Chapter 102: The Dragon Elder Giant

It would be better to concentrate as much as possible, increasing the likelihood that the Celestial Dog would be reborn into one of the groups.

“Sir, this…” Wang Yuanfang looked at Zhou Bai in surprise, clearly confused by the situation.

Zhou Bai didn’t offer much explanation. The reincarnation of the Celestial Dog was only a theory, but since it was possible, they had to prepare accordingly, just in case.

“The new magistrate hasn’t been transferred to Hangdu yet. The county officials will listen to us. If questioned, say it’s related to demons.”

Wang Yuanfang’s heart tightened upon hearing this, and he quickly replied, “I know of a place on the outskirts of Hangdu where the government used to keep horses. It’s now abandoned, perfect for holding dogs.”

“Lin Chong.”

“At your service.”

“Find Xiao Wu and investigate whether there have been any strange occurrences in Hangdu city. Be discreet.”

“Yes, sir.” Lin Chong nodded, and the two immediately set off. Matters concerning demons allowed no negligence.

Zhou Bai then turned to the Daoist Hou. After a moment’s thought, he asked, “Old Hou, is there a spiritual formation that can not only trap demons but also prevent a large group of dogs inside from rioting?”

Hou Daoist nodded. “Yes, I’ll write down the required spiritual materials right away. This formation isn’t difficult; it can be set up within half a day.”

He quickly compiled a list containing only a few materials. If they searched carefully around Hangdu, they might find everything needed.

However, Zhou Bai had neither the time nor the energy for that. He found an empty room, released the Ghost Tree to stand guard, and contacted Li Mouse.

Fortunately, during his time in the Dark Zone, he had come to know this merchant.

Li Mouse was intrigued by the sudden business and promised that the caravan would deliver all the materials within a day.

After settling the formation arrangements, Zhou Bai used a token to contact Wang Zhen. After waiting for nearly half an hour and just about to give up, the token suddenly trembled slightly.

A divine consciousness radiated from the token. Zhou Bai immediately cleared his mind, and a cold female voice sounded.

From Wang Zhen’s side, faint sounds of explosions and ghostly wails could be heard, indicating her environment was far from peaceful.

“What’s happening? Has something occurred in Hangdu?”

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After recounting the events of recent days to Wang Zhen, including his speculation about the thousand-zhang giant, she remained silent for a long while, lost in thought.

Finally, she spoke. “I understand the situation. It is indeed related to the ghost realm.”

Hearing this, Zhou Bai’s heart tightened involuntarily, and he began to ponder how to handle the matter.

“If I’m not mistaken, that giant should be Long Bo. Rest assured, it cannot escape from the ghost realm by itself.”

Long Bo? Zhou Bai’s mind stirred. The name of this giant connected to ancient legends. Whether by coincidence or not, he didn’t ask further.

In ancient mythology, there was a kingdom called Long Bo, inhabited solely by giants who fed on sea monsters, as recorded in poetry.

Long Bo had a lord standing thirty zhang tall, whose steps spanned the universe. His breath formed giant clouds; the blue sky was his ceiling, and the Northern Sea his basin. One cast of his fishing line killed six Ao dragons; two mountains sank into the earth.

“What if it’s man-made? Using spiritual formations, blood sacrifices, or the like?”

Wang Zhen didn’t answer directly, seeming hesitant. She continued, “I will transmit a piece of divine consciousness to you. Find the answers within.”

Before Zhou Bai could react, he felt a slight pain in his mind, followed by a flood of unfamiliar memories.

He digested them with confusion, soon understanding why Wang Zhen was reluctant to speak plainly—it involved the third realm, beyond the True Soul.

The memories spoke of an extremely rare spiritual material capable of helping one break through the True Soul. This material was connected to the ghost realm, likely the root cause of all Hangdu’s troubles.

The material was called “Yin Jade,” priceless even within the Dark Records Bureau. It was a spiritual treasure that drove countless True Souls to risk everything, killing and plundering for it.

Yin Jade’s power could transform ghostly divine abilities to a more mystical level. Many within the Dark Records Bureau had awakened their powers by accident, lacking the potential to breakthrough True Soul.

Moreover, Yin Jade could be used to communicate with the ghost realm. Hangdu’s current turmoil resembled the omen of Yin Jade’s impending birth.

When Yin Jade is about to emerge, the ghost realm’s aura indeed affects the mortal world, causing the appearance of unique ghostly monsters.

What remained unknown was the fate of the deceased Tang Yin—was he influenced and glimpsed a corner of the ghost realm, inspiring those astonishing paintings?

Or did he truly foresee fragments of the future—that the giant named Long Bo would indeed emerge from the ghost realm into present-day Hangdu?

After receiving Wang Zhen’s information about the ghost realm, Zhou Bai leaned toward the former explanation.

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The Celestial Dog must be guarded against as well, for it might have already neared the mortal world when Tang Yin saw it.

Yet, Yin Jade posed a significant threat to him but also an opportunity. Most of the Dark Records Bureau’s forces were concentrated in Xuzhou or guarding the more chaotic north.

Even if great disorder broke out in Hangdu, no one would care—it was the perfect chance for him to lurk in the murky waters.

The full moon night, when the yin energy was strongest, would likely be Yin Jade’s birthdate.

Zhou Bai gazed thoughtfully. Since Wang Zhen hadn’t spoken directly, she was leaving the decision to him—essentially passing the burden to a subordinate.

But aided by his system, the advancement of divine abilities was only a matter of time; Yin Jade was dispensable.

Still, faced with such a precious spiritual material, he couldn’t simply abandon it rashly.

Therefore, Zhou Bai planned to try to seize Yin Jade as long as it didn’t endanger his life. If it became life-threatening, then whoever wanted it could take it.

For the Celestial Dog to be reborn into the mortal world required a process. As long as he could crush the ghostly creature in its cradle, no great troubles would arise.

Yet, a faint unease lingered in Zhou Bai’s heart, as if something still watched over all of Hangdu from the shadows.

He approached the window and looked out. The bustling crowd appeared peaceful and harmonious.

In the courtyard, Daoist Hou watered the rice dumplings he had buried for Zhou Bai. According to him, heavier moisture meant stronger yin energy—one reaps what one sows.

Beneath the towering trees outside the Dark Records Bureau stood a small temple whose incense burned more fervently than before. The old earth god temple had somehow transformed into a Buddhist shrine.

The deity’s statue within was more wondrous in appearance, and in moments of solitude, faint sighs could be heard from the temple.

“My Buddhist fate… I have waited four lifetimes for my Buddhist fate…”

From butchering pigs to slaying demons and exorcising evil—thus begins the tale.