If souls had a temperature, Zhong Xingwen's soul would surely have been frozen by the chill just like his body.
The corpse had not fallen completely apart as Zhong Xingwen had expected, which meant some rotten flesh still clung to its bones. Scraps of blackened hemp cloth were even attached to it.
A foul stench rose as the corpse's hideous face emerged. Zhong Xingwen froze against the wall of the well.
Another part of Daoist Xue's words surfaced in his mind.
"Although I destroyed the Vengeful Ghost yesterday, ghostly and demonic auras were both present, which was most unusual. I suspect that even if you find the place, another Vengeful Ghost may be waiting for you."
Zhong Xingwen could no longer tell whether there was more water or sweat on his face. Nor could he pin his hopes on the talisman, which was already soaked.
A few breaths felt as long as several hours.
Not long after the corpse rose, some of its bones floated on the surface, less than a foot from the rigid Zhong Xingwen.
At that moment, even the moonlight falling from the sky seemed to darken.
"Hah, hah."
After a long while, Zhong Xingwen let out a trembling breath, both from the bone-piercing cold of the well water and from fear.
Even with his considerable courage, he had nearly been frightened speechless.
It's only a corpse. No Vengeful Ghost has appeared!
At least, I haven't seen one...
Zhong Xingwen could only comfort himself this way. The talisman was wet, so even if a ghost were here, he might not be able to detect it. Then he could not help speaking in a low voice.
"I know you died unjustly, with grievances unappeased. I am a chief constable, and I came here expressly to seek justice for