I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 82 Guo Ziyu's Conditions
hum!
A wave of dizziness followed, followed by a sharp pain. It felt like my head was about to explode.

Even though Chen Mo knew that the more powerful the reading device, the greater the physical burden, the pain from reading such a device, especially one with eight bars, still exceeded his expectations.

Click!

Chen Mo bit his lower lip hard, enduring the pain, trying his best not to let his stepmother notice anything amiss.

After a long while, the pain gradually subsided, and his mind returned to clarity.

Lines of subtitles appeared before my eyes.

【Name: White-Shirted Ghost Fetus】

[Level: Transparent Life Aura]

[Type: Yin-type Evil Fetus]

[Characteristics: It devours the mother's essence, blood, and soul, accelerating the development of the demonic fetus. It takes approximately 100 days to fully develop. At that time, it will drain the mother's essence and blood, turning her into a dried-up corpse. Afterward, the fetus will break free of the body and transform into a complete life form.]

[Description: A powerful demonic fetus, once born, is bound to its mother by life and death. Forcibly separating the fetus will also kill the mother.]

[Note: This powerful demonic fetus possesses extremely pure and potent demonic energy. It is inherited from the bloodline of the Demon Curse. Obtaining this demonic energy can rapidly strengthen the Demon Curse bloodline, granting it various bizarre abilities.]

After reading all the information, Chen Mo's heart sank.

If Chen Mo had any doubts about the story told by Granny Li before, he no longer had any doubts at this moment.

This is because the second aunt's situation is almost identical to that of Shen Yujun back then.

Moreover, this evil fetus appeared inside the second mother's body, and there was nothing she could do about it.

If it appeared inside one's own body, one could still use a cheat code to modify one's bloodline, and perhaps there would still be a glimmer of hope.

Second mother...

Chen Mo silently murmured his second aunt's name, feeling a mix of emotions and deep heartache for her.

Chen Mo wanted to tell his second aunt the truth, but seeing how much she cherished the baby in her womb, he couldn't bear to.

Chen Mo closed his eyes and reviewed what had happened.

The cause of the matter becomes immediately clear:

It's the image of the deity in the ancestral hall.

Li Yuanlong!
His own madness might very well be related to Li Yuanlong. Now it's even implicated his second aunt.

This is no longer a question of whether Li Yuanlong should die or not, but about the evil fetus in Erniang's womb... What to do? According to the golden finger, once the evil fetus is born, it shares life and death with the mother's body. Forcibly separating it... Erniang will be gone.

If they are not separated, the second aunt will eventually be sucked dry by the ghost fetus.

Seeing that Chen Mo remained silent for a long time, Zhang Ru became somewhat uneasy. "Second Young Master, do you perhaps not want to have another younger brother?"

Chen Mo then came to his senses and smiled, "I like it very much, Second Mother, don't overthink it. It's late, Second Mother, you should rest early. Chen Wu, come out with me."

Chen Wu covered Zhang Ru with a quilt and told her to rest before following Chen Mo into the courtyard.

The night was deep, and a cold wind was blowing.

Chen Mo stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the crescent moon in the sky, his expression very solemn.

Chen Wu saw all this and felt uneasy. He asked timidly, "Second brother, do you not want my mother to have another child?"

Chen Mo laughed and said, "Nothing of the sort, don't overthink it. Would you like to go for a walk with me?"

Chen Wu grunted in agreement and followed Chen Mo out of the North Courtyard, walking along the corridor.

Chen Mo's expression was solemn, so Chen Wu dared not say anything more, for fear of offending the second young master. After so many things that had happened before, Chen Wu had matured a lot and truly understood the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children.

After walking for a long time, Chen Mo stopped at the gate of the ancestral hall in the backyard of the Chen family and said, "Chen Wu, our parents and stepmother are getting old. The future of our Chen family still depends on you and me. Do you understand?"

Chen Wu sensed that his second brother was acting strangely today. "I know."

Chen Mo continued, “Honghe County is not peaceful now; it’s a chaotic world. In such a chaotic world, for a family to prosper, it needs to unite its efforts. Other families value the distinction between嫡 (legitimate) and 庶 (illegitimate) children, but our Chen family doesn’t. You are my younger brother, and your mother is also my stepmother. From now on, don’t think too much about the distinctions. I only think that we can protect the Chen family’s business, so that our parents can enjoy their old age in peace, and that our family can live in harmony.”

Chen Wu was deeply moved and nodded emphatically: "I know that my second brother is a man of great vision. My mother also knows about my second brother's ambition and character. She even told me to learn from my second brother and to make sure I support him."

Chen Mo turned around and looked at Chen Wu, who was only thirteen years old, with a hint of pity.

Slowly, Chen Mo reached out and put his hand on Chen Wu's shoulder. "I just asked my parents and Uncle Zhou. While I was away, you diligently practiced martial arts and protected the family. You did a great job. I know you are well-educated, reasonable, and loyal. Although you are only thirteen years old, you are already a little man. There are some things I need to tell you. Otherwise, it would be too unfair to you."

Chen Wu finally realized something, "But my mother has a health problem? She can't get pregnant?"

Chen Mo shook his head, "Second Aunt's health is fine, but there's a problem with the fetus in her womb."

Chen Wu felt extremely distressed, clenching his fists: "But the fetus is not very healthy?"

Chen Mo shook his head: "No, that's not it. The fetus is perfectly healthy, but it's not a fetus of our Chen family."

Chen Wu immediately exclaimed, "Impossible! My second aunt has always been dutiful and grateful to my father. She would never cheat on me..."

Chen Mo interrupted, "The child in Second Aunt's belly is a ghost child."

hiss!
Chen Wu gasped, feeling as if struck by lightning, and collapsed to the ground with a thud. He had witnessed Chen Mo's killing of Li Hongxi and knew of Chen Mo's extraordinary abilities, so he didn't doubt that Chen Mo was lying.

But he felt extremely uncomfortable, horrified, and incredulous inside.

Chen Mo squatted down and patted Chen Wu's shoulder: "I know you grew up with your second aunt since you were little, and I know you have a deep bond with her. But that's why I need to tell you the truth as soon as possible. Think carefully, has your second aunt been acting strangely lately? For example, she's averse to cooked food and likes to eat fruit. She even seems to crave the smell of blood... and she has a particularly large appetite. The more she eats, the more tired and thin she becomes."

Chen Wu suddenly looked up, tears streaming down his face. "Yes, that's how it is. I found out. But Mother won't let me tell Father, saying she doesn't want him to worry. She still wants to give Father a big, healthy son."

Chen Mo nodded emphatically, "That's right. Ordinary pregnant women don't do this. Moreover, this ghost fetus will be formed in a hundred days, and it will suck Erniang dry. Before the midwife arrives, it will spontaneously come out of Erniang's belly."

"Second brother, brother!"

Chen Wu was in tears, "I don't want anything to happen to my mother, what should I do? I'm so scared..."

Chen Mo pressed down hard on Chen Wu's shoulder and spoke in a firm tone, "Xiao Wu, don't panic. I need you to do something."

Chen Wu cried like a three-year-old child who had lost his beloved toy, wiping away his tears as he said, "Brother, whatever you say, I will definitely do it."

Chen Mo said, "After what happened, I don't know if that ghost fetus will have any other effects. I, as the older brother, should be by Second Mother's side day and night. But I need to find a solution, so I'm too busy. Therefore, I need you to stay by Second Mother's side. Take good care of Second Mother's feelings and don't let her overthink. Only you can take care of Second Mother's feelings and keep her from worrying. Are you... afraid?"

Chen Wu cried bitterly, but gritted his teeth and said, "I'm a little scared. But for Mother's sake, I'm not afraid. But, brother, what are you going to do?"

Chen Mo said, "I need to invite someone with profound Taoist skills to see if they can find a solution. Also, I will deal with the Red Lantern Goddess statue in the ancestral hall tonight. Second Aunt's ghost is related to that statue. If Second Aunt doesn't see the statue when she goes to the ancestral hall tomorrow, just say that I have now entered the Red Lantern Sect and have taken away the goddess's statue. Do you understand?"

Chen Wu nodded emphatically: "I've got it."

Chen Mo said with relief, "Remember, Second Aunt's emotions are extremely important. Don't let her overthink things. Help her be cheerful and strong. If she gets emotionally unstable, I'm worried something bad might happen immediately. Also, for safety's sake, Xiaoyuer can't stay in the North Courtyard for now; I'll have her stay with your eldest aunt." "Understood. That's the way to go."

With tears in his eyes, Chen Wu agreed and then walked alone towards the North Courtyard.

Chen Mo watched from behind. The thirteen-year-old boy's back was all alone. He was clearly very scared, but he still walked forward bravely.

Chen Mo made it very clear: staying in the North Campus could lead to serious trouble, and could even be life-threatening.

But Chen Wu is really strong.

Chen Mo suddenly felt something and called out, "Xiao Wu."

Chen Wu turned around, wiping away his tears, "Brother, is there anything else you need?"

Chen Mo walked over and pressed his shoulder, "You are not alone. I will face this with you. After I return from my trip, I will spend the rest of my time in the North Courtyard watching over you and Second Mother."

Chen Wu suddenly burst into tears. "Um. By the way, should we tell Dad and Auntie?"

Chen Mo said in a deep voice, "Let me think about this matter some more. You just need to take good care of Second Aunt, and I will arrange the rest."

Chen Wu took a few more steps, then suddenly remembered something and turned back, saying, "Brother."

Chen Mo: "Hmm?"

Chen Wu said, "You are my good brother. It is my blessing to be your younger brother in this life. If something happens to me, please tell Father and Mother that Chen Wu is unfilial for failing to care for them in their old age and see them off in their final days. If something happens to me, I would still be willing to be your younger brother in my next life."

Chen Mo sighed deeply, "Don't overthink it, go in peace."

Chen Wu is gone.

Chen Mo felt a pang of sadness. He suppressed his distracting thoughts and looked towards the ancestral hall gate.

"This talisman should have been burned immediately, but since it caused the evil fetus to grow in Second Aunt's womb, it might still be useful in curing her. There's no rush; I need to find Guo Ziyu right away!"

Chen Mo had thought of Guo Ziyu earlier.

It wasn't Guo Songyang, nor was it anyone else.

It's Guo Ziyu.

Because Chen Mo had long sensed that Guo Ziyu was the real boss of Fortune and Misfortune Manor.

"However, before I leave the Chen residence, I need to inform my father to prevent anyone from going to the ancestral hall and the north courtyard."

After a moment's thought, Chen Mo made up his mind.

Returning to the living room in the central courtyard, I could hear a cheerful atmosphere as soon as I entered.

Little Fish lay on Chen Yinfu's lap, eating candied hawthorns with gusto.

Lin Yulan, on the other hand, was looking forward to the future when Chen Mo would be successful.

Chen Mo greeted everyone, then turned to Chen Yinfu and said, "Father, please come out with me for a moment. I have something to say to you."

No one seemed to think anything of it. Chen Yinfu put Xiaoyuer down and followed Chen Mo into the courtyard, still smiling: "Is Ru'er feeling unwell and asked me to come and keep her company?"

Chen Mo shook his head and told the truth.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yinfu nearly collapsed to the ground. Chen Mo quickly went to help him up, saying, "Father, with such a situation at home, we need you to take charge and make arrangements. Besides, I've joined the Red Lantern Society; perhaps I have a way to resolve this."

Upon hearing that there might be a solution, Chen Yinfu finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Tell me, what should your father do?"

Chen Mo said, "I told Chen Wu... Now Chen Wu is the only one guarding the North Courtyard. Father, do not let anyone near the North Courtyard, nor let anyone near the ancestral hall. I need to go out tonight to find a master to help me."

Chen Yinfu nodded repeatedly: "I understand. Leave the things at home to me. You go and come back quickly, and be careful on the road."

"Very well. If anything happens at home, Father, please light red candles in the central courtyard and wait for your return."

After bidding farewell to Chen Yinfu, Chen Mo went to the stables, fetched a fine horse, and left the city that very night for the Blood Ridge Black Market. He learned the details from the innkeeper: Chen Qingyan and Zhou Kuan had colluded with Granny Li, the spirit infant attendant, and were killed on the spot by Guo Songyang. Afterwards, Guo Songyang and his group went to the White Cloud Inn in the city to stay, awaiting the Red Lantern Festival on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The waiter was so certain it was Baiyun Inn because Baiyun Inn was also a shop under the Red Lantern Gang, and the managers and leaders of various branches outside the city would stay at Baiyun Inn on New Year's Eve.

Chen Mo bid farewell to the Blood Ridge Black Market and returned to the city overnight, heading to the White Cloud Inn.

We arrived at Baiyun Inn after midnight. The New Year had begun.

There was also a fireworks display in the courtyard of Baiyun Inn, which made it very lively.

Chen Mo asked a waiter at the inn and found out where Guo Ziyu and the other two were staying. It was room number three in the "Heaven" section on the second floor, in the southeast corner. Chen Mo quickly rushed upstairs and knocked on the door.

dong dong dong.

After a knocking sound, the door finally opened after a long while.

Chen Mo was stunned when he saw the face of the person who opened the door.

She was a tall woman wearing a white silk dress, with her hair tied in a ponytail. Her long hair was like clouds, her clothes fluttered, and she had a beautiful appearance. She was also wearing white cloud-patterned boots, which gave her a noble and otherworldly air, like light clouds veiling the moon and flowing wind and swirling snow.

Even Chen Mo, who had transmigrated from his previous life, was stunned for a long time before recognizing... this was Guo Ziyu.

Chen Mo, unable to appreciate the woman's beauty and figure, quickly cupped his hands in greeting, "Miss Ziyu, it is truly impolite to disturb you so late at night. There is an extremely urgent matter at my home, and I beg Miss Ziyu for your help."

Guo Ziyu smiled faintly, "How strange. Young Master Mo's methods are extraordinary. He killed everyone in the Li residence. Yet he still needs my help."

Chen Mo smiled wryly and said, "I'm not joking. I know that although you are a manager, you are very capable. If you have time, please come with me to my home tonight. I will tell you the reason on the way."

Guo Ziyu noticed Chen Mo's anxiety, so she didn't say anything. She took a peach wood sword and a sword box, and followed Chen Mo out the door. They rode towards the Chen residence.

During a break in their journey, Chen Mo told her about his second aunt's pregnancy with a ghost child.

Guo Ziyu suddenly asked, "How do you know that your stepmother is carrying a ghost child?"

This really stumped Chen Mo. He couldn't very well say that he had a cheat code, could he?
He quickly made up an excuse, "Perhaps it's because I've mastered the skills under Miss Ziyu's tutelage that I can sense it."

Fortunately, Guo Ziyu didn't dwell on the detail, only saying, "If it really is a ghost child, then things will be difficult."

Chen Mo's heart tightened, and he asked, "Miss Ziyu, do you have a way to save my second mother?"

Guo Ziyu thought for a moment and said, "There is a way, of course. However... this method involves a lot of issues, and I need Young Master Mo to agree to one condition."

Chen Mo asked, "What are the conditions?"

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.: Two chapters, 10,000 words total. Requesting monthly votes~ The story of Honghe County is about to unfold.

(End of this chapter)