A master of comedy!

Fangxiangshi is a very ancient deity, whose worship can even be traced back to the legend of Momu guarding the souls of the dead during the time of the Yellow Emperor.

The "Summer Official" section of the Rites of Zhou records that "the Fangxiangshi is in charge of wearing a bear skin, with four golden eyes, a black robe and a red skirt, holding a spear and a shield, leading a hundred servants to search houses and drive away plagues during times of difficulty."

This deity has an extremely terrifying appearance and can drive away all ghosts and plague gods. It appears in many shamanistic rituals.

Legend has it that Emperor Zhuanxu had three sons who, after their deaths, transformed into plague demons, causing havoc in the region. So, shamans would perform Nuo operas, impersonating Fangxiangshi, to drive them away.

Therefore, later dynasties held year-end sacrificial rites, which were large-scale activities to drive away plagues and ghosts, also known as the Great Nuo.

The Ghost King who walks at the very front of the ceremony is Fang Xiangshi. It is said that any demon or monster will be terrified and its soul will be scattered when it is looked at by his four eyes.

At this moment, Zhou Sheng looked at the four eyes on the golden mask and felt a chill run down his spine.

It felt as if my very soul was trembling, enveloped by an inexplicable fear.

However, he possessed a tenacious will honed through countless hardships and dangers, and the refreshing soup greatly enhanced his spiritual energy, so he only felt a moment of fear before immediately regaining his composure.

At the same time, he seemed to be deep in thought, realizing that the function of this Fangxiangshi mask must be related to fear.

In the pitch-black and mysterious ghost market, Fang Xiangshi and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva looked at each other, both sensing each other's extraordinary nature.

"I never expected... even Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has appeared in the world."

Fang Xiangshi's voice was low and hoarse, clearly a deliberate act of pretense.

"May I ask what you bought from Old Ghost?"

He took a sudden step closer, and the four eyes on his golden mask seemed to gleam with an eerie light, as if a ferocious beast was approaching, giving people a tremendous sense of oppression.

An invisible pressure caused Zhou Sheng's pupils to constrict, and a wave of fear washed over him.

But he was prepared, his mind as firm as a rock, unmoved by the onslaught of fear, while the mask on his face gradually transformed into a fierce and ruthless expression.

The Buddha's eyes, which were originally filled with compassion, seemed to be illuminated by karmic fire, and a murderous intent pierced to the bone.

The Vajra is wrathful, it only kills and does not save!

Fang Xiangshi stopped abruptly, tilting his head slightly as he curiously examined Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

"Look again, and I'll gouge your eyes out."

Zhou Sheng's voice was cold and deep, filled with a chilling aura, and no longer showed any politeness.

The other party was not reckless. Their actions just now seemed rash, but they were actually testing his strength and probing his true intentions.

If one cannot withstand the power of that fear, one's true nature will be completely exposed, and it is even possible that... one will not be able to return to the human world.

Each mask has its own function, and it's impossible for the other party not to be curious about the abilities of the hidden masks.

More importantly, Zhou Sheng sensed an extremely sinister and dangerous aura emanating from this person. He didn't seem like a deity who drove away plague demons and protected the night, but rather a sorcerer who commanded all ghosts and wreaked havoc on the world.

In short, he doesn't seem like a good person.

"What a fierce Bodhisattva! My apologies."

Fang Xiangshi was wary of the Vajra-like killing face and finally stopped going forward.

Zhou Sheng activated the Ksitigarbha Mask, conveying his desire to return. The next moment, ripples appeared in the void around him, and his figure slowly disappeared.

Fang Xiangshi stared silently at the spot where Zhou Sheng had disappeared for a moment before stepping into the Old Ghost's Abode.

"Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva... that's interesting."

……

In the room, Zhou Sheng suddenly opened his eyes.

Looking at the familiar walls and furnishings around him, he reached out and removed the Ksitigarbha mask from his face, letting out a long breath.

The city lord once said that among all those who have obtained the mask, he is the weakest in terms of cultivation.

This statement didn't seem to be a lie. The Fang Xiangshi who had just spoken had exerted an extremely strong pressure on Zhou Sheng, and his cultivation was definitely above Zhou Sheng's. Even if he hadn't undergone tribulation, he was probably already at the sixth level.

If it weren't for the intimidating presence of the Ksitigarbha mask, it might not have been able to subdue the opponent.

My skills are still not enough!

Thinking of this, Zhou Sheng frowned slightly. There was indeed Eight Merits Water in the Old Ghost's Shop, but he didn't expect it to have been bought by the previous customer.

This thwarted his plans.

Fortunately, as the saying goes, "the flowers you plant with care may not bloom, but the willows you plant without intention may thrive." He obtained the Screen Opening Immortal Cave Stone, which made up for his regret of not having a storage magic treasure.

"The stones of Mount Tai, the essence of the two energies, were carved into a cave. When called upon, they produced sounds, and celestial boys and girls, celestial music and celestial sounds, brought wine, set out a feast, and when used, they took on forms; when withdrawn, they returned to their original forms..."

As Zhou Sheng silently recited the incantation to open the immortal cave, a beam of clear light shot out from the immortal stone once again, engulfing him.

In the blink of an eye, he entered the cave. This time, the golden boys and jade maidens all stepped forward to kowtow, showing utmost respect.

"Welcome back to the manor, Master!"

Zhou Sheng asked them to prepare a feast, and he enjoyed himself immensely. He found the food delicious and the wine fragrant. Although it could not enhance his cultivation, it was still a great pleasure.

After eating and drinking his fill, he went to the hot spring behind the screen and began to experience the sacred spring.

According to the old ghost, this warm water has the effect of strengthening the body and helping to break through the fifth barrier and open the body's orifices.

After lying naked inside, he immediately felt his pores relax, every muscle and tendon loosen, and he felt incredibly comfortable, his whole body going limp.

Ah, that feels so good!

A strange power slowly flowed into my limbs and bones, nourishing my body and blood, as if I were bathing in a medicinal soup.

After soaking for only a short while, a satisfied smile appeared on Zhou Sheng's face.

That hundred strings of cash was worth it!

What a wonderful spring! Besides nourishing the body, it can also heal injuries. If you have any old or hidden injuries, soaking in this spring will not only cure them immediately, but will at least make you feel much better.

Excellent value for money.

Zhou Sheng couldn't help but feel even more curious about the old ghost. How did he manage to collect so many treasures? And why was he selling them to others?

Besides replenishing magical power, what other secrets does the incense money hold?
Of course, the greatest curiosity lies with Lao Gui himself, this mysterious shopkeeper, who probably has an extremely astonishing background and story.

Perhaps because soaking in the hot spring was so comfortable, Zhou Sheng couldn't help but feel sleepy as he thought about it.

Since the water wouldn't get cold anyway, and it was his own cave dwelling, Zhou Sheng didn't resist the drowsiness and slowly drifted off to sleep.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but in a hazy state, he suddenly felt a cool hand gently touch his back.

In an instant, Zhou Sheng suddenly woke up and frowned, saying, "Didn't I tell you not to serve me?"

The hand was gently massaging his back; the skin on the palm was delicate and smooth, clearly belonging to a woman.

They must be the two jade maidens in the cave.

"Get out!"

He gave the order, but the slender hand on his back continued to rub, even reaching around his neck to caress his broad chest.

Her long, black hair cascaded down her shoulders.

It seemed as if a woman leaned her head over and whispered in his ear from behind, her hot red lips exhaling a fragrant breath, carrying a hint of teasing and playfulness.

"Little guy, you've got quite the assets."

...(End of this chapter)