I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 92 One slash brings forth Master Chen!

This scene was truly bizarre.

Even though Chen Mo already knew that ghosts had various special abilities, he was still startled when he saw his ghostly figure leave his feet.

He looked down and found that there was no shadow left at his feet.

"This……"

In his previous life, Chen Mo often heard the village elders say that ghosts have no shadows.

The best way to tell if a "person" is a ghost or a human is to look at whether they cast a shadow. If they do, they are a human...

Okay... I've disappeared without a trace now.

Chen Mo rubbed his forehead, feeling somewhat uneasy.

Fortunately, Chen Mo had a good mindset and quickly adjusted.

If there's no shadow, then there's no shadow.

"Let me see what use this ghostly figure is."

Chen Mo began to carefully observe the ghostly figure in front of him.

First of all, this is just a shadow.

It is about the same size as itself, has its own outline, but no face; outsiders would definitely not be able to tell who it is. It can move freely.

This ghost can do anything a human can do. It can also do things that a human cannot do.

It can be seen where there is light.

But in places without light... then you truly become one with the darkness, and no matter what you do, you can't find it.

In addition, it is driven by its own consciousness.

It will do whatever you tell it to do.

After fiddling with it for a while, Chen Mo found this thing quite amazing.

"I just don't know if it can pick up real objects."

Chen Mo decided to give it a try.

"Go pour me some tea."

The dark figure then walked to the table and tried to pick up the teapot and teacups to pour tea for Chen Mo.

Chen Mo stared intently at the ghostly figure's movements, thinking to himself: If it could manipulate physical objects, this ghostly figure would be of great use to him. It could even become his top-secret weapon.

As it turned out... Chen Mo realized he was overthinking things.

The ghostly hand passed through the teacup and teapot, unable to lift anything solid.

This left Chen Mo feeling slightly disappointed.

So he had no choice but to give up. "It seems to be just a shadow and doesn't seem to be of much use... Let me see if it can help me check the surrounding environment."

With his back to the living room door, Chen Mo used his mind to send the ghostly figure outside to check the surroundings.

The result was a shocking discovery...

You can feel the places the ghost has passed through, the things it has seen, and the sounds it has heard, as if you had been there in person.

"Good! Wouldn't it be convenient to have this ghostly figure help me gather information and track people later? If we go to the ghostly lands outside next time, we can also have the ghostly figure take the lead and scout out the enemy's situation..."

Chen Mo quickly figured out how to use this ghostly figure.

"We don't know if there are any distance limitations; we need to test it."

Chen Mo knew that this ghostly figure was, after all, a transformation of his own shadow. It was unlikely that it could travel to an infinitely distant place, and that he could sense it at all times. Otherwise, it would be too abnormal.

He sent the ghost baby out of the inner courtyard to check on the outer courtyard.

The villagers were having a meal together when they all knocked themselves unconscious. No one in the entire village was conscious.

However, as the distance increased, what Chen Mo perceived through the ghostly figure became increasingly blurry, far less clear than before.

"Sure enough, as the distance increases, my perception through the ghost shadow becomes increasingly blurred. Let me see what the limit is." Chen Mo instructed the ghost shadow to continue looking outwards.

As the ghostly figure moved about 100 meters away in a straight line, my perception of it became quite blurry.

Further away, everything became a blur; nothing could be seen or heard clearly.

Moreover, the connection between himself and the ghost was beginning to weaken.

Sudden……

The ghostly figure moved out of the ties and became completely undetectable.

"Pfft!"

Chen Mo suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, as if a portion of his strength and spirit had been drained away, leaving him extremely weak. His body swayed, and he almost lost his balance and collapsed to the ground.

"What's going on? I can't sense my shadow. Does it hurt that much? It feels like I've lost an important part of my body."

Chen Mo sat weakly in the chair, panting heavily, and it took him a while to recover.

He stood under the oil lamp again and found that there was no shadow under his feet.

"Huh? Where's my shadow?"

"Lost?"

How could it get lost?
I'm speechless.

Chen Mo was speechless for a while. He tried to summon the ghost back, but he could not sense it at all.

Just then, information about the ghost appeared on the panel.

[Ghost Curse Ability: Ghostly Appearance]

[Level: Beginner]

[Characteristics: Basic ghost abilities are limited, with a limited range of perception. Exiting this range will result in death. You have already lost one ghost; please use this skill with caution. Otherwise, it will harm your mental state.]

[Note: The Ghostly Shadow is the dark side of your Ghostly Curse, a shadow cast by the light, but it contains your soul's essence. Absorbing other Ghostly Shadows strengthens them, and as they grow stronger, you gain greater power.]

Chen Mo: "..."

I've already killed a ghost?
Are beginner-level ghosts really that easy to die from?
As the panel appeared, Chen Mo noticed that a shadow had reappeared beneath his feet.

The second ghost image, right?

That needs to be handled carefully; we can't let it wander off. The initial Ghost Shadow's effects are limited; we don't know if it will have other abilities once it becomes stronger.

Let's focus on practicing first.

Chen Mo then practiced using the Ghost Shadow technique until he mastered it. Only then did he stop. As long as Chen Mo didn't activate the Ghost Shadow, it was his normal shadow, without any abnormalities.

Chen Mo picked up the white jade pendant on the table to examine it.

"I'll find an opportunity to go to the Baicao Ancient Temple outside Qinghe Town and see that spirit infant attendant. Although it was Li Yuanlong who directly placed the spirit infant image in my Chen family ancestral hall, the mastermind is the spirit infant attendant behind it. We must nip this in the bud and get rid of it at the root. This person... cannot be allowed to live! Otherwise, my Chen family will be targeted again sooner or later."

"Furthermore, those who directly attacked the Red Lantern Temple on New Year's Day were the ghost infant and the madman, but that spirit infant attendant is the mastermind behind it all. I'd like to see what kind of person he is..."

Having made up his mind, Chen Mo put away the jade pendant and left Shoulu Manor under the cover of night.

……

The Lantern Festival ended the following morning.

The workers and managers who had asked for leave all returned, and the once quiet village became much more lively.

The most talked-about topic was the ghost story at Shouluzhuang, which people turned pale at the mere mention of it.

"Have you heard? A ghost baby has entered Shouluzhuang. Yuanzhu, Li Yuanlong, and Fangtian were all killed by the ghost baby."

"This little devil is too arrogant! How dare he sneak into our village and commit murder?! Isn't he afraid of offending the Red Lantern Goddess?"

"Shh! Say less. Chief Zhu is furious about this. After all, this is the first time in so many years that a ghost has entered the village and committed murder, and the one who died was the village chief. Chief Zhu feels he has lost face. He will probably be reprimanded by the Examination Hall. Let's keep a low profile these days."

"Yes, yes, yes."

"..."

Chen Mo was still fast asleep in the side room when Guo Ziyang woke him up early in the morning.

"Brother Chen, get up quickly. Your sister is calling you urgently."

Chen Mo got dressed and went outside. He saw Guo Ziyang looking anxious and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Did your sister say what it was about?"

Guo Ziyang lowered his voice and said, "Chief Zhu came over in person early this morning, and then left. Perhaps he had something to tell you."

Upon hearing that Zhu Qingfeng had come, Chen Mo quickly washed up, put on his coat, and hurried to the living room in the inner courtyard.

As soon as I entered, I saw Guo Ziyu and Guo Songyang sitting together, drinking tea and chatting, both with smiles on their faces.

Upon seeing Chen Mo, Guo Songyang tapped his pipe and said, "Manager Chen, you've come at the right time. Chief Zhu just personally delivered your robe, identity token, and corresponding monthly salary. Take a look."

Following the direction Guo Songyang's pipe pointed, Chen Mo saw a tray on the table next to him, with two exquisite robes on it.

He wore a yellow robe in one garment and a dark green robe in the other. He also wore a belt, a sachet hanging from it, and cloud-patterned boots. It was clear at a glance that the materials and workmanship were of excellent quality. Beside him lay an exquisite waist tag, engraved with Chen Mo's name and the steward's identity.

With this outfit, he would look extremely imposing walking around outside.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell at a glance that he was the head of the Red Lantern Bureau, and even government officials would treat him with utmost respect.

Guo Ziyu said, "We were originally going to assign you a jurisdiction and specific tasks. But Li Yuanlong died last night, which made the position of incense master vacant. So Uncle Guo and I suggested that you take on the position of incense master of Shoulu Village. Chief Zhu thought it was feasible, so he went back to discuss it with others. You should change into your ceremonial robes and come with us to the village's council hall in a little while to await your appointment."

Chen Mo smiled bitterly.

He really didn't want to be a temple master.

After all, the steward and the incense master are equivalent in rank, the difference being that the incense master has more real power and a higher status, but also more responsibilities. However, Chen Mo's initial purpose in coming to Black Mountain Stronghold was to practice martial arts and learn skills, so being a steward with a sinecure would be the best option.

Guo Ziyu seemed to see through Chen Mo's thoughts and explained, "Don't underestimate the position of the incense master. Although the incense master has a lot of miscellaneous tasks, the benefits are even greater. I was once an incense master myself, but later I retired from the front lines."

Chen Mo didn't mince words: "What are the benefits of becoming the head of the incense shop?"

Guo Ziyu said, "Firstly, the incense master has independent authority and can arrange his own people to go out and exorcise evil spirits. He can go to Qinghe Town to investigate and has more opportunities to make merit. Secondly, there is a special martial arts pavilion in the village, which contains not only Mingyu Gong but also other superior martial arts. The incense master's authority is much higher than that of the manager and he can view almost all martial arts techniques. If he makes merit, he will have a greater chance of promotion and may even have the opportunity to work in the Red Lantern Temple and spy on the Red Lantern Temple's martial arts pavilion."

Guo Songyang added, "The position of incense master is one that many people would kill for; it's a golden path. You're still young, and this is the perfect time for you to rise to the top. Don't let this opportunity slip by."

Merit and promotion are irrelevant; the main thing is to be able to learn more martial arts techniques and skills.

This is pretty good.

"Thank you for your help, Miss Ziyu."

Guo Ziyu said, "Many people are eyeing the position of the incense master of Shoulu Manor, but it's not certain that we can take it. Go change into your robes and come with us to the council hall."

Chen Mo nodded in agreement. He took the clothes and returned to his room, where he changed into the yellow robe.

He stood in front of the full-length mirror and examined himself. He looked very presentable and handsome, and the brocade pouch and waist tag added to his refined air. It was just that his dressing skills weren't as good as Qiulan's; they weren't as smooth.

After leaving the side room, they followed Guo Ziyu and Guo Songyang to the council hall of Black Mountain Village.

This was Chen Mo's first time in the council hall.

The council chamber is very impressive.

The hall resembled a bandit's den from a bygone era. A long table stood in the center, flanked by six chairs on each side. The seat of honor had three steps leading up to a grand, imposing armchair.

The one who took his seat in the grand master's chair was naturally Zhu Qingfeng.

Both sides were filled with people.

There was Han Fei, the head of the Gongdezhuang incense hall, a burly man with a bushy beard; and Wang Hansheng, the head of the Hongdengzhuang incense hall. There were also two deputy heads, one a middle-aged woman named Li Qiuhan, and the other a refined middle-aged man named Liu Junxi with an eagle perched on his shoulder.

Once everyone had arrived, Zhu Qingfeng gestured with his hands, "Yesterday, on the Lantern Festival, a ghost infant entered our stronghold and killed Li Yuanlong and his two disciples. This is something that has never happened in the decades since our stronghold was established. If word gets out, the managers of the other branches of the Red Lantern Clan will laugh at our incompetence. In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. I propose that Chen Mo take over as the incense master of Shoulu Village. Does anyone have any objections?"

The room fell silent as soon as he said that.

Generally speaking, once the chieftain speaks, no one will voice their objections.

Suddenly, a piercing sound rang out.

"Manager Chen is only sixteen years old; it's not appropriate for him to take over as the head of Shoulu Manor!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the one who spoke was Liu Junxi, the deputy hall master with an eagle perched on his shoulder.

Guo Songyang immediately stood up for Chen Mo: "Does Vice Hall Master Liu think that Steward Chen is not qualified to be the head of Shoulu Manor?"

Liu Junxi stroked the eagle on his shoulder and said indifferently, "I know that Steward Chen is highly regarded by Shao Siming, and even Cao Kun, the head of the Kaogong Hall, values ​​him. But being valued is one thing, and being able to become a branch leader is another. Our Red Lantern Gang has never had a precedent of someone becoming a branch leader at the age of sixteen. At such a young age, one is bound to be reckless and impulsive. If trouble arises, will you, Guo Songyang, take responsibility?"

Guo Songyang snorted, "Don't make excuses. You just want your eldest disciple to take over."

Liu Jun said, “My eldest disciple, Liu Wu, is thirty-six years old. He has been in the village for twenty years and has mastered the Preservation of Spirit Technique and the Bright Jade Skill at a young age. He has made countless contributions to the village, has been tested over time, and handles matters properly. Everyone has seen this. I am not being biased; I am just stating the facts.”

Guo Songyang fell silent.

He wanted to refute it, but he couldn't find a way to do so.

This is because what Liu Junxi said was true.

When Black Mountain Stronghold was first established, Liu Wu followed Liu Junxi. At that time, Liu Wu started as a low-level servant, working hard and diligently. Later, Liu Junxi became the deputy leader, and Liu Wu also became a manager. However, he did not have the position of incense master and was waiting for an opportunity.

In terms of both merit and seniority, Liu Wu far surpasses Chen Mo.

Now that Liu Junxi has publicly brought this up, no one can really refute it. Even Zhu Qingfeng can't openly refute it.

The atmosphere on the field became somber for a moment.

Liu Junxi stood up and bowed to Zhu Qingfeng, "Chief Zhu, when we first established the village, we were dirt poor. It was we who followed you, Chief Zhu, building it brick by brick, sweat by sweat, and through hard work. Liu Wu has been with the village for a full twenty years, never complaining. Even when the Red Lanterns later arranged for others to become incense masters, did I ever utter a single complaint? Did Liu Wu ever neglect his duties in the slightest? It's not that I'm trying to claim credit, but Liu Wu is already thirty-six years old. If he misses this opportunity, he will have wasted half his life. So I have to stand up and speak the truth."

Zhu Qingfeng rubbed his forehead, feeling quite troubled.

Just then, Liu Wu, a robust man of thirty-six years old wearing a yellow robe, stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Chief Zhu, if I were to become the head of Shoulu Village, I would definitely investigate the cause of Li Yuanlong's death. If it was truly the work of a ghost, I would certainly capture that ghost to comfort Li Yuanlong's spirit in heaven. I would also silence the gossips outside and prevent Zhu Qingfeng's reputation from being damaged."

Zhu Qingfeng was taken aback and said, "You don't think Li Yuanlong died at the hands of ghosts?"

Liu Wudao said, "I carefully examined the scene this morning. Yuanzhu did indeed die at the hands of a ghost, but Fangtian was stabbed in the temple with chopsticks. Li Yuanlong died by stabbing himself in the chest with a dagger. The cause of death is extremely complicated. I judge that the possibility of human intervention cannot be ruled out, and a detailed investigation is still needed."

These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion among the audience.

Chen Mo's heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, "This Liu Wu is quite astute. Originally, I wasn't really determined to get this position as the head of the incense hall. But since you've said so, how could I let you become the head of the incense hall? What if you actually find out something? That would be terrible!"
Just as Zhu Qingfeng was in a dilemma, Chen Mo stepped forward, cupped his hands to Zhu Qingfeng, and said, "Chief Zhu, I would like to say a few words."

Zhu Qingfeng was in a dilemma at the moment, and wished Chen Mo would step forward and say a few words. "Alright. There are no outsiders here, so just speak your mind."

Chen Mo cupped his hands in greeting to everyone present and said, "What Vice Hall Master Liu said just now is undoubtedly true. I also greatly admire Steward Liu Wu's contributions to our village. Logically speaking, I shouldn't be vying for this position of incense master, after all, I'm still young, and a few more years wouldn't be a problem. But I have received a favor from Shao Siming and bear her expectations on my shoulders. If I can't even secure the position of incense master, then I would be disgracing Shao Siming."

After saying that, Chen Mo turned to Liu Wu and said, "Since Manager Liu Wu is so confident in his abilities, then... let's see who's the best. Manager Liu Wu and I will have a public fight, and the one who is the most capable will win. I think everyone will agree to that. Manager Liu, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this, all the managers turned to look at Chen Mo, their faces showing surprise. They probably hadn't expected the sixteen-year-old Chen Mo to have such courage, daring to challenge the thirty-six-year-old manager, Liu Wu.

Liu Wu glanced at Chen Mo from head to toe, then agreed, "Manager Chen is indeed an upright man. You have your reasons for not backing down, and so do I. Let's see who's the best!"

After saying that, Liu Wu and Chen Mo both looked at the person in the upper seat.

After all, it's not enough for just the two of them to agree; Chief Zhu also needs to give his approval.

Zhu Qingfeng squinted at Chen Mo and asked Liu Junxi, "Liu Junxi, what do you think?"

Liu Jun's face was full of smiles.

Others might not know Liu Wu's strength, but he did. Liu Wu had recently reached the fifth level of the Inner Strength realm, possessing extraordinary talent. His Spiritual Energy ratio was also eight-tenths, surpassing Li Yuanlong in both spiritual and Inner Strength.

This is a genius he personally mentored.

How could Chen Mo be a match for him?
Liu Wu is determined to get this leader.

Thinking of this, Liu Junxi couldn't help but praise Chen Mo, "Manager Chen is truly upright and honest. The position of incense master should rightfully be filled by the capable. I have no objection."

Zhu Qingfeng then made the decision, "That's settled then. Swords have no eyes, and injuries are inevitable. I will intervene when necessary. Just show me what you're capable of."

The council chamber is quite spacious, with the long table more than 20 meters away from the entrance, making it a good place to get things done.

Chen Mo and Liu Wu stood ten meters apart, each holding a knife, staring at each other. The atmosphere was heavy, and you could hear a pin drop.

"Manager Chen, please."

"Manager Liu, please."

Clang!

Liu Wu suddenly drew his sword and charged fiercely at Chen Mo like a wild beast. Each step he took shook the earth, and the wind howled on both sides. His raised sword, imbued with the true energy of five levels of internal martial arts, swept across the sky and slashed towards Chen Mo with unstoppable force.

Liu Wu had waited twenty years for this strike!
His mentor, Liu Junxi, had told him before: Opportunity only favors the prepared mind. Before the opportunity arrives, the only thing to do is hone your skills and lower your expectations. Once the opportunity comes, it will be the time to rise to the top, and then you can let your dreams take flight.

He waited a full twenty years for the position of a temple master.

While others spend ten years honing their skills, he spent twenty years sharpening his blade.

At this moment, the long sword was drawn, its sharpness like a rainbow, its power unstoppable.

With his will, ambition, aspirations... and that glorious future.

The day we've been waiting for has finally arrived.

He knew that today belonged to him.

In an instant, the domineering blade was already right in front of Chen Mo's face. He saw the hope of victory and a bright future.

However, the boy before him showed no panic, not even a hint of drawing his sword. Those calm, composed eyes… were too calm. This made Liu Wu feel somewhat uneasy. But he remained confident in his blade and, without hesitation, slashed forward.

"too slow!"

When the long sword was a foot away, Chen Mo finally spoke, his body swaying and disappearing from the spot, vanishing from Liu Wu's sight.

"not good!"

Liu Wu immediately felt a chill run down his spine. He realized instantly that there was nothing behind him, so he quickly sheathed his sword and turned around to slash.

However, when he tried his best to turn around and slash, he only saw Chen Mo's afterimage.

The afterimage flashed and disappeared again, and Chen Mo's cold voice rang out behind him once more.

"His thinking is sharp, but he's still too slow."

what?
Liu Wu turned around and slashed again.

The result was that nothing changed.

In this way, Liu Wu kept spinning around in place, turning back to slash wildly, his true energy raging, overturning the blue bricks on the ground, and sending sand and stones flying. But he still couldn't see Chen Mo's figure.

The once lively scene quieted down.

Even a fool could see that Chen Mo's speed was far superior to Liu Wu's; they were simply not on the same level.

Liu Jun's smile vanished, replaced by shock. He thought to himself: This child is only sixteen years old, yet he is so monstrous. He has probably already reached the sixth level of martial arts. Even I might not be his match.

He initially thought Chen Mo's challenge to a duel was presumptuous and youthful arrogance.

Only now do I realize: the clown was myself...

Chief Zhu was secretly amazed: What a young man! No wonder he was chosen by Shao Siming. Even if I used all my strength, I would need to use half of my power to suppress him.

Guo Songyang and Guo Ziyu were both surprised when they saw it.

They watched Chen Mo improve in martial arts, especially Guo Ziyu, who personally taught Chen Mo martial arts and the art of preserving his spirit. She vaguely remembered that when Chen Mo first entered the Fortune and Misfortune Manor a month ago, he had only just learned the true internal martial arts, and his first level of internal martial arts was not even stable.

Only a month has passed, and this boy has already grown to this extent.

Terrifying!
"Ahhh!"

At this moment, Liu Wu, who was already confused and frustrated, shouted, "If you have the guts, stop dodging and come out to fight me head-on!"

The moment he finished speaking, Chen Mo stopped and stood in front of Liu Wu.

Liu Wu finally saw Chen Mo's true form for the first time. He gripped his broadsword tightly, panting heavily. "You are extremely fast, I am not as fast as you. But if you keep dodging, then the battle is not over. Eventually, we will have to draw our swords."

Chen Mo said, "Okay."

Clang!

The boy drew his sword.

He took a bold step forward.

Boom!

The earth shattered and collapsed by more than half a foot, with rolling waves of air sending countless grains of sand and gravel flying.

The next moment, the young man stepped forward with the Fuyang style, rushing towards Liu Wu like a dragon and a tiger, his rolling true energy sweeping in all directions like a tornado.

Liu Wumo didn't even try to resist; just seeing such a terrifying aura terrified him. He knew he should give up, but he was unwilling to lose the opportunity he had waited twenty years for. So he gritted his teeth, channeled all his true energy into his broadsword, and raised it to resist.

when!
Chen Mo's blade struck the opponent's blade hard.

Without any sign of resistance, with a loud "boom," Liu Wu was slammed to the ground like a sandbag, then slid wildly backward. He smashed through a table, broke a wooden beam, smashed through windows and doors, and finally flew out of the courtyard, crashing violently into the artificial hill.

The artificial hill suddenly shattered into countless fragments, which scattered in all directions.

Wherever it passed, it left a striking burnt mark on the ground, which was more than five zhang (approximately 10 meters) wide.

Liu Wu was lying on the other side of Chihen, coughing up blood, while Chen Mo stood upright on the other side of Chihen, holding a knife.

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.: I added an extra chapter during the day, but I'm out of drafts. I'm still writing the next chapter. Update at noon.
(End of this chapter)