Heidong's words made Lao Mo and I tense up.
There was no time to think.
We continuously retreated, creating distance from the malevolent ghost.
As for the ghost.
At this moment, black energy permeated its entire body, concentrating at its forehead.
The ghost also shouted:
"Lord Wūyā, I have disappointed you."
As soon as the words fell.
The black energy it had gathered at its forehead instantly released a beam of black light.
The black light shot towards the sky.
Following a "bang" as it exploded.
Waves of chilling energy surged outwards.
We had already retreated to a safe distance, yet we could still feel a strong surge of yin energy.
Looking at the ghost's position, it had transformed into a wisp of black mist.
Visibly disappearing, its soul scattered.
"Damn it, the Netherworld Cult is causing trouble again."
Lao Mo said coldly, watching the ghost's soul dissipate.
I remained silent.
Merely taking a deep breath.
Heidong, seeing this, cupped his hands towards Lao Mo and me:
"Thank you, young sirs, for your assistance in killing the malevolent ghost and helping us reclaim the river mansion."
As Heidong finished speaking.
The water ghosts beside him also cupped their fists towards Lao Mo and me:
"Thank you, young sirs, for your aid."
I waved my hand:
"No need, no need. With you here, this river is safe.
If this malevolent ghost remained, who knows how many people would have died each year.
The future stability of this river will depend on your continued efforts."
I returned the bow.
"Young Master Qin's words, we shall remember them well.
Should you two young masters require anything in the future, we will surely go through fire and water."
Heidong said with great seriousness.
Lao Mo and I both offered faint smiles.
The malevolent ghost was now dead.
Although we knew it was related to the Netherworld Cult, we had no further intelligence for now.
We did not know what the Netherworld Cult was doing in this river.
However, Heidong's earlier words piqued my interest.
A yellow weasel and a rat spirit, souls being siphoned in the water?
Devouring those water ghosts filled with resentment.
It was clear that only malevolent demons would commit such acts.
And what was the origin of these two demons?
If they were malevolent demons, then we had to find a way to deal with them.
Moreover, on our list of enemies.
There was a yellow weasel and a rat spirit.
One was a yellow weasel, Huang Qiniang, who operated in our area, harvesting souls by selling "doufunao" (tofu pudding).
The other was the rat spirit brought back from Xiaohan Town last time.
Later, the rat demon who stole the Nine-Section Whip from the Bottomless Mother in the Bottomless Cave of Heilini Ridge, Rat Thirty-two.
There were reports that this fellow might come to our territory to seek revenge.
Because of this matter, Aunt Gui Fang Shu of Nanshan Cemetery had given us a grey whistle.
It was now hanging on Lao Mo, used to call for backup.
These two fellows were not good people.
If we encountered them, we had to eliminate them.
However, Heidong and the others had only seen them once.
The information they could provide was too little.
Furthermore, Master Jiang on the shore was in urgent need of medical treatment at the hospital.
We did not have much time to linger here.
Therefore, I spoke to Heidong:
"Heidong, this malevolent ghost is dealt with.
But those two demons you saw today are not good.
Since they have appeared in Qingshan City, remember to keep an eye on them for us.
If you have any more news, come to No. 81 at the foot of Laohuang Mountain to find me..."
I detailed my address.
And the stream near our shop.
After all, Heidong was a water ghost, and despite his cultivation, he could not stay away from water for too long.
Heidong listened and nodded repeatedly:
"Young Master Qin, please rest assured, I have noted it down.
This place is also very close to the Princess's Mansion, which I visited once before.
I roughly know the way.
If there is any further news, I will contact you immediately."
I hummed in response.
Then, I cupped my hands towards Heidong and the twenty-odd water ghosts beside him:
"Heidong, Master Jiang's injuries are severe.
We must take him to the hospital.
Farewell, everyone."
Lao Mo also cupped his fists in farewell.
Heidong and Master Jiang had coexisted peacefully in this river for decades.
Together, they maintained the stability of this stretch of the river.
They were like silent, rule-abiding old friends.
Hearing my words, Heidong glanced towards Master Jiang not far from the riverbank.
He nodded.
"Please, young sirs!"
Lao Mo and I did not hesitate. With a slight nod, we quickly walked towards the shore.
Heidong and the twenty-odd ghosts stood in the shallow water, watching us.
Lao Mo and I quickly reached Master Jiang's location.
Master Jiang was covered in blood.
His breathing was much weaker than before. His head was tilted, his eyes slightly open.
Seeing us return, a smile curved his lips:
"We... did well..."
Lao Mo and I looked at the dying Master Jiang with great concern.
I hurriedly said:
"Master Jiang, stop talking.
Hold on, we'll take you to the hospital first."
With that, I squatted down.
Lao Mo quickly stepped forward and helped Master Jiang onto my back.
I picked up Master Jiang and ran towards the road by the riverbank.
The twenty-odd water ghosts in the shallow water, seeing Lao Mo and me leave.
They turned and headed for the deep water.
But after only two steps, their bodies seemed to melt away.
Transforming into a mass of black water, they merged with the river water.
Following the river's tide, they dispersed towards the riverbed...