novelraw Chapter 987: The Haunted House (1)
Chapter 987: The Haunted House (1)
Chapter 987: The Haunted House (1)
This was not a product of a familiar era.
‘Mo Xiaofei’ held a modern tool known as a smartphone, inspecting it curiously. When his finger accidentally touched the screen, the sudden interface change and sound startled him so much that he threw the phone onto the table.
Throughout this process, Chasing Wind watched his big brother’s strange behavior in complete bewilderment.
That damned old man must have done something to him… That huge, strange centipede crawled into his ear earlier. Though it was eventually pulled out, who knows if it had already damaged his brain?
Chasing Wind had considered the possibility of demonic possession but quickly dismissed the thought.
With part of the Greed inheritance in his mind, Chasing Wind had learned a lot, including knowledge of demonic possession. However, Mo Xiaofei was unique. Not even the most powerful demons could easily possess him, and ordinary ones couldn’t get close. It wasn’t just because of Mo Xiaofei’s formidable abilities but because his body contained the blood of a true dragon.
The enhancement from the dragon blood allowed him to handle his constantly evolving powers without worrying about his brain overloading.
Still, it might be brain damage… In modern terms: a cognitive disorder.
“This device truly allows communication over a thousand miles, even face-to-face?” ‘Mo Xiaofei’ suddenly looked at Chasing Wind.“Why don’t you try calling home and talking to Uncle and Aunt?” Chasing Wind suggested tentatively.
Having dropped out of school after middle school, Chasing Wind’s knowledge was limited, much of it pieced together from hearsay. He’d heard that talking to family might help in cases like this. It was a spontaneous idea.
“No need.” ‘Mo Xiaofei’ shook his head and then fixed his gaze on Chasing Wind, saying calmly, “I have just awakened and know little of this modern world. Though you are of the demon race, your loyalty in staying by my side during times of peril proves your dedication.”
“Heh…” Chasing Wind scratched his head awkwardly. “Big brother, what are you saying? We’re like brothers—you said that yourself! Besides, you risked your life to save me when we first met, even though we were strangers. This is nothing in comparison!”
Chasing Wind could never forget that moment: a boy in oversized firefighter gear risking everything to save him during a grand concert at the sports arena… That resolute gaze.
‘Mo Xiaofei’ rose, hands clasped behind his back, pacing as he muttered, “Though I once ruled over the six realms, I had no one I could truly trust. Yet, in your eyes, I see genuine loyalty—a rare trait indeed… You say your name is Chasing Wind?”
Chasing Wind nodded. Dealing with someone acting delusional? Best to play along.
Realizing Mo Xiaofei’s current state was beyond his capabilities, Chasing Wind decided to keep a close watch on him, ensuring he didn’t cause any trouble with his immense powers. If they could find Lord Dragon or Lord Turtle, they might have a solution.
As for going back to the pet hospital, that seemed impossible. They had snuck out while Sun Xiaosheng, their temporary coach, was busy at Blissful Land. Besides, bringing Mo Xiaofei home in this state would only worry his parents. That wasn’t an option.
‘Mo Xiaofei’ approached Chasing Wind, placed a hand on his shoulder, and said calmly, “A great ruler must have the capacity to tolerate and embrace all. Though you are a demon, your loyalty makes you worthy of my trust. Since you are the only one I can rely on in this new era, I now appoint you as Grand Marshal, with command over all military affairs. However, due to current limitations, the golden seal will have to wait.”
“Huh… Oh, okay!”
Though unsure what it all meant, Chasing Wind figured it was safer to agree.
Big brother, when will you return to normal?
‘Mo Xiaofei’ pondered for a moment, then sat down, closing his eyes in thought. Chasing Wind didn’t dare make a sound, even holding his breath. His big brother now exuded an imposing aura, filling him with awe.
Suddenly, ‘Mo Xiaofei’ opened his eyes and asked, “Marshal Chasing Wind, tell me—what year is it, and who is the current emperor?”
“Huh?” Chasing Wind scratched his head, clueless about human affairs. If asked about the broadcast time for Mazinger Z, he’d have an answer.
“What? Marshal Chasing Wind, you don’t know either?” ‘Mo Xiaofei’ frowned.
“Well…” Chasing Wind sighed. “Big brother, why don’t you ask ‘Dubaike’?”
“Dubaike?” ‘Mo Xiaofei’ looked puzzled.
Chasing Wind nodded, half-understanding. “People always say, ‘Ask Dubaike if you need something.’ She knows everything.”
‘Mo Xiaofei’ was intrigued. “Truly? Such a knowledgeable person exists, and she is a woman? Where is she, and how can I meet her?”
“Well, Dubaike is probably inside your phone…”
‘Mo Xiaofei’ stared at the smartphone on the table, his gaze deep. “Such sorcery, trapping a person in this small box…”
Big brother, please wake up!!
…
The Song family’s old residence was near Mount Tai, with a view of its summit.
Though visible, it wasn’t exactly close.
The Song family, along with Luo Qiu and others, took a private plane owned by the Zhang family. Upon landing, Mr. A Qi’s arranged car awaited them outside the airport.
This time, nothing unusual happened at the airport. After a silent drive lasting half a day, Song Tianyou finally returned to his long-separated homeland.
Bringing back the wandering bloodline of the Song family, even the iron-willed Song Tianyou couldn’t hold back his tears. Perhaps it was the emotion of returning to one’s roots.
As soon as he stepped out of the car, Song Tianyou let go of Song Haoran and Song Ying’s support, took his cane, and hobbled up a small hill overlooking the nearby village.
Under the orange-red sky, the elderly figure cast a long shadow. Waving his cane, Song Tianyou pointed toward the village and began recounting stories of the past.
“I didn’t grow up here,” Song Tianyou said slowly. “But as a child, my family brought me back every year. My father, grandfather, and brother… your grandfather.”
He looked at Luo Qiu and smiled warmly, then pointed toward a distant forested mountain. “The Song family’s ancestral graves are there. Tonight, we’ll rest. Tomorrow, I’ll take you there.”
Seeing the wind pick up, Luo Qiu helped Grandpa Song down the hill.
From there, Song Tianyou decided to walk. “This place used to be called Songjiazhai. Now it’s called Songjiacun. My grandfather told me that Songjiazhai was protected by an immortal—a dragon god’s child named ‘Wang,’ who resided in a pond behind the mountain.”
“A dragon god’s child…” Luo Qiu murmured curiously. “‘Wang’? Is it the character for ‘forget’ or ‘gaze’?”
"'Wang Jian,'" Song Tianyou reminisced. "When I was a child, I pestered my grandpa to take me to see the Dragon God's child. Grandpa finally agreed and brought me there. At the time, I stood before a pool connected to a modest waterfall. Being so young and never having seen a waterfall before, I was awestruck by its grandeur and thoroughly frightened. My grandpa and I stood there for quite a while, occasionally hearing thunderous roars coming from behind the waterfall. Grandpa told me that it was the Dragon God's child, 'Wang,' roaring—a true dragon's call."
Hearing this, Song Ying walked forward and casually remarked, "There’s probably a cave behind the waterfall. When wind passes through, it creates a resonating sound."
Song Tianyou chuckled and lightly tapped her head with his cane. "If you had said that to my grandpa back then, he would have tapped you like this and scolded you for being disrespectful."
Song Ying stuck out her tongue playfully.
Standing nearby, Zhang Qirui smiled and said, "As the saying goes, 'A mountain need not be tall; its spirit lies in the dragon.' This place, surrounded by lush mountains and pristine waters, is indeed a treasured land of feng shui."
"Oh? Miss Zhang also understands feng shui and metaphysical studies?" Grandpa Song looked at her with a smile.
Zhang Qirui brushed her hair back and replied softly, "I wouldn't say I understand it. My family has some old books on feng shui and metaphysics. I’ve browsed through them occasionally when I have free time, but I only know the basics—nothing profound."
"Miss Zhang is too modest," Song Tianyou chuckled. "Feng shui and geomancy are actually a specialty of your grandmother’s family."
Zhang Qirui smiled but chose not to delve further into the topic.
"Is that old mansion up ahead the ancestral home?" Luo Qiu asked, looking at a dilapidated courtyard in the distance.
"Yes, that's the ancestral home of the Song family," Song Tianyou replied. "The first time I returned here from abroad over twenty years ago, the mansion was already half-collapsed, with its belongings long gone. I later hired people to restore it and arranged for caretakers to watch over it. When I visited a few years ago, there were still some elders around, but perhaps not anymore… Let's go; it's getting late."
"Strange, why is there no one around even though it's not dark yet?" Song Ying peered toward the village entrance and spotted an archway with the words "Song Family Village" inscribed on it. "Grandpa, do people here usually retire this early?"
"Mountain villagers rise with the sun and rest early, which is normal," Song Tianyou replied. "But… it does seem unusually early today."
At this, Song Haoran gave a subtle signal, and one of the burly men in black suits beside him nodded and swiftly entered the village. Moments later, as the group reached the archway, the man returned with an elderly villager.
"Sir, there seems to be a situation in the village. I brought someone back to explain," the bodyguard said respectfully.
The elderly man squinted his eyes as he approached, seemingly struggling to see clearly. After a moment of hesitation, he suddenly recognized Song Tianyou. "You… are you Master Song? The master of the Song family mansion?"
"Song Bo?" Song Tianyou frowned briefly before his face lit up. "You're Song Bo, aren't you?"
"Yes, yes, it's me!" The old man thumped his chest and gave a thumbs-up. "Master Song still remembers me!"
"Of course," Song Tianyou chuckled. "When the house was being restored, you were one of the workers. I even had a meal at your house back then. I’ve visited a few times since, but I never saw you around. How have you been?"
"Good, good. I can eat, sleep, and still enjoy a few shots of white liquor daily," Song Bo replied, patting his chest. "I left to make a living for over ten years and only came back two or three years ago. I’m old now and can’t travel far—just waiting out my days here."
Song Tianyou patted the old man's shoulder and smiled. "You’re still strong and healthy! Don’t speak so soon… By the way, I just returned. Let’s chat as we walk. Tell me about the village. My man said there seems to be some issue. What’s going on?"
Song Bo hesitated, glancing back at the village, as if apprehensive, before mumbling, "Master Song, this isn’t about money or helping… Some things money just can’t solve."
Song Tianyou was momentarily puzzled.
Song Haoran smiled and said, "Uncle Song Bo, do you remember me? Song Haoran, Master Song's son."
"Of course, of course, young master," Song Bo said, his nearly toothless grin wide. "You’ve grown so much! I remember when you were barely half my height!"
Song Haoran smiled faintly. "Yes, I’ve grown. But I’ve also gained skills. Uncle Song Bo, you mentioned some problems money can’t solve. Well, as it happens, we’re capable of handling things beyond money. Please, don’t hold back—tell us what’s going on."
"This…" Song Bo hesitated again, eyeing the group behind Song Tianyou, which included several intimidating bodyguards. After a moment of deliberation, he steeled himself and said, "Master Song, you don’t know… Recently, our Song Family Village has been haunted—terribly haunted!"
"Dubaike" (度娘) is a colloquial nickname for Baidu, a popular Chinese search engine. It anthropomorphizes the search engine Baidu as an all-knowing, helpful woman. It reflects people's reliance on Baidu to answer various questions, akin to how one might turn to a wise or knowledgeable individual.
"Wang Jian (望见)," it specifically refers to "to see, to catch sight of".