Soon, lanterns were hung all around the camp.
But even so, the entire camp remained in a state of panic.
By now, everyone had heard the news.
Five people had gone missing one after another, without even a trace of their bodies, which left many deeply terrified.
It’s not that they were cowardly; in fact, those who stayed up till now were mostly not afraid of death.
The key issue was that these Sea Gatherers were very superstitious by nature, particularly believing in tales of ghosts and gods.
The bizarre nature of the two disappearances, coupled with the eerie scenes at the sites, made it almost impossible not to associate them with supernatural forces.
For a time, rumors flew around the entire camp.
Many were so scared that they didn’t dare leave their tents, and even if they did, they moved in groups, with a dozen people acting together.
Jing Rou, Kong Xiangdong, and others had even organized patrols, watching over the camp day and night.
The whole camp was in a state of combat readiness, with everyone’s nerves taut.
Yet even with all this, a third disappearance quickly occurred.
Fan Daniu jeered at the current atmosphere in the camp, especially those who were so terrified they wouldn’t step outside their doors.
As a veteran Sea Gatherer who had followed Kong Xiangdong for many years, Fan Daniu was, as his name suggested, big-boned and robust, able to devour half a sheep in one meal.
Though growing up in poverty and missing the chance to formally practice Martial Arts, after following Kong Xiangdong, he managed to learn a trick or two, reaching a minor level in the Realm of skill.
This made him even stronger, such that even ordinary martial artists were no match for him.
But it also gave rise to Fan Daniu’s arrogant nature, especially after drinking alcohol, when he acknowledged no one but Kong Xiangdong and a few others.
For instance, at that moment, he was drinking with a few good friends in a tent, and after putting down his cup, he sneered.
"I heard Zhai Laoer and his crew are so scared they don’t even dare go outside to pee, using a chamber pot indoors in broad daylight?"
"That’s right, I saw a group of four or five of them going out to empty the pot," someone next to him said.
Fan Daniu let out a sneer, "A bunch of cowards, scared out of their wits over this, such shame."
The drinking companions stayed silent.
They knew well that there was always tension between Fan Daniu and Zhai Laoer.
Though they were all Sea Gatherers working under Kong Xiangdong,
there was inevitably factional strife wherever there were many people.
Like Fan Daniu and Zhai Laoer, who held no deep grudges but just couldn’t see eye to eye, resulting in two opposing factions.
Now hearing about Zhai Laoer’s cautiousness, the naturally reckless Fan Daniu’s mockery was normal.
After a few more cups, someone cautiously asked, "Brother Niu, aren’t you even a little scared?"
"Scared? Why should I be scared?" Fan Daniu slammed his cup on the table dismissively.
"Gone through so many storms, never mind distant ones, just last year I was nearly swallowed by mist at the Wuyang Beach, and I wasn’t afraid then. What are a few disappearances to me?"
"But people say this time is different, this time it’s the Demon Ghosts at work!" the questioner said, lowering his voice.
As the words ’Demon Ghost’ were uttered, fear washed over the faces of the drinking companions.
Yet Fan Daniu was unconcerned, "Bullshit, even if such Demon Ghosts exist, I fear them not. Haven’t you heard the saying that ghosts fear the wicked?"
With that, Fan Daniu slammed the table, his face full of drunken arrogance.
But it was just that act that dispelled the gloom clouding their hearts, even stirring up some courage.
"Brother Niu is right, even Demon Ghosts would fear a hero like him!"
"Right, let’s toast Brother Niu!"
Under the flattery of his companions, Fan Daniu, full of pride, downed a few more cups, then staggered to his feet and said, "I’m off for a pee, be back for more drinks!"
Saying so, he headed out.
His companions were a bit anxious upon hearing this.
After all, Kong Xiangdong had issued strict orders against acting alone, insisting on groups of at least three.
But knowing if they outright stopped him, considering Fan Daniu’s temper, especially when drunk, he’d likely blow his top.
So the group exchanged glances and rose, saying, "Brother Niu, we need to go too, let’s go together!"
"Exactly, together!"
Fan Daniu, without much thought, staggered outside.
Upon stepping out of the tent, the biting cold wind hit them like a shock.
At some point, snow had begun falling again, with the lanterns swaying ominously in the camp, casting an especially forlorn scene.
Such a scene, regardless of the earlier disappearances, was enough to give them goosebumps.
The wind cleared some of Fan Daniu’s drunkenness, leaving him a bit uneasy.
Though he boasted of his bravery while drinking, truly facing this scene would naturally induce fear.
But with his bravado words spoken, especially with his comrades behind him, he had to keep up his fearless facade.
Relieving oneself held little formality for men, so finding any corner, they began to urinate.
Being a big guy, Fan Daniu took the longest.
As he peed, he chatted with those behind him.