Nightmare Apostle

Chapter 829: Chapter 615: Internal Filling - Part 3

Although the amount of silver was small, it was merely a gesture, a stepping stone. Yang Xiao still carried quite a bit of silver with him, yet using too much silver might arouse suspicion.

Upon seeing the silver, Mr. Liu grabbed it immediately, shoving it into his sleeve while his face broke into a smile, "Not bad, you lad understand the rules. However, these days it’s not viable, but when there’s good work later on, I won’t forget about you."

Hearing this, Yang Xiao showed a frustrated yet daring-not-to-speak demeanor, "Mr. Liu, what do you mean by that?"

Taking a swig of liquor, Mr. Liu burped contently, "Kid, let me tell you the truth, the Land Temple is already completed, there isn’t much work left for you and your brothers, we’re just waiting for the Immortal Statues inside..."

Upon saying this, Mr. Liu suddenly stopped, seemingly aware that he had inadvertently spoken words he shouldn’t have.

"What about the Immortal Statues? My brothers and I can handle that, I assure you will be satisfied, Mr. Liu." Yang Xiao was very eager.

Perhaps annoyed by Yang Xiao’s persistence, Mr. Liu breathed out a cloud of alcohol, looked around, lowered his head, and whispered the truth: "Ji, Mr. Liu won’t lie to you, I can’t make decisions regarding the Immortal Statue; there are higher-ups watching over this, even I can’t get involved, and moreover...moreover, this isn’t something you guys can handle."

"That Immortal Statue isn’t just any statue, it’s a tricky one. During its creation, something has to be added inside, it’s called... called Internal Filling."

Hearing this, Yang Xiao frowned slightly; he was familiar with Internal Filling. It refers to a ritual performed during the crafting of Buddhist or divine statues where symbolic internal organs and consciousness are placed inside, granting it vitality—a more common term being Enlivening.

The materials for Internal Filling vary between different religious denominations. For instance, in Buddhism, it usually includes Dharma Body Relics, Life Body Relics, Scriptures, and blessed items. In Taoism, it involves more of talismans and scriptures. Furthermore, the process of Internal Filling should be completed by specialized individuals, marking it as a highly mystical and solemn ritual. frёeωebɳovel.com

Believers think that a statue without Internal Filling might look spectacular on the outside but is empty inside, unable to perform its intended role. However, a statue that has undergone Internal Filling and been blessed, is imbued with life and consciousness, and to some extent can be regarded as an incarnation of the deity.

In a daze, Yang Xiao remembered the night he first arrived in this world; when he looked back as he was leaving, the statues in the dilapidated temple were slanted, their faces blurred, seeming to come alive as they watched him depart.

Seeing Yang Xiao silent, the drunken Mr. Liu took it as him being frightened and sneered, "Now... now you know how serious it is, don’t you? Those things aren’t something you can handle, Mr. Liu... Mr. Liu is totally looking out for you."

"When will the Immortal Statues be completed?" Yang Xiao suddenly asked.

"I don’t know," Mr. Liu muttered drunkenly, pouring himself another drink, his face flushed, "But... but it should be soon, actually, the temple has almost been built, it’s just these Immortal Statues that are dragging on."

"Until now only three, oh no, four... four statues have been completed, this fourth one was just finished today." freewebnσvel.cøm

"Finished today?" Startled, Yang Xiao immediately sensed something suspicious. Creating the statue shouldn’t be difficult; the challenge lies in the Internal Filling materials inside. The slow progress of the Immortal Statues could be due to waiting for the Internal Filling materials.

Simultaneously, Yang Xiao realized something even more terrifying: just last night, they had a man who died, Zhang Songde.

And his body hasn’t been found.

Steadying his mind, Yang Xiao feigned curiosity and asked, "I’ve been to the other Land Temples too; which of the Immortal Statues is this fourth one?"

Upon hearing this, the drunken Mr. Liu recollected for a good while before slowly stating, "I can’t remember, but... but it seems to be one wearing armor."