232 Surgery
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Time passed quickly, and three days had gone by since the last meeting, inching closer to the time Wang Xiaoming had scheduled.
However, in these three days, everything in Dachang City seemed very calm.
Nothing particularly notable happened, except that the number of people found to be carrying Ghost Infants inside their bodies was increasing. Previously, there were just over one hundred thirty cases, but now it had surpassed two hundred cases, and soon it would be time for the first batch of Ghost Infants to be born.
Once that batch of Ghost Infants was born, Dachang City would have over a hundred more ghosts.
With the current number of remaining ghost hunters, there was no way to address so many paranormal events, and they could only wait for death.
The assistance from outside Dachang City was still cut off. Although many highly-ranking ghost hunters had set aside their own city’s affairs to offer support, without exception, they were all unable to set foot in the city.
There wasn’t a single piece of good news, but bad news came one after another.
Yang Jian, although capable of removing Ghost Infants, chose to conceal this ability at such a time.
“Are you kidding me, remove over two hundred Ghost Infants?”
“Is that supposed to kill me?”
If the root cause couldn’t be resolved, even if the over two hundred Ghost Infants were dealt with, more would appear later.
Wang Xiaoming knew of Yang Jian’s ability, but he didn’t bring it up, as with his intelligence, he must have also judged that Yang Jian’s importance outweighed those currently possessed by Ghost Infants.
The shelter in Guanjiang Residential Complex was being built at the fastest speed under the supervision of Zhang Xiangu, but time was pressing. Additionally, with public security in Dachang City gradually deteriorating, many tasks couldn’t proceed smoothly, and whether the shelter could be completed on schedule was in question.
One headache after another.
Aside from driving aimlessly through the dimly lit city every day, Yang Jian had nothing else to do.
He knew the situation was getting worse, yet he was unable to do anything to change the current state of affairs.
The power of one person seemed particularly insignificant, even if he controlled two ghosts.
“If the situation continues to deteriorate like this, it seems I need to consider hanging myself in front of the Ghost Mirror. There’s been no word from Ye Feng for three days; he’s probably gone. Although I really dislike the guy, I have to admit Ye Feng’s ability to control ghosts is indeed troublesome,” Yang Jian sighed while driving.
“That shroud was able to resist even my Ghost Shadow’s attack, but now he’s dead by the hand of a Ghost Infant? What on earth happened at that time?”
“To only leave behind the number 7 before dying.”
“But a ghost that could kill Ye Feng must be beyond the third stage, perhaps it encountered a fourth stage Ghost Infant.”
He pondered while observing the surroundings.
Today was quiet as ever.
There were very few pedestrians on the streets, only special personnel patrolling to maintain public order.
The city gradually began to feel dead, and in the darkness, who knows how many people disappeared. Yang Jian could clearly sense this. The day before, there were people gathered at the entrance of a residential complex discussing these incredible events, but the next day, the complex was deserted.
“Yang Jian, have you found anything?” Zhang Han’s voice came from the radio in the car.
“It’s the same, no incidents,” Yang Jian said.
On the other end of the radio, Sun Yi said, “Same here. I’ve been driving around until the car almost ran out of gas, and I still haven’t seen any Ghost Infants. What’s the price of gas now? Can it be reimbursed? I only have a few dozen yuan in my pocket – someone lend me some money to fill up, and I’ll pay back when I get my salary next month.”
To improve efficiency, the three of them carried out separate patrols, using radios to stay in contact and to provide immediate support if needed.
Yang Jian ignored Sun Yi’s concern about running out of gas at such a time and said, “I’ve had a speculation these past few days, although it’s unlikely, I still want to put it out there.”
“What have you thought of?” Zhang Han asked.
Yang Jian said, “I think the Ghost Infants are actively avoiding us. It’s not that they aren’t in this city, but that they’re hiding.”
“Hiding? How is that possible? Even if they are, what would be the purpose of hiding?” asked Zhang Han.
“Not sure. Maybe they’re waiting for an opportune moment or the time hasn’t come, but I’m certain that if we can’t find a breakthrough, when the paranormal events truly erupt, we will have no chance to turn the tables,” Yang Jian said. “I have this premonition.”
“Could the 7 that Ye Feng left behind refer to seven days? Folklore says that seven days after death, the spirit returns, and on that night, ghosts are the most ferocious. That’s why Professor Wang asked us to capture the Ghost Infants within seven days, and if we can’t manage it, to investigate the dangerous possibility of the place where Ye Feng disappeared,” said Zhang Han.
“It’s not out of the question. Hold on, I’ve received a task.”
While they were chatting, Yang Jian’s satellite-positioning phone received a message from Liu Xiaoyu: “Yang Jian, there’s an emergency. Please rush to a certain hospital in Dachang City immediately. It’s Professor Wang’s instructions.”
“Did Professor Wang not mention what it’s about?” Yang Jian asked.
“No,” said Liu Xiaoyu.
Turning the steering wheel, Yang Jian said, “Could putting all our chips on Wang Xiaoming be a wrong decision? He’s had no progress for several days; this professor seems a bit incompetent.”
“At this time, we can only trust Professor Wang. I hope you will cooperate at this moment, and after this is over, everything is negotiable,” Liu Xiaoyu patiently consoled.
“What if it doesn’t work? Can I act according to my method then?” Yang Jian asked. “Little Liu, you rank too low, let Zhao Kaiming answer.”
Soon, the connection was transferred, and Zhao Kaiming said, “Can you ensure Professor Wang’s safety?”
“I can’t guarantee it fully, but I have some confidence,” Yang Jian replied.
“How confident are you?”
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“Around forty percent,” Yang Jian said.
Zhao Kaiming pondered for a moment before speaking, “If there’s no progress after seven days, I agree to your personal action.”