**Chapter 280 – The Chen Family’s Secret**
The crescent moon hung quietly in the deep night sky, slowly sinking as the gentle breeze blew it towards the horizon.
In this tranquil night, Yun Zhonghe’s thoughts seemed to wander along with the moonlight, becoming somewhat hazy. His distant gaze inadvertently fell on the bed beside him where a young girl sat shyly, her head lowered, and two rosy clouds of embarrassment had appeared on her cheeks.
Moonlight seeped through the window lattices, gently splashing onto her face, making her already elegant and otherworldly face even more delicate and tender.
Her fair skin was as pure as fresh snow, every subtle emotion revealing her innocence and beauty. One could not help but marvel at the craftsmanship of fate for creating such a heart-stirring visage.
Yun Zhonghe’s eyelashes trembled slightly.
“Am I… Where am I?”
Memories fragments pieced together in his mind, and all he could vaguely recall was drinking with Huang Aotian earlier. He suddenly found himself awake, feeling the intense gaze of Huang Aotian on him, which stirred something within.
But he quickly suppressed the sudden emotional upheaval, despite his muddled mind, he began to piece together their current situation.
“Were you the one who helped me into bed since I drank too much?”
Yun Zhonghe held his head, trying to clear his mind.
“Hmph… Hmph, you were always warning others not to drink too much, yet here you are drunk out of your mind.”
Mu Jixue deliberately let out a soft hum, masking her inner panic and tension, trying to appear ordinary.
At that moment, her heart felt like a turbulent lake, almost overflowing with waves, about ready to spill out.
Could he be pretending? How conveniently he woke up right after she mustered the courage to kiss him on the lips.
Slumbering prince?
Mu Jixue’s purple eyes occasionally glanced sideways at Yun Zhonghe’s calm face, seeing little reaction, it made her think he truly didn’t know anything.
Disappointment rose in her heart as she wondered if she had also been caught up, under the influence of Spirit Wine, she did something so daring.
This kind of behavior was absolutely not like her.
But…
Mu Jixue lightly bit her lip, her mind replaying the sweetness and excitement of the moment, despite the regret, she couldn’t deny that her heart was filled with warmth, a sensation she had never felt before.
“Miss Jixue?”
Suddenly, Yun Zhonghe’s slightly raspy voice snapped Mu Jixue back to reality.
She looked up abruptly, meeting Yun Zhonghe’s deep gaze, causing her heart to race and her cheeks to turn red: “W-What… is it?”
Their distance was so close, they could practically hear each other’s breaths. Each exhalation created a warm spray on each other’s skin, bringing an indescribable tingling sensation.
Yun Zhonghe slightly turned his face, his deep eyes shining mysteriously, as if enchanted by some magic, his gaze fixated involuntarily on Mu Jixue’s rosy, inviting lips with a faint glimmer of moisture.
For some reason, an inexplicable feeling surged in his heart.
He felt an unusual impulse throughout his body.
d*mn, what’s happening to me? Had alcohol really clouded my mind so much that I’m having thoughts about my friend!
His emotions were hard to describe. Yun Zhonghe suddenly felt Mu Jixue next to him was especially enchanting, emitting an irresistible charm.
Especially those lush and tempting lips, as if inviting him to taste them, glistening enticingly.
Surely, Spirit Wine was dangerous. Who would have thought the aftereffects would be so strong? Looks like, from now on, he’ll need to be more cautious with such fine wines.
Yun Zhonghe tried his best to control the surge of impulses, preventing his mind from being dominated by his desires.
After all, the effects of Spirit Wine combined with them being alone together in this intimate space could easily lead to all sorts of inappropriate situations.
d*mn, why did he become so jittery.
With his thoughts racing like an untamed horse, Yun Zhonghe felt a sense of self-reproach and attempted to stand up to break free from the awkward atmosphere.
“I’m awake too, where are Xiaoxiao and Chenchen? We should get them ready to leave now.”
As he slowly sat up from the bed, Yun Zhonghe was in the process of straightening his disheveled clothes when…
Mu Jixue suddenly extended her hand, softly gripping his.
Huh?
Yun Zhonghe froze, feeling her hand’s unusually warm touch, an inexplicable feeling spread between them, making the air thick and ambiguous.
His breathing became rapid, as if even his heartbeat paused.
“You… You don’t seem fully awake, perhaps you should lie down and rest a bit longer, we can start our preparations one hour later,” she spoke, her ear turning slightly pink.
She lowered her long lashes, avoiding eye contact with him, fearing that revealing her true feelings might expose the delicate emotions between them.
However, though her fingers unconsciously tightened the grip, it was an unconscious move.
She was nervous!
“As our leader, if you aren’t in top form, our plans ahead will suffer.”
Mu Jixue explained.
Yun Zhonghe blinked, seemingly touched by her words, and responded cooperatively, “Eh yes… maybe…”
I’m so important. It was touching how Mu Jixue considered him essential, Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but feel a warm sensation.
If that was her request, he would abide by it. He lay back down again, taking the opportunity to rest.
At the same time, an icy blue Spiritual Energy subtly flowed between their tightly clasped hands.
Ice Elemental Energy could provide clarity, however, not knowing Yun Zhonghe’s meridian pathways, she dared not directly inject her energy into him.
But Yun Zhonghe seemed to understand Mu Jixue’s concerns, he consciously absorbed the Spiritual Energy focused at her palm.
He felt incredibly excited.
She really cares about me.
This energy coursed through his meridians, clearing his mind.
“Thank you.”
There was a hint of joy in Yun Zhonghe’s tone which made Mu Jixue’s ears heat up.
Mu Jixue quickly regained her composure, trying to keep her tone calm: “You’re welcome.”
An ambient warmth and beauty filled the room, as if the very air had softened.
…
Upstairs, after waiting for a long while, Su Xinghe grew impatient and restless.
She paced back and forth, often looking up at the stairs, her brows furrowed in concern.
She suspected that Mu Jixue might take advantage of the opportunity to do something inappropriate to Yun Zhonghe.
Several times, she was impelled to rush upstairs to verify, but was held back each time by Su Xiaoxiao.
Finally, after a long wait, Yun Zhonghe had returned fully restored, appearing spirited as he made his way downstairs.
Seeing this, Su Xinghe’s eyes narrowed immediately. She hurriedly approached Mu Jixue, scanning their faces back and forth, as if searching for some trace.
Mu Jixue jumped in alarm at the sudden approach, her heart filled with unease.
She swiftly guarded her body, looking warily at Su Xinghe, a shade of displeasure in her voice: “What are you doing?”
Su Xinghe ignored Mu Jixue’s inquiry and muttered to herself: “That maiden-like appearance… what’s that… didn’t take the opportunity. ”
Her words carried a tone of satisfaction and mockery.
She felt relieved.
Considering all that time, she thought they might have…
But nothing happened.
Can you manage?
Upon hearing “maiden-like appearance”, Mu Jixue’s face instantly turned pale, glaring at Su Xinghe, her eyes blazing with fury.
There was a tense atmosphere between the two, sparks of anger flying between their gazes.
What is he thinking?
Su Xiaoxiao could only chuckle awkwardly.
But her gaze inadvertently shifted towards Yun Zhonghe, her eyes flickering with complex and subtle emotions.
Whether it was Xue Er or Chen Chen, both were actively vying for Yun Zhonghe’s affection and attention in their own ways.
And herself? She felt like a small unnoticed flower, insignificant in this dazzling garden.
How could she stay by his side in future?
“What can I do? What makes him notice me?” Su Xiaoxiao silently questioned, a profound sense of helplessness welled up in her heart.
Her petite fist clenched tightly at her chest.
Suddenly, Yun Zhonghe noticed Su Xiaoxiao’s pensive look.
Ever since her encounter with Xia Linglong, she had often looked absent-minded.
He didn’t know what she was thinking.
Every time asked, Su Xiaoxiao would smile and brush it off lightly.
If Lin Zhongyu was around, perhaps she could unravel the secrets of Su Xiaoxiao’s heart.
…
Under a black, wind-ridden night, dark clouds covered the moon, leaving only a few weak star glimmers to add an element of mystique and unease amidst the tranquil night.
Though Yun Zhonghe and his companions hadn’t come to m*rder or set fires, sneaking into someone’s courtyard late at night wasn’t exactly virtuous either.
They had not changed clothes; Yun Zhonghe still wore his nobleman outfit, while the three girls were clad in bright white robes, standing out prominently in the shadows.
However, all four had taken precautions to conceal their presence.
Not only did they apply Concealment Talismans, Mu Jixue even mastered a technique called Ice Concealment, which could not only hide their aura but also visually render them nearly invisible, akin to wearing an optical camouflaging garment, making them impossible to detect.
Thus, when they left stealthily, no watchful eyes detected their existence.
Like specters, they weaved through the night shadows and soon arrived at the gates of the Chen family compound.
The Chen residence was vast. The four of them carefully scaled the high walls, entering the rear courtyard.
This area was exclusively for female relatives and minor sons, exceptionally quiet.
Oddly enough, many rooms were seemingly unoccupied.
Doors were shut tight, interiors dark and empty, the occupants nowhere to be seen.
“Where has everyone gone?”
Mu Jixue frowned, a hint of bewilderment in her eyes.
Yun Zhonghe and the others felt puzzled as well. They clearly remembered the bustling atmosphere of the Chen residence yesterday.
Yet just one night seemed to wipe off a significant portion of its occupants.
It wasn’t complete disappearance, rather, most residents appeared indifferent or unbothered by the event.
Yun Zhonghe hadn’t heard any information about large groups from the Chen clan departing.
Originally, they planned to survey the main residence first, but Su Xinghe proposed checking the state of Chen Leling instead.
Yun Zhonghe concurred and the four of them decided to proceed to the whereabouts of Chen Leling.
Yesterday, Su Xinghe had spoken individually with Chen Leling and marked her with a special aura trace for easier location.
That young girl was still in the Chen family compound.
Following the aura trace, they navigated through winding corridors and bypassed the dimly illuminated gardens, eventually reaching a dilapidated courtyard.
The courtyard entrance was securely bolted, with aged wooden hinges worn by time, easily breakable with a single push.
Subtly, all sensed a strong aura of yin energy coming from the courtyard!
This dense yin aura was so suffocating, silent and initially difficult to notice until they drew closer.
“Looks like a formation is suppressing something inside, but it failed to completely block the flow of yin energy, hence some leakage.”
explained Su Xinghe, who had the most understanding of formations.
This was extraordinary in terms of yin energy levels.
Mu Jixue stared at the decayed hinges, about to reach in to test, but a sudden intuition surged, causing her to retract her hand, her expression turning solemn.
“It’s better not to enter directly.”
Yun Zhonghe glanced around and landed his eyes on a nearby low wall: “We’ll climb over.”
The four again scaled the walls, silently landing inside the courtyard.
Darkness enveloped them. No lanterns or candles lit up the darkness. The rooms were silent, devoid of a single sound.
Was Chen Leling housed here?
This is how the Chens treat people?
No sooner had Mun Jixue stepped in, she sensed an unusual aura. Hurriedly, she approached a room door and forcefully broke open the padlock, causing a loud crack, and entered.
Behind her, Yun Zhonghe and the rest followed closely.
Inside, it was pitch-black, barely visible even with extended hands. Gradually, vision started to adjust.
What unfolded before their eyes shocked them all!
Rows and rows of grotesquely dried corpses hung from the upper beams like macabre exhibits, every face twisted in agony, eyes wide and unblinking as if screaming for eternity.
These mummified bodies swayed lightly, as if ready to leap at them and tear them apart!
The sight was too horrifying, even the most nightmarish games wouldn’t feature such a scene.
Mu Jixue nearly screamed, but thankfully Yun Zhonghe quickly covered her mouth, pulling her away from the terrifying scene.
Su Xiaoxiao was much braver, yet the horrific images immobilized her, rendering her speechless, standing still like an icicle, utterly silent.
Fear like ice locked her mind, freezing her thoughts.
Only Su Xinghe remained calm, she swiftly scanned the surroundings, catching a critical clue in a flash, then decisively opened another door.
A heavy creaking echoed through the silence.
Inside, a similarly grim scene greeted them. Another room full of human-shaped mummies.
On careful observation, these mummies were roughly 11 or 12 years old and all female.
Their bodies were wrapped tightly in yellow talismans.
Su Xinghe made no delay and immediately moved onto the next room.
Using the dim moonlight, they managed to make out the room’s contents:
a small girl of 11 or 12 years old, with pigtails braided into horns.
Chains ruthlessly pierced her skull, arms, and legs, pinning her to the wall in the corner.
Her face was pale, eyes wide, mouth agape revealing sharp teeth.
Yun Zhonghe recognized her instantly: “Isn’t this the girl we saw yesterday…”
Yet… is she human or a ghost?
Su Xinghe clenched her fists in anger, but managed to control her emotions: “She’s human, help hold her down.”
“Alright.” Yun Zhonghe responded instantly, following orders and holding the girl’s hands.
Her hands were pale and cold, nails long, sharp, and bluish-gray, clearly not belonging to a normal person.
This lively, cute girl from yesterday had transformed into a monstrous being today?
“She looks like some sort of zombie.” Yun Zhonghe stated.
“Almost like one.” Su Xinghe bit her lower lip, eyes filled with deep hatred and rage.
At that moment, Su Xiaoxiao and Mu Jixue rushed over, reacting with shock at the horrifying spectacle.
Mu Jixue hurried to help: “What’s wrong with her?”
Su Xinghe didn’t hesitate, fetching a blank yellow talisman from her space ring, she swiftly sketched intricate patterns.
Drawing while speaking, her tone serious: “Cursed items to ward off evil. It’s said this method forcefully reverses fortunes of the household.”
She paused briefly, eyes filled with disdain and disgust towards human greed: “This thing is transformed from living humans.”
Yun Zhonghe’s eyes widened with the utter horror of those words.
Instantly, images of terrible visions flashed through his mind, a surge of anger filling him.
Without doubt, it was surely the Chen household’s work.
Now, everything made sense!
Why the grand design of the Chen residence and their bustling business. And the recent haunted events in Tianhai City…
Even if there were still many details unclear, it was crystal clear that all leads pointed to this very place!
Chen Family!
Su Xinghe nodded solemnly.
Mu Jixue and Su Xiaoxiao’s eyes flickered with shock.
The zombified Chen Leling suddenly emitted unintelligible growls, her features distorted in anger.
Her strength was surprising, even for Yun Zhonghe and Mu Jixue working together, it was difficult to subdue her frenzy.
Exhausted from effort, they were still overwhelmed by her wild strength.
Su Xiaoxiao joined in to reinforce their efforts finally managing to hold her down.
Seeing this, sweat beaded on Su Xinghe’s forehead, she exclaimed: “Seems she was recently transformed, her sheer strength is remarkable.”
This zombie was fiercely powerful, with deep-seated grievances.
Su Xinghe did not waste time, immediately placing the talisman on the child zombie’s forehead, the creature thrashed violently, stronger than ever.
Yun Zhonghe, Mu Jixue, and Su Xiaoxiao struggled to hold her.
Simultaneously, the yellow paper spontaneously ignited, flames shimmering with eerie blue hue turning to ash quickly.
Failure!
“Grrr!!!!”
The zombie’s eyes were filled with fury and defiance, bloodshot and clouded.
Watching a seemingly normal girl transform into this, Yun Zhonghe felt a burning rage.
The densely packed rows of hanging, dried girls elsewhere in the building suggested a horrifying conspiracy.
Chen Family… beasts!
“Hehehe, dear friends, sneaking around our residence at night isn’t very nice.”
A chilling laugh, accompanied by a sudden gust of eerie wind from the central courtyard, sent chills over all present.
Just as Yun Zhonghe and the others were fully concentrated on sealing the zombie, an unexpected twist disrupted the tension.
Yun Zhonghe’s eyes narrowed, face changing abruptly. He shouted: “Bad things, get back!”
All four reacted simultaneously, eyes widening, they rapidly withdrew just as the zombie unleashed a flood of yin energy.
Although Mu Jixue and Su Xinghe were spellcasters, albeit not quick, their resistance to malevolent forces aided their evasion.
Yun Zhonghe, relying on speed, deftly navigated the relentless energy wave, avoiding its reach.
However, Su Xiaoxiao was slower.
As a physique-type cultivator, she lacked speed and her lower level compounded her vulnerability to the yin energy assault.
Dark, malevolent energy engulfed Su Xiaoxiao like an enormous black hand, intent on consuming her completely!
“Xiaoxiao!”
“BROTHER!”
Mu Jixue and Su Xinghe exclaimed in fear, their focus split between saving the zombie and the emerging danger.
At this crucial moment, a yellow flash burst like a shooting star, cutting through the darkness, wrapping swiftly around Su Xiaoxiao’s waist.
“Xiaoxiao, hold on tight!”
“BRO!”
Just moments ago submerged in despair, Su Xiaoxiao clung desperately to the familiar warmth, feeling tears pricking her eyes.
Yet, the surrounding winds continued, carrying cold chills and lingering malevolent intents.
Yun Zhonghe swiftly dodged the ominous winds while holding Su Xiaoxiao, attempting to evade the haunting spirits. However, with his divided focus, his agility inevitably suffered.
Yin energy surged toward him, aiming to drown him!
Yun Zhonghe swiftly unsheathed Xue Yunjian. A flash of sword light as the defense of Infinity Sword Technique quickly ensnared.
But it was futile.
Infinity Sword Technique no longer sufficed; the yin energy seeped in effortlessly like mercury, surging toward Yun Zhonghe.
d*mn! Too late!
Yun Zhonghe’s eyes widened, he relinquished defense, tightly hugging Su Xiaoxiao, protecting her from malevolent energies, shielding her with his own body!
Yin energy crashed into Yun Zhonghe’s robe. The robe barely withstood before giving in!
Black, viscous yin energy infiltrated Yun Zhonghe’s torso, agony piercing through, sweat rolling down his forehead in beads, but he gritted his teeth, enduring the pain.
Su Xiaoxiao, Mu Jixue, and Yun Zhonghe felt the simultaneous clash of Spiritual Fire and Ice, momentarily blocking the surge of yin energy. Yun Zhonghe pulled away, breaking free from the entanglement.
Mu Jixue and Su Xinghe finally moved to support Yun Zhonghe, particularly Su Xinghe channeling her innate fire elemental energy into a massive, scorching ball that looked like a meteor crashing down towards the zombie.
At that moment, it hardly mattered whether it was Chen Leling anymore.
Survival became their sole priority.
As an advanced Yuan Ying cultivator, Su Xinghe’s basic spell had terrifying power.
The fiery attack forced the zombie to swiftly withdraw its vile essence.
In that blazing inferno, the child’s shadow appeared shattered beyond recognition.
Eliminated?
Often when one asks such questions, things seldom go as expected.
Convulsing, twisting, darkness, crawling…
Unexpectedly, the girl zombie’s body emitted eerie sounds, a chill ran down their spine as she slowly stood upright, emerging from the fierce flames unscathed.
“Hehehe, after probing our family’s secrets, thankfully I was more cautious and reset the barriers, otherwise, a few more mice might have slipped away.”
Accompanied by a chilling laugh, a middle-aged man in a black robe emerged from the ominous winds behind them, the very Chen Family Head Yun Zhonghe had met yesterday.
Yet compared to the spirited and sharp-eyed man of yesterday, he appeared changed, his voice hoarse and steps faltering, his once sharp eyes dim, skin yellowed and wasted.
Somewhat like a zombie.
“Father, since they’re so fond of us Chen’s, perhaps we should let them ‘stay’ here forever.”
Meanwhile, from the front of the courtyard, a young man kicked the door open and sauntered inside, his sneer filled with malice as he looked at Yun Zhonghe and company with cold, calculating eyes.
The Chen son.
