Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The moment I put on the bronze mask, a strange sensation surged through me. The inner side of the mask was covered in intricate runes, and it felt icy against my skin. Through the eye holes of the mask, the moonlight appeared particularly pale.
This was a sacrificial mask. Just before we left, Zhou Jing had whispered that wearing it would make them think you were one of their own.
Zhou Jing and I split up. She headed to find the entrance to the shrine, while I followed the shadow of A Xiu being carried toward the village chief's house. In the night, those masked figures moved quickly, as if they were very familiar with this path.
I hid behind a large tree in the backyard of the village chief's house. With the moonlight as my guide, I saw them open the iron door to the cellar and lift the struggling A Xiu inside. Just as their footsteps faded away, I was about to follow when someone suddenly tapped me on the shoulder from behind.
Startled, I turned around to see it was A Hu. I forced myself to appear calm.
"You’re wearing Mask Number Three?" He stared at my mask for a few seconds.
I nodded, too afraid to speak. A Hu seemed not to suspect anything and turned toward the cellar. "Come on in; the ritual is about to begin."
Following him down the steps, I found myself in a long corridor. Every few meters along the walls were oil lamps casting dim yellow light that revealed mottled water stains. An indescribable strange smell lingered in the air, a mix of mildew and blood.
After turning a few corners, the corridor opened up into a vast underground space, much larger than what I had seen in photographs. In the center stood a circular altar surrounded by twelve enormous candles. In the flickering candlelight, I saw a dozen masked figures standing around the altar, dressed in black robes and holding bizarre ritual implements.
"Stand over there," A Hu pointed to a spot.
I took my place as instructed and seized the opportunity to glance around. On the stone wall behind the altar were numerous circular niches carved out, each holding a bronze mask. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that these masks varied greatly in design; some were pristine while others were rusted.
Suddenly, a deep horn sounded. Zhang Shouren entered through a side door; he wasn’t wearing a mask but held a staff engraved with runes.
"It’s time," he announced, surveying the room before bringing forth the offerings.
Two individuals dragged A Xiu onto the altar. The little girl was already bound hand and foot, her mouth stuffed with cloth, allowing only muffled whimpers to escape.
"Great Underground God," Zhang Shouren proclaimed loudly, "tonight we shall offer our most pure sacrifice."
At that moment, a figure in black robes hurried in and whispered something into Zhang Shouren's ear. I saw his expression change abruptly.
"Bring her too!" he commanded sharply. "We will sacrifice her together!"
Moments later, two people escorted Zhou Jing into the room. Her clothes were stained with dirt, clearly indicating she had struggled fiercely. Upon seeing what was happening at the altar, terror filled her eyes.
"Zhou Jing," Zhang Shouren sneered, "you really are in cahoots with that police officer."
"You’re not sacrificing to any god," Zhou Jing gritted her teeth and said. "You’re offering up living people to exchange for money from buyers!"
"Buyers?" My heart sank at her words. At that moment, Zhang Shouren stepped into the center of the altar: "Since you know so much, why not keep A Xiu company? Soon enough, you’ll be able to see your brother again."
"Is Zhou still alive?" Zhou Jing struggled against her captors. "Where is he?"
"In a very safe place," Zhang Shouren raised his staff. "You will reunite soon enough. Bring her—"
Before he could finish his sentence, there was a loud crash from outside the shrine followed by chaotic footsteps.
"Something's wrong! Someone just ran in, and the shrine is on fire!"
Zhang Shouren's face changed dramatically. "What should we do?"
"I don't know! There's fire everywhere!"
In the midst of the chaos, I seized the opportunity to rush towards the altar, pushing aside the guard watching Zhou Jing. Zhou Jing immediately understood, turning to snatch the opponent's weapon and striking it hard against his head.
"Grab them!" Zhang Shouren shouted in anger.
But more people rushed in with alarming news: "It's bad! The village is on fire everywhere!"
In the confusion, I grabbed Zhou Jing and A Xiu and ran toward the exit. Behind us, Zhang Shouren's frantic voice echoed, "Don't let them escape! The sacrifice must be completed tonight!"
As we reached the exit, I glanced back. In the flickering candlelight, the bloodstains on the altar were particularly glaring. The bronze masks on the walls, illuminated by the flames, appeared as countless grotesque faces, grinning at this absurd spectacle.
"Run!" Zhou Jing urged me. "Midnight is approaching!"
We fled without looking back. Behind us came the sound of synchronized footsteps and eerie chanting. The voices grew closer, like a summons from the depths of hell.
Comment 0 Comment Count