Chapter 186

Chapter 186 - Part 2

Chaos in various parts of the Harbor City neared its end. The Special Security Bureau members were baffled. First, it began to rain. Suddenly, the emerging spirits slowed their movements. Some even began wailing uncontrollably. Yet, after a short while, they regained their composure, seeming lost and immobilized. The ghostly mists that had spread everywhere began to gradually dissipate.

Then, as if they detected the scent of blood, some reported seeing an odd white petal drifting by. In a blink, the apparitions started crying out, vanishing on the spot.

"What's going on?" asked a Special Security Bureau officer, poised on the perimeter.

"It's peculiar," someone nearby remarked, "It appears as if someone has sent them to the afterlife."

Over the radio, colleagues reported similar occurrences elsewhere, urging immediate rescue operations despite the confusion.

"A purification ritual that covers the entirety of Harbor City's center?" Someone questioned, "Who could possibly pull off such a feat?"

No one answered. At this moment, nobody knew.

Outside Harbor City, on a plane preparing to land, an elder peered intently out the window.

Originally stationed in the capital, he had decided to aid Harbor City given the urgent circumstances. Observing the city below, he first knitted his brows, then let out a sigh of relief.

In a realm unseen by others, he perceived an immense ghost hovering over the city, even affecting the weather. Yet, it vanished rapidly, replaced by the white aura typical of a spirit achieving sanctity.

He was uncertain about the ongoing events in Harbor City, but the rise of a holy spirit was undoubtedly a good omen—a turning point for the city.

Soon after, his expression shifted again, this time sensing an anomaly—something seemed altered. What exactly, he couldn't pinpoint.

Nonetheless, he soon relaxed, even uttering in awe, "Is this the future Zhang Yao spoke of?"

Following that, he observed specks of white light on the ground, and numerous white gates materializing.

An invisible golden ray descended from the sky, landing in the busiest part of Harbor City.

Were he not buckled in, he would've leapt from his seat. Despite never witnessing such a phenomenon, ancient texts described it—it signified a being achieving godhood.

Noticing the elder's excitement, the accompanying land spirit inquired, "Master, what has transpired?"

The elder turned with a beaming smile, "Our path ahead may not be as challenging anymore."

The apprentice gazed at him with evident confusion, but the old man simply chuckled, shaking his head without further explanation.

——

As Yuan stepped off the police car, he felt momentarily stripped of all his senses.

As the thick miasma of ghostly energy enveloped him, Yuan instinctively drew a dagger, clutching it firmly. He strained to hear any noise around him, but within this ghastly fog, there was only silence, no scents to detect, and his eyes discerned nothing.

Holding his breath, he took a cautious step forward. First, he detected a metallic scent of blood, then light suddenly flooded his vision. Looking around, it seemed as though it was the time of day when the sun has either just set or is about to rise, casting a deep blue hue across the sky. And beneath this capricious sky stood an amusement park.

The park appeared old and worn. Its entrance bore no name, only a smiling face of a little girl.

Recognizing the scene, Yuan felt a chill in his heart. He had read ancient texts that described powerful ghosts capable of crafting dreamscapes or illusions. Unsuspecting individuals could be dragged into these illusions, where their souls would slowly corrode, becoming mere toys for these spirits.

The records he consulted also mentioned solutions: either locate and vanquish the dream-weaving ghost or strike a bargain, ensuring release. However, navigating such dreams could be a challenge, with the creator always elusive.

"Welcome! Our Duckling Park has just opened. Would you like to come in?"

A cartoon duck as tall as a person waved at him from the park's entrance. The duck spoke in a deep male voice, yet when Yuan glanced at its feet, they were slender and unmistakably those of a duck – certainly not large enough to accommodate a man's legs.

Yuan discreetly pocketed his dagger and approached. "Hello, what attractions do you offer?"

The cartoon duck spread its wings, presenting a stack of red pamphlets, its eyes curving sinisterly, "Please enjoy them in the recommended order."

Yuan glanced at the pamphlet and headed towards the suggested first attraction: a mini-train.

On the platform, he encountered his first ally: a security agent from the Bureau, dozing on the train.

It looked like an ordinary tourist train, commonplace in many amusement parks. There was nothing overtly menacing or suspicious about it. Waking his colleague, the latter groggily remarked about the best sleep he's had in ages, expressing confusion about their location but feeling no imminent threat.

Yuan refrained from commenting. He simply boarded and took a full circle on the train, mentally noting each location it passed.

The park seemed far from newly opened. The paint on the train was peeling, and rust spots marred the Ferris wheel. Employees dressed in mascot costumes were energetically peddling toys and snacks.

He spotted other agents from the Bureau too, all engrossed in various rides and attractions, seemingly oblivious to their original mission.

After some contemplation, Yuan leaned over to his companion, voicing his suspicion, "This park seems too normal to be normal."

"Isn't it just a regular amusement park? Why do you think it's abnormal?" The agent responded, gradually growing anxious, "Are there ghostly incidents related to this place? And wait, why are we even here?"

Suddenly, the train emitted a series of crackling sounds. Without hesitation, Yuan kicked his companion off before leaping off himself. Moments later, the train burst into flames. Had they hesitated even a second, they would've been consumed by the inferno.