Realm of the Night God

Chapter 16: Death Gods Pendant

Throughout the process, Yang Haoran's mouth never stopped moving, continuously speaking. By the end, he didn't know what else to say, so he emphasized key points repeatedly.

Only when the thick stack of ghost money in his hand was completely burnt did Yang Haoran finally close his mouth. Then he stood up, clasped his hands together, and bowed to the burning incense.

The entire procedure went smoothly without any surprises. Although Yang Haoran was filled with fear, nothing unexpected happened, which somewhat eased his mind.

His so-called ritual was something he had done many times since he started this profession, but usually, it was just deceiving people. However, performing such a ritual in such a bizarre situation today was a first for him, so he was uncertain and afraid of any potential exceptions.

The most worrying thing didn't occur, and Yang Haoran couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. To him, perhaps this peculiar ritual of his had some effect, and the old lady might just accept his flattery.

Outside the room, Jiang Zhenzhen stood obediently, looking nervous with a hint of fear in her eyes, scanning around cautiously, fearing the sudden appearance of something terrifying.

With a creak, the bedroom door opened. Startled by the sudden sound, Jiang Zhenzhen shivered. It was only when she saw Yang Haoran behind the door that her frightened expression softened slightly.

"How is it, Master Yang?" Jiang Zhenzhen asked hastily.

A faint smile appeared on Yang Haoran's face as he nodded gently at Jiang Zhenzhen. Even though he didn't explicitly say it, she understood what his expression meant, and a smile appeared on her face as well.

"The ritual is done. There shouldn't be any major issues now. But remember, every first and fifteenth of the month, you must perform a ritual in your bedroom with reverence. Understand?" Yang Haoran instructed Jiang Zhenzhen.

Jiang Zhenzhen wouldn't dare to refuse, nodding quickly, assuring him that it wouldn't be a problem. It wasn't a difficult task, and she was confident she could manage it.

"Now that everything is settled, I should leave. Performing a ritual is exhausting, and I need to rest," Yang Haoran said.

As soon as Jiang Zhenzhen heard that Yang Haoran was leaving, the slight joy that had just emerged in her heart vanished instantly. Once Yang Haoran left, she would be alone in this room again, facing such an environment on her own. Honestly, she was filled with fear, even though she knew things had been resolved properly.

"Master Yang, is everything really settled?" Jiang Zhenzhen asked again, seeking reassurance.

Upon hearing Jiang Zhenzhen's question, Yang Haoran also felt uncertain. Whether things were truly resolved and whether the old lady would come back to bother Jiang Zhenzhen in the future, he wasn't sure. He spoke with certainty not to burden Jiang Zhenzhen too much mentally. Even if everything was fine now, Jiang Zhenzhen might still be frightened by the series of things she imagined.

"I don't think she'll trouble you again. I said everything that needed to be said during the ritual. There's no deep-seated hatred between you two, so she has no reason to bother you anymore. Besides, you promised to perform the ritual every first and fifteenth, so she has even less reason to bother you," Yang Haoran reassured her.

Jiang Zhenzhen seemed somewhat swayed by Yang Haoran's words, and he seized the opportunity to continue persuading her. "Put yourself in her shoes. If you were that old lady, would you keep pestering someone?"

Jiang Zhenzhen pondered for a moment before shaking her head, answering affirmatively, "Of course not."

Before Yang Haoran could speak, Jiang Zhenzhen continued, "But... but everyone is different. Just because I wouldn't do it doesn't mean..."

Understanding what Jiang Zhenzhen was about to say, Yang Haoran immediately covered her mouth, preventing her from saying anything further.

"Speak what needs to be said, and refrain from the unnecessary," Yang Haoran said seriously.

Jiang Zhenzhen nodded, indicating she understood. Yang Haoran then removed his hand from her mouth.

"Don't worry, things should be fine now. Why don't you take down my phone number? If anything happens, feel free to call me anytime. My phone is always on," Yang Haoran suggested.

Jiang Zhenzhen's expression brightened, nodding eagerly. With Master Yang's phone number, she could contact him anytime, so she wouldn't feel as helpless as she did a few days ago if any problems arose.

After exchanging phone numbers, Yang Haoran decided to leave. He had no desire to stay in this room any longer.

Jiang Zhenzhen naturally didn't want Yang Haoran to leave, as his departure meant she would be alone in this room again, facing unknown fears.

However, she couldn't keep Yang Haoran here. She couldn't even articulate such a request, and even if she could, he might not agree to stay overnight.

With mixed feelings, Jiang Zhenzhen escorted Yang Haoran to the door of the house.

Stepping out of the door, Yang Haoran suddenly felt much lighter. Though it was still cold outside, compared to Jiang Zhenzhen's room, it felt much more comfortable. At least, the cold felt soothing in contrast.

"Master Yang, thank you for your help this afternoon," Jiang Zhenzhen expressed her gratitude.

"It's nothing. It's what I should do. Everything is settled now. Don't worry too much," Yang Haoran reminded her with concern.

Hearing this, Jiang Zhenzhen managed to force a smile on her face and nodded emphatically at Yang Haoran.

Yang Haoran politely smiled back, but just as he took a few steps away, he hesitated.

"Master Yang, what's wrong? Did you leave something at my place?" Jiang Zhenzhen's voice came from behind.

Without answering Jiang Zhenzhen, Yang Haoran turned back and walked to her side again. Then, he took something from around his neck and handed it to Jiang Zhenzhen.

The item Yang Haoran suddenly took off his neck was a pendant.

On the front of the pendant was a monstrous creature with a human body and a ghostly face. It looked ferocious with a terrifying smile, sending chills down one's spine at first glance.

It had two sharp fangs, long and thick, resembling daggers embedded in its mouth. In addition to that, it had three hands, three feet, and three eyes.

The extra eye was located in the center of its forehead, the extra hand on its chest, and the extra foot on its abdomen.

At first, Jiang Zhenzhen looked puzzled, but when she took the pendant and glanced at it, she was startled. Clearly, she was frightened by the eerie creature depicted on the pendant.

"What... what is this?" Jiang Zhenzhen stammered, feeling perplexed.

"This is the Death God. Once any creature dies, it falls under his jurisdiction. This item is a precious possession of mine, which I've obtained with great difficulty. I'm lending it to you now. Don't lose it," Yang Haoran said solemnly.

The image of the Death God on the pendant was too terrifying, especially the extra foot on its abdomen, which sent shivers down Jiang Zhenzhen's spine. Initially, she wanted to return the pendant to Yang Haoran, but upon hearing his words, she felt relieved.

However, shortly after, she felt embarrassed. Looking at the pendant in her hand and then at Yang Haoran, she hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "You're giving this to me, but what about you?"

"I'm a master. I'll be fine. You don't need to worry about me. But let me make it clear beforehand: I'm only lending you this pendant. Don't think I'm giving it to you. Once this matter is settled, and you're no longer afraid, you must return it to me," Yang Haoran reminded her.

"Of course, of course, Master Yang, you can rest assured. I'll definitely return it to you later. Thank you so much for your kindness," Jiang Zhenzhen didn't foolishly refuse but instead expressed her gratitude to Yang Haoran. Deep down, she knew she needed this pendant now.

"Any lost soul is insignificant before the Death God. As long as you carry it with you, no evil spirits will dare to approach you."

With a grateful look from Jiang Zhenzhen, Yang Haoran left. The reason he decided to lend the Death God pendant to Jiang Zhenzhen before leaving was ultimately out of concern that she might encounter trouble.

The "ritual" he performed at Jiang Zhenzhen's house was merely flattering words and lacked any real deterrent power. If the other party was reasonable, they might not bother Jiang Zhenzhen. On the contrary, they would likely continue harassing her. Therefore, for safety reasons, he lent Jiang Zhenzhen the Death God pendant that he always carried with him.

There were many temples in Lecheng, each dedicated to different deities. Yang Haoran obtained this Death God pendant from a Death God Temple because the temple priest had blessed it. Therefore, he had always treated it as a treasure and carried it with him. As for whether this Death God pendant had any miraculous effect, to be honest, he didn't know.

However, since he started in this profession, he often dealt with all sorts of supernatural beings and played tricks, but nothing ever happened. In his view, perhaps it was because of his attitude and proper procedures, filled with reverence for the supernatural. Or maybe, it was indeed the effect of the Death God pendant he carried.

Of course, this was just his speculation. Whether this was the case or not, he couldn't know for sure at the moment. However, lending the Death God pendant to Jiang Zhenzhen was indeed out of goodwill. If wearing the pendant couldn't calm the situation, then he would have to find a knowledgeable person in the temple.