Chapter 28: Stimulated Too Much

Ji Yuan already felt uncomfortable from the intense yin energy, but he also noticed that at least two ghost officers were positioned in front of him, seemingly deliberately shielding him, a mortal, from a significant portion of the yin energy's impact.

At this moment, the four City God officials in the courtyard were exerting their power, while most of the other ghost officers, apart from the nine soul-reapers controlling the soul-binding chains, were on standby, observing from the periphery.

What was called a battle, to Ji Yuan, looked like the terrifying ghost being bound by soul-binding chains, suspended in the air, and being literally "beaten up."

The Judge's Brush, Soul-Beating Whip, and other artifacts striking the ghost would unleash a piercing shriek and dissipate some of its malevolent energy.

It wasn't the first time Ji Yuan had pondered and doubted his own eyesight. This time, the feeling was even stronger; he could not only clearly see the ghost officers and the ghost but also observe the process of the malevolent energy being dispersed and annihilated.

Apparently sensing a critical moment, the ghost, trapped by the soul-binding chains, struggled with increasing ferocity.

"Aaaahhhhhh!"

Amidst the piercing shriek, countless pallid arms shot out, grabbing at the surrounding ghost officers.

Several City God officials brandished their artifacts, filling the courtyard with clashing exotic yin energy, blocking most of the ghostly claws. However, six or seven ghost officers, including three soul-reapers, were still caught.

"Clang!" "Clang!"...

Some ghost officers swung their blades, striking the ghost's claws to free their comrades, but the sound was like metal hitting metal.

"Ho-ho-ughhhhhh!"

"Ah!" "Ah!" "Ah!"...

Seven ghost officers had their spectral bodies crushed directly by the pallid arms, turning into black mist that was absorbed into the ghostly claws. Three soul-binding chains lost control, flailing like massive whips as the ghost struggled.

"Thwack!" "Thwack!" "Thwack!" "Thwack!"...

Several nearby ghost officers were directly struck by the soul-binding chains, their souls becoming unstable and flickering as they were sent flying.

"Audacious!"

The four City God officials, their eyes wide with fury, leapt forward together. Four streams of yin energy, mixed with the scent of sandalwood, converged above the small courtyard, weaving into a vast net.

"Catch!"

The large net descended from above, enveloping the ferocious ghost that was on the verge of escaping.

A chilling wail filled the air.

A fierce gale swept through the courtyard, no longer just a yin wind but a true strong wind from all directions. The jujube tree branches swayed violently, and fallen leaves and other debris seemed to fly wildly, unrestricted by the formation. Ji Yuan could only raise his hand to shield himself from the dust and leaves.

At this moment, Ji Yuan felt not only shock but also deep dread.

'Damn it, was *this* what I was dealing with earlier? Good thing this thing preferred to "chew slowly"; if it had shown this form, I'd have died before I could even unleash my full power!'

The Martial Judge's Brush spun upwards in his hand as he roared.

"Extract its soul essence and vigor!"

The other three City God officials also activated their artifacts to attack. Other ghost officers also struck, attacking through the large net, especially the soul-binding chains, each strike causing the ghost to tremble.

"Hooo-ahhhhhh!"

The piercing scream almost ruptured Ji Yuan's eardrums. The ghost within the giant net rapidly expanded. Seeing the dire situation, the Martial Judge retracted his brush, turning its tip into a needle, and fiercely jabbed it towards the net.

"Break it!"

"Boom!"

A burst of yin and malevolent energy erupted, all directed at the Martial Judge.

With a loud boom, the Martial Judge was sent flying by the yin energy, and a gap instantly appeared in the giant net restraining the terrifying ghost.

"This is bad!" "Stop it!"

The remaining three City God officials immediately combined their efforts, but they couldn't close the gap left by the Martial Judge, and the ghost was already on the verge of breaking free.

With the setup of Residence of Peace Pavilion, this malevolent creature might not escape to wreak havoc in Ning'an County, but the numerous ghost officers within the soul-locking formation were likely to suffer.

Ji Yuan didn't know the exact extent of the danger, but even as a layman, he could tell that the situation was very perilous, provided he wasn't truly blind.

Staying seated in the courtyard at this moment also seemed somewhat unsafe...

Frightened, Ji Yuan instinctively stood up, intending to slip away, but he unexpectedly caused an unforeseen change.

Ji Yuan's sudden standing brought the increasingly violent struggles of the malevolent ghost in the courtyard to an abrupt halt. It recoiled into the soul-trapping net as if intensely startled.

"Good chance! Don't just stand there!"

As the shout rang out, the Martial Judge had already returned to his position.

The City God officials and ghost officers wouldn't be foolish like the ghost. Behind the four chief officials under the City God, illusory figures formed from incense smoke began to materialize. Their bodies seemed to grow slightly taller, and their official robes billowed.

The giant net glowed with receding gray light. The four chief officials waved their hands, and four soul-binding chains flew towards them, then were flung forward, transforming into four spiritual serpents that tightly coiled around the shimmering net.

The recent scare made them realize that even though this malevolent ghost was severely weakened, it couldn't be easily subdued without paying a heavy price. At this moment, they were giving it their all!

"Oh profound City God, sharing light with the dust, cast out evil and bind demons, illuminate all corners of the world!"

From the direction of the City God Temple, streams of incense power, like wisps of smoke, flew into the courtyard of Residence of Peace Pavilion. The aura of the four chief City God officials greatly intensified.

"Though my Ning'an County governs but ten thousand people, we shall not allow you, evil creature, to cause chaos here. Die!"

The Judge's Brush, Soul-Beating Whip, Inspector's Ledger, and Robe of Fortune and Longevity, utilizing the favorable timing and location, were unleashed with full power against the malevolent ghost.

"Rumble..."

Inside the courtyard of Residence of Peace Pavilion, it sounded like thunder...

Ji Yuan had been holding his breath for a while. In fact, if he had timed himself, he would have been astonished by how strong his breath-holding ability had become.

It wasn't until the ghost's piercing shrieks in the courtyard weakened, and the creature finally turned to dust, that Ji Yuan slowly exhaled.

'Phew, good, the good guys won!'

Ji Yuan, his legs feeling weak, sat back down on the small chair in front of the house. However, as he slowly recovered, he felt something wasn't quite right.

He looked up and saw that the energy of the formation in the courtyard had vanished. The four chief City God officials and all the ghost officers were standing in the courtyard, facing him.

Ji Yuan's throat twitched slightly; he didn't even dare swallow his saliva. Were they going to silence him?

After a long pause, the Martial Judge took the lead, followed by the other three chief officials and all the ghost officers, who bowed respectfully towards him.

"Our eyes were dim; we failed to recognize your esteemed presence!"

"Thank you for your assistance!"

A chorus of thanks rang out.

They had been wondering if some master had passed through and exposed the evil creature's weakness, but they never expected that master had been casually seated in the courtyard all along. Indeed, a true master does not reveal their abilities, and one who reveals them is not a true master!

The four chief officials didn't say much more. Judging by the man's previous demeanor, he clearly preferred not to be disturbed. So, after repeated bows, they led all the ghost officers under the City God away from Residence of Peace Pavilion, intending to report to the City God first before making any further decisions.

Ji Yuan, likewise, didn't know what to say to them. He knew very little about City Gods and similar entities. After pondering for a while with no clear ideas, he simply remained silent.

To be honest, Ji Yuan didn't want to be considered a master in this situation, but he had indeed severely wounded the ghost, without any pretense. So, it was only right and proper for them to offer their thanks, wasn't it?

Only when the small courtyard returned to quiet, with just a gentle breeze blowing, did Ji Yuan collapse onto the chair like a dead dog, rubbing his heart, which had been repeatedly overstimulated.

He lifted his head and opened his weary eyes. Looking at the well in the courtyard now, the eerie and terrifying feeling had completely vanished, bringing him a degree of peace.

'At this rate, I'll have a heart attack one day!'

After a few moments of calm, Ji Yuan finally had the energy to let his thoughts wander.

For example, he wondered what exactly had been in the well—even if he was ignorant, he knew it was no ordinary malevolent spirit. He also pondered why the City God of Ning'an County hadn't personally appeared, despite the short distance; there must be another reason.