Leo shook his head. “Impossible. First, if that were the case, similar incidents should have already occurred in other nearby counties.”
“Secondly, zombies fear sunlight. They generally won’t stray far from their nests; otherwise, they wouldn’t make it back before dawn and would surely perish.”
Everyone thought about it and seemed to agree.
However, one police officer looked puzzled. “Leo, from what you’re saying, it seems like zombies have fixed nests. Why is that?”
“Even if they fear sunlight, they could just hide in any dark place. Why must they return to a specific nest?”
Leo smiled. “It’s not that simple. The conditions for a zombie’s survival are quite specific. It’s not just about avoiding sunlight.”
“For example, the place needs to be a geomancy site with heavy yin energy, moist and acidic soil-only then is it suitable for zombies.”
“In geomancy, such places are called The Necropolis. This type of terrain is highly conducive to the creation and cultivation of zombies.”
Everyone suddenly understood and felt enlightened.
Harold pondered for a moment and asked, “Leo, are you saying there’s definitely a zombie nest nearby, this so-called Necropolis?”
“Yes,” Leo nodded. “I’m certain these zombies originated from that Necropolis and have come out to wreak havoc.”
“If that Necropolis can produce so many zombies, it must be a highly dangerous place with endless potential threats.”
“If we want to solve this problem once and for all, we must find that Boneyard quickly and eliminate any remaining zombies.”
Harold slapped his thigh. “Alright, Leo, tell us what we can do to help. We won’t shirk our duty.”
Leo thought for a moment and said, “This area is full of mountains and ravines. Finding that Necropolis accurately won’t be easy. Let me think.”
Everyone held their breath, watching Leo frown in thought.
Suddenly, Leo’s eyes lit up. “I’ve got it! Chief Newman, send someone to bring the oldest villagers here. I have some questions for them.”
Harold was delighted and quickly said, “No problem. Freeman, take some men to the village chief and have him arrange it quickly.”
“Yes!” Gil Freeman stood up, saluted, and hurried off with a few subordinates.
Harold turned back, curious. “Leo, can you tell us what you plan to ask these elders?”
Leo smiled. “Be patient; you’ll find out soon.”
Harold and the others chuckled and waited patiently.
Before long, Gil Freeman returned with three elderly men, all in their seventies or eighties, with long beards.
Gil Freeman introduced them. “Elders, this gentleman here is an expert sent by the government to rid the village of demons.”
The elders were startled upon hearing this.
Government officials? That must be someone important!
They quickly bowed in respect. “It’s an honor.”
Leo smiled. “No need to be so formal. Please sit down; I have some questions and hope you can help.”
The elders sat down hastily and said, “Ask away. We’ll tell you everything we know.”
Leo nodded and pondered for a moment before asking, “Did any major battles take place around here in ancient times?”
One elder quickly replied, “Yes, according to our ancestors, there was a battle at Fort Tiger about thirty or forty miles from here. Many people died.”
Leo thought for a moment before asking, “Do you know where the bodies of those who died in that battle were buried?”
“We don’t know.” The elders shook their heads.
Leo looked disappointed and thought for a moment.
Then he asked, “Are there any strange places nearby? Like peculiar valleys, landmarks, or odd occurrences?”
The three elders looked at each other as if trying to recall something.
Suddenly, one elder slapped his forehead. “There is something.”
“Really?” Leo was overjoyed.
The elder replied quickly, “To the northwest, about ten miles away, there’s a valley called Whispering Valley. It’s very strange.”
“Oh? How so?” Leo was intrigued.
The elder thought as he spoke. “The valley is hidden and connected to the outside world by a narrow path shrouded in fog year-round.”
“Because it’s so dark inside the valley, no one knows what it’s like. It’s said to be haunted, and people are warned not to enter.”
“In the past, some brave villagers tried to go in for herbs but never returned. It seems they were taken by the ghosts in the valley.”
“Whispering Valley is considered forbidden by all the nearby villages; no one dares to go near it.”
Leo’s eyes lit up as he thought for a moment and then said, “Thank you. That’s all I needed to know. You may go now.”
The elders stood up courteously and were escorted back by Gil Freeman’s men.
Once they left, Harold quickly asked, “Leo, what’s your plan after hearing what the elders said?”
Everyone was curious and looked at Leo expectantly.
Leo spoke calmly. “Think about it. I mentioned that the zombies were wearing rusty armor, right?”
“Yes,” everyone nodded but still looked puzzled.
“Exactly,” Leo clapped his hands with a smile. “Now think carefully-who would be buried in armor?”
Everyone suddenly realized. “Soldiers!”
“Correct,” Leo gave a thumbs up. “These zombies must be ancient soldiers. But why would so many soldiers be buried together?”
Harold interjected eagerly. “So you suspect these zombies are soldiers who died in an ancient battle and were buried together?”
“Yes,” Leo nodded. “There was indeed a famous historical battle at Tiger Pass nearby with many casualties.”
“And coincidentally, the armor style on those zombies matches that of The Golden Age.”