The evil presence trembled and slowly lifted its head.
Its face was ethereal, yet clearly recognizable as that of Incense Master Zheng from the Red Lantern Society.
When he saw Hu Ma's face, his expression twisted into one of utter despair.
The flames in the fire basin were extinguished by a breeze. This revealed the ordinary surroundings: only a circle lightly scattered with rice, several vine-woven figures barely resembling humans, an old tree stump, and a few pieces of yin bone jade. There weren't even any proper offerings.
Of course, he also saw Hu Ma sitting on the slope—this little shopkeeper, so young and frail he looked as if a single breath could topple him.
This should have surprised him, yet he felt no shock. It was as if he'd been terrified of some inconceivable thought becoming real, and now that it had, his heart had simply gone numb.
"It's you..."
Hu Ma heard him speak in an eerie whisper, "It really is you..."
"But... how could it be you...?"
"..."
