Chapter 33: The Exorcism Guild

9:30 PM, Paranormal Bureau, Director’s Office.

The Director said, "Shucheng, take a look at this." He handed me a soft piece of "paper" with words written in blood:

"Respected adversaries:
That you have obtained living intelligence is merely a grace granted by the Lord. However, your repeated opposition to our Order has necessitated, in my view, the adoption of extraordinary measures. Recently, our Order is preparing a 'Death Performance.' We cordially invite the adversaries of your Bureau to attend and provide guidance. The stage is set at—"

I scanned the writing, but no address was listed. Just as I was pondering the meaning of "Death Performance" and "living intelligence," Lu Donghua arrived and asked, "Director, did you call for me?"

The Director said, "Take a look at this. What kind of animal did this skin come from?" I was shocked to hear that this "paper" was actually skin, and I threw it onto the Director’s desk.

Lu Donghua picked up the hide and felt it. "This is human skin, processed. The skin is flayed from a person—much like the 'painted skin' folklore—then fused together to the desired size and shape, and left in a cool, dry place for forty-nine days until it cures." Hearing him speak so casually sent a chill down my spine.

An Mingshan remarked, "That is truly brutal!"

Lu Donghua added, "It gets worse. The most brutal part is that this skin must be peeled directly from a living person; the dead will not suffice." By now, I was drenched in cold sweat.

The Director said, "I will report this truthfully and request the intervention of the Exorcism Regiment. Very well, in one week, you are all to head to Yaodu District, Linfen City. Everyone is required to go."

The Exorcism Regiment was the Bureau’s self-defense force, a full regiment of personnel drawn from the military. They were primarily responsible for handling non-paranormal incidents and guarding the Bureau.

I finally grasped the meaning of "living intelligence" and said, "Look, surely I don’t need to go? If the Exorcism Regiment is coming, my presence would be redundant."

The Director replied, "They specifically mentioned you. You are the protagonist this time; you must go."

"I am no protagonist," I countered. "I am merely a piece of 'living intelligence.' You, sir, are my superior; you are the real lead. I’ll be heading out now!" I trotted to the door, but just as I was about to step out, I saw a person in an unrecognizable military uniform standing in the doorway, an automatic pistol pointed directly at my forehead.

I immediately raised my hands. "Buddy, stay calm. Keep a steady grip, lower the weapon slowly, and whatever you do, don't pull the trigger!"

An Mingshan scoffed, "Look at you, what a coward."

I kept talking while my hands stayed busy. I seized the moment to disarm him and regain some dignity. Seeing a flicker of contempt in his eyes, I lunged for the gun. To give credit where it’s due, the guy had some skills, but I wasn't just putting on a show either. We grappled, drawing a crowd; some even started placing bets!

After about a minute, he stood up slowly, because I now had his gun pointed at his forehead—the very same weapon he had used on me.

I said, "An'an, who’s the coward now? Kid! You’ve got guts to point a gun at me!"

An Mingshan stammered, "He… he…"

The onlookers, seeing the show was over, drifted away with varying degrees of disappointment.

The Director interjected, "That’s enough! If you want to spar, go outside! Let me introduce you: this is Commander Su of our Exorcism Regiment."

I was sensible enough to return the gun. Commander Su gave the Director a crisp military salute. "Director! Commander Su Wei of the Exorcism Regiment reporting! He..."

The Director said, "Everyone go back and rest. Shucheng, stay behind."

I told the Commander, "Don't worry, buddy. Losing to me is nothing to be ashamed of," and offered a mocking smile.

An Mingshan whispered, "Could it be that because you refused the Director's request and beat up his man, and even humiliated him, the Director is going to..."

The Director said, "Don't think I don't hear you two whispering. Do you think I’m that kind of person? A loss is a loss, a win is a win; I don't play favorites."

I said, "Exactly. It's fine, we were just testing our skills. You head back first, I'll be right behind you. Take the car keys and bring my stuff back."

An Mingshan hesitated, "But..."

"What’s the matter? Is there a problem?"

An Mingshan replied, "Well, the thing is... I don't know how to drive."

I felt like a crow flew over my head. I had no choice but to say, "Director, how about this? I’ll drop An'an off and come right back, is that alright?"

Liu Shan asked, "What if you don't come back?"

Wu Si Ling chided, "You really have a big mouth, hmph!"

Liu Shan said, "I just meant 'what if,' what if he doesn't come back? Don't be mad, I'm sorry, okay?"

The Director said, "Fine, go ahead."

Liu Shan tried again, "But Director, he..."

The Director replied, "I trust his character."

We all left, leaving only Su Wei behind. On the way, Liu Shan kept pestering me. I dropped An Mingshan off at the shop entrance. "Be careful," she said before heading inside.

Around 10:00 PM, Director’s office.

I said, "Director, I’m back."

***

**Reader Q&A**
**Question:** Mr. Author, have you ever been injured?
**Answer:** Yes, I have been injured many times, including serious ones. Like when I fell from a high slide as a child, or fell off my bike more than once. The worst was when I got into an argument while walking down the stairs at school; my ankle hit the railing, and I was rushed to the hospital for surgery. Oh! It was so painful! I want to tell everyone: no matter what you do in life, be careful, be extra careful, so you can avoid getting hurt.