My Demon Husband Is a Snake Chapter 1118: Strange Happenings in the Ghost City of Youdu

This elderly woman… she strikes me as somewhat familiar…

She bears a resemblance to a portrait we glimpsed at the coffin shop we passed earlier, though I can’t be completely certain.

Nevertheless, the distinct aroma of grave soil clinging to her is undeniable.

It’s as if she’s freshly emerged from an ancient tomb, her sharp fingernails caked with dark earth.

"I’m not going; I’m waiting for someone here." My palms grow slick with sweat as I clutch the can of Eight-Treasure Congee.

Much like how certain creatures are inexplicably drawn to those who display fear, the more apprehensive I feel, the more her spirit seems to ignite.

With a grip that felt like it could shatter bone, the old woman seized my wrist and began to drag me forward. "Having encountered me, whether you wish it or not, you must accompany me."

"Are you attempting to drag my daughter-in-law away for soup? Take me with you instead?" Just then, a powerful kick sent the gray-haired elder tumbling through the air.

It was Qing Li, who had somehow donned a man’s suit, extending a long leg to strike the old woman. Her hair was neatly secured in a ponytail.

Her features were sharp, and with the application of some foundation, she could easily pass for a handsome young man.

I observed the old lady on the ground, her tailbone making a sharp impact; the entanglement felt tighter than when she had held me earlier.

While I may be fearful of monstrous entities, dispatching them is typically a simple matter.

However, if this old lady is orchestrating a scam, both Qing Li and I could end up paying a hefty sum and facing imprisonment…

Yet, in the very next instant, the old lady vanished.

A heap of ash materialized on the ground, swiftly scattered by the breeze.

Qing Li narrowed her eyes and relieved me of the Eight-Treasure Congee, admonishing, "On the streets of Fengdu, it’s best not to converse with strangers."

"I didn’t speak to her; she insisted on abducting me. I was nearly scared to death just now," I stammered, still trembling from the recent encounter.

Qing Li proceeded to open the can of Eight-Treasure Congee, affixing a piece of red paper to the porridge.

Setting aside her usual demeanor, she clasped her hands in sincere supplication, uttering, "We invite the spirits to partake in this meal."

"Madam, should I also join in the prayer?" I inquired of Qing Li.

Qing Li cast a sideways glance in my direction without a verbal reply.

However, her stern expression made it abundantly clear that my participation was mandatory.

With dutiful obedience, I bowed before the small shrine positioned behind the Eight-Treasure Congee, reciting, "We invite the spirits to partake in this meal."

This place is truly unsettling, to have an Evil God icon displayed so openly on the streets.

Even formidable cultivators like Qing Li must adhere to local customs when confronted with such things.

An offering of food to summon the spirits, a prayer honoring the Evil God.

Curiously enough, after we respectfully extended the invitation to the Evil God for a meal,

We encountered no further obstacles as we departed.

This is most likely a consequence of paying a form of protection toll.

As we proceeded, Qing Li and I smoothly made our way to a small riverbank.

A lone boatman was present by the gentle flow of the water, seated on a raft. He was clad in a cape and cloak that concealed his features, and he wore a black mask.

I found the sight rather unnerving but refrained from vocalizing my thoughts.

If this is the customary attire for boatmen here, perhaps revealing one’s true face is prohibited?

Mentioning it carelessly could offend him, potentially jeopardizing our passage on the boat.

"Where are you headed?" The boatman’s voice was low and rough, as if suppressed.

For reasons I couldn't quite articulate, the boatman exuded an unsettling aura.

Qing Li offered a graceful smile, replying, "To the other shore."

"Haha, Madam has a sense of humor. This river only leads through caverns at best. I shall guide you into the dark waters, but I will venture no further," the boatman chuckled. He retrieved a gourd from his waist, took a swig of the liquid within, and set the raft in motion.

The currents proved exceptionally tumultuous. After several hours, the raft ventured into a cavern.

Upon entering the subterranean passage, the water began to accumulate dense Yin energy, causing the raft to inexplicably increase in weight.

As I peered down intently, it appeared as though numerous corpses were floating and gathering beneath the raft. Before I could confirm my observation.

Suddenly, a pale, swollen hand emerged from the water, grasping the bamboo railing of the raft and crushing it completely…