Chapter 113: The Anomaly

The reactions of the brother and sister from the Hundred Refinements Sect were merely a minor diversion. Lu Chenyuan, aware of their misconceptions about him, did not pay them much mind. Instead, he asked Shangguan Chuci to summarize the most critical developments in Zhenhai River over the past few days.

Shangguan Chuci did not decline. She recounted everything from the tragic incidents of people hiding fish in their bellies and the bizarre mutations in the streets, to the three-zhang-long demon fish that had washed up on the chaotic reef beach that night. Though her account was concise, it left those listening with a heavy heart.

The Town Demon Division had already posted notices regarding the fish-in-belly incidents, warning the populace to abstain from eating fish, so everyone present had heard of it. However, because Shangguan Chuci had witnessed it firsthand, her description was far more detailed. Once they understood the specifics, their expressions grew even more grave.

As for the incident of the stranded demon fish, Zhifei was hearing of it for the first time. He had not expected a great fish in the East Sea to have attained such cultivation that it could lure people into its trap to feed on their flesh and blood. After hearing the account, he wore an expression of profound pity, pressed his palms together, and softly chanted a Buddhist invocation:

"Amitabha. Living beings are suffering; it is a sin, truly a sin."

Lu Chenyuan added, "That demon fish has now vanished without a trace. However, Miss Lin used her supernatural perception to investigate and stated that it likely headed toward the Listen-to-the-Tide Pavilion, though it is unclear where exactly it might be hiding."

At these words, everyone’s brows furrowed.

Cheng Xiaoshan mused, "The vicinity of the Listen-to-the-Tide Pavilion is home to the wealthy and powerful; it is a densely populated area. Since that demon creature enjoys eating humans, it makes sense that it would head in that direction."

"Indeed," his junior sister, Jiang Yingxue, nodded. "The more prosperous the area, the more abundant the 'blood-food,' which is of great benefit to its cultivation."

Everyone offered their own opinions, all revolving around the concept of "population density."

It was then that the monk Zhifei, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke: "Esteemed patrons, this humble monk has a superficial observation, though I am unsure if I should share it."

Shangguan Chuci smiled. "Please, little master, speak freely."

Monk Zhifei said, "Might that demon fish have gone to the Dragon King Temple?"

Upon hearing this, the group looked at one another, seeing the astonishment in each other's eyes. While the Dragon King Temple was a place of flourishing incense in Zhenhai River, it was, after all, a divine shrine. How could it be related to such a monstrous, evil creature?

Cheng Xiaoshan asked in surprise, "The Dragon King Temple? What do you mean by that, little master?"

Monk Zhifei pressed his palms together and said, "This humble monk cultivates the Way of All Living Beings, and thus, I infer the nature of the fish through that path."

"The people of Zhenhai River worship the East Sea Dragon King. For a monster to achieve rapid cultivation, there are only two paths. The first, as you have all noted, is to consume flesh and blood and refine their vital essence; this is the Demonic Way. The second is to steal incense and convert the collective will of the people to its own use; this is the Divine Way."

"Since that demon fish has already attained a degree of cultivation, if it wishes to advance further, it would naturally choose the place where that willpower is strongest. On the lands of Zhenhai River, what place could compare to the Dragon King Temple?"

Cheng Xiaoshan found this intriguing, yet he remained puzzled and pressed further: "But the people worship the Dragon King, not that demon fish. As a mere monster, how could it steal the Dragon King’s incense and willpower?"

This question perfectly captured the doubt in Lu Chenyuan's mind, and he could not help but silently commend the monk. At the moment, the brother and sister from the Hundred Refinements Sect viewed him as a great devil, and asking such questions would be beneath his station—or, in the words of Young Master Chu, it would risk "dropping his mask." While he did not care much for his image, Shangguan Chuci enjoyed the ruse, and he was unwilling to dampen her enthusiasm.

Monk Zhifei smiled slightly and said, "The patron may not be aware. If that demon fish does not fear offending the true Dragon King in the depths of the East Sea, there are many ways to intercept this incense and willpower. The simplest method is to employ the tactic of 'the cuckoo occupying the magpie's nest.'"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt the logic held great weight. They had not expected this seemingly naive little master to be so perceptive.

Lin Jianyan furrowed her delicate brows and said, "That demon fish is full of malice and highly adept at deception, causing immense harm. This matter cannot be delayed. I must return to the Town Demon Division to mobilize men and investigate the Dragon King Temple."

As soon as she finished speaking, she did not move immediately, but subconsciously looked toward Lu Chenyuan.

Lu Chenyuan was slightly startled. As their eyes met, he understood immediately. This young envoy likely regarded him as some unfathomable figure due to their encounter within the Sea of Hearts, and she had instinctively sought his guidance in her words and actions.

He felt a sense of helpless amusement, but on the surface, he merely nodded calmly. "Human lives are at stake. Go quickly, Miss Lin."

Upon receiving his approval, a look of joy appeared on Lin Jianyan's face, as if she had received an invaluable command. She gave a slight bow to the group and, carrying her glazed palace lantern, departed with a light step.

Wang Ergou, who was bringing a teapot to refill everyone’s cups, witnessed the scene and was left stunned. He rubbed his eyes, filled with suspicion.

"That young lady... judging by her attire, she is clearly an official of the Town Demon Division, and judging by her speech, her rank cannot be low. Why does she act as if she must look to Lu Chenyuan for his approval?"

"We are both just laborers in this inn. After Manager Qian died, I remained a lowly worker, while he... he not only became Manager Lu, but now even the high officials of the Town Demon Division treat him with such deference... The fates of men are truly beyond reason."

He was both shocked and envious as he poured the hot tea and prepared to withdraw. Just then, he heard Jiang Yingxue, who had been silent until now, suddenly say:

"Wait."

Wang Ergou froze and looked at her in confusion.

Cheng Xiaoshan also asked curiously, "Junior sister, what is it?"

Jiang Yingxue’s gaze landed on Wang Ergou’s stomach, her brow furrowed tight. "Just now, you all mentioned the fish market mutation, noting that the victims began to transform into fish starting with the swelling of their abdomens. Why does it seem to me that his stomach is also somewhat distended?"

Everyone was startled, their eyes turning in unison to Wang Ergou’s belly.

Indeed, his abdomen was visibly protruding, stretching the coarse cloth of his shirt tight, much like a woman three months pregnant. Against his thin frame, it looked indescribably strange.

A thought stirred in Lu Chenyuan’s mind. He recalled that the day he discovered the tracks of the merchant Zhang, Wang Ergou’s stomach had already shown signs of abnormality. At the time, he had assumed it was merely because the man was living better and had grown fat from gluttony. He had not expected that two days later, not only had it not receded, but it seemed to have grown even larger.

Under the collective gaze of the group, Wang Ergou turned pale with fright. Hearing their words, his soul nearly left his body, and he stammered, "I—I don't know... I just feel that lately, my stomach is always uncomfortably full. Even when I am stuffed, I constantly feel hungry, a hunger that gnaws at my heart..."

Lu Chenyuan said, "Young Master Chu, please, take a look at him."

Shangguan Chuci nodded. She channeled her "Fire of Logic" to examine Wang Ergou, and her brow gradually furrowed.

It was exactly the same situation as the person at the fish market. Wang Ergou’s stomach was filled with wriggling silver-scaled fish, though his condition was slightly better as his internal organs had not yet been entirely devoured. The victim at the fish market had appeared alive but was actually already dead; Wang Ergou, however, seemed to have a chance at being saved.