Scent of the Corrupted Soul: The Crisis of the Third Hospital Averted

"The Negotiation with Ralph"

The negotiation with Ralph had gone rather smoothly. The seemingly simple-minded Stitch Monster was, in reality, a meticulous thinker. After sending the creature on its way, Yi Bai finally understood why Ralph was willing to offer a staggering two million Ghost Coins. A significant part of the reason was to secure connections for the Kuloll family with both the Vampire Clan and the Crypt of Corpses.

Ralph was no simple character—his thinking was intricate and far-reaching. At first glance, two million Ghost Coins might seem like a straightforward transaction, but in reality, it served as a stepping stone. The Kuloll family, behind Ralph, was highly skilled in investments and business. If Ralph could successfully establish ties with the Vampire Clan and the Crypt of Corpses, the value of that connection would far exceed the mere two million Ghost Coins.

"Impressive," Yi Bai mused to himself, "I should never underestimate any creature in this world, especially not based on appearances."

He reminded himself to stay vigilant. His attention then shifted to the "puppy"—which was now barely a tenth of its former size, breathing weakly on the ground.

"Pop!"

As his gaze fell on it, the "puppy" exploded into a pool of strange, crimson blood that scattered across the floor. The blood seemed to possess a life of its own, twisting and curling as it slowly gathered together, forming two bright red arms that floated to Yi Bai's shoulders before vanishing into the air.

At the moment the Wolf Doctor died, a notification echoed in Yi Bai's ears, reminiscent of a horror game prompt.

[The mastermind behind the Third Hospital's crisis has been slain. The crisis is now fully resolved. Please locate and awaken the hospital director. This phase of the mission will conclude.]

[After the task is completed, players can choose whether to return to the human world immediately. The maximum delay time cannot exceed the task's original time limit.]

"Finally, we're at the last stage." Yi Bai sighed inwardly, moving towards Lina and gently pulling her close. "Let's go, it's time to meet the director of the Third Hospital."

"Right behind you," Lina responded eagerly, her voice soft and affectionate. Completely smitten, she had abandoned any hint of her fearsome Red Ghost persona, losing herself entirely in her infatuation with Yi Bai. Of course, this side of her only appeared in his presence.

With Lina leading the way, they quickly arrived at the Third Hospital's fourteenth floor. Before a door adorned with a brass ring shaped like a beast's head, Lina stopped, holding Yi Bai back. She pointed to the ring.

"This is a special kind of creature, controlled by the director. Without his permission, it won't open the door," she explained.

"So, unless the director, who's in 'seclusion,' decides to open it, we can't get in?" Yi Bai narrowed his eyes.

"If we really need to get inside, we'll have to force our way in," Lina said, lifting her surgical knife and making a couple of motions near the beast head, as if asking for Yi Bai's approval.

Yi Bai glanced at the beast's head, which remained indifferent, its eyes shut tight. He activated his Insight Eye without a word.

[Third Hospital Director's subordinate: Nameless]

[Species: Soul Lock]

[Friendliness: Neutral]

[Power: None (The creature's strength depends on how well it is nourished)]

[Likes: Greed]

[Weakness: Its eyes]

[Current Status: The humans and ghost girl seem utterly clueless. They don't even bring money for offerings, yet they think they can get in? Hah! Not a chance! (This Soul Lock has no principles. It is recommended to smash it!)]

The information from his Insight Eye made Yi Bai's expression darken. He finally understood why the director of the Third Hospital had been in seclusion and completely indifferent to everything going on outside.

It was clear now—this greedy Soul Lock had likely been easily controlled by He Yi. If it weren't for the game prompt informing him he could awaken the director, Yi Bai might have suspected that the director had already perished.

Without hesitation, Yi Bai gave Lina a look, signaling her to proceed. The surgical knife in her hand instantly became the deadliest weapon.

Clink! Clink! Clink!

Sparks flew as the blade struck the beast's head. The Soul Lock let out a tortured scream from within the door's mouth.

"Stop! Stop it! Ahhh!"

"Don't cut anymore! Please!"

"Stop! I'll open the door! Please don't kill me!"

The creature's plea was ignored as Lina continued to strike, her ghostly energy eating away at the metal. Slowly, the soul lock's gleaming surface began to dim, and it could no longer hold back. With a final, wailing cry, it released its grip, opening the door.

As the door creaked open, a peculiar scent hit Yi Bai's nostrils. It was something like incense burned in a temple, pungent and heavy. Lina, beside him, flinched at the scent, her pale face flushing with a sickly red hue. Her body swayed slightly, as if she were fighting against the effect.

"Corrupted Soul Incense! He Yi must have ignited it in the director's office!" Lina gritted her teeth, trying to hold herself steady. "It's causing a reaction in me…"

Yi Bai's expression darkened. Without a second thought, he rushed inside the office and extinguished the still-burning incense with a swift motion.

After a moment, the smoke began to dissipate. Lina regained her composure, though she seemed a bit weak, leaning on Yi Bai for support. The cold sensation of her ethereal form sent a strange shiver through him, but he remained focused on the situation.

His eyes then fell on the glass container that had replaced the director's head. Inside, the director's brain began to stir as if coming back to life. The two electronic eyes on the container flickered with a faint, ominous glow.