Chapter Two: The Mountain Villa

Shen Chang'an's body swayed slightly, his heart already filled with unease and dread. Clinging to a final shred of hope, he pushed open the door and stepped out, only to reveal a bitter smile.

All around him stretched a bleak and silent world. The wilderness lay hushed, not a sound to be heard; above, two moons hung high in the sky, casting an uncanny and otherworldly glow.

Faced with such a scene, how could Shen Chang'an fail to understand that he was no longer in his original world?

He opened the ancient book in his hand, hoping to glean some useful information, but all that remained were the words: "Yaksha demons and evil spirits, man-eaters and life-takers, to be executed without mercy." Aside from that, everything else had faded into oblivion.

He flipped through the pages; on the first page, the account of his own life still remained. In addition to details of his earlier experiences, a new line had appeared at the end: "On the third day of the seventh month, in the year XX, journeyed to Qingzhou, intending to slay the evil spirit."

The year was blurred, making it impossible to tell when exactly, but at least Shen Chang'an now knew he was in Qingzhou. The name Qingzhou appeared often enough in ancient Chinese history, but with two moons in the sky, Shen Chang'an truly had no way of knowing which Qingzhou this might be.

Aside from that, the third page now displayed the words "Breatharianism." Simply put, it was the ability to survive without eating food, to live on nothing but air.

"Could this be a mystical power given to me for free? No wonder it's nearly dawn and I haven't felt the slightest hunger. But how is this ability supposed to help me slay Yaksha demons and evil spirits? Am I supposed to see which of us starves first?"

He could only let out a bitter laugh, closed the book, and tucked it away inside his robe.

"I'd better try to find some sign of people..."

In this desolate wilderness, there were not even hungry ghosts, let alone evil spirits.

Shen Chang'an left the tumbledown shack. It was still night outside, but the two bright moons in the sky shone far more brilliantly than those on Earth, making the darkness easy to navigate.

Now he was desperate, willing to try anything to escape this place, not caring that it was night as he set off.

After walking for some time, he actually stumbled upon a brightly lit manor.

At the sight of the manor, Shen Chang'an let out a long breath. Its many lights suggested it was inhabited. Where there were people, there was at least some measure of safety, and he could feel a bit more at ease.

Most importantly, with a roof over his head, he wouldn't have to worry about the night wind chilling him and causing illness.

At this thought, Shen Chang'an paused—he suddenly realized he hadn't felt cold at all. Just then, a breeze swept by, and the chill that brushed his body felt merely cool and pleasant, not cold in the least.

Shen Chang'an paid it no mind, attributing it to his own robust health and the warmth generated from walking, making him impervious to the cold wind.

Clang, clang, clang...

Shen Chang'an knocked on the door knocker and called out loudly, "Is anyone there? It's bitterly cold tonight, and I happened to pass by your esteemed household. Might the master of the manor offer me shelter?"

He waited a while, but there was no response. Pressing his ear to the door, he suddenly caught the sounds of a lively banquet within.

"A feast, perhaps?" Shen Chang'an thought, and at the same time, he fancied he could smell the aroma of roasting meat.

He had arrived just before dawn, around four or five in the morning. By now, it would soon be time for breakfast. He'd been up all night, his stomach empty, and after walking for hours, he was more than ready for a meal.

Although his breatharian state meant he didn't feel hunger, his stomach was still empty. The alluring scent made his mouth water, and he found it nearly impossible to resist.

He knocked harder on the door, calling out in a loud voice, "Master of the manor, have pity! Please shelter me for just one night!"

Still, there was no answer, but the sounds of clinking cups and boisterous drinking games grew even louder, and the aroma of meat quickly filled the air, making Shen Chang'an's stomach churn with longing. He wished he could smash open the door and rush inside.

Bang, bang, bang!

Summoning all his strength, Shen Chang'an pounded on the door, shouting, "Master, please, have mercy! Show some kindness!"

The savory scent drifted through the air, making his mouth water all the more. His heart was awash with anticipation; all he wanted was a good, hearty meal.

This time, the door finally swung open.

From behind the door, the delicate face of a beautiful young woman appeared. Seeing Shen Chang'an standing outside, she immediately bowed in greeting.

"So it is a gentleman. Today is Madam's birthday, and the whole household is celebrating. We failed to notice your arrival and ask your pardon for not receiving you sooner."

Shen Chang'an quickly returned her bow. "Forgive my intrusion, miss. If you would be so kind as to inform your mistress, I—"

He was still searching for the right words when the young woman laughed softly and said, "Madam has said that today, being her birthday, is a day of great joy. She would never turn away a guest. Sir, please come inside."

A look of relief crossed Shen Chang'an's face. Luck was with him after all; to stumble upon such good fortune meant that tonight's meal was secured.

The young woman opened the door, and Shen Chang'an hurried in after her.

No sooner had he stepped inside than the noise grew louder still—a raucous clamor, as if a hundred guests were carousing together.

Shen Chang'an looked around. The manor was elegantly decorated: pavilions, winding streams, and everywhere scenic beauty. The grounds were vast—just the outer courtyard alone spanned more than a hundred square meters, making for an imposing sight. No one standing outside could have guessed at such opulence within.

"Sir, this way, please."

The maid closed the door, gestured gracefully, and walked ahead to lead the way.

Shen Chang'an adopted a reserved demeanor, nodded slightly, and followed.

"Strange," he thought. "Outside I could smell the wine and food, but now that I'm inside, the aroma has vanished."

He frowned. Was his nose blocked? Why couldn't he smell anything now?

His thoughts churned, and he sensed something wasn't quite right, but try as he might, he couldn't put his finger on it.

"This way, please, sir," the maid prompted softly, causing Shen Chang'an to quicken his pace and push his worries aside.

He decided to eat first and think later.

But after a few more steps, a foul, putrid stench suddenly assaulted his nose, making it itch.

"What is that smell?" he wondered. It was the reek of rot, like food left out too long.

"Did someone get sick from drinking inside?" he thought, shaking his head. He made a mental note not to embarrass himself when he joined the revelers.

But then, a jolt of realization raced through him, his skin prickling with goosebumps as a thought flashed through his mind like lightning.

"The wine I smelled earlier was unmistakably the scent of Moutai that my uncle brought home during New Year celebrations!"

Moutai was a high-proof spirit brewed with modern techniques and equipment—impossible to produce in ancient times.

His heart pounded wildly as a sinister thought rose within him. Just then, the maid ahead stopped before a door, gently pushed it open, and said,

"Sir, please come in."

Shen Chang'an halted and looked up. Inside the room, a giant spider with six eyes stared straight at him, occupying almost the entire chamber.

Beneath the spider, the floor was stained crimson, littered with severed limbs and fragments of flesh and entrails, painting the room in a grotesque tableau of blood and horror.

Shen Chang'an gulped, a chill surging through his body, his hands and feet turning icy.

He could clearly see, lying on the floor, a head identical to that of the maid who had welcomed him. Her body was torn to pieces, her blood-soaked face locked in a mask of terror.

"Sir, please come in," came the maid's low, haunting voice.

Shen Chang'an turned his head, and saw behind her a thin silken thread piercing her body, linking her to the chest of the six-eyed spider.

She was a soul puppet, held aloft by a strand of spider silk!