Chapter 53: Night Approaches

【You unlocked: Chest (Common), obtained: Ghost Dew, Paradise Points ×500】

【Ghost Dew】

【Type: Consumable】

【Quality: Common】

【Effect: Instantly restores 30 energy points; usable only by spirits, ghosts, or soul fragments】

（Note: For non-applicable users, 1 energy point is deducted per second for 10 seconds）——

【You unlocked: Chest (Excellent), obtained: Tiger Soul Ring, Paradise Points ×2900】

【Tiger Soul Ring】

【Type: Equipment·Ring】

【Quality: Excellent】

【Durability: 100/100】

【Tiger Roar (Active): Consume 15 energy points to summon a tiger shadow that inflicts Tiger Soul Intimidation on a target area for 5 seconds; cooldown: 10 minutes】

【Equipment Requirement: Maximum energy of 30 points】

——

“Ghost Dew can only be sold—I wonder if anyone in the reserve phase can even afford it.” Chu Danqing stared at the Ghost Dew’s recovery effect; if not for its restriction, its restoration alone would qualify as Excellent.

The Tiger Soul Ring, however, he immediately donned on his hand—his base energy was only 25 points, but the White Fluff Robe granted him an additional 10.

The only flaw was the ten-minute cooldown—it couldn’t serve as a regular tactic, only for surprise strikes.

“The Zhanji Tiger was an Elite Monster; this Tiger Soul Ring likely holds a True Spirit.” Chu Danqing planned to use it for now and check the True Spirit’s awakening effect upon returning to the Paradise.

If it suited him, he’d keep it; if not, he’d sell it.

The main issue was the high energy cost—he did have an Energy Link, but he couldn’t guarantee he’d always successfully establish it.

Energy points had always been his weakness; lacking Attribute Points, he could only endure it.

Whether it was Life Link or Energy Link, his combat style—linking to enemies—was inherently dangerous; one misstep and he’d lose everything.

He’d had many ideas and maneuvers at first, but all required sufficient Attributes to support them.

Each use was like walking a tightrope.

Potential existed, but unlocking it demanded strength.

That raised a question: if he already had strength, why not choose a better skill?

Why persist with a flawed ability?

So he was already planning to look for a more orthodox Summoning-type skill after returning.

After handling the chests, he turned back to see Da Bao drinking Monkey Wine to restore energy.

During combat, he’d kept Tearing Claws active—the 9-point-per-minute drain had never stopped.

“How’s your recovery?” Chu Danqing asked.

Da Bao downed the Monkey Wine and said, “Done.”

“Good. Throw the head in.” Chu Danqing said.

But Guo Ming spoke up to stop him: “Brother Chu, wait a moment.”

“The ghostly affliction isn’t complete yet. Let the three of us go down first to scout.”

“We should see the situation first, so we can prepare.”

Chu Danqing didn’t really want to take Guo Ming down—he wasn’t helpless, but if they encountered unstoppable danger, Guo Ming would die for sure.

He could return directly; Guo Ming could only wait to die.

Besides, even if they escaped, Da Bao would prioritize saving him, not Guo Ming.

“Fine, but you stay up here.” Chu Danqing explained: “If something goes wrong, all three of us won’t make it.”

“You stay alone above—if I’m in trouble, you can go to Yangxian County for help.”

Guo Ming opened his mouth to protest, but Chu Danqing cut him off.

“I don’t know who you are, but from your words and actions, you’re clearly someone important—you can summon help far stronger than I can.”

“I’m not humoring you; we each have our roles.”

With that, Chu Danqing gave Da Bao a glance; Da Bao reached out and handed over Yinke Chan Master’s skull: “If I don’t return within an hour, take this head to Yangxian County. Don’t wait for me.”

“Understood.” Guo Ming didn’t hesitate or beg to join them—he agreed without delay.

He knew Chu Danqing’s plan was the wisest.

“If Brother Chu returns unharmed, I’ll treat you to a feast on the top floor of Yangxian’s Chongyang Tower.” Guo Ming bowed.

Chu Danqing didn’t know where Chongyang Tower was, but he didn’t refuse—someone offering a meal? Why not accept?

After preparing, Da Bao descended into the dry well first.

Fortunately, the well wasn’t narrow—it had been wide enough for the Zhanji Tiger to emerge, so Da Bao could easily fit.

Perhaps it had been widened originally to allow monks freer access.

Even the well walls had handholds and footholds for climbing.

Chu Danqing slowly climbed down.

He’d considered not going down himself—just sending the Crossbowmen and Da Bao.

He could simply reap the rewards.

But Da Bao had low intelligence—he was excellent at fighting, but terrible at investigation or searching.

Besides, Chu Danqing going down gave him a safety net: he could return instantly to save Da Bao’s life if needed.

At the bottom of the well, Chu Danqing felt a chilling cold enveloping him.

This chill wasn’t the cold of winter snow—it was a sharper, more piercing sensory dread.

The well floor was covered in thick snow; after a quick glance, he spotted the entrance to the underground cavern.

No sunlight reached it—utter darkness.

Chu Danqing pulled out a flashlight and shone it inside.

The beam tore through the dark, emitting a whooshing sound—as if something was fleeing from the light.

“Da Bao, is there anything inside?” Chu Danqing swallowed hard.

Da Bao nodded, immediately activating Tearing Claws—blood fury swirling around him, ready to strike.

From the darkness emerged a strange ghostly figure—like an underdeveloped infant.

Its entire body was stained with blood; parts of its flesh had rotted away, exposing bones to the air.

More importantly, at its navel, a umbilical cord extended into the darkness.

It suddenly reached out a hand, pointing toward the well’s mouth, grinning wickedly.

Chu Danqing followed its gesture—toward the sky.

Then he understood what it meant.

Night was coming.

Once fully dark, without the Zhanji Tiger to restrain them, they’d emerge from the well.

The next moment, more such ghosts surfaced from the dark—men and women, differing in appearance and decay.

The only similarity: each had an umbilical cord connecting its abdomen to the darkness.

“Retreat.” Chu Danqing whispered. Da Bao instantly grabbed him and scaled the well wall upward.

Chu Danqing also cast a Scan on one of the ghosts.

(End of Chapter)