“You have committed too many evils, your obsessions run too deep. You know the cycle of heaven’s justice, yet you stubbornly seek to disrupt it. In the unseen realms, retribution seeks you out. Today, your downfall is but the consequence of your own misdeeds!” Zhang Enpu finished speaking, then with great difficulty, he formed a hand seal, intending to annihilate Jiang Siwen’s last remaining spirit.
Liu Dashao thought it was fitting as well. This wicked scholar had committed too many atrocities, devouring all the local immortals within hundreds of miles. This was his deserved punishment!
Just as Zhang Enpu raised his hand to strike Jiang Siwen, a woman’s voice cried out, “Old Taoist, show mercy!”
Liu Dashao turned towards the sound and saw a woman in a red wedding dress standing on the hillside.
The woman looked familiar, but he couldn’t recall her name.
“Siwen!” The woman floated towards the group.
“Yun’er!” Jiang Siwen, upon seeing the woman, struggled to rise, but after the earlier ‘Yin Soldiers Borrowing the Path’ technique, his form had already been shattered, and he could no longer stand.
Liu Dashao, hearing Jiang Siwen’s words, wondered if this woman in red was Zhen Yun. No wonder she looked familiar—wasn’t she the Li Zhiming he had seen during his astral projection?
It seemed the soul-summoning array behind the hillside had indeed summoned Li Zhiming’s true spirit.
Zhen Yun floated to Jiang Siwen, helping him sit up, and the two spirits embraced.
“Yun’er… I’ve waited for you so long… Finally, you’re here…” Jiang Siwen choked up.
“Siwen! I know you’ve been waiting for me on the cycle of reincarnation… It’s just that we couldn’t be husband and wife in this life, only wandering between yin and yang.” Zhen Yun was already weeping uncontrollably.
“What does it matter… Heh… I’ve waited through dozens of cycles… As long as we can be together… that’s enough…” Jiang Siwen closed his eyes, tears silently streaming down his cheeks.
Jiang Siwen then reached into his tattered clothes, pulled out a comb, and slowly placed it in Zhen Yun’s hand.
“Yun’er… Do you remember… I always used this comb to brush your hair… A thousand years… This comb has been my only companion…”
“I remember! I remember! I remember it all! Siwen! Now we’ll be together forever! Are you happy?”
Zhen Yun’s ghostly form was already drenched in tears.
Zhang Enpu’s furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and his hand, which had been forming the seal, was now tucked behind his back.
“…Heh… It’s no use… My spirit has been shattered… This last remnant won’t last much longer…” Jiang Siwen struggled to sit up and bowed his head to Zhang Enpu.
“Elder… I didn’t consume the immortals on this mountain… I only trapped them in the stone tablet at the village entrance… If you dispel the barrier, they can be freed… This is my small atonement for my past sins…”
Zhang Enpu remained silent, but Liu Dashao knew his heart had softened.
“Yun’er… I… I can’t let you go…” Jiang Siwen struggled to utter his last words, his voice now barely a whisper.
Zhen Yun wept bitterly, then stood and knelt before Zhang Enpu.
“Old Immortal! Have mercy on us! Siwen did everything for me! He didn’t mean to commit those wrongs! Please show us leniency! We couldn’t be husband and wife in life, but we beg to be wandering spirits together!” Zhen Yun kowtowed repeatedly, her sobs echoing.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by their unwavering love. After centuries of waiting, what they received wasn’t a marital union or growing old together, but the chance to become wandering spirits. Heaven seemed too unfair. Yet, he felt that the two before him wouldn’t care, for all they wanted was to be together, and now, they had finally achieved that.
Despite his earlier disgust towards Jiang Siwen after their fierce battle, Liu Dashao now felt a touch of emotion, and even his eyes grew moist.
“Miss, please rise. Your husband has not erred. His actions have already atoned for his past sins. I do not blame him, and I see that he is a man of deep feeling and loyalty,” Zhang Enpu spoke with gravity.
“Thank you, Taoist Master! Thank you for your mercy!” Zhen Yun kowtowed repeatedly, tears streaming down her face, yet she smiled with joy.
“Alas! I was too harsh. Your husband’s spirit will soon dissipate. Allow me to perform a ritual to gather his scattered soul!” Zhang Enpu said, then straightened his robe and sat cross-legged on the ground.
He pulled out a small wooden sword from his robe, covered in intricate talismans. Zhang Enpu waved the sword in the air a few times, then placed it on the ground, its tip pointing at Jiang Siwen.
At the same time, he took a bamboo tube from his waist, removed the red cloth covering its opening, and pulled out a yellow talisman. With a flick of his hand, the talisman ignited on its own. Zhang Enpu quickly circled the burning talisman around the bamboo tube, and it turned to ash.
After completing these actions, Zhang Enpu nodded, then sealed the bamboo tube and placed it upside down on the ground. He picked up the small wooden sword and tapped the bamboo tube three times.
With three dull thuds, Zhang Enpu pointed the sword at Jiang Siwen and shouted, “Enter!”
As soon as he spoke, Jiang Siwen flew into the bamboo tube, which wobbled a few times before stilling.
Zhang Enpu picked up the bamboo tube and walked over to Zhen Yun. “Your husband’s spirit will gather anew within this bamboo tube. Take it and wait at the village entrance before the rooster crows tomorrow. Yin officials will come to ferry you both, and you and your husband can soon reincarnate. Do not cling to this world, for your wish has been fulfilled. This is all I can do for you.”
“Heh, also, if the officials happen to be the Black and White Impermanence, mention my name, Liu Dashao, and tell them Ninth Brother misses them! They’ll take good care of you both on your journey!” Liu Dashao patted his chest and chuckled.
After hearing the master and disciple’s words, Zhen Yun knelt and kowtowed three times, her eyes shimmering with tears. “Thank you, Old Immortal! Thank you, Little Immortal! Heaven will see your great kindness and bless you! Good people live in peace!”
Zhen Yun cradled the bamboo tube, gently stroking it, a satisfied smile on her face. “Brother Siwen… It’s all over… We’ll never be apart again… Yun’er is taking you home…”
With that, Zhen Yun floated forward a few steps and vanished.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by the scene before him, and tears streamed down his face. It wasn’t because their love was grand or dramatic, but because of their unwavering devotion to each other. Centuries of waiting, centuries of longing—they had never given up, never grown weary. Through countless cycles of reincarnation, their only desire was to be together, even if it meant becoming wandering spirits. As long as they were together, that was their greatest wish.
People often say that all things have feelings, but sometimes human emotions pale in comparison to the steadfast bond of these small spirits, so loyal and trusting.
Gazing in the direction where Zhen Yun and Jiang Siwen had disappeared, Liu Dashao stood for a long time, silently praying for them to have a good next life, to grow old together.
“Dashao, don’t delay. Let’s hurry to the village stone tablet to free the spirits!” Zhang Enpu said, his face pale.
“But… Master, you’re injured! Let’s go home first and tend to your wounds. We can deal with this later!”
“We can’t delay any longer… Otherwise, the immortals’ cultivation will be affected, and lives will be lost,” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao towards the village entrance.
On the way, Liu Dashao felt something stirring in his chest—perhaps Huang Erye had woken up.
Zhang Enpu stopped and said, “Dashao, let the Great Immortal Huang out of your chest!”
Liu Dashao was surprised that Zhang Enpu knew, but at that moment, Huang Erye jumped out of his chest onto the ground, glanced at the two of them, and then scampered off.
“I’ll explain how I knew about your recent experiences when we get home. For now, let’s go break the barrier!” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao forward.
Both Liu Dashao and Zhang Enpu were covered in wounds, with Zhang Enpu more severely injured. By the time they reached the stone tablet, Zhang Enpu was drenched in sweat and extremely weak.
“Dashao… Take a look at the stone tablet… See if there’s anything unusual,” Zhang Enpu said, sitting on the ground, clearly exhausted.
Liu Dashao dragged himself to the stone tablet and examined it closely.
The half-meter-tall green stone tablet appeared normal, except for a black flower at its base, which was quite strange.
“Master, there’s a black flower at the base of the stone tablet!”
“It’s the Black Resentment Flower! Pull it out!” Zhang Enpu’s expression changed drastically.
Liu Dashao reached out to pull the flower, feeling an icy, piercing coldness. With a tug, he uprooted the black flower.
He held it up and saw that its roots formed a small human head, the size of a fist, black and featureless, with closed eyes. Liu Dashao felt nauseated and threw it to the ground, stomping on it.
A sharp sound rang out.
Looking closely, countless spirits flew out from beneath the stone tablet, including the Willow Immortal Granny.
Liu Dashao realized the barrier had been broken and felt relieved.
Then he felt his body go weak, his head heavy, and he fainted, knowing nothing more.
When Liu Dashao opened his eyes, he found himself lying at home, with Zhang Enpu, Liu Laoshi, and Wang Chunhua gathered around the kang, watching him, making him wonder if he was dreaming.
“Am I… dreaming… What happened… Master… Is it you…” Liu Dashao felt his throat dry and scratchy.
“You’ve suffered these past days. Your master is back. You’re not dreaming!” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao into a hug.
Liu Dashao felt a warmth, realizing he wasn’t dreaming, and a mix of relief and joy overwhelmed him, tears streaming down his face again.
“Ah, it’s my fault and your mother’s for leaving you behind. You’ve suffered these past days,” Liu Laoshi said beside him.
“No! I’m a grown man. I’m really fine,” Liu Dashao said stubbornly, lifting his head.
Zhang Enpu stroked his white beard, smiling at Liu Dashao. “Indeed, my disciple, I know of your recent deeds. You’ve shown great courage and determination.”
Liu Dashao then remembered that before he fainted, Zhang Enpu had told him to release Huang Erye, so he must have known something.
“Right, Master, how did you know about Huang Erye? Only I knew about that!” Liu Dashao struggled to sit up.
Zhang Enpu pushed him back onto the kang and covered him with a quilt.
“Dashao, listen to me. Rest first, eat something, and then I’ll explain everything to you,” Zhang Enpu said earnestly.
It turned out that Liu Dashao had fainted from his severe injuries and was carried back by Zhang Enpu. He had been in a high fever and coma for two days. Zhang Enpu had also been recovering from his injuries, as the palm strike from Jiang Siwen’s yin energy had caused significant damage, and his wounds were still not healed.
“But Master, how did you know about my recent experiences?” Liu Dashao asked, wolfing down a pancake, clearly starving. But he spoke too quickly and choked on his saliva, coughing violently, his face turning red.
Zhang Enpu chuckled, poured Liu Dashao a glass of water, and continued to explain.
That day, during the battle with Jiang Siwen, Zhang Enpu had just returned and went to Gou Dan’s house to look for Liu Dashao. Gou Dan stammered incoherently, so Zhang Enpu knew the two rascals must have been up to something.
He then questioned the Five Door Ghosts.
These Five Door Ghosts were the red-eyed spirits Liu Dashao had seen peeking through the door crack when Zhang Enpu first left. Liu Dashao had thought he was mistaken, but now he realized he hadn’t been wrong.
“I left the Five Door Ghosts behind to guard the house against thieves. They told me everything, including about the Great Immortal Huang and the Mysterious Elixir. But what pleased me most was that you’ve learned the art of the Eight Trigrams and Nine Palaces,” Zhang Enpu said, patting Liu Dashao’s head.
Liu Dashao nodded thoughtfully, his confusion cleared, and he asked, “What happened to Jiang Siwen and Zhen Yun in the end?”
Zhang Enpu sighed, then smiled slightly. “They were ferried away by the Yin officials before the rooster crowed that day. The next day, I calculated that they would be reborn into two wealthy families and marry. It seems heaven has shown mercy to these star-crossed lovers.”
Liu Dashao felt happy for them, hoping they would no longer be ill-fated in their next life.
Liu Dashao thought to himself that indeed, the rogue scholar had done too much evil, devouring all the local immortals practicing in the northeast within hundreds of miles. This was truly his punishment.
As Zhang Enpu raised his hand to strike Jiang Siwen, a woman’s voice suddenly cried out, “Old Taoist Master, please show mercy!”
Liu Dashao looked toward the sound and saw a woman dressed in a red wedding gown standing on the hillside.
She looked very familiar, but he couldn’t recall her name.
“Siwen!” the woman floated toward the group.
“Yun’er!” When Jiang Siwen saw her, he suddenly struggled to rise, but after the earlier “ghost soldiers clearing the path” technique, his form had been shattered and he could no longer stand.
Upon hearing Jiang Siwen call her name, Liu Dashao realized the red-clad woman must be Zhen Yun. No wonder she looked familiar—wasn’t she the same Li Zhiming he had seen during his last out-of-body experience?
It seemed the soul-summoning formation behind the hill had truly summoned Li Zhiming’s true soul.
Zhen Yun floated to Jiang Siwen and gently lifted his upper body, and the two souls embraced.
“Yun’er… I’ve waited for you so painfully… Finally, I’ve waited for you…” Jiang Siwen’s voice trembled with emotion.
“Siwen! I know you’ve waited bitterly for me on the path of reincarnation… It’s just our fate that we couldn’t be husband and wife in the human world, and could only wander between life and death,” Zhen Yun had already broken down in tears.
“What does it matter… hehe… I’ve waited through dozens of lifetimes… As long as we can be together… it’s enough…” Jiang Siwen closed his eyes after speaking, and two faint tears slid down his cheeks.
He reached into his torn clothes and pulled out a comb, slowly placing it in Zhen Yun’s hand.
“Yun’er… Do you still remember… I always used this comb to brush your hair… For a thousand years… this comb has been my only companion…”
“I remember! I remember! I remember everything! Siwen! Now we’ll be together forever! Are you happy?”
Zhen Yun’s ghost was already a weeping mess.
Zhang Enpu’s furrowed brow slowly relaxed, and the hand forming the spell had unknowingly retreated behind his back.
“…hehe… It’s no use… My spirit has been shattered… This last soul shard probably won’t last long…” Jiang Siwen struggled to sit up and kowtowed to Zhang Enpu.
“Senior… I didn’t consume the spirits on this mountain… I merely imprisoned them on the stone tablet at the village entrance… If you remove the barrier with your magic, those spirits can be released… This is my small atonement for my past sins…”
Zhang Enpu said nothing, but Liu Dashao knew his heart had already softened.
“Yun’er… I… I can’t let go of you…” Jiang Siwen struggled to utter his last words, his voice barely a whisper.
Zhen Yun wept bitterly, then stood and knelt before Zhang Enpu.
“Old Immortal, have mercy on us! Everything Siwen did was for me! He didn’t truly mean to do those wrong things! Please spare him! We couldn’t be husband and wife in life! But let us be a pair of wandering ghosts in death!” Saying this, Zhen Yun repeatedly kowtowed, sobbing softly.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by their steadfast love. After hundreds of years of waiting, what they received was not a life of marital bliss and growing old together, but the chance to become wandering ghosts together. It seemed so unjust of heaven. Yet, he felt they wouldn’t care—because what they wanted was simply to be together. Now, at last, their wish had been fulfilled.
Though he had just fought fiercely with Jiang Siwen and felt great dislike for the evil scholar, Liu Dashao now felt a small sense of warmth. Even his eyes had moistened slightly.
“Please rise, young lady. Your husband has done no wrong. His actions just now have already atoned for his past sins. I don’t blame him. I can see your husband is a man of deep feeling,” Zhang Enpu said earnestly.
“Thank you, Master, for your mercy! Thank you, Master, for your mercy!” Zhen Yun kept kowtowing, her face streaked with tears, yet smiling joyfully.
“Sigh! I also regret hitting him so hard. Your husband’s soul will soon dissipate. Allow this old man to first perform a spell to gather and stabilize his soul,” Zhang Enpu said, then adjusted his long robe and sat cross-legged on the ground.
He pulled out a small wooden sword the size of his palm, covered in densely carved talisman characters. He waved the tiny sword through the air a few times before placing it on the ground, its tip pointing directly at Jiang Siwen.
At the same time, his left hand removed a bamboo tube from his waist. He opened the red cloth lid and took out a yellow talisman. With a flick of his hand, the talisman ignited without flame. Holding the burning talisman, he quickly circled the bamboo tube, and the talisman turned to ash.
After completing these actions, Zhang Enpu nodded, then placed the bamboo tube upright on the ground. He picked up the small wooden sword and struck the bamboo tube three times.
With three deep “thuds,” Zhang Enpu waved the wooden sword at Jiang Siwen and cried, “Come in!”
As soon as the words fell, Jiang Siwen flew into the bamboo tube before Zhang Enpu. The tube wobbled a few times and then stilled.
Zhang Enpu picked up the bamboo tube and walked to Zhen Yun. “Your husband will regather his soul within this tube. Hold it, and wait at the village head before the rooster crows tomorrow. There will be underworld officials to ferry you both. You and your husband can then quickly reincarnate. Do not cling to worldly attachments anymore, for your wish has already been fulfilled. This old man can only help you this much!”
“Hehe, and if you happen to meet the Black and White Impermanents, just tell them you’re from my place and say ‘Brother Nine misses them.’ They’ll make sure you two are well taken care of on the journey!” Liu Dashao patted his chest proudly and chuckled.
After hearing the master and apprentice speak, Zhen Yun knelt and kowtowed three times to them, tearfully saying, “Thank you, Old Immortal! Thank you, Young Immortal! Your great kindness will be seen by heaven and blessed. May you both have peace all your lives!”
After saying this, Zhen Yun held the bamboo tube, gently caressing it, her face filled with a satisfied smile as she said, “Brother Siwen… it’s all over now… We’ll never be separated again… Yun’er will take you home…”
With that, Zhen Yun floated forward with the bamboo tube and vanished.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by the scene before him, and tears flowed uncontrollably from his eyes. Not because of the intensity of their love, but because of their unwavering belief in each other. Through hundreds of years of waiting, hundreds of years of watching, they had never given up or felt weary. Through lifetimes of reincarnation, their request was not grand—they didn’t desire eternal love in the human world. Just to be together—even as wandering ghosts—was their greatest wish.
People often say all things have feelings, yet sometimes human emotions pale compared to the loyalty of these tiny souls, so steadfast and full of mutual trust.
Liu Dashao stood silently, gazing in the direction where Zhen Yun and Jiang Siwen had vanished, sincerely praying for them to have a good next life, to grow old together.
“Dashao, don’t delay. Let’s hurry to the stone tablet at the village entrance to rescue the spirits!” Zhang Enpu said, his face pale.
“But… Master, you’re injured! Let’s go home first, recover, and then go!”
“No more delays… Otherwise, the cultivation of those spirits will be affected, and many lives will suffer,” Zhang Enpu said, then pulled Liu Dashao toward the village entrance.
On the way, Liu Dashao felt something moving in his bosom—probably Huang Er Ye was waking up.
Zhang Enpu stopped and said to Liu Dashao, “Dashao, release the Great Immortal Huang from your bosom!”
Liu Dashao was secretly surprised how Zhang Enpu knew, but then Huang Er Ye jumped out from Liu Dashao’s bosom, looked at the two with his small eyes, and quickly disappeared.
“I’ll explain later how I know everything about you these days. Now, let’s first remove the barrier!” Zhang Enpu said, then pulled Liu Dashao forward quickly.
Both Liu Dashao and Zhang Enpu were badly injured, with Zhang Enpu more seriously so. When they reached the stone tablet, Zhang Enpu was sweating heavily and looked very weak.
“Dashao… look carefully at the stone tablet… see if there’s anything unusual,” Zhang Enpu sat down, clearly exhausted.
Liu Dashao dragged his weary body to the stone tablet and examined it closely.
The half-meter-high green stone tablet appeared normal, except for a strange black flower at its base.
“Master, there’s a black flower at the base of the stone tablet!”
“You, with your countless evils and deep obsessions, know the cycle of heaven’s justice yet insist on disrupting it. Karma will inevitably find you, and today’s fate is but the result of your own misdeeds!” Zhang Enpu finished speaking, struggling to form a hand seal, intending to end Jiang Siwen’s last remaining spirit.
Liu Dashao thought it was fitting as well. This wicked scholar had committed too many atrocities, devouring all the local immortals within hundreds of miles. This was his deserved punishment!
Just as Zhang Enpu raised his hand to strike Jiang Siwen, a woman’s voice cried out, “Old Taoist, show mercy!”
Liu Dashao turned to see a woman in a red wedding dress standing on the hillside. She looked familiar, but he couldn’t recall her name.
“Siwen!” The woman floated towards the group.
“Yun’er!” Jiang Siwen, upon seeing her, struggled to rise, but after the earlier ‘Yin Soldiers Borrowing the Path’ technique, his form had been shattered, and he could no longer stand.
Liu Dashao, hearing Jiang Siwen’s words, wondered if this woman in red was Zhen Yun. No wonder she looked familiar—wasn’t she the Li Zhiming he had seen during his astral projection?
It seemed the soul-summoning array behind the hillside had indeed summoned Li Zhiming’s true spirit.
Zhen Yun floated to Jiang Siwen, helping him sit up, and the two spirits embraced.
“Yun’er… I’ve waited so long for you… Finally, you’re here…” Jiang Siwen choked with emotion.
“Siwen! I know you’ve been waiting for me on the cycle of reincarnation… It’s just that we couldn’t be married in life, only wandering between yin and yang.” Zhen Yun was already weeping uncontrollably.
“What does it matter… Heh… I’ve waited through dozens of cycles… As long as we’re together… That’s enough…” Jiang Siwen closed his eyes, tears silently streaming down his cheeks.
Jiang Siwen reached into his tattered clothes, pulling out a comb, and slowly placed it in Zhen Yun’s hand.
“Yun’er… Do you remember… I always used this comb to brush your hair… A thousand years… This comb has been my only companion…”
“I remember! I remember! I remember it all! Siwen! Now we’ll be together forever! Are you happy?”
Zhen Yun’s ghostly form was already drenched in tears.
Zhang Enpu’s furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and his hand, which had been forming the seal, was now resting behind his back.
“…Heh… It’s no use… My spirit has been shattered… This last remnant won’t last much longer…” Jiang Siwen struggled to sit up and bowed his head to Zhang Enpu.
“Elder… The immortals on this mountain… I didn’t consume them… I only trapped them in the stone tablet at the village entrance… If you dispel the barrier, they can be freed… This is my small atonement for my past sins…”
Zhang Enpu remained silent, but Liu Dashao knew his heart had softened.
“Yun’er… I… I can’t let you go…” Jiang Siwen struggled to utter his last words, his voice now a mere whisper.
Zhen Yun wept bitterly, then stood and knelt before Zhang Enpu.
“Old immortal! Have mercy on us! Siwen did everything for me! He didn’t mean to commit those wrongs! Please show leniency! We couldn’t be husband and wife in life, but we beg to be wandering spirits together!” Zhen Yun kowtowed repeatedly, her sobs echoing.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by their unwavering love. After centuries of waiting, what they received was not a marital union or growing old together, but becoming wandering spirits. It seemed heaven was too unfair. Yet, he felt that the two before him wouldn’t care, for all they wanted was to be together, and now, they had finally achieved that.
Though Liu Dashao had been repulsed by Jiang Siwen’s earlier malevolence, now he felt a small surge of emotion, even his eyes moistening.
“Miss, please rise. Your husband has not erred. His actions have already atoned for his past sins. I do not blame him, and I see he is a man of deep sentiment,” Zhang Enpu spoke with gravity.
“Thank you, Taoist Master! Thank you for your mercy!” Zhen Yun kowtowed repeatedly, tears streaming down her face, yet she smiled with joy.
“Ah! It’s my fault for striking too hard. Your husband’s spirit will soon dissipate. Allow me to perform a ritual to gather his soul!” Zhang Enpu said, then straightened his robe and sat cross-legged on the ground.
He pulled out a small wooden sword from his robe, covered in intricate talismans. Zhang Enpu waved the sword in the air a few times, then placed it on the ground, its tip pointing at Jiang Siwen.
At the same time, he took a bamboo tube from his waist, removed the red cloth covering its opening, and pulled out a yellow talisman. With a flick of his wrist, the talisman ignited without being lit. Zhang Enpu quickly circled the burning talisman around the bamboo tube, and it turned to ash.
After completing these actions, Zhang Enpu nodded, then covered the bamboo tube and placed it upside down on the ground. He picked up the small wooden sword and tapped the inverted bamboo tube three times.
With three dull thuds, Zhang Enpu pointed the sword at Jiang Siwen and shouted, “Enter!”
As soon as he spoke, Jiang Siwen flew into the bamboo tube before Zhang Enpu. The tube shook a few times, then stilled.
Zhang Enpu picked up the bamboo tube and walked to Zhen Yun. “Your husband’s spirit will reform within this bamboo tube. Take it and wait at the village entrance before the rooster crows tomorrow. Yin officials will come to ferry you both, and you and your husband can soon reincarnate. Do not cling to this world, for your wish has been fulfilled. This is all I can do for you.”
“Heh, also, if the officials happen to be the Black and White Impermanence, mention my name, Liu Dashao, and tell them Ninth Brother misses them! They’ll take good care of you both on the journey!” Liu Dashao patted his chest and chuckled.
After hearing the master and disciple, Zhen Yun knelt and kowtowed three times, tears of gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, old immortal! Thank you, young immortal! Heaven will see your kindness and bless you! Good people live in peace!”
Zhen Yun cradled the bamboo tube, gently stroking it, a satisfied smile on her face. “Brother Siwen… It’s all over… We’ll never be apart again… Yun’er is taking you home…”
With that, Zhen Yun floated forward a few steps with the bamboo tube and disappeared.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by the scene before him, tears streaming uncontrollably. It wasn’t because their love was grand or dramatic, but because of their unwavering devotion to each other. Through centuries of waiting and countless cycles of reincarnation, they had never given up or grown weary. Their wish was simple—not to live forever in the human world, but to be together, even as wandering spirits. That was their greatest desire.
People often say that all things have feelings, but sometimes human emotions pale in comparison to the steadfast loyalty of these spirits. Their bond was unbreakable, their trust in each other unshakable.
Liu Dashao stood for a long time, gazing in the direction where Zhen Yun and Jiang Siwen had vanished. He prayed devoutly for them, hoping they would have a good next life and grow old together.
“Dashao, don’t delay. Let’s hurry to the village entrance to free the immortals!” Zhang Enpu said, his face pale.
“But… Master, you’re injured! Let’s go home first and tend to your wounds. We can go later!”
“We can’t delay any longer… Otherwise, the immortals’ cultivation will be affected, and lives will be lost,” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao towards the village entrance.
On the way, Liu Dashao felt something stirring in his chest—perhaps Huang Erye had woken up.
Zhang Enpu stopped and said to Liu Dashao, “Dashao, release the Great Immortal Huang from your chest.”
Liu Dashao was surprised that Zhang Enpu knew, but before he could ask, Huang Erye jumped out of his chest onto the ground, glanced at the two of them, and scampered away.
“I’ll explain how I knew about your recent activities when we get home. For now, let’s go break the barrier!” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao forward.
Both Liu Dashao and Zhang Enpu were covered in wounds, with Zhang Enpu’s injuries being more severe. By the time they reached the stone tablet, Zhang Enpu was drenched in sweat and visibly weak.
“Dashao… Examine the stone tablet… See if there’s anything unusual,” Zhang Enpu said, sitting on the ground, clearly exhausted.
Liu Dashao dragged himself to the tablet and examined it closely.
The half-meter-tall green stone tablet appeared normal, except for a black flower at its base, which seemed out of place.
“Master, there’s a black flower at the base of the tablet!”
“It’s the Black Resentment Flower! Pull it out!” Zhang Enpu’s expression changed drastically.
Liu Dashao reached for the flower, feeling an icy chill as he touched it. With a tug, he uprooted the black flower.
He held it up and saw that its roots formed a small human head, no larger than a fist, black and shriveled, with closed eyes. Liu Dashao felt nauseated and threw it to the ground, stomping on it.
A sharp sound pierced the air.
Looking up, Liu Dashao saw countless spirits flying out from beneath the stone tablet, including the Willow Immortal Granny.
Liu Dashao realized the barrier had been broken and felt relieved.
Then, he felt his body go weak, his head heavy, and he fainted, knowing nothing more.
When Liu Dashao opened his eyes, he found himself at home, with Zhang Enpu, Liu Laoshi, and Wang Chunhua gathered around the bed, watching him. He wondered if he was dreaming.
“Am I… dreaming… What happened… Master… Is it you…” Liu Dashao’s throat felt dry and scratchy.
“You’ve suffered these past days. Your master is back, and you’re not dreaming!” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao into an embrace.
Liu Dashao felt a warmth that confirmed he wasn’t dreaming. A mix of relief and joy overwhelmed him, and tears streamed down his face once more.
“Ah, it’s our fault for leaving you behind. You’ve suffered so much these days,” Liu Laoshi said.
“No! I’m a grown man. I’m fine, really,” Liu Dashao said stubbornly.
Zhang Enpu stroked his beard and smiled at Liu Dashao. “Indeed, my disciple. I’ve known about your recent deeds. You’ve shown great courage and determination.”
Liu Dashao then remembered that before he fainted, Zhang Enpu had told him to release Huang Erye, so he must have known something.
“Right, Master, how did you know about Huang Erye? Only I knew about that!” Liu Dashao struggled to sit up.
Zhang Enpu pushed him back onto the bed and covered him with a blanket.
“Dashao, rest first. After you’ve eaten, I’ll explain everything,” Zhang Enpu said with a serious tone.
It turned out that Liu Dashao had fainted due to his severe injuries. Zhang Enpu had carried him home, where he had been in a high fever and unconscious for two days. Zhang Enpu had also been recovering from his injuries, as the palm strike from Jiang Siwen’s yin energy had caused significant damage. Even now, Zhang Enpu’s injuries had not fully healed.
“But Master, how did you know about everything that happened to me these days?” Liu Dashao asked, devouring a pancake. He was clearly starving, but his hurried speech caused him to choke, leading to a fit of coughing that turned his face red.
Zhang Enpu chuckled, poured Liu Dashao a glass of water, and continued his explanation.
That day, during the battle with Jiang Siwen, Zhang Enpu had returned and gone to Gou Dan’s house to look for Liu Dashao. Gou Dan had been evasive, so Zhang Enpu knew the two had been up to something.
He then questioned the Five Door Guardians.
The Five Door Guardians were the red-eyed ghosts Liu Dashao had seen peeking through the door crack when Zhang Enpu first left. Liu Dashao had thought he was mistaken, but now it was clear he hadn’t been.
“The Five Door Guardians were left behind by me to protect the house from thieves. They told me everything, including about the Great Immortal Huang and the Mysterious Elixir. But what pleased me most was that you’ve learned the art of Qimen Dunjia,” Zhang Enpu said, patting Liu Dashao’s head.
Liu Dashao nodded thoughtfully, his confusion now cleared. He asked Zhang Enpu, “What happened to Jiang Siwen and Zhen Yun in the end?”
Zhang Enpu sighed, then smiled slightly. “They were ferried by the Yin officials before the rooster crowed that day. The next day, I calculated that they would be reborn into two wealthy families and marry. It seems heaven has shown mercy to these star-crossed lovers.”
Liu Dashao felt happy for them, hoping they would no longer be ill-fated in their next life.
After Zhang Enpu spoke, Liu Dashao reached out to pull the flower. He felt an icy coldness that pierced his bones. With a hard pull, he uprooted the black flower.
As he lifted it, he saw the root was a tiny human head, only the size of a fist, black and with closed eyes. Liu Dashao felt a bit nauseated and threw it to the ground, stepping on it.
Suddenly, a piercing sound rang out.
Looking closely, countless souls flew upward from beneath the stone tablet, including Grandma Liu, the fox spirit.
Liu Dashao realized the barrier had been broken and felt relieved.
Then he felt his whole body go weak, his head heavy, and he fainted, knowing nothing more.
When Liu Dashao opened his eyes, he found himself already at home, with Zhang Enpu, Liu Laoshi, and Wang Chunhua all around the kang bed watching him, making him wonder if he was dreaming.
“Am… am I dreaming… What happened… Master… is it really you…” Liu Dashao’s throat felt dry.
“These past days have been hard for you, but your master is back. You’re not dreaming!” After saying this, Zhang Enpu hugged Liu Dashao tightly.
“You, with your countless misdeeds and deep-seated obsessions, are well aware of the natural order of karma, yet you stubbornly seek to disrupt it. Inevitably, retribution has found you. The fate you suffer today is of your own making!” Zhang Enpu finished his words and, with great difficulty, formed a hand seal, intending to sever Jiang Siwen’s last remaining spirit.
Liu Dashao thought to himself that this wicked scholar had indeed committed too many atrocities, having devoured all the local immortals within hundreds of miles. This was his just punishment!
As Zhang Enpu raised his hand to strike Jiang Siwen, a woman’s voice cried out, “Old Taoist, please show mercy!”
Liu Dashao turned toward the voice and saw a woman in a red wedding dress standing on the hillside. She looked familiar, but he couldn’t recall her name.
“Siwen!” The woman floated toward the group.
“Yun’er!” Jiang Siwen, upon seeing the woman, struggled to rise, but after the ordeal of the ‘Yin Soldiers Borrowing the Path,’ his form had been shattered, and he could no longer stand.
Liu Dashao, hearing Jiang Siwen’s words, wondered if this woman in red was Zhen Yun. No wonder she looked familiar—wasn’t she the same Li Zhiming he had seen during his astral projection?
It seemed the soul-summoning array behind the hillside had indeed summoned Li Zhiming’s true spirit.
Zhen Yun floated to Jiang Siwen, helping him sit up, and the two spirits embraced.
“Yun’er… I’ve waited for you so long… Finally, you’re here…” Jiang Siwen choked back tears.
“Siwen! I know you’ve been waiting for me on the cycle of reincarnation… It’s just that we couldn’t be husband and wife in life, only wandering between the realms of yin and yang.” Zhen Yun was already sobbing uncontrollably.
“What does it matter… Heh… I’ve waited through dozens of cycles… As long as we can be together… that’s enough…” Jiang Siwen closed his eyes, tears silently streaming down his cheeks.
He then reached into his tattered clothes and pulled out a comb, slowly placing it in Zhen Yun’s hand.
“Yun’er… Do you remember… I always used this comb to brush your hair… A thousand years… This comb has been my only companion…”
“I remember! I remember! I remember it all! Siwen! Now we’ll be together forever! Are you happy?”
Zhen Yun’s ghostly form was already drenched in tears.
Zhang Enpu’s furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and his hand, which had been forming the seal, was now resting behind his back.
“…Heh… It’s no use… My spirit has been shattered… This last remnant won’t last much longer…” Jiang Siwen struggled to sit up and bowed his head to Zhang Enpu.
“Elder… I didn’t consume the immortals on this mountain… I only trapped them in the stone tablet at the village entrance… If you dispel the barrier, they can be freed… Consider this a small atonement for my past sins…”
Zhang Enpu remained silent, but Liu Dashao knew his heart had softened.
“Yun’er… I… I can’t let you go…” Jiang Siwen struggled to utter his final words, his voice now a faint whisper.
Zhen Yun wept bitterly, then stood and knelt before Zhang Enpu.
“Old Immortal! Please have mercy on us! Siwen did everything for me! He didn’t mean to commit those wrongs! Please show us leniency! We couldn’t be husband and wife in life, but we beg to be wandering ghosts together!” Zhen Yun kowtowed repeatedly, her sobs echoing.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by their unwavering love. After centuries of waiting, they hadn’t been granted a life together as husband and wife, but instead were destined to become wandering spirits. It seemed the heavens were unjust. Yet, he felt that the two before him wouldn’t care, for all they wanted was to be together, and now, they had finally achieved that.
Though Liu Dashao had been repulsed by Jiang Siwen’s earlier actions, he now felt a small stirring of emotion, and even a tear welled up in the corner of his eye.
“Miss, please rise. Your husband has not erred; his actions have already atoned for his past sins. I do not blame him, and I see that he is a man of deep feeling,” Zhang Enpu spoke with gravity.
“Thank you, Taoist Master! Thank you for your mercy!” Zhen Yun kowtowed repeatedly, tears streaming down her face, yet she smiled with joy.
“Ah! I was too harsh. Your husband’s spirit will soon dissipate. Allow me to perform a ritual to gather his essence!” Zhang Enpu said, then straightened his robe and sat cross-legged on the ground.
He pulled out a small wooden sword from his robe, covered in intricate talismans. Zhang Enpu waved the sword in the air a few times, then placed it on the ground, its tip pointing toward Jiang Siwen.
At the same time, he took a bamboo tube from his waist, removed the red cloth covering its opening, and pulled out a yellow talisman. With a flick of his wrist, the talisman ignited on its own. Zhang Enpu quickly circled the burning talisman around the bamboo tube, and it turned to ash.
After completing these actions, Zhang Enpu nodded, then sealed the bamboo tube and placed it upside down on the ground. He picked up the small wooden sword and tapped the inverted tube three times.
With three dull thuds, Zhang Enpu pointed the sword at Jiang Siwen and commanded, “Enter!”
As soon as he spoke, Jiang Siwen flew into the bamboo tube, which wobbled a few times before stilling.
Zhang Enpu picked up the tube and walked over to Zhen Yun. “Your husband’s spirit will gather anew in this bamboo tube. Take it and wait at the village entrance before the rooster crows tomorrow. The underworld officials will come to ferry you both, and you and your husband can soon reincarnate. Do not cling to the mortal world, for your wish has been fulfilled. This is all I can do for you.”
“Heh, and if you happen to meet the Black and White Impermanence, mention my name, Liu Dashao, and tell them Ninth Brother misses them! They’ll take good care of you both on your journey!” Liu Dashao patted his chest and chuckled.
After hearing the master and disciple’s words, Zhen Yun knelt and kowtowed three times, tears of gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, Old Immortal! Thank you, Little Immortal! The heavens will see your kindness and bless you! May good people live in peace!”
Zhen Yun cradled the bamboo tube, gently stroking it, a satisfied smile on her face. “Brother Siwen… It’s all over… We’ll never be apart again… Yun’er is taking you home…”
With that, Zhen Yun floated forward a few steps and disappeared.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by the scene before him, and tears streamed down his face. It wasn’t the grandiosity of their love that moved him, but their unwavering devotion to each other. Through centuries of waiting and countless cycles of reincarnation, they had never given up or grown weary. Their desire was simple—not to live forever in the mortal world, but simply to be together, even if it meant becoming wandering spirits. That was their greatest wish.
People often say that all things have feelings, but sometimes human emotions pale in comparison to the steadfast bond of these two spirits, so loyal and trusting of each other.
Gazing in the direction where Zhen Yun and Jiang Siwen had vanished, Liu Dashao stood for a long time, offering a silent prayer for them to have a good next life, where they could grow old together.
“Dashao, don’t delay. Let’s hurry to the village stone tablet to free the spirits!” Zhang Enpu said, his face pale.
“But… Master, you’re injured! Let’s go home first and tend to your wounds. We can deal with this later!”
“We can’t delay any longer… Otherwise, the immortals’ cultivation will be affected, and lives will be lost,” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao toward the village entrance.
On the way, Liu Dashao felt something stirring in his chest—perhaps Huang Erye had awakened.
Zhang Enpu stopped and said, “Dashao, let the Great Immortal Huang out of your chest!”
Liu Dashao was surprised that Zhang Enpu knew about this. At that moment, Huang Erye jumped out of Liu Dashao’s chest, glanced at the two of them, and scampered off.
“I’ll explain how I knew about your recent experiences when we get home. For now, let’s go and break the barrier!” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao forward.
Both Liu Dashao and Zhang Enpu were covered in wounds, with Zhang Enpu’s injuries being more severe. By the time they reached the stone tablet, Zhang Enpu was drenched in sweat and visibly weak.
“Dashao… Take a look at the stone tablet… See if there’s anything unusual,” Zhang Enpu said, sitting down, clearly exhausted.
Liu Dashao dragged himself to the tablet and examined it closely.
The half-meter-high green stone tablet seemed normal, except for a black flower at its base, which looked strange.
“Master, there’s a black flower at the base of the tablet!”
“It’s the Black Resentment Flower! Pull it out!” Zhang Enpu’s expression changed drastically.
Liu Dashao reached out to pull the flower, feeling an icy coldness as he touched it. With a tug, he uprooted the black flower.
He held it up and saw that its roots formed a small human head, no larger than a fist, black and shriveled, with closed eyes. Liu Dashao felt a wave of nausea and threw it to the ground, stomping on it.
A sharp sound rang out.
Looking closely, Liu Dashao saw countless spirits flying out from beneath the stone tablet, including Granny Liu Xian.
Liu Dashao realized the barrier had been broken and felt a sense of relief.
Then, he felt his body go weak, his head heavy, and he fainted, knowing nothing more.
When Liu Dashao opened his eyes, he found himself lying at home, with Zhang Enpu, Liu Laoshi, and Wang Chunhua gathered around the bed, watching him as if he were dreaming.
“Am I… dreaming… What happened… Master… Is it really you…” Liu Dashao felt his throat dry and scratchy.
“You’ve been through a lot these days. Your master is back, and you’re not dreaming!” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao into a hug.
Liu Dashao felt a warmth that assured him this was no dream. A mix of relief and joy washed over him, and tears streamed down his face once more.
“Ah, it’s our fault for leaving you behind. You’ve suffered so much these days,” Liu Laoshi said.
“No! I’m a grown man. I’m fine, really,” Liu Dashao said stubbornly.
Zhang Enpu stroked his white beard and smiled at Liu Dashao. “Indeed, my disciple, I’ve been aware of your recent trials. You’ve shown great courage and resolve.”
Liu Dashao then remembered that before he fainted, Zhang Enpu had told him to release Huang Erye, so he must have known something.
“Right, Master, how did you know about Huang Erye? Only I knew about that!” Liu Dashao struggled to sit up.
Zhang Enpu gently pushed him back onto the bed and covered him with a blanket.
“Dashao, rest first. After you’ve eaten, I’ll explain everything to you,” Zhang Enpu said kindly.
It turned out that Liu Dashao had been severely injured and had fainted. Zhang Enpu had carried him back, and he had been in a high fever and coma for two days. Zhang Enpu had also been recovering from his injuries, as the blow from Jiang Siwen’s yin energy had caused significant damage, and his wounds were still not healed.
“But Master, how did you know about everything that happened to me these days?” Liu Dashao asked, wolfing down a pancake, clearly famished. But in his haste, he choked on his saliva, coughing violently, his face turning red.
Zhang Enpu chuckled, poured Liu Dashao a glass of water, and continued his story.
That day, during the battle with Jiang Siwen, Zhang Enpu had returned and gone to Gou Dan’s house to look for Liu Dashao. Gou Dan had been evasive, so Zhang Enpu knew the two rascals were up to something.
He then questioned the Five Door Guardians.
The Five Door Guardians were the red-eyed ghosts Liu Dashao had seen peeking through the door when Zhang Enpu first left. Liu Dashao had thought he was mistaken, but now he realized he had indeed seen them.
“The Five Door Guardians were left behind by me to guard the house against thieves. They told me everything, including about the Great Immortal Huang and the Mysterious Elixir. But what pleased me most was that you had learned the art of Qimen Dunjia,” Zhang Enpu said, patting Liu Dashao’s head.
Liu Dashao nodded thoughtfully, his confusion now cleared. He asked Zhang Enpu, “What happened to Jiang Siwen and Zhen Yun in the end?”
Zhang Enpu sighed, then smiled slightly. “They were ferried away by the underworld officials before the rooster crowed that day. The next day, I calculated that they would be reborn into two wealthy families and marry. It seems the heavens have shown mercy to these star-crossed lovers.”
Liu Dashao felt a surge of happiness for them, hoping that in their next life, they would no longer be star-crossed.
“Sigh, it’s all our fault, your mother and I, for leaving you behind. These days must have been so hard for you,” Liu Laoshi said beside him.
“No! I’m grown up now. I’m really fine,” Liu Dashao stubbornly raised his head.
Zhang Enpu stroked his white beard repeatedly and smiled at Liu Dashao, “Yes, I know all about what you’ve been through these days, my disciple. You’ve shown great courage and determination.”
Only then did Liu Dashao recall that before he fainted, Zhang Enpu had told him to release Huang Er Ye. So he must have known something about it.
“That’s right! Master, how did you know about Second Master Huang? That’s something only I knew!” Liu Dashao struggled to sit up.
Zhang Enpu gently pressed Liu Dashao back onto the kang and covered him with the quilt.
“Be a good boy, Dashao. First, rest well. After dinner, your master will slowly tell you everything,” Zhang Enpu said earnestly.
It turned out that Liu Dashao had been so severely injured that he fainted. Zhang Enpu carried him back home, and he had been feverish and unconscious for two whole days. During these three days, Zhang Enpu had also been recovering from injuries. The palm strike from Jiang Siwen’s yin energy had caused serious harm, and even now, Zhang Enpu’s injuries had not fully healed.
“But Master, how did you know what happened to me these past days?” Liu Dashao asked while chewing a large pancake hungrily, clearly famished. But he spoke too quickly, and a bit of saliva went down the wrong pipe, causing him to cough violently, his face turning red.
Zhang Enpu smiled, shook his head, poured a cup of water for Liu Dashao to drink, and then continued explaining calmly.
It turned out that on the day of the formation battle with Jiang Siwen, Zhang Enpu had just returned and went to Goudan’s house looking for Liu Dashao. Goudan had mumbled and couldn’t explain clearly, so Zhang Enpu knew those two rascals must have been planning something.
So he asked the Five Door-Guarding Ghosts.
It turned out that those Five Door-Guarding Ghosts were the red-eyed spirits Liu Dashao had seen peering through the door crack shortly after Zhang Enpu left. At the time, Liu Dashao thought he might have been mistaken, but now it was clear he hadn’t been mistaken at all.
“You have committed too many evils, your obsessions run too deep. You know the cycle of heaven’s justice, yet you stubbornly seek to disrupt it. In the unseen realms, retribution has found you. The fate you suffer today is but the consequence of your own deeds!” Zhang Enpu finished speaking, with great difficulty forming a hand seal, intending to sever Jiang Siwen’s last remaining spirit.
Liu Dashao thought to himself that it was indeed fitting. This wicked scholar had committed too many atrocities, devouring all the local immortals within hundreds of miles. This was his deserved punishment!
Just as Zhang Enpu raised his hand to strike Jiang Siwen, a woman’s voice cried out, “Old Taoist, please show mercy!”
Liu Dashao turned toward the sound and saw a woman in a red wedding dress standing on the hillside. She looked familiar, but he couldn’t recall her name.
“Siwen!” The woman floated toward the group.
“Yun’er!” Jiang Siwen, upon seeing the woman, struggled to rise, but after the earlier ordeal of the ‘Yin Soldiers Borrowing the Path,’ his form had been shattered, and he could no longer stand.
Hearing Jiang Siwen’s words, Liu Dashao wondered if this woman in red was Zhen Yun. No wonder she looked familiar—wasn’t she the same Li Zhiming he had seen during his astral projection?
It seemed the soul-summoning array behind the hillside had indeed summoned Li Zhiming’s true spirit.
Zhen Yun floated to Jiang Siwen, helping him sit up, and the two spirits embraced.
“Yun’er… I’ve waited for you so long… Finally, you’re here…” Jiang Siwen choked with emotion.
“Siwen! I know you’ve been waiting for me on the cycle of reincarnation… It’s just that we couldn’t be husband and wife in life, only wandering between the realms of yin and yang.” Zhen Yun burst into tears.
“What does it matter… Hehe… I’ve waited through dozens of cycles… As long as we can be together… that’s enough…” Jiang Siwen closed his eyes, two faint tears streaming down his cheeks.
Jiang Siwen reached into his tattered clothes and pulled out a comb, slowly placing it in Zhen Yun’s hand.
“Yun’er… Do you remember… I always used this comb to brush your hair… A thousand years… This comb has been my only companion…”
“I remember! I remember! I remember it all! Siwen! Now we’ll be together forever! Are you happy?”
Zhen Yun’s ghostly form was already drenched in tears.
Zhang Enpu’s furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and his hand, which had been forming the seal, was now tucked behind his back.
“…Hehe… It’s no use… My spirit has been shattered… This last fragment won’t last much longer…” Jiang Siwen struggled to sit up and bowed his head to Zhang Enpu.
“Elder… I didn’t consume the immortals on this mountain… I only trapped them in the stone tablet at the village entrance… If you dispel the barrier, they can be freed… This is my small atonement for my past sins…”
Zhang Enpu remained silent, but Liu Dashao knew his heart had softened.
“Yun’er… I… I can’t let you go…” Jiang Siwen struggled to utter his final words, his voice now a mere whisper.
Zhen Yun wept bitterly, then stood and knelt before Zhang Enpu.
“Old immortal, have mercy on us! Siwen did everything for me! He didn’t mean to commit those wrongs! Please show us leniency! We couldn’t be husband and wife in life, but we beg to be wandering spirits together!” Zhen Yun kowtowed repeatedly, her sobs echoing.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by their unwavering love. After centuries of waiting, they were not granted a life together, but instead became wandering spirits. It seemed heaven was too cruel. Yet, he thought, perhaps the two of them didn’t care, for all they wanted was to be together. Now, they had finally achieved their wish.
Though Liu Dashao had been repulsed by Jiang Siwen’s earlier actions, he now felt a small touch of emotion, and even his eyes grew moist.
“Girl, rise. Your husband has not erred. His actions have already atoned for his past sins. I do not blame him, and I see that he is a man of deep feeling,” Zhang Enpu said earnestly.
“Thank you, Taoist, for your mercy! Thank you!” Zhen Yun kowtowed repeatedly, tears streaming down her face, yet she smiled with joy.
“Ah! It’s my fault for striking too hard. Your husband’s spirit will soon dissipate. Allow me to perform a ritual to gather his essence!” Zhang Enpu said, smoothing his robe and sitting cross-legged on the ground.
He pulled out a small wooden sword from his robe, covered in intricate talismans. Zhang Enpu waved the sword in the air a few times, then placed it on the ground, its tip pointing at Jiang Siwen.
At the same time, he untied a bamboo tube from his waist, removed the red cloth covering, and took out a yellow talisman. With a flick of his hand, the talisman ignited without being lit. Zhang Enpu quickly circled the burning talisman around the bamboo tube, and it turned to ash.
After completing these actions, Zhang Enpu nodded, then placed the bamboo tube upside down on the ground. He picked up the small wooden sword and tapped the bamboo tube three times.
With three dull thuds, Zhang Enpu pointed the sword at Jiang Siwen and shouted, “Enter!”
As soon as he spoke, Jiang Siwen flew into the bamboo tube, which shook a few times before stilling.
Zhang Enpu picked up the bamboo tube and walked over to Zhen Yun. “Your husband’s spirit will gather anew in this bamboo tube. Take it and wait at the village entrance before the rooster crows tomorrow. The underworld officials will come to ferry you both. You and your husband can soon reincarnate. Do not cling to this world, for your wish has been fulfilled. This is all I can do for you.”
“Hehe, and if you happen to meet the Black and White Impermanence, tell them Liu Dashao sends his regards! They’ll take good care of you both on your journey!” Liu Dashao patted his chest and chuckled.
After hearing the master and disciple’s words, Zhen Yun knelt and kowtowed three times, tears of gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, old immortal! Thank you, young immortal! Heaven will see your kindness and bless you! Good people live in peace!”
Zhen Yun cradled the bamboo tube, gently stroking it, a satisfied smile on her face. “Brother Siwen… It’s all over… We’ll never be apart again… Yun’er is taking you home…”
With that, Zhen Yun floated forward a few steps and vanished.
Liu Dashao was deeply moved by the scene before him, and tears streamed down his face. It wasn’t the grandeur of their love that moved him, but their unwavering devotion to each other. Through centuries of waiting and countless cycles of reincarnation, they had never given up, never grown weary. Their wish was simple—not to live forever in the mortal world, but to be together, even as wandering spirits. That was their greatest desire.
People often say that all things have feelings, but sometimes human emotions pale in comparison to the bond between these two spirits—so steadfast, so trusting.
Gazing in the direction where Zhen Yun and Jiang Siwen had disappeared, Liu Dashao stood for a long time, silently praying for them to have a good next life, to grow old together.
“Dashao, don’t delay. Let’s go to the village entrance and free the immortals,” Zhang Enpu said, his face pale.
“But… Master, you’re injured! Let’s go home first and tend to your wounds. We can deal with this later!”
“We can’t delay any longer… Otherwise, the immortals’ cultivation will be affected, and lives will be lost,” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao toward the village entrance.
On the way, Liu Dashao felt something stirring in his chest—likely Huang Erye waking up.
Zhang Enpu stopped and said, “Dashao, let out the Great Immortal Huang from your chest.”
Liu Dashao was surprised that Zhang Enpu knew, but Huang Erye jumped out of his chest onto the ground, glanced at the two of them, and then scurried away.
“I’ll explain how I knew about your recent experiences when we get home. For now, let’s go break the barrier,” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao forward.
Both Liu Dashao and Zhang Enpu were covered in wounds, with Zhang Enpu more severely injured. By the time they reached the stone tablet, Zhang Enpu was drenched in sweat and extremely weak.
“Dashao… Look at the stone tablet… See if there’s anything unusual,” Zhang Enpu said, sitting on the ground, utterly exhausted.
Liu Dashao dragged himself to the stone tablet and examined it closely.
The half-meter-tall green stone tablet appeared normal, except for a black flower at its base, which was quite strange.
“Master, there’s a black flower at the base of the stone tablet!”
“It’s the Black Resentment Flower! Pull it out!” Zhang Enpu’s expression changed drastically.
Liu Dashao reached out to pull the flower, feeling an icy coldness as he touched it. With a tug, he uprooted the black flower.
He held it up and saw that the flower’s root was a small human head, the size of a fist, black and shriveled, with closed eyes. Liu Dashao felt nauseated and threw it to the ground, stomping on it.
A sharp sound rang out.
Looking closely, countless spirits flew out from beneath the stone tablet, including the Willow Immortal Granny.
Liu Dashao realized the barrier had been broken and felt relieved.
Then he felt his body go weak, his head heavy, and he fainted, knowing nothing more.
When Liu Dashao opened his eyes, he found himself lying at home, with Zhang Enpu, Liu Laoshi, and Wang Chunhua gathered around the bed, watching him, making him wonder if he was dreaming.
“Am I… dreaming… What happened… Master… Is it you…” Liu Dashao felt his throat dry and scratchy.
“You’ve suffered these past days. Your master is back. You’re not dreaming!” Zhang Enpu said, pulling Liu Dashao into an embrace.
Liu Dashao felt a warmth, realizing he wasn’t dreaming. A mix of relief and joy overwhelmed him, and tears streamed down his face again.
“Ah, it’s our fault for leaving you behind. You’ve suffered so much these days,” Liu Laoshi said.
“No! I’m a grown man. I’m fine,” Liu Dashao said stubbornly.
Zhang Enpu stroked his white beard and smiled at Liu Dashao. “Indeed, my disciple, I know all about your recent deeds. You’ve shown great courage and determination.”
Liu Dashao then remembered that before he fainted, Zhang Enpu had told him to release Huang Erye, so he must have known something.
“Right, Master, how did you know about Huang Erye? Only I knew about that!” Liu Dashao struggled to sit up.
Zhang Enpu pushed him back onto the bed and tucked him in. “Dashao, rest first. After you eat, I’ll explain everything to you,” Zhang Enpu said kindly.
It turned out that Liu Dashao had fainted from his severe injuries and was carried back by Zhang Enpu. He had been in a high fever and coma for two days, while Zhang Enpu had also been recovering from the injury inflicted by Jiang Siwen’s yin energy, which had caused significant damage. Even now, Zhang Enpu’s wounds hadn’t fully healed.
“But Master, how did you know about everything that happened to me these days?” Liu Dashao asked, wolfing down a pancake, clearly famished. But he spoke too quickly and choked on his saliva, coughing violently, his face turning red.
Zhang Enpu shook his head with a smile, poured Liu Dashao a glass of water, and continued to explain.
That day, during the battle with Jiang Siwen, Zhang Enpu had just returned and went to Gou Dan’s house to look for Liu Dashao. Gou Dan stammered incoherently, so Zhang Enpu knew the two rascals must have been up to something.
He then questioned the Five Door Guardians.
The Five Door Guardians were the red-eyed ghosts Liu Dashao had seen peeking through the door crack when Zhang Enpu first left. Liu Dashao had thought he was mistaken, but now he realized he had indeed seen them.
“I left the Five Door Guardians behind to watch over the house and prevent thieves. They told me everything, including about the Great Immortal Huang and the Mysterious Elixir. But what pleased me most was that you had learned the art of Qimen Dunjia,” Zhang Enpu said, patting Liu Dashao’s head.
Liu Dashao nodded thoughtfully, his confusion cleared. He then asked Zhang Enpu, “What happened to Jiang Siwen and Zhen Yun in the end?”
Zhang Enpu sighed, then smiled slightly. “They were ferried to reincarnation by the underworld officials before the rooster crowed the next day. I later divined that they would be reborn into two wealthy families and marry. It seems heaven has shown mercy to these star-crossed lovers.”
Liu Dashao felt happy for them, hoping they would no longer be doomed in their next life.
Liu Dashao nodded thoughtfully, his confusion now resolved. He then asked Zhang Enpu, “Then what happened to Jiang Siwen and Zhen Yun later?”
Zhang Enpu sighed, a slight smile on his face. “Before the rooster crowed that day, they were ferried away for reincarnation. The next day, I calculated their fates—they will be born into two wealthy families and will marry in their next lives. This is heaven’s blessing for this pair of tragic lovers.”
Hearing this, Liu Dashao felt happy for them deep down, hoping their next lives would not again be filled with hardship.
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