Chapter 270: The Madman

Xiao Su, the constable, suddenly changed in temperament. The Jiangshi corpse broke free from control and turned feral, biting back at its master. This sudden chain of events left Yao Xingliu, Xiao Yue, and Li Chong stunned, their expressions frozen in shock and disbelief.

What exactly had happened?

How could this be?

Why had the Jiangshi, which moments ago was unstoppable, its punches capable of bringing down mountains, suddenly halted its assault, gone mad, and turned violently against its handler?

Could this be related to Xiao Su’s sudden transformation, his aura merging with heaven and earth, resembling that of a deity?

Everything had happened too abruptly, too bizarrely, beyond even what Meng Qi himself had anticipated, leaving the entire scene in stunned silence.

Near the courtyard, dark clouds swirled, the moon emerged from behind the clouds, casting a cold, serene glow upon the earth.

So this truly was the Ningzhou Great Hero… Meng Qi calmed the emotional turbulence caused by his “Heaven-Shaking, Earth-Shattering Method,” filled with admiration.

Even though the Ningzhou Great Hero had become a half-human, half-ghost Jiangshi, his memories erased, leaving only fragmented remnants deep within his mind, causing impaired intellect and major mental vulnerabilities—making Meng Qi’s “Heaven-Shaking, Earth-Shattering Method” effective in awakening those memory fragments—it was still a genuine Jiangshi. Originally, his mind had been as firm as a rock, his spirit vast as the sea. Even now, at the very least, some natural defenses remained, like even a broken-down ship still having three nails intact. Thus, when Meng Qi’s technique struck, it triggered a backlash, causing a counterattack that left Meng Qi’s blood and energy unsettled, his head spinning.

Were it not for the special circumstances, against any ordinary Jiangshi, or even a Half-Step expert, or a practitioner at the Eight or Nine Apertures level with a formidable will, Meng Qi’s current mastery of the “Heaven-Shaking, Earth-Shattering Method” would have been utterly ineffective.

With a sidelong glance at Yao Xingliu, Xiao Yue, and the others, Meng Qi took a deep breath and sighed, “A ‘living corpse’ crafted from a Jiangshi master—how could an Open-Aperture practitioner possibly control it? No wonder he was devoured and met his end.”

He attributed the entire Ningzhou Great Hero incident to the meat patty… no, the meat paste. After all, the dead could not speak. Moreover, this was indeed part of the truth, Meng Qi’s heartfelt words. If the corpse-handler hadn’t feared retaliation and thus avoided controlling the Ningzhou Great Hero, he wouldn’t have needed to knock on the door and observe first before personally intervening.

Perhaps this was specially granted to him to complete this mission, something he himself couldn’t control—just like how the Ningzhou Great Hero had actively saved him earlier…

Meng Qi’s mind eased slightly. He glanced at the other motionless Jiangshi beside him and slashed with the “Heaven’s Scar,” sending electric serpents dancing through the air, striking the Jiangshi that couldn’t dodge in time.

The Jiangshi with its tongue dangling from its throat was engulfed in crackling electricity, black qi steaming from its body, quickly dispelling its sinister aura, returning to its original state—a mere ordinary corpse. With a thud, it collapsed to the ground.

“This is a disciple of the Impermanence Sect,” Yao Xingliu finally recalled the martial arts origin of the corpse-handler, regaining his composure. “He practiced the ‘Celestial Corpse Art,’ not one of their core techniques.”

Of course I know it’s a disciple of the Impermanence Sect… Meng Qi thought smugly, glancing at the crater occupying half the courtyard. At its bottom lay a puddle of flesh paste mixed with blood and torn clothes; the Mountain-Shifting Seal and Corpse-Driving Staff were reduced to dust, leaving no trace to follow.

Meng Qi had originally intended to take the lead, planning to interrogate the corpse-handler about Lao Zhongtou’s true origins. But now, seeing the situation, he could only sigh helplessly—clues had vanished; blood and mud could not speak…

Was Lao Zhongtou at odds with the Impermanence Sect, or had he obtained the “Heavenly Demon Art” from one of these mysterious Nine Evil Paths?

His ability to raise and control corpses strongly suggested a connection to the Impermanence Sect, though this might not necessarily relate to the origin of the “Heavenly Demon Art.”

Reflecting on this, Meng Qi resumed his smile and approached Xiao Yue: “Madam Xiao, you previously said you had a history with Lao Zhongtou and left something here. Could you elaborate?”

Xiao Yue looked at Xiao Su, the smiling constable who seemed harmless, recalling his divine-like aura moments ago and the way he had defeated both her and the corpse-handler. Her heart trembled, her breath quickened.

After a moment’s hesitation, she murmured, “I was originally a courtesan from a pleasure house, skilled only in sword-dancing to entertain others. But later I met Lao Zhongtou. He took a liking to me, rescued me from that life, and taught me powerful martial arts, secretly helping me become one of the influential figures in Yangxia.”

As she spoke, her expression unconsciously softened.

“A few years ago, he told me he would begin cultivating a martial art that could quickly heal his foundational injuries, allowing him to break through the threshold within two or three years, opening the life-and-death passageway and taking a crucial step forward. It could also restore his youth and prolong his lifespan…”

Meng Qi feigned ignorance: “You mean the martial art that erodes flesh, bones, and meridians?”

This aligned with his suspicions. Old Zhong had only recently begun practicing the “Heavenly Demon Art” and might have just barely reached the Half-Step Jiangshi level. As for the scarred man’s fear, it was probably because in the past, when his own strength was still weak, he couldn’t assess Old Zhong’s true depth. After opening his Nine Apertures, Old Zhong was nearly at the Half-Step Jiangshi stage, and with the “traps” concealed in his techniques as well as his own psychological weaknesses, the scarred man had naturally been manipulated by Old Zhong.

What he hadn’t expected was that Lao Zhongtou had been held back for years due to hidden injuries that had ruined his foundation.

“Yes,” Xiao Yue’s expression darkened. “The first year was fine, but later his temperament changed, becoming increasingly cruel and erratic, dark and terrifying. He no longer showed me the affection he once had. Forced by circumstances, I sought protection from a senior official of the True Martial Sect, and our relationship deteriorated. I haven’t come here in nearly two years. I never expected something like this to happen.”

Yao Xingliu curled his lips in disdain at the mention of the official.

Meng Qi nodded slightly. In the Six Doors’ secret records, Xiao Yue’s martial arts had suddenly advanced due to a fortunate encounter. Her current explanation made even more sense: “So what were you looking for?”

Xiao Yue pursed her lips. The situation was beyond her control—when even a Jiangshi could suddenly go mad, what was she?

“The Qianyuan Spirit-Stabilizing Pearl…” she softly revealed, then explained, “When Lao Zhongtou was still somewhat normal, I had a fortunate encounter near Yangxia and obtained a decent sword-dance martial art and this Qianyuan Spirit-Stabilizing Pearl. It protects the mind, prevents evil spirits from disturbing one’s sanity, and avoids certain cases of martial arts mishaps. After that, my martial arts advanced rapidly.”

“When Lao Zhongtou began cultivating that martial art, he took the Qianyuan Spirit-Stabilizing Pearl from me, saying the technique was dangerous and prone to mishaps, so he had to be cautious.”

So she really had experienced a fortunate encounter. The Six Doors’ records were indeed not baseless rumors—they must have had a reason…

Meng Qi nodded and asked curiously, “Lao Zhongtou left very calmly, taking everything with him. Why do you believe the Qianyuan Spirit-Stabilizing Pearl is still here?”

“He said he would return it to me…” Xiao Yue murmured absentmindedly, her expression softening again. “Also, while examining the corpses, I felt a subtle connection with the pearl.”

“In one of the corpses?” Meng Qi was astonished. He hadn’t expected a pearl to be hidden inside a corpse!

There were many corpses, and they had only thoroughly checked a few. The rest were merely glanced over, waiting for the Six Doors’ forensic experts and the city’s experienced constables to handle. They had overlooked many clues!

This was also why Meng Qi hadn’t opposed Master Zheng’s orders to stay overnight—he wanted to inspect everything carefully!

Xiao Yue hesitated, then answered with a bitter smile, “Yes.”

She turned toward the house, and Meng Qi and Yao Xingliu followed closely behind her, one on each side. Li Chong, surprised by the new developments, cursed inwardly while unwilling to stay alone in the courtyard, also entered the “corpse forest.”

Xiao Yue moved with clear purpose, stopping beside a corpse near the middle rear of the room. Her voice was ethereal as she said, “It’s inside ‘his’ stomach. I noticed it earlier, but with Master Cui present, I could only come at night.”

If Meng Qi were just an ordinary constable, or if Yao Xiaogui had forcefully insisted on inspecting the corpses, she could have easily retrieved the pearl without anyone noticing.

As she spoke, a faint smile, both pleased and annoyed, appeared on Xiao Yue’s face. She extended her right hand, enveloped in qi, sliced open the corpse, and reached into its stomach.

A foul stench spread. Her delicate hand withdrew, and in her palm lay a crimson pearl, warm and free of blood, exuding calmness.

“This is the Qianyuan Spirit-Stabilizing Pearl…” Xiao Yue turned and said.

Meng Qi had no intention of seizing it when suddenly, he noticed a strange smile appearing on the face of the corpse behind Xiao Yue!

This corpse was male, around thirty years old, slightly ugly, pale-faced, and already sprouting tufts of black hair on its surface—no one knew how long it had been dead.

Yet this corpse was smiling eerily.

“Watch out!” Meng Qi shouted while slashing with the “Heaven’s Scar.”

The corpse’s hands, like chicken claws, shot out and gripped Xiao Yue’s shoulders.

Xiao Yue’s body trembled violently, then twisted and disintegrated, her flesh and blood flowing into the corpse in streams!

The corpse lifted Xiao Yue and leaped upward, dodging the “Heaven’s Scar,” bursting through the roof.

It carried a surge of black qi, exuding sinister and corrupting energy, forcing Meng Qi to retreat and defend himself—though he could unleash the full power of his treasure weapon to slash through the darkness and chase after it, doing so would leave Li Chong behind to certain death.

Half-Step Jiangshi!

Heavenly Demon Art!

Was this Lao Zhongtou?

Lao Zhongtou absorbed Xiao Yue and fled, leaving only a whispering murmur behind:

“Now we’ll never be separated again…”

Lightning from the “Heaven’s Scar” flashed, dispelling the black qi. Meng Qi stood stunned, unable to believe what he had just heard.

Lao Zhongtou had taken his time, cleaned up everything, leading Meng Qi to believe he wouldn’t return. Yet he had disguised himself as a corpse, hanging from the rafters, risking detection by a Jiangshi to remain behind!

And he had stayed behind solely to consume Xiao Yue?

But why? If his goal was truly to kill her, with his strength, he could have assassinated her eight hundred times in Yangxia City. Why go through such an elaborate scheme?

It made no sense! It was illogical!

Meng Qi, realizing his own judgment had been wrong, struggled to accept it.

But soon, he calmed himself, drawing a lesson: those cultivating the Heavenly Demon Art often underwent drastic personality changes, becoming narrow-minded, extreme, and nearly insane, defying normal logic—just like the mentally ill Gu Xiaosang. In the future, when facing such people, one couldn’t rely on normal reasoning.