The last class of the morning ended, and the starving crowd charged toward the cafeteria.
Qin Shu, who usually rushed at the very front, did not take the lead this time.
He rubbed the back of his neck, which had become inexplicably sore, helped the very slow-moving Pei Zhao tidy up the miscellaneous things on his desk, and watched as the slender-backed young man left the classroom.
Honestly, what was with this person? If he got any thinner, a gust of wind really would knock him over. Studying took a lot of brainpower. What was Qin Shu supposed to do about someone so picky?
Did his family not care at all? Qin Shu could not just stuff Pei Zhao with another huge pile of food he did not like, but if he kept refusing to eat properly, that definitely would not work either…
Qin Shu sank into thought. Plan after plan popped into his mind, only for him to reject each one in turn. For the moment, he really could not think of a reliable solution.
“Aiyo, still looking? Still looking? He’s long gone, Old Qin. Are you some Wife-Waiting Stone?”
Elio’s Notes: Tang Rui Cheng is riffing on 望夫石, literally “Husband-Waiting Stone,” the familiar motif of a wife turned to stone while waiting for her husband. He swaps 夫 (husband) for 妻 (wife), turning Qin Shu into a “Wife-Waiting Stone” to tease him about Pei Zhao.
Only when Tang Rui Cheng’s teasing voice sounded beside his ear did Qin Shu suddenly come back to himself. Speechless, he punched him. “Don’t talk nonsense. Zhaozhao isn’t a girl.”
Tang Rui Cheng hissed in pain, but his obnoxious streak was still going strong. He kept making faces and pitching his voice high. “Aiyo, Zhaozhao, listen to how intimately you call him. I’m about to faint from the sweetness…”
“Enough, enough. What does it have to do with you?” Qin Shu felt his face heat up and could only forcefully skip over the topic, picking up his schoolbag. “Is the Daoist priest your mom found here yet?”
“He’s at that teahouse by the back gate. My mom sent someone to drive all morning just to pick him up. This trip wasn’t easy. Perfect timing to invite him for a meal too. You’re the one asking for help, so you’re treating, okay?”
“Of course.”
Qin Shu casually slung his schoolbag over one shoulder, suppressed the unease in his heart, and followed Tang Rui Cheng out of the classroom.
Ten minutes later, Qingfeng Teahouse.
The location of this teahouse was very strange. It was right near the back gate of Jiangcheng No. 2 High School.
After leaving the school, they only had to cross the road, go around the lively row of neighborhood shops opposite, and turn into a small alley lined with maple trees. The clamor seemed to be shut out in an instant, and the world suddenly became utterly quiet.
After winter arrived, snow gradually began to fall in Jiangcheng, and the golden path paved with maple leaves had already vanished. What remained were large stretches of bare branches, dotted with scattered specks of snow, suspended beneath the sky and crossing over one another. It had a certain charm of its own.
The teahouse was nestled among them, fitting seamlessly into the scene. Qin Shu had once come here specifically to try the simple vegetarian meals they served. The dishes were delicate and tasted excellent; they could work wonders with an ordinary block of tofu.
Unfortunately, he was a carnivore, so he had only come that one time.
Following Tang Rui Cheng into the private room, Qin Shu saw an elderly man dressed in deep-blue cloth robes. He was sitting at the lowest seat by the tea table, holding a gaiwan and quietly drinking tea.
Elio’s Notes: A gaiwan is a traditional Chinese lidded teacup used for brewing and drinking tea.
He was well-proportioned and kind-faced, with a little white facial hair and a full head of white hair. His long hair was neatly tied behind his head and coiled into a meticulous taiji topknot. Even his hairpin seemed to be made of dark lightning-struck wood, giving him quite the air of a reclusive master.
“Daoist Priest Xu, long time no see. This is that childhood friend of mine who ran into a ghost. His name is Qin Shu.” Tang Rui Cheng pulled Qin Shu forward. “Come, come, come. Please take a look and see what’s going on with him.”
“Master Qin, my respects. This humble Daoist is Xu Zi Ru, Daoist name Yunxiaoke. It is an honor to meet you.”
The moment he met Qin Shu’s eyes, this Daoist priest named Xu Zi Ru actually put down his gaiwan, rose on his own, and gave Qin Shu what seemed to be a rather formal bow.
Qin Shu almost did not understand what he was saying. Once he reacted, he hurriedly reached out to support him, feeling faintly confused.
According to Qin Shu’s shallow knowledge gleaned from web novels, Daoist priests usually only cupped their hands in greeting. A proper bow like that seemed like something reserved for elders and ancestors, didn’t it?
What was going on?
Utterly bewildered, he supported Daoist Priest Xu back into his seat and politely replied, “Daoist Priest Xu, you’re too courteous. I’m the one asking you for help, so how could I let you bow to me? Please sit, please sit.”
“It cannot be spoken of, cannot be spoken of…”
Xu Zi Ru shook his head with a smile, lightly stroked his white beard, and gave a small nod. His tone was distinctly cryptic.
After that, he picked up his gaiwan and slowly drank tea for a while longer. Only when the tea was nearly gone did he turn back and carefully examine the three sections and five eyes of Qin Shu’s face.
Elio’s Notes: 三庭五眼, literally “three sections and five eyes,” is a traditional Chinese framework for facial proportions, historically used in portraiture and aesthetic analysis. Xu Zi Ru is examining Qin Shu’s face here, so translating it only as “facial proportions” would hide the specific cultural term.
Tang Rui Cheng was very perceptive. Originally, he had been sitting quietly in front of the tea table in charge of brewing tea. Seeing this, he hurriedly picked up the kettle and refilled Daoist Priest Xu’s gaiwan with hot water.
Qin Shu truly could not figure out what was going on, so he could only sit obediently and let the man examine him. Only when Xu Zi Ru’s gaze paused slightly did the priest speak thoughtfully. “Master Qin, what unusual person have you come into contact with recently? Only consider the last five days.”
The moment these words came out, Qin Shu’s heart stirred abruptly.
“…It was the day before yesterday, on Christmas Eve. I met a homeless man over at People’s Square.”
He described his experience in as much detail as possible, including The Eighty Divisions of Heavenly Dragons and The Nine Netherworld Prison Scripture, wanting to see whether Daoist Priest Xu knew anything about them.
Unexpectedly, as Xu Zi Ru listened, he abruptly tore off one of his own beard hairs. Then he turned and picked up the scalding gaiwan, as if unable to feel the heat, and slowly drank another large mouthful.
Only then did Qin Shu realize that Daoist Priest Xu had not been drinking tea to put on an act of profound mystery. He simply needed something to drink to steady his nerves.
Qin Shu’s heart gave a faint jolt. “Daoist Priest Xu, that homeless man didn’t put a curse on me, did he?”
“No, no. It was merely a meeting brought about by karmic affinity. But whether this is a blessing or a calamity… this humble Daoist cannot see.”
Xu Zi Ru’s brows drew tightly together. He pondered in silence for a long while, set down his gaiwan, and suddenly grew a little more solemn. “Master Qin, your fate pattern is far too unusual. This humble Daoist’s cultivation is shallow, and I value my life far too much to dare interfere. At this point, the most I can do is boldly offer you a little explanation. As for anything else… I truly apologize.”
“Daoist Priest Xu, do you mean that you can’t help me catch ghosts, but you can answer some of my questions, right?”
Qin Shu struggled to digest all the information packed into those few sentences. Never mind things like his fate pattern for now; he hurriedly followed up, “Then why can I see ghosts?”
“The first chapter of the Nine Netherworld Scripture opens the meridians to mobilize true qi. Once you complete one full heavenly circulation, you may be considered to have entered the path. When a person obtains the true method, the brow center opens. This ability to open the Heavenly Eye is unique to the Nine Netherworld Scripture and far more profound than the divine abilities this humble Daoist cultivates. Master Qin need only practice diligently. Your horizons will naturally broaden, and in time you will easily perceive the true nature of all things… let alone the mere two or three little ghosts you can see now.”
Xu Zi Ru shook his head and sighed, his tone carrying something close to envy. Unfortunately, he had no affinity with this path and could not force it.
Qin Shu was starting to have trouble following again. “But Daoist Priest Xu, I’ve never read the Nine Netherworld Scripture he mentioned. I did give him my spare change at the time, but I didn’t take a single book from him, much less cultivate anything…”
“If this humble Daoist has calculated correctly, that old man’s entire worldly possessions consisted only of the one copy of The Eighty Divisions of Heavenly Dragons in his hands. Is that so?”
“…Mm. There were indeed only two books. Looking back now, he said he was selling books, but there wasn’t a single other book beside him.”
“Then that is it. The medium for transmitting scripture and teaching the method can take thousands upon thousands of forms.” Seeing Qin Shu’s lingering fear, Daoist Priest Xu smiled meaningfully. “Instruction through dreams, an immortal’s direct transmission, awakening of the soul, or sudden enlightenment while contemplating a withered leaf… Those without affinity will always miss the opportunity, while those with affinity naturally obtain the true method. It is hardly limited to books.”
“Let me think. So I can see ghosts now because I really did buy a cultivation method, and that’s why my Heavenly Eye opened?” Qin Shu sank into thought.
“Indeed.”
“But I still don’t know anything. Daoist Priest Xu, how do I make myself stronger? How do I fight the things I see? How do I protect the people around me…”
Qin Shu took a deep breath and continued in a low voice, “If I can’t do those things, then even if I cultivate this Heavenly Eye to an incredible level, even if I can perceive all things, it seems meaningless.”
Unfortunately, just as he had expected, Xu Zi Ru’s answer was still quite vague. Holding his gaiwan, he shook his head and replied, “Simply let nature take its course. Master Qin, you are capable of walking the path you wish to walk. Your talent and affinity lack nothing. Once your cultivation bears fruit, you will naturally understand what this humble Daoist has said today… I truly do not dare set myself up as another’s teacher, much less presumptuously point out your path. I cannot, I cannot.”
Qin Shu did not know whether it was his imagination, but he kept feeling that Daoist Priest Xu’s body language was somewhat stiff, as if he were afraid of touching some taboo. He did not seem very willing to maintain eye contact with Qin Shu for long, and he was also very deliberately restraining his desire to share information.
This situation forced Qin Shu to suspect that either he had provoked some utterly vicious unclean thing, or his own so-called “fate pattern” was itself something utterly ominous, such as a Baleful Solitary Star, someone fated to bring ruin to his teacher and wife, a super-jinx, or something of that sort… It was hard to say.
Fortunately, they talked for the entire noon break, eating and drinking their way through all the tea and simple meals provided with the private room, and in the end, it could not be said that they gained nothing. Under Qin Shu and Tang Rui Cheng’s persistent coaxing and pestering, Daoist Priest Xu hesitantly gave them several talismans.
There was none of the Orthodox Five-Thunder Method Qin Shu wanted, nor any offensive talismans for eliminating demons and slaying ghosts. Daoist Priest Xu’s attitude remained subtle. The stack of yellow paper he was willing to take out all served to pray for blessings and auspiciousness, perform salvation rites, or resolve grievances.
The cloud-seal strokes written in cinnabar flowed softly, like hazy curls of fragrant mist spiraling upward layer by layer across the paper. Qin Shu picked up a talisman and examined it closely, feeling an indescribable sense of ease and clarity.
Even though a little doubt remained, Qin Shu had to admit that this Daoist priest really did know his stuff.
“Daoist Priest Xu, can I learn this?” He could not help asking curiously once more.
“Let nature take its course, let nature take its course… Take these talismans today as a gift from this humble Daoist. Since my answers were inadequate, consider this a small apology.”
Xu Zi Ru slowly raised a hand to smooth his beard, smiled, and then inexplicably launched into a sales pitch. “If Master Qin comes to Dragon Mother Temple to burn incense in the future, simply give your name. This humble Daoist will give you three large boxes of agarwood incense for free, and you may come burn it whenever you wish. If any of your friends or family need salvation rites, blessings, exorcisms, or other rituals, they may seek me out at any time. I can offer a twenty-percent discount.”
Qin Shu: …
At this point, Daoist Priest Xu clearly intended to take his leave. Since he had even said such things, Qin Shu could not force him to stay, no matter how bewildered he was.
He rose and escorted Daoist Priest Xu to the entrance of the teahouse. The car and driver sent by Tang Rui Cheng’s mother were already waiting quietly by the roadside, ready to personally take the master back to Dragon Mother Temple.
Qin Shu opened the car door for him. After helping the old Daoist priest, who was still in quite good spirits, sit inside, he kept one elbow resting on the edge of the door.
“Safe travels, Daoist Priest Xu. Oh, right, can we add each other on WeChat? I saw you have a phone.”
Xu Zi Ru froze when he heard this and fell silent for a moment, as though he had not quite reacted. Qin Shu was already smiling as he pulled out his phone, opened the QR scanner, and poked his head into the car with no sense of distance whatsoever. “Daoist Priest, add me. I’ll scan yours.”
Qin Shu made his attitude clear—if he could not thoroughly understand what had happened to him, as well as exactly how he should deal with it, then he would inevitably continue pestering Daoist Priest Xu in the future and would not stop until he figured it out.
The old man quietly tore out another beard hair, his gaze complicated, but he still took his phone from inside his robe and let Qin Shu scan his contact information.
“When the time is right, all creation shall behold it; vast and clear, the sun and moon shine bright…”
Elio’s Notes: Xu Zi Ru is quoting Song-dynasty poet Li Fu’s Miscellaneous Poem, from a passage about Yinglong rising from the depths and revealing its power when the time is right. The novel leaves Xu Zi Ru’s reason for quoting it unstated.
Xu Zi Ru rolled up the car window and murmured a line from a miscellaneous poem. It sounded almost as though he were saying it to Qin Shu in passing, yet also like a sigh he could not quite suppress.
Only after watching the black sedan leave the quiet little alley, accelerate into the bustling city center, and become part of the hazy street scenery did the smile on Qin Shu’s face finally gradually fade.
He sighed, and in the blink of an eye, Tang Rui Cheng’s arm was draped over his shoulders again.
“Old Qin, you made a killing, you know that? Do you know how much one of his talismans sells for? Eight thousand eight hundred!” Tang Rui Cheng looked left and right, then exclaimed in a whisper, “Daoist Priest Xu actually gave you such a thick stack for free. Damn it, why are you so popular with old people?”
“…That depends on whether they really work.”
“Aiya, then go find a ghost and try them out. I’ll keep watch for you. If you don’t check in to say you’re safe, I’ll call the police directly.” Tang Rui Cheng, who could not see ghosts, was very optimistic.
Qin Shu could not help sighing again.
The little boy from Morning Star Elementary School, the hanged ghost outside the classroom window, the pond corpse by the water dispenser at the end of the corridor… If he wanted to deal with them, it really might not be easy.
But Tang Rui Cheng had a point. Qin Shu decided to start with the nearest one. Later, he would find the hanged ghost outside the classroom and see whether he could quickly perform salvation rites for the frightening thing, dispel its resentment sooner, and send it on to reincarnation.
Neither of them had eaten their fill at noon, so they stopped by a nearby bakery for some bread to serve as provisions, eating as they slowly walked toward the back gate of No. 2 High School.
As the back gate came into view, Qin Shu suddenly stopped, expressionless.
“What’s wrong, Old Qin?” Tang Rui Cheng asked indistinctly, his mouth full of bread. “Did you run into a ghost again?”
“…Old Tang, what do you think of today’s weather?” Qin Shu answered in a low, haunted tone, seemingly changing the subject. “Is the sky blue?”
“Mm, it’s pretty good. Rare sunny day, actually.”
“Is that so?”
“Isn’t it?” Tang Rui Cheng’s chewing gradually stopped, and his voice quietly trembled.
“Mm. It isn’t.” Qin Shu had already begun questioning his entire existence.
The security guard was dozing in the guardhouse, and above the school gate… there was only a deep, heavy black.
The sun was nowhere to be seen. Ever-thickening dark clouds had almost completely swallowed the sky, while a bone-chilling wind howled like the warning of an approaching storm.
But this oppressive, dense darkness was absolutely not an effect that could be achieved by clouds and rain blocking out the sun. As it surged and churned, it revealed roaring, pain-filled resentment.
That was right, resentment. Qin Shu believed this was not his imagination.
His empathy suddenly flared up. The longer he looked, the more uncomfortable he felt inside, and he even faintly began wanting to cry. He could not help narrowing his eyes and turning his head away. His gaze fell back toward Qingfeng Teahouse, just in time to confirm his thoughts.
…Everywhere outside Jiangcheng No. 2 High School, as far as the eye could see, the sky was clear, everything serene and peaceful, with birdsong and fragrant flowers.
Only his dear alma mater looked no different from a den of evil ghosts.
It was like a vicious beast that had lain dormant for many years opening its invisible maw, inviting him to come tour the inside of its mouth.
Qin Shu took a deep breath, raised a hand to press at the corners of his stinging eyes, and snatched away the bread bag in Tang Rui Cheng’s hand.
“Hey, hey, what are you doing?”
“That European-style bread you picked is pretty good. I’ve never had it before, so give it to me. Zhaozhao should have just woken up. I’m going to ask whether he likes it.” Qin Shu answered lightly.
He needed a reason to summon his courage and walk back into the school. He thought he had found one.
Beep—
His card scanned successfully, and the gate of Jiangcheng No. 2 High School let out a hoarse, rusty creak as it slowly opened for him.