The 2nd Session of the Blue Ming Illuminating Ghostly Entities, the Heart of the Xiyi Path to Enlightenment

By the time I finished speaking, I had already reached the bottom of the dormitory building, and it was only then that I remembered that Feng Junzi did not stay in the dormitory, yet he had walked with me all the way. After listening to my account, Feng Junzi appeared to be deep in thought: "I understand your situation now. In fact, many people are born with the ability to see the unseen, but this ability usually fades away by the time they reach the age of memory, leaving no trace in their recollections. Your case is rather special; it persisted until you were seven or eight years old, which indicates a natural ability. However, this is not necessarily a good thing. Such individuals are often entangled with negative entities, making them prone to mental instability. Moreover, the powers of practitioners require magical energy to support them, and those with innate abilities naturally lack the magical energy for cultivation, thus consuming their own vital energy. A weak constitution combined with a troubled mind can lead to premature death, which is why your grandfather Jin is concerned that you may not grow up safely. Even if you do reach adulthood, it is often accompanied by a short lifespan."

A night passed in silence, and Feng Junzi still did not return to his seat. Until the bell for the end of self-study rang at 9:30, the students began to pack their books and leave the classroom. As most of the students had left, only four of us remained seated, including myself, while the other three were Shang Yunfei, Feng Junzi, and Tian Wei. Feng Junzi did not leave, and I was unsure why Tian Wei also stayed behind. The two of them sat there for a few minutes, and finally, Feng Junzi spoke to Tian Wei: "Tian Wei, could you lend me your chemistry notes so I can copy them? I didn't get everything down in class." Feng Junzi did not leave, and I was unsure why Tian Wei also stayed behind. The two of them sat there for a few minutes, and finally, Feng Junzi spoke to Tian Wei: "Tian Wei, could you lend me your chemistry notes so I can copy them? I didn't get everything down in class."

This mirror is indeed strange, but the tone of the Wind Gentleman suggests that I have not yet discovered its peculiarities. I quickly pressed on: "You also know this mirror is strange; I saw someone in your seat in the mirror..." Before I could finish, the Wind Gentleman's expression suddenly changed: "You actually saw the reflection! Do not say anything here, come with me!" Saying this, he did not take his backpack or teapot, gesturing for me to follow him. The Wind Gentleman's expression suddenly changed: "You actually saw the reflection! Do not say anything here, come with me!" Saying this, he did not take his backpack or teapot, gesturing for me to follow him.

The Wind Gentleman raised his eyes to look at me: "Not necessarily, I believe your esteemed Grandfather Jin must also be a remarkable person. He used a golden needle to seal your meridians, thereby sealing your supernatural abilities. In fact, if he hadn't done that back then, these special abilities would have gradually diminished as you grew up, but it would have been difficult for you to grow up healthily. However, the situation is now complicated; you have already reached adulthood, and once the sealed meridians are opened, this extraordinary ability will not diminish but will instead become increasingly mature, so you must be cautious."

The Wind Gentleman sighed: "But now it is different. Even without the Qingming Mirror, you can still see the Yin Spirit. ... The Yin Spirit is that thing you see ... If you don't believe it, we can make another trip back to the classroom!"

The Wind Gentleman returned the Azure Mirror to me: "You need not ask how I know this; it is still difficult for me to explain. Let us talk as we walk, and share your childhood experiences with me." Thus, the Wind Gentleman followed me on the way back to the dormitory, and along the way, I briefly recounted my childhood experiences and the strange abilities that disappeared after Grandfather Jin treated me.

I have my own methods! The Wind Gentleman smiled mysteriously, suddenly grasped my hand, and whispered, "Borrowing a bit of divine power!" I felt a tingling sensation throughout my body, as if an invisible force was being drawn out of me. The Wind Gentleman held my hand, peering into the classroom for a long time, and then released my hand, saying, "What kind of eyesight do you have? With such vision, you claim to have innate yin eyes? You can't even tell the difference between a boy and a girl! That is not a little boy; it is clearly a little girl! Do you think that without a bottom or breasts, she isn't a girl? At that age, she hasn't developed yet!"

"Xi Yi? When I was young, Grandpa Jin told me that during the Northern Song Dynasty, there was an elder named Chen Tuan at Mount Hua, known as Master Xi Yi. Is this the Xi Yi you are referring to? However, I do not understand what is meant by a stable Dao heart"

I suddenly felt that something was amiss, interrupting his words: "Feng Junzi, wait a moment. I have not regained my abilities from childhood; without this mirror, I cannot see that ghost in the classroom."

The words of the Wind Gentleman surprised me; he did not mention the ghostly child in the seat but instead inquired about the mirror in my hand. From his tone, it seemed that this mirror had some significance, known as the Qingming Mirror. I curiously asked, "I found this mirror today under the Zhuangyuan Bridge; do you recognize it? What is the Qingming Mirror?"

Feng Junzi: "I don't possess your innate ability to see the supernatural, so of course I can't see it! It's just that my spiritual awareness allows me to sense the presence of otherworldly entities, which is why I can avoid them"

At this moment, Feng Junzi changed the subject and did not continue with the previous topic: "Teacher Sima, there is a problem that neither of us can solve. Could you help us with it?" He then handed over a workbook. I could not see the contents of the workbook, but I guessed it was the physics problem that Feng Junzi could not solve.

What should I do then

After walking a distance away from the teaching building, Feng Junzi stopped by the roadside and turned back to ask me: "Have you seen the mirror? How is that possible? You don't look like a person who practices the Dao, how could you have seen the mirror?" I replied curiously: "What does it matter whether one can see or not? This is a mirror in my hand. Tonight, there was a little boy sitting in your seat in the mirror; didn't you see him too?" Feng Junzi waved his hand: "Let's not talk about who is in my seat. Do you think everyone can see the mirror? Give me the mirror."

So that's how it is... I suddenly thought of Shang Yunfei: "Did you not see? Did Yunfei see it? Why did both of you stay after class?"

The Wind Gentleman glanced back at me and said: "So you still know Chen Tuan? If you cannot understand the words of Laozi, then listen to Confucius: do not look at what is improper, do not listen to what is improper, do not speak what is improper, do not act on what is improper... Respect the spirits and keep your distance from them, that is the right way. Remember, there are no ghosts in this world! Whether they truly do not exist or merely seem not to exist is irrelevant; when they do not exist, they simply do not exist."

In fact, there is no need to worry too much. In the future, you should refrain from casually using the Yin Eye or other supernatural abilities. It is best to keep the Qingming Mirror stored away, as it also consumes vital energy. As long as you can manage to see without seeing and hear without hearing, there should not be any major issues

The classroom fell silent, with no one speaking, yet I always felt that the atmosphere was strange. This atmosphere was soon disrupted by someone, namely the biology teacher who came to supervise the evening study session, Sima Zhibei, who is also the head of our first-year class. Wucheng Middle School has a total of six grades from the first year to the third year of high school, each with its own head. This position serves as a middle management role between ordinary teachers and school leaders. Originally, the educational commission did not include this head position in the school's staffing structure; it was established by the school leaders themselves, serving as a form of promotion for their trusted associates. Sima is Principal He's shadow, a mahjong partner, and a drinking buddy, and he was just promoted to the position of head last year.

Feng Junzi: "You are already an adult, your internal organs and meridians have fully developed and will not change anymore. Even if you use a golden needle to seal the acupoint, it will be of no use. What exactly did you see? Why are you so curious?" Hearing his tone, he seemed unaware of what I had seen, so I couldn't help but retort: "A little boy is sitting in your seat. Didn't you see that? Then why don't you sit in your own seat?"

"To see but not perceive is called 'Yi'; to hear but not listen is called 'Xi'; to grasp but not obtain is called 'Wei'. These are the words of Laozi. In fact, many practitioners of the Dao can see what others cannot, yet a steadfast Dao heart naturally leads to the realm of 'Xi' and 'Yi'"

I handed the ancient mirror to Feng Junzi, who turned the mirror to face me and said, "Take another look at this object. Is it a mirror?" A strange thing happened; as soon as the mirror was in Feng Junzi's hands, the surface that was originally reflective immediately transformed into mottled rust, resembling a broken copper piece that had been buried in the ground for a long time, with not a trace of the mirror's reflection remaining

I never expected that the young gentleman of the wind, at such a tender age, could utter so many strange and bizarre words. Especially when he solemnly declared, "There are no ghosts in this world," it was simply amusing. Yet, even if it is amusing, I find myself powerless; even if there are ghosts in the world, what significance would it hold for me? However, the principles of the world are easy to speak of but not simple to practice. I am merely an ordinary first-year high school student, still unable to foresee the complex changes of the world. The experiences of this night have involuntarily drawn me into a crisis. Yet, even if it is amusing, I find myself powerless; even if there are ghosts in the world, what significance would it hold for me? However, the principles of the world are easy to speak of but not simple to practice. I am merely an ordinary first-year high school student, still unable to foresee the complex changes of the world. The experiences of this night have involuntarily drawn me into a crisis.

There is no way to go back

Almost everyone burst into laughter, but I did not laugh, nor did Feng Junzi. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Shang Yunfei on the other side of the classroom; he also wore a serious expression and did not laugh! It seems that it was not just me; perhaps three people in this classroom saw the boy in the empty seat. Teacher Sima also seemed a bit amused, but still tried to maintain a serious demeanor as he said: "What nonsense is this? It is you who has something to hide in your heart"

(Prologue: Zhuangzi once spoke of a state of existence that lies between "usefulness" and "uselessness." The unpredictable events in the world often dwell in this realm of existence and non-existence. For instance, a treasured artifact may be utterly useless in the hands of an ordinary person, yet a common man possessing a precious gem may invite disaster; however, if it is obtained by a true master, it can become a powerful tool. Yet, if this artifact falls into the hands of someone who perceives it as existing between "useful and useless," then all changes remain unknown, and all possibilities exist! For example, Shiye obtained the Qingming Mirror.)

This fellow is talking nonsense, as he is sitting right behind me. I have never seen him take notes in class, nor have I seen him borrow someone else's notes to copy. Now he actually wants to borrow Tian Wei's chemistry notes, clearly trying to get closer. Qian Zhongshu once said that borrowing books is the beginning of a romantic relationship; one borrows and returns, then borrows again and returns again, and there is an excuse to get involved. I truly admire this guy; even with a ghost sitting next to him, he still has the mood to flirt! Tian Wei is probably waiting for this line from Feng Junzi, as he reaches into his backpack to pull out the notes and deliberately throws them heavily in front of Feng Junzi, almost knocking over his teapot. Then Tian Wei shouldered his backpack and left the classroom without looking back.

Teacher Sima's expression was somewhat awkward. He teaches biology, but he cannot admit in front of the students that he is not good at physics. It is worth noting that Feng Junzi won a national physics competition award in the third year of middle school. Who knows what strange problems he might come up with to challenge Teacher Sima, and he might not even be able to solve them. Teacher Sima simply chose not to look at Feng Junzi's exercise book and instead diverted the conversation: "Focus on your self-study. If there are any problems you cannot solve, ask the physics teacher tomorrow." As he spoke, he walked out of the classroom, no longer paying attention to Feng Junzi's seating issue.

The Wind Gentleman just now used some strange method to borrow my Yin Eye, and he also saw that child. It seems he observes people more carefully than I do, as he identified her as a little girl. After hearing his words, I also took a closer look at the child: her skin was pale and devoid of color, yet her features were quite delicate. Upon closer inspection, she truly was a little girl; however, I initially mistook her for a little boy because I saw her short hair first. While I was still observing intently, the Wind Gentleman patted my shoulder and said, "Alright, alright, there's nothing much to see, let's hurry back, or the dormitory will close."

The Wind Gentleman suddenly smiled: "Yunfei, I believe he must have achieved the ability of the Heavenly Eye, so he can certainly see. However, there may be a slight misunderstanding regarding this matter. We all thought that the other party was interested in the mirror in your hand, but it turns out we were mistaken. You actually thought we would be concerned because the classroom was left with the shadow of a spirit. I didn't even see what it was about, and even if Yunfei saw it, he wouldn't meddle in other people's affairs. We all misunderstood; the Qingming Mirror is a Taoist artifact, and even if Shang Yunfei took it, it wouldn't be of much use. As for me, although it is a magical treasure, unfortunately, I cannot utilize it at all. I didn't even see what it was about, and even if Yunfei saw it, he wouldn't meddle in other people's affairs. We all misunderstood; the Qingming Mirror is a Taoist artifact, and even if Shang Yunfei took it, it wouldn't be of much use. As for me, although it is a magical treasure, unfortunately, I cannot utilize it at all. Now I am indeed a bit curious and want to see what that child is really like."

"She studies more seriously than you, doesn't she? I fear that is not the case," Teacher Sima's tone carried a hint of mockery. Feng Junzi had attended Wucheng Middle School since junior high and had once ranked first in his entire grade; Teacher Sima had known him for a long time. As for Tian Wei, she was not a formally enrolled student; her father was a private coal mine owner in Xuande County, and she had entered Wucheng High School by paying a substantial sponsorship fee. Teacher Sima was clearly well aware of Tian Wei's background, which made him find Feng Junzi's words amusing. As for Tian Wei, she was not a formally enrolled student; her father was a private coal mine owner in Xuande County, and she had entered Wucheng High School by paying a substantial sponsorship fee. Teacher Sima was clearly well aware of Tian Wei's background, which made him find Feng Junzi's words amusing

The words of the Wind Gentleman may be difficult for others to understand. Why is it not a good thing to possess an innate extraordinary ability? However, I understand that with every gain there must be a loss; Heaven is fair. Hearing this, I cautiously asked: "Are you saying that people like me do not live long?"

"Have you forgotten everything I just said? Those born with extraordinary abilities often feel insecure and weak, which usually leads to a shorter lifespan. Even though you are now an adult, the situation remains the same"

On that evening self-study session, I had no inclination to read at all. From time to time, I glanced at the reflection in the mirror—there was that little boy quietly sitting behind me, and I occasionally turned around to look at the empty seat behind me. My frequent glances evidently caused a small misunderstanding; people thought I was looking back at Feng Junzi and Tian Wei. Tian Wei seemed a bit uncomfortable with my gaze and shot a glare at Feng Junzi, but ended up meeting Feng Junzi's and the library's smiling eyes, even winking at her. This made Tian Wei's face turn even redder, and he turned away, no longer looking at Feng Junzi. Indeed, what could one do when faced with such a thick-skinned person? Tian Wei seemed a bit uncomfortable with my gaze and shot a glare at Feng Junzi, but ended up meeting Feng Junzi's and the library's smiling eyes, even winking at her. This made Tian Wei's face turn even redder, and he turned away, no longer looking at Feng Junzi. Indeed, what could one do when faced with such a thick-skinned person?

To see and not see, to hear and not hear? Is it simply to be unperturbed by the unusual?

What is wrong with me

As soon as Teacher Sima entered the classroom, he noticed a serious issue—Feng Junzi had actually sat next to the female student Tian Wei. He walked over and tapped Feng Junzi's desk, speaking in a serious tone: "Feng Junzi, why aren't you sitting in your own seat?" The entire class felt that a good show was about to unfold, and Feng Junzi, with an unchanged expression, looked up and replied: "Teacher Sima, I didn't understand a question in my physics class during the day, so I came to ask Tian Wei; she studies more diligently and performs better than I do."

... ...

On the way back, I asked the gentleman of the wind again: "Why is that little girl sitting in your seat? Where did she come from?" The gentleman of the wind replied calmly: "That is not my seat. Think about what day of the week it is today. As for where she came from, if you ask me, who should I ask?"

Feng Junzi said with a hint of envy: "I have been under the Zhuangyuan Bridge many times, yet I never discovered this treasure! You are truly lucky, this is a monk's magical tool, considered a celestial treasure... Forget it, there's no point in explaining it to you since you wouldn't understand. In any case, this mirror is very special, but you just don't know it. Now that you have it in your hands, be sure to take good care of it and don't show it to others casually."

Only Feng Junzi and I remained in the classroom. I had not left because of my uncontrollable curiosity; I had been waiting for the moment when no one else was around to ask Feng Junzi if he had seen the same things I had. It is important to note that I have always been a very special person since childhood, constantly seeking to find kindred spirits with whom I could communicate. Feng Junzi seemed very likely to be as special as I am. Just as I was about to turn around to speak to Feng Junzi, he spoke first: "Shiye, where did you get the Qingming Mirror in your hand?" It is important to note that I have always been a very special person since childhood, constantly seeking to find kindred spirits with whom I could communicate. Feng Junzi seemed very likely to be as special as I am. Just as I was about to turn around to speak to Feng Junzi, he spoke first: "Shiye, where did you get the Qingming Mirror in your hand?"

Seeing this, Teacher Sima found it difficult to say anything and could only speak in a tone befitting a mentor: "Gentleman Feng, please do not disturb the other students' learning; return to your own seat." My curiosity was piqued again as I looked at Gentleman Feng, wondering if he would return to that "haunted" seat. At that moment, Gentleman Feng said something that no one expected: "Report, Teacher Sima, there is a ghost in my seat!"

Aren't you unable to see

I instinctively reached out a hand, and Feng Junzi grasped it firmly. I felt a strange sensation emanating from his palm, causing my body to involuntarily weaken, nearly making me lose my balance. I then heard Feng Junzi muttering to himself: "Indeed, it is a natural ability, but it is quite strange, as if it has been sealed for many years; otherwise, it should have disappeared long ago. What could be the reason for this?"

The expression of Feng Junzi was somewhat awkward: "You really shouldn't be in contact with these magical artifacts. The Qingming Mirror has revealed your innate yin eyes, but your ability recovery is not due to it. It's all my fault for being careless..."

I never expected that Feng Junzi would stretch out his hand and guess my peculiar experiences since childhood with such accuracy. His tone did not resemble that of a teenager in his teens at all; rather, it sounded like that of an old scholar in his seventies or eighties. Given such a valuable opportunity to seek advice, I certainly would not let it slip away, so I quickly said: "Before I turned eight, I was indeed quite special, often able to see things that others could not, and I could also sense events that were about to happen. However, that ability faded away later. How did you know?"

However, Feng Junzi replied earnestly, "It is like this, I have many physics problems that I cannot solve, and Tian Wei helped me figure them out." Teacher Sima then asked Tian Wei, "Is Feng Junzi really asking you physics questions?" All eyes in the classroom were fixed on Tian Wei, who lowered his head and quietly answered, "Yes." This response took me by surprise; I did not expect Tian Wei to help Feng Junzi cover up the lie.

The reason the Qingming Mirror is a magical artifact is that only those with magical powers can use it; ordinary people cannot see its reflective surface. Unless—unless you are born with the ability to see the unseen! Shiye, tell me, can you often see things that others cannot?" Before I could respond, Feng Junzi extended his hand and said, "Show it to me.

The Wind Gentleman thought for a moment: "What can be done! He Jun cannot see her, and she cannot see He Jun. Besides you and me, and that indifferent Yun Fei, no one knows what is going on. Why bother with it? You should be more concerned about yourself right now!"

As Tian Wei walked out of the classroom, only three people remained. Feng Junzi turned his head and said, "Shang Yunfei, why are you still here? What are you waiting for?" Shang Yunfei glanced at Feng Junzi but remained seated. Feng Junzi added, "Buddhist disciples should refrain from greed." This statement seemed inexplicable, yet Yunfei stood up, packed his bag, and muttered, "Refrain from greed? Why don't you say that to yourself?" With that, he gathered his belongings and headed for the door. As he was leaving, Feng Junzi repeated, "Refrain from anger! Refrain from anger!"

So that's how it is, what should I do? I asked Feng Junzi: "Is it all because of this Qingming Mirror?"

"You! What does this have to do with you?" I asked in confusion

Although the Qingming Mirror is a magical artifact, it is ultimately an inanimate object and cannot actively open the meridians that have been sealed. It was merely that when I shook your hand just now, I accidentally... You need not ask me how I managed it; I did not anticipate that the situation would turn out this way

I returned to the corridor outside the classroom with Feng Junzi. At this moment, the lights in the teaching building had been turned off, and the nearby streetlights cast mottled shadows of trees on the wall. The surroundings were eerily quiet, filled with a strange atmosphere. I looked through the window into the classroom and saw a solitary figure sitting in the empty room; it was the little boy I had seen in the evening. This time, I did not use the Qingming Mirror; I saw him directly with my own eyes! The light in the classroom was dim, but strangely, the boy's features and form were very clear to me. I gasped and took a step back, only to hear Feng Junzi beside me say, "Did you see him? You need to be mentally prepared; you will often see these things in the future, and there will be no turning back!"

I suddenly remembered that today is Sunday. According to our school's regulations, tomorrow each group will change seats. Next week, Feng Junzi will sit in the seat currently occupied by Tian Wei. So, where is Feng Junzi sitting now? I carefully considered the seating arrangement in the class. The person who will sit in that "haunted" seat tomorrow will be He Jun, the son of our Principal He Zhuoxiu. Thinking of this, I began to worry about He Jun: "Feng Junzi, next week He Jun will sit in this seat, what will he do?" I carefully considered the seating arrangement in the class. The person who will sit in that "haunted" seat tomorrow will be He Jun, the son of our Principal He Zhuoxiu. Thinking of this, I began to worry about He Jun: "Feng Junzi, next week He Jun will sit in this seat, what will he do?"