Start with push-ups to gain experience

Chapter 469 The demon's magic is too strong, are you Fang Shijie's son?
On the charred lawn, a few pieces of charcoal were still burning, occasionally sparking.

The heavy soles of the boots made a soft "click" sound when stepped on.

The charcoal fire went out instantly, leaving only wisps of smoke to dissipate.

Fang Cheng stepped forward, his gaze calmly meeting Chen Hongye's.

"you know me?"

"know?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Hongye snorted and glanced at Lin Chuqiao and the others behind Fang Cheng.

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

He slowly licked away the remaining bloodstains with the tip of his tongue, his scarlet pupils revealing cruelty.

"If this fire hadn't woken me up, I would have already set a trap, waiting for you to come to me tonight and become my prey."

"That would have been enough for me to enjoy a proper dinner, without the need for this hasty and impolite meeting."

As he spoke, he suddenly chuckled softly.

The laughter was sinister and lingering, like a bone-chilling wind, or a ghost whispering in someone's ear, making everyone present feel a chill.

Fang Cheng showed no fear on his face, only a calm scrutiny, his gaze fixed on Chen Hongye.

He then spoke again, asking in a deep voice:

Do you know the crow and the professor?

"Who?"

Chen Hongye's smile faded, and he was clearly taken aback.

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

Fang Cheng described it briefly, his eyes fixed on any subtle change in Chen Hongye's face:

"The other one was around fifty years old, wearing glasses, with a refined demeanor, like a university professor."

After listening, Chen Hongye's lips curled into a smile again, and he replied decisively:
"I don't recognize them. Are they from the previous batches of mission takers?"

"If it were those unlucky guys, they might already be dead at my hands and become my food. Who would remember such insignificant ants?"

His tone was dismissive, as if he were talking about a few insects that could be crushed with a flick of the wrist.

Upon hearing this, Fang Cheng frowned slightly.

He was initially cautious and did not want to get involved in the conflict too early.

The evil spirit residing in Chen Hongye's body is of unknown origin and background, and its methods are bizarre, unpredictable, and extremely vicious.

The Chen family, a renowned and powerful clan in Tiannan Province, had been missing for so long despite the deaths of so many members.

This clearly indicates that the evil spirit possesses some extremely special mental ability, capable of bewitching people and manipulating consciousness without anyone noticing. Its whereabouts are mysterious and impossible to grasp.

Moreover, through the Cleaner's Eye, Fang Cheng discovered that Chen Hongye's corpse was just an empty shell without a soul, and he could not sense any spiritual fluctuations belonging to a living person.

This likely means that the evil spirit residing within it was merely using Chen Hongye's body as a puppet, acting on his identity as the former head of the family.

Therefore, even if this physical body is destroyed, it may not be possible to completely capture the evil spirit hidden deep within.

Fang Cheng recalled Jiang Chen, whose physical body had also died but whose soul remained, as well as the spirits he had encountered in Night City.

Knowing full well that this enemy was not to be underestimated, we must not act rashly if we could not ascertain its whereabouts.

He had thought that his uncle and the professor, who had tracked him all the way from Dongdu to Tiannan Province, would know more about the inside story and perhaps have a way to pinpoint the evil spirit's true form. Ideally, they could work together to deal with it.

However, the evil spirit had already taken control of Chen Hongye's corpse and begun to commit murder, but his uncle and the others never appeared.

This caused Fang Cheng's original conjecture to deviate, making the situation even more complicated.

After thinking for a long time, he still couldn't figure out where his uncle and the others had gone and what their plans were.

Driven by his inner anxieties, Fang Cheng decided to step forward and personally interrogate the evil spirit to find out his uncle's whereabouts or obtain some crucial clues.

However, the other party flatly denied it, saying they didn't know them.

Fang Cheng frowned even more deeply, lost in thought.

Chen Hongye kept staring at him, his scarlet eyes flickering slightly, as if trying to make out something.

"Hey kid, you look kind of familiar... like someone I know?"

He spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of reminiscence and scrutiny.

“Especially the way you're frowning and deep in thought right now, it's exactly like that person’s.”

Fang Cheng was slightly taken aback upon hearing this and looked at him with a puzzled expression.

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

"No mistake, it really does look alike. Except for being taller and stronger, the face is almost a carbon copy of that person's..."

As he spoke, his eyes suddenly lit up, and his voice carried a hint of probing:

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

"What did you say?!"

Upon hearing the monster mention his father, who had died many years ago, Fang Cheng couldn't help but shudder.

His composure was shattered in an instant, and disbelief and astonishment flashed in his eyes.

His eyes were wide open as he stared intently at Chen Hongye, trying to discern any clue from the face covered in incantations.

"No, no... I've been asleep for too long, my mind is a bit sluggish."

Chen Hongye then shook his head, muttering to himself with 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 be alive and kicking like me, standing right in front of me..."

His bloodshot gaze fell on Fang Cheng again, as if he had suddenly realized something.

"So...you're that kid surnamed Fang's son?"

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

What is your relationship with Fang Shijie?

His voice suddenly rose, filled with barely suppressed urgency:

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

The amused smile on Chen Hongye's face widened slightly, as if he was enjoying the other person's loss of composure, and deliberately kept quiet.

"Say it!"

Fang Cheng gave a low shout and immediately clenched his fist, making a "crunching" sound.

"Kid, show some respect!"

Chen Hongye snorted coldly, his face full of displeasure:

"You're nothing but the one who killed the hungry ghost I raised, yet you dare to shout at me like that."

"Back in the day, I was a powerful figure in the martial arts world. All the leaders of organizations and warlords treated me with utmost respect. You, a mere greenhorn, don't even have the right to speak to me."

He raised his chin, his crimson eyes filled with mockery:

"What's wrong with you? Young people just can't keep their tempers up. Your father was just like that back then, impulsive and rash, and what did he end up with? He was burned to ashes."

"If you really want to know the details of that fire, kneel down and kowtow to me a few times. Perhaps I'll be in a good mood and tell you all about it."

Finally, he smacked his lips and added a special note:
"Unfortunately, even if you know everything, you can't change anything; it will only add to your suffering."

Chen Hongye's tone was cold, as if he was appreciating Fang Cheng's suppressed anger and trying to provoke him with his words.

Fang Cheng's chest heaved, his body leaned slightly forward, and his eyes were filled with fury that seemed about to burst forth.

The monster's mention of his father's death and its contemptuous provocation touched a raw nerve within him.

"Fang Cheng..."

Suddenly, a gentle voice rang in my ears.

Immediately afterwards, a soft, warm hand gently covered his fist and grasped it.

Lin Chuqiao walked to Fang Cheng's side, her eyes filled with worry as she stared intently into his eyes.

Sensing the surging killing intent emanating from Fang Cheng, she gently squeezed his hand, her palm conveying a silent reassurance.

Fang Cheng took a deep breath, and the heaving in his chest instantly subsided, his expression regaining its composure.

He then turned to look at Lin Chuqiao, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes.

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

The uncle and professor had come all the way from Dongdu to Tiannan Province, perhaps specifically to find this guy who had connections with the father. At this moment, Chen Xu'an, who had been standing behind Fang Cheng, seemed to have come to his senses as well.

His face was pale, but the anger in his eyes had not subsided. He suddenly spoke:
"Mr. Bai! We don't need to be concerned with morality when dealing with this kind of devil. Let's join forces to subdue him first, and then any problems can be solved!"

His voice conveyed a resolute determination, as well as a desperate hope.

Pan Wendi then stepped forward, spat, and looked vicious.

"That's right! With so many of us attacking it, do you think this monster can escape?"

Lark followed closely behind, waving his fist in encouragement:

"Yeah, boss, let's take this guy down together!"

Lin Chuqiao held Fang Cheng's hand, her eyes brimming with tears, and said:

"Do whatever you want, we will always be with you."

Her voice was soft, yet full of determination.

Fang Cheng nodded slightly, his gaze immediately locking onto the monster that emerged from the fire.

At this moment, deep within his eyes, two blazing flames were faintly burning, a battle intent poised to be unleashed.

Chen Hongye sneered, his face full of disdain:

"Heh, team up to attack me? Dream on. You should take a look around first and see who's attacking whom."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xu'an and Pan Wendi were startled and turned around to look around.

Those Chen family members who had been kneeling in fear slowly stood up.

Their eyes were vacant, their faces expressionless, yet a strange smile played on their lips.

His movements were unusually stiff, like a puppet on a string, as he slowly walked towards Fang Cheng and the others.

Like an awakened zombie, their eyes are filled with numbness and murderous intent.

"The pain I've endured and the methods I've employed over the years are beyond your comprehension."

Chen Hongye's voice turned somber and smug, carrying a condescending disdain:

"So-called aristocratic families are nothing more than my food reserves."

"Unfortunately, if I had waited another month and successfully entered the inheritance secret realm, absorbed more spiritual power, and completed the bloodline fusion, I could have been completely resurrected and reborn as a human."

As he spoke, he suddenly raised his voice, his eyes revealing murderous intent.

"It's all your fault, you bastards, for ruining my plans!"

"I'll use you all to replace you now. As long as I kill you all and eat your flesh and blood, I will definitely become younger and stronger!"

At this moment, his scarlet eyes gleamed with madness and greed.

Before he finished speaking, an invisible energy fluctuation suddenly spread out from Chen Hongye.

In an instant, a biting, eerie wind rose from nowhere, like countless invisible hands, swirling up the ashes and sparks on the ground and instantly enveloping everyone.

The bonfire, which had been burning fiercely, crackled and popped as the firewood suddenly shot into the sky.

Its flame had an eerie bluish glow, like a ghostly fire from the underworld.

Amidst the howling wind, countless sparks danced in the sky like blue phosphorescent flames, creating a terrifying spectacle.

All around came mournful wails, accompanied by countless blurry and distorted ghostly figures emerging from the depths of darkness.

They bared their fangs and claws, exuding a chilling aura, and screech as they pounced on the crowd.

The surrounding scenery suddenly became blurry, and the field of vision was swallowed by shadows and phosphorescent light.

It was as if everyone had been placed in the deepest hell, with scorching earth beneath their feet and the wails of the dead in their ears.

Lin Chuqiao shielded her eyes from the sparks and dust with her hands and shouted a warning:

"Everyone, keep your minds focused, don't stare into his eyes, and don't let the illusion affect you!"

At the same time, a hazy white halo emanated from his body, blocking the black ghostly figures that rushed towards him.

This is the Qilin amulet working.

Pan Wendi and Bai Ling were also enveloped in white light, which also helped them resist the ghostly shadows and phosphorescent flames that came from all around.

However, each time it was struck by the ghostly shadow, the amulet's light would dim, clearly indicating that it was consuming its power.

As for Chen Xu'an, it's unclear whether he used some kind of treasure to protect himself or possessed some kind of ability, but he remained unharmed.

But at this moment, he was gradually surrounded by the Chen family members with empty eyes.

Chen Xu'an's face turned ashen as he turned to look at Master Yuanjue, who was being supported by two monks and was hiding behind the offering table.

"Master! Aren't you the best at performing rituals to help the souls of the dead? Stop watching and get to work!"

Chen Xu'an roared, his voice filled with anxiety.

Master Yuanjue was terrified. His prayer beads were scattered on the ground, and he didn't bother to pick them up.

He kept chanting scriptures, but his voice trembled noticeably, and his legs shook like a leaf.

The scriptures seemed to have worked, as the black ghostly figures were unable to approach the altar for the time being.

Suddenly, another gust of wind swept by, instantly overturning the offering table.

Master Yuanjue was so frightened that he scrambled to his feet, shouting in utter disarray:

"Amitabha! The demon's magic is too strong, and this humble monk is powerless to help! Benefactor Chen, hold on, I will return to Cuicheng Temple to fetch reinforcements!"

After saying that, he told the monks around him to run away.

Chen Xu'an was dumbfounded and so angry he almost vomited blood.

By the time you call for reinforcements, it will be too late; we'll probably all become this monster's food.

I spent ten million to specially invite you, a high monk, to hold a water and land ceremony to suppress evil spirits!

However, after running for a while, the monks of Cuicheng Temple seemed to have run into an invisible wall.

They just kept going around in circles, like headless flies, unable to get out at all.

Despair then appeared on their faces.

Chen Hongye sneered, his voice filled with bloodlust:

"Do you think you can escape? Tonight, everyone is my meal!"

At this moment, everyone was horrified to discover that the surrounding environment seemed to have completely changed.

The Chen family mansion disappeared, replaced by a chaotic fog.

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

They looked up at the sky, and the moon and stars that had been hanging high above had vanished without a trace.

Only that eerie blue flame remained, like a giant pupil, coldly surveying everything.

Lin Chuqiao's face was deathly pale, and the overwhelming sense of oppression made it hard for her to breathe.

She looked around, her brows furrowed, and murmured to herself:

"This is... a domain?"

"field?"

Chen Hongye had exceptionally sharp ears; upon hearing this, he repeated it dismissively, a disdainful smile on his face:
"To deal with you juniors, I don't need to go all out; a few tricks will suffice."

As they spoke, the monks who should have fled turned around as if possessed, their eyes vacant and their faces expressionless.

Their bodies were stiff, their movements mechanical, and they joined the army of "living corpses," surrounding the crowd.

Lin Chuqiao, Bailing, and Pan Wendi each activated their protective talismans to fend off the approaching ghosts and zombies.

Chen Xu'an gritted his teeth and persevered.

Chen Hongye's bloodshot eyes swept over them, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes:
"The amulets you have are somewhat effective; no wonder the hungry ghosts I sent out to test you last night couldn't harm you."

He paused, then gave a mocking smile:
"However, thinking you can use this thing against me is too naive..."

He paused mid-sentence.

His gaze shifted to Fang Cheng, whose body remained motionless except for his clenched fists, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes:
Why didn't you use a talisman?

Fang Cheng stood still, the wind whipping at his clothes, but his face remained expressionless.

He wasn't enveloped in white light, but the ghostly figures merely circled around him, never daring to approach.

It seemed to be afraid of something, as if it were a more ferocious demon from the depths of hell.

(End of this chapter)