With the insertion of this coffin nail, the mutated corpse finally ceased to draw breath.
My initial assessment suggested the drug causing this anomaly was water-related.
Furthermore, it possessed abilities akin to those of a zombie; those it fatally wounded would undergo rigor mortis, transforming into some kind of malevolent entity.
However, at present, I couldn't ascertain the exact nature of this creature.
After extinguishing the corpse's life force, I closed the coffin.
Then, I turned to my second uncle and said:
"Second Uncle, tomorrow morning, drag Auntie's body down the mountain and burn it. It's not good to leave it for too long."
My second uncle nodded:
"I know, I know. Xiao Ze, what kind of creature harmed your second aunt? You must avenge her!"
"Rest assured, Second Uncle. I'm back now, and I will handle this matter properly! I'll go home first, and afterward, I'll visit the place where Second Aunt met her end to see if I can find any clues."
I stated calmly.
My second uncle also grunted, repeatedly urging me to avenge his wife.
The elder guests around also implored me to do my utmost, offering any assistance I might need.
If this were elsewhere, I could have charged a consultation fee.
But this was my hometown, and most of the elders around had watched me grow up.
I couldn't bring myself to ask them for money.
Besides, my own village was my territory.
If a malevolent entity caused trouble on my turf and I didn't resolve it, I'd be failing my profession.
After a few words, I bid farewell to my second uncle's home and headed out.
However, as soon as I stepped out of the main gate, my two younger cousins ran out after me.
"Brother Ze!"
"Brother Ze!"
Hearing their calls, I turned to look.
"Is something else wrong?"
Qin Bo and Qin Da exchanged glances.
Then Qin Bo spoke:
"Brother Ze, we're sorry about earlier, we were impulsive!"
"Yes, Brother Ze, we offended you earlier, please forgive us."
These two lads were four or five years younger than me. When we were kids, they always followed me around.
Given our familial bond, I naturally wasn't one to hold grudges:
"My two brothers, don't say that. I understand.
I will handle Auntie's matter properly.
I will definitely seek justice for Auntie, rest assured!"
Hearing this, they both nodded.
Then Qin Da asked:
"Brother Ze, are there really demons and ghosts in the world?"
As he spoke, both of them widened their eyes, hoping to get a definitive answer from me.
In truth, after witnessing their mother's mutated corpse, they likely already had an answer in their hearts.
Seeing they still sought confirmation, I didn't hide it.
I nodded:
"Yes!"
Upon hearing my affirmative response, both of them gasped.
Perhaps their worldview was already beginning to be reshaped at this very moment.
So, I added:
"Don't dwell on it too much. Though malevolent entities can be fierce, none are as fierce as people.
In the face of great cosmic forces, only those who are blind to reason will come out to harm others.
As long as you walk a righteous path, you don't need to worry about these things."
With that, I turned and left without hesitation.
Leaving Qin Bo and Qin Da standing there, bewildered.
A moment later, I arrived at my home's entrance.
I found my grandmother closing the coop for the chickens and ducks.
Looking at her stooped back, I called out excitedly:
"Grandma!"
Hearing my voice, Grandma quickly turned around.
"Ze Wa! You're back!"
Grandma was very excited.
She repeatedly wiped her hands on her apron and hurried to greet me.
"Grandma, I bought you some tonics and clothes, take a look!"
I walked over with a smile.
Grandma's face was smiling, but she complained:
"Stop wasting money. I've only worn the clothes you bought last time twice. Why buy so much again? Shouldn't you save it for your own wedding?"
After speaking, she reached out to help me with my things.
"Grandma, let's talk inside!"
Grandma was very happy to see me return.
Once inside, she asked if I had returned because I knew about my second aunt's passing.
I shook my head and said no.
I simply wanted to come back and see her.
Grandma stroked my head and kept asking if I was hungry, offering to cook for me.
I was indeed hungry after the arduous journey.
So, I went to the kitchen with Grandma.
Grandma recounted the story of my second aunt's death to me again.
She also said that it was fine that Second Aunt was dead, as she was so spiteful.
She hadn't informed me because she didn't want to disrupt my work in the city.
Yet, I had returned on my own accord.
My second aunt, in life, indeed didn't have many friends.
But she wasn't a thoroughly wicked person.
I didn't take it to heart, merely listening to Grandma's chatter.
When I lived at home before, I found Grandma's nagging annoying.
But after being away for a long time, I found joy in hearing her talk, commenting on everyone in the village. Although much of it was unreliable and heavily biased,
It was still a happy thing to listen quietly.
Because, Grandma was the only direct blood relative I had in this world.
Grandma cooked my favorite sausage and preserved meat for me, and I ate until I was full.
At this point, Grandma asked me again:
"Ze Wa, the villagers are saying that.
Recently, people have been dying in the surrounding villages and even in the town.
And most of them drowned.
Your second aunt also drowned in the well.
They say she was also killed by something foul, do you think it's true?"
I grunted:
"Yes! I can be very sure of that.
And this thing likely lives in the water. It's not a demon, but perhaps a spirit.
So Grandma, please stay away from the water for the next few days.
I will fetch the water, and I want to see what sort of creature it is, that is so fierce..."