Chapter 4, Secretary Chen's Daughter

I nodded slightly. About five or six years ago, there was a localized "movement" during which many temples were demolished and statues were destroyed. To this day, no one dares to recreate the golden bodies. Although religious freedom has been restored now, it remains quite sensitive. As a party member and an official, Old Chen is certainly very cautious about this matter

"Last night, a woman was all over me, touching me..." I felt embarrassed to go into too much detail, so I just gave a brief account, but as a man, Old Chen could understand the implication.

I really cannot understand why that creature has fixated on me. If it is merely seeking to replenish its yin with my yang, there are certainly many stronger individuals in this village. There is no reason for it to latch onto me right from the start. Although I am somewhat good-looking, possessing a degree of charm and refinement, I have not yet reached the level of being universally adored, nor am I so striking as to cause a stir among both people and spirits, let alone make a creature fall head over heels at first sight.

I hardly spoke to her. Although she is only two or three years younger than I am, she comes from a well-off family and lives a carefree and happy life. In contrast, I lost my father at a young age and grew up in poverty. I feel as if we are from two different eras.

Chen Xing let out a series of bell-like laughs and ran upstairs to play with her younger brother. Aunt Hua was in the kitchen stir-frying and cooking, calling out: "Xing Xing, come help me quickly. Where have you been? At your age, you still don't know to help me with some chores!"

There are two reasons for conducting the ritual at the school. First, it is inconvenient to place it at Old Chen's home. Second, the source of evil is located near the school

Ah... that woman was caught off guard, screaming as she fell from the bed. Immediately after, the window was crashed open with a loud "bang," and a shadow darted through the window. Due to the speed and the dim light, I could not discern what it was.

I did not say anything further, but I kept shaking my head in secret. The concept of "divinity" should also be unique to Taoism; how could a monk speak of "divine transmission"? Buddhism and Taoism have been passed down in China for thousands of years, and while there has been mutual integration and learning from each other, the association with www.hetushu.com is simply absurd. Although these monks are genuine, they are definitely not authentic and may be somewhat unreliable. (Later, I learned that monks of Esoteric Buddhism also practice talismans, especially the Tianyan Sect of Hanmi, which places greater emphasis on mantras and symbols). Buddhism and Taoism have been passed down in China for thousands of years, and while there has been mutual integration and learning from each other, the association with www.hetushu.com is simply absurd. Although these monks are genuine, they are definitely not authentic and may be somewhat unreliable. (Later, I learned that monks of Esoteric Buddhism also practice talismans, especially the Tianyan Sect of Hanmi, which places greater emphasis on mantras and symbols)

This ... ... I have also asked a high monk about this, and the high monk said that this is a characterless symbol, and only a characterless symbol is the true divine transmission talisman

I felt a chill run through my body again, filled with anxiety, both worried and afraid, and also quite frustrated. After two consecutive nights of intense temptation and stimulation without any release, which normal man wouldn't be filled with pent-up desire? If I were to be tempted once more, I fear that even knowing it to be a mere old sow turned into a spirit, I would still be unable to resist succumbing to it.

Old Chen's expression changed dramatically; he indeed heard some noises last night but did not take them seriously at the time. It was only now that he realized the gravity of the situation. If that malevolent entity could enter his home, it could also pose a threat to his family. My words were not a threat but rather a warning bell for him.

Old Chen went to the village office to handle some matters. I hurried to the village office, where many people were crowded in the office. It turned out that two families were fighting over irrigation water sources, and the village officials were mediating.

Old Chen did not personally take action; instead, he sent the correspondent Xiao Liu. By the afternoon, Xiao Liu returned with six monks, who recited scriptures for the deceased in the classroom. These six monks were all quite old, dressed in tattered robes, and appeared emaciated, yet their expressions were solemn and dignified, exuding an air of authority. Clearly, they were true monks who adhered to the precepts, unlike the flashy monks in the city who ride motorcycles while talking on their phones and wearing sunglasses

Old Chen replied, "I am back."

I feel that something is amiss; this time it should be a real person, but who could it be? At that moment, I was not completely awake; my sense of taste, smell, and touch were relatively acute, while my cognitive abilities were in a state of semi-stagnation. Therefore, no matter how hard I racked my brain, I could not figure out who the woman was.

Old Chen from the bookstore is very confident about the monk and the "Wordless Divine Symbol," repeatedly assuring me that there will be no issues tonight, allowing me to sleep peacefully. I haven't slept well these past two days, so I went to bed before nine o'clock, sleeping in the room next to Old Chen and his wife's bedroom. Chen Xing might be staying on the third floor; I didn't pay much attention to it. When I went to bed, Chen Xing and Chen Jiqiang were still watching television in the lobby on the first floor

Old Chen seemed a bit nervous, casting me furtive glances, and then pulled me into an empty office next door. He said irritably, "You can't discuss such matters here; you need to be mindful of the impact! I am a Party member and an atheist. If the higher-ups find out... Sigh, you need to understand my position. This matter requires some time and the right opportunity. For now, just stay at my place for a few days."

At that moment, a person burst in energetically and exclaimed, "Dad, Mom, I am back!"

I did not know he had such a grown daughter, and upon hearing this, he smiled and nodded: "Hello"

What exactly happened?" Lao Chen asked in a low voice

"Fuzhi!" Old Chen said without turning back, continuing to paste the yellow paper

I turned my gaze towards the sound and found a girl of about seventeen or eighteen years old. She had short hair that reached her ears, delicate features, and was wearing a printed T-shirt and blue jeans, carrying a small brown leather bag. Although her skin was slightly darker, it had that healthy glow from being sun-kissed. She was not particularly tall but was very well-proportioned, exuding youthful vitality, especially her large eyes, which were strikingly bright with clear black and white.

"Here they come, here they come..." Chen Xing quickly came downstairs again, stuck out his tongue at me, and ran into the kitchen, skillfully lending a hand.

Old Chen gritted his teeth and finally made up his mind: "I will go to invite the monks from Huayan Temple right away, but this matter must not be made public. We should try to avoid causing any impact, you understand?"

Hello, Teacher Zhang! Chen Xing tried hard to appear serious and said, "www.hetushu.com" before running up the stairs. Halfway up, he turned back with a grin and said, "Teacher Zhang, it seems like you are not that old, and you are quite handsome."

I got up, turned on the light, closed the window, and dared not sleep again. There was a faint, delicate fragrance in the room, the very essence of the creature, indicating that everything that had happened before was not an illusion. Typically, beasts carry a strong, unpleasant odor, yet this demon could transform that stench into a fragrance and even take on human form, demonstrating considerable cultivation, possibly having practiced for over a thousand years. ... Such a thousand-year-old demon could easily take my life; it could be said that its current methods are still relatively 'gentle.' However, if I were to refuse it again, I fear ... Typically, beasts carry a strong, unpleasant odor, yet this demon could transform that stench into a fragrance and even take on human form, demonstrating considerable cultivation, possibly having practiced for over a thousand years. ... Such a thousand-year-old demon could easily take my life; it could be said that its current methods are still relatively 'gentle.' However, if I were to refuse it again, I fear ...

In the midst of my sleep, I suddenly felt as if I was being pressed down again. My mind was relatively clear, yet my entire body was unable to move, and I could not open my eyes or mouth, just like the situation two nights prior. After a moment, I noticed some differences; tonight there was no fragrance reminiscent of orchids and musk, but rather a faint scent of a young girl, one that seemed familiar. The person in my arms moved differently from the previous two times, tightly wrapping around me like an octopus, their body twisting back and forth, their lips kissing my face and neck repeatedly, breathing rapidly, their breath warm. After a moment, I again noticed some differences; tonight there was no fragrance reminiscent of orchids and musk, but rather a faint scent of a young girl, one that seemed familiar. The person in my arms moved differently from the previous two times, tightly wrapping around me like an octopus, their body twisting back and forth, their lips kissing my face and neck repeatedly, breathing rapidly, their breath warm.

Although I am not very familiar with these matters, I do possess some basic knowledge. I said, "Talismanic symbols are used only by Taoist priests; do monks also draw talismans?"

My mother's education was quite traditional and conservative. At that time, I was young and my heart was pure, viewing love and marriage as sacred, intending to reserve my first experience for my future partner. Thus, I spent several years in a women's college, untouched by any romantic encounters. At this moment, confronted by a monstrous force, I felt both anxious and angry, overwhelmed with shame and indignation. I did not know where the strength came from, but I suddenly broke free from the nightmare state, sat up vigorously, and pushed with all my might.

I wanted to immediately knock on Old Chen's door, but after hesitating for a while, I ultimately dismissed the thought. After all, being 'teased' by a demon is not a very honorable matter, and I wouldn't want it to become widely known. Moreover, calling Old Chen wouldn't be of much use; it would be better to wait for him to invite an expert to suppress it tomorrow.

After enduring until the dawn broke, I finally felt at ease and fell asleep. By the time I woke up, it was already past 10 o'clock in the morning

After finishing dinner and strolling to the school to visit the monks, I felt a strong sense of unease, as if something in the darkness was watching me, causing me to feel restless. Moreover, the monks' practice of drawing talismans struck me as somewhat unreliable, so I ultimately decided to spend the night at Old Chen's house

I cannot understand what they are reciting; it is like singing, with a harmonious and prolonged sound, both compassionate and mysterious. It feels as though the area near the school has become brighter, and the faint chill in the air has dissipated significantly.

I gasped for breath, trembling involuntarily, a result of fear combined with anger. Although it was the body of a beautiful woman that lured me, after all, it is a monster; no matter how beautiful the body, it is still transformed. Peeling away that skin might reveal something extremely repulsive. I felt a sense of humiliation, as if I had been violently assaulted. Fortunately, it was unsuccessful; otherwise, I might have regretted it for a lifetime.

After more than half an hour, the matter was finally resolved. I walked up to Old Chen and asked, "Have you dealt with the issue you mentioned yesterday?"

The young girl did not respond to her brother, but instead looked at me curiously from head to toe a few times. Although my appearance is far from that of stars from Hong Kong or Taiwan, I still have fairly well-defined features that are pleasing to the eye. After several years of study, I also possess a certain scholarly air, which can still catch people's attention in this remote and impoverished area

I have discovered another suspicious place: "But there are no runes drawn on it, right?"

Curious villagers were kept at a distance, not allowed to approach and observe. I could only catch a few glimpses from outside the classroom and did not enter. A yellow cloth embroidered with a Buddha image and lotus flowers was hung on the blackboard, and three small Buddha statues were placed on the podium, with incense candles lit and offerings of fruit, dried bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushrooms arranged. All the desks and chairs had been moved to the back, and the monks sat on the students' chairs, striking wooden fish and chanting sutras

It was only then that I realized he had not sought the help of an expert, nor was he even planning to do so; he was merely brushing me off. Anger surged within me, and I exclaimed loudly: "Did you hear the woman's scream last night? Did you hear the sound of the window being smashed open? I can leave if necessary; rather than staying here, I might as well go work in a coastal city. But it has already come to your home; I can leave, but can your whole family?"

Old Chen had already posted a talisman in the main hall and said with a smile: "This is the new teacher, Xiao Zhang. Xiao Zhang, this is my eldest daughter, Chen Xing, who just returned from playing at a classmate's house"

Old Chen was taken aback for a moment and scolded, "Children do not understand, do not speak carelessly"

Old Chen required the monks to chant scriptures in the classroom at night and to bring back a stack of yellow paper measuring 10 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide, which he respectfully affixed to the door of his house I was somewhat puzzled and couldn't help but ask: "What is this thing?"

"Who is this person?" the girl asked in her dialect

I was astonished. Is this considered a compliment from a student to a teacher? Old Chen feigned anger and said, "This girl, so disrespectful, has no sense of propriety!"

The Chen family, consisting of six members, treated me quite warmly. Most people in the impoverished mountainous areas are relatively simple and show great respect for teachers. Moreover, as a village official, Mr. Chen often has guests dining at his home, and the whole family has become accustomed to it, making it seem very natural. Aside from Mr. Chen, no one else knew about the strange incident I encountered last night

Before long, the meal was ready. Naturally, Old Chen invited me to stay for dinner, which included fish and meat, along with two bowls of vegetables and a bowl of soup, making it quite a feast. Chen Xing is a lively and cheerful girl; while eating, she chattered incessantly about how great certain movies from Hong Kong and Taiwan are, and how impressive some of her classmates' branded clothing is.

From upstairs came the cheerful voice of Old Chen's son, Chen Jiqiang: "Sister, what delicious food did you bring for me?"