A flash of white light.
When Vincent Fox's vision returned, he found himself in a narrow, dim alleyway.
Filthy water streamed down the cracked stone gutters, carrying with it a foul stench that made him wrinkle his brow.
He turned his eyes toward the bustling street outside the alley.
Most of the passersby were Asian-faced, dressed in early Republican-era robes. Occasionally, someone in Western clothing would zip by in a rickshaw.
Vincent stepped out of the alley.
The street outside was lively and crowded.
The buildings lining it were low, the tallest only about three or four stories. On both sides of the street, vendors hawked their wares from small stalls and shops.
Shouts and bargaining filled the air.
Common townsfolk haggled at the stands, while wealthy ladies passed by swiftly in their rickshaws.
So this is the Republic era, huh? Vincent thought with a tinge of wonder as he took in the old-fashioned scene.
But he wasn't the only one observing.
Others were watching him too.
Vincent's appearance was impossible to ignore tall and well-built, dressed sharply in a tailored tailcoat with polished leather shoes, exuding an air of nobility.
To the townspeople, he looked like a refined young master from a prestigious family.
Unbothered by the attention, Vincent approached a nearby vendor's stall.
It was a ceramics stall, with porcelain bowls and vases neatly displayed.
The vendor, a wiry old man in his fifties, immediately put on a flattering smile when he saw Vincent's refined appearance. "Looking for something, sir?"
Vincent wasn't here to shop. "Elder, could you tell me how to get to the mortuary?"
The old man looked a little disappointed, but he didn't dare be rude. Vincent didn't look like a man you'd offend.
"Just follow this street straight ahead. Once you exit the town, there's a fork in the road. Take the right path all the way down, and you'll find it."
"Thank you, sir," Vincent said with a nod and turned to leave.
He wasn't about to waste any time. His plan was already in motion.
Following the vendor's directions, Vincent exited Ren Town and soon arrived at the forked road.
He took the right path and walked for several minutes until a solitary old residence came into view.
It stood isolated among barren hills, and there was no doubt it was the mortuary.
Vincent strode forward without hesitation.
The mortuary was surrounded by a courtyard. From outside, he could already hear the clucking of chickens.
Someone was feeding poultry inside.
He remained composed as he approached the entrance and knocked firmly on the wooden gate.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Who's there?" a man called from within, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps.
The gate creaked open to reveal a thin, awkward-looking man with mismatched features and aged skin. He looked downright goofy in his outdated clothes.
Vincent instantly recognized him.
It was Wesley Uncle Nate's bumbling apprentice.
"Who are you?" Wesley asked, squinting up at him.
Instead of answering, Vincent smiled. "Is Uncle Nate home?"
"You're looking for my master?"
Wesley gave Vincent a once-over. Noting his elegant clothing and noble air, he became slightly more respectful.
"What's your business with him? If it's about funerals or rituals, I can help. I'm one of his personal disciples."
Clearly, Wesley had mistaken Vincent for a customer.
"Apologies, but I'm only looking for Uncle Nate," Vincent said with a polite smile. "Is he here?"
Wesley pouted a little but still answered honestly. "He went into town. He'll be back in a bit. You can come in and wait if you want."
Vincent's eyes gleamed.
Even better.
If Uncle Nate had been here, his Taoist skills might have caused Vincent some trouble.
"No need," Vincent replied.
Then, without warning, he lunged forward and grabbed Wesley in a vice-like grip.
Wesley froze in terror.
"W-what are you doing?!"
Vincent didn't respond. He simply lifted Wesley with one hand and carried him into a side chamber of the mortuary like he was nothing more than a struggling chicken.
Inside, there were rows of coffins.
Vincent didn't have time to waste.
He looked Wesley dead in the eyes. "Which one holds the body of Old Master Ren?"
"You think I'd tell you? When my master returns, you're a dead man!" Wesley snarled.
Vincent reached for Wesley's arm and crack! dislocated it with a gentle twist.
He was being merciful. If not for Uncle Nate, he would've snapped it in two.
"Ahhhh!!" Wesley screamed in agony.
Vincent's expression remained calm as he issued a chilling threat. "Time is short. If you don't speak, the other arm goes next. Then your legs. Then your neck."
Wesley wasn't exactly the bravest soul.
Panicked and pale, he broke instantly. "Wait, wait! I'll tell you! It's the first coffin on the left. That's Old Master Ren!"
Vincent walked over and pried the coffin open.
To ordinary people, coffin lids were heavy. But to Vincent, it was like lifting cardboard.
Inside was a terrifying corpse, cold and lifeless.
Vincent stared down at it, his expression unreadable.
----------------------------------------------------
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The deeper he goes, the more the truth unravels. Don't wait read ahead and witness Vincent's rise before the world catches up!
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