Ghost Stories - Chapter 20
Qiqi looked at him suspiciously for a few moments and said, "Okay, I guess you can't come up with anything fancy!"
Lin Feng gave a wry smile and said, "How dare I play any tricks in front of you? Let's go, let's rescue them first, they've suffered enough!"
Volume Two, Chapter Seventeen: Ghost Manor (1)
Lin Feng let Qiqi get into the car first. After Xiao Qian and the others arrived, he gave them some instructions before driving Qiqi to Wang Peng's house.
Upon arriving at Wang Peng's house, Lin Feng easily spotted He Feng and Wang Peng, bound to the wall, without needing to summon any ghosts. Needless to say, Qi Qi also saw them. Before Lin Feng could speak, Qi Qi used Bluetooth to scrape the "Soul-Trapping Melody" on the wall to shreds.
He Feng and Wang Peng were both freed and deeply moved to see Lin Feng come to their rescue as promised. However, they were clearly afraid of Qi Qi. Perhaps because they were all from the dark world, they could sense the difference in Qi Qi; the chilling aura emanating from her sent shivers down their spines.
Seeing the two looking at Qiqi warily, Lin Feng smiled and said, "She's here to help me rescue you. You can rest assured, she won't hurt you!"
He Feng listened with some skepticism, but still politely said, "Thank you, we can finally get away." Her joy was evident.
Lin Feng laughed and said, "Luckily she helped me, otherwise I might be stuck here with you guys, feeling depressed too!"
He Feng bowed slightly and said, "Thank you very much. I won't say anything more. I will definitely repay you when I have the chance!"
Lin Feng quickly waved his hand and said, "Don't make it sound so serious." Before Lin Feng could finish speaking, He Feng's shadow slowly faded away, still maintaining her bowed posture. Lin Feng was overjoyed. His adventure had finally paid off, and he had even unexpectedly learned to use the "Spirit Sword." It seemed that good deeds were rewarded.
Lin Feng was immersed in happiness when Qi Qi behind him said, "Alright, Lin Feng, now you can tell me your plans, right? I don't have time to waste with you!"
Lin Feng chuckled and said, "Actually, my plan is..." He smiled and looked at Qiqi without saying anything, deliberately keeping her in suspense.
Qiqi frowned and said, "You're really dishonest. Should I tell you that Xiaojie dumped you?" As she said this, her expression darkened. Since the last incident, she hadn't made any friends and lived like a ghost. She was actually very lonely, but she was strong-willed and managed to get through it.
Lin Feng could tell what Qi Qi was thinking from her expression, so he quickly said, "Actually, I want you to join our 'Special Investigation Department,' what do you think?" After saying that, Lin Feng looked at Qi Qi expectantly.
Upon hearing this, Qiqi stared blankly at Lin Feng for a long time before saying, "I...I'm not human! Can you accept me? Besides, I'm still grieving over this bloodbath!"
Lin Feng smiled and said, "That's not a problem. As long as you agree, I think the Special Investigation Department really needs a super figure like you."
Kiki thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I'll go with you to take a look, but is it okay for you to make this decision on your own without telling your boss?" She was still a little worried.
Lin Feng said, "Leave it to me. I don't think the boss is someone who is so inflexible!"
The two returned to the Special Investigation Unit, where everyone stared at Lin Feng in surprise at the beautiful but aloof girl following behind him. They had initially considered approaching to ask her something, but seeing Qiqi's aloof demeanor, they abandoned the idea.
Lin Feng knocked on the office door and entered. Seeing Zhou Liang and Li Mingsheng both there, he greeted them with a smile, saying, "You're both here!"
Li Mingsheng rushed over and grabbed Lin Feng, saying, "You brat, you actually went off to risk your life all by yourself! Look at the state you've become! You didn't even call me, that's so inconsiderate!"
Lin Feng said, "Don't rush, don't rush, I've recommended a super figure to you, Zhou Chu."
Lin Feng's words piqued their interest, and they wanted to see what kind of extraordinary person Lin Feng could praise. Zhou Liang quickly said, "Then hurry up and call him in!"
Lin Feng pulled Qiqi inside. Li Mingsheng's expression changed drastically upon seeing her, and he instinctively reached for the gun at his waist. Lin Feng quickly said, "Don't be nervous. Qiqi agreed to help me with my work. I think with her in the department, many things can be easily resolved. She's a rare talent!"
Li Mingsheng removed his hand from his waist, but remained highly vigilant. After all, Qiqi's behavior had left a deep impression on him. That rainy night, Qiqi was covered in blood, muttering that she was the daughter of the devil, and then she jumped from the building, disappearing into the rainy night in a few leaps. All of that was still vivid in Li Mingsheng's mind, and he still felt lingering fear.
Zhou Liang also knew about Qi Qi's situation because after the Special Investigation Department was established, it specifically backed up files about Qi Qi. Zhou Liang thought for a moment and said, "I also really hope that Qi Qi can join our group, but this is not something I can decide on my own. I still need to apply to the higher-ups."
Lin Feng asked eagerly, "So how confident are you?"
Zhou Liang tapped his fingers on the table for a while, then said, "Our 'Special Investigation Department' hasn't been established for long, and we're responsible for all sorts of bizarre cases. I think since the higher-ups can accept these cases, they can certainly accept her too. After all, she's a rare superstar!" As he spoke, he looked at Lin Feng and Qi Qi with a half-smile.
Lin Feng was overjoyed, knowing that Zhou Liang had agreed, and hurriedly said to Qiqi, "Hurry up and thank the boss!"
Zhou Liang quickly waved his hand and said, "Don't thank me yet, it's not even close to being confirmed. We'll talk about it after the higher-ups approve it. But she can work here now."
Although Qiqi appeared quite aloof in front of others, she was grateful to Zhou Liang for being so open-minded in accepting her into the team. These past few days, she had been alone every night facing the darkness and white walls, and when she was sad, she had no one to talk to; she was truly fed up with loneliness and isolation. Now, with so many colleagues, she felt a little more like herself again.
Qiqi bowed to Zhou Liang and said, "Thank you, Director Zhou. I will do my best, but please don't reveal my situation to other colleagues, as it might make them uneasy!"
Zhou Liang nodded and said, "Okay, I'll definitely keep this a secret for you. From now on, you're a probationary agent for the Special Investigation Department. Once it's approved, you can become a full-fledged agent."
Qiqi thanked him again, and Zhou Liang asked if she was renting a place far away. So he made a phone call and arranged a dormitory for her, saving her the trouble of traveling back and forth. Qiqi was so touched that tears welled up in her eyes.
Volume 2, Chapter 18: Ghost Village (2)
Qiqi initially wanted to leave, but Zhou Liang asked her to stay and share her opinion on Zhang Xiang, this perverted Taoist priest. After discussing it for a while, they came to no conclusion. Moreover, after leaving the internet cafe, Zhang Xiang seemed to have completely vanished into thin air; they searched all his relatives and friends without finding a trace.
Zhou Liang irritably lit a cigarette, knowing all too well the immeasurable harm caused by someone like Zhang Xiang, who was skilled in Taoist magic but didn't follow the righteous path. This time alone, he had caused the deaths of over ten people, and who knew how many more were still undetected. What was most terrifying was that this guy knew some unbelievable secret techniques, such as this "Transformation Spell," which was their biggest headache. Who knew if he would appear behind you the next moment without your knowledge?
Just as the group was sharing their opinions, Zhang Hong, who had gone with Lin Feng and the others to perform the soul-summoning ritual, knocked on the door and entered. Ever since she was involved in that incident, she had been insisting on interning at the Special Investigation Department. Li Mingsheng couldn't refuse her, so he had to transfer her over. Zhou Liang was assigning her to manage the archives.
Zhang Hong delivered all the information about Qiqi. Fortunately, it was classified, and ordinary agents weren't allowed to see it without permission; otherwise, the Special Investigation Department would have been in an uproar. However, news of Qiqi joining the Special Investigation Department spread quickly, and the unmarried bachelors were already rubbing their hands together, ready to pounce and win her heart. If they knew Qiqi was the devil's daughter, they'd probably be scared half to death, instead of their eyes gleaming with greed.
The case against Zhang Xiang has been temporarily shelved due to a lack of leads. However, Qiqi stated that because of her unique constitution, she can recognize Zhang Xiang by his life energy field, regardless of how he alters his appearance. Furthermore, Zhang Xiang is greedy and insatiable, with a strong desire for fame, fortune, and money. Therefore, when he tries to assimilate others, he will only do so to the wealthy and powerful, not ordinary people.
Lin Feng was furious at Zhang Xiang's sudden disappearance. Touching his still aching face, he wished he could grab Zhang Xiang and give him a good beating right away.
With the case closed and Lin Feng having been busy for so long, it was time for him to go home and spend some quality time with Xiao Jie. However, Qi Qi came along today, insisting on seeing Xiao Jie as well.
Xiao Jie opened the door for Lin Feng. When she saw Qi Qi at the door, she was stunned for a long time before she hugged Qi Qi tightly and cried, "I knew you were okay! I knew you were okay!"
Qiqi's eyes welled up with tears, and she hugged Xiaojie tightly. Lin Feng was greatly relieved to see that Xiaojie didn't seem to care at all about what had happened to Qiqi; such genuine friendship between women was rare. He quickly ushered the two into the house, loudly calling out that he was hungry. Qiqi then wiped away her tears and went to the kitchen, and Xiaojie followed her in, telling jokes and recounting her life these past few days.
That night, Qiqi stayed at Xiaojiejie's house, while Lin Feng was allowed to sleep on the sofa.
The next day, after being woken up by Xiao Jie, Lin Feng ate breakfast and went to the Special Investigation Department with Qi Qi. He hadn't planned to go, but Qi Qi insisted that he go, saying that there might be new developments in Zhang Xiang's case, and that he should go and see. He had no choice but to go.
As expected, Qiqi was right. As soon as Lin Feng and Qiqi arrived at Zhou Liang's office, Zhou Liang told them that he had sent Zhang Xiang's photo and information to other units in other cities yesterday. This morning, news came that someone had seen him in a remote village.
Lin Feng immediately demanded to go and test his skills against this eccentric Taoist priest. Zhou Liang readily agreed, but on the condition that Qi Qi accompany him. Lin Feng considered it for a moment; he knew Qi Qi's abilities—after all, she wasn't human, and her level was far superior to his own. He immediately agreed to Zhou Liang's request.
After Lin Feng made a phone call to Xiao Jie Jie, he and Qi Qi got into the car heading to that village.
The village is called "Yirenzhuang," but it doesn't appear on the map, perhaps because it's too small. There's no direct bus route; only buses that pass through, from which you have to walk several miles of mountain road. So, if Lin Feng and his group get off the bus now, it will be around noon, and they should be able to reach the village before dark.
Sitting in the car, Lin Feng's thoughts were in turmoil. He wished he could fly to "Righteous Manor" and immediately settle things with Zhang Xiang. Yesterday at the internet cafe, he had taken several solid hits from Zhang Xiang, and was almost suffocated to death by that damned human skin Zhang Xiang had concocted. How could he not hate him?
The car stopped at the edge of a small town and vomited the two men. They looked around, unsure if that was the direction they were heading towards "Righteous Manor".
Lin Feng found an old man and asked, "Grandpa, do you know how to get to 'Righteous Manor'?"
The old man looked him up and down and asked, "What are you doing there?"
Lin Feng smiled and said, "Oh, going on official business!"
The old man nodded and said, "Just keep walking along that small path to the west until you reach the end. There are no hotels in the village, so you'd better go early tomorrow morning and get back to town before dark to stay overnight!"
Lin Feng said, "Thank you, sir, we understand!"
The old man glanced at the two of them again, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he didn't say anything and left.
Lin Feng and Qi Qi immediately headed towards the path to the west. They couldn't wait to get to "Yiren Village" as soon as possible. As for where to stay for the night, they would decide later.
The two walked for more than two hours, and it gradually got dark. Lin Feng was in good physical condition and didn't feel too tired, while Qi Qi didn't care at all and performed no less well than Lin Feng.
Lin Feng glanced at his watch and said, "We've been walking for two hours already. We should have covered more than ten miles by now, but we still haven't seen 'Yiren Village'!"
Qiqi looked into the distance and said, "We're almost there, just a little further on!" Lin Feng knew that her eyesight was beyond that of ordinary people, so she must have already seen it. He didn't say anything more and continued walking forward.
As dusk settled, Lin Feng finally saw a village with scattered houses in the distance.
Lin Feng was overjoyed and quickened his pace towards the village. By the time he reached the large tree at the village entrance, it was already completely dark. The tree resembled a monster in the darkness, exuding an eerie atmosphere.
Volume 2, Chapter 19: Ghost Manor (3)
Upon entering the village, it was pitch black, with only a few faint lights shining from the occasional courtyard, which seemed quite eerie.
Lin Feng walked to the courtyard near the road and gently knocked on the door. To his surprise, the door opened immediately. Seeing a faint light coming from inside the house, Lin Feng called out, "Is anyone home?"
The house was silent; no one answered. Lin Feng called out twice more, but still no one responded. He closed the courtyard gate and said to Qiqi, "What kind of village is this? It's eerie everywhere!"
Kiki looked around warily and said, "Be careful. This village is strange in every way. There isn't even a dog barking in the whole village. Don't you find that strange?"
Lin Feng listened carefully and, sure enough, there wasn't a sound from the entire village—not even the grunts of pigs, let alone the barking of dogs. Lin Feng frowned and said, "Let's go take a look ahead."
The two walked from one end of the village to the other, but didn't find a single person. A few houses had lights on, but there wasn't a sound. Lin Feng checked his phone and said, "It's not even 10 o'clock yet, why is everyone asleep?" Looking closer at the signal, he saw there wasn't a single bar. Lin Feng cursed inwardly; this village was too strange, eerily quiet. The entire village seemed deserted.
The two wandered around the village, and finally found a small inn in one place. A dim light shone from the entrance, but the inside was dark and difficult to see clearly. Lin Feng muttered, "Didn't that old man say there were no inns here? How come there's one here?"
The two entered the hotel and saw an old man dozing behind the registration desk. Lin Feng knocked on the table and said loudly, "Grandpa!"
The old man woke up with a start, looked the two people up and down, and said, "Guests, are you staying here?"
Lin Feng thought to himself, "Isn't this obvious?" and said, "Yes, book two clean single rooms!"
The old man nodded, took out two keys and handed them to the two, saying, "Deposit 200, Room 10, Room 11!"
Lin Feng took the keys and said, "Grandpa, I'd like to ask you why everyone in this village goes to bed so early? It's not even 10 o'clock yet!"
The old man, who had been hunched over, suddenly sat up straight and said in a sinister tone, "Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask. If you ask again, get out and don't stay here!"
Lin Feng was startled and muttered, "Are you crazy? If you don't want to talk, then don't talk. Why are you being so arrogant!"
Qiqi gently tugged at Lin Feng, signaling him not to rush. The two turned to look for their rooms. Luckily, there was only one row of houses and one corridor, so they easily found their rooms. Qiqi didn't go to her own room first, but went into Lin Feng's room first, saying, "This hotel is also strange. I don't think that old man is a normal person!"
Lin Feng said, "But now I should be able to see ghosts with stronger energy, right? Besides, your ability to sense these things is much stronger than mine. You should be able to tell whether it's a human or a ghost in an instant!"
Kiki shook her head and said, "That's the strange thing. Logically speaking, I should be able to easily distinguish them, but they might not be ghosts."
Lin Feng was startled and said, "What are they if not ghosts?"
Qiqi said, "I don't know either. There's a strange energy in this village. I can feel it. It's very strong, and I'm afraid I can't handle it!"
Lin Feng gasped and said, "If I can't even handle someone as unkillable as you, am I going to bury this hundred-odd pounds of food here?"
Qiqi glared at him and said, "If you can't beat him, do you have to go and fight him? Why provoke him for no reason? Go find Zhang Xiang first thing tomorrow morning, and once you find him, leave quickly, that's all!"
Lin Feng scratched his head and said, "The problem is that Zhang Xiang must have his reasons for coming here. Besides, he might be after that energy you sensed!"
Kiki tilted her head and thought for a moment before saying, "That's possible!"
Lin Feng asked, "Do you know what that energy is?"
Qiqi said seriously, "It's yin energy, a huge amount of yin energy is enveloping the entire village!"
Lin Feng was organizing his backpack when he heard this and almost dropped it, saying, "What? Such a strong yin energy? Does that mean this whole village is full of dead people?"
Qiqi shook her head and said, "I don't know, but I don't think that old man looks like a dead person. And although the village is full of yin energy, there is no death energy."
Lin Feng said, "Ordinary people will get sick if they are in contact with yin energy for even a little while. If there is enough yin energy to cover an entire village, wouldn't everyone die?"
Qiqi said irritably, "How would I know? There are people like me who survived even with their hearts ripped out, so naturally there are people who aren't afraid of being invaded by yin energy!"
Lin Feng almost rolled his eyes at Qi Qi's retort, saying, "It's a bit strange that the whole village isn't afraid of the yin energy. Even the strongest old people and children can't withstand it!"
The two were talking when there was a sudden knock on the door. Lin Feng jumped in surprise and asked, "Who is it?"
An old voice said, "Guest, if you have nothing else to do, go to sleep early. Don't talk, you'll disturb the other guests' rest!"
Lin Feng muttered, "There are still people staying in hotels in this godforsaken place? Damn, that's a pipe dream!" But he still said loudly, "I know, I'm going to sleep now!"
Qiqi said, "Remember to stick the talisman on the door. It can protect you if anything happens tonight. I'm going to sleep now." After saying that, she got up, picked up her bag, and went to the next room.