Exorcist Master - Novelbike - September 26, 2024

Xiao Zhuang’s expression darkened as he listened to Chen Shaoxian, “We have no choice but to force our way through.” He then turned and ordered his men to carefully check their weapons and gear.

Chen Shaoxian bent down to pick up the small wooden box, glancing at the soaked Road-Borrowing Incense in Thomas’s hand.

Thomas, thinking Chen Shaoxian wanted back the magical half-stick of incense, reluctantly handed it over. Chen Shaoxian casually waved his hand, and Thomas, as if granted amnesty, tucked the half-stick of incense close to his body.

Once everyone was fully equipped, Chen Shaoxian had them line up with Xiao Zhuang at the front. He poured some baijiu from a plastic bottle and smeared a bit on Xiao Zhuang’s hood and shoulders, murmuring, “Invoke the divine light of heaven to illuminate the way, invoke the protective light of earth to safeguard the body, invoke the human light to repel evil spirits; the Three Yang Lights shine brightly to ward off ghosts and dispel evil in all directions.” Suddenly, a flash of fire blazed from Xiao Zhuang’s head and shoulders.

This spectacle left the others staring in awe, including Thomas and his fellow foreigners, especially Howard, who shrank back in fear after seeing the fleeting flame.

Seeing the brief flame on Xiao Zhuang, Chen Shaoxian nodded, then proceeded to light the Three Yang Lights for each person. For those whose flames seemed dim, Chen Shaoxian used a vermilion pen dipped in nectar water to dot their foreheads and shoulders.

For those not wearing Tianma Armor, Chen Shaoxian took out three small dishes, placing them on their heads and shoulders, and lit the Three Yang Lights using the same method.

When it was Thomas’s turn, he marveled at the ritual, bombarding Chen Shaoxian with questions. Chen Shaoxian ignored him, finishing the ritual and pushing him aside for Song Yumu to keep an eye on. Elena, on the other hand, was much simpler; once marked, she walked away but kept her eyes fixed on Chen Shaoxian, making him somewhat uneasy.

Finally, it was Howard’s turn. He kept his head down, trembling, either from nervousness or fear, sweating profusely. The sweat soaked through the dirt on his skin, releasing an unpleasant odor.

Chen Shaoxian covered his nose, thinking, “Did this guy just soil himself from fear?” He placed the three small dishes on Howard’s head and shoulders. Howard’s legs were already trembling, and Chen Shaoxian quickly steadied him. The sweat pouring from Howard made him appear even more gaunt and haggard, and Chen Shaoxian struggled to keep him upright.

However, when he tried to light the alcohol in the small dish on Howard’s head, something was off. No matter how he tried, the alcohol wouldn’t ignite. Chen Shaoxian scrutinized Howard, who kept his head lowered. Chen Shaoxian then noticed a large striped blemish on Howard’s neck and sniffed the odor emanating from him.

Chen Shaoxian cursed internally, “Damn, that’s the smell of a corpse.”

At that moment, Howard suddenly lifted his head, no longer appearing as timid as before, and said with a bitter smile, “So you found out.” He then shoved Chen Shaoxian aside and dashed into the dark door.

Everyone else was stunned by this sudden turn of events. Chen Shaoxian didn’t give chase but quickly turned to face the equally shocked Thomas and Elena. He pulled up Thomas’s shirt first, not seeing any signs of death like corpse spots. Then he checked Thomas’s pulse, finding it racing, which relieved him.

Elena snapped back to reality, hastily covering her clothes and shrieked, “What are you doing?”

Chen Shaoxian hesitated with Elena, saying, “As long as I can confirm you’re alive, I won’t take any action.”

Elena was flustered by the question, stammering, “What are you saying?” Then, seeing Chen Shaoxian’s intense expression, she quickly rolled up her sleeve and extended her arm to him.

Chen Shaoxian grasped Elena’s arm, feeling her body warmth and seeing no corpse spots. He moved closer, sniffing the side of her neck; aside from a hint of sweat, he detected no unusual odor.

With her face flushed, Elena glared at Chen Shaoxian, gritting her teeth, “Did you find anything?”

“It’s good that you’re still alive,” Chen Shaoxian said, turning away after uttering those words.

Elena initially planned to slap Chen Shaoxian after he answered, but upon hearing this response, she urgently asked, “What do you mean by that?”

Chen Shaoxian ignored her and walked straight to Xiao Zhuang, saying, “Check everyone we’ve rescued.”

Without asking questions, Xiao Zhuang issued the order with a serious expression, then inquired, “Shaoxian, what’s going on?”

Chen Shaoxian lit a cigarette and said, “Howard has become a Walking Dead.” Knowing Xiao Zhuang wouldn’t understand, he took a drag and continued, “A Walking Dead has a nature similar to an Earthbound Spirit, but it retains its own consciousness and thoughts. However, unlike Earthbound Spirits, a Walking Dead will slowly decompose.” With that, Chen Shaoxian sighed and remained silent, continuing to smoke.

Standing nearby, Elena heard Chen Shaoxian’s words and ran over, crying, “Are you saying that Howard is already dead?”