Book 6: Chapter 14: Madwoman

Book 6: Chapter 14: Madwoman

Translators note:

Sorry for the slow update. Currently on business trip.

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The new town was constructed over the kiln facility. Was this related to the appearance of those spirits within the town?

If it was as Ruan Zhan judged, everything currently happening in the new town was related to some case where many people had died unjustly. Furthermore, the timing should be within the decade. For something so major to happen recently, something was definitely wrong if the world didnt know about it due to how quickly information can spread in modern times.

If someone intentionally covered things up and fooled the populace, asking around would definitely be useless. It might even result in obstruction or violence as the interests of certain parties were threatened.

There might be no records or files either. Even if there were written accounts, they were probably top secret. Although Ruan Zhan had left some invisibility talismans behind, Wan Li didnt wish to start the investigation this way. Digging through files without any general guidelines would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Finding such evidence was something he should do at the end.

Furthermore, the ability required to cover up the death of so many people would be extraordinary. Only someone high up in society would be able to do it. This meant that the mayor who was widely praised might very well be involved! Unless Si Ma Nan had brought those resentful spirits over from elsewhere. But Ruan Zhan had said that even if the theoretical tragedy occurred elsewhere, it couldnt be too far from here. There must be some evidence to be found in town.

Where should he begin?

Wan Li walked as he pondered. He had already left that restaurant and had been wandering the streets for a while. To others, he looked like he was admiring the unique scenery of northern towns. In reality, he was pondering how he could investigate matters related to the supernatural events within the new town.

Gotta tell you something! He was walking along when suddenly a hand grabbed his left arm. At the same time, an aged voice wormed into his ear.

His defensive instincts caused him to grab the hand on his arm as he prepared to throw the ambusher to the ground. Yet in that moment, he saw the persons face and his movements came to a forced halt.

It was all Si Ma Nans fault. If it werent for him being a hidden threat, Wan Li wouldnt be so on edge, reacting violently to the slightest thing. He almost injured someone!

This was Wan Lis first thought. He next wondered who the elderly person in front of him was. Why did she look at him fervently and excitedly, as if they had known each other for many years?

She was an old woman in her sixties. She was tanned and her white hair was a little messy. She was tall and skinny. Her hands were very large with protruding joints. Her palm was rough, clearly having done years of physical labor.

Gotta tell you something. She repeated mysteriously. Its true, my son came to see me last night again! Dont you know? My son is famous for his filial piety in this region. Of course he would come see me. Oh, he still looks the same as before. He hasnt changed in all these years. Even his face

Madwoman! Before the elder could finish speaking, a middle-aged woman rushed over. She pulled at the old woman while smiling apologetically at Wan Li. Sorry, mister. Madwoman has some issues here. She pointed at her own head.

Madwoman? Wan Li was a little surprised.

After it opened, nothing happened for a while. It was just pitch black outside and a slight breeze swept in from the hallway. It was the end of summer. Wan Li was afraid of the heat so his upper body was bare and uncovered. The night wind actually felt a little chilly. Goosebumps rose up all over his body and he became slightly more awake.

Was it a thief or a ghost?

He remained still, waiting silently.

After another while, a head slowly poked out from the doorway. The face couldnt be seen in the dark but he felt it was a woman due to the long, thick hair. Since she was tilting her head around the doorway, the hair trailed to the floor as if growing out of it.

Seeing that Wan Li wasnt moving, the woman at the door slowly walked inside. She took very small steps, as if she wasnt able to split her legs apart. She shuffled over to the bed but her steps didnt make any noise at all!

Only when she got close did Wan Li realize this woman was very tall, and so skinny she just seemed to be a large skeletal frame. Her hair completely covered her face and only her eyes shone with white light, seeming very sinister!

She hesitated before the bed for a while before actually climbing into it. Because Wan Li slept closer to the wall, she directly laid down next to him. The moment she got on the bed she stuck to him, her limbs winding tightly around him.

Her whole body was cold like a block of ice, making Wan Li shiver involuntarily. Yet he still gritted his teeth and didnt move. He felt that womans hand feeling about his body. Her long nails were like iron spikes that carved across his bare flesh, making him feel stinging pain.

Slowly, her hand reached over his waist and across his flat stomach, finally landing on his sturdy chest. After circling for a bit, she made a digging gesture.

Wan Li grabbed her wrist. Are you trying to be Ancient Tomb Spirit Nie Xiao Qian? But why is your seduction technique really mediocre? Didnt that Granny Fiend teach you properly?

The female ghost wailed and tried to use her other hand to attack Wan Li. However, that hand was already pressed under his body and she wasnt able to pull it out after a couple attempts.

Youre going to leave? You havent extracted my blood essence yet. Wan Li sat up nimbly, holding both her wrists with one hand. How can there be someone so unprofessional?

The female ghost struggled desperately. She was actually very strong and got free of Wan Lis grip, swiftly escaping towards the door. This time she no longer moved quietly. She made a loud thump while squeaking like a mouse at the same time.

It was a signal. As she cried out, two large fiends with pale faces and fangs squeezed into the narrow room. They roared and rushed over.

Clang!

Wan Li had pulled out a baseball bat from somewhere that blocked the fiends metal rods!

Now Im confused. Arent you ghosts? Why would you use such common objects? You should at least float around for me to see! He spoke teasingly, then forced his opponents weapons aside. He deftly took a step forward and his bat struck one of the fiends legs, making it kneel with a tragic cry.

No need to stand on such ceremony. Go back and tell Si Ma Nan that even though I dont approve of violence, it doesnt mean Im helpless against it.

Word for crazy/insane in Chinese is feng. The term Madwoman can also be translated as Lady Feng.