I become a god in another world

Chapter 766 The Source of Evil
Chapter 766

From Wang Wenqing's death to Hao Jin's summoning of the ghost's return, every choice he made afterward was a foolish one.

What started as a minor mishap escalated into a major disaster, and to his dismay, he still hadn't had enough and dared to seek out others to use the same method.

Zhao Fusheng finally understood Hao Dingzhu's feelings.

She glanced at Hao Dingzhu, who was rolling his eyes several times, trembling with anger.

“Yes, yes—”

Hao Jinyi said humbly:

As the saying goes, the one who tied the knot must untie it.

Hao Dingzhu couldn't hold back any longer:
"You're talking nonsense."

His words made Hao Jinyi wilted like a frostbitten eggplant, and he lowered his head.

Zhao Fusheng sighed:
"What advice did this person give you this time?"

Hao Jin's Legacy:

"He said that the problems in Tongshan County are beyond our ability to solve, and we have to report them, saying that we need to ask Feng, Feng—" He stammered twice:

"It means that only a jade pendant from a man named Feng can suppress it, but I don't know the details."

Although Cao Gu knew about the Hao family ghost case, this was the first time he had actually heard Hao Jinyi, one of the parties involved, recount the whole story of the case, and it was also the first time he had heard that the case involved people from the capital.

He was startled and said in a panic:
"Lord Fengdu?"

Hao Jinyi's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly:

"Yes, yes, that seems to be the name."

Zhao Fusheng said calmly:

"The Ghost Realm of Fengdu".

Cao Gu then began to find the situation troublesome.

Prior to this, he did not consider the problems in Tongshan County to be serious.

After all, Tongshan County had been somewhat 'strange' before, but not many people died, and they were eventually suppressed under the 'guidance' of the genie.

Although the ghostly calamity in the Hao family was quite severe, it only killed worthless servants and couldn't cause much of a stir. Besides, the Hao family also had the Lamp Bearer—who survived the ghostly calamity, so how much of a commotion could it cause?

However, Hao Jinyi's confession mentioned the existence of 'Fengdu', which suddenly made the problem serious.

This is enough to prove that the person who gave Hao Jinyi the advice behind the scenes was someone of great importance.

Moreover, this person specifically named someone as saying that only by establishing a capital city could the disaster be averted in Tongshan County. Doesn't this imply that Tongshan County is doomed to perish?

What kind of great calamity could prompt the emperor to travel from the capital?

Fengdu has been guarding the capital for many years and has never moved.

"grown ups--"

Cao Gu panicked a little:

"I...I had never heard of such a person before. If I had known earlier—"

Zhao Fusheng said calmly:

"Whether you knew it sooner or later, it would have been like this. The problems in Tongshan County are far more complex than you imagine."

As she spoke, she felt sorrow again.

Perhaps Cao Gu had long realized the seriousness of the problem, and even the Jiang brothers, Jiang Wen and Jiang Wu, of the Zhenmo Division in Tongshan County, might not have been unaware of the root cause of the problem in Tongshan County.

Those who control ghosts can perceive their presence more acutely when dealing with them.

However, everyone unanimously chose to turn a blind eye.

They turned a blind eye to the silent suffering and tears of the people in the county, to the injustice of people being divided into different classes, to the life and death of the lower-class slaves, and to the exploitation of the people, treating the lives of those who had already gained intelligence as if they were pigs or dogs.

……

Zhao Fusheng felt increasingly uneasy as she thought about it. Suppressing the turmoil in her heart, she said:

"Now that things have come to this, let's deal with the ghostly calamity first."

Seeing that she was not angry, Cao Gu felt somewhat relieved and quickly agreed:
"I will follow your orders, sir. After this matter is settled, I will accompany you to the Lantern Making Bureau and make sure to find out who is behind this trouble."

He's taking it to heart now.

Zhao Fusheng glanced at him and said:

"In that case, we will head to the Lamp-Making Company immediately."

Upon hearing this, Hao Dingzhu immediately became anxious:

"My lord, if you leave, what will become of the Hao family—"

The incident has blown up.

The lantern bearer of the Hao family is dead, and the pool of rotting blood in the house is probably still not cleaned up.

Now that this ghost case has been reported to the capital and officials have come to investigate, if it is simply dropped and the officials come and go, wouldn't the Hao family be taking the blame for nothing?

After this matter is settled, I'm afraid the Hao family will die from ghostly calamity sooner or later, before the Jiang brothers, Wen and Wu, can even take revenge.

Before Hao Dingzhu could finish speaking, Zhao Fusheng interrupted him with a gesture:

"I have a general idea about the Hao family's ghost case."

She made a decision:
"I'll go to the lamp-making bureau and tonight I'll go back to the Hao family and lure out the ghost."

The Hao family was overjoyed upon hearing this, except for Cao Gu and the two lantern bearers, Qin Yongchun and Zhang Xiansheng, who were somewhat apprehensive.

Cao Gu said:
"Does Your Excellency intend to guard the Hao family?"

Although the Hao family is located in a ghost realm, the appearance of ghosts is random. If one waits passively for them to appear, one will inevitably be limited to a passive position.

Zhao Fusheng nodded:
"According to the Hao family, the ghost appears at unpredictable times. I will observe it tonight at midnight. If it doesn't appear, I will naturally have a way to lure it out."

Cao Gu knew she possessed extraordinary abilities and had no doubt about it; he simply flattered her, saying:
"If that's the case, then I will accompany you, sir, just in case. In addition, Zhang Xiansheng and Qin Yongchun will also stay behind to lend you a hand."

Zhang Xiansheng and Qin Yongchun were terrified.

The fate of the Hao family's lantern bearer had been right before their eyes—dying without a clear explanation—and the two feared they would suffer the same fate.

But in front of Cao Gu, the two had no choice but to agree, trembling with fear.

Zhao Fusheng did not refuse, but simply nodded.

Hearing what everyone said, Hao Dingzhu felt immediately reassured.

With two ghost tamers in charge and two lantern bearers present, the Hao family's problem might be completely resolved.

He had previously resented Hao Jinyi for reporting the matter to the capital and causing a major incident, but now he was secretly glad that this brat was so ignorant of his own limitations. However, upon further reflection, he realized that this whole mess was originally caused by this kid, and if it weren't for his various actions, it wouldn't have escalated to such a huge extent.

Hao Dingzhu had mixed feelings; she hated and loathed Hao Jinyi, but also felt a sense of relief.

Just as he was lost in thought, Zhao Fusheng got up:
"Since it's settled, let's go to the lamp-making workshop first."

She said she was leaving and then she was gone.

Hao Dingzhu hurriedly said:
"Sir, would you please wait a moment? I'll have the servants prepare the meal—"

Zhao Fusheng shook his head:
"I'm not eating anymore, the important case is to be solved first."

As soon as she finished speaking, Cao Gu said:
"Sir, why don't you eat something? You haven't had a drop of water since you arrived in Tongshan County last night, and you've had a lot to do this afternoon, plus another tough battle tonight—"

Zhao Fusheng glanced at him and said with a smile:
"Lord Cao, our trip to the Lantern Making Bureau might end up being a wasted trip."

Upon hearing this, Cao Gu was slightly taken aback: "Does Your Excellency mean that person—"

Zhao Fusheng said calmly:

“He may not show up unless it is a critical moment; he is good at hiding.”

Cao Gu's mind raced for a moment, and he couldn't help but ask, "Does Your Excellency know who this senior is?"

Zhao Fusheng stopped answering and turned to ask Cao Gu:

"Have Lords Jiang Wen and Jiang Wu informed them?"

Cao Gu received no response from her and felt uneasy, but there was nothing he could do but say:
"I sent someone to Yijiang Town last night. It's a very important matter. I guess you two will be able to return to the county by tomorrow at the latest."

"That's fine too."

After Zhao Fusheng finished speaking, he waved his hand:
"Walk."

Just as he was about to leave, Hao Jinyi, who was kneeling on the ground, hurriedly stumbled and tried to get up as well. Before he could speak, Zhao Fusheng seemed to remember something, paused, and turned around:

"By the way, is the senior you mentioned who guided you surnamed Zhang?"

Her words left everyone stunned.

Cao Gu's mind raced, and he subconsciously looked at Zhang Xiansheng.

All eyes fell on Hao Jinyi, making him feel a chill run down his spine.

He said:
"Yes, yes, his surname is Zhang—"

He nodded blankly and said:

"This senior craftsman from the lamp-making workshop claimed his surname was Zhang and that he had learned the art of tanning human skin—"

He seemed to recall the man's appearance, and a chill ran down his spine; he shuddered violently.

"I suspect he is from the Zhang family. I asked this elder about it, but he just smiled and didn't answer—"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Xiansheng felt the unfriendly gazes of the Hao family.

“No, absolutely not!” Zhang Xiansheng shouted.

Hao Laoba scolded:

"What's impossible? Could it be that the Zhang family wants to harm us? The Zhang family already has three Lantern Bearers; they are major landowners in Tongshan County, with thousands of households paying homage to them—"

The others were also indignant. Hao Dingzhu, as the clan leader, still had some sense and didn't say anything, but her eyes revealed a hint of resentment.

Zhang Xiansheng then said:
"Please hear me, sir." He hung the lamp at his waist and bowed to Zhao Fusheng, Cao Gu, and the others.
"Every year during the Lantern Festival, the spots for participants are highly sought after, as everyone knows."

Hao Dingzhu's expression softened slightly. Zhang Xiansheng didn't take his anger to heart. He was mainly worried that this matter would leave a bad impression on Zhao Fusheng and Cao Gu, and affect the Zhang family.

So he quickly explained again:
"To be honest, the Zhang family has made two preparations this year. One is that three years ago, the family head arranged for the direct descendants of the family to enter the Demon Suppression Division."

Cao Gu nodded:

“Zhang Wanquan, the sir has also seen him.”

Zhang Xiansheng echoed:
"The other thing is that Zhang Xiantong was arranged to enter the Lamp Making Department."

His words elicited envious expressions from the Hao family.

This is the power of the aristocratic families in Tongshan County; they were able to send two reserve candidates for the Lantern Bearer position into the ranks despite the intense competition within a year.

“Zhang Xiantong is my younger brother,” Zhang Xiansheng said calmly.
“Both of us brothers are from the upper class under the Zhang family. If we can both become lantern bearers in the Zhang family in the next two years, it will be of great benefit to our family.”

If they are lucky, and the Zhang brothers can survive for two more years, their family might develop into a large landowner, gradually establishing themselves and owning land.

This is also the pattern of development of powerful clans in Tongshan County.

"So the Zhang family members who joined the Lamp Making Bureau this year should not be the seniors this kid mentioned. I know my brother's character best. He hasn't been learning the art of leather tanning these past two years, but rather the art of making skeletons."

The process of boiling and processing bones is extremely dangerous. Zhang Xiantong has killed too many people, has a sinister temper, and usually doesn't pay much attention to others.

Moreover, the two brothers entered the Lantern Making Bureau and were very arrogant. They wouldn't even look at someone like Hao Jinyi, let alone talk to him or offer him advice.

Upon hearing this, Hao Jinyi also looked at Zhang Xiansheng's face.

He was about forty years old, with a square face and sinister eyes that inspired fear—he certainly did not look like the man I remembered.

Hao Jin's Legacy:

"That man was indeed younger, looking to be in his early thirties, and didn't look much like this...this old man. He spoke to people with a warm smile—"

After saying that, he asked in bewilderment:
"But he did not deny that he was a member of the Zhang clan."

“Not denying it doesn’t mean admitting it,” Zhang Xiansheng shouted sternly.

“But—” the Hao family also wanted to speak.

Seeing that the two sides were about to argue, Zhao Fusheng shouted:

"Stop arguing, what's the point of arguing about this at this point?"

"Sir, if that's the case, I'm afraid some treacherous person might try to harm us," Hao Laoqi said, feeling wronged.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head:
"Even when death is imminent, they have put the cart before the horse and still want to fight for victory and defeat their opponent."

Her words revealed the Hao family's true intentions.

If the Zhang family is indeed disliked by Zhao Fusheng in this ghost case, no matter that they are one of the most powerful clans in Tongshan County, they will still fall from grace.

With Zhang's incident, the number of people sent to the Lantern Making Bureau this year was cut off—which meant two positions were vacant, giving others the opportunity to snatch them up.

The Hao family has the best chance.

The Hao family donated a gold mine to the Jiang brothers, and if there were any more openings, the Hao family would definitely be given priority.

……

Zhao Fusheng didn't say much about the situation, he just shook his head silently.

Cao Gu felt ashamed and glared at the Hao family members before following behind Zhao Fusheng.

The group hurried to the lamp-making workshop.

This trip was originally what Zhao Fusheng was most looking forward to—she had just entered the Ghost Realm last night and heard about the various things in Tongshan County, all of which she believed were related to the Ghost Lantern.

After all, Zhang, the paper doll maker, was skilled at making ghost lanterns, and there was also a so-called ghost lantern festival in Tongshan County.

However, through the fragmented clues and the connection between the Hao family ghost case, Zhao Fusheng no longer had any expectations for the gains from his trip to the Lantern Making Bureau.

I know pretty much everything I need to know.

The calamity caused by ghosts originated from the calamity caused by humans.

The existence of the Lamp-Making Bureau is merely a manifestation of the evil in human nature.

The real source of trouble in Tongshan County lies in the invisible rules.

The lamp-making workshop smelled strongly of blood.

It was so quiet here that it was eerily quiet, and people here couldn't help but feel restrained.

But some noises could still be heard here: the 'people' involved in making the ghost lanterns were gently tanning human skin and grinding human bones, and someone was mixing special ink—all of which inevitably made noise.

All those involved in this were calm, concealing their cruelty in the humble looks and serene expressions they gave Cao Gu.

There is no bloodshed or victims here, but Zhao Fusheng can still hear the screams of agony in his ears and mind.

Upon learning the purpose of their visit, the head of the Lantern Making Bureau produced this year's list of reserve lantern bearers, but did not find another person with the surname Zhang among them.

According to the rules of aristocratic families, those who entered the Lamp Making Bureau were all assigned the surnames of the major landowners.

This year, Zhang Xiantong is indeed the only member of the Zhang family who was able to enter the Lamp Making Bureau.

The steward called Zhang Xiantong out. He was initially a little flustered, but calmed down a bit when he saw Zhang Xiansheng.

This person's appearance is quite similar to Zhang Xiansheng, but he is definitely not the paper figure Zhang.

When Cao Gu questioned him, he said that he did not know Hao Jinyi. He had been having his bones ground in his own place and had never interacted with anyone else or wandered around.

　I have something to do tomorrow, so I'll be taking the day off. Please don't refresh the page!

　　(End of this chapter)