78: Chapter 78 The Difference Between Wandering Spirits and Ghosts 78: Chapter 78 The Difference Between Wandering Spirits and Ghosts Lin Sisi was somewhat baffled by his question, but after pondering for a moment, she replied:
“I am more skilled at painting landscapes.
This painting depicts a scene of me and my parents at Fat Lake.
I remember that when I painted it, I didn’t focus much on detailing the faces but mostly on the landscape…”
As she spoke, she seemed to make a connection and her expression changed, her large eyes blankly staring in Zhang Xiaoman’s direction, a hint of panic spreading across her face.
“Is, is there something wrong with this painting?”
A look of “I thought so” appeared in Zhang Xiaoman’s eyes, and he stepped back to Lin Sisi’s side, whispering:
“The people in the painting, they are looking at us…”
Lin Sisi instantly showed a look of disbelief, glancing around helplessly, her eyes lacking focus.
“How, how is that possible …
I clearly only painted their backs …”
Zhang Xiaoman then said softly, “Don’t worry, everything’s under control, it won’t be able to stir up any trouble.”
The reason he had those doubts was because he noticed something odd about the figures in the painting.
Although Lin Sisi did not focus on depicting the characters’ features, there was still something Zhang Xiaoman could discern.
That was, all the people in the painting were clearly turned away from the camera.
But eerily, they were all facing towards himself.
Thus, he was almost certain about the situation here now.
Moreover, when he was beside the bed earlier, he faintly felt a surge of energy flowing from the painting, suggesting that the monster was hiding inside it.
After hearing what Zhang Xiaoman said, Lin Sisi’s expression grew even more panicked.
“You, what are you planning to do?
If there really is a monster, we should call the police right away!”
Zhang Xiaoman looked at her and smiled, saying:
“Don’t worry, I am a professional, have you forgotten my previous nickname?
I am a genuine master.”
Seeing Lin Sisi’s puzzled expression, he almost wanted to laugh, but considering the current situation, he spoke in a serious tone:
“Alright, leave the monster in the painting to me, you just wait outside for my good news.”
Having said that, Zhang Xiaoman pulled her and led her out of the room.
Lin Sisi followed him out somewhat bewilderingly, waiting until she heard the door close again before reaching for it.
However, just as her hands touched the doorknob, she suddenly stopped moving.
Although she was not sure whether what Zhang Xiaoman had just said was true, she was still somewhat worried.
If it was true, her rash entrance might interfere with Zhang Xiaoman’s upcoming “casting.”
After all, according to those movie plots, many situations that were supposed to be easily resolved often got complicated because of such interruptions.
But Zhang Xiaoman would not be distracted by her, his actions were purely out of consideration for her safety.
Since he wasn’t sure what exactly the monster in the painting was, he feared that Lin Sisi might be inadvertently affected if he couldn’t subdue it in one strike.
Focusing his gaze on the painting, Zhang Xiaoman slowly raised his left hand.
Instead of moving closer carelessly, he stood in place and activated his skill directly.
Soul Absorption Technique!
As the first stream of light lit up inside the room, a chilling, agonizing scream suddenly emanated from the family photo at the bedside.
Zhang Xiaoman saw a green orb-like Spiritual Body being sucked out amid the swirling energy flow.
It kept shrieking sharply, trying to escape back into the painting.
But it couldn’t resist the strength of the Soul Absorption Technique, and its glow increasingly dimmed.
Eventually, the monster gradually vanished within the peeling layers of the Energy Flow, eventually transforming into a semi-transparent spherical orb floating in mid-air.
Upon seeing this scene, Zhang Xiaoman smiled happily, thinking that it might take some effort, but the battle was unexpectedly simple to resolve, which surprised him greatly.
He walked up to take a closer look at the small bead which was similar to the spherical shape formed after the death of the Parasitic Spirit, only it didn’t fall to the ground and instead stayed suspended in mid-air.
Zhang Xiaoman spread out his palm and absorbed it, and immediately, the System’s prompt echoed in his mind.
“Ding, absorbed Wandering Spirit Essence, points increased by 3.”
He checked his points balance, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
Although this monster provided only 3 points, its advantage was that it was weak and effortless to eliminate.
Now, with his points again over 10, he was ready to upgrade once more.
However, now was not the time for a random upgrade.
Zhang Xiaoman straightened the slightly crooked family portrait, and when he looked at it again, the faces of the three people inside were no longer visible.
The image was fixed on a scene of them sitting on the grass by the river, bending over their lunch.
Looking at the harmonious and joyful family of three in the painting, Zhang Xiaoman suddenly felt sorry for her, as fate seemed particularly unfair to this girl.
He turned and stepped out of the room where outside, the girl was anxiously waiting at the door.
As soon as she felt the door open suddenly, Lin Sisi took a slight step back and then asked:
Zhang Xiaoman replied, “It’s me, that monster has been eliminated, everything’s fine now.
Lin Sisi shook her head: “I’m fine, it was just the noise earlier that made me a bit dizzy, but I’m much better now…”
She paused in her movements and then looked towards Zhang Xiaoman’s direction with a mix of amazement and curiosity on her face, saying:
“The thing just now, was it really a Ghost?
How can such things exist in the world…”
Zhang Xiaoman smiled and corrected her: “To be precise, it was a Wandering Spirit.”
“Ah… is there a difference?” Lin Sisi looked puzzled.
“Of course, there’s a difference.
The former is a ghost from folk tales, transformed from the dead.
The latter, on the other hand, is a unique form of life made up of energy bodies.”
Zhang Xiaoman casually explained, all this being his own speculation.
“There are no ghosts and gods in this world, but these bizarre creatures do exist—they come from another domain and their methods are incredibly varied and unpredictable.”
Curiosity appeared on Lin Sisi’s face: “Then, do you specialize in hunting them?”
Zhang Xiaoman subconsciously nodded, then remembering the girl couldn’t see him, he said aloud:
“Exactly, we are hunters walking beneath reality, and these monsters are our targets…”
Lin Sisi’s face showed surprise.
Zhang Xiaoman didn’t say much more on the topic but walked a few steps in the living room, scanning the girl’s home once more.
He approached a table, picked up the water she had poured for him just as he entered, and his gaze settled on a certain spot, he casually said:
“So, you study fine arts, no wonder this sculpture is so lifelike.
Did you carve it too?”
Lin Sisi looked stunned and bewildered: “What sculpture?”
Zhang Xiaoman didn’t pay attention to her tone, walked straight to the sculpture, and continued:
“The one in the corner of your living room, when I first saw it, I found it a bit strange.
Later, when I found out you were an art student, it made sense…”
Just then, Lin Sisi suddenly said:
I only studied painting, I never learned sculpture…”
She paused, then continued, “And my home… has never had any sculpture…”