Chapter 8, Master Yue

Master Yue sat upright in the earth god temple, his nose red and his expression unusually serious

So... who is that father in the family? Could it be that my father really has a twin brother? I recalled what Grandma said last night

I sat still in my seat, the strange dream from earlier was exceptionally vivid. The towering banyan tree, the endless poppy flowers, the resplendent little temple, all felt as if I had experienced them firsthand, especially the woman behind me, who seemed like an old acquaintance.

Pasum ... I called out her name in my dream

I leaned my head out of the window and was startled into a cold sweat; it turned out that a landslide had suddenly occurred on the mountain. A large amount of mud, mixed with trees and boulders, crashed down just inches in front of the car, piling up like a small hill and completely blocking the road.

"Daoist, you mentioned wanting to find a sorcerer?" I diverted the topic and asked.

The driver cursed softly, cautiously engaged the reverse gear, and carefully backed the car up several dozen meters. Feeling safe, he finally turned off the engine. With a worried expression, he took out his phone and began to make a call. The other party inquired about the details and informed him that they would send someone to clear and repair the situation as soon as possible

The Taoist priest pulled out a crumpled cigarette and lit it, taking several deep puffs before slowly speaking: "After the rain stops, I shall return to Mount Yuelu. If you wish to seek that witch, be sure to bring this strange infant to Yunlu Palace on the right peak of Mount Yuelu to accompany me on my journey. Your encounter with me in the rain of Xiangxi is also a matter of fate."

In my dream, I found myself in the primeval jungle of Indochina, where towering trees were adorned with strands of chicken blood vine, and the dense underbrush was filled with sharp thorns. Wielding a machete, I forged ahead, clearing the path. Before me lay a winding, crystal-clear stream, its banks adorned with beautiful poppy flowers. At the end of the flowerbed stood a small temple, its golden spire resembling a stupa of Theravada Buddhism. I entered and beheld a Buddha shrine, upon which rested a glass jar filled with green liquid, inside of which sat a pair of conjoined twins, their eyes wide open, exuding an aura of malevolence.

I took apart the frame, pulled out the photo, and tucked it into my bosom, making it easier to carry

Looking back, I realize that throughout my life, no relatives have ever visited our home. When I asked my father, he always said that the Huangfu family has only one line of descent, and my mother is a foreigner who came here to escape famine, which is why there are no relatives to visit.

"Conjoined monster baby!" I exclaimed, genuinely startled in my heart.

Thank you very much, Daoist. If I were to seek that witch, I would certainly come to Mount Yuelu to find you first

Master Yue waved his hand, turned around, and lay down again, dozing off.

In the mysterious mountains of Xiangxi, there is a small earth temple, where a ragged geomancer sits solemnly. Perhaps he is a reclusive master hidden among the common people, and at this moment, an inexplicable sense of transcendence arises within my heart

The Taoist priest shook his head and said decisively: "It is impossible, the Six-Finger lineage is passed down alone, there are absolutely no siblings."

I lowered my head to look at my body, and the skin, which was originally covered in the bright red juice of the chicken blood vine, suddenly split open in petals, with steaming fresh blood seeping out from within. Turning my head, I saw an old woman with bony earrings, eyes gleaming with malice, and a face full of wrinkles staring intently at me

After the light rain, the Wuling Mountains are shrouded in a layer of dark hues among the towering peaks, with white clouds drifting gracefully out of the secluded valleys, resembling a fairyland.

I leaned against the long-distance bus seat, disinterested in the scenery outside the window, pondering the series of bizarre events that had transpired from the night before last to this morning, my anxious heart growing increasingly unsettled. In this way, amidst the bumps of the journey, I unexpectedly dozed off.

Suddenly awakened, the long-distance bus made a sudden brake, and a wave of terrified screams echoed through the cabin

"Are you truly determined to go find the witch in that photograph?" the Taoist priest asked

It seems that the reclusive masters of the folk are indeed so extraordinary. I sincerely express my gratitude once again and then gently turn to leave

"Please speak, Daoist." I said with a sincere nod.

According to the teachings of Liu Zhuang's physiognomy, anyone with six fingers is destined for a solitary inheritance, and their fate is often fraught with misfortune, not seen among shamans. The Taoist priest examined the witch in the photograph, noting the strange aura emanating from her eyes, which must be detrimental to your father. Over thirty years have passed, and your father should have long since passed away. The Taoist priest fixed his gaze upon my eyes, speaking in a serious and deliberate manner

Wuling's misty rain has been famous since ancient times, as wisps of smoke rise in the canyon. In an instant, the secluded Orchid Valley becomes a vast expanse of white, with the verdant peaks appearing faintly, making one feel as if they are floating within it

The sorcery in Southeast Asia is quite peculiar. The events that have transpired around you in recent days are difficult to say are unrelated to this strange infant statue. Seeking out a highly skilled practitioner of black magic should help clarify the origins and circumstances of this bizarre infant.

The Daoist priest looked at me with a surprised expression, paused for a moment, and then slowly said: "According to the 'Compendium of Materia Medica', it needs to be steamed in a steamer for twelve hours, and then it can be eaten directly."

Pasum! I called out.

How could it be a ghost when we have lived together for decades under the bright sun? I am merely sharing the doubts in my heart with you, young brother." Master Yue said solemnly

"Young brother, you possess a unique talent that is unlike that of ordinary people. It is something I have encountered only once in my forty years of wandering the world. Would you be willing to hear what I have to say?" he said with a serious expression

I gazed at him in confusion, remaining silent

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"Who are you? What are you doing here, covered in blood?" A voice spoke from behind.

It is impossible within a few hours, and the passengers on the bus, in a state of panic, hurriedly got off the vehicle and stood at a distance from the hillside

In the photograph, your father's spirit is gradually fading, with a pronounced root and visible dark halos around the floating veins on both sides, indicating the invasion of evil spirits, and his life is not long for this world. You mentioned that the person named Wu Zitan buried your father by his own hand many years ago; I believe this statement to be true, " said Daoist Master Yue.

I recalled what Wu Zitan said last night: "Find Pasum." What did he mean by that? That Pasum might just be a sorcerer. Well, perhaps I should go look for her, but what if this person is extremely evil? Wouldn't I be walking into a tiger's den, throwing myself into a trap?

If this matter cannot be clarified, how will I be able to get along with my father in the future I said with a dispirited expression

"Daoist, do you think that if I go to find the witch Pasum in the photo, will there be any danger?" I asked cautiously

Well then, additionally, I would like to ask the Daoist priest, since this naked infant is indeed, as you said, a nourishing and replenishing 'human stone', how should it be consumed?

According to the Daoist priest, not only did my father have no brothers, but it was also confirmed that he had passed away many years ago. Could it be that the person who has lived with me all these years is... a ghost? My words revealed a hint of dissatisfaction

The Taoist priest remained silent, lost in deep contemplation