Chapter 2: The Corpse Puppet Horde

The stench of decay was overwhelming as the Corpse Puppets closed in. Their pale, lifeless eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight, and their twisted shadows danced eerily on the ground. I gripped the Exorcism Talisman tightly, though I knew it wouldn't be enough to fend off the entire horde.

"Ding! Emergency suggestion: Use the Yin Coin to summon assistance."

The system's voice cut through my panic. Without hesitation, I pulled out the blackened coin I had picked up earlier. It felt icy in my palm, and the strange symbols etched into its surface seemed to pulse faintly.

"How do I use this?" I muttered, my voice trembling.

"Channel your energy into the coin," the system replied. "Focus on your desire for help."

I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the guttural growls of the approaching Corpse Puppets. I focused on the coin, imagining it as a conduit for my will. Suddenly, the coin grew warm, and a faint hum filled the air.

When I opened my eyes, the coin was glowing with a soft, silvery light. The ground beneath me trembled, and from the shadows emerged a figure—a tall, skeletal warrior clad in tattered armor. Its eyes burned with a cold, blue flame, and in its hand, it held a rusted sword.

"Guardian summoned: Wraith Knight. Duration: 5 minutes."

The Wraith Knight moved with unnatural speed, its sword slicing through the Corpse Puppets like they were made of paper. The horde shrieked and writhed as the knight's blade tore through them, reducing them to piles of ash.

I took a step back, my heart pounding. The Wraith Knight was relentless, its movements precise and deadly. Within moments, the horde was decimated, and the graveyard fell silent once more.

As the knight's form began to fade, it turned to me and gave a slight nod before disappearing into the shadows. The Yin Coin in my hand cracked and crumbled to dust.

"Guardian dismissed. Yin Coin depleted."

I let out a shaky breath, my legs finally giving out as I collapsed to the ground. The adrenaline was fading, leaving me exhausted and trembling.

"Congratulations, host. Side quest completed: Survive the Corpse Puppet Horde. Reward: 50 Strangeness Points, Random Magical Artifact."

A small, ornate box materialized in my hands. I opened it to find a jade pendant carved in the shape of a coiled serpent. The jade was cool to the touch, and I could feel a faint pulse of energy emanating from it.

"Artifact obtained: Serpent's Eye Pendant. Effect: Enhances perception of spiritual energy."

I fastened the pendant around my neck, feeling a slight warmth as it settled against my skin. The graveyard seemed less foreboding now, though the memory of the horde still sent shivers down my spine.

As I stood, I noticed something glinting in the moonlight. It was a small, bronze key lying near one of the destroyed Corpse Puppets. I picked it up, feeling its weight in my hand.

"New item obtained: Ancient Key. Purpose: Unknown."

I tucked the key into my pocket, my mind racing with questions. What had caused the Corpse Puppets to gather here? And why had the system brought me to this world?

Before I could ponder further, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see Lin Mo emerging from the shadows, his lantern casting an eerie green glow.

"Fellow Daoist," he said, his voice filled with awe, "I saw what happened. That was... incredible."

I nodded, still trying to process everything. Lin Mo studied me for a moment before speaking again.

"You're not from around here, are you?"

I hesitated, then shook my head. "No. I'm... new to this world."

Lin Mo's expression softened. "Then you have much to learn. Come with me to Qingyun Temple. My master may be able to help you."

I considered his offer. The temple sounded like a safe haven, and I needed answers. "Alright," I said finally. "Lead the way."

As we left the graveyard behind, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The path ahead was shrouded in mystery, and I knew that the secrets of this world—and the system that had brought me here—would not be easily uncovered.