Chapter 139: Temple Custodian He Jiang—Summoning Spirits and Possession, Mere Parlor Tricks Daring to Show Off Before a Master?

Only now did Chen Yushu become aware of some unusual commotion outside the door, though he could not tell when it had begun.

“Friend inside, I am He Jiang, the guardian envoy of Jianghuan Town and the temple attendant of Granny Jiang’s shrine. I respectfully request you to come out and meet me.”

A voice followed immediately. At that moment, Liu Qiao’er opened the door and stepped outside. Naturally, Chen Yushu would not let her face such trouble alone, so he followed her out.

In an instant, he understood the situation clearly. This must be the trouble caused by his consecutive slayings of two groups of ghost soldiers under Granny Jiang’s command the previous day.

Guardian envoy of Jianghuan Town? Temple attendant of Granny Jiang’s shrine?

The former title likely referred to the divine position of Granny Jiang herself, while the temple attendant—he was familiar with such roles in temples. For instance, the general’s temple where he had once attended a gathering was served by a temple attendant. Back then, he had checked, and that attendant’s spiritual cultivation was only equivalent to one incense stick, weaker than many in the sects, so their presence was faint.

But this temple attendant was different—serving directly under Granny Jiang, his strength and skill were far greater. A glance was enough for Chen Yushu to gauge his level: the rank of three incense sticks.

It is worth noting that temple attendants, due to their service to “deities,” usually cultivate the art of invoking spirits. Their true power far exceeds that of ordinary sect members because their strength derives not from themselves but from the “deities” they summon.

Just like Qi Jichuan—once he began the spirit-invocation ritual and called upon a medium, his combat power became astonishingly formidable, able to hold his own against evil zombies.

Moreover, this temple attendant was not alone. Behind him followed five or six burly men, two clearly trained in martial arts, while the others wore fervent expressions—they were fanatical devotees of Granny Jiang’s temple.

Such zealots, wholly influenced in thought and devoted to Granny Jiang as their deity, were willing to pay any price. Though their personal strength might be weak, their madness made them dangerous, even ready to sacrifice everything.

Additionally, Chen Yushu spotted a line of ghost soldiers lurking far behind. Among them were two intensely sinister presences—two major evil spirits.

However, these ghost soldiers and evil spirits kept their distance for the time being.

“Temple attendant of Granny Jiang’s shrine, what brings you here?” Liu Qiao’er stepped forward first, her voice cold and composed.

Chen Yushu stood silently behind her, knowing she was handling this matter for him. After all, as a temple attendant closely linked to Granny Jiang, facing them alone could invite further trouble. But with Liu Qiao’er—an authentic master of the Dao—present, the situation was far more manageable. Her aura was more intimidating than any lesser deity or spirit.

He Jiang spoke, bowing slightly toward the direction of Granny Jiang’s temple: “Last night, two groups of ghost soldiers under Granny Jiang’s command vanished near your courtyard without cause. I have come to invite you to our shrine to explain and account for this matter—to give Granny Jiang some clarity.”

“Indeed. Come with us and give your explanation.”

Those behind him echoed his words.

The sky was still not fully dark, and some neighbors, hearing the noise, had opened their doors cautiously or peeked out. Most held a grim outlook on Chen Yushu’s predicament.

Granny Jiang was the most revered deity in Jianghuan Town. Situated near Long River, over half the town’s residents depended on the river for their livelihood, naturally venerating and worshiping Granny Jiang deeply.

During festivals, it was customary to visit her shrine to offer incense and prayers.

Recognizing the leader as the temple attendant of Granny Jiang’s shrine, the onlookers felt pity for Chen Yushu, silently wondering what he had done to provoke such a response. Being summoned to the shrine under these circumstances likely spelled grave danger.

“Explain? Why should we explain to you?” Liu Qiao’er sneered.

“What purpose do a few ghost soldiers have trespassing into residents’ homes? Even if it’s only ghost soldiers, or Granny Jiang herself appeared, if they dared enter my home, they would be dealt with regardless of life or death.”

He Jiang’s face darkened, and he roared furiously.

The fanatical believers behind him grew visibly agitated, as if deeply insulted, itching to rush forward and punish the audacious girl who dared to insult their deity.

To them, Granny Jiang was sacred, not to be mocked.

Liu Qiao’er’s words, which belittled Granny Jiang to the level of common ghost soldiers, were a grave offense.

Had it not been for He Jiang restraining them, they would have stormed forward to teach her a harsh lesson.

“I am who I am—there’s no need for you to know. If you come as guests, you are welcome. But if you come to cause trouble, I will see if you have the ability to back it up.”

Her cold snort was accompanied by a steady gaze toward the ghost soldiers behind them.

With her strength, she had long noticed the ghost soldiers and the two evil spirits among them, yet they posed little threat to her.

Hence, she spoke without hesitation or courtesy.

He Jiang laughed angrily: “Very well, then I shall see what you can do.”

His eyes glinted with ferocity as he commanded, “If you refuse the offer, then take them down!”

At once, the ghost soldiers behind surged forward.

Especially the two evil spirits.

One had a twisted neck, bearing a deep ligature mark—clearly a hanged ghost.

The other was more normal but with an unusually thick neck nearly the size of its head. Its feet were mismatched—one thick, one slender—causing an awkward gait: one step light, the other heavy.

Yet its speed far surpassed ordinary ghost soldiers.

Chen Yushu’s eyes widened in surprise.

“A thick-footed evil spirit? Is that the one from the Li family?”

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