Otherworldly Merchant

Chapter 152: Amnesia

Chuyi took a deep breath and looked at Zen Master Baimei.

Zen Master Baimei roared with laughter. The Night Dragon Bait is a righteous item. It has gotten rid of the Ghost Market. It seems the Night Dragon Bait wasnt stolen yesterday but rather, it has expelled all the Ghost Markets participants to protect the villagers! Merciful Buddha, your kindness is boundless!

Li Mazi was excited and grabbed Zen Master Baimeis sleeve. So, the Night Dragon Bait is still in the village?

Zen Master Baimei nodded. It should be. If were lucky, we can borrow the Night Dragon Bait. Itll be much easier this way

Chuyi also looked happy, as if the weight was lifted off his shoulders.

Although it was a forced smile, it was a miracle to see him smiling.

Lets go and see the Night Dragon Bait.

At this moment, we were really excited. We didnt think that the situation would change so much overnight.

We followed Chuyi and got out of the haystack. We headed toward the brick house.

Yesterday, when the two villagers chatted, we heard a piece of news. The one who found the Night Dragon Bait was a man called Uncle Zhong.

When we arrived at Uncle Zhongs house, we saw a man. He was around fifty years old, and he was chopping some wood in his yard. His tattered radio was playing Zhao Benshans performance. I liked this mans carefree lifestyle.

After noticing us, the old man dropped his ax and asked, Who are you looking for?

Good day, sir. Were travelers. Weve noticed that your houses geomancy is extremely good. Thats why weve come to see it. I came up with an excuse.

You swindlers, said the old man. He didnt appear to have any manners and wanted us to leave.

I waved my hands immediately. No, no, sir. Here, this is for you.

Then, I took out several one-hundred-renminbi notes and shoved them into his hands. We dont have any other requests. We just want to walk around your yard and check out the geomancy.

As soon as the old man saw the money, his attitude toward us changed instantly. He smiled. Well then, go around as you please! Ive never thought that this shabby house had good geomancy. Its no wonder that Im really old and I can still chop up wood and lift water. Young men cant work as much as I can.

I gently smiled at him then walked around his courtyard.

After taking a look around, I asked, Sir, have you ever kept a dragon horn here?

A dragon horn? No, said the old man.

Oh, I heard you unearthed it several days ago, I reminded him.

The old man had a bewildered face. What are you talking about? I havent worked on my field in days

I was likewise surprised. Really?

The old man swore, If Im deceiving you, may I be struck by lightning!

I wanted to ask further. However, Chuyi just faintly looked at me and urged, Lets go.

Go? We havent seen the Night Dragon Bait yet and we have to go? What does Chuyi have on his mind?

However, Chuyi was really persistent. He forced us to leave.

When we reached the entrance of the village, he stopped and said, Its strange

Whats strange? I asked.

Chuyi explained, When you guys were talking, I was observing the old man the entire time. He didnt lie. If you persisted any further, it would have been of no use. Additionally, I sensed and found that the Night Dragon Baits aura had disappeared. This village is really odd.

I didnt buy it. I thought that the old man just didnt want to let us see the Night Dragon Bait.

Coincidently, a man walked past the village entrance. I knew this man. He was the one who said Uncle Zhong had unearthed a dragon horn yesterday. He must have known something.

I caught up with him and offered him a cigarette. I smiled. Good day, sir. Were from the Cultural Relics Protection Bureau. Weve heard that you guys have a dragon horn here. Thats why weve come to verify the story.

He was surprised and looked at me in puzzlement.

Dont worry. Were going to take some photos and check it out. We wont take the item away.

The man was even more baffled. What are you talking about? I dont understand, brother. What dragon horn? Who did you hear that from? I think you have the wrong place.

I turned and looked at Zen Master Baimei and Chuyi. Their faces were dark.

I felt pressed for time. Could you think about it more carefully, sir? Uncle Zhong has a dragon horn, right? We just want to check if its a real dragon horn. No matter what, its a legendary item, right? Everyone is very curious.

Are you crazy? The villager didnt know if he should cry or laugh. Dragon horn? Hah! If we had the dragon horn, we would be rich already. Why would I linger here and chat with you?

I could tell that he wasnt lying, but that made me more anxious. What kind of power could give the entire village amnesia in one night?

Do you remember the unusual mist from yesterday? I asked.

Mist? What mist? If you dont have any business, I need to go now. I have to take care of my wheat. Then, he started to leave.

Wait a minute. Dont you see something strange here? Where are all the animals in your village?

Eh? After listening to me, the man was perplexed. He looked at me. No animals? The animals are gone?

He looked bewildered as if he was sleep-talking. He mumbled something then left.

I was worried and looked at him. The man looked as though he had just been bewitched.

I went back to Zen Master Baimei. What happened? Why have all the villagers lost their memories?

Zen Master Baimei sighed. Its going to be really difficult to get the Night Dragon Bait. It can control peoples minds and brainwash them. We cant resist such a powerful force.

Li Mazi screamed in rage. I dont believe it. I must investigate this to the end and find out who has stolen the Night Dragon Bait.

I looked at Chuyi. He had a cold expression.

Lets go. Zen Master Baimei waved his hand and said, We should find a safe place to discuss this matter.

Feeling hopeless, we followed Zen Master Baimei.

This sudden change was much more difficult to deal with than all the otherworldly items I had encountered before.

However, whether we could take the Night Dragon Bait or not, we had to try!

Around ten minutes later, we heard people screaming for help in the village. Guys, hurry! Help! Help! Tie Niu hung himself!

Zen Master Baimeis face turned gray. Not good. We must hurry back there. That thing has started to attack the villagers!

Then, Zen Master Baimei sped up. We followed closely behind him.

We saw that many villagers had gathered at the gate of a house, where hung a body. The mans eyes bulged and were full of fear. His tongue was tucked out, and the corners of his mouth rose as if he was gramacing before he died. His appearance was odd.

We knew this man. He was the one I had just talked to at the village entrance.

Merciful Buddha, said Zen Master Baimei. He bowed to the corpse then turned around and ushered us to leave.

You caused his death After leaving the house far enough, Zen Master Baimei suddenly looked at me.

What do you mean? I was puzzled. He hung himself. It has nothing to do with me.