Mysterious Awakening

As the chilling possibility settled in that something untoward may have occurred to Ouyang Tian, everyone moved with urgent haste, deserting the echoing hallway and reconvening once more in the grand lobby.

The somber centerpiece of the room, a coffin bathed in a rich hue of orange and red, lay undisturbed in its quiet corner.

In a disconcerting turn of events, the once glowing candlelight that flickered vibrantly in front of the coffin was now lifeless. Although the overhead light penetrated the room, the illumination felt strangely stifled, as if a thick, tangible layer of dust had blanketed the countryside, emitting an eerie, faint yellowish glow. This dim and muted light gave the atmosphere a palpable sense of oppression.

Jarringly contrasted against the coffin was a figure propped up against the room’s stony wall. A gruesome corpse contorted grotesquely, resembling a human version of a knotted pretzel, was posed in a way that defied human anatomy.

The rivulets of blood seeping from the body painted a morbid red tableau on the surrounding area.

Despite the grotesque disfigurement, the attire and several unique features hinted at the identity of the unfortunate soul.

This was the physical vessel that once housed the soul of Ouyang Tian.

“Is he… is he dead?” Zhang Yiming’s voice trembled, haunted by the starkness of the reality before him.

They were all confined in the same area, a mere ten meters between them.

Witnessing such a distinguished ghost tamer perish so effortlessly, without even a struggle or a chance to defend himself, reduced to an unrecognizable corpse, was a shocking reality.

“The ghost that once resided in his body has also departed.” Ye Jun, who shared a deep bond with Ouyang Tian, shattered the heavy silence that had hung in the air.

“The evidence is quite clear. If the spirit was still housed within him, he wouldn’t have succumbed so effortlessly.” Zhang Yiming spoke again, “The power difference is just too vast. This ghost’s level of terror could easily be categorized as Class A. To think that a ghost tamer was executed so effortlessly, like one would slaughter poultry.”

“No, it was even more effortless than slaughtering poultry. At least a chicken can emit a few desperate cries, but this…” Miles’s visage was a confused mixture of fear and a grim smile.

The sentiment resonated with everyone, for witnessing a fellow ghost tamer die so silently, so effortlessly, was an overwhelming encounter.

“Does deviating from the group equate to death?” Miles queried, his brow knitted in deep concentration.

“If that’s the case, discerning the ghost’s killing method and pattern of activity is virtually impossible. It appears the ghost is intent on eliminating any potential witnesses. But this strategy is perplexing. It’s understandable for a ghost to target a lone ghost tamer, but why purposely bait all of us?”

“The sound of the footsteps seemed to be a calculated move to assemble us. When I was asleep earlier, the ghost did not assault me but instead chose to lure me out. Then I encountered Zhang Han and Ouyang Tian.”

“Similarly, upstairs just a moment ago. The footstep reverberated, and I found myself running into Zhang Yiming and the rest.”

Deep in contemplation, Miles dissected the peculiar circumstances based on the scarce evidence they had.

“So are you suggesting the ghost is attempting to assemble us and target stray ghost tamers simultaneously?”

“No, that contradicts our understanding. A ghost’s behavior is usually singular, driven by a strong sense of purpose. The chances of such contradictory actions co-existing are slim, unless… there are two spirits at play in this village.”

“Could it be that one spirit is herding us, while the other is dispersing us?”

With this revelation, it was unmistakably clear that the ghost responsible for the mysterious coughing affliction and the spectral being that had claimed the lives of He Sheng and Ouyang Tian couldn’t possibly be the same entity.

Upon arriving at this startling conclusion, an icy shiver slid down Miles’ spine, setting his nerves on edge.

The magnitude of this was nothing short of terrifying!

“Miles, what’s going on in your mind? Abandon your idea; we must depart,” Zhang Han urged him, his tone laced with concern.

Snapped back to reality, Miles became acutely aware that Ouyang Tian’s corpse, once grotesquely sprawled on the floor, had been meticulously wrapped and respectfully relocated to one side.

The rest of the group seemed to be in the process of vacating the premises.

“What’s going on?” he demanded, seeking clarity.

Zhang Yiming paused and turned back towards him: “Under these dire conditions, lingering here only seals our fate. Initially, I was willing to take a gamble and remain here, banking on the strength of numbers. But with two of our ghost tamers gruesomely claimed under such ominous and baffling circumstances, it’s clear that staying isn’t a viable option. It’s prudent for us to forfeit this mission.”

“Upon our return, I’m going to have it out with that damned company. They must be concealing something.”

Having said his piece, he offered a car key to Miles.

“This belongs to Ouyang Tian. I noticed you didn’t drive into the village. Treat the car as your own for the time being. Let’s call it mutual aid. Should you choose, you’re welcome to accompany us.”

Accepting the key, Miles studied them with a furrowed mix of contemplation and disappointment.

Fear-stricken and timid. They’re destined to remain stagnant.

It appears they would prefer to await their death in the illusionary safety of their club.

Contrary to them, he had no intention of fleeing; he had decided to stay.

“You’re choosing not to leave?”

Seeing that Miles was unyielding, Zhang Han chimed in: “Don’t overestimate yourself. Let’s evacuate together. If you stay, death is imminent.”

Miles retorted, “You know as well as I do that we’re nothing but bottom-dwelling ghost tamers in this world. Without the backing of powerful financial entities or social status, the information we can access is severely restricted. Unless we do something to break this status quo, the technique to control the vengeful ghost within each of us will forever remain out of our grasp. In fact, I suspect the knowledge is already spreading among the upper classes, and we’re the ones that are still kept out of the loop. This incident is our opportunity and answer. If any of you want to leave then go ahead, but I’m staying.” His words hung in the air with a deafening sting, for it’s the crust of the matter.

Indeed, they all want to live, and they’re fully aware of their own standings in society despite the recent upheaval in their financial situation.

“Look after yourself then,” came Zhang Yiming’s sincere words, devoid of any further discourse. Accompanied by Ye Jun, he turned on his heels to leave the gloom-infested lobby.

Zhang Han was ensnared in a moment of hesitation.

He found himself pulled in two directions – the urge to follow his comrades and retreat from this deathly village or stay to combat the ghostly adversary and grab at the chance for survival.

In the face of his internal struggle, fear eventually emerged victorious, overpowering his fleeting moment of courage. He too spun around and exited, his teeth grinding in frustration and regret.

With two lives already tragically snuffed out, the stakes were too high for him to take a gamble.

“Using them as a test could yield valuable insight. If the ghost truly presides over a ghost domain, these individuals won’t be successful in fleeing the village. But, if they manage to escape… then I too retain the liberty to depart at any given moment with my powers.” Miles’s eyes squinted in intense contemplation, his mind whirring with strategic calculations.

They were petrified of death, and Miles was no exception.

However, he possessed a notable advantage – once he activated the ghost domain, not even the formidable door-knocking ghost could confine him.

It was this unique escape mechanism that bestowed upon him the audacity to gamble against the odds.

“Now that they’ve deserted this place, I’m left as the only one here.” Miles swiftly redirected his focus, mulling over the dynamics of the current scenario.

“If the ghost maintains its previous killing method, then I am likely to be its next target. However, Ouyang Tian’s death is still fresh. It stands to reason that the vengeful ghost might pause before unleashing its next lethal assault. Even the executioner requires a moment to regain his breath. Keeping this in mind, it would be prudent for me to make the most of this short-lived opening to further explore.”

With this thought, his gaze was naturally drawn to the coffin, occupying a commanding position in the center of the hall.

A semblance of a clue was already weaving its way through his thoughts.

It would be infuriating to surrender at this stage.

Taking a deep, stabilizing breath and squaring his shoulders against the faint light, Miles moved purposefully towards the vibrant crimson-lacquered coffin.

The coffin appeared to be a recent construction, its potent aroma of fresh paint wafting through the air, pungent and somewhat overwhelming.

But was it genuinely playing host to a mortal remains?

In the ensuing moment, Miles extended his hand towards the coffin’s lid, bracing himself to pry it open.