Chapter 317: Echoes of Unrest

“What’s wrong?”

Cole frowned and looked toward the manager.

After last night’s movie, they started taking action over there. Their plan was to stir up some ‘commotion’ tonight and later ‘arrest’ Tree Spirit Grandma to avenge the Demon-Locking Tower.

“Leader, there’s trouble over there. Two construction workers suddenly started sweating profusely—one even babbled incoherently, muttering words that made no sense.”

“The others simply couldn’t keep him in check.”

The manager hurriedly explained the situation.

“Which workers? Where are they from?”

Cole couldn’t help but ask.

“The very workers assigned to set up the ‘arrest’ scene.”

“Them?”

In an instant, Cole sprang to his feet.

“Then what are we waiting for? Call an ambulance immediately!”

“It’s been done already. The medical team from Dino Park is on site, but they still can’t determine the cause.”

The manager anxiously wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead.

The scene had been so terrifying that it nearly scared him to death.

To create an authentic ‘arrest’ atmosphere, they had smeared black blood on the walls and set up incense. When things calmed down a bit, some workers, amused by the half-finished setup, began joking around. One even mentioned a game, prompting a few of them to join in out of curiosity.

Nothing more happened until just half an hour ago when the two suddenly turned into this state.

“Let’s go! Check it out! If we delay arresting Tree Spirit Grandma, nothing will work later!”

Cole glanced at the staff member across from him.

“Hmm.”

Before they knew it, it was already 9 PM.

Cole and the staff member returned to the office, their brows deeply furrowed and expressions somber—a far cry from the determined looks they had that morning.

“Leader, something feels off.”

After downing two cups of coffee and settling in, the staff member broke the long silence.

“It’s really bizarre!”

Cole leaned back slowly in his chair and lit a cigar.

At the scene, the condition of the two men remained abnormal. It wasn’t until they were about to be taken to the hospital that they gradually quieted and regained their normal state—except for being drenched in sweat as if they’d performed heavy labor.

When questioned about what had happened, both looked completely baffled, knowing nothing.

And that wasn’t all.

Before things could settle, another two workers at the site morphed into the same state.

After repeating this cycle for two hours, none of the workers dared to remain. They all fled in terror, sending shivers down the spines of both Cole and the staff member.

The plan to ‘arrest’ Tree Spirit Grandma was thus dashed.

Plain and simple.

No one dared return, not knowing if they might end up the same way.

“Leader, this situation reminds me a bit of that ghost possession tale from Long Kingdom folklore.”

After a long pause, the staff member whispered.

“Ghost possession?”

Cole’s brow furrowed even more.

“Yes! I once read about something like this in a book, although I’m not sure if it’s true!”

The staff member quickly nodded in agreement.

“In that case, call him and ask what’s going on—and see if there’s any remedy.”

After a moment of thought, Cole looked to the staff member.

“Hmm.”

At 10 PM, Yan City was still buzzing. For many young people, the night was just beginning.

Yan City

Magic Association, President’s Office

Xie Feiyang sat at his desk, sorting through paperwork. Though his team hadn’t achieved much in last month’s International Magic Competition, the performance of Mingsha City kept the Magic Association in good stead.

They even received official commendations! However, despite the accolades, the Magic Association hadn’t contacted Mingsha City again, nor did they show any interest in recruiting You Gong.

Ring, ring, ring. Just as Xie Feiyang finished his work and was about to leave his office, the phone on his desk suddenly rang.

He picked it up, his face turning tense. Glancing around nervously, he moved to a corner to answer the call.

“Is something wrong? Weren’t we supposed to stop contacting each other for at least three to five months? The International Magic Competition is over, yet someone is still probing into the leak of Long Kingdom traditional tricks videos.”

Covering the receiver with his hand, Xie Feiyang’s voice dropped to a near-whisper.

Moreover, he wasn’t speaking in the Long Kingdom tongue but in a foreign language.

“Something came up unexpectedly!”

In the next moment, a voice responded from the phone.

“Then speak up!”

Glancing around his office again, Xie Feiyang finally said,

“Here’s the situation. Today at the park over there…”

“Ah? That’s so bizarre!”

Hearing this, Xie Feiyang’s voice instinctively rose, though he quickly suppressed it. “Have those people regained their senses yet?”

“They have, but now none of the workers dare return to that place.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Help me find out if this is the ghost possession the Long Kingdom folklore talks about. And if it is, see if you can find a few locals skilled enough to handle it.”

A voice replied over the phone.

“Alright, I’ll do that.”

After a brief hesitation, Xie Feiyang whispered, “Hmm! I’m waiting for your update. The Magic Academy’s project can’t be delayed.”

“Understood!”

One minute later, Xie Feiyang ended the call, deleted the call log, straightened his attire, composed himself, and left the office.

“Are you Xie Feiyang?”

But as he locked his door and turned to leave, a few silhouettes appeared behind him. A man at the front patted Xie Feiyang’s shoulder in a cold tone, “Ah! Who are you?”

It was already very late, and the sudden pat on his shoulder nearly startled him.

Turning around to get a clear view of the group’s attire, his heart sank.

They were clad in standard suits, each sporting a badge on their chest.

“We need to verify something with you. Please come with us.”

The leader pulled an ID from his pocket and flashed it in front of Xie Feiyang.

“What’s this about?”

A chill ran down Xie Feiyang’s spine as he replied,

“You’ll understand once we get there!”

In the dark night, at the county office building’s conference room in Mingsha County, the lights still burned. Chief Leader Qin Xuan hadn’t taken a break.

“Today, Mingsha City shattered records again—with over 300,000 visitors. This influx left some tourists with subpar experiences and a flurry of complaints.”

Scanning the room, Qin Xuan continued,

Since last year, with the Cultural Expo and International Magic Competition held in succession, Mingsha City has solidified its central role in Mingsha County. The old county town is even starting to resemble a suburb.

Mingsha City is siphoning populations from nearby Gu County. If this trend continues, residents from Gu County may soon flock to Mingsha City.

Of course,

even though Mingsha City has stolen the spotlight from the old county town, the benefits to Mingsha County are enormous.

The local economy has been boosted significantly—almost half the county’s population now works there. This contribution even surpasses that of many large state-owned enterprises in the Long Kingdom.

“Leader, I’ve already discussed this with General Zhu from Mingsha City. They have no alternative—Mingsha City is operating at full capacity. Plus, thanks to the film, many repeat visitors have flooded in today.”

At this, the head of the county’s Cultural and Tourism Department quickly responded,

“If Mingsha City is at its limit, we need to come up with a plan! The land near Hongsha Village must be utilized—we can’t let our visitors have nowhere to stay.

Also, in September Mingsha City will host the Long Kingdom Technology Expo, which is expected to draw even more visitors.”

Qin Xuan tapped his finger on the table.

“Leader, what should we do?”

The department head hesitated.

In fact, many county departments have already moved along Qing Brick Avenue—between Oasis 1 and Oasis 2 in Mingsha City—starting from the old fire station site, and even set up a government service hall.

“Then tomorrow, I’ll discuss with the leader again to see if we can establish some RV camps outside Mingsha City, with the county covering the expenses.”

After a moment of thought,

Qin Xuan spoke up.

The ‘leader’ he referred to was none other than Xu Hao, who, although still serving in an interim capacity, outranked him.

“Leader, that works!”

“Also, the area outside Mingsha City’s gate must not look shabby. I hear there have been too many street vendors setting up shop lately. This really tarnishes Mingsha City’s image.

And as for Mingsha Elementary and Middle Schools, pre-registration begins in a few days. The Education Department must carry out thorough screenings, giving priority to the children of Mingsha City’s employees.”

“Understood, leader!”

“Lastly, regarding the relocation of Su Province Traditional Chinese Medicine College, the notice said the move will start in a week. All departments must cooperate fully.

This is the first true university in Mingsha County and also the first undergraduate institution in Wei City.”

“Understood!”

Minute by minute, time passed.

As Qin Xuan issued various directives, outside Lanruo Temple in Mingsha City, the area was already swarming with visitors.

According to Mingsha City’s rules, Lanruo Temple officially opens at 11 PM. Eager guests had lined up early at the ticket gate.

“Is the gatekeeper still a young monk, carrying a Peach-wood Sword? I must say, Mingsha City really knows how to set the mood.”

The visitors at the front of the line joked casually.

“I think it’s perfect like this!”

“Yeah! The ambiance is spot on.”

“Once inside, they’ll snap photos of Xiao Qian and Tree Spirit Grandma.”

Little did they know,

as several visitors at the front bantered, a few men in jackets at the rear of Lanruo Temple exchanged glances. “The overall vibe is impressive,” one remarked.

Surveying his companion, he added, “We can achieve that too. In a few days, we should train our staff.”

His companion nodded slightly.

They were none other than the heads of the Fengdu Ghost City Tourism Scenic Area from Fengdu County. The lead man was named Feng Xiangcai.

Ever since the Ghostly Beauty exhibition opened last night and sparked heated discussions online—earning it the title of the Long Kingdom’s most mysterious haunted house—Feng Xiangcai couldn’t sit still. He immediately led a group of senior officials from his attraction to check out Mingsha City.

“Our attraction’s theme is terror and Fengdu culture. If Mingsha City starts booming, what happens to us? Will people still come?”