The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.
Chapter 568 Ghostly Affairs
?Villain Ch 568. Ghostly Affairs
The group continued their eerie journey through the emperor's tomb, following the ghostly breadcrumbs left by Mei Ling. The spectral figure, whether in the form of a woman or ethereal whips, guided them with otherworldly grace, pointing the way forward. The occasional bloodstains in the shape of a palm served as a macabre yet effective trail marker, confirming their path through the labyrinthine corridors.
As they moved deeper into the dungeon, the ambiance shifted, and the surroundings seemed to pulse with a quiet energy. The air became heavy, charged with the residual emotions of the trapped concubine.
Their journey took an unexpected turn when they stumbled upon a delicate bracelet lying in the middle of the corridor. Its intricate design hinted at an imperial origin, now tainted with a faint trace of blood. The group halted, exchanging puzzled looks as they pondered the significance of this newfound artifact.
Bella broke the silence. "What's with the bracelet? Is this another clue from our ghostly guide?"
Alice went down to examine the bracelet. "It could be. Maybe it belonged to Mei Ling. The blood suggests a connection to her tragic fate."
Jane added, "Perhaps it marks a significant event or a key location. We should keep an eye out for any changes in the surroundings."
Curiously, he crouched. Allen's fingertips brushed against the delicate bracelet. Soon, a haunting melody of sorrow echoed through the corridor. The sobbing cadence intertwined with Mei Ling's words as she expressed the profound betrayal that had shattered her world.
"I don't understand," Mei Ling's voice quivered. "Why did you drug me, Lian Feng? Hand me over to the royal soldiers?" The anguish in her tone was palpable, a poignant reflection of her shattered trust.
Quickly, he shook off his thought and returned his attention to the quest. "Let's get moving," Allen uttered, his voice devoid of any visible reaction. The others exchanged silent glances, realizing that Allen's stoicism concealed a depth of understanding and empathy.
Silently, the group fell into step behind Allen, a tacit acknowledgment passing among them. The shared understanding of betrayal. He had faced the sting of broken trust and walked a path woven with emotional threads.
Respecting the unspoken resonance of Allen, the others followed suit, their footfalls echoing in the silence. Allen's stoicism became a beacon, a silent guide through the labyrinth.
The once vivid trail left by Mei Ling began to wane. Where her ghostly figure once led the way with clarity, now only the soft tremor of sobs and the distant melody of a haunting hum remained.
Navigating by the faint traces of Mei Ling's grief became a challenge. What had started as distinct apparitions now manifested as elusive whispers that echoed through the corridors. The party found themselves ensnared in a symphony of melancholy, the dissonance of the ghost's lamentation disorienting them at every turn.
Each step forward was met with uncertainty. The team, now more reliant on intuition than the fading trail, faced the unnerving prospect of taking wrong turns. Twice, they found themselves retracing their steps, the haunting echoes of Mei Ling's voice leading them astray.
At each intersection, the absence of guidance left the group in a state of hesitation.
Alice threw her hands up in frustration, mirroring her annoyance. "Why is this getting harder? Can't she just give us clear directions, like, turn here or there? She wants to be found, right?"
Bella let out an exasperated huff. "Come on. She's a ghost. I don't think she's capable of logical thinking. It's not like she's giving us a GPS route to her corpse or anything."
Zoe chimed in, her eyebrows raised. "Well, that ghost is dumb enough to think Allen is Lian Feng. So... I don't think she has the intelligence for that kind of thing."
Shea interjected, "But we should be getting closer, right? I mean, last time we got her bracelet. That should count for something, remember?"