Translator: CinderTL
"Heart-Corroding Demon?" Fatty's initial reaction to the term wasn't fear, but curiosity.
The name felt foreign and distant, like something out of a Western fantasy film.
In short, it didn't seem like something that could exist in the real world.
Sensing Fatty's confusion, Jiang Cheng continued, "The name is just a label, a direct translation of a few words I came across. You can think of it as just another ghost."
Hearing that the Stalker Ghost was indeed a ghost, not some bizarre devil, Fatty's heart gradually settled back into his stomach, and his complexion regained its rosy hue.
"Doctor," Fatty hurried forward, recalling, "Do you remember that time in Grey Stone Town, when we encountered Ancestor Yamamoto?"
"Ancestor Yamamoto," Jiang Cheng corrected.
"Right, right, that Ancestor Yamamoto," Fatty nodded vigorously, then lowered his voice. "That guy was pretty sinister too. Do you think this Heart-Corroding Demon might be similar? Like it's not a local specialty, but something that came from somewhere else?"
Jiang Cheng's interest was piqued by Fatty's phrase "local specialty." At first, it sounded odd, but upon reflection, it made perfect sense.
Ancestor Yamamoto first appeared in the East, arriving on our land with the invading Eastern forces.
This Heart-Corroding Demon, judging by the evidence, was brought here by the deceased foreigner.
Based on Curator Zhou's mention of the crucifix and other clues, it's highly likely this demon originated in the West.
"That's very likely," Jiang Cheng agreed, continuing his deduction. "The Heart-Corroding Demon was brought from the West. The foreign man constructed the secret chamber with the intention of either destroying it or, at the very least, imprisoning it. But he failed, not only releasing the demon but also being killed by it in turn."
"The Night Watchers, hearing of the incident, rushed to contain it. After suffering heavy losses, they finally quelled the supernatural event."
"However, their abilities were limited. They could only suppress the demon, not eradicate it completely. So, before leaving, they left behind a series of arrangements—you could think of them as a kind of seal."
"These measures were meant to prevent the Heart-Corroding Demon from awakening," Jiang Cheng emphasized, turning to Fatty. "But many years later, someone disrupted this balance, and the demon stirred once more."
"Yuan Xiaoyi!" Fatty exclaimed.
"Exactly," Jiang Cheng nodded.
Through Jiang Cheng's analysis, the various clues in Fatty's mind gradually coalesced. "The foreign man died in the locked room, having performed the same ritual as Yuan Xiaoyi before his death. Their goal was to seal the Heart-Corroding Demon."
"The method in the book was correct, but I ran out of time. I had to try, and I failed. It escaped."
Recalling Jiang Cheng's words, Fatty looked up and said quickly, "Doctor, the key is that book! How could Yuan Xiaoyi have staged the scene in the warehouse? She learned everything from that book!"
"Exactly! The book corresponding to the serial number!" Fatty insisted. "It has to be!"
"The book was left behind by the foreigner. Its contents must be related to the Heart-Corroding Demon. Judging by the foreigner's actions, he wasn't just an ordinary merchant. He seemed more like a priest, or rather," Jiang Cheng paused, "an Exorcism Master."
Upon hearing the word "Exorcism Master," Fatty's face twitched involuntarily, a foreboding sense creeping over him.
Turning around, he gazed at the distant library. Though bathed in sunlight, it emanated an eerie chill, as if coated in a layer of frost.
The task that the Exorcism Master and the Night Watcher had failed to complete now fell upon their shoulders.
"Let's go," Jiang Cheng said, patting Fatty on the shoulder. He suddenly adopted his usual arrogant tone. "Keep your chin up. If I could handle Ancestor Yamamoto, what's a Heart-Corroding Demon to me?"
As they reached the ground floor, they found Huai Yi and the others waiting.
Gao Yan stood before the staircase, his face flushed with anger as he gestured wildly while arguing with Shen Mengyun. Wang Qi leaned against the wall, still sporting his usual nonchalant demeanor.
"Did you get the book?" Wang Qi asked, tilting his chin in greeting.
Fatty froze, his gaze instinctively darting to Huai Yi's face. Huai Yi wore an expression of utter innocence, practically screaming, "It wasn't me who betrayed you!"
In contrast, Jiang Cheng remained calm. If he were in their shoes, he would have guessed the truth with near certainty. "No, we didn't."
He then briefly summarized the information they had gathered during their investigation.
"Heart-Corroding Demon," Shen Mengyun murmured, her eyes lighting up with interest. Her expression suggested that some of her earlier suspicions had been confirmed.
Gao Yan stroked his chin, looking up toward the library. "So it seems this library—formerly the Folk Museum—is the source of the Stalker Ghost."
"To learn more, especially how to deal with this Stalker Ghost—" He paused, then corrected himself: "this Heart-Corroding Demon—we need to find that book."
Although their objective was clear, the book's whereabouts remained unknown. Yet the group showed little concern, sensing it was likely hidden within the library.
A sharp bell rang, signaling the start of the next class.
"You guys go to class. I'll go find Yuan Xiaoyi," Jiang Cheng said.
"Alone?" Gao Yan asked, his sincerity evident. Whether he was genuinely worried about Jiang Cheng's safety or simply distrustful, his eyes held genuine concern.
Jiang Cheng smiled and replied with equal sincerity, "Or... Mr. Gao, why don't you skip class and keep me company?"
Gao Yan chuckled awkwardly, then stammered after a long pause, "I don't have Brother Jiang's status. It's best if I don't cause any trouble."
This class was Professor Wu's. After parting ways with the group, Jiang Cheng texted Professor Wu, claiming to feel unwell and requesting an absence.
Professor Wu approved but warned him plainly that absences would deduct from his participation grade—no exceptions.
Don't come complaining to me if your final grade is low.
Checking the time, Jiang Cheng went to the campus milk tea shop, ordered two hot milk teas, and slipped over to the school clinic.
Through the observation window in the door, Jiang Cheng saw the Senior Sister he had spoken with earlier slumped over her desk, listlessly scribbling something. She looked utterly bored.
Knock.
Knock knock.
Knock knock knock.
Jiang Cheng pressed his face against the observation window, peering inside with anticipation.
The Senior Sister startled visibly at the first knock, but her expression softened when she recognized Jiang Cheng.
"What brings you here?" she asked as she opened the door. "Don't you have class second period?"
(End of the Chapter)
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