Chapter 51: The Zombie Virus?
Master Xuanqing surveyed the surroundings. Seeing no response, he spoke in a stern tone, “You’d best not conceal anything. Once you are caught or bitten, you may become a monster. By then, regret will come too late!”
Upon hearing this, a male disciple, trembling with fear, stepped forward and stammered, “Master, I was accidentally grabbed. Please, I beg you, save me!”
“Come here,” Master Xuanqing said calmly.
The disciple approached cautiously. Master Xuanqing used his spiritual power to examine the disciple’s internal condition carefully.
After a moment, Master Xuanqing frowned, discovering a surge of black energy swirling within the disciple.
“Master… is there hope for me?” the disciple asked nervously, seeing Master Xuanqing’s furrowed brow.
“I will try to find a way. However, for safety’s sake, you must be bound in advance,” Master Xuanqing replied.
He was still uncertain about the nature of the black energy and did not wish to draw a hasty conclusion.
“Yes, Master.” Hope flickered in the disciple’s eyes, as if he had grasped a lifeline.
Several other disciples who had been caught also stepped forward, faces filled with fear and anticipation.
“Master, I was grabbed as well. Please save me.”
“Master, me too.”
…
Master Xuanqing examined them all and discovered the same black energy surging within each.
This black energy was extraordinary—not demonic, nor any other known force.
Master Xuanqing felt a touch of confusion; a person came to mind who might unravel this mystery.
“Go and fetch Lin Yurou,” Master Xuanqing instructed a disciple.
Soon, Lin Yurou hurried over.
“Master, did you call for me?” Lin Yurou asked curiously.
“Lin Yurou, are you familiar with Jiang Yan?” Master Xuanqing asked directly.
Lin Yurou answered, “We both hail from the Kingdom of Jiang, and have met several times.”
Master Xuanqing shared his recent discovery with Lin Yurou and said, “Convey this to Jiang Yan and see what he thinks.”
“Yes, Master.” Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lin Yurou quickly agreed.
She headed toward Jiang Yan’s caravan.
Some disciples began to discuss.
“Lin Yurou is heading to Jiang Yan’s wooden cabin.”
“That’s right, Master Xuanqing just called her over. He must want her to ask Jiang Yan something.”
“If Master Xuanqing doesn’t know, what could that young Jiang Yan possibly know?”
“Who can say!”
“Do you think Lin Yurou will be able to enter Jiang Yan’s cabin?”
“I doubt it. That boy isn’t known for being gentle with women.”
Lin Ruyan also watched Lin Yurou.
Knock, knock, knock…
The caravan’s door was knocked again.
Jiang Yan opened the door and asked, “Lin Yurou? What brings you here?”
“I have something to discuss, concerning what Master Xuanqing discovered among the disciples who were caught,” Lin Yurou said.
Jiang Yan gestured invitingly, “Please come in.”
He considered himself a gentleman—since it was important business, how could he let a young lady stand outside in the wind and sand?
Lin Yurou didn’t stand on ceremony; she was not the shy type. She stepped into the caravan, surveying the people and furnishings within.
Jiang Yan introduced, “These are my senior brothers and sisters. Over there is Zhou Yu…”
Wu Qianqian greeted her with a bright smile, “Hello, I’m Wu Qianqian.”
“Qin Feifei,” Qin Feifei said calmly.
Ji Chuxue nodded toward Lin Yurou, “Ji Chuxue.”
Xie Lingzhou smiled, “Little beauty, my name is Xie Lingzhou.”
Wen Yue rubbed her sleepy eyes and said, “Wen Yue,” as if she might drift off at any moment.
The little dwarf dragon puffed up its tiny belly, “Woman, just call me Dragon Lord.”
“Meow, meow, meow…” Xiao Bai imitated the dwarf dragon: Call me Cat Lord!
Alas, apart from the dwarf dragon, none present understood its words.
Lin Yurou greeted them, “Hello, I am Lin Yurou.”
Jiang Yan beckoned her to sit, “Lin Yurou, please, have a seat. Don’t be shy!”
Xie Lingzhou went to brew tea once again.
He handed Lin Yurou a cup of spirit tea, smiling, “Little beauty, have some spirit tea to soothe your throat.”
Jiang Yan marveled at his third senior brother’s enthusiasm.
Lin Yurou regarded Xie Lingzhou—this “woman” was tall and androgynous; if dressed in men’s attire, she would surely be handsome. She noticed Xie Lingzhou’s slender, beautiful fingers as he handed her the cup.
“Thank you!” Lin Yurou smiled.
“You’re welcome! Little beauty, just let me know if you need more tea.”
Xie Lingzhou never imagined Lin Yurou had mistaken him for one of Jiang Yan’s senior sisters, and Zhou Yu had become the senior brother by default.
Jiang Yan asked curiously, “Lin Yurou, what did Master Xuanqing discover?”
“He said he examined the disciples who were caught and found black energy surging within them…”
Hearing this, Jiang Yan fell into deep thought. So, it was this black energy at work?
Those monsters also emitted black energy, and after they were slain, the black energy would escape…
It all made sense. After all, this was the world of cultivation—how could there be a zombie virus here?
“I suspect this black energy first kills those affected, then takes over their bodies and controls them…” Jiang Yan mused aloud.
He paused, then continued, “Moreover, this black energy seems able to multiply. If the controlled body bites or grabs someone else, it can transfer itself.”
Though there was no zombie virus in the cultivation world, this black energy appeared to be something similar.
“Do you know what the black energy is? How can those caught be saved?” Lin Yurou asked.
“I don’t know what it is. But to save them, we must force the black energy out—it’s their last hope,” Jiang Yan replied.
Everyone present listened to Jiang Yan and Lin Yurou’s conversation and fell silent in contemplation.
Qin Feifei turned to Wen Yue and asked, “Wen Yue, your medical skill is high. Do you know what this black energy is?”
Wen Yue shook her head, “I’ve never encountered it before.”
Zhou Yu suddenly interjected, “I’ve heard of an evil art that breeds venomous insects—these insects can produce offspring to control bodies. But I’m not sure if this black energy comes from such parasites.”
Wu Qianqian shuddered and clung tightly to Xiao Bai, “Breeding parasites? That’s just disgusting!”
She even imagined her own body invaded by such creatures, feeling so revolted she buried her face in Xiao Bai’s soft fur.
“Meow, meow, meow… meow, meow, meow…” Xiao Bai struggled desperately, pressing its paws: Let me go, let me go!