There is no reaction? What if he lost his marbles?! Asked Lan Jingyi as he waved his hand in front of Hua Ying's face
I said already that Empathy is very dangerous! Said Jin Ling
Well, it was because your head was up in the clouds and did not ring the bell in time. Sneered Lan Jingyi
Hua Ying had finally came to. He stood up against the coffin. A-Qing, having already left his body, leaned on the coffin as well.
The boys swarmed around him as though they were a litter of piglets and all talk at the same time, He's up, he's up!
Whew, he hasn't lost his marbles. Said Lan Jingyi
Hasn't he lost his marbles to begin with? To do something s dangerous stated Jin ling
With loud chatters surrounding his ears, Hua Ying was already pissed and was trying to control himself.
Don't be so loud. My head feels awful. Growled Hua Ying
Mother are you alright asked Mo Xuanyu
They quieted at once.
I will be soon said Hua Ying as he looked down, reached into the coffin, and slightly opened Xiao XingChen's collars. As he had expected, at his neck, there was a thin yet fatal wound.
Then Hua Ying turned to A-Qing. Thank you for showing me what happened to my uncle, don't worry your wish... I will see it fulfilled, if you go to Phoenix-Lotus Hall, Yin Yu will be waiting tell him I sent you. Said Hua Ying
Beside the edge of the coffin, A-Qing put her palms together and saluted Hua Ying a couple of times.
He turned to the disciples and Mo Xuanyu,
Stay here, all of you. The walking corpses in the city won't be able to come here. I'll be back soon. Said Hua Ying
Just what did you see during Empathy? Asked Lan Jingyi
It's too long of a story. I'll tell you later. Said Hua Ying as he felt his eyes already bleeding red
Can't you sum it up? Don't leave us at a cliffhanger! Cried Jin Ling
Xue Yang must die. Then be punished said Hua Ying turned his head grinning at the boys as they took a step back, then he walked out
Unable to hold his anger any longer he changed to his true supreme demon ghost form, black and red poppies were intwined in his hair with gold wire and his horns showed light reflecting off the silver that veined within with the onyx black, in the middle was white jaded bleeding hearts. As he walked his outer robe and hair waved around him like he was submerged under water, his skin pale as moonlight, his fingertips were black with gold dust. His eyes menacing as his lips were curved in a permanent sneer, he looked as deadly as he was beautiful. Amid the dense fog that stretched as far as the eye could see, the knocks of A-Qing's pole led the way for him. The two moved rapidly and immediately returned to where the fight happened.
Lan Zhan and Xue Yang had already gone outside. The sword glares of Bichen and Jiangzai clashed, the fight was at a critical moment. Bichen was calm and unhurried, gaining the upper hand, while Jiangzai lashed out as though it was a rabid dog, somehow managing to keep up. However, within the dreadful white fog, Lan Zhan had difficulties with vision, yet since Xue Yang had lived so many years in the city like A-Qing, he was able to know where he was even if he closed his eyes. Thus, the fight was in a deadlock. Notes of the guqin sometimes thundered through the fog, preventing the groups of walking corpses that wanted to approach.
Just as Hua Ying was about to take out his flute, two black figures slammed in front of him as if they were two iron pagodas. Wen Ning was pressing Song Lan onto the ground. Both corpses held each other's necks with their hands, their knuckles cracking loudly.
Hold him down! Commanded Hua Ying even his voice changed, being deeper than what is usually was and it held more power than Lan Zhan's Guqin, he slowly walked towards the two fierce corpses, looking at Song Lan he bent down and found the two nails that were imbedded in his head, pulling them out he noted that they were thinner than the ones Wen Ning had and shouldn't be difficult bringing his uncles lover back to conscience.
Suddenly, a furious roar came from where the other two fought, Give it back!
Lan Zhan's sword had slashed across Xue Yang's chest. Not only did he bleed, the Spirit-trapping Pouch that he hid in his lapels had been taken out by the Bichen's tip as well.
Xue Yang! What do you want him to give back to you? Shuanghua? It's not like Shuanghua is your sword to begin with, so why do you say 'give it back'? Do you know no shame? Asked Hua Ying silently as his voice travelled through the fog.
Senior Wei, you really don't want to show me any mercy, do you? Laughed Xue Yang
Hua Ying raised his and hand pointed his finger, the darkness around him did his bedding and shot through the fog and bought Xue Yang to him. Do I look like senior Wei to you? How many times must I explain to you mortals, my name is Hua Ying supreme demon ghost king heir to the demon throne and king of the ghost realm, Wei Ying, my mortal self was sacrificed! I have had my patience with you Xue Yang. You will never be able to piece my uncle's soul back and I will never help you said Hua Ying as the darkness began crushing Xue Yang, he was so disgusted by you. As he released him, you know I have a very special place for people like you. He grinned evilly.
Wei Ying called Lan Zhan
What? Asked Hua Ying as he turned to Lan Zhan, a mistake because as soon as he turned Xue Yang stabbed him with Jiangzai then disappeared into the fog, look at what you made me do. I let him go said Hua Ying as he pouted
Lan Zhan immediately came over and felt the area where Hua Ying was stabbed. Don't worry it will only bleed once this is over with said Hua Ying as he smiled. Scary is it not? Seeing me like this?
Not at all, just be careful said Lan Zhan
I am the evil, the darkness, Lan Zhan I am a demon ghost supreme, the very person your clan wishes to destroy said Hua Ying sneering, don't worry I never showed the children.... I wo
before Hua Ying could even finish his sentence Lan Zhan held and kissed him. then looked into his eyes and caressed Hua Ying face.
You are not evil nor are you darkness said Lan Zhan as he wrapped his arm around Hua Ying waist and faced the enemy
Why do you still want to bring him back, to play games. Asked Hua Ying as he faced the fog
Who wants to play games with him?! Shouted Xue Ying
Then why did you kneel and beg me so that I can help you mend his soul? Asked Hua Ying
Of course, someone as sharp as Xue Yang knew that Hua Ying was purposely diverting him, first to distract him with anger, second to make him raise his voice so that Lan Zhan and himself could tell where he was and attack. Even so, he replied in spite of himself.
Why did I do so? Hah! How can you not know? I want to make him into a fierce corpse, an evil spirit, so that I can control him! Didn't he want to be a virtuous person? Then, I'll make it so that he never stops killing, so that he'll never be at peace! Said Xue Yang cruelly
You hate him that much? Then why did you kill Chang Ping? Asked Hua Ying
Why did I kill Chang Ping? Did you really need to ask, Patriarch YiLing?! Haven't I told you? I said that I was going to wipe out the entire Yueyang Chang Clan, so I won't even leave a dog behind! Sneered Xue Yang
Whenever he talked, it was as though he was announcing his location. The sounds of a blade piercing through flesh kept coming yet his darkness could not grab hold of him, but Xue Yang's tolerance for pain was much higher than those of normal people. Hua Ying had seen during Empathy that even if he was pierced through the stomach, he could laugh as if nothing had happened.
Lan Zhan, I can't catch him, so I leave it to you said Hua Ying as he continued. That's a great reason you came up with. Unfortunately, the years don't add up. Someone like you who seeks revenge for the smallest things and murders in such ruthless ways wouldn't have waited so many years to finish off one clan, would you? You know the reason why you killed Chang Ping. He spoke
Then, tell me. What do I know? What do I know?! Sneered Xue Yang
You didn't just kill him. Why did you choose to use lingchi, the torture that represents 'punishment'? If you were avenging for yourself, why did you use Shuanghua, instead of your own Jiangzai? Why did you dig out his eyes and make it so that he was just like Xiao XingChen? Asked Hua Ying
Nonsense! That's all nonsense! It's revenge, why in the world would I have let him die comfortably? Shouted Xue Yang hoarsely
You were indeed seeking revenge, but whose revenge were you actually seeking? What a joke. If you wanted to seek revenge, the one you should've executed lingchi on is yourself! Shouted Hua Ying.
With two whooshes, the sharp noises of something slicing the air came right at him. Hau Ying didn't even flinch. Wen Ning darted in front of him and intercepted two nails that shone a cruel, black light. Xue Yang let off a series of horrifying laughter, as though he was a screeching owl. The laughter died down at once, and he quieted. He ceased to pay heed to Hua Ying and went back to fighting with Lan Zhan amid the fog.
Thank you, A-Ning said Hua Ying and thought in silence, The little delinquent has got such a high vitality. It's as if he can't feel pain at all and will be fine no matter where he's injured. If only he talks a bit more and Lan Zhan stabs him a few more times. I'm sure that he won't be able to jump around anymore after his arms and legs are chopped off. Well, unfortunately, he's no longer taking the bait! I'm bleeding too much dark energy and blood a well need to catch him
You realize even in your own selfish world you believed you fell in love with him, my uncle could never love you... do you know why he took his own life asked Hua Ying
Because he was ashamed of what he had done laughed Xue Yang
My uncle ended his life because you forced him to end the life of the person he loved! Shouted Hua Ying
Fuck you what would you know shouted Xue Yang
I would know except my love is not dead and if he was, I would do the same said Hua Ying, eleven years spent together... growing together... loving only each other... planning to open a sect together... or was it that you failed to see that your selfish love was unrequited!
Shut up, SHUT UP!
How many nights did they spend together in each other's arms whether in bed or under the stars, how many moans have you heard, and each other's names whispered when they caught you sneered Hua Ying
Suddenly, a series of crisp knocks came from within the fog. Thinking quick, Hua Ying called, A-Zhan, attack where the pole knocks!
Lan Zhan lunged at once. Xue Yang let out a suppressed moan. A moment later, the bamboo pole sounded again, at a place a few meters away! Lan Zhan continued to attack where the noise came from.
Little Blind, aren't you scared that I'll break you into pieces, following me around like that? Threatened Xue Yang
Ever since she was killed by Xue Yang, A-Qing had always been hiding so that he didn't find her. However, for some reason, Xue Yang didn't really care about such a ghost either, as though he felt that she was too weak to be cautious of. Now, though, A-Qing followed behind Xue Yang as if she was his shadow.
Knocking her bamboo pole and revealing his location, she pointed out to Lan Zhan where he should attack! Xue Yang's movements were extremely quick. He immediately appeared somewhere else. When she lived, A-Qing had also been a fast runner. Now that she was a ghost, she stuck closely to him as though she was a curse. She knocked her pole on the ground as quickly as she could. The crisp taps sounded near and far, left and right, in front and behind. They were impossible to avoid. As soon as they sounded, Bichen's sword glare followed immediately!
In the beginning, Xue Yang moved through the fog as though a fish amid water. He could both hide and sneak attacks however he wanted to. Yet, now, he had to spare attention to deal with A-Qing. With a curse, he quickly threw a talisman behind him. Immediately after the split second of distraction, following A-Qing's bone-chilling screech, Bichen pierced through his chest! Although A-Qing's ghost had already been destroyed by Xue Yang's talisman and there ceased to be any noise that revealed where he was, the attack was vital. Xue Yang couldn't continue to be as unpredictable as before!
From amid the fog came the noises of someone coughing up blood. Hua Ying tossed out a Spirit-trapping Pouch for it to save A-Qing's soul. With heavy steps, Xue Yang walked for a while, then suddenly launched forward. With his hands extended.
Give me it! Roared Xue yang
Bichen's blue light split through the air. Lan Zhan cleanly severed off one of his arms. Blood spurted out at once. In front of Hua Ying, a large area of white fog had been stained red. The scent of blood was so overwhelming that even a single breath brought in a moist, rusty odor. However, he didn't care about it at all. He concentrated on solely searching and absorbing the soul of A-Qing that had been scattered.
On the other hand, although Xue Yang didn't make a single noise, there came the heavy sound of knees dropping onto the ground. It seemed that he had lost so much blood that he finally collapsed, unable to walk any further. Lan Zhan summoned Bichen again. The next attack would cut off Xue Yang's head!
Yet, suddenly, blue flames shot from the fog-covered earth to the sky. It was fire from a transportation talisman! Hua Ying not caring for the dangers within the fog or that he was overusing his dark energy, he tilted his head eyes were blood red as he commanded the darkness to grab Xue Yang. His energy was now playing of war with the person inside the array and knowing that he was fighting a losing battle the black masked man dug in Xue Yang's labels, then dropped Xue Yang and disappeared.
You know said Hua Ying coming over slowly. Lan Zhan here wants to behead you, not for the crimes you've committed but, because you had the gall to actually try and hurt me. I want to make you suffer not only because of what you have done here but what you did to my uncle's but also A-Qing... Song Lan gets to have that privilege, for deceiving his soulmate, for murdering him but also for trying to gather his soul and making it anew Said Hua Ying
Song Lan came over fully conscience, I will get my chance as soon as you enter the ghost realm, I will just let the others play with you for the time being by my terms you should be a savage, Kemo is going to enjoy you the most he said as he grinned.
Turning to Lan Zhan so that he wouldn't see Xue Yang being beheaded, the gravedigger? He asked Lan Zhan as his darkness filled the city and killed every last corpse there was walking the streets.
I gave the gravedigger three blows. He was close to being captured, a group of walking corpses attacked me and allowed him the opportunity to escape. Said Lan Zhan
Although he was injured, he tried to take Xue Yang with him, even though it cost him extensive spiritual powers. He probably knew who Xue Yang was and what he could do. Bringing away Xue Yang's corpse, was to search if he carried the Stygian Tiger Seal with him. He got it too that's why, he let go said Hua Ying
Now that the situation is already like this, we can only hope that there's a limit to the powers of the Tiger Seal that Xue Yang restored. Said Hua Ying sternly as the darkness receded and Hua Ying changed back to his mortal form
Suddenly, with a light toss, Lan Zhan passed something to him.
What is it? Asked Hua Ying as he caught the thing perfectly
The right arm. Said Lan Zhan
He had tossed over a new Qiankun Pouch. Having finally remembered why they had come to Yi City at the first place.
The right hand of our dear friend? You truly are amazing, Lan Zhan! Smiled Hua Ying
Mn. Replied Lan Zhan
Under the obstructions of the gravedigger, the groups of walking corpses, and the thick fog, Lan Zhan still managed to successfully find the right hand of the corpse. Hua Ying suddenly noticed that Song Lan was gone. Only Wen Ning still standing and staring at them blankly.
Lan Zhan put his hand back to Bichen, which he had already unsheathed.
Hua Ying stopped him by gently placing his hand over Lan Zhan's, It's fine. There's no need to be alarmed. Song Lan has regained his conscience and I killed the rest of the corpses, A-Ning doesn't have any killing intentions anymore. He is here merely to protect Said Hua Ying. He whistled lightly. Wen Ning stood up and proceeded to leave, his figure disappearing into the fog. The noises of chains dragging on the ground gradually faded into the distance.
Lan Zhan didn't say anything more. He calmly turned to Hua Ying, let us go.
Just as they were about to leave, suddenly, Hua Ying stopped, Wait.
He saw something lying alone in the blood. It was a severed left arm. Four of the fingers were closed tightly. The little finger was missing. The fist of the arm was firmly clenched. Hua Ying squatted down. Only by using most of his strength did he succeed in prying the fingers open one by one. After the fist had been opened, he found that it held a small piece of candy. The piece of candy was tinted slightly black. It was definitely not edible anymore. It had been clenched so tightly that it was almost crushed.
The liar laughed Hua Ying, then he and Lan Zhan returned to the coffin home together. The doors were open. As they had expected, Song Lan was standing beside the coffin that Xiao XingChen lay in, looking inside with his head hanging low.
All of the disciples unsheathed their swords. They huddled on the side, staring cautiously at the fierce corpse that had just attacked them. Seeing that Hua Ying and Lan Zhan returned, they looked as if their lives had been saved, yet they were too scared to make any noise, afraid of alarming or infuriating Song Lan.
Hua Ying walked into the coffin home, smiled and introduced Lan Zhan. This is Song Lan, Taoist Song ZiChen. My uncle's friend and once lover he said as Song Lan whipped his head up. Lifting up the hem of his robes, Lan Zhan stepped over the high threshold in an elegant manner, then nodded.
Since Song Lan had regained his consciousness, his pupils returned as well. A pair of clear, black eyes stared back at them. Amid the eyes that had originally been Xiao XingChen's, a deep, indescribable sorrow brimmed.
Thus, there was no need to ask any questions. Hua Ying knew already. During the period that Xue Yang made him into a fierce corpse and commanded him, he saw and remembered everything. No matter how much more they inquired, how much more they talked, it'd only lay more emphasis on the pain and hopelessness.
After a moment of silence, Hua Ying took out two Spirit-trapping Pouches of the same small size. He handed them to Song Lan, my uncle Xiao XingChen and Maiden A-Qing. I know because I am the same said Hua Ying and he looked at Lan Zhan. As just as my uncle I did the same Hua Ying smiled sadly. Hopefully it will be different. Of the two lumps of weak souls, each was curled up in its Spirit-trapping Pouch. It was as if just a slight bump would cause them to dissipate within the pouch. With shaking hands, Song Lan took them over and rested them on top of his palm. He didn't even dare to carry them by the strings, afraid that they'd sway too much.
Uncle Song, what do you intend on doing with Uncle Xiao XingChen's corpse? Asked Hua Ying
With one hand carefully cupping the two pouches, he pulled out Fuxue with his other hand and wrote two lines on the ground, burn the body. Look after the soul.
Now that Xiao XingChen's soul was so shattered, it definitely couldn't return to its body, so burning the body wouldn't be a bad idea. With the body gone and only a pure soul left, after being diligently looked after, maybe the day would come when it returned again.
What do you intend on doing afterwards? Asked Hua Ying
Song Lan wrote, Roam this world with Shuanghua. Exorcise evil beings alongside XingChen. When he wakes, say 'I'm sorry, it wasn't your fault'. He really wanted to meet you but when he came down, he heard you were gone.... we looked for ways to prove your innocence.
Uncle, as long you and he believed that is more than I can ask for, I too apologize for being late. If I came back sooner none of this would've happened said Hua Ying sadly
We all have our parts to play. We shall see each other again said Song Lan
If ever in need head for PuQi village or Yiling I always come when called said Hua Ying, then bowed to his uncle.
The fog of Yi City was gradually melting away enough only to see. One could already manage to see the roads and intersections. Lan Zhan and Hua Ying led the group of disciples out of the deserted city. In front of the city gates, Song Lan parted with them. He still wore the dark cultivation robes. Standing alone, he carried two swords, Shuanghua and Fuxue, he brought two souls, Xiao XingChen and A-Qing, and walked another path. Not the one that led them to Yi City.
'Xiao XingChen, the bright moon, the gentle breeze; Song ZiChen, the distant snow, the bitter frost'... I wonder if the two of them would be able to meet each other again. Said Lan Sizhui
Hua Ying walked over the road covered in weeds. Suddenly, he saw a patch of grass and thought to himself. Back then, this was where Xiao XingChen and A-Qing took Xue Yang back.
Now you should tell us what you really saw during Empathy, right? Why would the person be Xue Yang? Why did he pretend to be Xiao XingChen? Said Lan Jingyi and, also, was that the Ghost General? Where did the Ghost General go? Why do we not see him anymore? Is he still in Yi City? Why did he appear so suddenly?
Hua Ying pretended as though he didn't hear the second series of questions, well, this is a very complicated story... he swooned, and Lan Zhan caught him.
Guess I forgot said Hua Ying weakly as he looked into Lan Zhan's icy glare, don't look at me like that I am allowed to forget with the events that had happened after and my uncles burning, and it isn't that bad.
Lan Zhan peeled Hua Ying's labels and dug in his sleeves for a bandage and medication
Mother how did you get hurt asked Mo Xuanyu as he came closer and saw the bleeding wound.
I miscalculated that bastard growled Hua Ying through the pain, once Lan Zhan was done Mo Xuanyu took over. As they walked, after he finished telling the story, everyone was so depressed that nobody still remembered the Ghost General.
Why would something like this exist?! Asked Lan Jingyi
That Xue Yang is such a filthy scumbag! Death was letting him off too lightly! If Fairy were here, I would've made her chomp him to death! Raged Jin Ling, Hua Ying was terrified. If Fairy had been here, before Xue Yang died, he himself would've been scared to death.
The thing you speak of was originally destroyed by the owner, Lan Jingyi and the original was made because of the taint in the Yin iron it was meant to purify and destroy causing no backlash onto the people around it. How they managed to make this one is beyond even me Wei Ying destroyed both halves not just the one unless someone found pieces but then again, he never wrote how he made it either said Hua Ying also Jin Ling you think death is easy it isn't, an evil person such as Xue Yang will have to meet 'bleeding black heart' and from what I heard his life after death will be more torturous than what you may believe said Hua Ying smiling
Who is 'bleeding black heart' asked Jin Ling
He is the strongest Supreme demon ghost anyone has ever seen or heard of his father is crimson rain sought flower, I know you heard of him, anyway it is rumored that he can take your heart and make it bleed your sins and torture you endlessly, how you hurt others is how your own heart will hurt you with the pain. I also heard that your pleasure here turns to nightmare there smiled Hua Ying
How do you know this? asked one of the disciples
Easy said Hua Ying, at home they not only worship crimson rain sought flower, because his son is stronger, they pray to him to. Things like 'save me from my husband that hits me' or any evil deed that was done Black heart protects the people so the people at home pray to him that is why there are so many obstacles to get home. If you are not part of the place or with a person, who is you can't enter and if you do no one will see you alive again, he hates the cultivational world.
The boy who had complimented A-Qing through the door slit stomped his feet, Maiden A-Qing, oh, Maiden A-Qing!
Lan Jingyi cried the loudest. He looked awful, but this time, nobody reminded him to keep his voice low, since Lan Sizhui's eyes were red as well. It was fortunate that Lan Zhan didn't silence him.
We should go burn some paper money for Taoist Xiao XingChen and Maiden A-Qing. There is a village in front of the road fork over there, right? Let us buy some things and pray for them. Suggested Lan Jingyi
Everyone agreed, Sure, sure!