Scarlet Descent
Ch. 85 - The Sound of Heartbeats

The tasks assigned by the captain were completed, with an added bonus.

Moreover, the money was retrieved.This made Wei Wei feel today had gone smoothly. Finding a secluded spot, he uncorked the series of glass bottles, allowing the trapped white spirits inside to fly out. He then picked up the last bottle and returned to the market.These ghosts would soon dissipate, finding the peace owed to the dead.The one he kept aside was indeed intended for testing his new ability. This bottle was nearly twice the size of the others, and the shadow inside wasn’t pale like the rest but a swirling mix of gray and black. It seemed ferocious, crashing violently against the glass walls, its face contorted into a savage snarl.“Quality stuff…”Wei Wei marveled. “You’d need at least a dozen lives on your hands to cultivate such ferocity in death…”Ghosts had their own hierarchy.Ordinary, timid souls who became ghosts due to external factors would quickly fade, remaining dull and lifeless, lacking spirit or aggression. But those who were arrogant and vicious in life would form denser ghosts after death, retaining their aggression and ability to persist without external manipulation.The best, of course, were ones like him.During a training camp assessment, it was said that if Wei Wei became a ghost, he’d be a top-tier specimen. But he didn’t let this inflate his ego, it was just a backup plan. If the path of Scarlet ever failed him, he could always venture into the ghost industry.……The captain hadn’t emerged yet, so Wei Wei headed to a barbecue stall, ordered a hefty skewer, and sniffed it cautiously.“Hmm, not human meat…”Reassured, he devoured it ravenously.Clutching the selected glass bottle, he ate while observing.Normally, people handling such “ghosts” wouldn’t sense anything special—no touch, no visibility. They’d only feel a chill and an overwhelming despair. But now, holding the bottle, Wei Wei felt a peculiar urge. He could clearly see the ghost thrashing inside and even sensed he could physically touch it.Was this the change brought by advancing to the third stage of the Scarlet system?Previously, he could combat ghostly entities using bullets or energy clashes, but direct interaction was new.Strangely, after reaching the third stage, his new ability was supposed to be “touching minds.” Yet now he felt two urges: one to control the ghost before him, and another, more abstract anticipation tied to his “artwork” being publicized. This suggested his ability had untapped potential.Demonic powers granted supernatural capabilities, but their development depended on the user. Wei Wei’s disadvantage was the lack of reference material, forcing him to experiment. His advantage? Even the Instructor had praised his ingenuity in applying abilities.“A normal mind wouldn’t think of these things…”The Instructor had once remarked, giving him high marks for creativity.……With the ghost secured for testing and the “artwork” now public, Wei Wei couldn’t deny his curiosity. But work came first. He’d study his new ability later.Stowing the ghost bottle, he flipped through the Origin Book. This Life Demon “Bible,” bound in A4 printouts, was thicker than expected, filled with hymns to the Life Goddess and descriptions of blessings received through devotion—essentially, the mutations caused by corruption. It also detailed strict sacrificial rituals.Of course, this Origin Book was incomplete. The vendor had swindled him.Countless fanatics dedicated their lives to composing praises, researching life energy, and inventing new rituals to summon the Life Goddess or “Upper Totems.” A complete edition would require volumes, not a single book. Still, the ancient, foundational rituals here were among the most potent.Wei Wei skimmed the cringe-worthy praises (enough to embarrass even a deity) and focused on the ritual sections.“Sigh…”A weary exhale interrupted him.Captain Ouyang emerged from the crowd, shirt disheveled and forehead glistening with sweat. He lit a cigarette from Wei Wei’s pack and asked, “Got the Origin Book?”“Yes.”Wei Wei closed the book, eyeing the captain. “Why’d you come out so fast?”“Fast?”Captain Ouyang’s smoking hand froze. He side-eyed Wei Wei. “I rushed out because I was worried you’d cause trouble in this chaotic market. Someone has to keep an eye on you!”“……Alright.”Wei Wei accepted the explanation but inwardly grumbled. Did the captain think he’d wreak havoc the moment they parted?Suddenly, a commotion erupted. Five burly men laden with bullets pushed through the crowd, followed by scrawny lackeys wielding machetes and homemade shotguns. Shouts echoed: “Hurry! Old Sun’s been killed!”The armed gang stormed past, scanning the crowd for the culprit.Wei Wei and Captain Ouyang watched quietly. After they left, the captain glanced at Wei Wei suspiciously. “You didn’t stir anything up, did you?”“No…” Wei Wei replied. “How could I in such a short time?”Captain Ouyang narrowed his eyes. “Let’s avoid words like ‘short’ or ‘fast’ today.”He then nodded toward the retreating figures, his expression grave. “This Demon Trading Market  was under the protection of the Seventh Wandering Sect outside the city. Disputes were handled by their people. But now, after a murder, only these armed thugs are scrambling…”“My suspicions are confirmed, the Seventh Wandering Sect has vanished.”“……The Seventh Wandering Sect?” Wei Wei feigned ignorance.“The Seventh armed branch of the Wandering Church,” Captain Ouyang explained. “They’ve lingered near Scrap Iron City” for three years. Higher-ups never ordered their expulsion, not that we could’ve done it anyway. Since their arrival, many shady groups have infiltrated the city. But the Seventh Sect remains the biggest threat.”He added softly, “The combat nun from before was sent by them. The one you gifted 21 bullets.”“……Blame our Instructor. Otherwise, I’d have told you earlier,” Wei Wei deflected. “So you came here to check if they’re still around?”“Yes.” Captain Ouyang nodded. “We have three tasks:Determine the nature of their ritual and their goals, hence the Origin Book.Check if the Seventh Sect is active to gauge their threat.“Honestly,” he sighed, “I thought you’d cause a scene to draw their reaction. But you behaved… which confirmed my fears. The Seventh Sect’s gone. Who knows what they’re plotting now.”……“Captain, what’s the third task?”“Find other Life Sacrifice hunters,” Captain Ouyang said. “Only by locating them can we confirm additional ritual sites and justify requesting reinforcements. But it’s the hardest part. That news article might scare them into hiding.”Wei Wei perked up. “What about Feifei?”“Feifei’s unreliable. Sometimes she helps; sometimes she ruins everything.” Captain Ouyang shook his head. “Precision versus broad influence, it’s a constant struggle. Uncle Gun and Little Lin have controlled abilities. Lucky and Feifei? Unpredictable. And Zhu Zai… well, don’t rely on her. She’s just a walking jinx.”“Remember, Wei Wei, we’re humans with demonic powers, not gods. Our abilities are limited. So work… take it slow.”Wei Wei resisted the urge to slap him.But the captain was right. They weren’t omniscient. How could they root out hidden foes?Suddenly, Wei Wei’s heart raced. He jerked his head toward a direction.“What’s wrong?” Captain Ouyang asked.Wei Wei couldn’t answer immediately. This sensation was new.In his ears, faint yet distinct, he heard thumping heartbeats. They felt surreal yet vivid, pulling him toward a specific spot.“Captain…” His voice wavered. “I think… I can find the hunters.”“How?”“I…” Wei Wei hesitated. “I can hear their… heartbeats.”

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