Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 7: Bloody Footprints

In the previous few days, Shi Jingzhi could fall asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. But today, he tossed and turned on his bed for a long time, unable to calm his breathing. With such a big person flipping like pancakes beside him, Yin Ci couldn’t sleep either.

After flipping like a pancake 99 times and turning 81 times, Shi Jingzhi knowingly asked, “A’Ci, did you fall asleep?”

Yin Ci felt that if he were fifty years younger, he would have strangled this annoying guy instead of letting him roll around like a madman beside him.

But the destination was close at hand so Yin Ci was in a tolerable mood, and he answered calmly, “No, I haven’t fallen asleep yet.”

“Mm.” Shi Jingzhi fell silent again for a while before asking, “Are you really going to come with me tomorrow?”

Yin Ci slowly exhaled, wondering what kind of medicine this guy was selling*.

*Medicine sold in the gourd. Idiom referring to someone who’s unpredictable that you don’t know what they’re up to, just like how medicine inside a gourd is unknown. 

“After we descend into the Ghost Tomb, the sects won’t cause trouble. But the Ghost Tomb is dangerous, and you haven’t even mastered your footwork. Even if I protect you, I can’t guarantee that you won’t get injured. Maybe you should…”

Yin Ci heard one thing but understood another—he came here specifically to explore the tomb, and Shi Jingzhi had agreed happily before. Who knows why he suddenly changed his mind.

“You stay on the surface, where there’s food and drink. The Jinyu Group slaughtered so many cattle and sheep for their blood, so there will be meat every meal for the next few days. When I bring the treasure up, then you can…” Shi Jingzhi continued to blabber.

Yin Ci decisively interrupted him. “If that’s the case, then it’s better if Shizun forbids me from going down into the tomb. Why bother asking back and forth?”

Shi Jingzhi immediately shut up.

Yin Ci secretly sneered. As a mere “ordinary person”, he was useless underground, but Shi Jingzhi was particularly delighted that his “disciple” was willing to go into the tomb. Perhaps Shi Jingzhi just wanted someone to boost his courage, or maybe he wanted a meat shield in case of emergencies, or perhaps he saw Yin Ci as a backup food source in case of unexpected circumstances… While Yin Ci knew something was fishy, he couldn’t be bothered to care.

For other sects, the Ghost Tomb might be a dangerous trial ground. But for him, it was at most a game to kill time. In any case, he couldn’t die, and if he did, he would profit from it.

That kid surnamed Shi, who was tossing and turning, definitely had some guilty reason behind it. When Yin Ci bluntly asked, Shi Jingzhi instantly became a silent gourd, not even turning his body.

Yin Ci closed his eyes, satisfied, but just as he was about to fall asleep, Shi Jingzhi’s words hit him again.

“Because you are my disciple. As your Master, I should take my disciple on more experiences,” Shi Jingzhi said with a touch of grievance, “And everyone around us is a stranger. I also want you to accompany me. I admit that this idea is embarrassing. But this Ghost Tomb…”

It seemed that sleep was out of the question now. Yin Ci sat up and turned around.

“If Shizun is willing to protect me, that’s enough. If Shizun can come out alive, I’m sure I can too. And if Shizun can’t, then I’ll accompany you in death down there.”

Shi Jingzhi had a face full of filial devotion, causing Yin Ci to hitch his breath. “A’Ci, don’t be like this. Master’s will isn’t firm.”

“Shizun has shown great kindness to me. When we met on Kushan that day, it was destined by heaven.” Yin Ci continued to act. “Even if there are difficulties in the tomb, Shizun is blessed and will definitely turn misfortune into fortune. Besides, where in the world are there opportunities without risks?”

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes reddened from being played, and a hint of affection for this stubborn guy appeared in his gaze. “I’ll take you. I’ll take you.”

Yin Ci lay down satisfactorily and just tucked himself in when—

“Actually, Master is going into the Ghost Tomb to seek the elixir of immortality.”

You don’t need to pour your heart out. I just want to rest. Yin Ci turned around with a mix of sadness and anger. But his mind suddenly tightened, and he was already half awake, so he had to continue listening.

“I’ve always had poor health since I was little. Everyone said I couldn’t be saved, and my family gradually stopped caring for me. This time, I’m exploring the Ghost Tomb to find a ray of hope. But rumors are just rumors, and there may not actually be an elixir of immortality there. Even if I don’t find it, as you said… Well, it won’t be a loss to broaden my horizons.”

Yin Ci completely lost his sleepiness. “Since Shizun lives in Yidu, why not go to the Immortal Summoning Meeting?”

“You know about the Immortal Summoning Meeting?” With so many people around, Shi Jingzhi even wore a Nuo mask while sleeping. He lay on his side, locking eyes with Yin Ci, with a few red marks on his face from the pressure.

“I know. My grandfather mentioned it, and there’s even a nursery rhyme about it in the city. It goes… ‘At the Immortal Summoning Meeting, ascend the divine path to reach the Nine Heavens*…'”

*It refers to the highest level in heaven (depending on the belief), but you can take it as just “heaven” (to reach godhood/becoming an immortal).

According to common sense, if there were monsters in the world, there must also be immortals. However, Yin Ci had dug through the ground but hadn’t found a single strand of an immortal’s beard.

Those people at the Immortal Summoning Meeting were the closest to “immortals”. The meeting was held every ten years in Yidu, and the jade talisman for entry was worth a fortune. If one caught the attention of an immortal, they could receive a jug of immortal wine and eternal youth.

Yin Ci had gotten his hands on more than just one jug of immortal wine. He had tried various things with them, but he still couldn’t manage to kill himself. No matter how he looked at it, it looked like medicinal wine with some special effects. Perhaps it could cure Shi Jingzhi’s problems.

“My family managed to get a few drops for me, but despite drinking it, it had no effect at all.” Shi Jingzhi’s voice sounded a bit bitter. “Perhaps it’s my fate… I just want to struggle a bit longer.”

“There are only a few immortal cultivation sects, and they only use monsters to set up arrays. I’ve visited a few, but no one has achieved immortality.”

‘Indeed,’ Yin Ci thought. They were seeking opposite things, but they ended up in the same place—with nothing in return.

“It will be alright.” Seeing Shi Jingzhi speak from the heart, Yin Ci casually brushed it off.

“Hopefully.” Shi Jingzhi sighed. “A’Ci, I haven’t talked about this with anyone before. It feels refreshing to let it out. A’Ci…”

Yin Ci covered his head with the blanket. This guy isn’t finished yet?!

Shi Jingzhi lowered his voice and reached out to pat Yin Ci’s head through the blanket. “Don’t worry. I will take good care of you.”

Under the red brocade blanket depicting mandarin ducks playing in water, Yin Ci felt that something was off about that statement*. However, sleepiness had the upper hand, and he was too lazy to bother about it.

*Clarity: In Chinese culture, it is believed that mandarin ducks mate for life, so they’re often symbols of a couple staying together. Given what Shi Jingzhi just said to Yin Ci and the reference to the blanket, Shi Jingzhi’s statement could mean “I’ll take care of you (as your spouse)”, which is why Yin Ci felt what he heard was off.

The warmth of the sun couldn’t suppress the chill of the Ghost Tomb. The stone slabs were as cold as ice, making it difficult for most people to sleep soundly.

The next morning, the Jinyu Group specially prepared delicious beef soup and greasy pancakes for breakfast. Even the monks from Jianchen Temple were given bowls of mushroom porridge. Shi Jingzhi sipped the hot soup but didn’t touch the dry rations, which was unusual for him.

The people from the Rong Palace didn’t show up, probably taking care of their own meals.

After everyone ate and drank their fill, they entered the Ghost Tomb with the rising sun.

The entrance gate of the tomb had been carefully cleaned by the Jinyu Group, but the heavy scent of blood still lingered. As soon as they stepped into the tomb, the warmth brought by the food immediately dissipated, leaving only a bone-chilling coldness.

“That Yan Budu is ridiculous. He buried himself in such a ghost of a place yet dared to aspire to become an immortal… It’s almost as if he’s possessed,” someone murmured softly.

As if in response, a low laugh echoed through the dark tomb passage. In the next moment, the lamps in the tomb lit up one by one, emitting a ghostly blue light that flickered without wind, like a sinister invitation.

Disciples from the Taiheng Sect gripped their swords, while the monks from Jianchen Temple lowered their heads and silently recited Buddhist mantras.

Shi Jingzhi shivered from head to toe. “I’ve got goosebumps.”

Yin Ci remained quite calm. “Just shake it off yourself.”

Shi Jingzhi: “I knew it was right to bring you along! Good disciple, you’re so brave.”

Yin Ci had a mischievous thought to tease him and spoke with ill intentions. “Shizun, if I were you, I would plug the bell. Grandfather said that monsters and demons are easily attracted by sounds…”

“Nonsense! This bell of mine is made of pure silver, and it wards off evil spirits!” Shi Jingzhi muttered while stuffing scraps of paper into the bell.

The disciple from the Taiheng Sect witnessed this embarrassing act but pretended not to see it. Jin Lan approached with Yan Qing. “Sect Master Shi, please come this way.”

Shi Jingzhi looked at Yan Qing with longing in his eyes, not bothering to hide his envy. Yin Ci couldn’t help but chuckle.

The tomb passage was neither long nor short and had been thoroughly explored in advance. The major sects were well-prepared, and even the smaller sects and schools that followed knew how to imitate them, so there were no incidents along the way. When they reached the main gate of the Ghost Tomb, a few people in the rear seemed quite impatient and dared to bypass the major sects and squeeze toward the tomb gate.

The tomb gate was covered with densely packed talismans, each stroke soaked in ominous dark red. Three people had a vacant look in their eyes, and instead of stopping, they directly crashed into the stone gate—

The Taiheng Sect and Jianchen Temple acted at the same time, blocking the other two from behind. Unfortunately, the distance was too short, and the leader of the group was charging too fast, resulting in a solid collision.

However, there was no sound of impact. The person’s body slowly melted into the tomb gate, accompanied by exposed ribs as blood splattered, accompanied by silent screams.

The two who were intercepted suddenly regained their senses, and instantly wet their pants.

“Many thanks, everyone.” A thin staff squeezed through the crowd. “He was my servant. Perhaps he was too relaxed just now and became confused.”

Yin Ci recognized the thin staff. It belonged to the leader of the Changle Sect, who always traveled with four servants, even if it meant wasting a spot in the Ghost Tomb. If it weren’t for Shi Jingzhi appearing halfway, this old man would have been Yin Ci’s target.

Yin Ci turned around calmly, intending to touch the talismans on the door. But as he took a half-step, he suddenly felt a strong force from behind—Shi Jingzhi’s bell had been inserted into Yin Ci’s belt at some point, firmly hooking onto him.

…This kid. He was trembling so much earlier, but now his grip was surprisingly steady.

“Shizun, I’m still sober.”

“Mm.” Shi Jingzhi didn’t tremble this time. He was carefully examining the tomb gate. The person from earlier had been completely devoured, leaving no trace on the entrance.

“Extremely vicious,” Jin Lan muttered in a low voice. “Did you see? That’s the true nature of the members of the demonic sects.”

Yan Qing: “I don’t see.”

Jin Lan rolled his eyes and turned to Yin Ci and Shi Jingzhi. “In any case, the two of you must not act recklessly. Follow us closely before descending to the second floor and be cautious so that you don’t die without even knowing how.”

A few steps away, the members of the Chigou Sect had already taken out a pile of iron tools and were cautiously prying the door open. The Ling Sect held their sect’s scriptures, pinching their noses to endure the smell. The two major orthodox sects were also not idle, activating the protective arrays they had purchased at a high price to defend the area.

Despite the various conflicts, the major sects had all sent their elites, and everyone remained calm—if they were to fight before even entering the tomb, it would only entertain the bystanders.

Yin Ci turned his body, and the silver bell behind him fell to the ground. Shi Jingzhi took a deep breath and bent down to pick it up.

The others were busy, and coupled with the recent death, silence fell upon the tomb passage. Suddenly, Shi Jingzhi shouted, “Ah,” and the echo reverberated endlessly. The Chigou Sect member who was prying the door stopped and looked over with anger.

Shi Jingzhi pretended not to see and pointed with a trembling hand towards the ground. “Are those footprints?”

The tomb passage was dimly lit, especially near the tomb door, where a thick layer of dust had accumulated on the ground. Yin Ci squatted down and brought the torch closer, illuminating a few faint footprints.

Those footprints were stained with old blood, incompletely imprinted on the stone slate. Covered by dust, they appeared no different from ordinary stains.

Yin Ci initially only discovered the aged bloodstains, intending to lead Shi Jingzhi to investigate. Unexpectedly, this kid immediately recognized the true nature of the bloodstains.

His master was truly an exceptional bird.

However, the current exceptional bird was feeling uneasy, with its feathers about to explode. “These are definitely footprints—footprints of an adult man… This person’s feet were soaked in blood, and he walked out barefoot!”

“What the Patron* said is accurate. These bloody footprints are over a hundred years old.” The monks of Jianchen were first to agree.

*The term he’s using is (施主) which refers to a benefactor/patron/offer giver. It’s a respectful term Buddhist practitioners use to address someone (for their, usually financial, support and generosity).

Jin Lan gasped. “Over a hundred years ago… Did Yan Budu really pretend to be a corpse?”

Just at that moment, the tomb door emitted a muffled sound and slowly opened.

Inside the door was a thick darkness, like a void.

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The author has something to say:

Yin Ci: No worries, the ghost tomb is younger than me.

Shi Jingzhi: A ghost story right beside me!The Fox Spirit Master and the Painted Skin Disciple, from Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. (x

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