Histoires de fantômes

Chapitre 198

Unexpectedly, the entire second floor was empty, without any furniture, and there was no man in the leopard-skin coat. I had seen the man sitting at a table reading through my binoculars; at the very least, there should have been a table and a chair, but now there was nothing, just an empty room.

"Brother Tian—" He Jishang's voice came from the first floor, then swept up to the second floor like the wind, standing at the empty stairwell, holding the bronze lamp high in his hand. We looked at each other from fifteen steps apart, then simultaneously let out a roar.

She asked, "Are you lying to me? Where is Brother Tian?"

I asked, "Who is that man? Who is Brother Tian?"

In an instant, we both went into a frenzy, leaping forward simultaneously. Her left hand viciously clawed at my Adam's apple, her eyes burning with a fierce, blazing blue flame. I wouldn't give her another chance. I clapped my hands together, clamped her hand between them, and with a jerk, dislocated her left arm. Then, with a pursed lip and a puff of air, the lamp went out instantly.

"Where is Brother Tian? Tell me, where is he?" In the sudden darkness, all that could be seen was the gleaming green light in her eyes, like a restless venomous snake trapped in a cage.

I extended my right hand and, using a "crane's beak" technique, gently pecked her temple with my thumb, index, and middle fingers, briefly rendering her unconscious to prevent excessive agitation and further internal injury. She collapsed limply, and within seconds, my eyes adjusted to the darkness as I descended the stairs.

The first floor was just a simple bed, table, chairs, and stove, and it was also empty.

I paused for a few seconds in the lobby, suddenly realizing that Liang Wei must have seen the man too, since he was the one who first peered into the village through binoculars. Regardless of who the man was, I needed to confirm his existence. As I rushed out of the lobby, I saw Liang Wei struggling to his feet, two large, oddly-looking women bending down to grab his arms.

"Liang Wei!" I jumped down the steps and gave the two women a light shove on the back, causing them to stumble and fall.

“Tell me, there’s a man reading a book upstairs—you saw him when we first discovered this village, didn’t you?” I lowered my voice, trying to keep my expression natural and not lose my composure in front of everyone.

Liang Wei paused for a moment, looked up at the dark window on the second floor, and slowly shook his head: "I don't know. At the time, I only noticed the people in front of the stove. As for what was on the second floor, I didn't pay any attention at all."

This was almost impossible. We peered toward the wooden building, and within seconds of each other, the man reading by the window was wearing a tan and brown leopard-skin coat, which was very conspicuous. How could Liang Wei, with his vigilance, not have noticed him?

“There is indeed such a man, Liang Wei. You must tell me for sure whether you saw him or not—” I raised my voice. Fei Ying and Fei Yue both struggled to their feet and looked at me strangely.

Liang Wei frowned and thought for a moment, then shook his head firmly: "No, that window is empty, there's nothing there."

I looked into his eyes; he wasn't lying, and there was no need for him to.

He Jishang appeared in the second-floor window, the oil lamp was relit, but the murderous intent in her eyes was gone. She looked towards the jungle opposite and suddenly let out a thunderous roar that spread far and wide.

"Yang Tian, the 'King of Tomb Raiders,' a peerless hero, since you've come before, why can't you show yourself to me? Is it because you find my face ugly after being tortured? Do you know? I've kept this appearance only to teach you that the 'Azure Blood Night-Shining Toad' was hard-won. You must come back and take it away, lest you betray the price I paid for it..." She leaned against the window, holding up the oil lamp as if to light a signal to guide the visitor from afar.

I sighed softly. The scene I witnessed half an hour ago could only be one thing: a hallucination.

"Feng, are you alright? You look terrible." Flying Eagle asked with concern.

I gently shook my head: "It's nothing."

The "Great Disintegration Technique" has completely cleared the poisonous gas from my lungs. I am now deeply worried about the relationship between He Jishang and my elder brother Yang Tian. As for my pale complexion, it is due to extreme disappointment after such high hopes were dashed.

Judging from He Jishang's soliloquy, her elder brother Yang Tian had lived here, and her betrayal of the religion and theft of treasure seemed to be entirely for her elder brother's sake.

He Jishang's howl echoed over the jungle for a full three minutes before it stopped, its power truly astonishing.

The team members were captured by those women wrapped in strange snakes. I didn't want to hurt them, nor did I want Flying Eagle and the others to get hurt. I looked up and called out, "Miss He, we have come from afar with no ill intentions. Please have mercy."

The road ahead is long, and we'd better not make enemies like the outcasts of the Five Poisons Sect; otherwise, our supply lines will never be safe once we advance.

He Jishang leaped down and approached me again: "Who exactly are you? How do you know about Brother Tian? Are you sent by the cult leader to kill me?"

Women who have been severely tortured are often psychologically disturbed. I didn't want to get entangled with her any longer, so I immediately shook my head and said, "No, I have nothing to do with the Five Poisons Sect. What I just saw was probably just a hallucination. Please don't take offense, Miss He."

In terms of martial arts, she is no match for me. The only thing I fear is that strange and agile wire snake.

"Just a hallucination? Just a hallucination?" Her voice was filled with despair again.

I suddenly realized she was actually an extremely pitiful woman. If all her genuine feelings were for her elder brother, we should be family members who could work together, and our goals should be completely aligned—to find him. As for our current predicament, the Five Poisons Sect's snake-driving and detoxification skills are unparalleled in the world, which would be of great help in entering Lan Valley and finding Su Lun.

“Yes.” I nodded firmly, ignoring the surprised looks from Flying Eagle and Liang Wei.

"Alright, let them go—" she ordered the women, but the team members were groaning and unable to move because of the poisonous smoke from the oil lamps. Although no one was binding them, they were all unable to move.

"Look, I've already released them. Could you please come upstairs with me and answer a few questions for me?" She stared at me, her eyes filled with two flickering, eerie blue flames.

It is said that He Jishang was a beauty among thousands in the Miao tribe when she was young, attracting the covetous eyes of leaders of mountain strongholds and heroes from all over the world. However, she was the next Holy Leader of the Five Poisons Sect, appointed by the old leader of the sect, and had to remain a virgin for life. Gradually, no one had such a hopeless dream anymore.

From a beautiful woman emerging from the water to a terrified and hideous ghost, the mental trauma she suffered is unimaginable.

"It's late today, perhaps we can come back tomorrow." I humbly clasped my hands in a fist salute, preparing to take my leave. Spending the night in the jungle wilderness would be more reassuring than being with these women who spend their days surrounded by drugs.

“Very well, we Miao people have always believed in the principle of ‘we will not offend others unless they offend us,’ and we repay even the smallest kindness with the greatest gratitude. Since you are unwilling to teach me, then please, I will not see you off.” She lifted the hem of her skirt with her left hand and gave me a slight curtsy. Her face was badly painted, but her waist was still slender as a willow, and one could still vaguely see her former beauty.

Suddenly, the hem of her skirt fluttered without any wind, and four small, dark snakes shot out at the same time.

I only had time to clap my hands together and grab one of them when I suddenly felt a chill on my wrists and a tingling pain in the back of my neck. All the strength in my body seemed to have been punctured like a balloon, and the air quickly dissipated. I swayed and fell forward.

The wire snake's venom was indeed potent; the moment I was bitten, my consciousness completely vanished.

When I awoke again, the first thing I saw was a myriad of rays of sunlight streaming in through the window. I was lying on a large bamboo bed, with a whole tiger skin, soft and dry, spread out beneath me.

Before the window, a charcoal brazier, about to go out, still emitted a faint, dying red glow.

The Five Poisons Sect's ability to detoxify is unparalleled in the world, so even if someone is bitten by many venomous snakes, they have a way to save their life.

My satellite phone was right next to my pillow, its green indicator light flashing. Anyone's first reaction would probably be to grab the phone and call for help, but I didn't. Instead, I comfortably yawned, turned over, and closed my eyes to continue sleeping.

This is deep in the mountains, with no landmarks to reference. Where are the police supposed to rescue people? They don't have the capabilities of the U.S. Marines, who can use the intersection of latitude and longitude on a globe to reach any corner of the earth. Besides, since the other party left the phone next to my pillow, they're not afraid I'll call anyone. Why should I waste my time and effort?

Brother Yang Tian has been here before? Why? Could it be that his goal, too, is to cross Lan Valley, ascend the Heavenly Ladder, and head straight for the Epang Palace? Just like Su Lun's goal?

These questions flooded my mind like a pre-set alarm clock, leaving me no chance to escape. With the "Azure Blood Night-Shining Toad" in hand, no matter how many poisonous snakes there were in Lan Valley, it wouldn't be a problem. But He Jishang muttered to himself, "Why didn't my elder brother take that treasure with him?"

"You're awake?" He Jishang's languid voice rang out from the corner.

“Yes, why bother saving me if I’m injured? The venom of the wire snake is already selling for as much as six thousand US dollars per gram in the London market. Isn’t that a huge waste?” I stared at the roof, imagining that my gaze could penetrate those huge square timbers and reach the second floor.

Volume Four: The Divine Trapped in the Epang Palace

Part 1: The Mysterious Borderlands - The Disappearance of Sulun

— Chapter 10 — Yang Tian, the King of Tomb Raiders, and His Woman —

How did Brother Yang Tian's image end up there? Was it a mirage created by the refraction of light and shadow under the setting sun?

"Of course, I just want you to understand that killing you or reviving you is an easy thing. You'd better tell me the truth, otherwise you could die at any time from the fangs of the wire snake."

I sat up and stretched. The morning glow shone through the window, creating a magnificent and breathtaking scene.

"Did you really see...that man appear in the second-floor window?" she kept repeating the question.

If I was the only one who saw that scene, it's really hard to explain. I got off the ground, put on my shoes, and pointed to the narrow wooden ladder: "We can go up and talk. Actually, I'm also very curious about how he got there."

He Jishang sighed softly, "What good would it do to go up there? For so many years, I've gone up there to clean every day, once in the morning and once in the evening, but he has never shown up—" She held a book in her hand, the English version of "The Centuries".

I suppressed my shock: "I saw him reading a book, it must be the one you're holding."

Suddenly, He Jishang flicked his wrist, and the book flew straight to my face.

I took the book, turned to the title page, and a line of familiar small regular script jumped into my eyes: "The best swordsmanship in the world is one that never has to think about how to strike; it transcends light and shadow and air, and the blade can reach wherever the eye can see. The ancients had 'the palm that can move beyond distance,' and I can naturally have 'the sword that can move beyond distance.' It is shameful to be bound by the ancients, and honorable to learn from their strengths."

This is definitely the handwriting of my elder brother, Yang Tian, without a doubt.

"Is it really this book?" He Jishang's voice was a mixture of disappointment and hope.

I quickly flipped through the pages, but found no more writing. Apart from the yellowed pages, it was exactly the same as the version I had read before.

“This is a sword manual, which he calls ‘The Sword That Transcends Distance,’ but unfortunately I’ve been looking at it for over ten years and haven’t grasped anything from it.” He Jishang sighed in bewilderment.

"Where are my friends?" I put down the book.

“They are all safe, and they had a good meal last night and slept comfortably in the wooden building. I won’t make things difficult for them because of you, but you have to tell me why he appeared on the second floor, not too early, not too late, but right before you arrived at the village?” He Jishang stared at me expectantly, perhaps hoping to get some information from my expression.

I got up and paced a few steps, then suddenly asked, "Ms. He, have you seen a lone explorer in the mountains, a Chinese girl named Su Lun?"

She shook her head decisively: "No."

Looking east from the window, the village was built beside the path, a vital passage to Lan Valley. If Suren continued forward, he would surely pass through here. The clock had already struck seven, but all the wooden houses remained peaceful, as if everyone was soundly asleep.

"Is that person Yang Tian, the 'King of Tomb Raiders'? The once-famous hero?" I deliberately tested her again.

She nodded, but even in the dim light, her ugly face was still clearly visible.

"How could he be here? He's been missing from the martial world for so long. Could he be living in seclusion in this mysterious valley with the masters of the Five Poisons Sect? The martial world is treacherous; I really can't believe what you're saying, unless—"

"Unless what?" she asked, unfazed by my question.

“Unless you remove that human skin mask and show me your true face, the real former Holy Princess of the Five Poisons Sect bears indelible crisscrossing scars on her face, while your face is merely a mask. Hmm, I imagine it's a handmade product from India, quite valuable, isn't it?” I smiled slightly. From the first time I saw her in front of the wooden building yesterday, I had sensed the flaw.

He Jishang was stunned: "I am He Jishang, a former disciple of the Five Poisons Sect. Is there really such a bored person in the martial arts world who would be willing to impersonate this character?"

I shook my head: "Then why don't you show your true self instead of pretending to be a ghost behind a mask?"

A murderous aura suddenly emanated from the corner, like a boulder thrown into the center of a lake, creating ripples.

"Killing me is fine, but then no one will ever see 'King of Tomb Raiders' Yang Tian on the second floor again. You'd better think carefully before you make a move." In terms of martial arts alone, she is no match for me.

“I am He Jishang, there’s nothing to prove. Whether I wear a mask or not, I am still the pitiful He Jishang who was expelled from the family and abandoned by men—” Her face turned to the window.

I took a long step forward, instantly covering ten steps, and with a "rip," I tore off her mask. She gasped, swinging her arms out, her ten sharp red fingernails slashing towards my face, but I leaned back and retreated at the same speed, stopping in front of the bed.

"Who are you?" we both exclaimed in shock. She was surprised by my sudden advances and retreats, while I noticed that her face was smooth and delicate, without any of the legendary crisscrossing scars.

"Transcendental Divine Skill? Transcendental Divine Skill? You also know this kind of martial art?" She stared at me in astonishment, revealing a pale but exquisite and charming face, especially her pair of watery eyes, like two deep pools, full of endless charm.

"Who exactly are you? Where are the legendary 'well' shaped scars?" I asked with a wry smile, holding up the exquisite mask in my hand. Indians are renowned for their mastery of disguise in Asia; on this mask, as thin as a cicada's wing, they can create any dazzling effect, such as those two incredibly realistic 'well' shaped scars.

The atmosphere in the building suddenly became extremely awkward, because she was such a beautiful woman. Especially after she gently rubbed her face and regained a faint color, she suddenly radiated beauty, as if illuminating that dark corner all at once.

“I am He Jishang, Liangyu Mieban. Those two scars have long been smoothed over, but a certain scar in my heart can never heal. And you? How do you know Brother Tian’s ‘Transcendent Divine Skill’? Do you have some kind of relationship with him?” She stared at me suspiciously.

I gently shook my head: "There are tens of thousands of martial arts schools in the world. This is just an insignificant skill, not some 'divine skill that can move beyond distance.' As for me, I am just an unknown nobody in the martial arts world, and I have no connection with such a big shot as him."

Only a face like this deserves the title "femme fatale." This kind of "stunning beauty" caught me off guard and filled me with unexpected joy. I hope that the women who fall in love with or are loved by my great hero are all unique, extraordinary women with unparalleled beauty.

Since ancient times, beauties have loved heroes. He is the greatest hero in the world, so naturally he should be accompanied by an unparalleled beauty.

He Jishang put the mask back on, but the ugly face seemed to have become tender and affectionate.

"What are you thinking about?" She walked to the window, bathed in the glow of the sunset.

I exclaimed from the bottom of my heart: "You are so beautiful. It's a pity that I didn't get to see the legendary hero Yang Tian back then. If we were together, traveling the world side by side, we would definitely be the most enviable couple in the martial arts world, and our story would be talked about by ordinary people."

Since He Jishang was favored by the former leader of the Five Poisons Sect and chosen as his future successor, her own talent must be exceptional, one in a million. The radiant glow emanating from a woman who is both beautiful and exceptionally skilled is incomparable to any pretty but talentless young girl. Just as the full moon is compared to the stars, even if the sky is full of stars, when the moon slowly appears, all the starlight is inevitably suppressed.

She suddenly gave a bitter laugh, and I quickly explained, "I'm telling the truth. Even if the great hero Yang Tian were here, I would still say the same thing."

"Thank you, but he already has another girl in his heart. In the end, he only loved her." She leaned against the window, letting the sunset light bathe the two crisscrossing scars, her thoughts seemingly immersed in endless memories.

"Oh? Who are they? Are they the legendary Lan Yao and Lan Ji sisters from the martial arts world?" From what I'd heard about my elder brother's past through the scalpel, it seemed those two girls had always been by his side. So, before meeting He Jishang, I thought the only people my brother truly appreciated in his life were those two.

"Are you really interested in listening?" He Jishang frowned.

"Yes, the chivalrous Yang Tian is the most respected senior in the martial arts world and a role model for me, so I long to know his story." If the elder brother loves another girl, why has the scalpel never been mentioned?

The stories of the martial world are like many tangled balls of yarn, intertwined and possibly revealing a clue at any moment. But if you don't grasp them in time, they will quickly be submerged in the chaos again. Therefore, I hope He Jishang can finish telling the story of his elder brother.