Gods Sing, Ghosts Chant, Aiding the Hero's Song - Clouds Darken, Mists Dim: Truly, a Hundred Ghosts Walk by Night

"Not good!"

Xing Yan had, after all, seen his share of trials. Faced with the strange sight of black clouds pressing overhead, he only froze for a moment before sensing that something was wrong. Surging clouds, billowing sinister mist, and winds that howled ever more fiercely like wailing ghosts-none of these were ordinary signs of an approaching storm.

Yin-Quelling Manor... could the vicious ghosts have turned on their masters?!

The thought had barely crossed his mind when miserable cries rose from the houses along the distant streets. He had only just looked toward the sound when countless torches flared in the ink-black darkness. A clamor followed, as though innumerable people were running toward him.

By now, no further deduction was needed: something terrible had happened. In those few moments, Xing Yan's unusually keen eyes had adjusted to the darkness. Turning slightly, he saw the man he had spoken with earlier circling in panic just ahead and to his left, like a headless fly. Xing Yan immediately stepped forward, caught hold of him, and asked urgently:

"Sir, what on earth has happened?"

The middle-aged man jumped in fright at Xing Yan's grip. He was about to cry out when the question made him realize it was the young man he had just spoken to. Composing himself a little, he stammered:

"Something terrible is going to happen... something terrible!"

"What is it?"

Xing Yan pressed him at once. Meanwhile, Qiong Rong had brought out her pair of Vermilion Bird Blades and sent them dancing on either side. Their shimmering red light made them look like two red lanterns.

Bathed in that deep red glow, the frightened villager grew considerably calmer and managed a steadier answer. Still, he evidently knew little of the circumstances. He merely told the young visitors that, over the