C7 Yang Fire Extinguished

Upon hearing more, I realized there was so much more to the story.

Third Uncle went on to explain, "We ordinary folks can't see ghosts. But if you could, you'd notice the differences. At first glance, both appear to be cradling a Ghost Infant. Yet, those in the know can tell them apart. The blood-covered ghosts haven't actually birthed a Ghost Infant, so their bellies remain as swollen as when they were pregnant. On the other hand, those who have given birth have smaller stomachs."

I paused, then said, "But I can see them. Didn't I mention the shadow on the curtains? And after I bolted from the house, I saw a ghost shadow when I looked back. Could that have been a ghost?"

Third Uncle stared at me, his face a picture of disbelief, "You actually saw the ghost shadow?"

I replied, frustrated, "Of course, I did. I told you, but you didn't believe me."

He pressed on, "Was the ghost shadow's belly big?"

After thinking for a moment, I answered, "It didn't seem to be."

"That makes sense. But you don't have Yin-Yang Eyes, so how can you see ghosts?" Third Uncle was clearly baffled. He pondered for a bit, then suddenly yanked up my shirt to expose my shoulder.

The tiny handprint on my shoulder was nearly gone, but the skin was still reddened. Third Uncle pressed down hard on my shoulder, causing a sharp pain that made me exclaim, "Ouch, Third Uncle, what are you doing?"

He nodded, then shook his head, pacing around the room.

"Third Uncle, could you please stop pacing? It's making me dizzy. What's the matter?"

Finally, he stopped and let out a sigh, looking at me, "You've had your share of troubles, haven't you? I've been wondering why that little ghost singled you out and targeted your shoulder..."

"What is it, exactly?"

He inquired, "Have you ever felt anything unusual about that shoulder?"

I thought hard and realized that my left shoulder had always been somewhat uncomfortable and occasionally painful.

I shared this with Third Uncle. He nodded, "That figures. I suspect your shoulder pain occurs on the first and fifteenth of each month."

"I hadn't noticed that before. But now that I think about it, the pain does seem to flare up every half month."

"When did you first start experiencing shoulder pain?" Third Uncle inquired.

I shook my head, "I can't quite recall, but it's been several years at least."

Third Uncle chuckled, "That confirms it. The issue with your shoulder began with the ill-fated breath your grandfather passed onto you."

"Ah? How is it connected to that breath?"

Third Uncle nodded solemnly, "It's actually more serious than I initially thought. That breath didn't just bring you misfortune; it also snuffed out one of your Life Lamps."

"What lamp?" I was completely lost. Third Uncle's words were foreign to me, but I sensed that an extinguished lamp couldn't be anything positive.

"Each person has three Life Lamps, also known as Soul Lamps, representing the three souls of the human body. The most crucial one sits atop the head. In Buddhism, it's referred to as the crown chakra, while in Taoism, we call it the Niwan Palace. Medically, it's known as the Baihui Acupuncture Point. It's the very spot where the skull is at its thinnest and most delicate at birth, so this Life Lamp is vital for one's life force. If the lamp goes out, it signifies death. If a person's body is cold in death but this spot remains warm, it indicates that their soul lingers. The other two Life Lamps are located on each shoulder. That's why, if you're outdoors and hear someone calling your name, never turn back. Doing so would blow out the Life Lamp on your shoulder, allowing malevolent entities a chance to invade."

Hearing Third Uncle's explanation left me stunned. "So that's how it is. Are you saying my grandfather extinguished the Life Lamp on my shoulder? Does that mean I'm close to death?"

Third Uncle shook his head, "Not necessarily. As I mentioned, as long as the Life Lamp on your head is still lit, your life isn't in danger. Right now, the lamp on your shoulder is merely extinguished, which is why you experience shoulder pain on the first and fifteenth of the month. The ghost from that haunted house is also trying to seize the opportunity to enter and take over your body. But it's just the Yang Fire that's been extinguished, not the lamp itself. All you need to do is find the right moment to relight it."

"Ah, then light it up for me, quick."

Third Uncle gave a wry smile and said, "You think it's as simple as lighting a candle? Just light it up? This isn't an easy matter. You've got to give me some time to think it through."

This was no laughing matter. As soon as I heard his response, I got impatient, "Lee Dagang, can't you be of any use? You're always boasting about your skills, yet you can't figure out this little problem?"

With a pained expression, Third Uncle replied, "Nephew, it's Lee Dongbin."

"Bullshit, Lee Dongbin. Don't drag his name through the mud. Fine, do whatever you want. I don't need your help. I'm leaving this place to go to the hospital."

After Third Uncle's comment, whether it was psychological or not, my shoulder seemed to hurt even more, to the point where I could barely lift it. I dropped a few harsh words and turned to leave.

Third Uncle got desperate, "Go on, then. If the hospital can figure it out, I'll be your grandson."

I paused, considering that Third Uncle might have a point. I couldn't very well tell the hospital staff that my Life Lamp had gone out. They'd likely think I was crazy. And sometimes, these supernatural issues just can't be explained by science.

Feeling a twinge of regret for my earlier harshness, I turned back and said, "Then you've got to come up with something for me."

Third Uncle, caught between laughter and tears, said, "Nephew, you need to work on that temper. Don't just throw in the towel. We have to retrieve your Life Lamp, and I'll take care of it. I just haven't figured out how yet. Plus, your arm isn't as bad as you think. I can find a way to seal your shoulder to ease the pain and prevent any other ghostly entities from taking advantage."

As he spoke, Third Uncle began to dig through his bag and soon pulled out a stack of plasters, reaching to apply one to my shoulder.

I instinctively dodged, "What is that? Can I trust it?"

Third Uncle fixed me with a stern look. "Enough talk. This is my secret ointment, designed to stimulate circulation, break up blood clots, detoxify, and replenish Yang energy. If your shoulder's light has gone out, it indicates a deficiency in Yang energy. This ointment is exactly what you need. Come on, do as I say."

With that, Third Uncle slapped the ointment onto my shoulder.

I have to say, once the ointment was applied, a warm sensation emanated from it, spreading swiftly through my arm. I tried moving it, and to my relief, the pain in my shoulder significantly subsided.

It seems Third Uncle really knows his stuff.

He handed me a stack of the ointment: "From now on, just apply one on the first and fifteenth mornings of each month. One patch will last you half a month."

I nodded, accepting the ointment, and let out a sigh. "I never imagined my grandfather would leave me with such a legacy."

"Do you resent your grandfather?" Third Uncle inquired.

I shook my head. "How could I? I just miss him..."

"That's the spirit," Third Uncle affirmed. "Listen, nephew, I've been puzzled. It doesn't make sense for your grandfather to have cursed you without reason. There's got to be an explanation. But trust me, and trust your grandfather. He had his reasons for doing what he did."

I paused, taken aback. "Are you suggesting my grandfather intentionally cursed me?"

"It's only a theory right now," Third Uncle explained. "Do you know why I suddenly came home from the market that day?"

I shook my head; Third Uncle's timing that day had been uncannily perfect. If he had been any later, I might not have made it.

"The night before your grandfather passed, I had a dream about him. He told me in the dream to return home at that specific time the following day."

My eyes widened in surprise. Third Uncle's implication was clear: my grandfather had prearranged for him to be at home that day, knowing I would be there too. Grandfather had cursed me to ensure Third Uncle would save my life. But what was his ultimate purpose?

Seeing my confusion, Third Uncle could only shake his head. "Nephew, when I find the time, I promise to unravel this mystery and give you the answers you're looking for."

I nodded in agreement. Truth be told, my grandfather had passed away, and after so many years, the exact nature of the answer didn't really concern me. But one thing was certain: my grandfather loved me dearly and would never intentionally put my life in danger.

I gestured dismissively, "Let's not dwell on that. Tell me about the house. You mentioned that the ghost inside was a Ghost Infant, but you believed it was a Blood-smearing Ghost?"

Third Uncle confirmed, "Exactly. That's why I prepared everything with the Blood-smearing Ghost in mind, including the puppet you were holding. The Blood-smearing Ghost, being born from a stillbirth, never had the chance to bring its child into the world, hence its particular attachment to children. I gathered the natal hair from infants born under the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—and sewed it into the puppet. I had you spit on it to infuse it with Yang energy. If the ghost had been a Blood-smearing Ghost, throwing the puppet would have drawn it away, giving you a chance to escape. Unfortunately, it was a Lunar Ghost, which wasn't fooled."

"I see," I nodded. "Well, it wasn't entirely in vain. Throwing the puppet did significantly lighten the pressure on my shoulder, and I seized that moment to make my escape."

Third Uncle gave a wry smile, "It was sheer luck that you were near the door and managed to get away. At that point, anything you threw would have somewhat distracted the Lunar Ghost."

The conversation about the desolate tower sent a shiver down my spine. I wiped the sweat from my brow and asked Third Uncle, "What did you discover on the second floor? I've been very curious about that."

Upon mentioning the second floor, Third Uncle let out a heavy sigh, "Damn, it's a real blow to my pride. Even I, Lee Dongbin, have met my Waterloo..."

I waved my hand, cutting him off, "This isn't the time for historical references. Just get to the point."