I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 205 The Color-Changing Corpse Infant, Undying Bones! (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

Bang bang!

Chen Kun opened a coffin and, upon seeing a corpse inside, before he could even recover, another noise came from a coffin behind him. It was as if something inside was violently pounding on the lid, trying to escape.

Without hesitation, Chen Kun rushed to the coffin that had been moving and lifted the lid. Inside, there was no movement, only a female corpse lying quietly.

The female corpse was wearing a white dress. Her body was somewhat decomposed, with the flesh on her face rolled up, emitting a foul stench. Maggots were crawling around in the rotting flesh.

Chen Kun suppressed his discomfort and activated his extraordinary perception to confirm that it was just a corpse.

This left Chen Kun utterly bewildered. "Where did the commotion inside the coffin just now come from?"

Chen Mo shook his head. "I've been waiting here for six days, and this is the first time I've ever heard any knocking on a coffin. As for the reason... I still don't know."

Even with the extraordinary perception of the seven golden ghosts, Chen Mo couldn't sense what was knocking on the coffin lid.

Chen Mo then concluded that this thing could only be a zombie.

Zombies are not afraid of the power of attraction.

The Yellow Pages Ghost's power of awareness is useless against zombies of the same level.

The golden ghost's summoning power was also ineffective against the golden hairy zombie. Trying to read the zombie's memories? That was impossible.

That's what makes Zombie Cow so amazing.

Even the zombie blood and the chilling aura emanating from the zombies... can in turn frighten even the golden ghost.

Then the problem is coming.

Zombies are physical entities. How could they possibly jump around and cause trouble between various coffins?
Even if you can't sense the power of attraction, you can still see it with your eyes, right?
But unfortunately, he can't see.

Chen Kun also sensed something was wrong. He slowly retreated to Chen Mo's side, carrying his broadsword, and said softly, "Brother Chen, this zombie is probably no ordinary one. I've never seen anything like it before. If we don't catch it tonight, it might come out and cause trouble again. We need to think of a way."

Just then——

Bang bang bang.

The sound of a coffin not far away came again.

The crisp, piercing sound was especially eerie in the pitch-black night.

Because the coffin was right next to Magistrate He, it startled him so much that his legs went weak and he collapsed to the ground, crying out, "My lord, save me!"

Chen Kun glared at him: "You're a county magistrate, how can you be so cowardly? That zombie is just in the coffin. It didn't harm you."

After being reprimanded, Magistrate He's face turned red. He quickly gritted his teeth, got up, and took a few steps back while holding the torch.

Shhh!
Chen Mo made a shushing gesture, indicating that everyone should slowly approach the coffin from all four sides.

Everyone nodded in agreement and quietly approached the coffin from four directions.

Chen Kun went east, Juan'er and Xiaoxiao went north and south respectively, and Su Yuqing went west. Chen Mo stayed in place, carefully observing the coffins around him.

Soon, the four of them walked to the four corners of the coffin and then turned to look at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo raised his hand, signaling everyone to lift the coffin.

brush!
The four men immediately took action, each grabbing a corner of the coffin and lifting it up in an instant.

result……

The movement of the coffin immediately stopped.

The four of them turned to stare at Chen Mo, and the air seemed to freeze.

Chen Mo looked around to make sure he didn't see anything coming out of the coffin. Then he stepped to the coffin and yanked open the lid.

Inside, there was still a corpse, a male corpse, whose head was already rotten and emitted a strong stench. Many maggots crawled out of the male corpse's pupils, and the eyeballs slid off the coffin lid with a "clang".

There was nothing else in the coffin besides the male corpse.

Chen Mo frowned. "Strange, nothing clearly came out just now. How come there's nothing inside? Put it down."

The four men put down the coffin, and Chen Kun was particularly surprised: "For the past six days, there has been no movement from these coffins?"

Chen Mo shook his head: "No."

Chen Kun: "I've worked in the Demon Suppression Division for many years and have never encountered such a strange thing. Judging from the corpses of Master Huang's family outside, they were indeed bitten to death by zombies. Brother Chen, I even saw that zombie running into this mass grave before. It must be a zombie. How could there be such a strange zombie?"

Chen Mo nodded. "Even a corpse demon that combines the characteristics of a ghost and a zombie will still have a physical form. A corpse demon with golden life energy can have its soul leave its body... but it will still leave behind a physical body."

From Chen Mo's understanding, once a ghost reaches the Golden Realm, its spirit becomes exceptionally powerful, and an ordinary human body can hardly withstand its erosion, most of them perishing. But if it's a zombie-like ghost, there's no problem.

But none of this can explain the current situation.

Su Yuqing then spoke up: "Could it be related to Master Huang?"

Chen Mo was taken aback and said, "Xiao Yu, you've reminded me. This strange zombie was most likely summoned by Master Huang. To understand the characteristics of this zombie, we'll probably need to find the answer from Master Huang. Go and fetch Magistrate He and ask him."

Chen Kun immediately called out, "Magistrate He, come here. My brother Chen has something to ask you."

After a while, there was still no response from Magistrate He.

Ok?
Chen Kun immediately turned around to look, only to find that Magistrate He had disappeared.

"Where is he? He ran away so easily? How can someone so cowardly be a mere county magistrate! I'll go to the Jingzhao Prefecture and have Prefect Xiao dismiss him. He's truly disgraced the Great Qian Dynasty." Chen Kun said angrily.

The Jingzhao Prefecture government governed more than forty counties, including the capital city, which were collectively known as the Jingji region.

The Jingzhao Prefecture was a high-ranking government office, and the Prefect of Jingzhao held the same position as the Governor of a prefecture. In times of emergency, it would also be held by a prince of the imperial family.

Even if the position wasn't held by a prince, the governor of Jingzhao Prefecture held a much higher status than the governors of other prefectures. After all, they were in charge of the security of the capital, were close to the emperor, enjoyed his deep trust, and directly participated in state affairs.

Similar to Chen Mo's previous life, during the Qing Dynasty, all the regional governors were governors-general and governors, and the country was divided into eight governors-general. However, the governor-general of Zhili had a higher status than the other governors-general, and was recognized as the "head of the eight governors-general" or the "leader of the regional officials," and also served as the Minister of Beiyang.

The Great Qian Dynasty was similar to this.

Only a close confidant of the emperor could become the Prefect of the Capital. Why would the emperor entrust his own safety to someone he doesn't trust?
We're throwing away our own lives?

Chen Mo said, "Magistrate He shouldn't have gone far. I'll trouble you, Brother Chen, to chase after him and bring him back for questioning. I'll stay here and keep watch."

"Alright, I'll go capture him." Perhaps because of his previous encounter with Chen Mo, Chen Kun knew that Chen Mo's skills were superior to his own, so he didn't hesitate and charged into the darkness ahead with his knife.

Chen Mo took the opportunity to examine the surrounding coffins, but did not see any of them make a sound.

Su Yuqing spoke up at this moment, "Young master, this zombie is a bit eerie. Be careful."

Chen Mo said, "This zombie's cultivation level shouldn't be high; it's probably a golden-haired zombie. It's just that its methods are rather wicked. The main reason is that my summoning power is ineffective against zombies. However, I suspect that this zombie came here for a reason. I just don't know what it's after."

Su Yuqing: "We've been waiting here for six days, and the zombie hasn't appeared. But it started moving today because two outsiders came? Could it be a coincidence?"

Just then, a person hurriedly emerged from the darkness ahead.

It was Chen Kun.

Chen Mo didn't see anyone behind Chen Kun. "Where is Magistrate He?"

Chen Kun rubbed his forehead: "It's strange, I couldn't find him. I asked my men outside, and they said they hadn't seen Magistrate He leave. Could it be... that Magistrate He fell victim to that zombie?"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a bit nervous.

None of the people present were ordinary people. How could Magistrate He have fallen victim to a zombie right under his nose?

This is too evil.

Just then, Xiaoxiao spoke up: "Young master, look there... it seems there's an extra coffin."

brush!
Chen Mo immediately turned around to look, and his pupils shrank instantly.

There was an extra coffin at the edge.

The coffin looked much like the other coffins, and even had a somewhat antique feel. But... there was definitely no coffin in that spot just now.

"Let's go take a look, everyone be careful." Chen Mo led the way to the coffin, examined it carefully, and didn't sense any zombie aura.

Chen Kun was somewhat horrified: "This is truly a ghost story. Daxing County is a strategically important area near the capital, and everything was fine before. How could such a strange zombie appear? Brother Chen, shall we open the coffin?"

Chen Mo nodded: "Open the coffin."

Click.

Chen Kun immediately drew his sword, inserted it into the gap in the coffin lid, pried it open slightly, then reached out and grabbed the lid, flipping it open with a thud. With a "crash," the coffin lid slid to the ground.

After everyone saw the scene inside the coffin, they couldn't help but gasp.

There lay Magistrate He, quietly inside the coffin.

His face was black, and there was a tooth mark left on his neck where a zombie had bitten him; the zombie poison had spread throughout his body.

Chen Kun took two steps back. "How could this be... it was only a blink of an eye."

Chen Mo was also filled with anger: "This zombie is playing like this... Xiao Yu, you take some men and guard this place. Brother Chen, come with me to the Huang family's ancestral hall."

Chen Kun nodded in agreement and then followed Chen Mo to the ancestral hall in the backyard of the Huang residence.

The most impressive part of the Huang family mansion is not the central courtyard or the main house, but rather the ancestral hall.

The wood used in the ancestral hall is all high-density redwood.

Extremely grand.

On each side of the ancestral hall stood eight ram's horn lamps and rows of candles, all lit and emitting a bright light. Directly in front was an incense table with an incense burner on it, and behind the table was a tiered area where memorial tablets were placed.

The offerings are made to the ancestors of the Huang family throughout the generations.

Chen Mo had been here before, but hadn't found anything.

This time, Chen Mo had some ideas.

"Brother Chen, do you know what Master Huang's name is?"

Chen Kun said, "I know. I went to the county government office before coming here and looked at the case files. His name is Huang Guiquan."

Chen Mo pointed to one of the memorial tablets, "This one says Huang Guiquan. And the inscription on it must be quite old. Master Huang was still alive back then. Who would have a memorial tablet carved for themselves before they die? Unless..."

Chen Kun said, "Unless... Master Huang already knew he was going to die?"

Chen Mo: "That's the only reason. But Master Huang's body is still outside; he was bitten to death by zombies. How could he have foreseen that he would be bitten to death by zombies sooner or later?"

Chen Kun: "Unless... Master Huang already knew there was a zombie living in his house. All those coffins and corpses in the mass grave in the backyard were prepared by Master Huang long ago. But that doesn't make sense. If there was a zombie in Master Huang's house, and he knew he would be bitten to death by a zombie, why didn't he report it to the police sooner?"

After all, the capital region is not like local prefectures; local government offices cannot handle strange events. Ordinary people are truly helpless when they encounter ghosts or zombies. However, the capital region has a Demon Suppression Bureau. If one encounters a zombie, one should report it to the authorities.

Chen Mo said, "Brother Chen's analysis is very reasonable. It seems that Master Huang has other intentions."

Chen Kun: "Other thoughts?"

Chen Mo said, "For example, Master Huang has long had the idea of ​​using this zombie for something."

Chen Kun was puzzled: "What can one person do with zombies?"

"Let's go to Master Huang's study again." Chen Mo led the way out of the ancestral hall and into Master Huang's study.

It was pitch black in the room, so Chen Kun lit the horn lamp in the room with a tinderbox, and the dim yellow light poured down, illuminating the study brightly.

Chen Mo said, "Brother Chen, search everywhere. That Master Huang must have encountered some insurmountable obstacle before his death. That's why he worshipped the Moon Worship Cult, which then attracted the zombies. And what does he want to do with the zombies? No corner can be overlooked, especially books and notes."

"Brother Chen, you've thought this through very well. I agree." Chen Kun praised, then began rummaging through drawers and cabinets.

Chen Mo's main purpose was to find books.

He felt that Master Huang had summoned the zombies simply to summon their spirits or kill his enemies.

Soon, Chen Kun came over with a booklet and handed it to Chen Mo: "Brother Chen, look. This is the prescription and the diagnosis."

Chen Mo opened the book and saw that it contained many prescriptions and doctors' diagnoses.

Although the explanations were quite technical, by comparing the diagnoses and prescriptions from different periods, Chen Mo still came to a general conclusion: "This Master Huang has an incurable disease. Then, somehow, he came into contact with the Moon Worship Cult. He then came up with a plan to summon zombies, hoping that the zombies would bite him and grant him the zombies' immortality."

After reading the book, Chen Kun wholeheartedly agreed: "That's pretty much it. This Master Huang is so afraid of death, it's outrageous! Little does he know that zombies don't die because they've acquired zombie energy. Moreover, it takes decades for ghosts to transform into zombies; normal people simply can't become zombies. In the end, Master Huang not only killed himself, but also his entire family. He's truly a heartless scoundrel."

Chen Mo also sighed, "It's normal for people to be afraid of death. And when people are facing death, they are capable of anything. Sacrificing the lives of a few family members is not unusual."

Although he said this, Chen Mo was also warning himself: he absolutely could not lose his humanity. Otherwise, he would become the next Master Huang. No, even more terrifying than Master Huang. Master Huang had limited abilities and only killed his own family. If he lost his humanity, he might indiscriminately kill people.

That scene was truly terrifying.

It would be better to be dead.

Chen Kun sighed a few times, harshly criticizing Master Huang, and finally said, "What should we do now? Even if we know Master Huang's thoughts, it won't help us catch that zombie."

Chen Mo said, "Keep searching. Since this zombie was summoned by Master Huang, and he is so afraid of death, he must have recorded the zombie's information."

“That makes sense. People who are afraid of death must have studied those zombies.”

The two continued searching the room and finally found a wooden brocade box under the bed.

The brocade box wasn't large, just big enough to hold a sheet of Xuan paper. It was very sturdy and made of precious wood. It was also locked.

Click.

Chen Kun immediately crushed the iron lock, opened the brocade box, and inside was a book, some other moon-shaped objects, talismans, puppets, and other items.

Chen Mo picked up the booklet and flipped through it.

It's filled with Master Huang's notes, scribbles, and various records. He even sketched some talisman patterns in great detail.

The gist of it is that Master Huang used a method, and even bought a porcelain bottle from the ghost market containing red moonlight. Combined with a certain amount of corpse nourishment, he could raise a zombie. Then, using a specific method, he could let the zombie bite him, absorbing the zombie's energy and thus gaining immortality.

Chen Mo shook his head repeatedly: "These ancient methods may work, but they are missing a lot of key information. Master Huang is also very bold. He knew that key information was missing, but he dared to fill in the gaps based on his own deductions. And then he actually did it."

Do you think you're me, with the ability to deduce things?
Chen Kun took the booklet and looked at it, shaking his head repeatedly. "He's really gone mad. But this Master Huang recorded that he used the corpse energy of hundreds of corpses, combined with the red moonlight, to actually nurture a zombie. This zombie can... adapt to any object? Change color like a corpse infant? And it's a golden-level zombie?"

Chen Mo nodded: "Perhaps Master Huang triggered some evil magic of the Moon Worship Cult, creating a golden-haired zombie infant. A color-changing corpse infant, adapting to any object... that's not surprising. The color-changing corpse infant's abilities are even more bizarre than the Water Serpent. The Water Serpent can only transform into other people, but this corpse infant can change color, merge with the coffin lid, merge with the weeds on the ground, and even merge with the air. Plus, zombies are immune to the power of ghosts. No wonder we couldn't find it."

Chen Kun exclaimed repeatedly, "Such a bizarre zombie is unheard of. How are we supposed to find it?"

Chen Mo lowered his head and continued rummaging through the brocade box for a while.

I found a puppet.

The wooden puppet is about the size of a palm, shaped like a baby, and looks very old-fashioned. The wood it's made of is also quite unusual. I guess Master Huang bought it from somewhere.

Then, comparing this with the records made by Master Huang in the book, it is mentioned that Master Huang bought this puppet from the ghost market for a lot of money and infused it with red moonlight to create a zombie.

Chen Kun realized something, "Could it be that Master Huang created that zombie using this puppet?"

Chen Mo nodded: "That's most likely the case. The material of this puppet is very unusual, and there's a corpse-suppressing talisman engraved on the base. I suspect... this zombie wasn't made by Master Huang. It was originally sealed inside this puppet, but Master Huang released it."

Chen Kun was surprised: "Zombies have physical bodies, how can they be sealed inside puppets?"

Ghosts without physical form are usually sealed inside puppets. But zombies are different.

Chen Mo: "This is a color-changing corpse infant, capable of changing its shape according to its surroundings. It cannot be deduced using common sense. Fortunately, Xiaoyu has a corpse-suppressing talisman on her. I'll take this puppet to the mass grave in the backyard and see if I can find the corpse infant."

Chen Kun said, "The problem is how to find that corpse infant."

Chen Mo: "Since this corpse infant was living inside this puppet before, it's possible that the puppet and the corpse infant have a connection. We'll find out soon enough with a test."

In this way, Chen Mo returned to the mass grave with the wooden puppet.

Su Yuqing and the others are still guarding this place.

Chen Mo then asked, "Was there any movement just now?"

Su Yuqing nodded: "It's happened a few times. But the situation is the same as before, we can't find the zombie."

Click!

Chen Mo immediately pricked his finger and dripped his zombie blood onto the puppet. Then he closed his eyes and carefully sensed every movement around him.

The power of inspiration is useless.

Chen Mo had no choice but to try injecting zombie blood into the puppet.

Logically speaking, ordinary zombies have a physical form and are difficult to hide. This color-changing zombie infant is quite strange.

Time passes minute by minute.

suddenly--

dong dong dong.

Immediately, a knocking sound came from not far away.

Chen Mo immediately opened his eyes and stared at the coffin. He then called Su Yuqing to his side and whispered, "Give me the corpse-suppressing talisman."

When Su Yuqing was in Nanzhou, she bought some corpse-suppressing talismans. Later, as she traveled north, she still had some left. She immediately gave Chen Mo a corpse-suppressing talisman.

Then everyone saw Chen Mo holding a wooden puppet in one hand, slowly walking to the coffin. He didn't open the coffin lid, but slowly walked around to one foot of the coffin and stared intently at the bottom of the coffin.

Then, Chen Mo slowly revealed a smile, grinning at the air with a sinister grin: "Hehe, I see you."

*Snap!* A talisman for suppressing corpses immediately stuck to the air.

Chen Kun's eyes widened, wondering if Chen Mo had gone mad. However, he soon saw that the corpse-suppressing talisman had actually been affixed to the void.

Gradually, a very small baby appeared in the void.

It is only the size of a normal newborn baby's head.

Its head was only the size of an adult's fist. At this moment, a golden talisman was pasted on the baby's head, and it lay motionless on the ground.

Chen Mo pulled the baby up with one hand: "Good heavens, so it was you causing trouble here. I've finally caught you."

The corpse-suppressing talisman is effective, but it's expensive—outrageously expensive. Unless you have connections and influence, you can't buy it even if you have the money.

Especially the gold-level corpse-suppressing talisman.

Chen Kun walked over and examined the baby. "It's quite miraculous. It can adapt to any object and become one with the air. If you took it to the ghost market, it could probably fetch a good price."

Chen Mo was taken aback: "You can sell zombies?"

Chen Kun said, “Of course, why not? There’s a huge ghost market on the outskirts of the capital. It sells all kinds of things: ghosts, zombies, people, wives and concubines, magical artifacts, treasures… you name it. There are even assassin organizations there taking bribes. Even our Demon Suppression Division sometimes has to go to the ghost market to get some difficult information.”

Chen Mo immediately became interested: "Is this ghost market really that amazing?"

Chen Kun: "Hmm. This ghost market has an unknown origin and has existed for a very long time. It has existed for hundreds of years. Regardless of the change of dynasties, the ghost market remains as immovable as a mountain."

Chen Mo asked, "Then, Brother Chen, do you know about the Undying Bone?"

He vaguely remembered the golden finger saying: "As long as the zombie's body is strong enough to forge the legendary incorruptible bone, you still have a glimmer of hope. At that time, even if the demonic fetus breaks out of your body, you won't die immediately."

The legendary incorruptible bones...

This could be a way to deal with the demonic fetus.

Over the past few months, the demonic fetus had begun to grow. From its initial size of a pea, it had grown to the size of two peas. It was constantly absorbing Chen Mo's life essence, making Chen Mo feel extremely insecure.

The main purpose of my trip to Beijing, besides coming to this bigger stage, is to hone my incredible incorruptibility.

"Unmelting bones?" Chen Kun was taken aback. "That sounds familiar... Oh right, I've heard Miss Nangong mention it. Yes, Miss Nangong must know."

Miss Nangong?

Chen Kun certainly wanted to be the head of the Southern Palace.

But the Chief wouldn't let me say it. He insisted that I tell Chen Mo it was Miss Nangong.

There's nothing we can do about that.

Chen Mo had already planned to thank Nangong Ye.

They've taken care of my family for months, so it's only right that we do this.

However, Chen Mo is now a zombie, without a human body. Although Chen Kun didn't realize it, if he were to arrive in the capital and encounter some powerful figures, he might not be able to hide it any longer.

With this in mind, Chen Mo asked, "Can you find out any information about the Undying Bone in the Ghost Market?"

Chen Kun gave a very affirmative answer: "It should be possible. I used to frequently represent the Demon Suppression Division to inquire about information in the Ghost Market, and I know a capable person there. If Brother Chen wants to inquire in the Ghost Market, I can make an introduction."

Chen Mo said, "Then I'll trouble you, Brother Chen. Let's leave here first and talk about it later."

Chen Kun nodded in agreement, thinking to himself: Aren't you quite familiar with Miss Nangong? Why not just ask her? Why go through all this trouble...?

Chen Mo returned to Master Huang's study, put the color-changing baby into a brocade box, closed it, and took it away.

It would be a waste to kill such a good creature.

Now that I've reached the Fusion level, if I obtain the Primal Fusion Essence in the future, I might be able to use the ability of the Color-Changing Corpse Infant...

The group exited the Huang residence.

There were many people outside the gate, some were onlookers, and some were demon-suppressing guards.

When the Demon Suppression Guards saw Chen Kun come out, they all asked him questions.

"Sir, have the zombies inside been eliminated?"

Chen Kun waved his hand: "With my help, how could there be a zombie that I can't get rid of? You're asking unnecessary questions."

The subordinate was taken aback for a moment, then immediately began to flatter him.

Chen Kun realized his mistake and immediately changed his words: "Of course, this is not solely due to my efforts. It is mainly my brother Chen who has made the greatest contribution. Brother Chen is a powerful exorcist."

Everyone immediately turned to look at Chen Mo and began to praise him.

"This exorcist is quite capable."

"That's right. Every year around the end of the year, a large number of exorcists enter the capital region. Most of them are not very capable and are just freeloaders. But the exorcist my master is talking about is different."

"Yes, yes, yes."

"..."

Ignoring everyone's comments, Chen Kun warmly took Chen Mo's hand and said, "I still need to go to the county government to file a report and take care of some final tasks. Once I'm done, I'll come find you for a drink."

……

Chenzhai, Daxing County.

This is a house that Chen Mo recently bought in Daxing County.

A three-section courtyard house.

There was enough room for Chen Mo, Su Yuqing, Juan'er, and Xiaoxiao. No maids or servants were hired.

The reason Chen Mo didn't go directly to the capital was because he was no longer in a human body, and the capital was full of experts; if he were discovered... that would be troublesome. So he temporarily settled in Daxing County.

Upon entering the Chen residence, Juan'er and Xiaoxiao cheered excitedly as they prepared to become puppets.

Su Yuqing returned to the side room to rest, while Chen Mo went to the main room alone, lit the oil lamp, opened the brocade box, and stared at the discolored corpse infant inside.

"It's a pity I didn't obtain the Primal Fusion Essence, so I can't directly integrate it with the abilities and characteristics of this Corpse Infant. But I can deconstruct it."

With this in mind, Chen Mo opened the control panel.

[Currently available Original Solution Essence: 4 Original Solution Orbs + 60 Original Solution Essence.]

[A deconstructable object has been detected.]

[Should we deconstruct it?]

Chen Mo had an idea:

Deconstruction.

hum!
A splitting headache followed, and soon lines of subtitles appeared.

【Name: Color-Changing Corpse Infant】

[Type: Color Changing]

【Function: Adapts to different shapes and can accommodate all things】

[Level: Seven-Striped Hairy Stranger]

[Note: This type of zombie is extremely rare and priceless. It possesses superior characteristics among zombies, exhibiting exceptional stealth capabilities. It spawns in special environments.]

[Hint 1: A powerful exorcist sealed the discolored corpse infant inside a puppet. It was later released.]

[Hint 2: This color-changing corpse infant can merge with all things, and its body possesses the essence of primordial fusion.]

[Hint 3: Killing this zombie will grant you 4 points of Primal Essence.]

[Hint 4: If you obtain the Primal Essence, you can combine it with this zombie's color-changing ability.]

"Sure enough, it's similar to the information recorded in Master Huang's notes, and even more accurate."

"Also, this zombie actually possesses Primal Essence. This is the first time I've encountered something like this, quite a pleasant surprise. It's just that the baby looks rather cute, I'm a little hesitant to harm it..."

"Huh? I'm actually feeling sorry for zombies? Could it be that I've been influenced by them?"

"No, no, no, I am a human! I am a human!!"

"A zombie is just a shell for me. I am a human being, I am a human being..."

Chen Mo kept giving himself mental suggestions, and then, as if they were really working, he hardened his heart and was about to crush the zombie to death.

Just then, the pea in the abdomen started moving again.

The constant rolling and turning under his skin made Chen Mo feel extremely uncomfortable.

"You seem quite thirsty?" Chen Mo stared at his abdomen, muttering to himself. Then he thought... if this pea kept growing bigger and bigger, eventually turning into a demonic fetus, wouldn't he be like a pregnant woman, carrying a huge belly?
Hey!
Absolutely unacceptable.

"Unmelting Bone... I need to get the Unmelting Bone as soon as possible. Or I'll get the Primal Essence and fuse it with your damned demonic fetus."

"Hey, it hurts!"

As the peas moved more violently, Chen Mo felt a heart-wrenching pain, so intense that he couldn't even straighten his back. He had no choice but to close the brocade box and stumble to his bed in the bedroom.

He guessed that when those pregnant women were pregnant, the baby must have been in just as much pain as it was going to turn over in their bellies.

wrong.

The fetus in that woman's womb won't feel pain if it moves around a bit.

This damned demonic fetus was moving around inside my own flesh and blood; how could anyone bear it?
Chen Mo raised his hand and pinched his abdomen hard.

"You just wait, you son of a bitch."

It hurt so much.

Chen Mo tossed and turned on the bed, finally curling up in a ball. It took a long time for the churning in his abdomen to subside.

Chen Mo let out a long sigh of relief, feeling like he had just lost his life.

"I must find out about the Undying Bone as soon as possible, otherwise I really can't take it."

……

The next day.

Chen Mo got up early.

After being drained of energy by the demonic fetus all night, I felt quite lethargic. I had to force myself to cheer up.

After a quick wash, Su Yuqing made breakfast and brought it to the living room. Seeing that Chen Mo looked unwell, she asked with concern, "Young Master, what's wrong?"

Chen Mo shook his head: "It's nothing, I just didn't sleep well last night. By the way, has Chen Kun arrived?"

Su Yuqing said, "I asked Xiaoxiao to inquire. Chen Kun went to the county government last night, made a record, and also took people to dispose of the body in the Huang family's residence. He must have been too tired to stay up and went to sleep. He knows where we live, so he should have arrived this morning."

Chen Mo nodded and called Juan'er and Xiaoxiao over for dinner.

During a break from their meal, Su Yuqing asked, "Young Master, we've arrived in the capital region. When do you plan to enter the capital?"

Chen Mo said, "Let's postpone this matter. I'm a zombie now, without a human body. I'm worried that there are too many experts in the capital. If they can tell I'm a zombie, they might want to get rid of me. By the way, the capital is your hometown. If you want to go and see it, you can go first."

Su Yuqing glanced in the direction of the capital, then looked at Chen Mo: "I have been in the mirror for a hundred years, and the capital has long since changed. I'm afraid all the old friends I knew have passed away. All that's left is an empty piece of land. I will follow you, young master."

Chen Mo didn't force him.

Not long after breakfast, Chen Kun, carrying a jar of wine and some meat wrapped in mulberry paper, eagerly knocked on the door of the Chen residence. Upon seeing Chen Mo, he greeted him with a smile and approached him.

"Brother Chen, I've been missing you. I specially bought some wine and dishes for you."

Chen Mo didn't mince words and warmly welcomed Chen Kun into the house, saying, "We're brothers, no need for such formalities. Come in and sit down."

The two drank and chatted.

During this time, Chen Mo inquired about the Huang family's affairs. Chen Kun indicated that they had been resolved, and the documents and files had been sent to the Demon Suppression Division in the capital.

Feeling that the pleasantries had been exchanged enough, Chen Mo spoke up, "Brother Chen, I'd like to go to the Ghost Market today. Would you be so kind as to show me the way?"

Chen Kun patted his chest and said, "Of course I have time. The Ghost Market is two hundred miles away. If we ride at full speed, we can get there in less than two hours. By the way, Brother Chen, is that mutated corpse infant still there?"

"It's still here? What happened?" Chen Mo was taken aback. He had originally planned to kill the zombie this morning, obtain 4 points of Primal Essence, and then integrate it with the ability of the color-changing corpse infant.

But... 4 points of Original Essence is just too little.

For Chen Mo, who was used to spending tens of thousands of original essences at a time, this was somewhat unsettling.

However, considering that the original essence unit is larger, I let it go.

Chen Kun said, "I just remembered, Feng Si Niang from the Ghost Market is looking to buy a color-changing corpse infant. You wanted to find out about the Undying Bone, right? You can use that as a bargaining chip. Otherwise, given Feng Si Niang's appetite, you probably won't have anything to entice her."

Chen Mo secretly thought to himself that it was a good thing he hadn't crushed the zombie, but said aloud, "Feng Si Niang?"

Chen Kun said, "Feng Si Niang is a manager in the Ghost Market. She wields considerable power and has extensive connections. There's almost nothing she can't do, and there's no information she doesn't know. When I went to the Ghost Market to gather information on behalf of the Demon Suppression Division, I sought out Feng Si Niang. It's just that this woman has an insatiable appetite."

Chen Mo: "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go."

Chen Kun: "So fast? We haven't even finished our drinks yet!"

"No rush to drink, I'll have a good drink with Brother Chen when we get back."

"alright."

……

Two hundred miles away.

Ghost city.

This was Chen Mo's first time visiting this place.

It wasn't what Chen Mo had imagined.

The Ghost Market was incredibly impressive; it was actually a massive underground city.

Follow the mountain path underground, and it will widen as you go. Below you will find a large underground lake, and on the lakeside stands a magnificent ancient city.

The Ghost Market... it's not a market, it's a city.

I've really learned something new.

There were also powerful guards at the city gate. Entry wasn't verified, but a hefty fee was required. Looking at the long lines of people waiting to enter, Chen Mo estimated that the Ghost Market could make a fortune just from the entrance fees each day.

Red lanterns hung everywhere in the city, and wine flags fluttered in the breeze, creating an atmosphere of extreme prosperity. Although it wasn't as large as Nanzhou City, it was comparable to Nanyang Prefecture, and it was packed with people, with business booming. The flow of people here was probably comparable to that of Nanzhou City.

One of them is a magnificent nineteen-story ancient building, adorned with red lanterns that stand out prominently in the night. Above the entrance hangs a grand plaque that reads: Chang Le Palace.

Countless drinkers come and go, and many young women come and go, singing and dancing, making it a place that is very intoxicating.

Chen Kun pulled Chen Mo through the gates of Chang Le Palace, explaining, "Feng Si Niang is the manager of Chang Le Palace. Don't underestimate Chang Le Palace, and don't be fooled by its appearance. It looks like a brothel, but it's much more than that. It's a complex ancient building that combines a restaurant, a theater, a brothel, and an auction house. Chang Le Palace can fulfill any personal request."

Chen Mo entered with curiosity and soon saw scantily clad beauties coming and going, with many seats occupied by male customers drinking with the women in their arms, looking quite carefree.

There is a large stage in the center, where dancers perform. The surrounding six floors are openwork, allowing guests to enjoy the dancers from upstairs and also look down to see a different view.

Chen Kun is clearly a regular here, as many beautiful women come up to greet him.

Chen Kun didn't ask for the beautiful woman. He took Chen Mo directly to the sixth floor and sat down. He then called out to a beauty, "I brought Brother Chen here today. Go and call Feng Si Niang over."

Before long, Chen Mo met Feng Si Niang.

A stunningly beautiful woman, who looked to be around thirty, wore a pink ruffled dress. She was graceful and alluring, with captivating eyes. It was as if a single glance from her could make someone fall into her trap.

Feng Si Niang took her seat with a smile: "Oh my, Lord Chen, what brings you here today? And with such a handsome young man. Have you set your sights on the four most beautiful courtesans of our Chang Le Palace?"

Chen Kun said, "Feng Si Niang has misunderstood me. I am from the Demon Suppression Division of the Imperial Court. Why would I linger in such a dusty place? I have important business to attend to."

Feng Si Niang scoffed, "The rooms upstairs are occupied by two high-ranking officials from the Demon Suppression Division. They're probably already completely smitten and don't even know who they are anymore. If Lord Chen's young brother is too kind, I can take him to a private room. Then no one will know."

cough cough.

Chen Kun coughed twice and got straight to the point.

Upon hearing this, Feng Si Niang's expression immediately darkened, and she carefully examined Chen Mo: "You want to avoid bone dissolution?"

Chen Mo asked, "Does Feng Si Niang have any news about the Undying Bone?"

Feng Si Niang said, "Of course I do. However, this information is far too valuable, and it's not easy for me, Feng Si Niang, to make a living in this area. I wonder what your offer is, young master?"

Chen Kun gave Chen Mo a look, and Chen Mo took out the brocade box and opened it in front of Feng Si Niang: "Is this enough?"

hiss.

Feng Si Niang took a breath: "A color-changing corpse infant. What a treasure! Enough, more than enough. It seems you came prepared, young master. Come with me."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: A new month begins, here's 10,000 words! Requesting monthly votes, it's during my double training period. Thank you, everyone!
(End of this chapter)