74: Hidden currents converge in western Hunan

Two days later, deep within Yuntai Mountain, in a remote and secluded valley.

Li Muchen sat cross-legged atop a massive rock shaped like a reclining ox at the valley floor. This was one of the convergence points for several major branches of the Yuntai Mountain earth veins. The energy field here was even more majestic than the previous mountain hollow, but it was also more complex and difficult to control.

Holding the earth vein suppression talisman in his hand, his eyes were slightly closed, and his Spiritual Sense sank deep into the ground. Like the most patient prospector, he meticulously combed through the intricate and overlapping earth vein Spiritual Qi of this place. Compared to the last time, his techniques were more skilled, and his sensing and guidance of the earth vein energy were more refined.

True Essence continuously flowed into the suppression talisman, and an earthy yellow light steadily radiated outward, gradually synchronizing with the pulsations deep within the earth beneath his feet. He was not merely reinforcing the node; he was attempting to use a deeper method to imprint a wisp of his own Divine Thought into this earth vein hub with the power of the suppression talisman.

This was an extremely mentally taxing process. A slight lapse in concentration could lead to a backlash from the earth energy or damage his own Divine Soul. However, once successful, his control over the Yuntai Mountain earth veins would elevate to a new level. In the future, mobilizing the power of the earth veins to repel enemies or set up formations would be much more effortless.

As time passed bit by bit, fine beads of sweat once again broke out on Li Muchen's forehead. Yet, his expression remained focused and his breathing long and steady, as if he had become one with the giant rock beneath him, the entire valley, and the ceaseless Spiritual Veins flowing deep within the earth.

Meanwhile, far away in the provincial capital, in Wu Yuanshan's office.

An encrypted and sealed dossier was delivered to Wu Yuanshan's desk. The dossier was labeled 'Summary of Special Folklore and Abnormal Incident Investigations in the Western Hunan Region (Top Secret).'

Wu Yuanshan picked up the dossier but did not open it immediately. Instead, he looked at Li Muchen, who was sitting opposite him, with a probing gaze.

"Daoist Master Li, there are many folk versions of the rumors regarding the Western Hunan Corpse Drivers, most of which are just hearsay. Our department's focus is on those 'abnormal' phenomena or individuals that truly exist and could pose a threat to society. This dossier is a compilation of our investigations into related incidents in the Western Hunan region over the past twenty years. It includes several unsolved cases suspected to be related to 'Corpse Arts' and some... leads on rather special individuals we have identified."

He pushed the dossier in front of Li Muchen. "According to regulations, this material should not be leaked. However, I trust Daoist Master Li's character and believe that your desire to understand this is certainly not out of curiosity. Regarding the incident in Shiquan Town last time, after we interrogated the Nanyang Sorcerer Achan Pu, he did indeed confess to a monk named 'Release Void.' Following that lead, we also found some records of Release Void's recent contacts with unidentified individuals, some of which... show signs pointing toward Western Hunan."

Wu Yuanshan paused, his tone becoming a bit more serious. "Daoist Master Li, do you intend to go to Western Hunan?"

Li Muchen did not deny it and nodded frankly. "If the hidden danger is not removed, I cannot rest easy. If Release Void has truly colluded with some unscrupulous characters in Western Hunan, it will inevitably become a disaster. I want to learn more in advance."

"Western Hunan is a place of high mountains and dense forests with unique local customs. Many villages are highly xenophobic, and some ancient Legacies are kept strictly secret," Wu Yuanshan warned. "Furthermore, according to our records, there truly exist some... individuals with special abilities whose Heart-Nature is unpredictable and whose actions are neither purely good nor evil. If Daoist Master Li goes there, you must be careful."

"Thank you for the warning, Director Wu." Li Muchen took the dossier. "I will act with caution."

He did not stay long in the office and took his leave with the dossier. Upon returning to his temporary hotel, he opened the dossier and began to read it carefully.

The contents of the dossier were more detailed than expected, and... more shocking.

Besides some relatively objective research into the origins, sects, and methods of 'Corpse Driving,' it mostly contained records of bizarre cases suspected to be related to Corpse Arts or evil arts that had occurred in various parts of Western Hunan over the last few decades:

In a certain village, several newly buried graves were robbed overnight, the corpses vanished without a trace, leaving behind strange footprints and the ashes of talismans... On a certain remote mountain path, rumors of corpse-driving processions passing through late at night persisted despite bans, with some witnesses even claiming to see 'corpses' jumping on their own, causing local panic... Most notable was a 'Zombie attack' case fifteen years ago that shocked the public. Several villagers in a mountain village were attacked at night, suffering bite and scratch marks similar to those of wild beasts, but the wounds turned black and festered. They became delirious as if possessed, and two of them died after failed treatment.

Local rumors claimed it was the work of a 'Zombie,' but the official investigation ended hastily, concluding it was an 'unknown variant of rabies.' However, a note in the dossier stated: Residue from an unknown biological organism was recovered at the scene. After secret laboratory analysis, the cell activity was found to be abnormal, and trace amounts of Corpse Poison were detected. This case remains unsolved to this day.

The dossier also included brief profiles of several individuals of key interest, all using code names or aliases. The information was vague but highly suggestive:

'Corpse Old Nine': Suspected to be a hidden successor of a certain branch of the Western Hunan Corpse Driver lineage. Age unknown. Primarily active in the deep mountains at the border of Western Hunan and Eastern Guizhou. Has been involved in many rumors of corpse theft and corpse refinement. His actions are eccentric, neither purely good nor evil. Suspected to have mastered the ancient 'Corpse Refinement Art,' capable of creating special Corpse Puppets. Danger Rank: High.

'Hemp Third Aunt': A Miao female witch (Cao Guipo) from Western Hunan. Skilled in Gu poison and Ghost-Raising Techniques. She seems to have some connection with the Corpse Drivers but they do not interfere with each other. Her movements are secretive and her methods are sinister. Danger Rank: High.

'Stonemason Liu': Identity unknown. Suspected to know how to use special stones and minerals to set up evil formations or refine Magical Artifacts. Rumored to have collaborated with Corpse Old Nine. Danger Rank: Medium... Looking at this information, Li Muchen's brow furrowed deeply. The waters of Western Hunan were indeed deeper and murkier than he had imagined. The Legacy of the Corpse Driver lineage seemed to have severely fragmented or even degenerated, intertwining with Gu poison, evil formations, ghost-raising, and other sinister methods to form a dangerous and chaotic gray area hidden in the deep forests and mountains.

If Release Void had truly made contact with these people, whether he was seeking protection or collaboration for revenge, it meant that the trouble was about to escalate.

Closing the dossier, Li Muchen closed his eyes in deep thought.

Reinforcing the Yuntai Mountain earth veins would take time, but the movements in Western Hunan could change in an instant.

It seemed he had to set out as soon as possible.

He opened his eyes, his gaze resolute. The matter of the earth veins could be left to the initially refined earth vein suppression talisman to slowly nourish and consolidate on its own; he only needed to leave a Divided Soul to control it. The urgent priority was to find Release Void and resolve this hidden danger before he completely colluded with those dangerous figures in Western Hunan and caused a great catastrophe.

The setting sun dyed the sky of the provincial capital a shade of orange-red.

Li Muchen stood up, packed his simple belongings, and committed the important information from the dossier to memory. The original was returned to Wu Yuanshan through a special channel.

As night fell, he boarded a southbound train alone.

Destination: Western Hunan.

Outside the train window, the scenery receded rapidly. The dimly lit city was gradually replaced by dark fields and blurry mountain silhouettes.

Li Muchen sat by the window, resting with his eyes closed. His aura was restrained, making him look like an ordinary traveler.

But beneath his calm countenance, his mind was like a drawn bow, the string taut and the arrow notched.

Going to Western Hunan to search for traces in the deep mountains, the path ahead was unknown.

But there was no fear in his heart, only a clear Dao Heart. If a storm was coming, then he would... face it head-on.