nor ghost, can rot in this rat hole for all I care! Don't think I'm desperate for your help. I have plenty of other options. Changsheng, we're leaving!"

I nodded in agreement and was about to rise from my chair when Ghost Doctor interjected, "Wait, Changsheng, I have a few words I'd like to share with you in private."