Phantom Skeleton Painting
Author: Xi Zixu
—
Synopsis
Lin Banxia seems to have caught the attention of something… strange.
His empty home is constantly filled with odd sounds—a wardrobe that echoes with knocks but holds nothing inside, a faucet that drips despite having no water, and a peculiar chewing noise from outside his window.
Then, one midnight, it happens.
Waking suddenly, he opens his eyes to see a skeleton, white as snow, clinging to his ceiling, grinning brightly as it turns its head toward him.
This story draws inspiration from a painting by Li Song, a Southern Song dynasty artist, titled Skeleton Illusion. The content is purely fictional, also inspired by SCP, Lovecraftian elements, and Call of Cthulhu tabletop RPGs. Please do not associate it with real-life scenarios.
—
Tags: Fantasy, Horror, Perfect Match, Suspense & Mystery
Search Keywords: Main characters: Lin Banxia, Song Qingluo
One-line Summary: Life as Death
—
Preview
Lin Banxia purchases an inexpensive house, only to experience a string of eerie events after moving in. Through this, he meets his neighbor, the peculiar and enigmatic Song Qingluo, who introduces him to a world filled with unusual artifacts known as “Abnormalities.” Later, Lin Banxia learns about a profession called “Watchers,” tasked with locating and sealing away these Abnormalities. Together, he and Song Qingluo embark on thrilling adventures—from villages piled with bodies to remote areas suddenly cut off from the outside world. Their journey is a rollercoaster of bizarre occurrences.
The novel is written with smooth, evocative prose, creating an atmosphere that captivates. The interactions between the slow-to-catch-on Lin Banxia and the finicky Song Qingluo, coupled with the intricate and well-paced plot, make for a compelling read. The story introduces a richly imagined fantasy world, filled with unique Abnormalities that add to the suspense and anticipation, drawing readers into a mesmerizing narrative.
