C93 Curse

"Do you have anything else to say, old man? Why did you specifically leave Changsheng behind? You're not planning to harm him, are you?" Second Master Lei asked icily, gripping my arm and preparing to leave.

Ghost Doctor let out a disdainful snort. "Of all the people in our group, I was the only one who would never harm Half Immortal Zhao, let alone exploit him. Feeling a little guilty, are we?"

"Hmph, don't stir up trouble here. I, Lei Lih, have lived a life of integrity and have nothing to feel guilty about concerning Half Immortal Zhao! If you dare harm a single hair on Changsheng's head, I swear you'll spend eternity in this grave," Second Master Lei retorted furiously, then patted my shoulder and advised, "Changsheng, stay alert while you're here. I'll be waiting for you above. Call out if anything happens."

I nodded and reassured him, "Don't worry, Second Uncle Lei."

As Second Master Lei's footsteps faded away, Ghost Doctor, still uneasy, walked over to peer into the dark passage.

Once he was certain Second Master Lei had gone back up, Ghost Doctor breathed a sigh of relief and returned to the underground chamber. He immediately addressed me, "Changsheng, you need to watch out for Lei Lih in the future. He's no ordinary man."

"Did Second Uncle Lei do something to harm my father in the past?" I inquired, puzzled.

"No, and on the surface, it looks like the Lei family brothers and your father were as close as sworn brothers. I've never even seen them argue. But that's exactly what's so frightening about the Lei family brothers. You're young, Changsheng, and there's a lot you don't see yet. Just remember, it's always wise to be cautious," Ghost Doctor cautioned.

I nodded, taking his advice to heart, yet deep down, I still wanted to trust Second Master Lei. He had helped me so much, and through our recent interactions, I had come to see him as a man of strong principles, someone who clearly distinguished right from wrong. I aspired to be like him.

"Changsheng, I didn't keep you here just to share these warnings. There's something far more important I need to tell you. Are you curious about the secret of your right hand?" Ghost Doctor asked, his gaze fixed on my hand.

"Of course, Ghost Doctor, please tell me quickly," I pressed eagerly.

But Ghost Doctor didn't respond right away. He posed a question to me instead, "Changsheng, could you first explain how you acquired that mark on your right hand? It's not something you were born with, is it?"

"No..." I recounted the events that unfolded on Yin Spirit Mountain to Ghost Doctor, carefully omitting some critical secrets.

Upon hearing my story, Ghost Doctor appeared quite astonished. He furrowed his brow and murmured, "This is peculiar. What's with the curse on your hand? Did it happen after your trip to the cave, or did you open that door?"

Startled, I quickly inquired, "Curse... What curse?"

Ghost Doctor explained, "Changsheng, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure about the 'death' mark on your hand. All I know is that having that mark is not a good sign; it's a curse."

"What?!" I cried out, taken aback.

"I encountered this curse in Murong Chui's tomb. There was a mural with many such marks, but I was pressed for time and couldn't read it in detail. All I remember is that the mural was near a blood pool. You should take a closer look when you go back, but you'll need someone who understands these marks," Ghost Doctor advised.

I nodded, already having the perfect person in mind for the job.

"And Changsheng, there's something very important I need to warn you about: you must never touch that hidden door!" Ghost Doctor looked into my eyes with a grave tone.

"Why not? Isn't my right hand the key to that door?" I asked, puzzled.