pertwk Chapter 39 Friends
Chapter 39 Friends
As the sun rises at dawn, the rooster crows.
The deserted streets gradually came to life, with the barking of dogs echoing through the intricate alleyways, while the area in front of the Chen family's house remained bustling with activity.
"Although Uncle Chen has retired from his criminal activities, there is no one in the entire town who is more qualified than him."
"Yeah yeah."
"Everyone has chipped in to raise funds, so we hope Uncle Chen will consider our past relationship and help the neighbors this time."
Despite feeling dizzy from vomiting, Chen Qinghe waved his hands repeatedly, enduring the churning sensation in his stomach as he stood in front of the crowd.
"What can we do... My father is getting old now. His skill in retrieving corpses is not what it used to be. This time, the water ghost's resentment is overwhelming; I'm afraid it won't let this go easily..."
Chen Qinghe wanted to say something more, but Chen Ming put his hand on his shoulder, and the father and son looked at each other seriously for the first time.
Chen Ming first shook his head slightly, then nodded gently. Chen Qinghe hung his head, as if all his strength had been drained away.
Mr. Chen puffed on the welding smoke, his face expressionless, seemingly lost in thought. However, his fingers resting on the pipe were gently stroking it.
The people outside didn't urge them on, nor did they make a sound. There were only pairs of eyes filled with expectation and fear.
"Things haven't been going well lately, and the day after tomorrow at noon is a bit off, but there's no better time than this."
"Prepare the three kinds of livestock, incense, candles, offerings, and the altar... In addition, the birth dates and times of the four members of the Ji family must be prepared without any errors."
"The uprising will begin in three days..."
The tense emotions were released at this moment, and the crowd dispersed in a commotion, repeating the hustle and bustle of the morning.
"Father...why is this...?"
Chen Ming did not answer, but instead took deep breaths of the welding fumes in his hand. Wisps of smoke surrounded him, and the pungent smell made Chen Qinghe's eyes water.
"You've never been involved in this trade before, so this is how I'm introducing you to it. When the time comes, after paying homage to the ancestral master, you'll become a disciple of Yin Ba Jiang."
"In fact, your father's master was only half-baked; he didn't know any of the skills of Yin Ba Jiang at all."
Even the farming techniques he passed down to me were Taoist methods he somehow acquired.
"What about my grandmaster, my uncle, and the others..."
...
Twenty-three years ago, the four travelers happened to end up in this place. At that time, rumors circulated in the town that a water ghost was looking for a substitute.
The world was in turmoil, and the master and apprentice, having nowhere else to turn, had no choice but to take on this job. However, the pay was nothing more than a bowl of pork belly with minced garlic and four bowls of stuffed white noodles.
That meal was the most delicious and satisfying meal we four had eaten since we fled from Zezhou to Cangzhou.
In such a chaotic place, death is all too common. What evil spirit in the water wouldn't avoid us four?
But the water ghosts in the Sihua River next to Niujia Town are quite different. Rather than being audacious and vicious, they are not only bold and ruthless.
Rather, they are more like vengeful ghosts that have escaped from some cage, racing against time and doing everything in their power to find an opportunity to get rid of something that terrifies them.
At first, nobody paid attention.
After all, although we are not orthodox, we do have some ability to kill evil spirits and demons. However, things are not as simple as they used to be.
If it weren't for saving me, Master wouldn't have died, and my fellow disciples wouldn't have all perished here!
If I could turn back time and change the course of history, I would never make that mistake again!
...
Chen Ming pounded on the wall viciously, the hatred rising in his eyes so intense it felt almost tangible, causing Chen Qinghe's skin to ache slightly.
"What exactly is it...?"
"That fish is both an ultimatum and a medium!"
"If my amnesia hadn't flared up back then, I would have noticed. Now it's too late; they'll come knocking at night."
"Remember, no matter who knocks on the door, never open it!"
"This is an unwritten agreement, and a taboo, between the living and the dead..."
"Without the permission of the master of this place, they would never be able to break in... In this way, we can be assured of three days of peace..."
Chen Ming wanted to say something more, but the light in his eyes dimmed again. He looked like an old man on his deathbed, no longer possessing the imposing appearance that others praised him for.
Chen Qinghe, who was already somewhat apprehensive, felt his heart sink even more upon seeing this. It took him a long time to calm himself down.
"Since the fish is the medium, we need to go and see the dead Tong Huai'an. If we can find any clues, we can figure things out when Father returns."
...
Tick-tock...
Chen Qinghe turned around abruptly, but there was no sound from the alley behind him.
Strangely, no sounds could be heard here, whether it was the rustling of leaves in the wind or the chirping of insects and birds.
He subconsciously wrapped his clothes tighter, and at the same time, his steps became wider without him even realizing it.
'Pat'
A hand landed on Chen Qinghe's shoulder, startling him who was already on edge. He instantly became like a erratic monkey.
As he darted about, he grabbed a stick from beside him and, without even looking at who it was, swung it at their head.
"Stop hitting me...stop hitting me...it's me..."
Pleas for mercy echoed all around.
"You damned soldier, how dare you intimidate me..."
The newcomer was none other than Chen Qinghe's good friend, Ruan Huaizhong. This man was short, hunched over, and had a wretched appearance. Not only were his clothes shabby, but he also had a mustache growing on the corner of his mouth.
It looks exactly like a rat that has come to life!
Chen Qinghe struck Ruan Huaizhong's calf a few more times with the stick before stopping. His anger subsided somewhat.
"Qinghe, you must feel much better now."
Ruan Huaizhong chuckled, completely ignoring his swollen calves.
In fact, he was acting this way on purpose, just to soothe Chen Qinghe's anxious mind.
After all, Niujia Town isn't very big, and everyone there makes their living off the river. Any slight disturbance along the riverbank can spread to every household within half an hour.
Although Ruan Huaizhong was a heartless lazy man, his parents had already drowned.
However, for Chen Qinghe, he was a rare and close friend.
Initially, the children in the town were afraid of Chen Ming, which gradually led to Chen Qinghe being isolated.
Ruan Huaizhong, whose parents died early, was also isolated and bullied. As a result, the two gradually became acquainted and became close friends who could talk about anything.
Aside from Chen Qinghe, who could have known that beneath his filthy exterior lay a heart that was both incredibly shrewd and utterly cowardly?
"You really scared me to death just now! Do you know that ferocious water ghost last night almost dragged me back to the Sihua River with it!"
"And yet you still try to get close to me in this way. Aren't you afraid I'll go crazy...?"
Chen Qinghe first roared angrily, then his voice was replaced by guilt.
"I'm sorry, I was just too frightened last night. All of this has made me a bit paranoid."
Ruan Huaizhong waved his hands repeatedly, but secretly he was taking a deep breath.
"It's alright, it's alright. I was really worried something had happened to you when I saw you looking so distracted, so I resorted to this tactic to make you feel guilty and turn back."
...
The two figures gradually disappeared into the distance.
In a secluded corner, a puddle of water dripped steadily. Judging from its shape, it resembled a bare foot...