In the blink of an eye, it receded like a tide, disappearing without a trace.
The ancient and solemn outline of the Chen Family Mansion reappeared, bathed in moonlight.
Not far away, the lights in the other houses in the villa area also seemed to be wiped clean of dust, one by one lighting up in succession.
Everything appeared to have returned to normal.
"Oh, Fang Cheng has opened his eyes!"
Bai Ling suddenly exclaimed with surprise.
Hearing this, Lin Chuqiao and Pan Wendi immediately withdrew their gaze from the surroundings and turned to look at Fang Cheng.
They saw that the golden flames that had been blazing around Fang Cheng were gradually weakening.
They seemed to be sucked into an invisible black hole, quickly retracting beneath his skin through his pores.
In just a few seconds, he transformed from a burning human torch back to his normal self.
Fang Cheng slowly opened his eyes.
In the moonlight, those eyes appeared as calm as a deep pool, seemingly containing a sense of satisfaction.
"Fang Cheng, howâs everything?"
Lin Chuqiao was the first to step forward, a hint of concern on her elegant face.
But as she got closer, she slowed her pace and asked softly, afraid of disturbing him.
"Yeah, brother."
Pan Wendi quickly followed, the wooden stick in his hand resting on his shoulder:
"Did that old monster play any tricks? Did you two come to an agreement?"
Not far away, Chen Xuâan held his breath in nervousness, his clenched fists making a "crack" sound, not daring to exhale.
Upon hearing this, Fang Cheng was slightly taken aback.
Came to an agreement? More like beat him up.
He didnât reply immediately, just shook his head at first, then exhaled a long breath of foul air.
This breath, condensed and dispersed, shot out straight like a white arrow for several meters before slowly dissipating in the cool night air.
Everyone felt a slight tension in their hearts when they saw him shaking his head.
Fang Cheng continued to speak in a calm tone, as if he had just finished exercising, and said:
"In his Spiritual Secret Realm, I personally dealt with him. If nothing unexpected happens, that Evil Spirit should already be... completely obliterated."
"Beautiful!"
Upon hearing this, Pan Wendi slapped his thigh:
"I knew when you took action, no demon or ghost could stand a chance!"
"Yayâ"
Bai Ling excitedly pumped her little fist, making a "K.O" gesture:
"That freak shouldâve been taken out earlier to spare the world from his harm!"
Lin Chuqiaoâs tense face finally relaxed completely at this moment.
She sighed with relief, and although her smile was light, it was like the first melting of ice and snow, softening the moonlight.
"Thank you, Mr. Bai!"
Chen Xuâan, standing not far away, could no longer contain himself and rushed over joyfully.
"Really... thank you so much! I misunderstood you before, Iâm such a fool! You are truly a great benefactor to our Chen Family!"
His excitement rendered him incoherent, his voice trembling.
Even the terrifying scene of witnessing his "grandfather" coming back to life seemed mild compared to his current state.
"Mr. Chen, thereâs no need to thank me."
Fang Cheng waved his hand and stood up from the ground.
When he stood up, his miraculous survival in the golden flames left his red underwear exposed to everyoneâs view, making for an especially striking sight.
Pan Wendi almost burst into laughter, pointing at Fang Cheng with a shaking shoulder.
"No... come on, brother, at least put on some pants?"
"The Chen Family Manor was already haunted, now we have a naked macho man too..."
"..."
Fang Cheng looked expressionless at his slightly charred red underwear, then pointed at Pan Wendi expressionlessly.
"Take off your pants and give them to me."
"Uhâ"
Pan Wendiâs laughter abruptly stopped.
Chen Xuâan, seeing their awkwardness, hurried to resolve the situation:
"Mr. Bai, Iâm wearing long johns, you can take my outer pants."
Upon hearing this, Fang Cheng gave a slight nod.
Crack.
The remnants of the fire made one last sound.
"Ugh... my head hurts..."
"What just happened?"
Just then, those who had fainted earlierâmonks from Cui City Temple, Chen Family membersâaround the Dharma Platform started waking up one after another.
"Whatâs going on? How did I fall asleep?"
"I remember, the old Family Head seemed to have come back to life, he... ah, ghost!"
A family member just woke up and immediately saw Chen Hongyeâs corpse not far away, frightened to the point of almost fainting again.
"Xuâan, what happened just now?"
Elder Chen Dehai woke up and saw Chen Xuâan and others nearby, immediately questioning them.
"Third Grandfather!"
Chen Xuâan quickly went over and helped him up with both hands.
"Rest assured, everything is over."
He spoke, pointing at Fang Cheng, explaining in a deep voice:
"Thanks to Mr. Bai and the others, the evil spirit that stole my grandfatherâs body has been served justice right on the spot!"
"What?!"
The Chen Family members were surprised, then a bit incredulous.
They all looked toward Chen Hongye sitting cross-legged on the ground, discovering he indeed remained motionless, as if he had reverted to being a corpse.
More importantly, those terrifying dark red spells on him had vanished.
A few family members with awakened abilities were still uneasy, using Spiritual Eyes to observe closely.
They were soon overjoyed and shouted:
"Itâs true! Itâs truly breathless! That evil aura has completely disappeared!"
"Amitabha... goodness, goodness..."
At this moment, Master Yuan Jue also stood up tremulously with the support of two monks.
His hands clasped together, his face full of compassion.
"The Buddha manifests, the Buddha manifests indeed!"
The old monk recited a Buddhist chant:
"Earlier, I perceived this beastâs ferocity, not something ordinary people could handle. So I immediately entered meditation, sending my spirit through the void, seeking aid from Buddha..."
"I assume Buddha sensed my sincere prayer, unwilling to see the Chen Family suffer this calamity, hence descended divine power to obliterate this beast!"
He glanced at Fang Cheng, a figure only in red underwear, with a body so explosive, and changed his tone:
"And this Mr. Bai, with strong muscles and vigorous blood, exuding brilliant golden light... I presume he is indeed Buddhaâs personal envoy... the Demon Subduing Arhat!"
Pan Wendi and Bai Ling nearly burst out laughing upon hearing this, pursing their lips.
This old monk sure knows how to praise himself...
But the Chen Family members believed it to be true, looking at Fang Cheng with eyes full of awe and gratitude.
Chen Xuâan briefly explained the situation to the family, then walked back to the now fully dressed Fang Cheng, respectfully asking:
"Mr. Bai, how should my grandfatherâs remains be handled?"
Fang Cheng glanced at the "empty shell" devoid of a soul, and after contemplating for a moment, he said:
"Continue the cremation immediately to prevent that evil spirit from having any residual tricks left in the body."
He thought of the undying Ghoul King Jiang Chen.
Against such old monsters, caution could never be overdone.
"Yes!"
Chen Xuâan currently followed his words without question, nodding immediately and ordering the newly awakened servants:
"Quick! Prepare the firewood again, and do exactly as Mr. Bai instructed!"
Soon, a new pile of wood was set up, and Chen Hongyeâs corpse was moved onto it again.
Roaring flames soared into the sky once more, illuminating half the sky, reflecting on the faces of everyone in the manor.
Everyone gazed at the dancing flames, their expressions varying.
Some felt the relief of surviving a disaster, some felt the joy of avenged great enmity, and others felt confusion about the future.
Fang Chengâs pupils were reflected by the dancing flames, his face seemingly calm and unruffled.
Yet those slightly clenched fists revealed his inner disquiet.
"Fang Cheng."
At this moment, a warm and delicate hand lightly covered his fist, holding it.
Fang Cheng turned his head.
He saw Lin Chuqiao standing beside him shoulder to shoulder.
The moonlight cast on her breathtakingly beautiful profile, her bright eyes gleaming, filled with unspeakable pride and tenderness as she gazed at him.
"Iâm fine."
Fang Cheng shook his head slightly at her, giving a free-hearted smile.
Lin Chuqiao also smiled sweetly, not releasing his hand but intertwining her fingers with his.
Fang Cheng felt the soft touch and faint fragrance from beside him, his mind inexplicably completely relaxed.
Killing an enemy did not make him ecstatically happy.
More crucial was finding the traces of the remaining traitors in the Ideal Land.
Also, his uncle and the professorâs whereabouts were still unknown.
Fang Chengâs heart
This battle in the "Soul-devouring Domain," the exhilarating combat, truly gave him many new insights, a considerable harvest.
Of course, this woman beside him... who just took the initiative to hold his hand.
Fang Cheng turned and tightened his grip on her soft hand, his mind serene, more determined about the future.
More determined about the future.