Maiyi Onmyoji

At the Breaking Point

I believe that this blood must be pig's blood. If it were human blood, how many people would have died? Moreover, zombies love drinking blood; this isn't some water festival where it's splashed everywhere. Perhaps this is a trick devised by Fatty's father to lure zombies. But why would he want to do that?Without further thought, I dashed northwest, away from Fatty's house. As I glanced back, I saw the zombie halt in front of Fatty's place. At that very moment, a cloud parted, allowing the harsh sunlight to shine down. The zombie, scorched by the sun, let out a roar and leaped into Fatty's house.There was a loud thud, followed by the sight of Fatty's father and several others, including Village Chief Wang, emerging from behind a haystack. They carried a motley assortment of weapons: bamboo poles, shovels, sledgehammers, a fishing net, and ropes, all racing towards the main house.It became clear to me—they had used pig's blood to bait the zombie and set a trap inside Fatty's house to capture it. I rushed back and found everyone inside Fatty's house. They had dug a large pit at the entrance, and the zombie had fallen in. The men threw the fishing net over its head, beating it with shovels and poles with great ferocity. Fatty's father even poured a bucket of black dog's blood onto the creature. The seven or eight men continued to pummel the struggling zombie, as if they were pounding garlic. However, with the net ensnaring its head, the creature could not muster any strength. After a while, the zombie ceased moving. Chief Wang, elated, called the police to report their success, claiming that they had caught the zombie, thanks to me for leading it there. I was speechless; I had barely escaped with my life, inadvertently helping them capture the zombie. But who would help me deal with the evil spirit?After some thought, I decided to return to the shop. My grandfather, despite his advanced age, never managed to cultivate ghostly energy. If Uncle Huang could indeed help me harness it, I'd be powerful and fearless against evil spirits. At that point, I wouldn't just read fortunes; I could exorcise ghosts too—what an exhilarating thought. Suddenly, everything seemed clear to me.Uncle Huang only wanted me to investigate the mastermind behind everything; he didn't ask me to confront the female ghost directly. So why should I be afraid?I returned to the village entrance, dragging a half bag of rice, and made my way back to the shop. As I reached the doorway, I saw a beautiful young woman in a simple white dress standing inside. She appeared to be around twenty, with fair skin, a delicate and elegant appearance, and a graceful demeanor. She was crying softly, tears streaming down her face.Could she be Huang Rong?I parked my bike, and as she turned to look at me, her clear, pure gaze captivated me. I couldn't understand how Uncle Huang, with his plain looks, could have such a stunning daughter. Her eyes were large and round, reminiscent of a young Vicki Zhao. She had a high, straight nose, a square chin, and an air of nobility—an ethereal beauty untouched by the mundane world.Seeing her, I suddenly felt a sense of inferiority, as if my rustic and clumsy nature was glaringly obvious. "Hello, may I ask who you are?"She gracefully walked up to me, speaking in fluent and pleasant Mandarin. Her recently tear-streaked eyes tugged at my heartstrings.I was flustered, "I... I'm Shui Lei..."This ridiculous name made me want to find a hole to crawl into."You are Shui Lei?" Huang Rong's eyes widened in surprise.I was taken aback, "You know me?"Her brows furrowed, and she nodded slightly, "Last night, my mother called and told me my father had passed away. She didn't tell me sooner because she was worried about my studies. She said my father came to her in a dream, saying he was murdered and wanted someone named Shui Lei to find the culprit. If that person succeeded, he wished for me... to marry him."Huang Rong's face showed clear reluctance. I felt unworthy of her, so I quickly waved my hands, "No, no, no, your father did mention something about marrying his daughter, but I have no intention of doing so. I'll do what I can to help; you have nothing to worry about."Saying this made me feel foolish. I clearly liked her, yet I denied it. Suddenly, Huang Rong bowed deeply to me, "Thank you! Thank you so much! Could you tell me exactly what's going on?""Well..." I hesitated, "There's not much to say. I rented this place yesterday, then your father appeared in my dream, giving me a headache and stomachache, demanding I find the killer. I have no clues; how can I possibly find them?"The high heels incident was too eerie to mention; even if I did, she wouldn't be able to help."What? My father gave you a headache and stomachache?" Huang Rong seemed incredulous.I chuckled coldly, "Your father is quite good at tormenting me, yet couldn't find his own murderer."Upon hearing this, Huang Rong immediately looked apologetic, "I'm sorry, Shui Lei. My father has troubled you."Her refined demeanor was unmistakable. I forced a smile, "It's nothing. It's just unfortunate that I got caught up in this because I rented his shop. But I don't think I can be of much help.""Shui Lei, let me treat you to a meal as compensation." Huang Rong suddenly smiled, "Honestly, I was very sad when my father passed, but now that I know he's still around, I feel better."As she spoke, she took my hand... Her hand was somewhat rough, which, for a woman, is actually a good sign. Women are yin by nature, and having a firm hand suggests a balance of yin and yang, a good fortune."Shui Lei, I know you're a good person, so I'm really grateful. But about my father's wish for me to marry you, could you give me more time to consider?"Huang Rong's large, twinkling eyes were like searchlights, making it impossible for me to have any improper thoughts. Suddenly, I felt a familiar pain in my lower abdomen— a warning from the ghost wife.I quickly withdrew my hand, "Don't worry about the marriage; it was never serious."Huang Rong was puzzled, "What? You're not interested in me?""No, no, no, it's not that. I'm just not good enough for you."I felt miserable, liking her but unable to express it, forced to deny my feelings. The pain in my abdomen persisted, and I hastily added, "Actually, I already have a wife, though she's a ghost."As soon as I said this, the pain subsided. Huang Rong was stunned, "A ghost... wife...?"Her voice faltered, like a stuck recording. It felt awkward discussing such things with an educated person."I, uh, need to get back to work." I took out the high heels and underwear from the cupboard and threw them in the trash. Then, I moved the counters back. Huang Rong, surprisingly, helped without hesitation, increasing my admiration for her.After tidying up, Huang Rong invited me to eat. Before I could respond, the pain in my abdomen returned. I made an excuse, and Huang Rong left disappointed.Shortly after, she returned with food. She insisted on treating me as a form of apology from her father. Unable to refuse her kindness, I ate a little. Just as we finished, a white sedan pulled up outside. A woman stepped out. Her appearance shocked me!She seemed around fifty, about 1.6 meters tall, slightly overweight, with a square face, high cheekbones, small, sharp eyes, and a domineering presence. She wore a thick gold necklace, and her entire demeanor was imposing. This woman's appearance suggested she was a classic example of someone who brought misfortune to those around her. According to face-reading texts, a man should have a full forehead, while a woman should have a square chin. If a woman has a full forehead, she tends to be assertive and controlling; too much so, and she becomes a "husband-killing mirror." Her triangular eyes, high cheekbones, and a scar in her "spouse palace" indicated a strong likelihood of a harmful destiny."Mom, what are you doing here?" Huang Rong rushed out to greet her.Oh my... This must be Uncle Huang's wife! Her features and Uncle Huang's death fit perfectly with her ominous appearance. And I couldn't understand how Huang Rong could be her daughter; they shared no resemblance at all. Could it be that Huang Rong was adopted?To verify, I looked closely at Huang Rong's parents' palace, previously obscured by her hair. There it was—a small scar the size of a pea. Indeed, she was adopted.The tigress-like woman glared at me, her tone condescending, "Hey, are you Shui Lei?"These domineering women are known for their aggressive nature. Despite being prepared, her attitude irritated me.I frowned slightly, "Yes, I am. What do you want?""Hmph!" She sneered, "A kid like you? I thought that dead ghost found someone capable, but it turns out to be just a child."This was infuriating. How dare she call me a child?"Mom, why are you saying such things?" "Shui Lei, please don't be angry. My mother speaks harshly, but she doesn't mean it."Even Huang Rong seemed embarrassed. The tigress ignored her daughter, scoffing, "Shui Lei? Why not call yourself a torpedo? With such a lousy name, you still have the nerve to open a fortune-telling shop. Do you really think—""Get out!"I lost all patience and shouted in her face. This was the first time in my life I had ever been so blatantly disrespected and had my character insulted by a stranger.