Evil As Humans

Chapter 217: Blood Oath Renewal

“Yin Ren, what do you think?” Zhong Chengshuo stopped in front of Yin Ren.

The two of them were only a step apart, and the gentle red light flickered before them. The light was peculiar, as there were obstructions in front of them, yet it cast no shadows. The red light filled the space like a flowing liquid, sparing no corner.

Yin Ren was bathed in the red light from head to toe. In Zhong Chengshuo’s eyes, the essence of “Fear” surged incessantly.

Accompanying the surge were feelings of joy and anticipation.

Yin Ren shifted his gaze to the lantern.

His own hair and bones, along with Zhong Chengshuo’s hair and blood, formed this exquisite lantern. His blood, from the stab in his chest a thousand years ago, had long dissipated its pain. But what about those bones?

The person in front of him had just mentioned “experiment”…

Yin Ren had wanted to enthusiastically share the “joy of growth” a moment ago, but now it had become a thorn lodged firmly in his throat. He had initially wanted to reassure Zhong Chengshuo that he had grown stronger, even if he wasn’t sure whether he could overcome Love. At least Yin Ren would no longer be constrained by the other’s influence, forcing Zhong Chengshuo to take risky actions.

But he couldn’t say it now.

Yin Ren could tell at a glance how much material was used for that lantern. He took advantage of Zhong Chengshuo’s distraction to fiddle with it, just as Zhong Chengshuo had done to him.

He couldn’t express the message of joy. Yin Ren first wanted to ask “why”, but then swallowed his words.

He seemed to know the answer.

Facing an enemy far surpassing human strength, Yin Ren believed he had to stand in front of Zhong Chengshuo, and the person would know their limits and behave obediently. Zhong Chengshuo was emotionally detached and always rational, so it should be this way.

Just like in the Archive, when Yin Ren almost lost control, he thought Zhong Chengshuo would leave like the others.

Or like inside the Corpse Cage, when Yin Ren was nearly deceived by the “Attachment”, he also believed Zhong Chengshuo would choose the most “rational” path.

…Or even earlier, much earlier, with that silly black rabbit. It didn’t obediently escape like the others, but instead clung to his bones, sleeping beneath the Valley of Bones for a thousand years.

He always guessed wrong.

Zhong Chengshuo would always stay by his side, regardless of the past or the present.

Seeing Yin Ren’s prolonged silence, Zhong Chengshuo moved the lantern in his hand. The excitement on his face gradually cooled, turning into a standard pensive expression. He truly couldn’t understand Yin Ren’s expression, which mixed heartache, worry, anger, and a hint of sadness, surpassing Zhong Chengshuo’s comprehension.

But he recognized that touch of stubbornness in Yin Ren. So he quietly waited for Yin Ren to burst out in anger, and in his mind, he prepared a lengthy manuscript for debate. From family emotions to world peace, this person had prepared for all aspects, ensuring not a single detail would be missed.

However, the silence persisted.

Enveloped in the red light, clad in a red robe, the scene was like a bridal chamber with candles, yet it also resembled the deepest depths of hell.

Zhong Chengshuo mentally went through his script several times and decided to take the initiative. “I…”

“…It’s a rough job.” Yin Ren finally spoke, directly interrupting him.

Zhong Chengshuo: “?”

Yin Ren: “That kid Huang Jin is too wasteful. He treated the bones like wood. If it were me, I wouldn’t have needed six arms, and I could have spared you some hardship.”

He snatched the lantern from Zhong Chengshuo’s hands, and the flickering red flames created a ripple of light and shadows.

“And using blood from the Evil Fruit—this kind of material can’t withstand your bones. When I made the Evil Fruit with a blood oath, I was only heavily corrupted by Evil Force, so the power of the blood and flesh was limited.”

Zhong Chengshuo blinked in confusion.

Yin Ren let go of the lantern, and it floated steadily in front of him. In the next moment, his long hair and red robe moved without wind, and his hair scattered around him.

Yin Ren closed his eyes, his brows slightly furrowed. A wing the size of a tangerine emerged from his chest. Then, a surge of blood emanated from his surroundings, and countless tiny blood droplets burst out from Yin Ren’s body. They eagerly rushed into the dark mass of wings, adding a thick layer of crimson to their surface.

Like being wrapped in a layer of red gauze.

“Moreover, at that time, the flesh and blood, including the agreement between me and Shian’s Evil Spirit, was about annihilating the Gouluo army for revenge. Why would we need to include a dog in our lantern?”

Yin Ren appeared dignified and majestic on the surface, but his words were quite anticlimactic. The blood droplets around him continued to gather into a mass of wings. The originally flat wings were now nearly spherical, trembling like pudding.

“Besides, the cause and effect of that revenge agreement have already been settled, and it doesn’t suit this lantern,” Yin Ren added.

As he spoke, the last drop of blood returned to its place. The small wings swelled to the size of a walnut, entwined with a curse-like Evil Force that was incredibly thick, like aged honey.

When it came to profound knowledge in the realm of metaphysics, Zhong Chengshuo could only freeze in place.

He watched as the mass of wings slowly floated towards the “Karma Lantern”. It first swallowed the roughly processed bone edges, then rubbed against the outer perimeter of the lantern, instantly transforming the originally dark and dense crimson into a flamboyant display. The color became even more enticing than before, while the aura became more solid and reserved.

Subsequently, the small wings found the crevices in the bone vessel and exerted their strength to squeeze inside.

The bone vessel contained blood taken from the Evil Fruit, and it was completely absorbed by the wings. After slightly expanding, the small wings neatly filled all the gaps in the bone vessel. They wrapped around the core of the bone filament wick, lying comfortably and flat.

Seeing the evolution of the Lantern from 1.0 to 2.0, Zhong Chengshuo extended his expectant hand, only to be pulled back solemnly by Yin Ren.

“It’s just ordinary flesh and blood,” Yin Ren said. “The strength of the Evil Fruit lies in the blood oath. But since your bones and hair are already in the lantern, there’s no need to take more blood—give me your hand.”

Zhong Chengshuo extended his expectant hand once again and gently placed it in Yin Ren’s palm.

“Zhong Ge, sometimes I really don’t know if you’re clever or just foolish,” Yin Ren sighed. “This is not an ordinary spell. If I were to use your bones and hair to cast a curse, there’s no guarantee that you wouldn’t be affected.”

Zhong Chengshuo: “Oh.”

Zhong Chengshuo: “You bled quite a lot just now. Does it hurt?”

Then, Zhong Chengshuo seemed to realize something significant. “Wait, can you use spells now? Why?”

Yin Ren glared at Zhong Chengshuo for a few seconds, feeling exasperated. He forcefully exhaled through his nose.

Now he could only use flesh and blood techniques, but he refused to say it out loud. He was frustrated with this person who couldn’t grasp the main point.

With a resentful thought in his mind, Yin Ren held Zhong Chengshuo’s hand, and their hands overlapped on the lantern. The small wings that had entered the bone vessel immediately became restless. Countless red threads entwined with their black hair, emerging from the flames and tightly gripping their fingers.

The sharp threads scratched the back of their hands, causing blood to flow, though it didn’t hurt.

Zhong Chengshuo curiously looked at Yin Ren, paying no attention to the rampant blood threads around them. Meanwhile, Yin Ren lowered his gaze, focusing on the flickering flame.

Not long ago, his wish for “an apple a day” was replaced by a desire to investigate the truth behind the fall of “Fear”, and now the truth was revealed. The wish he had made to Zhong Chengshuo back then was reduced to simply “protecting the descendants of the Valley of Bones”.

It was a perfect opportunity to fulfill them together.

“With you, I make this vow.”

Yin Ren took a deep breath and solemnly recited with a strange ancient charm. The countless red threads in the flame surged along with his words, covering the ground in a sea of red and blood threads, creating a daunting scene.

The usually lazy Yin Ren disappeared, and the person standing there transformed into the legendary Great Celestial Master Zhong Yi.

“First, may the rivers and seas be clear in this land.”

“Second, may the one who holds this lantern be free from harm and illness, safe and sound year after year.”

Yin Ren’s hair fluttered around him, and the blood threads danced wildly. He never imagined that the blood oath from a thousand years ago, carrying endless suffering and deep-seated hatred, would lead to this moment. On this day, he took out his flesh and blood and exerted all his efforts for a wholehearted blessing.

“Third…”

Yin Ren leaned close to Zhong Chengshuo’s ear, gritting his teeth.

“Third, let us become accomplices, rise in rank and salary, reach the pinnacle of life, and never again be bothered by the pile of shit on the Other Side. No need to go to work and endure bone-cutting, bloodletting tasks like a slaughterhouse.”

Zhong Chengshuo stared at Yin Ren in shock, but regardless of the refined or crude content of the blood oath, the small wings had already drawn blood from both of them and swiftly returned to the bone vessel. The thousands of blood threads quickly retracted, leaving the surroundings clean as if nothing had happened.

Only the lantern became a bit brighter. The vows merged with their flesh and blood, entwining the bones and blood of the two monsters, while the flame bloomed like a radiant sunset.

“The blood oath is complete.”

Yin Ren grabbed the floating, brand-new lantern and put it back into Zhong Chengshuo’s hand.

“According to the rules, we have to witness it until the end,” Yin Ren said in a firm tone. His hair and clothes were once again hanging down.

Although he was angry, he didn’t lose his temper in the end. They were both going through hardships for each other, just as Yin Ren had done similar things not too long ago, so he couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty.

They cherished and cared for each other. Since they both didn’t want to fall behind, they would support each other as they moved forward.

“The name ‘Karma’ is just right for this lantern. Let’s forget about what happened before, but from now on, you must tell me everything. We have a long way to go, and now we have the blood oath…” Yin Ren patted Zhong Chengshuo with a sense of world weariness. “Let’s get through it together.”

“Okay.”

Zhong Chengshuo looked left and right, but he didn’t see any pain or distortion on Yin Ren’s face, which put him at ease as he held the lantern. He examined the lantern in his arms for a moment, then leaned in and gently kissed the corner of Yin Ren’s mouth.

“Thank you for the improvements,” Zhong Chengshuo said hopefully. “Now, it only lacks two important functions.”

Yin Ren paused his hand from touching his mouth. “Lacks important functions?!”

The Karma Lantern still needed some adjustments, but it already had everything it was supposed to have. This was specifically improved by the Great Celestial Master himself, and no spirit smith could find any missing elements!

“Well, I want to add the ‘infinite dimming mode’ and the ‘illumination only mode’. These functions require further research,” Zhong Chengshuo said while hugging the lantern tightly; his eyes filled with anticipation.

“Zhong Chengshuo!” Yin Ren gritted his teeth, wishing he could take a bite.

“The lantern between you… Why did you put a dog in it?”

A faint voice came from the corner. Under the red light, Huang Jin curled up, his breath like a fragile thread.

“Let me go… I really… can’t take it anymore…”

Yin Ren and Zhong Chengshuo: “…”

“Hold on, Da Huang…” “I’m sorry.”

……

At dusk, in the midst of mountains in the human world.

Two young-looking individuals stood at the entrance of a mountain village. Autumn was coming to an end, with continuous cold rain, and the mountain path was filled with chilly mud. However, their shoes were remarkably clean.

“It’s isolated here. Do as you please.” Shen Mo assessed the misty mountains and spoke with a cheerful smile.

Xiang Jiang gazed at the village in front of him. The village remained dilapidated as ever, with smoke rising from chimneys like the breath of sick patients. Xiang Hai, who stood behind Xiang Jiang, had already revealed his grim ghostly face, with faces of people wailing in madness on his butterfly wings. This time, Xiang Jiang didn’t deliberately calm his brother.

He understood Xiang Hai’s pain.

It was this village that swallowed their parents, his brother, and their lives. Yet, the village stood there intact, surrounded by picturesque scenery, even appearing beautiful.

Shen Mo glanced at him sideways. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Placed in Shian or Fu Xingchuan’s hands, they wouldn’t allow you to seek revenge. Have some emotions, at least.”

“Why?”

“…Huh?”

“Your plan is to slowly corrupt and then use the power of the Elementals to completely influence the social atmosphere. But a massacre of a village like this is vastly different from your ‘boiling frog’ style.”

Xiang Jiang’s gaze remained fixed on the village ahead.

The corruption stick came first, then it was followed by the “angel’s arm” carrot from behind. When the world delved into chaos, people always looked for something to believe in or crazily sought power to cling to. What benefits could be gained from the Elementals remain unknown. But when the environment was ready, Sunken Society would naturally develop rapidly.

He couldn’t see the purpose behind Sunken Society’s move. Was it just to make him pledge his allegiance?

Shen Mo smiled. “Haven’t you had enough of being a leader in Shian? Interrogating criminals?”

With that, he took out a cigarette from his pocket and leisurely lit it. The silver-gray smoke quickly merged with the surrounding mountain mist, disappearing without a trace.

“At first, it was just a minor disturbance, and everyone was on edge. But soon, everyone will get used to it—human adaptability is truly astonishing. Before long, most people will think, ‘It was always like this’,” Shen Mo explained. “That’s when we add some stimulation. One or two bloody cases won’t cause panic, and since this place is far from the city, a few explosive news stories are just right. I believe you understand better than me how an environment that subtly changes can twist people into what they become.”

Shen Mo expertly blew a few smoke rings and casually pointed to the nearby mountain village.

“When people get used to this chaos, the usual sources of corruption won’t be enough… Xiang Jiang, I told you I would make you the most powerful propagator of madness. I keep my promises.”

Xiang Jiang remained silent for a long time.

Yes, he understood. Most people couldn’t suddenly become insane; they needed the torment of time and the accumulation of despair to collapse in silence.

On the other side, Shen Mo had smoked half of his cigarette before flicking the ashes. “Speaking of which, with blood vengeance in front of you, you still have the mood to linger with me on these matters.”

“I’m not lingering,” Xiang Jiang replied.

Shen Mo glanced at him once again, then raised an eyebrow in slight surprise. He hadn’t noticed that, at some point, Xiang Hai had disappeared without a trace.

In the nearby mountain village, the first scream echoed.

Bone for bone, flesh for flesh, something gradually took shape in the center of the village. It looked like a gigantic corpse centipede, with struggling hands or feet occasionally being absorbed into its body, forced to become part of the blurred flesh.

“Whether it’s controlling ghosts or commanding corpses, it’s all related to karma. That guy Xiang Hai, theoretically, has connections to the entire village.”

Xiang Hai stopped at the head of the centipede, directing its movement with screams. The layered faces on his wings were smiling sinisterly, which was a rare sight. As he watched the flesh centipede grow fatter, Xiang Jiang’s expression remained surprisingly calm, as if everything had nothing to do with him.

“I can do whatever is necessary. After all, that’s what you said.”

The shadow of the centipede continued to twist in the courtyard, and numerous earthen houses collapsed with a loud crash. Finally, Xiang Jiang revealed a smile. He extended his right arm, and a string of black Buddhist beads appeared on his wrist. These beads emitted an intense Evil Force, and Xiang Jiang’s wrist turned dark blue along with it.

The Resonance ability was activated.

The centipede’s screams echoed through the sky, and the surrounding withered grass quickly turned black and frosted over. Despair and hatred, accompanied by the malicious curses of countless deceased, instantly dispersed the mountain mist around them. Shen Mo finished his cigarette, and the smoke and fire in the village disappeared simultaneously.

Hmm, it happened even faster than he imagined.

If he hadn’t been traversing the Other Side all these years, Shen Mo would have almost been swallowed by the venomous resentment in an instant. The presence of the living in the village completely vanished, while the flesh centipede continued its frenzied rampage in place.

“This thing is pretty good,” Shen Mo commented. “It will be useful soon.”

The rumors about the “angel’s arm” have been spreading like wildfire, and Shian was suffering from the corruption source case. The “fire” in Haigu was almost ready.

Let everyone descend one step further into madness.