Chapter 209: The Origin of the Devouring God Technique

You Che snorted, pinching a seal technique in his hand, and Feng Jin suddenly felt confused as a Devouring God Technique seal pattern appeared in his mind.

Meanwhile, the Academy Director and several others, including Lu Zheng, clearly saw Feng Jin’s pupils suddenly turn pure black, and a solid black seal pattern appear on his forehead.

"You truly are a talent, having even developed Qi sensitivity and learned the Devouring God Technique." You Che shook his head, "What a pity, the Devouring God Technique is an evil method, and you’ve strayed off the path."

You Che said calmly, "Chief Jin, take him."

As Chief Jin was about to step forward, Feng Jin suddenly reacted with a shiver and looked up sharply.

Seeing You Che standing beside the Academy Director, defending him, Chief Jin came onwards, brimming with energy.

Unwilling to be captured so easily, Feng Jin naturally shifted his gaze to the four people near Lu Zheng.

Zhu Yushan seemed ordinary, while Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan stood rather far off, leaving Li Hanyu in luxurious attire, seemingly the daughter of a wealthy family.

Abduct someone! Escape!

Feng Jin leapt up, rushing straight towards Li Hanyu.

Then...

Li Hanyu took out a pearl, emitting countless rays of light, which, when shining upon Feng Jin, made his body limp and he collapsed to the ground.

Li Hanyu stepped forward casually, looking at Feng Jin disdainfully, "It was you who nearly caused legal trouble for me and my husband?"

Chief Jin hesitated in his steps, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

Feng Jin strained to lift his head, a look of bewilderment on his face, "Who are you?"

"Humph!"

Li Hanyu snorted charmingly, then stamped on Feng Jin’s hand.

"Ah!!!"

"I thought it would be more interesting, but it ended so quickly, boring!" Li Hanyu remarked indifferently.

Chief Jin instinctively replied, "It’s not over yet, where did he, a mere scholar, learn the Devouring God Technique?"

"I’ll confess! I’ll confess!" Feng Jin’s eyes brightened upon hearing this, and he shouted immediately, "I was wronged; I was also tempted by evil arts! This wasn’t my intention! Master, help me!"

The Academy Director frowned.

But before he could speak, You Che stopped him with a wave of his hand.

You Che said softly, "Confess; if you contribute, you might escape punishment."

"Yes, yes!" Feng Jin nodded repeatedly, "This Devouring God Technique was taught to me by the East Village Elder Ai!"

...

Two years ago, after failing the autumn examination, Feng Jin wandered around aimlessly with a restless mind, eventually entering a rural area in Yizhou Prefecture’s domain, where he inadvertently lost his way and ended up in a manor.

Though secluded, the manor was full of vibrant flowers, flowing streams, and tiered pavilions.

The manor’s owner, surnamed Ai, graciously invited Feng Jin to stay, continually hosting banquets and discussing poetry and essays with him.

Feng Jin stayed happily, and then accidentally met Elder Ai’s daughter, named Heng, who stunned him at first sight. After several secret meetings, they eventually consummated a relationship.

Feng Jin lived in the manor for months, recalling his failure in the examinations, feeling gloomy. Heng Niang inquired about this and learned the cause. She mentioned that her father possessed a spell called Devouring God, which, upon use, could gather the literary talent Qi of several scholars, making examination success in the autumn trivial.

Overjoyed, Feng Jin sought Elder Ai’s aid, and after discussion with Heng Niang, Elder Ai agreed to teach him the spell, provided Feng Jin returned to marry Heng Niang after achieving scholar status.

Finally, under Heng Niang’s guidance, Feng Jin mastered the Devouring God Technique, made another vow in her presence, and was permitted to leave the manor to return to the State Capital.

...

"I discovered that the Devouring God Technique required harming other scholars and initially didn’t want to learn it. However, Heng Niang enticed me to cultivate it, urging me to fulfill my promise to marry her after my success." Feng Jin said, "I felt dazed, and somehow agreed."

"In these two years, I often wanted to stop cultivating it, but every time I halted, Heng Niang’s words would echo in my mind." Feng Jin said tremblingly, "So I had to continue cultivating, going deeper, until reaching this stage."

"Thinking back, the manor’s secluded location suggests Elder Ai and Heng Niang are undoubtedly abnormal entities!"

"I was truly coerced by evil techniques!"

Feng Jin pleaded pale-faced, "Please, esteemed lords, discern the truth! I’m simply a tool in Heng Niang’s hands; I’m innocent!"

"Finished?" You Che said softly.

"F... Finished..."

You Che nodded, "Chief Jin, take him away and lock him up for now."

"Sir, I’m innocent..."

"I understand..." You Che interrupted Feng Jin with a wave.

Feng Jin, limbs limp, was grabbed and carried away by Chief Jin.

"Master, apologies for the disturbance. The matter is resolved; we’ll take our leave." You Che turned and saluted.

"Lord You, you’re too kind. It’s shameful to have such a student at the academy!"

"Everywhere has unworthy students; no need to worry, Master. Farewell!"

You Che bid farewell, and Lu Zheng and the others exchanged salutes and left together.

...

"That Heng Niang, did she cast a curse on Feng Jin?"

"Can’t tell yet; it’ll require investigation."

"But, even with a curse, wouldn’t he report it?"

"Ultimately, it’s greed at play!"

"What kind of entities are Elder Ai and Heng Niang?"

"Just wandering spirits."

"However, that Elder Ai knowing the Devouring God Technique is quite interesting." You Che said calmly, "Let’s visit tonight."

Lu Zheng and the others exchanged glances, and Lu Zheng smiled at Zhu Yushan, "Brother Zhu, have you ever experienced a night tour of a haunted house before?"

Zhu Yushan forced a smile and waved his hand, "Brother Lu, don’t tease me; I’m just a scholar."

Li Hanyu cheerfully took Zhu Yushan’s arm, "You’re one now too."

Lu Zheng also laughed, "Are you interested in visiting the haunted house?"

Zhu Yushan blinked; he was indeed curious.

Li Hanyu nodded, "Sure, let’s see; how does Heng Niang look to make Feng Jin think she’s celestial?"

Lu Zheng then asked You Che, "Lord You, we want to follow you tonight to gain some insight, is that okay?"

You Che looked at Lu Zheng, a trace of speechlessness in his voice, "I recall you’ve visited the Netherworld; do you still need to visit a haunted house for insight?"

Lu Zheng chuckled, "I’ve never been to one before..."

Li Hanyu’s eyes sparkled, "You’ve been to the Netherworld?"

While Liu Qingyan whispered to Li Hanyu.

On the other side, You Che nodded casually, "If you wish to go, you may."

The Anomaly Suppression Bureau doesn’t mind having abnormal people around during investigations, as long as they don’t cause trouble. They might require help from these people at times, too.

Like when Duan Changzai went to Tonglin County, he invited Yuan Jing and Lu Zheng for assistance.