None of Them Were Normal

The atmosphere at the conference table was somewhat tense.

It's unclear whether it's because of Yang Jian, or because some people already know that the Captain Plan is underway, or because some people are potential competitors, or Ghost Tamer themselves are inherently wary of their own kind and don't trust each other.

The conflict between Yang Jian and Jiang Shangbai subsided and did not cause any further trouble because of Gao Zhiqiang's matter.

He propped his head up with his hand, glancing at the others, seemingly casually.

Yang Jian was well aware of the importance of these people. As long as he was alive, he would inevitably have to deal with them, so it was necessary to get to know them in advance.

"None of them are normal."

After observing for a while, he came to this conclusion.

Some people sit there upright, seemingly normal, but in reality, their bodies are stiff, their breath is cold, and they are lifeless, no different from corpses.

Some people are playing with paper frogs, but upon closer inspection, the paper used to fold the frogs turns out to be paper money burned at graves.

Someone was touching up their makeup, but the paint in the makeup box was eerily bright, and beneath the strong perfume was a faint, lingering stench of decay.

Someone was lying there playing on their phone, but while they were holding the phone with both hands, another small hand peeked out from their palm and was tapping the screen for them.

Of course, even Yang Jian wasn't normal. A Ghost Eye on his forehead darted around, and the eerie look in that red eye was completely out of character for him. It was as if a vengeful ghost was spying on everyone else.

Time passed little by little.

The meeting could have started normally, but it was delayed due to some disputes.

On the road outside the meeting venue.

Cao Yanhua and Wang Xiaoming walked together, and they stood there seemingly having a temporary discussion.

"Although this meeting is mainly to discuss the follow-up to the Ghost Messenger incident, the candidate list for the Captain Plan will also be announced at this meeting. This was decided in advance," Wang Xiaoming said.

"Is that so? This is the later part of the meeting. Professor Wang, are you interested in this? I remember you've already used up your nomination quota, haven't you?" Cao Yanhua said.

As a reward, Headquarters granted Wang Xiaoming a special recommendation spot for the Captain Plan. This spot is very important; if the candidate meets the requirements, there is a high probability that he will become a candidate for the Captain Plan.

I thought Wang Xiaoming would use it on Li Jun, but he used it on Yang Jian instead.

This was something many people didn't expect.

"I plan to change the recommender at the last minute," Wang Xiaoming said calmly.

Cao Yanhua was taken aback. "Changing your mind at the last minute... that's not like you, Professor Wang."

"I know, but some things have given me even greater inspiration," Wang Xiaoming said slowly. "Believe me, this last-minute change is very important."

Cao Yanhua pondered for a moment and then said, "So what do you mean?"

"Remove Yang Jian's captaincy and, according to the previous plan, give his spot to Li Jun," Wang Xiaoming said seriously.

"That won't do."

Cao Yanhua immediately refused. "Professor Wang, you can't change the fact that Yang Jian is the Captain Plan. His achievements and influence in the Ghost Tamer circle are significant. If he can't become the captain, it's not just a simple matter of replacing one person; it will have many deeper implications."

"Furthermore, we need to consider Yang Jian's personal feelings. If he can't become the captain even after solving an S-class paranormal incident, will he resign from his current position? I heard that people from the Supernatural Forum have been in contact with him, and he even spoke with Ye Zhen, the administrator of that Supernatural Forum circle have also tried to influence him. Some people behind Shen Liang have also had some private contact with him, otherwise that scapegoat wouldn't have fallen into Yang Jian's hands."

Although he didn't particularly like Yang Jian, this unruly troublemaker, from a situational perspective, it was advantageous for Yang Jian to become the captain.

Cao Yanhua understood that personal emotions should not affect the interests of Headquarters.

"I know, but I know Yang Jian isn't the kind of person who values power and status. He focuses more on tangible benefits. Removing him won't cause him much resentment, provided the compensation is adequate. I'm confident about that."

Wang Xiaoming said, "Moreover, I have more important matters that require Yang Jian's help. In fact, I had considered many people before, but unfortunately, none of the candidates for the current Captain Plan fully meet my requirements, except for him. He still has a lot of room for growth. If he becomes the captain, given Yang Jian's personality, he will most likely stay in Dachang City and retire, which is something I don't want to see."

"Retirement is a good thing; it can at least resolve special incidents in a region and reduce the chances of him causing trouble."

Cao Yanhua said, "If this reason is only applicable in certain areas, you won't be able to convince me. I can make unlimited concessions in research matters, but I need to consider the overall situation more carefully. Here's what we'll do: it's about a three-minute walk from here to the conference center. Professor Wang, you have three minutes. If you can't find a legitimate and convincing reason within those three minutes, I'm sorry."

He had some guesses, believing that Wang Xiaoming was taking this opportunity to get revenge on Yang Jian, after all, Yang Jian had personally killed his younger brother Wang Xiaoqiang.

Therefore, he needs to consider Yang Jian's matter more carefully.

If a top-tier Ghost Tamer were to be eliminated due to personal grudges, it would be a huge loss for Headquarters.

"Okay, three minutes it is." Wang Xiaoming's eyes gleamed; for him, ten seconds was enough to come up with a perfect reason and excuse.

Time passed quickly.

Three minutes later.

Cao Yanhua, Wang Xiaoming, along with several accompanying staff members and the elderly man with a cane, finally arrived at the conference center.

Are you here?

The tedious wait is finally over.

Many people began to perk up, their eyes fixed on Cao Yanhua, the Deputy Minister who was convening the meeting.

But Yang Jian's gaze remained fixed on the centenarian leaning on a cane.

The nameplate on the table shows that the old man's surname is Qin, and his name is Old Qin.

This should be a name, and the real name is being concealed. Of course, even the surname may be fake, because with modern methods, as long as you know the name and appearance, you can find a lot of information and clues with a little effort and time.

Therefore, cell phone signals were blocked during this meeting, and taking photos and recording audio were strictly prohibited.

"It seems I'll have to wait until after this meeting to find an opportunity to get in touch with this Old Qin," Yang Jian thought to himself.

Some things are better left unasked in person.

"Everyone's here? Very good. Since this matter is rather urgent, I'll skip the formalities and introductions. This meeting will be convened by me, the Deputy Minister, with Professor Wang in attendance."

After everyone else was seated, Cao Yanhua glanced around, nodded, and said, "The main topic of the meeting is how to resolve the S-class paranormal incident codenamed 'Ghost Messenger' near the experimental base on the outskirts of J City. This incident happened very suddenly, resulting in the deaths of many new recruits who were training at the training base. Here, I want to especially commend Yang Jian, because he was present at the training base at the time, and he successfully rescued four Ghost Tamer, as well as some surviving staff members, and stopped the vengeful ghost codenamed 'Ghost Messenger' from continuing to grow. This is a remarkable achievement."

"However, many people probably don't know much about the Ghost Messenger incident. Because the situation was sudden and the confidentiality of this special event is important, I can only explain it now. Please open the slideshow."

Soon, the staff turned on the projector.

A huge image appeared on the screen, depicting a ghost coffin, information about Wei Jing, and the origin of this Ghost Messenger incident.

Yang Jian wasn't interested in such an explanation. He had been involved in the entire incident from beginning to end, and no one knew the situation of the Ghost Messenger incident better than him. However, he was still willing to listen to the Headquarters' insights, since there was more than one think tank behind the Headquarters involved in the analysis and handling of the case.

Cao Yanhua explained the origin and details of the Ghost Messenger incident step by step.

Regarding the killing patterns of Ghost Messenger, and some unique characteristics of ghost coffins.

The others remained silent, simply listening quietly.

Top-tier Ghost Tamer all share a common trait: they are extremely attentive to information and intelligence gathering, because in the process of handling paranormal events, any detail or mistake can determine life or death.

So they were all very serious.

After all, no one can be sure who will be assigned to handle this Ghost Messenger incident next.

If anyone tries to act arrogant, pretentious, or dismissive, then sorry, such people are already dead and would never be alive to participate in this meeting.

When the others heard that this Ghost Messenger possessed the ability to mindlessly suppress other ghosts, their faces immediately darkened.

Are you kidding me?

Directly suppress other ghosts and turn the Ghost Tamer into an ordinary person?

This is just too much!

When they heard that the Ghost Messenger's killing pattern was to kill lone Ghost Tamer, many people breathed a slight sigh of relief. Knowing the pattern meant they could avoid it, which was a prerequisite for ensuring their safety.

Cao Yanhua then explained why being alone inevitably leads to death.

"Within a certain area, the number of ghosts must be Ghost Messenger than the number of ghosts currently possessed by the ghost messengers in order to avoid being killed. Otherwise, even if hundreds of people gather together, it will be useless. Therefore, only the collective action of Ghost Tamer can possibly counter this," Cao Yanhua said, pointing to the data image on the screen.

"This range has been discussed and verified by Headquarters. Currently, a safe and secure distance is twenty floor levels, roughly the size of a room."

"Deputy Minister, I wonder how many ghosts that thing codenamed Ghost Messenger currently possesses?" someone asked earnestly.

Wang Xiaoming said, "I don't know."

"How could you not know? Weren't you involved in this incident before?" someone asked in surprise.

"Because people died during the process, and more than one at that, the number of ghosts changed, making it difficult to estimate accurately. However, according to several surviving Ghost Tamer from the previous training base, the number of ghosts that Ghost Messenger could suppress at that time was 9."

Wang Xiaoming glanced at Yang Jian as he said this, then continued, "If we include the Ghost Tamer died in supernatural events later, then the current number of Ghost Messenger is at least 16."

"Professor Wang, are you serious? This Ghost Messenger can already suppress at least sixteen ghosts without any countermeasure?"

"How are we supposed to play this? To avoid being alone, we need to prepare eight Ghost Tamer gathered together. Is this thing really that terrifying?"

"Judging from the data, it's true. Given some time, this thing could completely destroy the population of a country. Even Ghost Tamer can't stop it. We're simply not in the same league as this thing."

"To be honest, after hearing this, I really don't want to get involved in this paranormal event. I'd rather just go back to sleep."

Before the Ghost Messenger had even finished explaining some of his information, a sense of fear and unease had already spread across the conference table.

There's no way to counter this suppression; those who are isolated will surely die.

These two conditions alone are enough to slaughter a group of Ghost Tamer. This is assuming you know the rules. If you don't, you really have no chance at all, and you won't even know why you died.

"If that were all, it would be fine. Minister Cao hasn't revealed the two abilities of the Ghost Messenger yet. Once he does, you'll know what a truly unsolvable supernatural event looks like." Cao Yang smiled at this moment.

"Indeed, these two conditions are merely the rules governing the killings of Ghost Messenger, but Ghost Messenger also possess two rather terrifying characteristics of their own."

Cao Yanhua's expression was extremely solemn. He continued to play the slideshow, and a picture shrouded in darkness appeared in everyone's view.

"This ghost, codenamed Ghost Messenger, possesses Ghost Domain. As long as it is within the Ghost Domain, this Ghost Messenger cannot be imprisoned or suppressed."

"What if they manage to detain him successfully during this period?" Li Lepeng, who was sitting near Yang Jian, asked.

This question also echoed the sentiments of others who wanted to know why the Ghost Messenger couldn't be imprisoned.

"Once imprisoned, the Ghost Messenger will restart the attack, beginning the next round, and they can restart it a second, third, and fourth time, until everyone in the Ghost Domain is wiped out; otherwise, they will not stop."

Wang Xiaoming looked at everyone and added.

Unsolvable suppression, lone survivors are doomed, cannot be imprisoned, Infinite Restart.

The revelation of each ghost's true nature struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer blow.

It was as if all hope was being extinguished, leaving only endless fear and inescapable despair.

"Heh, this isn't a supernatural event, it's practically a suicide mission. Whoever goes will die. And even a single person doesn't have a chance to die; they have to go in a group. If the whole group gets wiped out, and the Ghost Messenger continue to grow stronger, then there'll be no fun left." Someone shook their head and smiled bitterly.

Many people felt a chill run down their spines.

What this person said makes sense. If the group operation still fails, it's unimaginable how much the Ghost Messenger will grow.

"What's the point of discussing this? They can't be imprisoned, and they'll be reinstated. This is simply impossible to handle. If we really take action, it's a matter of whoever goes will die."

"Although the death toll isn't high yet, this incident certainly qualifies as an S-class paranormal event. To be honest, it's unlikely that we alone can handle it."

"I don't want to think about anything right now, I just want to go home and sleep."

Really.

The terror of the Ghost Messenger unsettled everyone, and a sense of negativity and escapism spread across the conference table.

No one dared to confront such a paranormal event.

Even if they are qualified to be candidates for the Captain Plan, it won't work.

If it can't be done, it can't be done. It's not something you can do by just shouting encouragement and trying your best. Pushing forward like this without a feasible plan is just suicide.

"Quiet down."

Cao Yanhua slammed his hand on the table. "I know this is a difficult matter, which is why we need to discuss it. Moreover, the Ghost Messenger incident cannot be delayed; it must be resolved as soon as possible. Otherwise, if it is left unattended, the consequences will be devastating. Today, all of our country's top Ghost Tamer are here. If we cannot handle this, it means that the supernatural event is completely out of control."

"Therefore, I'm begging you all to come up with a plan. As long as Headquarters can afford it, any cost is worthwhile."

He believed that the Ghost Tamer attending the meeting today all had some secrets, which they usually kept well hidden. However, now, Headquarters had to put some pressure on them to reveal them.

Without resolving the Ghost Messenger incident, many things are meaningless.

Because the Ghost Messenger is located on the outskirts of J City.

Once it wanders into the city, its Ghost Domain envelops an area, and as news spreads, supernatural events will be exposed prematurely.

This is absolutely not allowed to happen before many preparatory steps are completed.

Silence, repression.

Everyone remained silent.

Because they will sense the Headquarters' determination; if this incident is not resolved, it is estimated that no one will feel good.

The Deputy Minister was to first be courteous and then take force.

"Since you've put it that way, Deputy Minister, then I'll be frank. I still have the same plan: remove the coffin nails stuck in the starving ghost's body, and I'll lead the team to directly deal with the Ghost Messenger. Back then, the starving ghost in Dachang City also had the ability to restart, but wasn't it also restricted?"

It was Jiang Shangbai who broke the silence, speaking out his plan, which he had always believed would succeed.

Um?

Jiang Shangbai's words attracted a lot of attention.

It turns out there was a feasible solution, which makes things much easier.

"The plan does have some feasibility, but it's a rather risky move, and Headquarters can't afford the risk of failure," Cao Yanhua hesitated for a moment before speaking solemnly.

"This is the best solution right now. If you had listened to me earlier, Professor Wang's operation wouldn't have resulted in the loss of several Ghost Tamer," Jiang Shangbai said.

Wang Xiaoming remained silent upon hearing this, offering no rebuttal.

He has no right to comment on the failure of his operation. Although Jiang Shangbai's plan had flaws, it did have a certain degree of success. He would not comment on it before it failed.

"Since Jiang Shangbai has a plan, let's do it that way. It's better than just waiting here," someone said indifferently.

"Special supernatural objects that have dealt with hungry ghosts can indeed potentially restrain Ghost Messenger, with a high success rate. Moreover, as long as they are handled properly, there is no need to worry about the hungry ghosts going out of control. I agree to this plan."

I have no objection either.

Many people nodded in agreement.

Because they didn't want to take any risks, it's best that someone has stepped forward now.

Yang Jian wasn't really concerned about how they discussed the plan. In fact, he already had a plan for imprisonment in his mind, but he didn't know if he could actually carry it out.

But when he heard that Jiang Shangbai was going to deal with the starving ghost, he suddenly stood up.

"I disagree." Yang Jian's voice was firm and loud.

"Mobilize the starving ghosts? You call that a plan? Don't even mention it won't solve the problem with the Ghost Messenger. Even if it could, who would deal with the starving ghosts then?"