Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

Chapter 12: Ascension Hall

At sunrise, three rooster crowing sounds came from the room of the Chigou Sect.

Shi Zhongyu, open and upright, clarified the events of the previous night in front of everyone. The Chigou Sect gained nothing, but surprisingly remained calm. Matron Wuxue made only one request—

“Kid with the surname Shi, bring the Buddhist bead here.”

There was a saying that each profession has its own specialization. When it came to the things in tombs, no sect was as knowledgeable as the Yueshui Pavilion, and the Yueshui Pavilion wasn’t as knowledgeable as the Chigou Sect. Shi Jingzhi didn’t hesitate in the slightest and promptly presented the Buddhist bead.

Matron Wuxue didn’t immediately accept it, but instead looked at Shi Jingzhi and asked, “Why aren’t you no longer afraid of me?”

Shi Jingzhi: “If this thing catches Matron’s eye, it must be extraordinary. Regarding the incident with the jade bead, I have caused some offense. If Matron is interested, feel free to take it as compensation from our sect.”

He smiled faintly and performed a salute in front of everyone. “This junior has only one request. If there is a secret within this item, please let me know.”

“That little brat Chen Quna always loves to stir up trouble. If you’ve killed him, then it’s done. This matter won’t be related to the Kushan Sect. Sect Master Shi can rest assured.”

Matron Wuxue replied indifferently. Her sharp nails pinched the wooden bead, and then she tossed it back to Shi Jingzhi. “My Divine Chigou Sect holds the upper hand here, so how could we publicly snatch something from a junior? This thing does indeed have a secret, and there’s no harm in speaking it out.”

The gaze of everyone returned to the Buddhist bead.

No matter how anyone looked at it, the bead seemed unremarkable, as if it had been dug out from a pile of old items, without any special features. Matron Wuxue signaled to her subordinates, and a Chigou disciple brought a small jar of glutinous rice wine. The old woman held the jar in her hand, and within moments, the wine began to boil.

Once the wine had boiled for a moment, Matron Wuxue directly threw the Buddhist bead into it.

In the next instant, the jar exploded with a bang, revealing a strangely shaped hollow wooden carving. The carving was small and exquisitely crafted, with intricate details resembling strands of hair.

Shi Jingzhi exclaimed, “A map engraving.”

Matron Wuxue: “Just a fragment of an engraving. This bead bears the style of the Jianchen Temple; a string of fourteen beads.”

She splashed some cold water onto the engraving, and it quickly contracted, turning into a smooth Buddhist bead. Matron Wuxue flicked the bead, and Shi Jingzhi raised his hand, catching it steadily.

“Good boy.” The old lady chuckled sullenly. “If you want to play tricks on your seniors, you’d better weigh your own capabilities first. But I like clever little brats who can read people well, so I’ll spare your life this time.”

Seemingly not understanding, Shi Jingzhi retrieved the Buddhist bead and smiled as usual. “Thank you, Matron. This junior has been taught well.”

After the morning gathering, each sect needed to have separate discussions. They agreed to depart one hour later. The disciples of the Kushan Sect returned to their room. The old lady stood there for a moment and snorted, “I underestimated him.”

Confused, her subordinate asked, “Matriarch, what’s the matter with that guy surnamed Shi?”

“That surname Shi dared to steal a jade bead from our divine sect. I thought he was just a reckless fellow. But now it seems he’s quite a decent opponent. That kid knew from the beginning that there was more than one Buddhist bead. He had a good grasp of our sect’s intelligence and didn’t hesitate to snatch the treasure in front of everyone.”

Leaning on her cane, the old lady’s voice was hoarse.

“He pretended to be harmless all the way and even took the opportunity to apologize when so many eyes were watching. This old one had no choice but to promise ‘not to target the Kushan Sect’. That kid is very cunning. Truly cunning.”

The subordinate’s blood pressure rose. “How about we—”

“No, look at Shi Zhongyu’s attitude. That surname Shi probably earned some favor. The fools of the Taiheng Sect are most likely being led by the nose. Besides, publicly promising something and then going back on it would violate the rules set by Elder Su.”

“But should we let him go like this…”

“In the end, you might not be his match. I used about half of my strength to pop that bead out.” The old lady touched her fingertips. “Keep an eye on that kid, but don’t provoke him.”

The subordinate’s expression became serious. “Yes!”

Meanwhile, in the room of the Kushan Sect.

“For the next two days, we’ll stay here and not go anywhere.” Shi Jingzhi sat on the edge of the bed. “After all, each sect intends to keep their people here, so it won’t be deserted…”

“Aren’t we going to look for the Buddhist beads, Shizun?”

Shi Jingzhi took off his Nuo mask and smiled. “We just obtained one. Searching for more would make us look greedy, unlike the Taiheng and Chigou Sects.”

Knowing what he meant, Yin Ci asked, “We only have one bead, but didn’t the Matron say there were fourteen beads?”

“Don’t forget, Yan Budu intentionally led us to discover this bead. He wanted us to find out that there are fourteen beads, hoping to create conflicts and competition among us. After all, everyone can see the treasures in the tomb and roughly estimate their value. In this way, everyone has their own calculations, but it can still be a forced cooperation. But this wooden Buddhist bead…”

“No one knows what’s hidden in the Buddhist bead engraving, so it’s difficult to simply give up,” Yin Ci interjected.

“Exactly.” Shi Jingzhi stretched lazily. “So, these beads are just sweet bait; at most there’s only one or two. The remaining beads will be hidden deeper and guarded more tightly.”

At this point, he glanced coldly at Yin Ci. “When the time comes, relying solely on ‘good luck’ won’t be enough. Take these two days to rest and recover. Understood?”

Yin Ci smiled bitterly and nodded in agreement.

Everything went smoothly. Shi Jingzhi voluntarily picked up the Buddhist bead while he was still calculating how to get his hands on it. Later, Matron Wuxue publicly revealed the secret, so he didn’t need to imply anything.

As for the other function of the Buddhist bead, it wouldn’t be long before the Jianchen Temple made it public.

The only drawback was that Shi Jingzhi was sticking around all the time, and Yin Ci couldn’t confirm the identity of the person who had followed them last night.

Yin Ci raised his eyes with interest and observed his master, who was getting ready to go back to sleep.

Shi Jingzhi was by no means a simple “martial arts genius”.

First, there was the smell of blood, and then the golden hairpin. Yin Ci hadn’t experienced this peculiar sense of oppression for a long time. Before he got tired of the new excitement, it would be a bit of a pity if this person died.

“Sect Master Shi?” There was suddenly a knock at the door.

Shi Jingzhi emerged from the bed and put on his Nuo mask. “Yes, who is it?”

“It’s Yan Qing.”

“Please come in. A’Ci, is there any rice cake left? Bring it out for our guest—”

Yan Qing, the blind man, entered the room cautiously. “I’ve come to apologize to both of you.”

“Oh?”

Yan Qing pursed his lips. “That day, I intentionally bumped into Brother Yin… I didn’t want to enter the tomb, so I purposely twisted my ankle. I’m really sorry for causing trouble to both of you.”

“I thought it was something else. I don’t mind at all. A’Ci, look—”

“It’s fine.” Yin Ci shook his head.

Yan Qing visibly breathed a sigh of relief. He seemed determined and took out two strings of money. “Could you help me take a look at Jin Lan’s injury? His status in the sect isn’t high, so he can’t see a good doctor. If Sect Master Shi can cure him, this money might not be enough, but I…”

Shi Jingzhi cleared his throat. “Jin Lan is your friend? He doesn’t seem very nice to you.”

“We’re not friends.” Yan Qing immediately denied. “When I was young, I tried to become a servant in the Taiheng Sect. Jin Lan didn’t mind that I was blind and let me in. Although he has a bit of a temper, his nature isn’t bad, and…”

His expression turned somewhat grim. “Yesterday, when I said I heard strange noises, only he believed me and was willing to report it to Senior Shi. It was me who involved him.”

Shi Jingzhi readily agreed. “I see. This money is enough. After we finish this cake, I’ll go and take a look at him.”

Jin Lan had average talent, but his meridians were intact, which restored a bit of confidence in Shi Jingzhi. In the remaining time, he kept trying different methods to treat Yin Ci’s “heart failure symptoms”.

Two days later, the scheduled meeting day arrived.

The Chigou Sect found a new Buddhist bead, and the others also obtained many treasures. With their wounds and spoils of war, they set off on the road they came from. While the wounded were being transferred, Yin Ci pulled out the short hairpin from his heart and threw it into a stained, discarded cloth.

The meeting point was at a crossroads, and the other group arrived on time as well. Both groups had similar circumstances, with a few casualties but no fundamental damage to their vitality.

Jin Lan whispered, “The Ling Sect hasn’t lost a single person. Yan Budu must have given them a backdoor.”

After receiving treatment, Jin Lan’s relationship with the master and disciple became closer. Yan Qing remained the same, silently following behind.

A monk walked over from the opposite side, opening his palm. “Have any of you seen this item?”

In the palm of his hand lay a Buddhist bead.

“That’s Monk Juehui,” Jin Lan eagerly explained. “The head of the Jianchen Monastery. He’s very powerful.”

Monk Juehui appeared to be around forty years old, with a simple and austere appearance, resembling an oppressed old farmer. He walked unsteadily, but his voice was exceptionally solid. “This Buddhist bead has been infused with our temple’s Nightmare Breaking Technique, but the formation is only one-third complete. I believe that there are three beads in this layer, and only by finding them all can we activate the spell and find a way out.”

Matron Wuxue sneered. “That bastard leader of the Ling Sect is truly something, using the Buddhist beads as a key and not allowing others to possess them… By the way, how did Yan Budu manage to learn the Nightmare Breaking Technique when you guarded it so strictly?”

Monk Juehui didn’t answer. Matron Wuxue snorted coldly and threw the Buddhist bead back. “Forget it. Keep it.”

Monk Juehui joined his hands together, bowed, and then turned to the Taiheng Sect.

The members of the Taiheng Sect looked at each other: “…” Sorry, we really don’t have any.

Shi Jingzhi cleared his throat. “Grandmaster, the third bead is with me.”

With the three beads gathered, Monk Juehui placed them in an iron bowl and struck the edge of the bowl with a copper hammer. An annoying low sound hovered in the air, as if a tongue licked across everyone. The fork in the road slowly separated, revealing a new path.

This new path was adorned with colorful decorations and bustling with activity. Paper figures on the street had their backs turned to the crowd and faced in the same direction. The silence vanished, replaced by the sound of music and the voices of performers.

On the other side, near the tomb entrance, it remained silent without any food or water supply, and there was no sign of reinforcements.

The Nightmare Breaking Technique succeeded, and Monk Juehui returned the Buddhist beads, quietly reciting a Buddhist mantra.

“I will leave some people to deal with the tomb entrance.” Matron Wuxue broke the silence. “Why don’t we maintain our groups and continue forward? Those from Taiheng, are you coming or not?”

Shi Zhongyu nodded calmly.

Shi Jingzhi shook with excitement.

Yin Ci had become accustomed to his master’s frequent excitement. He held onto Shi Jingzhi’s wrist. “Shizun, don’t worry, I’ll go with you.”

“A sudden gust of cold wind blew, and I’m feeling a bit cold,” Shi Jingzhi said stubbornly. “Now that we have the Buddhist beads, we must continue.”

Everyone had similar thoughts. Each sect placed their wounded and spoils of war near the tomb entrance and prepared for battle.

“The Jinyu Group has surveyed the surroundings. The Ghost Tomb is in the shape of an inverted triangle, divided into three layers. This is the first layer, and the space gets smaller as you go deeper. Even if we only have four days of rations left, we can ration it and make it last.”

Jin Lan spoke with a serious expression with his hands behind his back.

“Senior Sister said before that she would only guarantee you the first floor. Now, we have a life-long friendship, so we’ll go through the second layer together.”

Yin Ci wasn’t surprised—though Shi Zhongyu was a bit straightforward, she was rational and wasn’t foolish. Shi Jingzhi had great strength and knew when to advance and retreat, making him an excellent ally. The Kushan Sect wouldn’t refuse the shelter of a major sect, creating a perfect mutually beneficial arrangement.

Looking at it this way, last night’s impressive display of skill might have been part of Shi Jingzhi’s plan. Going deeper into speculation, it was possible that he had already noticed the Threads of Worries, but in order to learn the Green Maiden Sword technique, he only spoke up after entering the shop.

His tremulous master always managed to reveal new surprises.

At that moment, Shi Jingzhi suddenly reached out and grabbed Yin Ci’s hand, saying, “A’Ci, if I really die here, you must witness everything until the end.”

“How could that happen?” Yin Ci smiled. “Didn’t Shizun say that I would survive great calamities and share in our future blessings?”

Shi Jingzhi didn’t respond and kept gazing towards the end of the path.

The melodic singing was mournful and haunting, and the flames illuminated the vibrant silks. The group moved forward with slight sways, carefully avoiding the paper figures. Due to their uniform direction, it was difficult to distinguish between living people and paper figures when viewed from behind.

At the end of the street stood a building. One by one, people entered through its grand gate, as if being swallowed by it.

A plaque hung on the gate with two powerful and vivid characters: “Ascension Hall”, shining like blood.

The author has something to say:

Shi Jingzhi: I’m scared to continue going deeper, but I’ll keep going to survive. (Fragmented thoughts and statements.jpg)

Yin Ci: If we consider that I’ve survived a great calamity, that’ll mean we’ll have so many blessings to enjoy.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

Chapter 11: Gold and Wood

The group took a rest on the first floor and inspected each coffin, only to find piles of ball-shaped human bones stuffed inside. Jin Lan’s face turned pale as gold, and he vomited for a while before recovering.

Jin Lan had an old leg injury, and when stimulated by the Threads of Worries, he walked with a limp. Yan Qing suggested carrying him, but Jin Lan refused.

“This is the servant’s job indeed, but there are hidden dangers in the tomb. You should take care of yourself first.” Jin Lan shook his head. “I can manage on my own.”

Yan Qing responded with a muffled hum and suddenly hitched his breath. “There’s a sound upstairs.”

Yin Ci listened carefully and indeed heard faint scratching sounds, as if someone was scratching the wooden planks with their nails. Shi Jingzhi glanced at the blood essence beads and then discreetly shook them.

“I didn’t take the poison earlier, and I feel fine. I’ll go up and look.” Yin Ci practically wrote “I’m so courageous” all over his face.

Shi Jingzhi: “You didn’t take it?”

Yin Ci looked apologetic. “I was caught off guard by those strange monsters we encountered earlier and didn’t react in time.” If he had taken the poison and then showed no symptoms of poisoning, it would only lead to trouble.

Shi Jingzhi pursed his lips and remained silent for a moment. “I’ll accompany you upstairs. Please take care of things downstairs, Miss Shi.”

Yin Ci looked at him, somewhat surprised.

Upstairs was quite empty, with a beautifully crafted red coffin lying in the center of the room. The stench grew stronger, and there was a strange sweetness mixed in.

Yin Ci recognized this sweet stench—it was the Qinyuan Poison hidden inside the coffin.

This design was particularly ruthless. The scent of Qinyuan Poison was faint and easily masked by the putrid smell of corpses, making it difficult to detect. To deal with the Threads of Worries, experts like Shi Zhongyu would consume poison to protect themselves. Even if they took the antidote, the effects of the poison wouldn’t immediately disappear. If they were then exposed to a potent dose, not even the gods could save them.

Qinyuan Poison was extremely rare, and Yin Ci had only managed to obtain a small vial of it. Even with Shi Jingzhi’s heightened senses, it would be impossible for him to identify an unfamiliar toxin.

If he fell victim to it, his Xiao Shizun would undoubtedly die.

Shi Jingzhi seemed to also realize the danger, coughing lightly. “In such situations, there are usually mechanisms inside the coffin lid, commonly using poison and curses. This coffin looks unusual, so we should…”

Yin Ci turned his back to him, pretending to be impatient. “I’ve already opened many coffins downstairs, so I’m quite skilled at it.”

Before Shi Jingzhi could say anything else, Yin Ci took a few steps forward and lifted the coffin lid.

With a crisp sound, a thin, transparent barrier rose around the coffin. Shi Jingzhi wanted to chase after Yin Ci but ended up colliding heavily with the barrier, emitting a muffled sound.

Yin Ci acted as if he didn’t hear anything. He moved the coffin lid aside and was indeed sprayed in the face with Qinyuan poison powder.

It didn’t disappoint as the world’s most potent poison, with a stimulating flavor that even had a slight intoxicating effect. Yin Ci smacked his lips and pressed down on something inside the coffin.

The figure inside the coffin was dressed in fine silk, with beautiful and radiant eyes, portraying the appearance of a young girl. However, as the former leader of the Chigou Sect, Yin Ci recognized its true nature with just one glance—

A finely crafted corpse puppet.

It wasn’t a monster, but a creation made from fresh corpses with a lifelike texture resembling a living person, often accompanied by an enchantment. Yin Ci swiftly and precisely immobilized its core mechanism with his hands. It couldn’t move even a fraction, only able to assume a tearful expression that tugged at one’s heartstrings.

Demonic Lord Yin’s heart remained as hard as iron with unwavering eyes.

Not to mention letting go; even if he eased up a bit, this thing could spring up and tear him apart. Although Yin Ci himself didn’t mind, there was still Shi Jingzhi observing behind him, and witnessing shredded flesh turning into a living person would be too stimulating.

Seeing Yin Ci’s lack of reaction, the enchantment activated once again. The corpse puppet instantly transformed into a handsome man, wearing a vulnerable expression.

Yin Ci: “…?” This craftsman had considered everything.

Unfortunately, his appearance wasn’t as good as his cheap master’s. Yin Ci remained unmoved, continuing to exert force. The corpse puppet struggled in vain, changing its face once again.

Yin Ci was very familiar with that face.

The enchantment directly affected the mind, transforming into Yin Ci’s true appearance inside his mind—a person in the coffin with long ink-black hair, pale complexion, intense chest movements, and a pained and desperate expression. It looked up with a pleading gaze, evoking a strange sense of fragmentation.

Yin Ci smiled instead, moving his lips silently as he spoke to the corpse puppet.

“This is truly a wish come true.”

Having said that, Yin Ci increased the pressure once again. He exerted so much force that the bones in his hand emitted a sound of strain, and the core mechanism even developed a crack in his grip.

The illusion suddenly dissipated, revealing the true form of the corpse puppet. A female corpse lay quietly in the coffin with eyes tightly closed. Her nose was almost completely decayed, and her face corroded by a venereal disease, resembling a demonic creature.

Yin Ci coldly released his grip, and his injured bones almost instantly returned to their original state. He didn’t turn around but continued to lean against the coffin, taking out a hairpin from the female corpse.

Carefully, he pushed aside his outer garment and pierced his chest, inserting the hairpin directly into his heart. His wounds healed quickly, but the foreign object wasn’t so easily removed. His heart struggled to beat, and despite wearing the ghostskin robe, Yin Ci’s face remained deathly pale.

After making the preparations, Yin Ci finally spat out a mouthful of blood, thoroughly concealing the bloodstains on his chest.

He didn’t move, lying motionless with his back to Shi Jingzhi. From Shi Jingzhi’s perspective, Yin Ci had merely moved away from the coffin, stood still for a moment, and then collapsed weakly.

At that moment, the sound of the barrier shattering finally resounded.

Accompanied by the flag ignited with golden flames, Shi Jingzhi rushed forward, gasping for breath. The barrier was incredibly strong, evidently requiring a great deal of his strength.

Upon seeing Yin Ci, who was covered in blood, Shi Jingzhi’s eyes flickered with displeasure.

“Don’t touch the coffin. It’s poisonous,” Yin Ci said weakly while supporting himself on Shi Jingzhi’s shoulder.

“No kidding. I just said that earlier!”

Shi Jingzhi grabbed Yin Ci’s wrist and clenched his teeth as he examined his pulse. “Signs of heart failure… Damn it, didn’t I tell you to wait a moment?”

“The Taiheng Sect has its own big plans, but there are only two of us. If there really are treasures here, I’m afraid they…”

“The Taiheng Sect is not a bandit gang.” Shi Jingzhi’s face hardened as he rummaged through the medicine box and produced a glass bottle. “Drink it quickly! If you had taken poison earlier, you might not even be alive now.”

Shi Jingzhi gently placed Yin Ci down and then hurriedly prepared the medicine. Yin Ci obediently swallowed the medicine with a face filled with an expression of “I’m really sorry. I messed up.”

Shi Jingzhi clenched and loosened his fist, ultimately refraining from beating up the patient.

‘How interesting,’ Yin Ci thought, ignoring the intense pain in his chest. He found this quite intriguing. That anger didn’t seem feigned; Shi Jingzhi was genuinely angry. It seemed that this person’s “utilization” of himself wasn’t limited to mere appearances.

Could it be that Shi Jingzhi truly considered him his disciple? That would be too ridiculous.

The noise from the shattering barrier was significant, and the four people downstairs arrived late. Upon seeing the scene before them, Shi Zhongyu was slightly startled and then sighed. “Sect Master Shi.”

“No need to be polite. I picked up this disciple from the mountains, and his mind is still filled with dirt.” Shi Jingzhi’s face grew serious, and his tone sank like water. “There’s poison in the coffin, and the thing inside seems to be a corpse puppet. Please, Miss Shi, examine it.”

Shi Zhongyu made her sword bloom* from a distance, causing the coffin to instantly shatter, and the wooden boards fell in all directions. Jewels and treasures scattered all over the ground, but no one bothered to pick them up.

*Sword flower. It’s a sword technique where you spin the sword so fast that it looks as if it’s a flower.

“It is indeed a corpse puppet. Its core mechanism seems to have malfunctioned. Your disciple is quite lucky.” The core mechanism was incredibly sturdy and almost impossible to destroy with bare hands. Shi Zhongyu momentarily had no doubts about it.

“He was poisoned in a peculiar manner. It’s the first time I’ve seen this kind of heart failure symptom. However, the situation has stabilized.” Shi Jingzhi fed Yin Ci some more medicine and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“There’s something off about the sound.” Yan Qing suddenly spoke up, pointing to the corpse puppet. “There’s a sound of friction and movement inside.”

Shi Jingzhi and Shi Zhongyu exchanged glances, and the latter covered her hands with silk as she carefully dismantled the corpse puppet.

Shi Zhongyu opened the eyelids of the corpse puppet and found two hollow wax eyes. She then pulled Yan Qing over and had him listen closely, before extracting a black short sword from the spine of the corpse.

While pretending to be uninterested, Yin Ci cast a sideways glance.

Shi Zhongyu opened the wax pellets, and two round beads rolled out. The left eye shimmered with a dazzling golden light, while the right eye was dull gray with a texture like wood.

“Let me see… one golden bead, one wooden Buddhist bead, the Hanging Shadow Sword, several precious gemstones.”

Shen Zhu chewed on the tip of her pen. “How do you two masters plan to divide them?”

Shi Zhongyu let out a sigh of relief. “The Kushan Sect has saved my life. Sect Master Shi, please choose first.”

Yin Ci’s gaze circled around the wooden Buddhist bead and then turned to Shi Jingzhi. After a moment of contemplation, Shi Jingzhi answered decisively, “I want the wooden Buddhist bead and the Hanging Shadow Sword.”

Shen Zhu raised an eyebrow. “Really? Knowing Yan Budu’s nature, he might have purposely given us a worthless Buddhist bead. And although the Hanging Shadow Sword was crafted by a renowned master, it is more of a collectible than a divine weapon. The combined value of the two is still inferior to a single fragment of the unchanging gold.”

“It can be considered a gesture of gratitude for saving my life, since I have already learned some martial arts from Miss Shi. There’s no need to mention it again.”

Shi Jingzhi stuffed another pill into Yin Ci’s mouth, signaling him to remain quiet.

“The unchanging gold can forge divine weapons, making it invaluable. But for our small sect, even possessing a decent weapon is difficult, let alone affording to forge with the unchanging gold.”

Yin Ci looked approvingly.

Although the unchanging gold could fetch a high price, its value was limited to them. It would be better to take advantage of the situation and transfer it to the Taiheng Sect, earning some good favors.

Taking the worthless Hanging Shadow Sword and an uncertain Buddhist bead seemed just right. Shi Zhongyu would find it difficult to oppose this decision.

…Moreover, it appeared that only this Buddhist bead was related to the Shirou. Shi Jingzhi was usually chaotic, but he was surprisingly calm in critical moments.

Indeed, Shi Zhongyu nodded with a trace of admiration on her face. “Thank you, Sect Master Shi. It would be best if you also take some lightweight jewelry for easier travel after leaving the tomb.”

Shi Jingzhi nodded. Yin Ci was still lying on the ground, and he had no intention of moving far away. He simply kept an eye on him at his feet.

In the light, a short hairpin sparkled with a golden glow. Its design was almost identical to the one in Yin Ci’s heart. Shi Jingzhi’s gaze focused, and he picked it up. He played with the hairpin distractedly, lost in thought.

“That’s it,” Shi Jingzhi said absentmindedly after a while.

He then sat down beside Yin Ci, tucking the hairpin into his pocket. “A’Ci, if something like today happens again, I will expel you from the sect. Considering it’s your first offense, I will only cut your monthly allowance in half for six months.”

Yin Ci: “……” My friend, it seems like you can live for one year at most.

After Shi Jingzhi finished speaking, he placed the short sword next to Yin Ci. “As for this… You have become my disciple, and I haven’t given you a proper gift yet. Since you like swords, take it.”

Yin Ci weakly smiled. “Shizun, you’re giving me both the carrot and the stick together?”

“It’s all because you have great fortune. Since you have survived a great disaster, we can share the good fortune together.”

Shi Jingzhi forced a smile. “… After all, considering your heart failure, you should have died a long time ago.”

The author has something to say:

Corpse Puppet: You see, you’re going to die, you’re going to die, and this is your face when you die!

Yin Ci: ? Such a good thing exist?

Shi Jingzhi: …Salary cut. 50% salary cut!

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

Chapter 10: Threads of Worries

Before Shen Zhu arrived, her voice preceded her. “In principle, one disciple from the Yueshui Pavilion should accompany ten people. Since there are only five of you, I alone will be enough. Having more will only add to the confusion.”

Jin Lan exclaimed in surprise, “When did you arrive?”

“From the time when Sect Master Shi started bouncing around.” Shen Zhu smiled brightly.

She didn’t embarrass Shi Jingzhi further and continued, “I recognize this technique. It’s called ‘sticky shadow’, a guiding technique. However, creating an image for guidance is too extravagant and not intuitive enough. As a result, it has been lost for a long time. I didn’t expect to see it here… Sect Master Shi, please step back ten paces. Don’t worry. It’s just a phantom image, and it can’t harm anyone.”

Shi Jingzhi obediently took ten steps back. The phantom initially followed suit but stopped halfway, no longer following him.

“This is the effect of going the wrong way. Sect Master Shi, please move forward twenty steps and head towards the fork in the road.”

Shi Jingzhi complied, and the phantom walked ahead of him, choosing a path at the fork.

Shen Zhu: “You see, this is how it leads.”

Jin Lan: “…It’s really troublesome. No wonder the technique has been lost. Isn’t a compass good enough? Who has nothing better to do than create something like this?”

Yin Ci calmly remarked, “Perhaps a hermit?”

Yan Qing remained silent for a moment and reluctantly asked, “Can I not go? I don’t want the treasure.”

“No.” Shi Zhongyu shook her head. “Just now, you were the first to notice the footsteps, and I need your ears. When we return to the sect, I will report this matter to the sect leader and request recognition for your contribution.”

Yan Qing reluctantly agreed, and Yin Ci glanced at him a few times.

With a single collision, he knew that this blind man had mediocre martial arts skills, even inferior to Jin Lan’s. And those who could see the sticky shadow technique also had mediocre martial arts skills. Explaining it solely based on their keen ears wouldn’t hold up.

Could it be that the technique had other selection criteria?

Coming to explore the Ghost Tomb was indeed the right decision. Interesting events were truly unfolding one after another.

Yin Ci smiled and poked the blind man. “Brother Yan, you have Senior Sister Shi protecting you, but I can only follow my Shizun. Look, I dare to go, seeking fortune in dangerous situations.”

Shi Jingzhi: “…Good disciple, there’s no need to be so frank.”

Jin Lan was trembling like a sieve but didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of his Senior Sister. So, the three members of the Taiheng Sect, the two members of the Kushan Sect, and Shen Zhu, forming a group of six, set off discreetly.

Shi Zhongyu consciously took on the role of team leader. “We are few in number, so our focus is on exploration. If conflicts arise, don’t get entangled.”

Yin Ci wasn’t surprised. Shi Zhongyu was the senior disciple of the Taiheng Sect, well-known and highly regarded in the martial world. In terms of overall strength, Shi Jingzhi was no match for her.

The faceless monk quietly moved forward, leading them away from the brothel and into the narrow alleyways. Unfortunately, even with their caution, Yin Ci still noticed a trailing presence.

An aura followed closely behind, neither too near nor too far, accompanying them all the way to their destination—

The faceless monk stopped in front of a coffin shop. It turned around, clasped its hands together, and dissipated like thin smoke. The shop had two levels, a typical and inconspicuous establishment within the dim alley.

Shi Zhongyu rolled up her sleeves, making sure the others could see the blood essence bead bracelet. The beads were pure white like snow before but had turned dark red as if they were dripping with blood.

She brandished her sword and said, “There are monsters nearby, so be cautious.”

The other five instantly took cover behind her, forming a neat and orderly line, resembling a row of chickens.

Old Hen Shi Zhongyu: “……”

She pricked her finger and smeared a few drops of blood on a pebble before flicking it towards the shop’s entrance. The pebbles fell silently, without making any noise. Shi Zhongyu looked at Yan Qing, who shook his head.

“It seems that the monsters are not the type to attack proactively,” she sighed.

Shi Zhongyu put away the blood essence beads bracelet, held a sword in her right hand, and switched to a bronze dagger in her left hand. When she stepped into the coffin shop, her white clothes cast a pale-yellow hue, but her fierce aura remained undiminished.

The “chickens” followed behind her quietly, maintaining a distance of about five steps.

Inside the coffin shop, there was nothing particularly special. The shopkeeper, made of paper, was leisurely reading a book. There were no customers, and only lacquered coffins lined up. The air carried a faint smell of blood, and the blood essence beads grew increasingly red, on the verge of turning pitch black.

Suddenly, Shi Jingzhi stopped in his tracks. Despite wearing the Nuo mask, his demeanor and aura were completely different from before, even causing Shi Zhongyu to give a sideways glance.

“Nobody move.” His tone lacked the previous ease. “Miss Shi, the monster is the ‘Three Thousand Threads of Worries’.”

Shi Zhongyu immediately became serious. She tossed the bronze dagger to Jin Lan and said, “Cut a circle around our feet and quickly go back to report!”

Shi Jingzhi shook his head. “It’s too late. This group is quite numerous, and I’m afraid we’ve already fallen into their trap outside the shop.”

Jin Lan and Yan Qing were bewildered by their cryptic conversation and looked at the empty coffin shop, expressing their confusion. Yin Ci lowered his head, hiding his face in the shadows, remaining silent.

“‘Threads of Worries’ is a type… Well, whether it’s an insect or a vine, there’s no definitive conclusion. In any case, it’s a kind of creature that is as thin as spider silk, weightless, and invisible to the naked eye. When they gather in the thousands, they form the ‘Three Thousand Threads of Worries’.”

Shen Zhu explained smoothly, still composed. “They start climbing up from the feet. When they pass the waist and abdomen, it causes a slight itch, and it only becomes noticeably uncomfortable after they reach the neck. Unfortunately, by the time that happens… Well, we’ve only just entered, so there must be a solution.”

Jin Lan and Yan Qing were only in their twenties, and this change of topic frightened them. “You mentioned it, but what happens when they reach that point…?”

‘The Threads of Worries would knead a person into a half-dead lump of flesh, feeding on them with tomb-dwelling insects and rodents, slowly devouring them,’ Yin Ci added in his mind.

Actually, there was no problem if it directly ate insects and rodents. Yin Ci had seen the Threads of Worries mold live rats into lumps of meat. It was just that human bodies were larger and possessed more vitality, making them particularly appetizing.

The group of Threads of Worries was so numerous that their appetite seemed insatiable. No wonder Yan Budu kept them in the coffin shop, where the coffins were undoubtedly filled with “feed”.

Ever since becoming immortal, Yin Ci gradually gained the ability to see various invisible creatures. At this moment, countless fine threads flowed before him like a stream. Flowing down from the second floor, they climbed the walls and covered the coffins, forming a large puddle outside the shop. The items in the room were covered in silver-white threads, as if struck by a snowstorm.

Silently, they bypassed his feet, whether out of fear or disdain, refusing to touch him even slightly.

Yin Ci glanced at the other five. The Threads of Worries had climbed on the ankles of the three from Taiheng Sect and Shen Zhu. On the other hand, the Threads of Worries had already reached Shi Jingzhi’s knees, as if he had donned a pair of white fur leg guards.

Yin Ci: “…” Why? Have they identified him as tender and tasty with delicate skin?

But that didn’t stop him from continuing to watch the spectacle. After all, he was just a “weak mountain dweller”. When the situation became critical, he would find a way to help Shi Jingzhi.

Shi Zhongyu reacted quickly. She drew a blood circle in her palm, splattering blood around her. Taking advantage of the distraction caused by the Threads of Worries, she took out several pills and threw them to the others.

“These are poison pills. Take them quickly,” Shi Zhongyu whispered, then threw five white pills. “The white ones are antidotes. Take them after escaping.”

Shen Zhu gulped down the poison pills. “Not bad, not bad. Mixing poison in the blood slows down the erosion speed of these things… Sect Master Shi, you seem to be quite familiar with Threads of Worries. Have you dealt with this thing before?”

“I’ve read about it in books. It can be resolved by setting fire to burn it.”

Everyone fell into silence—this was a street full of paper figures. Even touching a paper figure required first chilling oneself. If they were to set fire on the spot, all the firefly spiders within a radius of two li would come rushing for the feast.

Shi Jingzhi seemed to have thought of something and became playful again. “Yan Budu is quite interesting, using a monk to lead us to slay the Three Thousand Threads of Worries. Is he trying to get us all to become monks?”

Yin Ci: “… Shizun, please be quiet. If we don’t escape soon, we’ll have a collective funeral.”

Shi Zhongyu had no interest in listening to Shi Jingzhi’s nonsense. A faint green light flashed on her sword, emanating a subtle heat. Yin Ci watched as her sword danced like the wind, cutting through all the surrounding Threads of Worries.

Shi Zhongyu used the Green Maiden Sword technique that embodied yin and yang. Her sword emitted a green shade of yin fire. The sect leader of Taiheng Sect specifically chose her to lead the team, most likely because of this skill.

Shi Jingzhi fell silent and stared at her swordsmanship without blinking.

Yin fire belonged to yin and was highly effective against living creatures but less effective against evil beings. Shi Zhongyu had taken the poison and was specifically targeted by the Threads of Worries, causing her complexion to gradually turn pale.

Meanwhile, Jin Lan used the bronze dagger to make random slashes beneath everyone’s feet, attempting to lead them on an escape. However, before they even reached the door, their feet felt as if stuck in a quagmire, firmly entangled by the Threads of Worries.

Seeing the dire situation, Shi Zhongyu decided to abandon defense and instead clear the path for the other five.

Jin Lan’s eyes instantly turned red. “Senior Sister…”

Unexpectedly, just as the Green Maiden Sword technique was swung halfway, a flagpole appeared out of nowhere. Shi Jingzhi’s voice carried a smile. “Miss Shi, life is precious. Don’t always think about sacrificing yourself heroically.”

The words “Medicine Cures Illness” appeared on the flag, and a layer of golden fire emerged. The golden fire was dazzling and radiant, yet the flag itself remained unscathed.

“I have no intention of stealing the skills of my peers. It’s just an urgent situation, so please bear with me. Thank you for your guidance.”

Shi Zhongyu: “…You’re welcome?”

Shi Jingzhi received the affirmation and then inverted the flag with his hand… and began sweeping the ground with it.

He did something to the Green Maiden Sword technique, transforming the yin fire into yang fire. The yang fire adhered closely to the flag, never dispersing. The flag was much broader than the sword’s blade, resulting in an excellent effect. The Threads of Worries immediately lost interest and scattered, fleeing in all directions.

Shi Zhongyu stood bewildered in place, only turning her head after a while and speaking to Jin Lan. “Remember to bring a dust cloth next time we exorcize demons.”

After saying that, she fell into deeper perplexity—converting vitality into fire and using fire to cover objects was her unique skill. How could it be so easily learned?

Yin Ci watched with amusement as the Threads of Worries formed a heap, trembling and squeezing into the corner, resembling a pile of snow that had been swept up.

…It seemed that this time, he didn’t need to intervene.

While Shi Jingzhi was busy sweeping the shop, the others simply sat on the ground and consumed the antidote. Jin Lan and Yan Qing had the weakest martial arts foundation and were still affected by the Threads of Worries, making it difficult for them to walk for a while.

By the time Shi Jingzhi finished cleaning, the large mass of Threads of Worries had already crawled out of the coffin shop, rolling away in sadness.

Shi Zhongyu’s blood essence beads had turned white again, but the awkward atmosphere remained unchanged. Shen Zhu said she wanted to take samples and make records, then disappeared to an unknown location. With one person missing, the atmosphere became somewhat colder.

Jin Lan attempted to liven up the mood. “Thanks to Senior Sister and Sect Master Shi, we managed to drive away the monster with great difficulty. Now we can freely search. With so many coffins in the shop, there must be a lot of treasures hidden.”

“Jin Lan, be cautious with your words.” Shi Zhongyu finally snapped out of her thoughts. “The absence of monsters doesn’t mean there are no trap mechanisms.”

Meanwhile, Shi Jingzhi put away the flag and opened his medicine box. “The poison and monster’s attack surely depleted our vitality. Come, everyone, take some medicine.”

Having witnessed Shi Jingzhi’s strength, Shi Zhongyu spoke with a hint of respect. “May I ask, Sect Master Shi, what is this?”

Shi Jingzhi replied, “It’s a specialty of the Kushan Sect called the Power Pill.”

Shi Zhongyu: “…”

Shi Zhongyu sighed and patted her own face, regaining some composure. “Thank you, Sect Master Shi, for your assistance just now…”

“It’s a family imitation technique that’s difficult to explain. It worked out by chance. Don’t dwell on it, Miss Shi.” Shi Jingzhi stood up. “You all go ahead and take the medicine! I’ll go out and investigate. The Threads of Worries might still be around.”

Yin Ci chewed on the pill and looked meaningfully towards the main entrance.

Outside the coffin shop.

[Apologies, I haven’t found the right opportunity since I received the demon sparrow’s message.] Shen Zhu put on a more serious expression and communicated through lip-reading. [Yin Ci indeed has a grandfather who was well-read, and his father sold fur in town for a while. However, I haven’t found much information about Yin Ci himself.]

Shi Jingzhi gazed quietly at her.

Shen Zhu frowned. [It’s not surprising there is little record since Yin Ci’s family lives deep in the mountains. It’s not a flaw but…]

[You’ve done well.]

Shi Jingzhi replied in the same manner.

[Rest assured. I have my own measures.]

The author has something to say:

Demonic Lord Yin: Enjoyed the show, though it’s not convenient to applaud.

Master Shi, the real sweeping monk. (×

Kinky Thoughts:

In terms of whether something is a demon or monster, I’ve decided to translate it within context and what just flows better. Generally, there is a difference though. The Threads of Worries are a type of [yao] (妖) which could be considered a monster or demon. Different from “devils/fiends” [mo] (魔) which could also be considered demons as well.

The difference lies in that [yao] generally isn’t inherently evil, while when westerners think of “demon” it’s always within an evil context. Likewise, [mo] are demons that are inherently evil.

This nice glossary breaks it down in more detail.

On another note, in terms of cultivation, yin and yang represent the duality of the universe and are opposite forces.

Yin is commonly associated with feminine energy (cold, darkness, ice), while Yang is commonly associated with masculine energy (light, fire, heat).

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

Chapter 9: The Faceless Monk

The pill in Yin Ci’s throat was incredibly spicy, and it dissolved rapidly. He bent over, coughing violently. The fiery sensation coursed through his throat, spreading heat throughout his body. Sweat instantly broke out on his back.

“You’re alive, you’re alive,” Shi Jingzhi exclaimed with lingering fear. “A’Ci, you almost scared me to death. I thought you couldn’t handle the cold. Here, take two more!”

Yin Ci pushed away Shi Jingzhi’s hands and said softly, “Thank you, Shizun. One is enough for me.”

Seeing his disciple’s sarcastic spirit returning, Shi Jingzhi shifted his attention back to the paper figures—the three attendants who had transformed into paper figures perfectly fit in with their surroundings, resembling new additions to the brothel.

Matron Wuxue took out a long needle and prodded and stirred the paper figures. When she withdrew the needle, it shone with a bright blue light, with some clumps of silvery thread sticking to it.

Matron Wuxue sighed and said, “This creature is called a firefly spider. Its eggs are like cotton fibers, dispersing upon encountering warmth. The eggs hatch inside a living organism, consuming all the flesh and bones. They then use the web to form a living outer shell, luring other prey to touch it… This is an extremely rare monster, but Yan Budu actually used it to create these ‘paper figures’.”

With these words, even the slowest among them understood—the seemingly joyful male and female paper figures surrounding them weren’t the work of skilled craftsmen but were originally living beings transformed into paper.

“Matron, is there any way to deal with these paper figures?” The leader of the Changle Sect wiped his sweat and asked.

“Don’t touch them, and don’t knock them over. Just use external objects to move them aside.” Matron Wuxue waved her cane again. “Now disperse and quickly choose rooms to clean. It’s getting dark, so stay inside your rooms.”

As soon as he heard that it was getting dark, the pale-faced leader of the Changle Sect said, “Matron, this…”

Matron Wuxue ignored him and turned to leave.

“We of the Divine Chigou Sect didn’t come to be servants.” One of the disciples sneered. “At night in a big tomb, who knows what might come out. If you’re really afraid, why not go seek help from those noble orthodox sects over there? They love being taken advantage of.”

The accommodating Taiheng Sect had taken charge of the main hall for tea gatherings. They moved the paper figures to a corner, shielding them with screens, and thirty people slept on the floor together. The Chigou Sect, on the other hand, seized the best rooms, sprinkled medicinal powder outside the rooms, and set up a pile of peculiar and strange objects before tightly closing the doors, out of sight.

The rest could only choose rooms nearby. Shi Jingzhi, quick-witted, managed to grab the room closest to the Taiheng Sect.

“Aren’t you going to sleep on the floor with the Taiheng Sect?” Yin Ci asked curiously.

“The big window outside faces directly into the courtyard, and the courtyard is filled with… cough.” Shi Jingzhi’s face turned pale as he pushed the door open. “Look, the Chigou Sect has entered their room. Having a door is definitely better than not having one.”

The door creaked open, revealing an interior bathed in flickering firelight, with an even stronger scent of cosmetics. Amidst the vibrant silken curtains, two paper figures with disheveled hair were intertwined in a passionate embrace.

Shi Jingzhi was horrified by the eerie scene in the underworld, causing his hair to stand on end. He slowly stepped back and closed the door.

“Yan Budu must be crazy.” He gritted his teeth. “Let’s go, A’Ci. We’ll sleep on the floor.”

Yin Ci chuckled and glanced at him. He snatched the flag, and entered the room again. He used the flagpole to push the paper figure under the bed, then unfolded the bedding and spread out the mandarin ducks playing in the water blanket.

Finally, he pulled out the face of a filial disciple. “Shizun, please.”

Two paper figures nestled under the bed, with a white paper arm slanting out. Shi Jingzhi almost trembled in fear, barely holding back his trembling figure. “Maybe not.”

Yin Ci threw the flagpole back with an innocent look on his face. “Shizun, you’re capable of killing people, yet you fear dead bodies?”

“Listen carefully; blood and vengeful spirits are two different things. I don’t fear blood, only ghosts.” Shi Jingzhi gripped the flagpole with two fingers and had a look of painful reluctance, as if saying, “I don’t want this flag anymore.”

Yin Ci barely suppressed a laugh as he tucked the arm back under the bed. He lay down on the bed first and said, “Don’t be afraid. Let me suppress the yin qi.”

After all, he was a three-hundred-year-old undead. Even if there were vengeful spirits in this tomb, they would have to address him as Senior.

Unfortunately, Shi Jingzhi was completely unaware of this. Seeing his disciple so enthusiastic, he had no choice but to feign calmness and climb onto the bed in unison. With a veil separating them, he looked around and felt as if he were in Qizhou, thinking it was all just a nightmare.

However, the irritating silence reminded him time and time again that he was still immersed in this nightmare.

Shi Jingzhi wished he could bury his head in the covers, but he was afraid of embarrassing himself in front of his disciple. So he kept his body stiff, looking more like a dead person than an actual dead person.

“A’Ci…”

Yin Ci interrupted him. “This won’t do. How about Shizun sleeps first, and I’ll keep watch for the first half of the night. We can switch off in the second half.”

“We’re on the same page.” Shi Jingzhi pulled the blanket and bravely added, “If anything happens, wake me up immediately.”

Though he said that, Shi Jingzhi couldn’t immediately fall asleep. He gradually relaxed his limbs and suddenly laughed lightly.

Yin Ci’s heart shook—could it be that he had pushed Shi Jingzhi too far and scared him mad?

“It’s nice to have a disciple.” Shi Jingzhi’s voice sounded tired. “They say that being a teacher is like being a father for life*. The ancients have not deceived me. We’ve only known each other for a few days, and yet you’re willing to follow me even to a place like this.”

*Saying that conveys the idea that the role of a teacher is akin to a parent or father figure, emphasizing the long-lasting impact and responsibility that a teacher holds over their students.

Yin Ci couldn’t quite figure out if Shi Jingzhi was moved by his son’s filial piety or lamenting his disciple’s naivety.

He felt like he should say something, but it seemed a bit too late to broaden his horizons now. Any normal person wouldn’t willingly open their eyes to such twisted perspectives.

So he spoke sincerely. “I’ve said it before. I have nowhere else to go.”

“I was the same before,” Shi Jingzhi muttered, “but now it’s different… Now we have the Kushan Sect.”

The second half of his sentence was unclear, and when Yin Ci looked again, Shi Jingzhi had already fallen asleep. Yin Ci reached out and ran his fingertips over the features of the paper mask. The mask was roughly made, with unfinished wooden thorns on the edges.

Taking on a human face, concealing a divine one*.

*Author is referencing (摘下面具是人，戴上面具是神). It refers to the act of removing one’s mask, which represents revealing one’s true human identity and authenticity. It implies being genuine, sincere, and true to oneself. On the other hand, putting on a mask represents assuming a different persona or adopting a role, symbolizing the ability to transcend one’s own limitations and embody something greater or divine.

Perhaps the distorted features of this Nuo mask were too distorted, and the association with gods and ghosts had caused him to have some illusions—Shi Jingzhi’s despair in the first half of the sentence was comparable to his own.

Forget it, too many thoughts about gods and ghosts. Yin Ci flipped out Shi Jingzhi’s white cloth and unethically covered it over the Nuo mask.

Before he could adjust the cloth, the sound of footsteps came from outside.

The rustling was light and even, gradually approaching. It sounded like the footsteps of straw sandals on the ground. However, there were over a hundred people on their side, and none of them wore straw sandals.

Yin Ci’s spirit shook, shaking Shi Jingzhi vigorously. “Shizun, something you sensed is here.”

Shi Jingzhi stiffened at the words, covered his head with the blanket, and slowly curled up into a ball. Yin Ci heartlessly lifted the blanket, trying to act nervous. “Listen, is that the sound of footsteps outside?”

Shi Jingzhi, with keen hearing, replied, “Yes, definitely.”

The master and disciple held their breath and listened carefully. The sound of straw sandals stopped briefly at their door and then continued walking away.

“Maybe someone from the Taiheng Sect got up to relieve themselves,” Shi Jingzhi whispered.

Yin Ci: “They specifically went to the outhouse? In this ghostly place?”

Shi Jingzhi: “……” Well, according to Yan Budu’s madness, there would most likely be paper figures in the restroom.

Before they could finish their conversation, the sound of rustling straw sandals echoed once again. This time, it returned and stopped at their door. Whether it was an illusion or not, the paper figures under the bed seemed to move a few times. Now, Shi Jingzhi pulled Yin Ci towards him and shrank into a corner.

Wrapped in a quilt, the two of them looked like a newlywed couple being raided by bandits on their wedding night.

Yin Ci struggled to push aside the blanket. “Let me go and take a look. There is a lot of killing and heavy negative energy in our mountain village. Maybe I can suppress it.”

Yin Ci didn’t believe in ghosts—in his hundreds of years of existence, he had traveled far and wide. He hadn’t seen vengeful spirits, but he had encountered many people pretending to be gods and ghosts. Now that he had witnessed this new phenomenon in the tomb, his long-lost curiosity had been piqued.

But as soon as he stood up, the sound of the straw sandals moved farther away. The person seemed to be pacing back and forth in the corridor, occasionally stopping. Strangely, whether it was the small sects around or the Taiheng Sect sleeping in the hall, it seemed that not many people had noticed this anomaly.

Yin Ci opened the door, causing the wooden door to creak sharply. He looked to the left first and noticed three more people at the end of the corridor.

Shi Zhongyu stood in the front with her sword drawn. Jin Lan and the blind Yan Qing followed behind her with pale faces. Before Yin Ci could speak, Shi Zhongyu spoke first. “Can you hear it too?”

Yin Ci: “Shizun heard clear footsteps, but I could only hear a little.”

When Shi Jingzhi saw Yin Ci and the mysterious figure talking, he finally gathered up the courage to approach them.

Shi Zhongyu bowed her head respectfully, stretched out her hand, and pointed. “Can you see it?”

Yin Ci followed her fingers and looked to the right.

A monk stood at the end of the corridor, holding a crudely made bark lamp. He was over eight feet tall, wearing straw-soled monk shoes and a tattered robe. His face had no facial features, as if there was a boiled egg on top of his shoulders.

The monk stopped moving and turned his blank face towards them, as if observing them.

Shi Jingzhi’s confusion overcame his fear. “Why is there a monk in a brothel? This isn’t right.”

The three members of the Taiheng Sect: “……”

Yin Ci admired his master’s ability to focus on the important points.

Fortunately, there was someone more frightened than Shi Jingzhi. Jin Lan trembled for a while and struggled to explain, “Yan Qing has keen ears and claims to have heard strange sounds. I couldn’t hear anything, so I went to find Elder Sister… and it turns out she can hear it too.”

After speaking, he pointed shakily across the corridor. “Senior Sister* and Sect Master Shi both say there’s a monk there, but I can’t see anything…”

*[Shijie] (师姐) Term used specifically use to address an older/higher rank female member of one’s sect. Lit. Senior Martial Sister/Teacher Elder Sister.

Yin Ci took the opportunity to lie. “I can only see a faint shadow… Judging by everyone’s reactions, most people probably can’t see it.”

Shi Jingzhi glanced at his disciple and sighed softly. He took two steps forward, holding a flag, and saluted the faceless monk. “Master, the sea of Buddhism is boundless, and you will see the shore when you look back.*”

*It’s a saying in Buddhism that conveys the idea that the teachings and wisdom of Buddhism are vast and limitless, and the path to enlightenment lies in realizing that one’s true nature is already within oneself. By “turning back,” it refers to the act of looking inward and realizing one’s inherent Buddha nature. In other words, one can find enlightenment by seeking within oneself rather than searching externally. It encourages practitioners to understand that the ultimate goal is already present and can be realized through self-awareness and self-discovery. 

Yin Ci once again admired him in earnest—what on earth was he saying? If that were a real monk, even refraining from violence would be a display of self-control.

The faceless monk either didn’t understand or didn’t hear, as it didn’t react aggressively. But when Shi Jingzhi took two steps forward, it took two steps back, maintaining a fixed distance.

Shi Jingzhi found the monk’s retreat strange, and his scalp tingled, so he took two steps back. Little did he expect the faceless monk to make the same move, advancing two steps towards him.

Shi Jingzhi: “…”

He jumped up and down on the spot, moving back and forth and left and right, but the monk mirrored his every move perfectly, as if it were a reflection in a mirror, and their distance remained the same.

The onlookers watched the two of them engage in this bizarre dance, and the atmosphere of terror dissipated. Shi Zhongyu cleared her throat and said, “Sect Master Shi, stop. Just stop for a moment.”

Only then did Shi Jingzhi stop, gasping for breath and spitting out a mouthful of blood, whether from exhaustion or fright. The blind Yan Qing looked bewildered, while Yin Ci struggled to suppress his laughter.

Only Jin Lan nervously asked, “Elder Sister, so he wasn’t possessed after all?”

Shi Zhongyu shook her head and rolled up her sleeve, revealing a string of translucent white prayer beads.

“This is one of our sect’s treasures. If there is any evil presence within three zhang*, the blood essence bead will immediately turn from white to red. Right now, it has no reaction, so it’s neither a ghost nor a demon.”

*Each zhang is about 3 ⅓ meters.

Yin Ci deliberately guided the conversation. “Hmm, not a ghost or a demon, so it must be an illusion?”

Shi Zhongyu affirmed, “Exactly. It’s a spell set up by a person. It’s highly likely that it has targeted Sect Master Shi in particular.”

Shi Jingzhi let out a relieved breath. “As long as it’s not a vengeful ghost and just an illusion…”

Shi Zhongyu added, “…But this spell is complex, and I can’t see through it. If it’s a curse or something similar, it could still pose a life-threatening danger. Sect Master Shi must be careful.”

Shi Jingzhi silently swallowed back his breath.

“Yan Budu wouldn’t be so kind as to set up a spell just for fun.” Yan Qing, who had remained silent for a long time, suddenly spoke. “Could this be bait, deliberately luring the prey elsewhere?”

Yin Ci deliberately took over the conversation. “If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to use a normal appearance as bait? A monk strolling in a brothel looks suspicious.”

Shi Jingzhi grunted and gradually calmed down. “Let’s go and take a look.”

Rarely seeing him so serious, Yin Ci raised an eyebrow.

“It’s hard to say if there’s really a hidden motive. Yan Budu is extremely picky and detests monks the most. Given how he had restored this brothel to this point, if he wanted to use it to carry out killings, he would send a beautiful woman.”

He even revealed a smile.

“Since we’re already being targeted, it’s boring to just passively wait for death. A’Ci, go and wake up the person from the Yueshui Pavilion. We’re leaving now.”

After speaking, Shi Jingzhi placed a hand on his disciple’s shoulder, his lips almost touching Yin Ci’s ear—

“If I were Yan Budu, I would deliberately expose some treasures. ‘Two peaches to kill three warriors’—wouldn’t that be delightful? …If that’s the case, given Yan Budu’s malice, it wouldn’t be surprising to use a monk as a guide.”

*Idiom that comes from a historical story referring to a clever tactic of strategy that yields unexpected and significant results (AKA killing two birds with one stone). || You can read about the story in my Kinky Thoughts.

“When everyone is fighting to the death, they will surely think—’If only we hadn’t seen that detestable monk, how great would it be.'”

The author has something to say:

The beginning refers to a unique divine medicine of the Kushan Sect, the Chongqing Extra Spicy Hotpot Base Powder Pill (×

Kinky Thoughts:

The idiom of two peaches to kill three warriors comes from a story during the Spring and Autumn Period. Gongsun Jie, Tian Kaijiang, and Gu Yezi were courtiers of King Jing of Qi. While they were brave, they were also arrogant.

One day, Xianguo Yanzi passed them, walking humbly, but these three people didn’t stand up to show their respect.

He voiced his complaint to King Jing about how they don’t respect the court and the monarch. He then suggested to the king to send them two peaches as a reward based on their merit.

When the peaches arrived, Gongsun Jie and Tian Kaijiang boasted their achievements and took away one peach each. Seeing this, Gu Yezi refused to accept it and, after stating his achievements, drew his sword at them. Seeing this, Gongsun Jie and Tian Kaijiang felt ashamed, and they both handed over their peaches and committed suicide. When Gu Yezi saw them commit suicide, he also felt ashamed. Not wanting to be the only one left, he too committed suicide.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

Chapter 8: Paper Figures Street

The Ghost Tomb belongs to the first leader of the Ling Sect, Yan Budu.

Yan Budu was born into the wealthy Yan family and grew up in extravagant luxury as the youngest son. He possessed exceptional intelligence and once brought the Yan family to its pinnacle, earning him the reputation of a genius.

He believed himself to be a prodigy destined to become an immortal. At the age of seventeen, he ceased business ventures and used a large sum of money to establish the Ling Sect. He collected rare treasures from all over the world to build his own tomb. He even proclaimed that if he achieved immortality, the tomb would remain empty, but if he died, he wanted to be buried in the most luxurious tomb.

Ten years later, the Ghost Tomb was completed. Due to the massacre of countless craftsmen involved in its construction, the Ling Sect was targeted for retaliation by the righteous martial arts sects.

Yan Budu was indeed a rare genius of his time. He led the Ling Sect in stubborn resistance for a full two years, slaying numerous enemies with his sword. Against all odds, he managed to survive. However, just when the Ling Sect was starting to recover, Yan Budu mysteriously disappeared.

Yan Budu would never vanish without a trace. After a year had passed, the members of the Ling Sect concluded that the Ghost Tomb had been sealed and Yan Budu had been secretly buried by his most trusted followers.

And so, the legend of the Ghost Tomb began, passed down for a hundred years.

…While the Central Plains were in chaos caused by Yan Budu, Yin Ci was in the borderlands, searching for clues about “immortals”, completely missing out on the grand spectacle. Several years later, he assumed the identity of Su Zhi and led the Chigou Sect in an attempt to find the Ghost Tomb. However, the opportunity didn’t present itself, and he failed to locate it.

Back then, the notion of using the Shirou wasn’t as mystical, so Yin Ci didn’t bother to pursue it. After all, given a hundred or so years, future generations would find it for him.

And now, the descendants stood at the entrance of the Ghost Tomb, hesitating to take the first step. In the end, it was the monks of the Jianchen Temple who led the way, igniting their lanterns and dispersing the darkness with their dim yellow light.

However, what appeared before them wasn’t the burial chamber but the entrance to a street.

As they stepped inside, ghostly flames ignited once again, illuminating the entire street with bright lights. The ground was paved with smooth blue stone bricks, devoid of any bloody footprints and with little dust.

The play of light and shadow filled the street, bustling with a market-like atmosphere. Fragrances, elegant attire, and splendid lights filled every corner. The long street seemed endless, like a vibrant scene resembling a busy marketplace.

The top of the tomb was coated with an unknown substance, appearing black and reflecting no light, making it difficult to gauge the distance. Numerous small pearls of light simulated a starry sky, while the moon exuded a jade-like color, incredibly lifelike. The shops on either side of the street were not much different from those in the mortal world. The bricks and stones were genuine, but the pedestrians and goods on the stalls were all made of paper, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Just then, a grating sound that made one’s teeth ache rang out.

The steel support at the entrance was unexpectedly crushed by the tomb gate. Two heavy stone doors closed on their own, sealing the people inside the tomb. It happened so suddenly that those who were initially standing at the entrance, unable to move, were now scrambling and crawling to escape the tomb, narrowly avoiding being crushed into pulp.

In just a moment, a piercing scream emanated from outside the tomb gate, followed by silence.

Ahead was an endless dark street, while behind them was a dead-end emanating a bloody stench. The smell of a trap instantly intensified, causing everyone to fall silent.

After a while, Shi Jingzhi slowly raised the silver bell, and even Yin Ci shivered in response.

“That door was probably made using monsters,” Shen Zhu emerged from behind a paper figurine, sounding relaxed. “There must be monsters lurking in the tomb passage… We were lured in here, but it’s unclear whether it was for treasure hunting or to feed the monsters.”

She took two steps forward, and the light from her lantern cast shadows on the paper figures, making their expressions appear animated, further heightening the eerie atmosphere.

“Do not panic; both the Jinyu Group and members of various sects are waiting outside. If the tomb door can be opened once, it can be opened a second time. Even if it can’t be opened, my sect has enough food and water to sustain everyone for seven days. Within these seven days, we will surely find a solution.”

The “senior sister” from the Taiheng Sect stepped forward and spoke. Her voice was still low and pleasant to the ear.

“Little girl, you speak well. My Divine Chigou Sect hasn’t spoken yet,” an old voice rang out.

“Matron Wuxue*,” the senior sister from the Taiheng Sect—Shi Zhongyu’s complexion changed, then immediately paid her respects. “I didn’t expect the Sect Master of the Chigou Sect to personally be here. I apologize for my rudeness.”

*Literally means Dark Blood.

Matron Wuxue chuckled pointedly. “How could I miss such a grand tomb? I can’t guarantee anything else, but there must be an exit.”

The combination of good and evil sung in harmony gradually calmed everyone down.

“That’s true. The old leader of the Chigou Sect is here. If we can’t find a way out, no one in this world can save us,” Shi Jingzhi murmured to Yin Ci.

Yin Ci’s attention, however, wasn’t focused on this matter. He observed the paper figures around him and remarked, “Shizun, the hair on the paper figures seems to be real human hair.”

Shi Jingzhi: “…”

Shi Jingzhi: “Good disciple, Master doesn’t want to know.”

Yin Ci: “Alright, Shizun. Speaking of which, I’m a bit curious… Legend has it that thousands of craftsmen were sealed alive in the Ghost Tomb, but where are their remains? Where did they go?”

Shi Jingzhi felt helpless and on the verge of tears. “A’Ci, do you hate me?”

Yin Ci stifled a cheerful laugh and shook his head sincerely.

“I see that the dark street splits into two paths. Why don’t we divide our forces and reconvene here in three days?” Matron Wuxue spoke again; her voice sounded hoarse. “Each group should consist of about a hundred people, which is just right. More people would be difficult to maneuver, while fewer people would invite trouble.”

The Jinyu Group hid 108 jade beads. After fierce competition, there were 12 sects and 39 independents who qualified. Including the inclusion of the Kushan Sect, which didn’t meet the upper limits of the quota, there were fewer than 300 people descending into the tomb. The dark street was filled with paper figures, with over 200 people crowded together, making movement inconvenient.

After finishing speaking, Matron Wuxue didn’t listen to others’ opinions and directly took out a small clay jar. “For the sake of fairness, children, come forward.”

The Chigou Sect, known for their unorthodox methods and tomb raiding, had no one nitpicking. Representatives from each sect stepped forward and reached into the clay jar.

The first one to reach in was Shi Zhongyu from the Taiheng Sect. She frowned and withdrew her hand, finding a chess piece-sized white dot on the back of her hand. Those who followed also had dots on the back of their hands, either black or white.

Matron Wuxue smiled and said, “There are two snakes in the jar. Just one bite will discern the essence of Yin and Yang. Descending into the tomb also requires the harmony of Yin and Yang; otherwise, it will attract some filthy things… These snakes have their venom removed, so there’s no need to worry. What about that kid over there? Aren’t you going to try?”

She glanced at Shi Jingzhi with her cloudy, old eyes and smirked.

Shi Jingzhi instantly stood upright and said, “You’re too kind, but I had already agreed with the Taiheng Sect earlier to accompany them on this journey. Besides, whether we get bitten or not doesn’t make much difference. As they say, those who deal with big matters shouldn’t fuss over trivialities. Since you’re generous, there’s no need to worry.”

Yin Ci was amazed to find that his master, despite coughing up blood, could still speak at length without a pause.

Matron Wuxue chuckled a few more times and shifted her gaze away. With her corpse-like fingers, she pointed and matched black and white together in harmony. In no time, she divided the people into two groups.

The Jianchen Temple and Ling Sect went one way, while the Taiheng Sect and Chigou Sect went together. The rest followed the larger groups. Only the people from the Rong Palace couldn’t determine their Yin-Yang status. Matron Wuxue didn’t insist and waved her hand, including them in her own team.

“A’Ci, you were lucky to have bumped into the Taiheng Sect earlier.” Shi Jingzhi patted his chest. “With the Taiheng Sect, the Chigou Sect probably won’t openly cause trouble…”

“Sect Master Shi, how did you offend the Chigou Sect?” Jin Lan curiously asked.

“I stole a jade bead from them… Haa, don’t mention it. That old woman keeps glaring at me.” Shi Jingzhi turned his head, pretending that Marron Wuxue didn’t exist.

Yin Ci no longer teased Shi Jingzhi and observed more attentively.

Yan Budu was a madman. The setting inside the tomb couldn’t be deduced with common sense. Although this was only the first layer, there might still be clues related to the Shirou.

The dark street had split into two paths, and they took the left one. Looking up, the street was still filled with paper figures, creating an eerie “festive” scene.

This path resembled a brothel street, with lanterns emitting warm-colored lights and a pungent smell of decaying cosmetics piercing the nostrils. Regardless of gender, the paper figures were all dressed up and adorned, with disheveled black hair and lifelike gestures and movements.

However, there was an absolute absence of any human sounds, and the silence was suffocating.

“Let’s find a house first to clean up and spend the night.” Matron Wuxue pointed to the most luxurious brothel. “That one will do. At least it’s livable, and who knows, it might even hide some treasures.”

Yin Ci silently nodded. No one knew where the path to the next level was or when the tomb door would open. It was better to establish a base first to ensure that people’s spirits wouldn’t scatter.

However, this dark street was surprisingly exquisite. The lights outside the brothel were magnificent, and the interior was no less so. The paper dishes on the banquet table were incredibly realistic, with people playing musical instruments and engaging in lively conversations. Each table was unique, without any repetition.

It felt too close to the mortal world, yet the chill only intensified.

“Don’t touch anything with your bare hands. If you must touch, use your cold inner force to freeze your fingers, without a trace of body heat. The underground is filled with yin fires, so be cautious when using ordinary sources of fire…” Upon receiving a signal from Matron Wuxue, several Chigou Sect disciples stepped forward to take command.

Shi Jingzhi exclaimed, “The Chigou Sect Master has quite the generosity, even knowing to help others first.”

“It’s not about selling favors, but raising cannon fodder,” Yin Ci casually remarked, then quickly added, “My grandfather used to say that there is nothing good in the demonic sect.”

“A’Ci, I’ve been meaning to ask you about your grandfather—”

Before Shi Jingzhi could finish his question, trouble arose from the side of the Changle Sect. The street of paper figures was too eerie, and the attendants accompanying the leader of the Changle Sect collapsed—one young man, only seventeen or eighteen years old, stumbled and instinctively grabbed hold of a nearby paper figure.

Matron Wuxue let out a long sigh. “Everyone, step back.”

With that, she swung her cane, striking it in front of several Taiheng Sect disciples. “No need to approach. If there are no traps, he will naturally be fine. If something suspicious happens, it’s too late to save him now.”

The young man’s legs went weak, and he sat motionless for a long time. Only then did he stand up, supporting himself on the table, seemingly unaffected. Just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief, the touched paper figure suddenly moved.

It twisted in an awkward and stiff manner, and its smiling face became more pronounced. In the next instant, the paper figure’s mouth opened slightly, and it spontaneously ignited without any wind. Cyan flames licked the paper, producing wisps of milky-white smoke.

The faces of the Chigou Sect disciples turned pale. “Turn your inner force cold, quickly!”

In the next moment, Yin Ci realized he was being tightly hugged by Shi Jingzhi, with his head pressed into his chest. Cold true qi surged into every corner of his body, and soon it disappeared without a trace. Despite their close physical contact, they felt as cold as ice.

“A’Ci, hold your breath.” Shi Jingzhi gritted his teeth.

The others also activated their cold inner force, holding their breath and focusing their minds. The white smoke bypassed them and headed straight for the three Changle Sect attendants, who possessed no martial arts.

Everything happened in an instant. The attendants had no time to react before inhaling the white smoke.

They trembled for a moment, barely able to struggle. Accompanied by a rustling sound, small holes appeared on their skin, then slowly closed. They remained still, allowing the holes on their bodies to expand and shrink in a rhythmic pattern.

Shi Jingzhi seemed to realize something, and his breathing suddenly became short. Yin Ci made a decisive move and covered Shi Jingzhi’s mouth and nose with his hand. The two of them pressed tightly together, not uttering a word.

In the span of a cup of tea, the rustling sound ceased, and everything returned to silence.

Matron Wuxue let out a sigh and tapped her cane on the floor. The group finally resumed breathing and started to move.

The leader of the Changle Sect trembled and turned his head to look at the three attendants. As he looked, the old man let out a scream, causing his feet to slip nearly falling into the same fate as the attendants.

“Interesting,” Shen Zhu murmured softly.

Approaching for a closer look, they saw that the three individuals now had smiles on their faces, frozen in natural poses, with their skin having the same texture as the paper figures… or rather, right before everyone’s eyes, the three living people swiftly transformed into “paper figures”.

Yin Ci recognized what it was.

A moment ago, the holes on their skin had not yet closed. They continued to expand while being patched up by similar-colored “fabric”, creating an illusion of fluctuating hole sizes.

Their bones, organs, and flesh were all consumed by “that thing”, leaving behind only a vivid false shell.

Surname Shi had keen senses, so he probably noticed something amiss just now. However…

Before Yin Ci could finish his thought, Shi Jingzhi lifted his chin. His cheap master forcibly opened his mouth and stuffed a pill the size of a lychee into it, then delivered a firm palm strike to his chest. Yin Ci couldn’t resist openly, and almost choked to tears.

…A miscalculation. He had momentarily lost focus and seemed to have forgotten to resume breathing.

The author has something to say:

Hug ← pretending to play dead together

Chin lift ← immediately stuffed with a disgustingly bitter pill

Shi Jingzhi: ?! My disciple is about to die ———— (pupils quaking)

Yin Ci: ? I forgot to breathe—a minor detail.

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Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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.

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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