Chapter 123: Why Is She Here? The Yin-Draining Array and the Emergence of Evil Jiangshi

Chen Yushu could not help but turn his head to look at him.

"Why is she here too?"

At this moment, Qi Jichuan looked at Xiao Hong, who had been by Chen Yushu's side, with an expression full of astonishment. If his memory served him correctly, Xiao Hong belonged to the Zuo family compound. Her presence here could only mean one thing: the master of the Zuo family compound must be here as well.

Beside him, Zhao Yufeng also could not help but stop in his tracks.

"Xiao Hong is now my spirit thrall," Chen Yushu explained.

"Hmm? Then her grandfather..." Qi Jichuan asked with a bewildered look.

"He broke the prohibition and fled," Chen Yushu said.

"So, the last time it came to your place, it was to leave her with you? That is truly... a stroke of good fortune," Qi Jichuan said, stunned. After a long moment, he gave a thumbs-up.

"It is indeed good fortune. It is equivalent to having an evil spirit as a backer. Of course, that is assuming it can manage to escape. Even if it does, it likely won't dare to appear near Jianghuan Town again. Granny Jiang... has been waiting for a chance to earn merit," Zhao Yufeng added, clearly well-versed in matters of divinity.

Chen Yushu remained silent. A backer? To him, it was of little use.

The group set off immediately and soon arrived at Qiuhe Mountain. Upon arrival, Chen Yushu immediately employed the Art of Qi Observation. He discovered that compared to Water Curtain Gully, this mountain peak was entirely unremarkable.

Water Curtain Gully, from the outside, appeared to be a superb site of geomantic omen—with mountains and water, facing the sun while backed by shade. It was a minor dragon vein, which explained why the water bandit known as the King of Pinghai had chosen it for his tomb. The reason it had later mutated from a site of good fortune into a place of evil, gathering Yin energy, was naturally due to the formation laid out there.

In contrast, Qiuhe Mountain was entirely different. It was a genuine site of Yin, a place of truly treacherous terrain. Once a grave was placed here, the descendants would inevitably be affected, suffering from misfortune, financial ruin, and premature death, with the family line dying out within three generations. However, to his surprise, he saw no traces of a formation here.

"The formation here is in the water. The one at Water Curtain Gully was a Yang formation, set directly within the mountain body. But the formation on Qiuhe Mountain is all set within the river; it is a Yin formation. It will be difficult to break," Zhao Yufeng said, standing at the mountain pass and looking down at the river.

"Then what should we do?" Chen Yushu asked.

"We don't need to break it. We just need to wait. The Yin and Yang formations are interconnected. As long as everything goes smoothly at Water Curtain Gully and that Great Martial Master's tomb is unearthed, it will inevitably trigger a reaction from this formation. That way, we can determine exactly where that old beast's true tomb is located," Zhao Yufeng said, shaking his head while looking toward the direction of Water Curtain Gully.

Even from a great distance, they could hear shouts from afar. Clearly, something was happening over there, and they were engaged in a battle. Faintly, cries of pain could be heard. But soon, the noise died down. Then, a peculiar howl followed.

"The coffin lid of the Great Martial Master has been opened. Quick, activate your spirit eyes. Once the thing inside emerges, this formation will change. As long as we find the core location, we just need to dig straight down," Zhao Yufeng said urgently, his eyes flashing with intensity. Qi Jichuan also looked expectant.

Seeing this, Chen Yushu employed the Art of Qi Observation and scanned his surroundings. Sure enough, he immediately discovered that Qiuhe Mountain was now shrouded in a special light. This was the light of the formation. He further observed that under the convergence of this light, streams of pure lunar energy were gathering and rapidly invading a level patch of ground to the northwest.

"It's over there!" Qi Jichuan quickly spotted the location and pointed.

The group immediately set off toward the northwest. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Qi Jichuan stopped and frowned, "It should be around here."

"Indeed, it is nearby. Now, we just need to dig down. It shouldn't take long to break through," Zhao Yufeng said, his eyes gleaming as he nodded.

Chen Yushu, however, felt a flash of doubt. In his eyes, the lunar energy was being channeled, but the convergence point was still three or four yards away. "This seems a bit off. The formation laid out here should also be for absorbing Yin and lunar energy to aid its growth. Therefore, logically, the area where the lunar energy is densest should be closest to the tomb."

Chen Yushu hesitated, then pointed to the location he saw. "The lunar energy seems much denser over there."

"You're right," Qi Jichuan said, nodding. After sensing it himself, he discovered that the spot Chen Yushu chose had several times more lunar energy than where they were standing.

"The Spirit Eye Technique can only judge the general direction of a formation. It is indeed not as precise as Brother Chen's Art of Qi Observation," Zhao Yufeng added, nodding in agreement.

The group moved three or four yards to the spot Chen Yushu had identified.

"Right here. Start digging," Zhao Yufeng commanded. They had prepared well for this operation and all carried hoes. At his signal, they began to dig. Even Xiao Hei, under the control of Zhao Yufeng’s bell, used its hands like shovels to dig rapidly.

The three men and the zombie were all quite strong. Chen Yushu had reached the level of Internal Refining, possessing the strength of a thousand catties. Qi Jichuan was even stronger, having reached the Internal Strength Realm, and his early training in Yin-body tempering techniques gave him immense natural power. As for Zhao Yufeng, his mastery of Yin-body tempering was also profound—how else could he have subdued a zombie and raised it to the level of an Evil Zombie? As for Xiao Hei, it was a true Evil Zombie, and its strength exceeded theirs.

Despite lacking proper tools, they made quick progress. Soon, they had dug a pit seven feet deep.

*Clang!*

However, as they continued, they felt the soil become incredibly tough. Chen Yushu swung his hoe with all his might, and the recoil left his arm numb.

"This is indeed the place. No need to dig further. This is the tomb formation taking effect. I will first set up a Yin-draining array to drain the Yin energy inside," Zhao Yufeng said, stopping.

He climbed out, took out the formation discs he had brought, and began placing them around the area until the formation was complete.

He then struck his bell. Xiao Hei, hearing the order, leaped into the center of the pit.

"Rise!" Zhao Yufeng stepped out a ritual pace, brandishing his wooden sword. With a stroke of the sword and a hand seal, he pointed forward. A surge of spiritual light shot from the wooden sword into Xiao Hei.

*Hum!*

In an instant, with Xiao Hei serving as the anchor, the entire formation was activated. A layer of mist emerged. To Chen Yushu’s perception, he could feel streams of thick baleful energy, Yin energy, and lunar energy surging up from beneath the ground like a volcanic eruption.

Countless streams of energy poured out like a rushing river. Even to the naked eye, one could see black mists rolling in the air. The temperature in the surroundings dropped by more than ten degrees in a short time. The wild grass on the ground was instantly covered in white frost, its vitality fading as it turned yellow and withered.

Xiao Hei, inside the formation, opened its mouth wide, continuously swallowing and absorbing the Yin energy. Faintly, it seemed as if its strength was growing; its own Yin energy became thicker, and its flesh seemed to become denser and tougher. For a creature like Xiao Hei, this energy was like supreme nourishment.

At this moment, Xiao Yin and Xiao Hong, seemingly attracted by the dense energy, rushed into the pit and began to absorb it as well. Chen Yushu initially wanted to stop them, but seeing that they did not interfere with the formation, he let them be. After all, this was immensely beneficial for them.

"This Yin energy is too heavy. If we don't drain it beforehand, we will be at a disadvantage once we go inside," Qi Jichuan remarked.

"Indeed," Chen Yushu nodded.

The environment could influence a battle. In places rich with Yin energy, ghosts and zombies could exert greater power. However, practitioners like them would be constantly assaulted by the Yin energy and had to use their own blood energy to resist it; they could only exert eighty or ninety percent of their strength. Given the unknown situation inside, they needed to be cautious.

Time passed. Even with Xiao Hei, Xiao Hong, and Xiao Yin absorbing the energy, the amount stored over ten years was immense. Much of it still leaked out, attracting many wandering ghosts. Even the river nearby showed signs of movement; drowned corpses and even malevolent spirits were drawn to the area.

Fortunately, the Yin energy was finally being drained. Zhao Yufeng shook his bell. Xiao Hei, which had been standing still, began to dig again. It dug deeper and deeper. However, Chen Yushu and the others kept their distance. They didn't want to be caught in a sudden blast of Yin energy or ambushed by whatever might be inside when the tomb was breached.

*Boom!*

Suddenly, Xiao Hei loosened its hand. The final layer of soil was removed. A surge of Yin energy, far more concentrated than before, rushed out. Simultaneously, several red ghostly shadows darted out.

"Come back quickly!" Chen Yushu shouted. Xiao Yin and Xiao Hong flew toward him, but a fierce ghost lashed out like lightning at Xiao Yin. Xiao Hong, seeing this, raised its small foot and kicked the ghost.

*Bang!*

The ghost was sent flying. Xiao Hong was not just a fierce ghost; it had been trained by a grandfather who had become an evil spirit. Despite its short ghostly age, its techniques were formidable. Its eyes flashed with a red light, pinning the ghost in place; if one looked closely, one could see a hint of fear in the ghost's eyes.

On the other side, Xiao Hei was being swarmed by three or four fierce ghosts. But it fought bravely, grabbing one ghost and biting into it. A burst of terrifying corpse energy leaked out, causing the ghost's body to corrode and its spirit form to weaken significantly.

At this moment, Chen Yushu, Qi Jichuan, and Zhao Yufeng joined the fray. They stepped into the formation. Chen Yushu lunged at the ghost Xiao Hong had kicked away, pressing his hands down.

*Boom!*

The ghost, having just broken free from its fear, was pinned to the ground. Xiao Hong and Xiao Yin immediately returned and attacked the ghost fiercely. While they lacked refined combat techniques, their strong spiritual bodies were a major advantage. Especially Xiao Hong, whose body was tougher than that of the ghost; they showed no mercy.

Soon, with a *pop*, the ghost was beaten to death. It left behind one soul bead and three Yin bone jades. Xiao Hong and Xiao Yin picked them up, sharing them like good friends—Xiao Hong would play with the bone jades, and Xiao Yin would "absorb" the soul beads when hungry.

Meanwhile, Qi Jichuan and Zhao Yufeng, coordinating with Xiao Hei, disposed of the remaining ghosts. Chen Yushu noticed that the great sword in Qi Jichuan's hand was no ordinary weapon; it was a magical artifact capable of harming ghosts, likely forged with precious materials like gold crystal or secret silver.

"Alright, the Yin energy inside is mostly drained. Let's enter the tomb!" Zhao Yufeng said after picking up a soul bead.

Chen Yushu nodded. Their goal was to raise the corpse, so they had to go in. However, he was still worried about Xiao Hong and Xiao Yin. "You two stay outside and guard. If you encounter danger, run. Don't be reckless."

"Is Brother Yushu going to play without us like big sister?" Xiao Yin asked, clutching Chen Yushu’s sleeve.

"I need your help. Guarding here and warning us if anyone approaches is the greatest help you can provide," Chen Yushu smiled and explained.

"Don't worry, Brother Yushu, we will guard this place well," Xiao Hong nodded firmly.

"We are very obedient!" Xiao Yin added with a smile.

Chen Yushu then joined Qi Jichuan and the others at the edge of the pit. Looking down, they saw a room about three yards high, shaped like a fan, containing eight coffins. But the most striking was the central coffin—a stone sarcophagus covered by a stone slab, clearly different from the rest.

"A Nine-Coffin Corpse-Refining Formation. As expected, the old beast had grand plans. If I'm not mistaken, each of these eight coffins holds an Evil Zombie. The old beast was using these zombies to strengthen its own flesh, helping it transform into a Corpse Demon. I just hope these Evil Zombies aren't all dead yet. Otherwise, we're in real trouble."

Zhao Yufeng’s expression turned solemn. He shook his bell, controlling Xiao Hei to jump down first. Then, he followed, followed by Qi Jichuan, and finally Chen Yushu. He knew there was no turning back now.

"What do we do next?" Chen Yushu scanned the room. He noticed runes carved on the walls and felt an inexplicable discomfort, as if he were being watched the moment he stepped inside. He became extremely vigilant.

"Open the coffins!" Zhao Yufeng commanded. Xiao Hei rushed to the nearest coffin and pried it open. A thick stench of decay wafted out, but no zombie jumped out. The Evil Zombie inside had been completely drained and was nothing more than a rotting corpse.

"This..." Qi Jichuan looked toward the central stone sarcophagus. He suspected the old beast was already awake, watching them with a cold sneer.

"Continue!" Zhao Yufeng was nervous, but he ordered Xiao Hei to open the second coffin. The stench grew stronger. The zombie inside had also been drained. This was bad news—it meant the old beast was nearing completion. Once all eight were drained, the Corpse Demon would be fully formed. Even if it hadn't fully awakened, it would naturally be of the "Calamity" level, posing a massive threat.

*Jingle!*

Zhao Yufeng shook the bell repeatedly. Xiao Hei opened the third and fourth coffins. Finally, as it pried open the fifth, *Boom!* A corpse in red robes suddenly sat up and swung its arm at Xiao Hei.

Seeing this, Zhao Yufeng felt a surge of relief. Good. They hadn't all been drained. If there were survivors, it meant the transformation wasn't complete. The opponent might be powerful, but not yet of the "Calamity" level!

"Attack!" Zhao Yufeng signaled. Xiao Hei lunged, its hands like steel blades sinking into the zombie's chest. But the zombie slapped Xiao Hei’s shoulder, crushing it down by half an inch. This zombie was terrifyingly strong—even after being partially drained by the central Corpse Demon, it was still formidable.

Fortunately, Xiao Hei wasn't fighting alone. Chen Yushu flicked three talismans, which stuck accurately onto the red-robed zombie.

*Sizzle...*

The power of the Exorcism Talismans erupted. The zombie paused. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Hei pulled out its hand and swiped at the zombie's neck.

*Rip!*

The second talisman, a Lightning Induction Talisman, was triggered, followed by an Ice Arrow Talisman. Lightning struck the zombie, leaving it charred and stunned. Lightning was highly effective against zombies. The next moment, a giant ice arrow struck its head with a loud *thud*. The zombie's skin was tough, but the arrow pierced through.

Chen Yushu noted that due to the heavy Yin energy, his talismans—except for the Exorcism ones—were slightly weakened.

*Pop!*

Xiao Hei stepped forward, plunging its hand into the zombie's neck.

"Back!" Qi Jichuan leaped up, swinging his great sword.

*Clang!*

Zhao Yufeng controlled Xiao Hei to retreat. The zombie's head was severed. *Sizzle...* A rush of baleful energy dissipated, and it stopped moving.

Having cleared one, they breathed a sigh of relief. Xiao Hei moved to the sixth coffin. But as it opened, *Bang! Bang!* The lids of the seventh and eighth coffins were pushed off simultaneously. The zombies inside had awakened.

Short, thin, and fat—all three jumped out, their auras terrifying.