Worship of Evil Method! [Seeking Monthly Votes!]

Lin Jiang Department.

Chief Clerk Yang's expression was extremely grim at the moment.

A middle-aged man with a missing ear named Zou Jin, and another Junior Banner named Zheng Liu, stood by his side, their faces pale.

Recalling what they had seen earlier, their expressions still held an uncontrollable fear and shock.

"..."

Chief Clerk Yang took a deep breath, calming his emotions.

Less than half an hour after his letter was delivered to the Outer Southern Prefecture Office, someone had died.

If only one person had died, it could be attributed to bad luck, being harmed by demonic evils.

But these four constables were killed simultaneously, and all died in such bizarre ways.

"Silencing them!"

"And doing so in an almost provocative manner."

"To use such brutal methods, it's too arrogant and overbearing."

Although filled with anger, Chief Clerk Yang couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.

Those four constables from the Outer Southern Prefecture Office had all smashed their heads open by repeatedly kowtowing.

In all his years, Chief Clerk Yang had handled many cases and had been ordered multiple times to oversee the Outer Southern Prefecture Office's investigations. He had never encountered such a strange method of murder.

"It's like malevolent spirits bewitching people, taking their lives and devouring their souls."

The middle-aged man with the missing ear, Zou Jin, still had a look of fear on his face as he said in a low voice, "The demonic evils entered the city last night. It seems some malevolent spirits have not yet been completely cleared out."

"This is too coincidental."

Chief Clerk Yang shook his head slightly and said, "The letter had just reached the Outer Southern Prefecture Office, and not long after, people died."

"And all four of them died, in the same way, and they were the ones assigned to collect Liu Guangding's body."

"When malevolent spirits harm people, it's like a wolf eating meat, pouncing on its prey and devouring it. How could it have just chosen these four constables from the Outer Southern Prefecture Office?"

As he spoke, his expression became extremely solemn. "When the Banner Bearer returns, we must report this to the Outer Southern Department. This matter is not simple!"

Hearing this, Zou Jin thought to himself, "Since it involves malevolent spirits harming people, of course, it's not simple. Isn't Chief Clerk Yang stating the obvious?"

However, Chief Clerk Yang did not explain.

He looked out the door.

Two Willow Branch Night-Illuminating Lamps were hung in front of the Lin Jiang Department.

But Chief Clerk Yang's eyes were full of worry.

He had studied since childhood, possessed considerable knowledge, and had read numerous ancient texts. He also had the qualification to view some of the sealed documents of the Outer Southern Department.

A thought had already formed in his mind.

This was the Worship of Evil Method, which had been forbidden in Gao Liu City for a long time!

"It seems you recognize this method?"

Just then, Lin Yan walked in from outside the main entrance.

Feng Hui followed closely behind, subtly giving Zou Jin and Zheng Liu a meaningful glance.

"Greetings, Banner Bearer."

The two quickly stepped forward, bowed, and paid their respects.

"Rise."

Lin Yan casually moved and appeared before Chief Clerk Yang, saying, "I've only heard rumors about this Worship of Evil Method and haven't truly understood it. Do you know any details?"

"..."

Chief Clerk Yang hesitated slightly and looked at the three Junior Banners standing by.

Seeing this, the three Junior Banners were about to withdraw.

However, Lin Yan raised his hand and said calmly, "There are already 'Worshippers of Evil' appearing in the city."

"They have now returned to the Lin Jiang Department, and as Junior Banners under my command, they will act as my proxies, the Banner Bearer."

"In the coming days, we may face these so-called 'Worshippers of Evil'."

"Knowing a bit more can save half your life."

As Lin Yan's voice fell, the expressions of the three by his side became a little more serious.

Chief Clerk Yang merely nodded slightly upon hearing this.

Regarding records on this matter, within the Outer Southern Department's archives, only members officially registered with the Heavenly Supervision Department had the qualification to access them.

"The Worship of Evil Method, as the name suggests, is to worship malevolent spirits."

Chief Clerk Yang's expression turned solemn, and he slowly said, "To be precise, it means regarding malevolent spirits as one's master, willingly becoming their servant, burning incense day and night, and offering worship."

"Burning incense day and night to malevolent spirits is actually a continuous depletion of one's own vital energy, spirit, and essence."

"Over time, it will harm your body, deplete your fortune, shorten your life, and lead to many illnesses."

"Therefore, those who practice the Worship of Evil Method usually choose to harm others, using the flesh and blood and souls of others as sacrifices to offer sustenance."

"However, to prevent the 'Malevolent Spirit' from forgetting the scent of this servant, one still has to burn their own essence, spirit, and energy as incense to appease the Malevolent Spirit, thereby maintaining the master-servant contract in the unseen realm."

"Otherwise, if the 'Malevolent Spirit' cannot distinguish the 'Worshipper of Evil's' vital energy, it will still devour the Worshipper of Evil's soul."

At this point, Chief Clerk Yang's expression became extremely grave. He said, "And this 'Worship of Evil Method' can barely summon Malevolent Spirits to fulfill one's heart's desires."

"So, in this world, there are actually people who can make Malevolent Spirits work for them?"

The three Junior Banners exchanged glances, filled with shock.

Chief Clerk Yang shook his head slightly and said, "Rather than saying they make Malevolent Spirits work, it's more like begging the 'Lord' for rewards."

The young man named Xiao Hui whispered, "So, the reason those four constables were murdered is because the lost Worship of Evil Method has reappeared?"

"It's not lost!"

Chief Clerk Yang shook his head. "The origin of the Worship of Evil Method is extremely ancient. There's even a theory in the records that it was one of the ways our human ancestors managed to survive in the dark abyss and remain in this world!"

"But for some reason, starting a hundred years ago, it was listed as a forbidden practice by Qifeng Prefecture."

"Of course, according to the records, it was repeatedly banned but never truly eradicated. Even in Gao Liu City, there were still Worshippers of Evil holding positions in the Prefectural Governor's Mansion."

"But it wasn't until sixty years ago, when a great catastrophe occurred, that it was finally completely eradicated in Gao Liu City!"

"This is recorded in the Outer Southern Department, a secret of Gao Liu City."

Chief Clerk Yang's expression was solemn. "The reappearance of the forbidden Worship of Evil Method is by no means a good omen."

"Mm."

Lin Yan nodded slightly and looked at the three beside him. "The Heavenly Supervision Department must investigate this matter. What we will face next are people who can command Malevolent Spirits."

He paused, then added, "Moreover, your incense ash, candles, and night-illuminating lamps might not be effective."

The faces of the three changed drastically, and a chill rose in their hearts.

"The reason I asked Chief Clerk Yang to explain this matter clearly in person is because I don't want you to die an ignorant death in the future."

Lin Yan said calmly, "If you put down your swords now and walk out the door, there's still time."

Chief Clerk Yang stood to the side, thinking to himself, This Banner Bearer is not as cold and indifferent as the legends say.

"I wish to follow the Banner Bearer and protect Gao Liu City!"

Just then, the young man named Feng Hui stepped forward, his expression resolute.

He had been raised by the community, and last night he had even been prepared to throw away his worthless life in Lin Jiang Ward to repay the kindness of his neighbors.

But the Banner Bearer had slain the Bear Demon and saved Lin Jiang Ward.

This had also saved his life.

"Mm."

Lin Yan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over them and landing on the middle-aged man with a missing ear named Zou Jin.

The middle-aged man with a missing ear hesitated for a moment before finally stepping forward.

"We haven't truly joined the Banner Bearer's command yet, but you have been frank with us tonight and given us a choice."

"I believe that if I die in service to the Lin Jiang Department in the future, Fifth Master will likely report a pension for me to the Outer Southern Department."

"I was fond of fighting in my youth and learned a few martial arts skills. I don't have any other abilities to support my family."

"If Fifth Master doesn't abandon me, Zou will be willing to follow!"

The middle-aged man with a missing ear bowed respectfully.

Zheng Liu thought for a moment and said slowly, "I heard that today, the Banner Bearer instructed Chief Clerk Yang to write a letter to the Outer Southern Prefecture Office, urging them to pay special attention to the families of those who defend the city, in case they fall in battle."

He also stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "If I die early, the Lin Jiang Department will surely take good care of my elderly mother..."

"Of course."

Lin Yan nodded slightly, then looked at Chief Clerk Yang. "Give the three Junior Banners to them!"

Then he suddenly looked down and saw the Lin Jiang Banner at his waist, his eyes instantly filling with astonishment.