469: Chapter 469 The demonic magic is too strong, are you Fang Shijie's son?

On the scorched lawn, a few pieces of charcoal were still burning, occasionally spitting out sparks.

A heavy boot sole stepped on them, making a crisp "crack".

The charcoal fire instantly extinguished, leaving only wisps of blue smoke to dissipate.

Fang Cheng stepped forward, his gaze calmly confronting Old Master Chen Hongye.

"Do you know me?"

"Know you?"

Hearing this, Old Master Chen Hongye let out a cold hum from his nose, his gaze sweeping over Lin Chuqiao and the others standing behind Fang Cheng.

"Aren't you and those two little girls mission takers sent by Naihe Bridge?"

He leisurely licked away the remaining bloodstains with the tip of his tongue, his scarlet pupils revealing a cruel intent.

"If that fire hadn't awakened me in advance, I would have already set up a trap, waiting for you to deliver yourselves to my door tonight and become my blood food."

"That would have been enough for me to thoroughly enjoy a dinner, without having to meet so hastily like this and losing our manners."

As he spoke, he suddenly chuckled in a low voice.

That laughter was gloomy and lingering, like a bone-scraping cold wind, or like a ghost whispering by the ear, making everyone present tighten their hearts.

There was not a shred of fear on Fang Cheng's face, only a calm scrutiny, his gaze locked onto Old Master Chen Hongye.

Then he spoke again, asking in a deep voice:

"Do you know Crow and Professor?"

"Who?"

Old Master Chen Hongye's smile faded, and he was visibly stunned for a moment.

"A man in his thirties, tall and thin, with a rather long face and a mustache on his lips."

Fang Cheng briefly described, his eyes closely watching any subtle changes on Old Master Chen Hongye's face:

"The other is around fifty, wearing glasses, with a scholarly demeanor, looking like a university professor."

After listening, Old Master Chen Hongye curled the corners of his mouth again and answered decisively:

"I don't know them. Are they mission takers from the previous batches?"

"If they are those unlucky fellows, they might have already died in my hands and become my rations. Who would remember such insignificant ants."

His tone carried disdain, as if he were talking about a few bugs that could be crushed to death at will.

Hearing this, Fang Cheng frowned slightly.

Originally, out of caution, he did not want to get involved in this dispute too early.

The evil spirit dwelling within Old Master Chen Hongye before him had an unknown background, and its methods were bizarre, unpredictable, and extremely vicious.

As a renowned Family of Tiannan Province, the Chen Family had not detected its trace even after so many people died consecutively.

This obviously showed that this evil spirit possessed some extremely special mental ability, capable of quietly bewitching people's hearts and manipulating consciousness. Its whereabouts were secretive and completely elusive.

Moreover, observing through Scavengers Eye, Fang Cheng found that Old Master Chen Hongye's corpse was just an empty shell without a Soul, and no mental fluctuations belonging to a living person could be sensed.

This likely meant that the evil spirit dwelling within simply treated Old Master Chen Hongye's body as a Puppet, using his identity as the former head of the Family to act.

Therefore, even if this Physical Body was destroyed, it might not completely capture the true body of the evil spirit hidden deep within.

Fang Cheng thought of Jiang Chen, whose Physical Body had also died but whose Soul was immortal, as well as those spiritual bodies encountered in Night City.

He deeply knew that such enemies could not be underestimated. If their whereabouts could not be ascertained, he must never make a rash move.

He originally thought that his uncle and the professor had tracked all the way from Dongdu to Tiannan Province and would know more inside information, perhaps having a way to lock onto the evil spirit's true body, ideally joining forces to deal with it.

However, the evil spirit had already controlled Old Master Chen Hongye's corpse to start committing crimes, yet his uncle and the others had never appeared.

This caused a deviation in Fang Cheng's original conjecture, making the situation even more complicated.

After pondering for a long time, he still could not figure out the whereabouts and plans of his uncle and the others.

Driven by his inner worries, Fang Cheng chose to step forward, deciding to personally force out his uncle's whereabouts from the evil spirit's mouth or obtain some key clues.

Yet as a result, the opponent flatly denied it, saying they didn't know them.

Fang Cheng's brow knitted even tighter, falling into deep thought.

Yet Old Master Chen Hongye kept staring at him, his scarlet gaze flickering slightly, as if trying hard to recognize something.

"Kid, why do I feel that you look a bit familiar... somewhat like someone?"

He said slowly, his tone carrying a bit of memory and scrutiny.

"Especially the way you are frowning and pondering right now is simply identical to that person."

Hearing this, Fang Cheng was slightly startled, looking at him in confusion.

Old Master Chen Hongye narrowed his eyes, his tone gradually becoming more certain:

"There's no mistake, it really looks a lot like him. Except for a taller and sturdier build, his appearance was carved from almost the exact same mold..."

As he spoke, his eyes suddenly lit up, his voice carrying a bit of probing:

"Fang Shijie, is that you? You're actually still alive?"

"What did you say?!"

Suddenly hearing this monster mention his father who had been dead for many years, Fang Cheng couldn't help but tremble all over.

The calm state of mind he had maintained was instantly shattered, and incredulous astonishment surged in his eyes.

His eyes widened, staring fixedly at Old Master Chen Hongye, trying to see any trace of a clue from that curse-covered face.

"No, that's not right... I've slept for too long, my brain is a bit sluggish."

Old Master Chen Hongye then shook his head again, his self-talk carrying a hint of mockery, as if recalling some interesting past event.

"That guy should have died in that fire long ago. How could he still jump around like me and appear in front of me..."

His scarlet gaze fell on Fang Cheng again, as if he suddenly figured something out.

"So... you are the son of that kid surnamed Fang?"

Fang Cheng did not admit it, but instead asked in return:

"What is your relationship with Fang Shijie?"

His tone suddenly raised, his voice carrying unsuppressible eagerness:

"How could you know how Fang Shijie died?!"

The playful arc on Old Master Chen Hongye's face widened a bit, seemingly enjoying the other party's loss of composure, and he intentionally shut his mouth and refused to speak.

"Speak!"

Fang Cheng gave a low shout, immediately clenching his fists and making a "creaking" sound.

"Kid, show some respect!"

Old Master Chen Hongye snorted coldly, his face full of displeasure:

"You merely killed a starving ghost I raised, yet you dare to clamor in front of this old man."

"Back then, when I dominated the Jianghu, those organization leaders and warlord bosses were all respectful upon seeing me. A wet-behind-the-ears junior like you doesn't even have the qualification to speak with me."

He raised his chin, his scarlet gaze filled with mockery:

"What, unconvinced? Young people just can't hold their composure. Your dad was like that back then too, reckless and impatient, and what was his ending in the end? Burned to ashes, of course."

"If you really want to know the details of that fire, kneel down and kowtow a few loud kowtows to me. Perhaps this old man will be in a great mood and can recount it to you in detail."

Speaking to the end, he smacked his lips and specially added:

"It's just a pity that even if you know everything, you can't change a thing, it will only increase your distress in vain."

Old Master Chen Hongye's tone was gloomy and cold, as if enjoying Fang Cheng's suppressed anger, trying to provoke and stimulate him with words.

Fang Cheng's chest heaved, his body leaned forward slightly, and the anger in his eyes was almost about to spew out.

This monster mentioned his father's death and provoked him with such a disdainful posture, which had already touched the deepest reverse scale of his heart.

"Fang Cheng..."

Suddenly, a gentle voice sounded by his ear.

Following that, a warm and soft hand gently covered over, gripping his tensed fist.

Lin Chuqiao walked to Fang Cheng's side, her gaze carrying worry, staring closely into his eyes.

Feeling the surging killing intent around Fang Cheng, she gently squeezed his hand with a little force, her palm transmitting silent comfort.

Fang Cheng took a deep breath, the heaving of his chest instantly calmed down, and his expression turned calm once again.

Then he turned his head to look at Lin Chuqiao, a trace of gratitude flashing in his eyes.

At this moment, Fang Cheng suddenly understood a few things in his heart.

His uncle and the professor had specially tracked from Dongdu to Tiannan Province, perhaps coming specifically for this guy who had entanglements with his father.

At this time, Second Young Master Chen Xuan, who had been standing behind Fang Cheng, seemed to have also recovered his wits.

His face was pale, but the anger in his eyes had not extinguished, and he suddenly spoke:

"Mr. Bai! To deal with such a demon, we don't need to abide by morality. Let's join forces to subdue him first, and by then, any problems can be resolved!"

His voice revealed a desperate determination, as well as a do-or-die expectation.

Pan Wendi also stepped forward at this time, spat a mouthful of saliva, his expression ferocious and vicious:

"That's right! With so many of us besieging it, can we still let this monster sprout wings and escape?"

Bailing followed closely behind, waving her fist to cheer and boost morale:

"That's right, Big Boss, let's deal with this guy together!"

Lin Chuqiao held Fang Cheng's hand, her eyes brimming as she said:

"Whatever you want to do, just go do it. We will always be with you."

Although her voice was soft, it was full of strength, wanting to give Fang Cheng the greatest support.

Fang Cheng nodded slightly towards her, his gaze then turning back to that monster that had emerged from the fire.

At this moment, deep within his eyes, two burning flames were faintly flickering—that was the Battle Intent ready to launch.

Old Master Chen Hongye sneered, yet his face was full of disdain:

"Hehe, joining forces to besiege me? Daydreaming! You might as well look around first, exactly who is besieging whom?"

Hearing this, Second Young Master Chen Xuan and Pan Wendi felt a chill in their hearts and abruptly turned their heads to look around.

They saw that those members of the Chen Family who had originally knelt on the ground out of fear were now all standing up slowly.

Their eyes were hollow and expressionless, yet the corners of their mouths split open into a bizarre arc.

Their movements appeared unusually stiff, like string Puppets, walking slowly towards Fang Cheng and the others.

Also like awakened living corpses, with only numbness and killing intent in their eyes.

"The painstaking plans I've made for so many years, the pain I've endured, the methods I've deployed—how could you possibly imagine them?"

Old Master Chen Hongye's voice became gloomy and smug, carrying a high-and-mighty contempt:

"The so-called Families are nothing more than my food reserve warehouses."

"It's a pity, if I had waited another month, successfully entered the Legacy Secret Realm, absorbed more spiritual power, and completed the Bloodline Fusion, I could have completely resurrected and lived again as a human."

As he spoke, he suddenly raised his voice, the killing intent in his eyes fully exposed.

"It's all you bastards who ruined my good deeds!"

"Now I will take you to replace them. As long as I kill you all and eat your flesh and blood, I will definitely become younger and stronger!"

At this moment, madness and greed flickered in his scarlet eyes.

Before his voice faded, an invisible wave of energy suddenly centered around Old Master Chen Hongye and spread outwards.

In an instant, a piercing cold wind arose out of thin air, like countless invisible hands swirling the ash and sparks on the ground, instantly surrounding everyone.

The firewood of the bonfire that was originally burning fiercely cracked loudly, and the fire abruptly soared into the sky.

Its flame color bizarrely emitted a blue light, resembling netherworld ghost fire.

Amidst the howling gale, the flying sparks danced across the sky like countless cyan Will-o'-the-wisps, with an intimidating momentum.

Around them came bursts of shrill weeping and howling, accompanied by countless blurry, distorted ghost shadows surging out from the depths of the darkness.

They bared their fangs and brandished their claws, carrying bone-chilling coldness, screaming as they lunged at the crowd.

The surrounding scenery instantly became blurred, and the field of vision was swallowed by dark shadows and phosphorous fire.

It was as if everyone had been placed in the Nine Nether Purgatory, with scorching scorched earth beneath their feet and the lamentations of the dead by their ears.

Lin Chuqiao used her hands to shield against the sparks and dust, and reminded loudly:

"Everyone guard your minds! Don't look into his eyes, don't be affected by the illusions!"

At the same time, a hazy white halo emerged on her body, blocking those black ghost shadows that lunged forward.

This was the Qilin amulet taking effect.

Pan Wendi and Bailing were also enveloped in white light, likewise capable of resisting the ghost shadows and phosphorous fire attacking from all directions.

Only, every time they endured the impact of the ghost shadows, the light of the amulets would weaken by a fraction, obviously consuming the power within them.

As for Second Young Master Chen Xuan, whether he used some treasure to protect his body or possessed some kind of ability of his own, he was surprisingly safe and sound.

However, he was currently gradually surrounded by those hollow-eyed members of the Chen Family.

Second Young Master Chen Xuan's face turned ashen, and he turned his head to look at Great Master Yuanjue, who was supported by two monks and hiding behind the offering table.

"Great Master! Aren't you most skilled at delivering wandering Souls? Stop watching the show, hurry up and cast your magic!"

Second Young Master Chen Xuan roared, his voice extremely anxious.

Great Master Yuanjue's face was filled with terror at this moment, the prayer beads in his hand scattered on the ground, too late to pick them up.

He kept chanting scriptures in his mouth, but with an obvious trembling voice, his legs shaking like a sieve.

It seemed the scriptures played a role, as those black ghost shadows could not approach the offering table for a while.

Suddenly, another gust of strong wind blew past, instantly overturning the offering table.

Great Master Yuanjue was so frightened that he scrambled and crawled, shouting in utter wretchedness:

"Amitabha, the demon's magic power is too strong, this poor monk is powerless as well! Patron Chen, hold on, I'll go back to Cuicheng Temple right now to fetch reinforcements!"

After saying that, he greeted the monks beside him and ran off with all his might.

Second Young Master Chen Xuan watched in dumbfounded amazement, so angry he almost spat blood.

By the time you fetch reinforcements, the day lilies would have already turned cold, and we'll probably all become this monster's rations.

To think I even spent ten million to specially invite you, an eminent monk, to hold a water-and-land grand ritual to suppress the evil spirits!

However, after the monks of Cuicheng Temple ran for a while, they seemed to crash into an invisible wall.

They just spun around in place like headless flies, completely unable to run out.

Despair subsequently surfaced on their faces as well.

Old Master Chen Hongye sneered, his voice carrying a bloodthirsty intent:

"Can you run away? Tonight, everyone is my dish on the plate!"

At this moment, everyone discovered with terror that the surrounding environment seemed to have completely changed.

The Chen Family residence disappeared, replaced by a blanket of chaotic fog.

Even the lights of the other houses in the villa area disappeared, completely shrouded by deep darkness.

They raised their heads to look overhead, and the moon and stars that had originally hung high also disappeared without a trace.

Only that piece of eerie cyan firelight remained, like a huge pupil, coldly overlooking everything.

Lin Chuqiao's face was as pale as snow, the powerful sense of oppression making her unable to breathe.

She looked at the scenery around her, her willow brows tightly furrowed, whispering:

"This is... a Domain?"

"A Domain?"

Old Master Chen Hongye had particularly sharp ears, and upon hearing it, he repeated it contemptuously with a disdainful smile on his face:

"To deal with you juniors, I don't need to use my full strength; a little trick is enough."

While speaking, those monks who should have fled were now also acting like they were possessed, with hollow eyes and expressionless faces as they turned around.

Their bodies were stiff and their movements mechanical as they joined the army of "living corpses", closing in on the crowd.

Lin Chuqiao, Bailing, and Pan Wendi each activated their amulets, resisting the lunging ghost shadows and living corpses.

Second Young Master Chen Xuan also gritted his teeth and persevered tightly.

Old Master Chen Hongye's scarlet gaze swept over them, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes:

"The amulets on you actually have some effect. No wonder the starving ghosts I sent out to probe last night couldn't hurt you."

He paused, then revealed a sarcastic smile:

"However, wanting to use this kind of trinket to deal with me is still too naive..."

Halfway through his sentence, he suddenly froze for a moment.

His gaze turned to Fang Cheng, whose body was motionless and merely clenching his fists, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes:

"Why didn't you use an amulet?"

Fang Cheng stood in place, the gale blowing his hem, yet his face showed no fluctuation at all.

There was no white light enveloping his body, but those ghost shadows only flew around him, never daring to approach.

It was as if they were dreading something, as if that was an even fiercer demon from the deep layers of Hell.