“Then why don’t you also pick out a couple?” Zhong Kui leaned forward and asked.
Ni Ren Zhang shook his head: “I only need one; the rest are useless to me.”
“Baby?”
“Don’t worry! That thing is related to my life, but to you, it’s worthless.”
There was no longer any threat near the golden coffin. Mud Man Zhang walked over very easily and then examined the female corpse. He gently pried open her mouth with his right hand, retrieved a small white ball from under her tongue, and without even looking at it, popped it into his own mouth, swallowed it down with a gulp of saliva.
After finishing all this, Ni Ren Zhang showed a satisfied smile, as if a stone that had been pressing on his heart for years had finally fallen.
“Alright, it’s finally over. I can finally live the life I want.”
“It’s truly a case of being blinded by a single leaf, unable to see the entire mountain. Originally, I resorted to any means necessary, deceiving and scheming everywhere, all for the sake of obtaining the ‘Taiping Jing.’ Yet in the end, I realized that what I truly desired was something I had never possessed: a simple and peaceful life.”
“Hehe, congratulations! Then you can also tell me what you’ve got, right?” Liu Dashao’s words voiced the question on everyone’s mind at the scene.
Ni Ren Zhang bowed to him unprecedentedly: “Thank you for your help. Actually, what I took from the female corpse’s mouth just now wasn’t a priceless treasure—it was merely a pill. Inside this pill, there wasn’t any medicinal ingredient, but rather a special type of insect.”
“Zerg?” At the mention of the word, Liu Dashao felt a chill run down his spine.
“That’s right. All of you, think about it. How can we handle the corpses so they won’t rot?”
Liu Dashao remained silent. At the right moment, Old Diao interjected, “Only by removing all the moisture from the body, just like a mummy, and then wrapping it tightly in thick layers of gauze containing preservatives and certain medicines, could a corpse possibly be preserved for thousands of years without decaying. Even the bodies of great leaders lying in glass coffins today are preserved using a similar method. Although they appear to be whole human bodies, their internal organs have actually been removed. Periodically, they must undergo chemical treatments again.”
“That’s right, this method is indeed effective, but it originated overseas and then spread to China. Have you ever heard of such a method in our country?”
Uncle Diao shook his head, “Apart from choosing a yin-rich location for burial to naturally create a zombie, I haven’t heard of any other methods.”
Ni Ren Zhang smiled and said, “To perfectly preserve a corpse so that it remains almost unchanged for centuries, looking just as it did before the person died, the only method is to transform the corpse into a ‘living corpse.’ Only then can the body avoid decay and prevent becoming a dried mummy. A ‘living corpse’ does not mean the corpse has come back to life, but rather indicates that, even after death, the body still maintains certain physiological functions internally.”
For instance, the heart continues to beat, blood circulates, and breathing persists; the only difference is that the corpse lacks consciousness. This form of preserved body is referred to as a ‘living corpse.’ Although it is somewhat similar to a ‘vegetative state’ in medical terms, there are still some distinctions between the two. This method of preserving the corpse does not require embalming materials or any chemical treatment of the body. Even at room temperature and in the open air, the deceased can maintain their appearance at the time of death, with minimal changes over hundreds or even thousands of years.
At this point, Master Ni Ren Zhang paused and let out a long sigh: “Our Chinese civilization spanning five thousand years is indeed vast and profound. These advanced techniques are simply beyond the imagination of foreigners.”
Liu Dashao’s eyes widened as he asked, “Master Ni Ren Zhang, have you gone mad? How could you come up with such an absurd idea?”
Niren Zhang snorted and continued, “To keep the corpse in the state it was in before death, maintaining a slow heartbeat and a normal circulatory system, this kind of insect species is indispensable.”
As he spoke, he raised his tightly clenched fist: “Wrap this insect in wax mixed with medicine, then place it into the corpse’s mouth. This will maintain the corpse’s heart, breathing, and circulatory system. This is the thing that can save me.”
“You mean to say that this corner (Zhang Jiao) has not decomposed for a thousand years and still maintains a lifelike expression because of this tiny insect? Then how can this little bug make the heart of a corpse beat again?”
“No one really knows,” said Master Ni Ren Zhang, shaking his head.
“How do we get out of here?”
“Let’s fight first!”
“Didn’t you already get what you wanted?” Liu Dashao said, somewhat annoyed.
Ni Ren Zhang realized his mistake and pointed at the beautiful female corpse floating in the water: “It’s not me fighting you, but the two of us fighting her!”
“With her?” Liu Dashao’s eyes widened. “Are you suggesting that she’s going to turn into a corpse?”
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Hurry up and seal this inner coffin, and cast a talisman to suppress it. This thousand-year-old ‘zongzi’ isn’t that easy to deal with.”
“It’s already too late!” Ni Ren Zhang shook his head, spreading his hands. “Don’t believe me? Just take a look, even the corpse has grown hair.”
Looking in the direction that Ni Ren Zhang pointed, Liu Dashao saw the corpse submerged in water, its entire body covered in long black hair as fine as threads. The originally rosy cheeks were also densely covered with black hair, making the corpse look extremely terrifying. Liu Dashao was so shocked that he stammered, “Wh… why has it come to this?”
The phenomenon of corpses growing hair is not uncommon. This “hair” can actually be a type of mold. Some bodies grow white hair, while others grow black hair. A corpse covered in white hair is commonly known as a “White Omen,” while a corpse covered in black hair is called a “Black Omen.” However, the “Black Omen” is far more ferocious than the “White Omen.” Among the ranks of the treasure-digging experts, the “Black Omen” is often referred to as a “Corpse Demon,” a name that clearly conveys its extreme viciousness.
As the beautiful female corpse, or rather the “Zhang Jiao mummy,” was about to transform into a “Shishà,” although this Shishà was somewhat less powerful than the Hanba from Xiu Shui Village, not everyone possessed the great divine power of Zhang Enpu to subdue demons and monsters. How could Liu Dashao not feel shocked, terrified, and panicky deep inside?
“Just now everything was fine, right? She was even a beauty. How come all of a sudden…” Liu Dashao found it hard to accept.
“Because I took this pill,” Ni Ren Zhang said coldly.
“If previously she was still a living corpse, now she has completely become a dead body. It’s not surprising for a corpse to transform into a corpse spirit.”
“You’re sure about this?” Liu Dashao asked skeptically, eyeing him.
“Take her and run. I’ll stab her heart from behind with the Yuyang Piercer and aim for a one-strike kill.”
“Damn it, why do I always end up being the bait?”
“Maybe because you look like a fish bait!” Ni Ren Zhang smiled, and the jade yang thorn once again extended between his fingers, ready to pounce at any moment.
“What if she doesn’t chase after me, but only after you?” Liu Dashao thought to himself. After all, who the thing chases isn’t necessarily fixed, right?
“Come a bit closer, let her smell your anger. I’ll catch you later and won’t let you go!”
Liu Dashao, for the first time, no, actually the third time, felt that this bastard surnamed Ge was truly a bastard!
However, this was also the most effective method at the moment, so he followed the advice and leaned his body slightly into the inner coffin.
Liu Dashao’s eyes were half-open, half-closed. The reason he kept them partially shut was because the current Zhang Jiao was simply too disgusting—like a power-up version of Chu Renmei combined with a Super Saiyan. Yet he still kept them slightly open out of fear that if he closed them too tightly, he might end up getting grabbed around the neck and bitten, which would truly be a tragedy.
Seeing how well her teeth are, her appetite must be excellent too, which is definitely the result of regularly using Cold Acid Ling toothpaste. With one bite like this, it’s probably impossible to let go.
“Wu…” Probably having caught the scent, the corpse spirit suddenly opened its eyes. As soon as its mouth parted, it reflexively sat up. But before she could act, our young Master Liu was quicker. At this moment, he had already kicked off the coffin lid and propelled himself outward.
The corpse demon truly lived up to its fearsome reputation, excelling in both strength and speed. Without any visible movement, it suddenly leaped out of the golden coffin. Its two glowing green eyes, hidden within the black fur, scanned the surroundings, searching for its previous prey.
“Watch the stab!” Before the words had finished, the wind struck first. With a wave of his hand, Master Clay Figure Zhang sent a powerful red gust of wind rushing forward.
The corpse spirit made no attempt to dodge, but instead lunged directly toward Liu Dashao’s position.
Hmph…
The corpse demon’s hands tightly gripped Liu Dashao’s neck. Despite using both hands to push against it, the immense force still made him feel overwhelmed and unable to withstand it.
“You… damn it, why don’t you just stab already!” Liu Dashao rolled his eyes, his breaths now shallow and uneven. He was barely clinging to consciousness, his senses gradually fading into blur.
“It won’t go in!” muttered Master Ni, his face darkening. He pressed down hard with his shoulder against the jade yang spear in his left palm. The tip had already pierced the flesh of the corpse demon, but somehow met an unknown resistance and could go no further, as if it had struck an unyielding rock.
Liu Dashao was too stunned to even cry; his heart shattered into pieces. His chest heaved as he glared at Master Ni, his expression seemingly saying: “If you can’t get close, then use me as bait, you bastard. If I end up dead, don’t think I’ll let you off even in the afterlife…”
“Big Liu, watch me!” At this critical moment, everyone’s mind was frozen and rusty, except for Fan Debiao, that reckless fathead, who somehow still managed to think clearly. He came charging over, his fat arms hugging four dark, heavy crowbars. Without hesitation, as soon as he reached the corpse demon, he swung around and smashed its legs from behind with a full circular strike.
Fan Debiao was already quite strong to begin with. Back in the days of counterrevolutionary activities in Harbin, he had fought alongside the Red Guards, taking down countless diehard elements. Now, with the added momentum of the iron rod, he swung back and forth, forcefully smashing the corpse spirit until it collapsed to its knees. The hands gripping Liu Dashao’s neck also loosened their hold.
Liu Dashao, now free from restraint, collapsed like a strand of cooked noodles, his face flushed bright red, his tongue lolling out as he gasped for breath in heavy gulps.
“Clay… Clay Figure Zhang, I’m not playing with you for the rest of my life!” This was the first sentence he spoke after regaining consciousness.
“Aaaaaaagh…” If it had been a human being, it would have been nearly finished off by Fan Debiao’s hammer blow. But this was a corpse spirit, after all. It wasn’t long before it crazily opened its mouth again, letting out a shriek. The sound was loud and grating, sending the group of grave robbers into another state of stunned terror.
“This can’t go on like this. You two, hold it down!” Niren Zhang suddenly pushed off the ground with his toes, his body shooting up into the air. With a powerful mid-air kick, he sent the corpse spirit tumbling to the ground.
“How do you press it?” Fan Debiao asked, feeling confused.
“Do whatever feels comfortable to you!” While concentrating for a moment, Zhang the Clay Model felt his clothes torn open by the corpse spirit. However, he quickly squatted down again, using a ground-level leg sweep to topple the creature.
“Damn it, I’m going all out! With the east wind blowing and war drums beating, who’s afraid of whom in this world?” Fan Debiao gritted his teeth, swung the crowbar, and smashed it repeatedly onto the corpse demon’s head. Then he simply sat on top of it, using the iron rod to pin down both of its hands. By now, Liu Dashao had also recovered enough to quickly follow up, pressing down on the corpse demon’s legs.
“Stab him in the heart, do it quickly!”
Clay Figure Zhang nodded slightly and raised the Jade Yang Spike.
The corpse demon seemed to realize its peril and began thrashing wildly. Fan Debiao’s palm went numb as the staff flew from his grip. His right arm was clamped in the corpse demon’s bite, causing excruciating pain.
“Damn it, this little black bastard bit me!” Fan Debiao couldn’t help but cry out in pain.
“Wait a moment longer…” Nerenshang (Clay Figure Zhang) examined the corpse spirit’s body carefully, located the precise spot, and then gritted his teeth before plunging the needle in.
Yu Yang Ci charged forward fearlessly and pierced through the heart of the corpse demon in one swift motion.
However, the corpse spirit managed to struggle free, letting out a fierce roar before flipping Fan Debiao over, pushing the golden coffin aside, and jumping down into it.
“Ouch… my hand…” Fan Debiao raised his blood-soaked arm, crying out in pain.
“Don’t worry, as long as it’s not a bite from a vampire, there’s a chance for recovery since the corpse poison hasn’t reached the heart.” Liu Dashao tore a small strip from his clothing and tied a tourniquet above the wound on Fan Debiao’s arm.
“What about that corpse spirit? It seems like it ran away?”
Ni Ren Zhang snorted coldly, “After being struck by the Jade Yang Thorn, she can’t have gone far. There’s indeed a new underground palace beneath this inner coffin. I suspect this palace is also connected to the outside world. If we follow the corpse spirit, we’re sure to find a way out.”
The eyes of the grave robbers lit up, and they nodded in agreement one after another. However, when thinking about the treasures inside the underground palace, they felt somewhat reluctant to leave.
Uncle Diao sensed their thoughts and stepped forward, saying, “Clay Figure Zhang, now that this zombie no longer threatens us, why don’t we take a break? Everyone could use some rest, especially Brother Fan here, who has been poisoned by the zombie.”
Although Uncle Diao spoke in a polite manner, his meaning was still clearly conveyed.
Clay Figure Zhang looked at Liu Dashao, then at Old Tiao, and finally nodded, saying, “Alright then, let’s wait a bit longer. After all, we’ve already spent so much time in here, so there’s no rush to leave just yet. Everyone should rest for a moment first. People risk their lives for wealth, and birds risk their lives for food. Since all of you have come this far, you each deserve your share. You, go ahead and sort out the burial goods inside the coffin and divide them up evenly. I’ll help Brother Fan suppress the corpse energy in his body for now.” After speaking, Clay Figure Zhang took out a handful of glutinous rice from his bag, walked over to Fan Debiao, and began busying himself.
Looking back, the people brought by Uncle Diao all had green eyes, eagerly rubbing their hands and scrambling forward, each fearing that they might miss out on their share during the distribution.
“Cough… cough…” Uncle Diao coughed twice, which gradually calmed the noisy crowd. He cast a cold glance at the assortment of items on the ground and spoke indifferently, “One at a time. No one will be left out. As always, those who contribute more will receive more, and those who contribute less will receive less. Anyone who dares to take more will have his legs broken and be thrown into the river to feed the fish.”
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