Chapter 117: The Raid
Chapter 117: The Raid
Gu Mingde gave the order, and everyone sprang into action. They didn't rush out in a swarm but moved in groups, with one group going ahead and the subsequent group following at a distance, each providing cover for the other.
After moving forward for a while, the first group would pause to observe their surroundings before continuing. Each time they stopped, they would plant a conspicuous marker, especially at turning points, making it easier for the following groups to catch up and retreat later.
Chen Chuan's group was the last to move, but they advanced quickly. By the time they started, the first group had already infiltrated the village.
Initially cautious, Chen Chuan's group was surprised to find no one near the village gate, and the villagers seemed to have no guards at all.
As they entered, they discovered a large group of villagers gathered in an open area in front of an ancient temple, facing away and bowing towards it. Among them was a shaman-like figure, who was knocking his head and extending his arms, emitting a long, strange chant. Strangely, the drumbeats were created by the villagers banging their heads on the drums, making the entire scene seem absurd and eerie.
However, it was this frenzied atmosphere that allowed them to infiltrate unnoticed.
The team members' spirits were lifted, and they silently praised Chen Chuan's judgment. Indeed, this was the perfect time to approach, making it much easier for them to act.
They nodded to each other and slowly spread out, each finding a suitable position. When the last group arrived, there were about twenty of them in total. They picked up their bows and arrows and fired at the villagers.
Based on their previous experience of conquering Flying Head Sect strongholds, these villagers, immersed in the long-term influence of the Flying Head Monsters, had no chance of being saved. Moreover, they would viciously attack anyone except fellow sect members. Therefore, this time, they had to be ruthless.
One by one, the villagers at the back were shot down by arrows. Finally, those at the front realized something was wrong and turned around, their eyes red as they looked towards the rear. They roared and charged forward.
But it was futile. As more team members entered, they spread out to form a crescent shape, advancing forward. At this point, they didn't mind the noise and started firing their pistols.
Some team members at the back were holding rifles and nets, ready to capture any Flying Heads that might appear. For a moment, gunshots echoed throughout the village.
The team members kept shooting until all the visible believers were knocked down, but not a single Flying Head appeared. Immediately, two team members rushed to the entrance of the ancient temple to take a look. However, as they did so, they suddenly froze and then fell to the ground.
Their teammates at the back were about to rush forward but were pulled back by their colleagues, who urgently said, "Don't go up there!"
Just a moment later, the teammates behind them were horrified to see their fallen comrades getting back up. Their eyes had turned completely red, like the villagers, and they drew knives from their waists to stab at their teammates.
Fortunately, their attacks were disorganized, and they were quickly subdued. However, even then, they continued to struggle, shouting and screaming uncontrollably.
Seeing their state, everyone's expressions changed slightly. Even though they knew the problem wasn't that serious, they didn't want to end up like that.
A team leader spoke up, "Let's all retreat and wait for Chen Expert to handle this." Everyone agreed and moved back a considerable distance.
By this time, Chen Chuan and Gu Mingde's group had already entered the village. Gu Mingde was surprised to see his team members easily break in without even needing the smoke grenades they had prepared. He said, "Isn't there anyone left to guard the entrance?"
Chen Chuan thought this was normal. Such a bizarre tale that could make people lose their sanity couldn't be understood with common logic. Absolute loyalty meant no loyalty at all, and those who dared not worship during the sacrifice were probably fed to the Flying Heads.
Chen Chuan observed the scene. Among the dozens of people there, mostly young and middle-aged men, with no women, children, or elders in sight. For a village, this was very unusual. Recalling the Flying Heads that had just emerged, he shook his head.
At that moment, a team member hurried over to inform Gu Mingde about the situation.
Gu Mingde's expression turned serious. He turned to Chen Chuan and asked, "Chen Expert, what do you think?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Leave the rest to me, but there might be many Flying Head Monsters inside. If they fly out, I may not be able to stop them all. Captain Gu, please be careful."
Gu Mingde assured him, "We can handle whatever we can fight against."
Chen Chuan acknowledged this. Facing ordinary Flying Head Monsters while maintaining one's sanity wasn't difficult. "Captain Gu, may I borrow a few more guns?"
Without hesitation, Gu Mingde handed over his unused pistol and gestured to his teammates behind him. His assistant, Pan Zhonghe, and another team member stepped forward and gave their pistols to Chen Chuan, who attached them to his belt.
Just as Chen Chuan was about to proceed, Gu Mingde stopped him and took out a capsule board from his pocket, handing it to Chen Chuan. "Chen Expert, take this as well."
Chen Chuan took a look. It was a board of 'Calming Pills', formulated based on the advice of the Government Hall's consultant. Usually, one would place it under their tongue to stabilize their mind. In critical moments, swallowing it could effectively maintain clarity.
While these pills couldn't be considered ineffective, they were quite useful against one or two Flying Head Monsters, as proven before. However, against a group of monsters and their source, their effectiveness might be limited. Nonetheless, Chen Chuan accepted them, saying, "Thank you."
Gu Mingde solemnly said, "Chen Expert, be careful. If things go wrong, please retreat and we'll think of another way."
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "Dealing with the flying head monster might take more than a day. Before each sacrifice, I may come out to collect the offerings. Please make sure they're ready."
Gu Mingde had already heard his instructions regarding the necessary conditions, and he solemnly replied, "Chen Expert, we will ensure everything is prepared."
Chen Chuan drew the Snow Lady Sword from its sheath and walked towards the entrance of the ancient temple. As he approached, his "Second Self" exhibited faint signs of etherealization, not as intense as he had imagined and not much different from when they were at the foot of the mountain.
He took out the piece of yellow jade that Cheng Zitong had given him and examined it. The edges were slightly darkened in some places, indicating that it had indeed deflected some of the damage.
Chen Chuan sheathed the sword and proceeded inside.
Gu Mingde and the others watched as Chen Chuan's figure gradually disappeared into the shadows, their expressions grave. The source of the flying head monsters was not something that could be resolved by sheer numbers; it required the expertise of Chen Chuan.
As Chen Chuan ventured further inside, he found himself in a narrow passage carved out of the mountain wall. The floor was paved with cracked stone slabs, and lamp brackets were affixed to the walls on both sides.
After walking for about seven or eight meters, he saw about six people standing in two rows, shoulder to shoulder, prostrating themselves and continuously bowing towards the interior. They muttered incantations, seemingly unaware of the events unfolding outside.
But as soon as Chen Chuan entered, it was as if he triggered something. They sprang up from their spots, shouting angrily and cursing incoherently.
Chen Chuan faced these charging individuals, holding his sword horizontally to block the entire passage. He then pushed them forward, preventing them from forming a united front. The person at the front had too short limbs to reach Chen Chuan, so he was pushed back, stumbling and staggering towards the rear.
After walking for about three or four meters, they entered the main hall of the ancient temple. Chen Chuan exerted a gentle burst of chi power, causing the group to fly outwards in a fan shape and fall to the ground, unable to get up. They appeared unharmed on the surface, but their internal organs and bones were damaged, rendering them completely powerless.
Chen Chuan looked up and saw that they were in a spacious dome-like structure, likely a natural cave modified with artificial enhancements. However, it was now riddled with holes, and the ground had several foul-smelling pools of stagnant water.
High above, several large holes allowed sunlight to stream in, and it was from these openings that the flying head monsters had likely escaped.
In the center, where a statue should have stood, a large silk canopy hung from above, concealing a vague, shadowy figure. A couple of the flying heads occasionally flew around the hall.
On the altar in front, a pile of pig and sheep carcasses, along with what appeared to be human limbs, was surrounded by numerous flying heads feasting on the flesh. They jostled each other, their bodies covered in blood as they tore at the meat. Hanging from the edges were what seemed to be bloodied, almost-severed internal organs.
Witnessing this scene, Chen Chuan's eyes narrowed with determination. He swiftly drew his Wuji Gun and began firing at the flying heads, causing them to scatter in panic.
Chen Chuan emptied the magazine in one breath and then switched to the pistols provided by Gu Mingde and the others, firing continuously until all four guns were emptied. Six flying heads had fallen to the ground.
At that moment, the remaining flying heads, sensing the cessation of gunfire, rushed towards Chen Chuan en masse.
Taking a deep breath, Chen Chuan holstered his pistol. As the flying heads approached, seemingly about to envelop him, a dazzling sword light suddenly flashed, followed by a series of sounds of the blade slicing through withered bone and flesh.
When the radiance subsided, Chen Chuan maintained his sword-raising stance. The flying heads that had surrounded him now lay on the ground. One of them, startled, tried to retreat but suddenly veered off course and crashed to the ground, splitting into two halves, leaving only a small piece of skin and bone still connected.
Chen Chuan noticed that his "Second Self" had slightly deepened its etherealization, but it didn't seem too severe, likely due to the protective effect of the yellow jade.
Two ordinary flying heads had managed to escape, but their numbers were few, and Gu Mingde and the others should be able to handle them.
Chen Chuan glanced at the silk canopy ahead, reloaded his Wuji Gun, and advanced with his sword drawn.
Outside, the commissioned personnel were prepared. Upon hearing strange, piercing screams emanating from within, they knew that flying head monsters might have escaped.
Dozens of guns and bows were aimed at the temple's entrance. Soon, two black dots flew out, and without any warning, a barrage of gunshots erupted—pistols and shotguns alike. The flying heads had no chance to dodge, and they were blasted apart almost as soon as they emerged, leaving craters in the nearby walls. By the time they hit the ground, they were unrecognizable.
Gu Mingde took a quick glance. The flying heads escaping was a positive sign, indicating that Chen Chuan's operation was proceeding smoothly.
Inside the ancient temple, Chen Chuan slowly made his way through the curtain. He heard the sound of chewing and carefully parted the curtain with his sword, revealing the flying head within. It turned to look at him.
As Chen Chuan's gaze sharpened, he realized that this flying head was unlike the others. It had the face of a beautiful woman, with painted eyebrows, red lips, and shimmering eyes. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, and as she noticed Chen Chuan, her gaze locked onto him.
(End of Chapter)
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