PCJ – Chapter 313 The Fierce Ghost Breaks Free

Ding-a-ling…

As the corpse moved, it triggered a string of bells, producing a ding-a-ling sound. The noise seemed to cause the corpse great fear, as it clutched its head and howled in agony.

Chengdao noticed at once that the string of bells resembled the one he was wearing!

“Master, those bells…” Chengdao glanced at the old Taoist priest.

“That’s right, those bells are a treasured inheritance of the Meishan Sect. The string you are wearing is a replica created by our ancestors, but it pales in comparison to the real artifact,” the old Taoist said hurriedly, clearly in a critical condition.

“Master, your injuries?” Chengdao asked, concerned.

“Nothing serious. Don’t worry about me,” the old Taoist forced a faint smile, trying to reassure his disciple.

The corpse, startled by the sound of the bells, had calmed down and no longer struggled violently. Its body was bound by many chains, and with the suppression of the bells, it had no chance of escaping.

“Pan Yongguang, listen to me. I want that string of bells. As long as your Dalubao people help me trap this ghost and assist in obtaining the bells, I will lift the status of craftsman for all members of the Pan family. After this, your family will be free to roam the world,” Cui Yulin said in his sharp, high-pitched voice.

“Lord Cui, are you serious?” Pan Yongguang asked excitedly. If the craftsman status was lifted, the Pan family would finally see better days. In the past, the Pan family was one of the wealthiest in the region. Their craftsmanship brought them prosperity for many years, but now, being a craftsman was a lowly status, a burden on the family. If they could rid themselves of this label, the Pan family could rise again.

“Of course, I always keep my word. It all depends on your actions now,” Cui Yulin knew he had Pan Yongguang’s attention. His goal was to acquire the bells, and everything else was secondary. If Pan Yongguang was willing to help, lifting their lowly status was a small price to pay.

“Then it’s a deal!” Pan Yongguang said eagerly.

A smug smile appeared on Cui Yulin’s face. “It’s a deal!”

“Pan family, you all heard Lord Cui. For the sake of our descendants, to free them from this disgrace, we must fight to the death today! Even if we lose our lives, it will be worth it. I, Pan Yongguang, will lead the charge. If anyone falls here today, they will be honored in the Pan family ancestral hall, worshiped for generations!” Pan Yongguang shouted loudly.

“Rest assured, Fortress Master! Even if it costs us our lives, we will help Lord Cui accomplish this. Just make sure Lord Cui keeps his word after!” Pan Yongxi was also convinced by Cui Yulin’s promises.

“Good! Pan family warriors, listen well. As long as you fight without regard for your lives and help me succeed, I will ensure your craftsman status is lifted when we leave. I, Cui Yulin, swear that if I break my promise, may I be struck by lightning and never know peace for eternity!” Cui Yulin swore solemnly.

Hearing his oath, the people of Dalubao were filled with determination and shouted in unison, “Fight to the death! Fight to the death!”

Cui Yulin had prepared well, bringing with him many iron chains forged from high-quality steel, which he now handed to the warriors of Dalubao.

“Quick! Tie up that ghost!” Cui Yulin ordered.

The people of Dalubao immediately advanced, throwing the chains around the ghost, winding them tightly. Several people pulled the chains simultaneously, binding the ghost securely. Having been weakened by the sound of the bells, the ghost showed no resistance as it was shackled.

Seeing the perfect opportunity, Cui Yulin swiftly approached. He was no ordinary man; his martial skills were highly refined, and his movements were exceptional. After a few agile maneuvers, he reached the ghost and reached out to grab the bell.

“Roar!”

Suddenly, the ghost’s eyes flew open, and it let out a deafening roar. It raised its arm, yanking one of the chains, pulling a warrior along with it. Swinging the chain like a whip, the ghost lashed out at Cui Yulin, who was mid-air, about to grab the bell.

Cui Yulin quickly pushed off the wall with his foot, nimbly dodging the attack. The chain struck the ground with a loud crack, sending the warrior attached to it crashing into the ground. Blood splattered everywhere, and after rolling a few times, the warrior lay still. The chain left a deep scar on the ground. Cui Yulin, drenched in cold sweat, hurriedly retreated.

“Pan Yongguang! What are you doing? Haven’t you eaten?!” Cui Yulin shouted, angry and frightened.

The people of Dalubao, still mourning their fallen comrade, were further enraged by Cui Yulin’s scolding.

“Forget everything else! Lord Cui has promised to free us from our lowly status! Even if I die here, keep the creature contained! Understand?” Pan Yongguang shouted.

“Fight with everything we have!” the people of Dalubao roared in response. Throwing themselves at the ghost, they used the chains to bind it tightly once more. One man couldn’t manage it alone, but the combined strength of dozens of Dalubao warriors was a formidable force, drawing astonished glances from those watching.

Cui Yulin smiled slightly and moved forward again. This time, he tossed a stone at the bell, hitting it squarely.

Ding-ding-ding…

The bell rang continuously.

As expected, the ghost, writhing in agony, stopped struggling to break free from the warriors’ chains.

Cui Yulin, having thrown the stone, quickly approached the bell, tossing more stones to keep the bell ringing, ensuring the ghost remained suppressed. Finally, he grabbed the bell.

Overjoyed, Cui Yulin pulled hard, but the bell wouldn’t budge. Upon closer inspection, he saw that the bell was attached to a thin chain. No matter how hard Cui Yulin pulled, the chain wouldn’t break. Despite being as thin as a wick, the chain remained intact, even in the hands of a master like Cui Yulin.

Looking closer, he saw the chain was attached to the ghost’s body. His forceful tugging enraged the ghost, and the warriors were nearly yanked off their feet, some even tumbling to the ground. Yet, to their credit, none were seriously injured.

Cui Yulin tried cutting the chain with his blade, but it didn’t leave a mark. Instead, his blade chipped.

“What kind of devilish thing is this, to be so tough?” Cui Yulin was frustrated. The treasure was within his grasp, but the chain was in the way.

The ghost was growing more violent, so Cui Yulin shook the bell again.

Ding-ding-ding…

The ghost immediately started writhing in pain once more. Cui Yulin seized the opportunity to examine the chain. It was attached to a metal clasp on the ghost’s waist. Cui Yulin didn’t even bother trying to force it off, knowing it wouldn’t be easy. But to unlock the clasp, he’d have to get dangerously close to the ghost.

“Pan Yongguang! Hurry and unlock the clasp on the ghost!” Cui Yulin had no intention of risking his own life when there were others to sacrifice.

Pan Yongguang, ready to die, knew he was going to his death but was resolute.

“Fortress Master! I’ll go!” Pan Yongxi jumped in front of Pan Yongguang.

“Yongxi!” Though they weren’t blood brothers, Pan Yongguang and Pan Yongxi were as close as real siblings, their bond forged in life-and-death struggles.

“Master, take care of my family!” Pan Yongxi smiled and charged forward.

The clasp had been fastened for years, but Pan Yongxi finally managed to loosen it. The ghost’s strength surged, and the warriors were flung around like ragdolls.

“Lord Cui, the clasp must not be removed, or the ghost will break free!” Pan Yongxi shouted.

“I didn’t ask if it should be done! Just do it!” Cui Yulin snapped coldly.

“Alright! I’ll unlock it!” Pan Yongxi, having found the way, pressed a button on the clasp.

Click!

With a crisp sound, the clasp unlocked and fell from the ghost’s waist. Cui Yulin yanked the bell, along with the clasp, into his hand.

“Retreat now!” Pan Yongxi shouted.

“Roar!”

The ghost, now completely unleashed, roared as its power multiplied a hundredfold. With a flick of its wrist, the chains binding it snapped like straw. The warriors holding the chains were flung against the walls, dying in droves.