The Residence delivered the poisonous scorpion blood to the Research Bureau early the next morning. It wasn’t a large amount—just enough to fill half a bathtub. Jiang Luo placed the blood in his office and carefully submerged Teng Bi’s broadsword into it.
The black blade laid horizontally in the blood, and upon closer inspection, one could see it slowly absorbing the liquid. Though Jiang Luo said nothing, the fact that the poisonous scorpion’s blood had an effect on Teng Bi’s remaining soul was enough to make him finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Hurry and recover, Teng Bi, he thought silently. Wake up before the New Year so we old friends can celebrate together again.
***
After the Heavenly Master Residence began cooperating with the Research Bureau, the Bureau took on more responsibilities. Twenty new recruits had just started and were already flying around non-stop investigating supernatural events.
Recently, another bizarre incident was reported in the middle-lower Yangtze River region, drawing wide attention.
This area was known for abundant aquatic life and dense fishing communities. But over the past two months, fewer and fewer things were being caught—fish, shrimp, and crab numbers plummeted, and even species like alligators and baiji dolphins saw dramatic declines, catching the eyes of experts.
Beyond the declining aquatic population, some strange occurrences began happening to the fishermen themselves.
The police only discovered this by coincidence. In a local fishing village, a wife noticed her husband behaving increasingly oddly after returning from fishing. Suspecting he was possessed, she fell for a fake spiritual healer’s scam, spending 5,000 yuan on an exorcism—with no results. Eventually, she called the police.
During their investigation, the police found hers wasn’t an isolated case—several families had sought exorcisms, and all for fishermen. Suspicious, they looked deeper and uncovered something disturbing.
Several frequent fishermen along the river had gone missing.
No one knew where they went. Their families assumed they were still out on long fishing trips. No bodies were ever found.
The case quickly landed on Jiang Luo’s desk, given the importance of the Yangtze River and heightened concern among leadership.
A meeting was called at the Research Bureau. During the meeting, Jiang Luo carefully read through the reports.
They detailed the changes in the fishermen. Not only had their personalities subtly shifted, but their appearances changed even more. Years of sun and wind had left them weathered and dark-skinned, looking older than their actual age. But at some point, they began looking younger—gray hair darkened, skin smoothed—they appeared to reverse age by 10 to 20 years.
Even more bizarre, the fishermen themselves didn’t find their transformations strange at all.
Jiang Luo finished reading and grew visibly serious.
A leader anxiously asked, “Jiang Luo, what do you think is going on?”
Jiang Luo hesitated briefly. “I suspect blood eels.”
Everyone around the table sucked in a breath.
“Blood eels?!”
“No way—it’s blood eels?!”
“These symptoms line up too well,” Jiang Luo said, rubbing his temples. “Do you all remember what female blood eel larvae do? They make people youthful again—and control their minds.”
Wenren Lian frowned. “But didn’t the blood eel queen become one of Chi You’s subordinates?”
Zhuo Zhongqiu also looked doubtful. “Besides, blood eels are known to be deep-sea creatures. The Yangtze isn’t their natural habitat.”
Jiang Luo had no good answers. He himself wasn’t sure.
After a moment of silence, he doubled down. “But all the fishermen’s symptoms match the effects of the blood eel larvae. Lisa, the blood eel queen, was the only one to fully evolve. She hasn’t needed deep-sea conditions to survive for a long time. Her goal had always been to move onto land and control humans. And more importantly, I haven’t seen her near Chi You for quite some time.”
His voice was quiet and shadowed. “The last time I saw Lisa… was on Mount Dawu.”
Though the higher-ups had heard of Chi You, they didn’t really understand who he was or his relationship with Jiang Luo. To them, he was a dangerous entity—so powerful even the Fated One feared him. Their stance had always been one of cautious neutrality: don’t provoke, don’t interfere.
Now, hearing this, one leader asked with a heavy expression, “Are you saying Chi You ordered the blood eel queen to do this?”
Jiang Luo shook his head. “It wasn’t him.”
It couldn’t be Chi You.
On Mount Dawu, Chi You had nearly died trying to save him. Jiang Luo had carried him away, and hadn’t seen either Ge Wuchen or Lisa since. From what he knew of Lisa, she probably took the chance to escape while Chi You was wounded.
And that’s what hurt the most.
Lisa was childlike, but shrewd and ambitious. It was exactly that dangerous combination—fearless and unpredictable. Blood eels were more terrifying than viruses. One moment too late, and someone could already become their host or food.
Last time they caught Lisa by sneaking aboard a cruise ship and catching her off guard. But finding her again in the vast Yangtze River? That was like trying to find a needle in the water.
They held the meeting all day, but no one could come up with a good solution.
The Research Bureau became grim. No one was in the mood to joke or relax. The next day at noon, while Jiang Luo was reviewing the fishermen’s data in his office, a leader hurried in.
“Jiang Luo, come with me.”
Jiang Luo stood up, puzzled. “Where are we going?”
“To meet a collaborator,” the leader said with a serious face. “We can’t solve this Yangtze River issue on our own. It’s time to bring in external help.”
Jiang Luo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Who’s this partner?”
“You’ll see,” the leader sighed, worried. “It’s someone you’d never expect.”
…Feng Li?
Jiang Luo wondered silently, but said nothing more.
The meeting was held at a high-end restaurant with traditional Chinese décor. As soon as they entered, a smiling hostess in a qipao greeted them and led them to a private room.
She respectfully opened the door. “Please come in.”
The leader cleared his throat and stepped inside. Jiang Luo straightened his clothes and followed.
Inside, there was the soft sound of flowing water. A realistic peachwood grove had been created indoors, with a fake rock inscribed “High Mountains and Flowing Water.” The scent of tea and flowers drifted in the air.
Jiang Luo’s gaze moved from the décor to the table—and froze.
The demon was sitting calmly in the host’s seat, wearing a relaxed smile as he looked at the two of them.
Chi You?!
The leader stepped up to shake hands. “Mr. Chi, a pleasure to finally meet you.”
The malicious ghost reached out with grace. “Likewise. I’ve long heard of the Research Bureau.”
Then he looked at Jiang Luo with a lazy smile. “Jiang Luo, long time no see.”
The leader laughed heartily. “Ah yes, I nearly forgot—Mr. Chi and our Chief Jiang are old acquaintances.”
He clearly didn’t know they had been lovers. Jiang Luo’s personnel file only mentioned Chi You as his former teaching assistant. The leader cheerfully gestured for Jiang Luo to sit. “With Mr. Chi’s help, I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of this Yangtze mess soon.”
Jiang Luo schooled his expression, sat down, and stared at his teacup.
Chi You rested his chin on clasped hands, pretending to listen intently to the leader, occasionally smiling or nodding. When the leader finished speaking, he turned to Jiang Luo.
“Mr. Jiang, any thoughts?”
Jiang Luo had already regained his composure. Smiling faintly, he asked, “Mr. Chi, what made you decide to work with our Research Bureau?”
Chi You sighed lightly. “The one stirring trouble in the Yangtze is my subordinate, Lisa. She escaped while I was distracted. Since it’s my responsibility, I should handle the aftermath.”
He smiled and poured tea for Jiang Luo. “And besides, we know each other well. Calling me ‘Mr. Chi’? Back when I was still alive, you used to call me teacher.”
The last word lingered on his tongue, laced with teasing ambiguity.
The leader looked at Jiang Luo, puzzled. Why does that sound… odd?
Jiang Luo smiled coolly. “You’re joking, Mr. Chi. We’re partners now—it wouldn’t be proper for me to be overly familiar. Let’s focus on business. Once we capture the blood eel, what do you intend to do with her?”
The demon thought for a moment. “Once we catch her, I’ll hand her over to you for containment.”
The leader was stunned. “You’d hand her over to us?!”
“Yes,” Chi You replied. “But I have one condition.”
His eyes narrowed, glinting darkly. “I hope this can be the beginning of a long-term, friendly partnership with the Research Bureau.”
Can’t wait until next week to see more? Want to show your support? Come to my Patreon where you can get the rest of the chapters of This Damned Thirst for Survival right away ! Or go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! :)
