C26 Exorcism

Wu Yi advised me to stay away from the office for a few days and take some time to recuperate. Meanwhile, he would take on the responsibility of visiting Lingyin Temple to speak with the abbot. The recent incident had taken a toll on me; my body was weaker than before, and I was having trouble remembering certain things, like how Wu Yi and I met. No matter how much I racked my brain, I couldn't recall how it all began.

I requested a week off from school and decided to visit my hometown, having not seen my parents in six months. The sense of longing was much more intense than it had ever been. On the day I was preparing to leave, my dad hurried back to inform me that my great-grandfather was gravely ill. We set out that evening in a donkey cart to my great-grandfather's home, only to find that the family had already begun funeral preparations. It seemed he was beyond help.

As a child, my great-grandfather would take me to plays and often treat me to candy. He was an amiable person in my memories.

I asked my uncle if I could see him, and he said, "Of course, he was just asking for you!" Upon entering the room, I found my great-grandfather lying alone on a wooden bed, his eyes rolled back, looking both pitiable and frightening. I called out to him, and after a long pause, he finally recognized me.

It was my first encounter with someone on the brink of death. As he turned his head towards me, I could tell he was struggling to concentrate all his energy on my presence. He tried to speak, but I couldn't make out his words, so I leaned in close to listen. "Grandfather, what do you want to say? I'm here," I said.

A look of relief washed over his eyes as he whispered, "Fan'er, have you brought your granddaughter-in-law home? Why isn't she here?"

A jolt of surprise hit me. Could it be that he was mistaking me for someone else? It was understandable, given his age. He was calling my name but speaking of someone else's matters. I replied, "Grandfather, I haven't even graduated yet. How could I have brought home a granddaughter-in-law for you?"

Grandfather's eyes paused as he exclaimed, "You little rascal, you've been deceiving me?" She visited me the day before yesterday. She looked stunning, dressed in bridal attire—a red skirt, red shoes, and red silk. Fan'er is truly blessed."

I became flustered and asked, "Grandfather, are you sure about what she looked like?"

Struggling, Grandfather replied, "She was very beautiful, as beautiful as a celestial being. She told me her name was Qiao Yue!"

Qiao Yue? I collapsed onto the ground. Was that night real? I hurriedly asked, "Grandfather, did she say anything else?"

Grandfather gestured dismissively, his gaze drifting away. Then he looked out the window as if he recognized someone, his face breaking into a smile of recognition.

It's said that those close to death can see what others can't, like spirits. I quickly glanced out the window, but there was nothing. Perhaps someone was indeed there—maybe Grandmother, long gone, waiting for him, or perhaps, it was Qiao Yue? A wave of sadness washed over me. I grasped Grandfather's hand, wishing he could take me to the theater just one more time.

That night, Grandfather passed away with dignity, a smile gracing his face—a sight I'll never forget...

I've forgotten many things, but the events of that night at the old temple remain vivid in my mind. She's rooted herself in my heart, and despite my efforts to forget, she surfaces in my thoughts now and then. I've convinced myself it was just a dream, both agonizing and beautiful, but Grandfather's final words have left me restless for several nights.

On the day of my departure, I visited Grandfather's grave, bringing candies as a token of remembrance. After paying my respects, I began my journey home.

Wu Yi was aware of Grandfather's passing. He probably called with urgent news, but upon learning I was in mourning, he disconnected. Once back, I sought out Wu Yi to inquire if he had visited the abbot of Lingyin Temple. Wu Yi confirmed he had, only to discover that the abbot had left the city three years prior, his whereabouts unknown to anyone.

I feared the worst. Yet Wu Yi mentioned that after a lengthy conversation with the current abbot of Lingyin Temple, the abbot expressed a desire to meet me. If my story held true, he was open to offering assistance.

The following day, Wu Yi and I made our way to Lingyin Temple. The abbot, a middle-aged man in his forties named Liu Tian, also referred to as Master One Day, had an unremarkable appearance with plump cheeks and large earlobes, indistinguishable from an ordinary person. After we explained our situation, he invited us to the monastery's dining hall in the back garden for a discussion.

Liu Tian explained that unlike Taoists, who may simply require payment for services, Buddhism values the concept of fate—its creation and dissolution. I argued that Buddhist disciples are meant to uphold justice and provide salvation to all beings. Wu Yi and I were among those beings, so I implored the Master to aid us.

With a wry smile, Liu Tian responded, "My friend, you've been influenced by too many television dramas. 'Helping all living beings' is a catchphrase from Journey to the West. We ordinary monks, let alone saving all beings, sometimes struggle to help even one or two."

Liu Tian gestured with his hands, and I quickly grasped his implication.

Wu Yi proposed, "If the Master is willing to intervene, I'll donate ten thousand yuan for your alms. Does that sound acceptable?"

Liu Tian chuckled and replied, "First, let me assess this benefactor's spiritual potential."

Despite my growing impatience, I knew I was in no position to be discourteous, so I reluctantly extended my hand to him. I couldn't help but think, "Isn't he just a doctor in robes, masquerading as a spiritual master?"

As I lamented the decline of moral values, Liu Tian abruptly proclaimed, "Benefactor, you possess an exceptional spiritual foundation, one that is destined to be intertwined with Buddhism. How about this: if you embrace Buddhism, I will offer my help."

I shoved him away, exclaiming, "To hell with that!"

Clearly, he was nothing but a charlatan. It's no surprise that Lingyin Temple was struggling; with such a fraud at the helm, prosperity would indeed be a miracle.

Wu Yi, equally frustrated, saw me stand to leave and, with a resigned shrug, followed suit.

Liu Tian suddenly caught up with me, grabbing my arm and earnestly inquired, "Benefactor Lee, don't you believe in past and present lives? Surely, you must have had a connection with Buddhism in a former life. Perhaps you were even a venerable monk."

I stared at him as if he were out of his mind. Liu Tian let out a sly chuckle and said, "You won't believe anything I say right now, but please, hold on. I'll join you on this journey."

Wu Yi signaled for me to wait. He explained that his cousin wouldn't recommend someone for no reason. Given that he was once a senior brother to the former abbot, he must possess some wisdom. There's a saying, after all, that one cannot become a Buddha without first facing the possibility of becoming a demon.

I reminded him, "Don't forget that Cripple Zhou was a recommendation from your cousin. How did that turn out?"

Wu Yi fell silent for a moment before speaking softly, "You wanted to know the whereabouts of that female ghost, right? He might have the answers you seek."

On the road, Wu Yi was at the wheel while Liu Tian and I took the backseat. He scrutinized my palm, making all sorts of gestures that left me feeling like he was transparent. If I hadn't known he was already a married man with children, I might have been tempted to boot him out of the car. Liu Tian said, "Wu Yi has filled me in on your situation. Let me be blunt: someone is plotting to use a third party to kill you."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. Finally, we were getting to the crux of the matter. I pressed him for details.

Liu Tian explained, "I'm well aware of the Ghost Building's notoriety in East City, particularly the vicious creature on the 14th floor. It's said to be one in ten thousand—a formidable entity. Despite the abundance of skilled individuals in our country, no one has been able to unravel the building's mysteries. Impressive as it is that you two managed to cleanse the second and third floors, these creatures are like a food chain—eliminate one, and a more powerful one takes its place."

He went on, "The person targeting you is clearly intimidated by something or someone, and therefore can't act directly. They aim to leverage another vicious creature to end your life, likely gaining a significant advantage in the process. As for the exact nature of that advantage, only they know."

I admitted that I couldn't recall what transpired that night; all I remembered was having a dream where I was a servant in a wealthy household, followed by witnessing some horrific scenes.

Liu Tian let out a resigned sigh and remarked, "See, I said you wouldn't believe me."

I've never been fond of Liu Tian. It seemed to me that he was all show with little substance, but since Wu Yi held him in high regard, I refrained from openly confronting him.

"If you don't believe in past lives," Liu Tian stated, "then I can't explain it to you."

"Go ahead and explain," I urged, curious to hear what he had to say.

Liu Tian's gaze intensified, and he spoke softly, "Tonight, I will take you back to your former life to vanquish evil and defend the righteous!"

Upon reaching the Ghost Building, Liu Tian lingered at the entrance, whispering to himself. Wu Yi approached and inquired about his findings, but Liu Tian remained cryptic and silent.

Finally, as we entered, Liu Tian blurted out, "This place is in utter chaos, like a dance of demons unleashed without their leader to keep them in check."

Wu Yi wondered if the recent absence of Lee Fan and the spiritual staircase not being properly sealed were to blame. Liu Tian glanced at me and countered, "Hasn't he always been here?"

Wu Yi was taken aback, noting that Lee Fan had only just returned today after spending the previous days recuperating at home.

Liu Tian shook his head, clarifying, "I'm referring to his spirit—it's been here all along, tending to his duties."

Chills ran down my spine upon hearing this, and I began to acknowledge Liu Tian's capabilities. I asked him about his plans for the evening.

"You've been targeted by a vicious creature on the lower floor," Liu Tian explained. "The one who tied the bell must untie it. We'll start with that creature tonight. As for the one who sought to harm you, we'll deal with him tomorrow."