Chapter 83: The Faint Echo of a Cough

Chapter 83: The Faint Echo of a Cough

Was this Huanggang Village?

Miles glanced around, his gaze wavering as he took in the villages landscape while journeying down the primary access route.

The entirety of Huanggang Village felt like a blend of antiquity and modernity.

The front part of the village was adorned with recently constructed rural villas, pleasing to the eyes. Yet, the latter half was dotted with aged homes, some made of earth, others wooden structures over a century old. These ancient homes were a mix of occupied and deserted. Some housed the elderly, while others lay abandoned with dilapidated windows, semi-open doors, and interiors so dark that they defied the intrusion of sunlight.

An uncanny vibe enveloped the area.

But then, that wasnt unexpected.

This was a typical scene in many villages. The discomfort only set in when the thought of a real ghost lingering in such a place crossed ones mind.

Hello, Rain? Miles thought it best to gather some information, so he dialed his satellite phone.

Miles, good timing on your part. There were some loose ends from our previous conversation. Regarding Zhao Kai Mings files, his psychological profile seems concerning. Hes probably difficult to work with. Be cautious. Avoid conflicts if you can. After all, hell be your colleague, Rain answered, referencing a file on Zhao Kai Ming.

Youre a bit late with this advice. Zhao Kai Ming has already stirred trouble, and frankly, I cant stand having him as a colleague, Miles retorted. Currently, Im in a place called Huanggang Village, on the outskirts of Dachang City. There have been rumors of supernatural occurrences here. Do we have any records of this place?

Ill do my best to assist, but my access is limited. I can only ask a fellow worker to look it up, Rain replied.

And who does have access? questioned Miles.

Rain answered, You do. As soon as you take over Dachang City, youll gain access to those records. This includes not only the accounts of paranormal activity but also the details of other ghost tamers.

Alright, do your best to find those records for me. If you succeed, send them immediately. Also, once this situation is resolved, Id like to join HQ. Could you facilitate that? Miles inquired.

Though dealing with supernatural incidents at HQ could be perilous, if he managed to control a second ghost and postpone the revival of the fearsome one this time around, he might consider joining.

The perks of leadership were significant, allowing for substantial flexibility in managing operations.

Indeed, it was a goal worth pursuing.

When Miles revealed his aspiration to join HQ, Rain responded with enthusiasm, Once you give your consent, I can quickly set up a meeting for you. Following a brief training period and a psychological evaluation, you could assume your new position. It should take about a week.

That sounds acceptable, but my intention is to succeed Zhao Kai Ming as the leader of Dachang City, Miles clarified.

That thats not within my jurisdiction. Its a decision for the higher-ups, Rain responded.

And if Dachang City were to lose its city head? Miles probed.

If a city head is absent, priority is usually given to a local, Rain explained. Suddenly understanding his implication, she exclaimed, You cant act rashly! Im not fully aware of your disagreement with Zhao Kai Ming, but it shouldnt cause conflict. The overall objective must be kept in mind.

Dont worry, I have the bigger picture in mind. Also, dont forget to check the records for me. This paranormal event falls under your responsibility too. At the moment, Im working for free. Its only fair you assist me, Miles reasoned.

Youre right. Ill help you as much as I can. Indeed, resolving the paranormal issues is our top priority, Rain agreed, nodding affirmatively.

Good. Well speak again later. Unless its essential, try not to call me. Ive already arrived in Huanggang Village, and a ghost encounter could happen at any time. With that, Miles abruptly hung up.

Miles observed that none of the Cockroach Club members seemed to consider this. He wondered whether it had not occurred to them, or if they merely dismissed it due to their strength in numbers.

Ill familiarize myself with the surroundings and find a place to lodge, he resolved internally.

He promptly embarked on a walk around the village with his luggage, learning about the layout of the area, familiarizing himself with the roads, and remaining alert to any peculiarities.

Miles, do you mind a quick chat? Zhang Han from the Cockroach Club had separated from the others and approached him.

Miles turned to face him, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Zhang Han? Whats up?

Zhang Han greeted him with a smile. Its evident that you cant tackle this paranormal event on your own. What if we join forces, collaborate? Whats your take on it?

Why not look to your club members for assistance? Why approach me? Miles questioned, resuming his stroll.

I believe in partnering with the most competent. Truth be told, you outshine the others. I reckon wed have the best shot at success if we teamed up, Zhang Han proposed earnestly.

Miles countered, Its premature to make that call. Were here on the whispers of a paranormal incident. I cant validate whether a ghost truly exists here. The ghost could have deserted the village by now, considering their mobility.

If a ghost indeed inhabits this place, then we can discuss teaming up.

Zhang Han offered an awkward chuckle, saying, Thats fair enough.

Suddenly, in the midst of their conversation, a frail, wheezing cough resonated from behind them. It sounded alarmingly close as if someone critically ill were right behind them.

Whos there?

The sound prompted Zhang Han to break into a cold sweat. As he spun around, though, he found no one in sight.

All that lay before him was a decrepit wooden house in the direction of the sound.

The house, seemingly deserted, was in poor shape, with the majority of the roof tiles caved in and half the front door missing. The interior was dark and damp, looking so inhospitable that not even domestic animals or stray dogs would choose to seek refuge in it.

Are we this unlucky? Zhang Han mumbled under his breath.

Miless gaze flickered subtly before he approached the wooden house and kicked the door open.

With a resounding crash, the decrepit door, weakened by age, fell to the ground, revealing the interior.

Inside, save for overgrown weeds, the place was desolate.

No ones here? The corners of Miless mouth tightened slightly.

Could it be a ghost? Zhang Han queried.

Im not sure. I didnt sense any danger. It might have just been an old man passing by who coughed. This village is riddled with tiny paths, and its quite typical for villagers to wander by. Getting scared over nothing will just stir up our own fears, Miles said. You shouldnt trail behind me any longer. If there truly is a ghost here, come and alert me. Only then will I contemplate forming an alliance with you.

Miles had never planned to confront the ghost single-handedly. Hed purposefully kept the club members informed so he could utilize a strategy of using them as bait for the ghost while he remained unseen. Thus, he had no intention of leading the attack.

Since youve put it that way, I wont press further. Best of luck, then, Feeling a wave of discomfort about the area, Zhang Han made a hasty retreat.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om