Chapter 25: Have You Ever Seen a Sun-Baked Zombie?

The three malevolent ghosts let out a series of terrifying howls before lunging at Lin Bei and Ma Xiaoling. Lin Bei received special attention, finding himself facing two of the ghosts alone. These Japanese spirits had been wicked in life and carried immense resentment; despite having been dead for only a few decades, their cultivation was no match for spirits that had survived for a century. Unfortunately for them, they had crossed paths with Lin Bei and Ma Xiaoling—like crashing into a wall of solid iron.

Lin Bei gritted his teeth, two streams of white mist escaping his lips as his body temperature soared. "Third Form—Blazing Red Mirror!" With a sharp roar, he slashed his demon-exorcising sword forward. Two consecutive strikes released the True Sun Fire attached to the blade, resembling twin fire dragons. The ghosts, as if throwing themselves into the jaws of the dragons, were swallowed whole and instantly scattered into nothingness before they could even scream.

The ghost attacking Ma Xiaoling fared no better. She pulled out her mysterious light mirror—disguised as a powder compact—traced a few patterns on it with cinnabar lipstick, and struck it forward. The old ghost was instantly suppressed. She then delivered a powerful blow with her Buddha palm, sending the spirit to its final rest on the spot. Compared to its companions, this ghost had at least managed a single wail, asserting its existence before vanishing.

After disposing of the three ancient ghosts, Lin Bei and Ma Xiaoling did not relax. Ma Xiaoling, in particular, frowned deeply. Before Lin Bei could ask, she explained, "This is a Netherworld barrier. Normally, once the ghost sustaining it is destroyed, the barrier should collapse. Since it remains intact, it means the most powerful one is still in hiding."

Lin Bei narrowed his eyes. He knew exactly who was hiding and precisely where. "I know where it is. Let's get out of here first!" Ma Xiaoling paused, giving Lin Bei a meaningful look; she always felt he harbored many secrets. Moreover, neglecting his business to go ghost-hunting with them was more than just a whim.

Lin Bei didn't give her time to question him. He turned and walked out, calling over Zhang Tian'ai and Yun Qing, who had been idle enough to start chatting. Seeing them emerge while the barrier remained intact, the others guessed the situation. Once outside, Ma Xiaoling prepared to break the barrier, but Lin Bei stopped her. "If you destroy this place now, how will we prove we've done our job?"

Ma Xiaoling smirked. "You mean to bring him here to see?"

Lin Bei nodded. He had never liked Ah Xin since he first saw him in the movie. This was the perfect opportunity to teach him a lesson; if he didn't realize the true nature of this world, trouble would find him sooner or later. Ma Xiaoling and the others had no objections; they were quite eager to see the spectacle. Besides, Lin Bei was right—without evidence, there would be endless bureaucratic squabbling later.

Lin Bei called Xiahou Wu, instructing him to bring Ah Xin along with those two unlucky souls, Jin Maiji and Meng Chao. Ah Xin had been in high spirits before returning to the detention center, anticipating that his career was about to take off after Lin Bei promised to help him. But upon seeing Lin Bei and the portal to the Netherworld Club, his smile vanished.

As Ah Xin stood there, his scalp tingling with terror, Lin Bei spoke up. "Tian'ai, take the three officers inside for a look!"

"Copy that!" Zhang Tian'ai laughed, grabbing Ah Xin and pulling him into the Netherworld Club before he could react. Jin Maiji and Meng Chao were shoved in by Xiahou Wu's men. Upon seeing the sight inside, Ah Xin rolled his eyes and fainted on the spot. Jin Maiji and Meng Chao were calmer; they had personally witnessed Snakey Ming turn to ash under the sunlight and had dealt with Miyake Issei before, so they were already believers.

Lin Bei glanced at the unconscious Ah Xin and told Zhang Tian'ai to hand him over to Jin Maiji and Meng Chao. "When your supervisor wakes up, make sure he files a report to his superiors so we can get paid." The two agreed promptly.

Lin Bei then left with Ma Xiaoling and the others. He had considered asking Jin Maiji or Meng Chao for directions, but knowing their penchant for being dead weight, he abandoned the thought. Instead, he called Zhong Fabai, who ran a grocery store nearby and knew the area well. As expected, Lin Bei only had to mention the name, and Zhong Fabai provided the path to the Three Saints House.

Lin Bei relayed the instructions to Gao Jin, who was driving. Minutes later, they arrived at the Three Saints House—a dilapidated building with windows and doors boarded up. A tattered plaque hung from old hemp rope above the entrance, with "Three Saints House" written in traditional characters.

Just standing at the entrance sent a chill through one's bones. Ma Xiaoling looked at the house and asked, "Is the last ghost in there?" Lin Bei hummed in acknowledgment and looked up at the sky. The sun was high—a perfect time to bake a vampire. Whether Miyake Issei was a ghost or a vampire, Lin Bei wasn't entirely sure, but its fear of the sun was certain. If it were inside the Netherworld Club, it would take some effort, but since it was hiding in this house, finishing it off would be simple.

Lin Bei ordered his bodyguards, "Tear down those boards!"

"Yes!" The bodyguards rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Prepared for any contingency, they had brought various tools and weapons, which now proved useful. A dozen men worked in unison, and before long, the boards sealing the doors and windows were scattered. The pitch-black house was instantly flooded with light. Two coffins sat in the center of the room. In a traditional Chinese house, the presence of Western-style coffins suggested a ghost that kept up with the times.

Lin Bei turned to Ma Xiaoling and the bodyguards. "Ever seen a vampire get sun-baked?" They shook their heads in unison, guessing his intent, and felt a thrill of excitement.

Lin Bei pointed to the coffins. "Drag them out!"

With sunlight drenching the house, Lin Bei had no fear of Miyake Issei jumping out. The bodyguards followed orders without hesitation, dragging the two coffins into the courtyard. Lin Bei pointed to the one on the left. "Open this one first!"

Two bodyguards stepped forward to lift the lid, but the coffin seemed nailed shut, refusing to budge no matter how hard they pulled.