piratefiction Chapter 36 The Corpse Carrier
Chapter 36 The Corpse Carrier
As the first rays of dawn appear, the morning light gradually brightens.
The faded glazed tiles, under the sunlight, appeared even more brilliant and flawless. However, the early sun was fleeting, taking away the magnificent, shimmering glow of the eaves in the process.
"Cough cough..."
A violent cough startled Fang Hongxuan from his deep sleep. He instinctively swung his scabbard and drew his weapon.
But all they saw was Jian Shiqing curled up, with a pool of black blood on the bluestone bricks. Cold sweat poured down his forehead, and his whole body was trembling.
"We made it through..."
Just last night, Fang Hongxuan even thought this person was surely dead.
If asked why, it was simply because of severe hypothermia. In addition, Fang Hongxuan did not know any medicine, so he was helpless and could only watch as Jian Shiqing toughed it out on his own.
Even though Fang Hongxuan supplied Jian Shiqing with all the dog blood wine in the gourd, his body remained ice-cold after the effects of the alcohol wore off.
"Comrade, you've saved me again."
Upon smelling the familiar taste on his nose and tongue, Jian Shiqing knew that Fang Hongxuan had fed him dog blood wine, and that he had finally recovered after a night of fierce fighting.
He took several deep breaths, then flung out all the snot that had accumulated in his nose. Fang Hongxuan frowned at the sight of his filthy appearance.
Seemingly noticing Fang Hongxuan's displeasure, Jian Shiqing quickly smiled.
"I've gotten so used to suffering lately that I almost forgot I still have any human dignity..."
"What exactly happened here? How could such a huge commotion have been stirred up?" Fang Hongxuan asked.
"In fact, Mr. Jian has not yet figured out the details of the matter. He only knows that the source seems to be related to Niujia Town. He needs to go there to find out the truth."
After pondering for a long time, Fang Hongxuan finally made up his mind to go to Niujia Town with Jian Shiqing to investigate.
In fact, Fang Hongxuan himself understood that if he didn't want to go, he could simply take a detour or return to Mixian County by the same route.
After all, it was far beyond his capabilities. Even if he chose to become a coward like a stray dog, no one could blame him.
This is not because Fang Hongxuan is weak, but because there are enough ants to kill an elephant.
But if that choice is made, then this place will suffer.
"Since your injuries have not yet healed, I will go and make the trip myself."
Upon hearing this, Jian Shiqing became somewhat anxious.
"We don't know how many dangers lie ahead. If a comrade goes alone, there are bound to be many unforeseen events. If the two of them look after each other, they will have someone they can rely on with peace of mind."
Fang Hongxuan stared at Jian Shiqing's extremely resolute face and couldn't help but nod slightly.
"Then let's go together."
Jian Shiqing was overjoyed and immediately gestured for Fang Hongxuan to follow him.
"Comrade, come with me."
He led Fang Hongxuan to a side room next to the main hall, where five packages were neatly arranged, along with a well-preserved goose feather armor.
"There is still one pair of goose feather armor left here. My comrade, don't worry, just put it on. Although goose feather armor is the lowest grade of armor in the army, it is enough to protect you from the bites of zombies."
Fang Hongxuan didn't stand on ceremony and expertly put on his armor. He not only tested the spear a few times to see if it was comfortable, but also had his sword, Cuo Jin, placed into a specially made slot in his waist and abdomen.
俄尔
A young general, wearing a red-tasseled helmet, a goose-feather armor, and wielding a fine steel spear, suddenly appeared. Who else could this person be but Fang Hongxuan?
"Wearing armor, you now possess the air of a demon-slaying general. I hope that our investigation into Niujia Town will be successful, and we will both return safely."
...
North of Sishui County and south of Guihua County
At the border between the two places, there is still a bustling village called Niujia Town.
This town once produced a Marquis of Ten Thousand Households surnamed Niu. Sixty years ago, Lintao Prefecture and its four subordinate counties were all under the jurisdiction of Niu Yixuan.
However, border skirmishes continued and battles raged. Even nobles and marquises could not escape their misfortunes. Not only did the enemy break through the city walls, but the enemy general also cut off their heads in exchange for military merit.
Time has passed, and things have changed.
Few people still remember this nobleman who rose from humble beginnings through hardship and struggle.
Only the name of Niujia Town can still be somewhat associated with Niu Yixuan.
...
A gentle breeze swept across the street corner, folding the shadows of the trees, eaves, and rooftops along the way. Through the gaps, a figure could be vaguely outlined.
The figures moved rapidly, like frogs thrown into boiling oil, fast and urgent.
Chen Qinghe stormed out of the door, his face flushed red, as if all the blood in his body had rushed to his head. This was not out of embarrassment, but rather because he was extremely angry.
"Why are you so unreasonable!"
He muttered to himself as he ran all the way to the port on the riverbank along the way to Niujia Town, where he finally felt some relief from his depression.
This river is called the Sihua River. It originates in Sishui County, passes through Guihua County, and flows to the sea, never to return.
"Hey, isn't this the Chen family's boy? It's almost noon, why aren't you at home cooking with your father, Chen Ming? What are you doing, panting so much?"
"Uncle Tong..."
The old man, wearing a straw hat and a raincoat, held a paddle and steadied the boat with every move.
He strode into the harbor and secured the awning boat with ropes, then took off his straw hat and stared at Chen Qinghe with a puzzled look.
"Did you have another argument with your father, Chen Ming?"
Chen Qinghe looked bitter, but only nodded slightly without answering.
Seeing this, the old man sighed silently. He then returned to the awning boat, picked up a plump grass carp, and forcefully stuffed it into Chen Qinghe's arms before he was satisfied.
"The people of Niujia Town have always made a living by fishing. Every year, countless people have unfortunately fallen into the water and become companions with the Dragon King at the bottom of the river."
Chen Ming was the only remaining corpse retriever in the town. In his youth, he had seen countless townspeople die tragically. How could he not know the dangers involved?
Given all this, how could he possibly pass on his mantle to you, leaving you to walk the line between life and death every day?
You lost your mother at a young age and had no siblings. Chen Ming raised you with great difficulty, not only accumulating a substantial fortune for you but also arranging for you to work in the government office.
Unfortunately, you're a real disappointment; you're completely clueless about martial arts, scriptures, and poetry. Fortunately, you're not entirely dim-witted, so Chen Ming can be considered a worthy successor.
With a smile on his face, the old man gently patted Chen Qinghe's shoulder, picked up the bucket, and hurried towards the town.
"Take the fish back with you; don't let your father's efforts go to waste. The river isn't a safe place..."
Chen Qinghe closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then sighed. He repeated this dozens of times before calming himself down. He stared blankly at the fat fish in his hand, a bitter expression on his face.
"As long as no one deliberately sabotages the boats in the river, even if there were the greatest evil spirits or invincible demons, I could escape unscathed, Father..."
Eighteen years ago, after Chen Ming pulled Chen Qinghe from the water, he discovered that his soul had transmigrated into the body of this unfortunate fellow with the same name.
Putting everything else aside, Chen Qinghe discovered that his talent was named "Corpse Carrier." Its activation effect was highly idealistic.
Chen Qinghe could carry anything he identified as a "corpse" on his back. Anything designated as a "corpse" was immobile, resembling a real corpse.
The duration depends on the strength of both sides...
However, in the past eighteen years, Chen Qinghe has never gone into the water even once!