I Am Your Natural Enemy-Chapter 529 - 212: Death Can’t Take Him Away, Turns Out He’s Not Here (5k) _3
Cai Qidong pondered for a moment and gave instructions to his subordinates.
"Next, investigate Mount Zhongnan. That place has always been full of Taoists cultivating in seclusion who don’t belong to the ranks of the Three Mountains and Five Ridges. And besides, Mount Zhongnan..."
The Scorching Sun Department’s most effective tactic is just like this.
Since there isn’t a clear lead, then just rope in every single Taoist who might have this ability, check their recent movements, and you’ll probably be able to screen out the suspects.
According to Qing Xuzi, if these things were done by the Statue Ghost and it wanted to keep it hidden, it would definitely be somewhere off the beaten path. Especially, the farther from the Three Mountains and Five Ridges, the better—and also away from famous mountains and temples where incense is abundant.
Considering the other side still has to live and buy things, the distance to the nearest settlements can’t be too far, or it’ll be a real hassle.
After stating his requirements, Cai Qidong let his men continue their investigation.
...
In the Rakshasa Ghost Market, Lord Zhu couldn’t be bothered to show up in person anymore. He glanced at the newly delivered files, sneered coldly, and ticked off three names on the list in his hand.
"Take these three and burn them with straw. Embarrassing trash, nothing but disgrace."
"For the rest, go hard on them. If they die from the beating, that’s just tough luck."
"Finally—did you find where that so-called Meat Mountain is?"
"No, haven’t found it."
Lord Zhu’s face darkened, and a subordinate quickly chimed in.
"Your Highness, these days, if a ghost wants to hide, it really isn’t easy to find."
"Keep that in mind. What did the Scorching Sun Department say about the previous situation?"
"Scorching Sun said they’ve found the target and already questioned him. Based on his testimony, they’ve also found the second person who received the intel. But that guy already sent out the intel, and he doesn’t know who the buyer is. The intel was sent out as a mass-text advertisement, so just pinpointing who actually received it as the intended target is basically impossible in the short term."
"A lot?"
"A lot. That text message was a regular ad, and there are probably hundreds of thousands of online shoppers’ phone numbers who all got it."
"..." Lord Zhu fell silent. These merchants always pull off this sort of crap every year before New Year’s.
Lord Zhu waved his hand, telling everyone to leave.
He knew well that every ghost in the market has their own secrets and motives. But now, with all kinds of strange new ghosts popping up, he felt like the Ghost Market would never return to its old, quiet days.
...
The Taoist from the North jumped off the bus as he neared Guanzhong County City.
He followed a wild narrow path, coming to a forested area in the mountains where it’s said there are huge ancient tombs spreading out for dozens of kilometers.
He found one of the unopened ancient tombs, formed a seal with his hands, stomped his foot, and a ghost floated out of the tomb.
The Taoist looked at the ghost with a dead expression.
"Tell your master—the sun in the forbidden ground has fallen underground. Wait any longer, and there will be no more chances. As for me, I’m going there right now."
The Taoist dropped these words and turned to leave.
He traveled onward, sometimes catching a ride, sometimes walking, spreading messages as he went.
Heading east, then turning south, he finally arrived at the foot of Turtle Mountain, set up a simple Dharma Altar by the riverbank, wrote something on a talisman and tossed it out, where it turned into a streak of fire that fell into the water.
The Taoist watched the flames with a grim face. Back when Wen Yan returned alive, even though nothing much seemed to happen, he had a suspicion—which happened to match a secret he knew.
As for whether it was true or not, he didn’t care. He was just stirring up trouble now.
As for the consequences, he cared even less.
Ever since he swapped out his own organs for those of the great serpent’s belly, he hadn’t had much time left to live anyway.
He was burning his own fate, burning up everything, concentrating all his power into his final days.
The flames drifted down, sinking deeper and deeper. When it reached the riverbed, it was as if the bottom vanished. The flame continued falling, appearing in a patch of murky, dusky waters.
The Water Monarch was still bored out of his mind, waiting for good news. When he saw the fire, it instantly fizzled out, dispersing, and a talisman flew straight up to him, landing before his eyes.
On the talisman, it was written:
"The Netherworld has appeared. Someone can enter and exit the Netherworld without harm; surely this is the Scorching Sun showing itself."
The Water Monarch read these words. Lately, he’d crammed in some learning, and even though Divine Land’s script has changed a bit, you can always trace the clues. With some guesswork, he could more or less make out the gist.
The Water Monarch looked at the slip and suddenly felt a flash of realization.
"So that’s how it is..."
He had wondered why this generation’s Scorching Sun had still not shown up after such a long time.
Turns out the present-day Scorching Sun wasn’t even in this world.
Truly worthy of Scorching Sun—just as reckless as the Fuyu Thirteenth used to be; a total lunatic.
Actually dared, relying on their Scorching Sun identity, to barge into that legendary Netherworld.
Really aren’t afraid of dying—good, very good.
Seeing this message, the Water Monarch wasn’t in a hurry anymore. He’d wait it out.
Anyway, since today’s Scorching Sun is this wild, once they’re back and learn about his invitation, they’ll surely come.
But as for the person tipping him off...
The Water Monarch burst out laughing. He was starting to look forward to meeting the modern-day Scorching Sun.
No wonder they’re from Fuyu Mountain—just crazy. See? Offending people left and right again.
Who could they have pissed off so badly, driven to such hopeless, desperate straits, that they’d try to use his power?
You only push someone this far when they’re truly desperate, right?
The Water Monarch laughed gleefully, deciding to give a little response.
Let the other side know he got the message.
At the same time, let them know—not just anyone has the qualifications to use him.
The Water Monarch condensed a bit of his power, which shot out, flying from the Dark Waters City.
Then in the water, a slap-shaped surge formed and shot straight towards the Taoist.
The Taoist tried to dodge, but found that no matter what he did, he couldn’t avoid the watery slap.
His face grew grim as he used various spells to block, but the water slap just kept getting smaller and smaller.
In the end, with a loud smack, it landed right across his face.
The Taoist’s body was instantly flung from the Dharma Altar, his jaw knocked crooked from the blow.
The water dispersed. The Taoist climbed up from the ground, ignoring his twisted jaw, and burst out laughing.
The Water Monarch really was awake. No wonder the Scorching Sun Department has got so many new projects underway in the lower Huai River area lately.
Getting slapped wasn’t a big deal. He just needed to confirm the Water Monarch’s revival and make sure the message was delivered.
