Chapter 6: Evil begets evil

Everyone present had heard this. At that time, Yang Ersheng's wife and child were in the front yard. Upon hearing Yang Ersheng's cry of alarm, they hurried over, only to find Yang Ersheng alone; the old lady had already rolled down the hill. Soon, neighbors gathered around as well, for rural people still place great importance on community ties, unlike the indifference often found in cities. When someone is in trouble, regardless of their usual relationship, they will come to help. However, when they arrived, they saw Yang Ersheng acting like a madman, trying to rush down through the gap in the wall to find his mother. Fortunately, the villagers managed to stop him; otherwise, if he had rushed down such a steep slope, the outcome might have been similar to that of his mother.

Yang Ersheng's expression changed dramatically when questioned by the second uncle. In the dim light, his face fluctuated between various shades, and his gaze was particularly complex and difficult to decipher. After a long pause, he swallowed hard, his face twitching a few times before he stiffly replied, "Did I not tell you? This morning, my mother and I were discussing matters in the courtyard. As a result, my words angered her, and she came over to hit me. I just dodged, but unexpectedly, my mother crashed into the wall. The wall was too weak and broke upon impact, causing my mother to roll down the mountain and die from the fall—"

Uncle Er just refused to relent, maintaining a cold demeanor and stubbornly refusing to help. However, he was somewhat annoyed by Yang Ersheng's persistent nagging. After a long while, he could no longer tolerate it and finally let out a cold snort, pushing Yang Ersheng away: "Ersheng, how did your mother die? If you weren't haunted, would you be so scared? If it was just an accidental fall, how could there be such a strong resentment? I'm afraid that once the mourning period is over, she will turn into a vengeful spirit. I really can't take responsibility for this; you should find someone else."

The Yang family's expressions changed dramatically, as if they were reminded of the legend of the seventh day after death. It is said that the souls of the deceased return home on this day, and the family should prepare a meal for the soul before its return. Afterward, they must avoid contact, with the best method being to sleep; if unable to sleep, they should at least hide under the covers. If the deceased's soul sees the family, it may become concerned, which could affect its reincarnation. It is also said that on the day of the seventh day, at the hour of the rat, the family should burn a ladder-shaped object at home, allowing the soul to ascend to heaven along this celestial ladder. The best method is still to sleep; if unable to sleep, they should hide under the covers. If the deceased's soul sees the family, it may become concerned, which could affect its reincarnation. It is also said that on the day of the seventh day, at the hour of the rat, the family should burn a ladder-shaped object at home, allowing the soul to ascend to heaven along this celestial ladder

Before he finished speaking, the voice of Uncle Er came from inside the house: "Let's go, even if you speak the truth, I cannot help you. The seventh day of the soul's return is the most perilous; I have no ability to assist you. It is useless for you to keep bothering me."

I nodded subconsciously, but then recalled my second uncle's admonition and shook my head again. After a brief hesitation, I lowered my voice and said: "My second uncle is at home, but he said he can no longer manage your family's affairs. If you wish to be safe, it would be best to invite someone truly skilled within these few days before the seventh day of mourning."

Upon hearing me speak, Second Uncle cast a glance at me, yet his brow remained furrowed. After a while, he let out a sigh: "It has passed, humph, but it is not that simple. I dare say that the eldest daughter of the Yang family definitely did not die from a simple fall; there must be more to it. In a few days, it will be the seventh day, and I fear there will still be disturbances. This matter is far from over"

Uncle Er's voice startled Yang Ersheng, causing him to shiver, and it also frightened everyone else. However, the wives and children of the Yang family did not dare to approach; instead, they looked at Yang Ersheng with uncertainty, not understanding why Uncle Er would ask such a question. Could there be some other strange matter involved in this?

Ah—" I exclaimed, looking at Uncle Er in a daze. I wanted to say something, but my mind was in a jumble, and I didn't know what to say. At that moment, I naturally did not doubt Uncle Er's words.

Perhaps it was the words of Second Uncle that provoked Yang Ersheng, as his pleas suddenly ceased. However, his face had already contorted, his throat emitting hoarse sounds, his hands tightly clenched with veins bulging, and his eyes wide open, looking quite terrifying, as if he were about to devour someone. This made my heart tighten involuntarily, and I instinctively grasped a teapot behind me; if Yang Ersheng were to act recklessly, I would not hold back. Fortunately, after a moment, Yang Ersheng suddenly seemed to deflate, his body going limp as he collapsed to the ground, and unexpectedly began to sob softly: "Second Uncle, let me tell you the truth. My mother did not fall by herself. That day, we had a quarrel over the land, and my mother got angry and tried to hit me. I just pushed her casually, and she lost her balance, stepping back a few paces. I never expected—never expected that she would hit the wall and fall down. I truly did not mean to do it—"

However, in response to Yang Ersheng's words, the second uncle merely scoffed, a hint of mockery curling at the corner of his mouth: "If he were to die, it wouldn't be so easy. Since you are unwilling to speak, I won't press further. However, I must remind you to cremate the body as soon as dawn breaks; otherwise, if it were to rise from the dead, it would bring trouble to the old and young in the village."

Yang Ersheng's expression tightened as he glanced at Second Uncle, his face changing again, turning a shade of iron blue. He wanted to speak but only opened his mouth without uttering a sound. Some things he ultimately dared not say. However, he remembered Second Uncle's words clearly: as soon as dawn broke, he would go to the fire and then return to bury it. Yet, he could no longer afford to worry about so many rules. That night of terror nearly scared away his three souls and seven spirits; if this continued, he would eventually be scared to death. However, he remembered Second Uncle's words clearly: as soon as dawn broke, he would go to the fire and then return to bury it. Yet, he could no longer afford to worry about so many rules. That night of terror nearly scared away his three souls and seven spirits; if this continued, he would eventually be scared to death.

The villagers all believed Yang Ersheng's words, for the wall truly collapsed with just a push. They helped to go down the mountain to retrieve the old lady's body, and then invited Uncle Er over to begin arranging the funeral. After all, it was an accidental death, and the village's secretary issued a certificate, without even reporting it to the police. I am aware of everything that followed.

Although he had already made up his mind not to concern himself with the affairs of the Yang family, the second uncle still could not let it go in his heart. This was because the current situation had exceeded his capabilities and knowledge. He let out a soft sigh and simply went back to his room to rest, leaving me alone in the outer room, lost in thought, yet unaware of what I was actually thinking.

They sat like this until dawn, fortunately nothing happened; otherwise, someone might have lost their patience. As soon as it was light, the second uncle instructed the Yang family to quickly cremate the body. However, before the second uncle left, he said this: "Do not look for me in the next few days; even if you do, I will not take care of it."

Uncle Er has spent his entire life being kind to others, rarely refusing anyone. He is well-known as a good person in the surrounding villages. However, the fact that he unhesitatingly rejected this time only highlights the issue. Perhaps, as Uncle Er said, he truly cannot help, which is something Yang Ersheng finds hard to accept. After a brief moment of shock, he surprisingly said nothing, but suddenly got up, forcefully pushed me aside, and rushed into the inner room. I could still hear Yang Ersheng's pleading voice.

The truth of the legend is uncertain, but the Yang family, having experienced a resurrection, must believe it without doubt. Just the thought of the old lady returning on the seventh day sends chills down the spines of the family, and none are more terrified than Yang Ersheng, whose face has turned pale as a ghost. His mouth opens several times, and suddenly, his knees buckle, causing him to kneel before me: "Xiao Hai, where can we find someone with real skills? We can't just stand by and watch our family suffer. I beg you, please bring Uncle Er out for us—"

I was pushed and nearly fell to the ground, left helplessly watching Yang Ersheng rush in. A surge of anger welled up in my heart, and I followed him inside. However, the Yang family hesitated and did not dare to enter.

In the afternoon, the Yang family returned after the cremation; the old lady had already been reduced to ashes, and naturally, there would be no more chance of her rising from the dead. However, the Yang family could not breathe a sigh of relief just because of this. Not long after their return, Yang Ersheng and his limping brother Yang Chuanming came to the second uncle's house. At that time, I was in a daze, half asleep, and in my dream, I still saw the old lady's pale face. It was a sudden knock on the door that jolted me awake from the nightmare. When I woke up, I felt sticky all over, drenched in cold sweat from the fright. Only upon hearing Yang Ersheng's voice outside did I reluctantly get up to open the door.

Seeing Yang Ersheng remain silent, Er Daye also became angry, snorting as he turned his head away from Yang Ersheng. He simply helped me up and went straight to the old lady's side. After observing for a while, he finally sighed in relief, looked up at the sky, and estimated that it wouldn't be long before dawn. At this moment, the old lady also stopped fidgeting, bound to the spirit bed and remaining motionless. Her face was still pale, but it seemed as though she had gained something.

When the door was opened, I realized that all the members of the Yang family had arrived. However, this was not out of respect for the second uncle; rather, no one wanted to be alone. With more people around, one feels more secure. Upon seeing me, Yang Ersheng forced a smile on his face, and after a slight gulp in his throat, he managed to utter a dry remark: "Xiao Hai, is the second uncle at home?"

Upon entering the room, I saw Yang Ersheng kneeling on the ground, tugging at Second Uncle's pant leg, crying with tears and snot streaming down his face, while pleading at the same time. Seeing Yang Ersheng's appearance, I immediately lost my temper. What more could I say? I could only silently stand to the side, watching Yang Ersheng's desperate pleas. Is it really necessary for one's own mother to be so terrified?

As they spoke, they hurriedly helped me leave. Naturally, the fat dog and the pillar did not dare to stay behind, but followed in the footsteps of the second master. Soon, the villagers also began to disperse slowly. At this point, it seemed that the matter had come to a conclusion. The Yang family had already arranged for a vehicle to take the old lady's body for cremation. Once it was burned, there would be no more terrifying incidents of resurrection. Even now, whenever I think of that situation, I cannot help but shiver.

However, throughout the journey, Second Uncle's expression remained gloomy. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but he didn't say a word. Even upon returning home, he seemed lost in thought, which made me somewhat worried. Eventually, I couldn't help but tug at Second Uncle's sleeve and asked, "Uncle, what is wrong with you? Isn't it all in the past now?"

Seeing my astonished expression, Second Uncle shook his head, his face also darkening: "In a few days, it will be the seventh day. By then, the eldest sister will definitely return along her own footprints. You have been affected by her negative energy, so on that day, you absolutely must not go outside; otherwise, you will be asking for trouble. This matter is beyond our control."