Chapter 10, Three Treasures

This piece of amber has been around for quite some time; just look at its color and then at its brightness, which already makes it quite valuable. Of course, if I were to exchange just this piece of amber for the stick in your hand, it would certainly seem a bit undervalued. Therefore, I must mention the other benefits of this amber. The seller kept us in suspense, and at this moment, I finally saw what was wrapped inside this piece of amber; it resembled a small stone, but surprisingly, this stone looked somewhat like a child!

Do you understand? This book specifically records the various types of monsters, where they might appear, what they look like, and their habits. Moreover, the most valuable aspect is that it contains methods for capturing and refining these mountain spirits and wild monsters. For someone like you and Old Black, who have been wandering outside for years, relying on capturing ghosts and monsters to make a living, the value of this book is, of course, self-evident

The bead took the beeswax out into the sunlight and then placed it before me. I saw that the circle of the Great Compassion Mantra engraved on the outside of the beeswax was shining brilliantly, appearing quite magical. However, the child's resentment contained within the beeswax also showed some changes. At this moment, the bead said: "This Great Compassion Mantra was engraved by a high monk and imbued with magical power, intended to subdue the resentment within. This child's resentment carries a hint of mischievousness typical of children; if you treat it well, it will naturally assist you, making it an excellent item. The bead then reiterated: 'This Great Compassion Mantra was engraved by a high monk and imbued with magical power, intended to subdue the resentment within. This child's resentment carries a hint of mischievousness typical of children; if you treat it well, it will naturally assist you, making it an excellent item. Have you considered it?"

After this explanation from Zhuzi, I increasingly feel that the previously mentioned demon-slaying staff is somewhat of a divine artifact. It turns out to be a highly significant magical tool, no wonder it requires the use of small-leaf red sandalwood for its pairing

He pointed to a page in the book and showed it to me, where the record about childhood 'Sakur' surprisingly resembled what I had seen, indicating that the credibility of this book is indeed quite high

This book is incomplete, and there are many parts of the language that are obscure and difficult to understand. However..." Zhuzi deliberately elongated his voice, and upon seeing my interest, he said, "Everything recorded within is true!"

"Little brother, why are you so scared?" The bead said with a mocking tone.

How is it? Have you seen everything? Do you like it? If you do, can we proceed with the transaction?

I asked in confusion

However, I have not conducted much research in this area, and I have never closely observed the patterns above. I am even less aware of the origins of the Pemba people mentioned by the beads.

If people do not know the composition of venom from poisonous snakes, they will not be able to formulate an antivenom, and I understand this principle! If one wishes to understand their world, perhaps this book "Strange Tales from the Mountains and Fields" is the best stepping stone!

As soon as I said this, I did not expect that the person would become anxious. I immediately felt a jolt in my heart, and I could see anger rising on the other person's face, clearly indicating some displeasure

I thought the beads were mistaken; where are there Buddhist prayer beads used as accessories for small items? Isn't this putting the cart before the horse?

I think the reason you speak of this demon-slaying pestle with such reverence is probably due to the pattern on it, right

This bracelet is a relic from the Qing Dynasty, and you are likely aware of the value of small-leaf red sandalwood. However, this entire bracelet is actually an accessory designed for this demon-slaying pestle

In my impression, the truly substantial demon-slaying staffs are generally found in the Tibetan region. I once saw someone selling demon-slaying staffs near the Chenghuang Temple in Shanghai with a few friends; they were quite large and resembled a big hammer. The enchanted demon-slaying staff is a powerful tool for exorcising spirits and vanquishing evil. It is said that many lamas and living Buddhas in the Tibetan region wear them.

I have some hesitation in my heart; to put it bluntly, it is a bit of greed. Both items are quite appealing to me, and if I were forced to give one up, I would truly find it difficult to do so. Glancing at the bead across from me, this fellow seems quite easy to talk to, and perhaps I could gain some benefits from him.

Zhuzi smiled as he lit a cigarette, but instead of placing it in his mouth, he set it beside his bracelet. I then saw the smoke drifting from his hand slowly descend around the bracelet; however, the smoke did not disperse. On the contrary, all the smoke gathered around the bracelet, gradually stacking and accumulating together. I widened my eyes, speechless in astonishment. What appeared to be merely a phenomenon of smoke revealed an enigmatic and inscrutable feeling.

Indeed! The above is the totem of the Fengba people, depicting mountains and the setting sun. Zhuzi carefully put the bracelet away.

Compared to the previous beeswax, I am more fond of this string of bracelets in front of me. However, the divining stick I have on me is also quite remarkable, and both hold similar significance in my heart, which leaves me feeling somewhat hesitant.

Upon hearing what Zhuzi said, I was immediately startled. Years ago, I had heard that in Thailand, some people used dead infants to cast spells and create little ghosts to sell for money, which is quite sinister. Could it be that this piece of amber in front of me is such an object?

It is also my fault for not being clear; this is not the corpse of a truly deceased child. How could a corpse possibly be wrapped in such a small piece of amber? What is contained within is the resentment of the deceased child!" As the speaker said this, they placed the amber in the sunlight streaming into the room, and the entire piece began to change under the light. At first, it seemed as if the amber was gradually becoming more luminous, and as time passed, the light on the amber grew brighter, until finally, one could even see the golden gleam within it in the sunlight. I squinted my eyes; even though they stung painfully, I did not want to close them. Witnessing such a miraculous scene made me wish I had a camera to capture it.

After Zhuzi finished speaking, he waved his hand, and only then did the smoke disperse. He also put the prayer beads back into the bundle.

You are looking up

I silently cursed: Isn't this frightening? It seems that this person is not normal.

It turns out to be a damaged book. There are many ancient texts in China that are quite valuable, but first, it is essential to determine whether this book holds significance for historical research. Furthermore, it must be authored by a renowned figure; if the author is Wang Anshi, for instance, the value would naturally differ from that of a book written by an ordinary scholar. Additionally, it is necessary to ascertain whether it is a unique copy. If it is a work like the "Records of the Grand Historian" that has been passed down through the ages and is not the author's own manuscript, then its value would be considerably diminished.

However, since the pearl has placed this incomplete book among these three items, it is likely that it indeed possesses its own unique qualities

Since I couldn't make a choice at the moment, I simply shifted the topic to that book. Zhuzi picked up the book, cradling it in both hands with great care, and said: "This book is called 'Strange Tales from the Mountains and Fields.' I don't know the author; it should be written on the cover, but unfortunately, as you can see, half of the cover is missing. The latter half of the book is also nowhere to be found."

The Great Compassion Mantra is engraved on beeswax? This is the first time I have heard of it. In the past, I often heard the elders mention that if inscriptions are made on prayer beads and they are consecrated, they become sacred objects that can ensure safety. However, seeing this piece of beeswax today has truly opened my eyes

Hehe, this is the truly valuable aspect of this object. What is wrapped inside is not a stone, but a child!

Having witnessed the beeswax just now, I have learned quite a bit, pointing at the pattern and speaking

What book is this

How could this happen

You probably do not know, do you? Zhuzi noticed my doubt and smiled, saying, "But it is not surprising that you do not know; very few people understand the Fengba people. Rather than saying they are an ethnic group, it is more accurate to say they are a sect. The Fengba people are not born into a specific ethnic group. According to old legends, the ethnic minorities in Tibet would select a gifted child from their community every few years to send to the Fengba people. Unlike the generations of reincarnation of living Buddhas, each Fengba person is a master, yet none of them undergoes reincarnation. They do not cultivate the past or the future, but each Fengba person's magical power is exceptionally high. On the magical tools they have used, there is always an engraving of a Fengba totem. This totem is called the Mountain and Sunset Diagram. If you look closely, doesn't it resemble a setting sun descending from the sky, slowly drilling into the mountains?

Is there a stone wrapped in this beeswax? Why does it look like a child?

This practice is actually quite similar to the Thai tradition of raising a spirit child. I have a strong aversion to such malevolent objects. After all, I grew up in the new China that was established through the sacrifices of our forebears, and although I may possess some cunning tricks, I remain fundamentally upright at heart

I was momentarily taken aback, but the bead had already carefully opened the book. I glanced at a few pages and was immediately astonished to see that they contained detailed records of mountain spirits and wild creatures, including their appearances, habits, and preferences, resembling a well-documented encyclopedia

Do not say that I am deceiving you, there are also records of 'Cakur' here, you can take a look for yourself

I intentionally provoked the other party

The beads rubbed their hands, their eyes fixed on my stick, gleaming with light

What is this thing

However, how do I know whether your demon-subduing staff is truly effective or just sounds good

Seeing that I seemed unwilling, Zhuzi smiled as she put away the beeswax, and then picked up the bracelet made of small leaf red sandalwood

I asked in surprise

Thinking this in my heart, I smiled and said: "In this case, if you are willing to exchange your prayer beads and book for this stick of mine, I will make the trade with you!"

The bead brought the demon-slaying staff in front of me, a design of which I had indeed never seen before. Overall, it is similar to other demon-slaying staffs, the only difference being that a strange pattern is engraved on its surface, resembling a totem.

"Smoke seeks the Buddha, and the Buddha recites the incense. Has Old Hei never told you this principle?"