“Oh, are you two leaving already? Haha! What a wonderful time we’ve had!” Liu Dashao laughed. “I wonder where your homes are, brothers. If they’re nearby, I can visit next time. Don’t get the wrong idea! I’ll definitely sneak a few bottles of real good wine from my father’s stash to treat you both to something special.” Liu Dashao got along famously with Xie and Fan, finding their company delightful, so he was reluctant to part ways so soon, and thus he proposed:
“Where we live?” Xie Qige hesitated, then exchanged glances with Fan Bage. They thought to themselves, ‘Heh, do you really think we’d tell you where we live? If you knew, you’d probably wet your pants out of fear!’ Finally, Xie, the more talkative of the two, spoke up with a chuckle, “Hehe, I’m afraid we must disappoint you, brother. We’re just drifting around the jianghu, without a fixed residence. We’ve been doing business around here for a while, and it was purely by chance that we passed through and met you. I say, why wait for another day? Let’s finish our drinks today and then go our separate ways. Although the world is vast, we shall meet again someday!”
Upon hearing this, Liu Dashao felt a pang of disappointment but quickly forced a smile and said, “Fine! Since you two are so free-spirited, I won’t stand on ceremony.” He picked up his bottle of wine to drink but suddenly remembered something and said, “When I was little, I heard the elders in the village say that if a man and a woman are in love, they marry, and if men become close friends, they become sworn brothers. Since you two have honored me, why don’t we finish this bottle together and become sworn brothers? If we meet again in the future, we can drink together once more. What do you two think?”
“Oh, are you heading back now? Hehe! What a great time!” Liu Dashao laughed. “I wonder where you two brothers live. If it’s nearby, I’d love to visit next time, don’t get me wrong! I’ll definitely sneak a few bottles of really good wine from my dad’s stash for you two to try.” Liu Dashao and Xie and Fan had hit it off so well that he was reluctant to part ways so soon, so he made the suggestion.
“Where do we live?” Xie Qige was taken aback, then exchanged a glance with Fan Bage, thinking to himself, hehe, how could you possibly know where we live? If you knew, you’d probably wet your pants in fear. The more talkative Xie Qige spoke up first, “Hehe. I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, brother. We wander the rivers and lakes, with no fixed abode. We’ve just been doing business here recently, happened to pass by, and coincidentally met you. Let’s not wait for another day; let’s finish the wine we have today and then go our separate ways. Though the world is vast, we’ll surely meet again!”
Hearing this, Liu Dashao felt a pang of sadness but quickly forced a smile. “Alright! Since you two are so forthright, I won’t stand on ceremony either.” He picked up the wine bottle, about to drink, when he suddenly remembered something. “When I was a kid, I heard the elders in the village say that if a man and a woman are well-matched, they become husband and wife, and if two men get along well, they become sworn brothers. Since you two brothers think highly of me, after we finish this bottle, let’s swear brotherhood. If we meet again in the future, we’ll drink together once more. What do you say?” Xie and Fan, with their dignified air and being over a decade older, were not the kind of people Liu Dashao would normally think of swearing brotherhood with, nor would he likely suggest it. But with nine-tenths of the wine in him, the words just slipped out.
“Excellent, excellent, couldn’t be better!” Xie Qige, now quite drunk, his eyes narrowed into crescents, his chubby face beaming with a silly smile, agreed.
Liu Dashao turned to Fan Bage, “What do you think, brother?”
Fan Bage lifted his sleeve to wipe his mouth, “Since you insist, little brother, and with such a kind offer, cough, cough! I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Great, then it’s settled for today!” Liu Dashao was overjoyed and cheered loudly. He then took off his jacket, using it as a makeshift mop to sweep a clearing in the graveyard, blowing away the leaves and dust that had accumulated on the ground. He then stealthily found three fist-sized stones, placing one on top and two below, forming a mountain shape as an offering. He broke a branch into three even pieces and stuck them in front of the stone pile, serving as incense sticks. After setting everything up, he sheepishly said to Fan and Xie, “Brothers, the conditions here are humble, but let’s make do! If it’s not enough, we can always make up for it later!”
Seeing the scene Liu Dashao had created, Xie Bigan and Fan Wujiu couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. After exchanging a glance, they nodded in agreement for the first time.
“Hehe, in my life, I’ve seen all sorts of things, the myriad faces of humanity. I won’t fuss over these trivial matters. As long as you’re sincere, brother, I’m satisfied. Don’t you know there are many who put on a grand show, only to hide knives behind their smiles, with sinister intentions? For petty gains, they wouldn’t hesitate to push their sworn brothers off a cliff. Such is the cruelty of the world.”
“Say no more!” Liu Dashao deeply resonated with Xie Qige’s words and nodded repeatedly. He then walked up to the stone pile, picked up the three branches, and made a show of bowing. He poured three bowls of wine, handing one to Xie Qige and one to Fan Bage. The three of them knelt down in the dust, and Liu Dashao declared:
“Heaven above! Today, I swear brotherhood with these two brothers. With the yellow sky above and the earth below, we offer three bowls of wine as witness. Though we may not have been born on the same year, month, or day, we vow to die on the same year, month, and day!”
“Good,” Xie Qige took the wine bowl, watching as Liu Dashao splashed the wine into the sky, and did the same. Fan Bage followed suit. The two exchanged a glance, their thoughts instantly communicated, and said, “Heaven above, I, Xie Bigan (Fan Wujiu), swear brotherhood with this Liu Dashao, and call upon all the gods and buddhas to witness!”
They kowtowed once, and when Liu Dashao stood up, Xie Bigan smiled and said, “Brother, I’m a few years older than you. Today, we’ve sworn brotherhood, not seeking to be born together, but to die together. The day you die, brother, will also be the day I die. Are you willing?”
“Brother Xie, what are you saying!” Liu Dashao patted his chest, “You speak as if you’re belittling me! From now on, whatever you command, I’ll brave death without hesitation!”
“Hmph, then I’ll thank you in advance, third brother!” Xie Bigan cupped his hands in salute.
“Brother, if you say that, you’re being too formal!” Liu Dashao heavily patted his shoulder.
“Straightforward! Brother, say no more. After we finish the wine in our bowls, we’ll be life-and-death friends! Come!” Xie Bigan said, and together with Fan Wujiu, they clinked glasses with Liu Dashao and drank it all in one go.
“Then it’s settled, until we meet again!” Xie Bigan and Fan Wujiu, slightly tipsy, stretched lazily and yawned.
“Alright, but…” Liu Dashao hesitated.
“What is it, brother? If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t be coy, don’t underestimate me.” Xie Bigan laughed, and Fan Wujiu beside him nodded darkly in agreement.
“Well, it’s like this. I’ve been wandering around and got lost. I wanted to ask how to get out of here?” Liu Dashao embarrassedly scratched his head.
“I thought it was something serious!” Xie Bigan smiled slightly and pointed out a path for Liu Dashao, “Brother, look carefully. Follow the path I’m pointing to, keep going straight, don’t turn, don’t change course. No matter what, don’t look back. You’ll be home before long!”
“Great, brother, you really know your way around!” Liu Dashao gave each of them a bear hug and said, “I’ll miss you.” With that, he walked off without looking back.
Watching Liu Dashao’s receding figure, a sinister black wind suddenly swirled around Xie and Fan! The eerie wind wrapped around them tightly, as if some monster was about to be born!
Soon, the wind subsided, and the two transformed, completely changing into a bizarre set of attire…
They were now dressed in black and white, both wearing tall, pointed hats, with tongues so long! Longer than a hanged man’s! The one in black held a mourning staff, with the words “Coming to Get You” written on his tall hat; the one in white held an iron chain in one hand and a token in the other, with the words “Instant Wealth” on his tall hat, the meaning completely opposite to the one in black.
Their attire was strikingly similar, both wearing coarse hemp robes that reached their feet. Only the colors were different, and the one in black had a fierce expression, clearly Fan Wujiu; the one in white had a kind face, undoubtedly Xie Bigan. Anyone with a discerning eye would have already guessed their identities. Indeed, they were the underworld’s ghost envoys, the Black and White Impermanence!
Legend has it that the White Impermanence is named Xie Bigan, and the Black Impermanence is named Fan Wujiu, also known as “Seventh Master” and “Eighth Master.” It is said that Xie and Fan had been sworn brothers since childhood, as close as siblings. One day, they were walking together under the Nantai Bridge when it was about to rain. Seventh Master told Eighth Master to wait while he went home to fetch an umbrella. However, after Seventh Master left, a torrential downpour caused the river to swell. Eighth Master, unwilling to break his promise, was drowned due to his short stature. When Seventh Master returned with the umbrella, Eighth Master had already disappeared. Seventh Master was so grief-stricken that he hanged himself from a bridge pillar (hence the image of the White Impermanence often has a long red tongue). The King of Hell, moved by their deep sense of loyalty, appointed them to capture lawbreakers before the City God. Some say that Xie Bigan means “thank the gods and you will be safe,” while Fan Wujiu means “those who break the law will not be saved.”
“Ah, the rooster is about to crow. If we delay tonight’s errand, what will we do? Will the King of Hell throw a fit?” Xie Bigan, with his plump, powdered face, sighed.
Fan Wujiu sucked in his long tongue, frowned, and said, “What can we do? If he throws a fit, so be it!”
“True. After living for thousands of years, today was the happiest. And the roast meat, it was really delicious.” Xie Bigan took a bite of a candle he had somehow grabbed, then tossed it to the ground without a second glance. He smacked his lips, still savoring the taste.
“Hehe, next time we’re on duty, let’s roast a rabbit to munch on!” Fan Wujiu scratched his head with the token in his hand.
“That’s a must. If we can run into that kid again, it would be even better! Alright, let’s go.” Xie Bigan put his arm around Fan Wujiu, and they walked back the way they came.
Along the way, they sang, “White and black, black and white; we’re good brothers, working for the underworld; soul catchers, life takers; eating roast meat, swearing brotherhood…”
“Haha, Little White, let’s go home!”
“Hey hey hey! Why do you call me Little White? I’m older than you, aren’t I? I’m Seventh Master, you’re Eighth Master!”
“Why? Black and White Impermanence! Black and White Impermanence! Just because ‘black’ comes first, I’m the boss!”
“Go to hell! That’s no basis at all!”
“Hey! Still not convinced? Then I’ll have to explain it to you properly…”
“Ah!” Liu Dashao suddenly sat up, his eyes wide open. The darkness before him vanished, replaced by the sight of his own small room and the moonlight spilling on the floor.
The strands of hair on his forehead were soaked with sweat, sticking together and forming clumps, losing their previous air of elegance.
A drop of cold sweat rolled down his face, tickling as it slid down his cheek.
Liu Dashao panted, his tense nerves finally relaxing. He grabbed the quilt and wiped his head haphazardly.
Looking at the familiar surroundings, Liu Dashao frowned. Could it be that everything before was just a dream? But why did it feel so real?
He nervously scanned the area. The child under the bed was gone, the lake, the graveyard, and the two brothers he had just sworn brotherhood with were nowhere to be seen.
The room was peaceful, as if nothing had happened.
“Strange,” Liu Dashao muttered to himself, suddenly remembering something. He instinctively touched his neck—the jade pendant, it was gone!
Liu Dashao turned to Fan Bage and asked, “And what does this elder brother think?”
Fan Bage lifted his sleeve and wiped his mouth, “Better to comply than to refuse politely. Since the young brother has such a kind thought, cough, cough! I couldn’t be happier.”
“Great! Then it’s settled today!” Liu Dashao was overjoyed and let out a loud cheer. Then he took off his shirt and used it as a broom to clean a patch of ground in the graveyard, blowing away the leaves and dust that had accumulated there. Carefully, he found three fist-sized stones, placing one on top and two below to form the character for mountain, as an offering. He broke a branch into three equal pieces and stuck them in front of the stone pile as incense and candles. After finishing these preparations, he turned to Xie and Fan and said with some embarrassment, “Elder brothers, the conditions here are quite humble, so we’ll have to make do. If it’s not enough, we can always make it up later!”
Seeing what he had done, Xie Biansheng and Fan Wujie could hardly contain their amusement. They exchanged a glance and, for the first time, nodded in agreement.
“Hehe, in my life, I’ve seen all sorts of people and experiences. I won’t hold such trivial things against you. As long as you’re sincere, brother, I’m satisfied. You know, there are many people who put on grand displays, but in the end, they’re nothing but backstabbers, willing to throw their sworn brothers off a cliff for the sake of a petty gain. Truly despicable.”
“Nothing more needs to be said!” Liu Dashao deeply resonated with Xie Qige’s words and couldn’t help but nod repeatedly. He then walked up to the pile of stones, picked up the three branches, and performed a mock bow, then poured three bowls of wine, handing one to Xie Qige and one to Fan Bage. Then the three knelt down on the ground together, and Liu Dashao said:
“Heaven above! Today I swear brotherhood with these two elders. Above us is the blue sky, below us the earth. We offer three bowls of wine as witness. Though we may not wish to be born on the same day, month, and year, we do wish to die on the same day, month, and year!”
“Great!” Xie Qige took the bowl of wine, watched Liu Dashao pour his wine towards the sky, and did the same. Fan Bage followed suit. They exchanged a glance and silently communicated their thoughts, then said, “Heaven above, I, Xie Biansheng (Fan Wujie), swear brotherhood with this young master Liu. May all the gods bear witness!”
They kowtowed once, and when Liu Dashao stood up, Xie Biansheng, smiling, spoke up: “Brother, I’m a few years older than you. Today we have sworn brotherhood. Not seeking to share the same birth, but to share the same death. Brother, are you willing?”
“Brother Xie, what are you saying!” Liu Dashao thumped his chest and said, “You speak like that, you’ll shame your younger brother! From now on, whatever my elder brother commands, I will obey without hesitation!”
“Hmph, then I’ll thank you in advance, Third Brother!” Xie Biansheng bowed with clasped hands.
“Brother, if you speak like that, you’re treating me as an outsider!” Liu Dashao heavily patted his shoulder.
“Spoken like a true brother! Little brother, no more words, let’s drink up and from now on be brothers in life and death! Come on!” Having said that, Xie Biansheng and Fan Wujie clinked cups with Liu Dashao and drank their wine in one gulp.
“Well then, we’ll part ways now and meet again someday!” Xie Biansheng and Fan Wujie, slightly tipsy, stretched lazily and yawned.
“Alright, but…” Liu Dashao hesitated as he spoke.
“What’s wrong, brother? If you have something to say, just say it! Don’t look down on your older brothers!” Xie Biansheng laughed. Fan Wujie beside him nodded grimly in agreement.
“Er, it’s like this. I’ve been wandering around here and got lost. I was wondering how to get out of this place?” Liu Dashao scratched his head, embarrassed.
“I thought it was something important!” Xie Biansheng smiled and pointed a path for Liu Dashao, “Brother, look clearly. Follow the path I’m pointing to, go straight ahead without turning. Whatever you do, don’t look back on the way. You’ll be home before long!”
“Great, my big brother is indeed a master of all roads!” Liu Dashao gave each of them a bear hug and said, “I’ll miss you guys.” With that, he walked away without looking back.
As Liu Dashao’s figure gradually faded into the distance, a sinister black wind suddenly blew around Xie and Fan! This extremely eerie wind wrapped tightly around Xie and Fan, as if some kind of monster was about to be born!
Soon, the wind died down, and the two of them transformed with a shake of their bodies, wearing completely different and strange outfits…
There they stood, one in black and one in white, both wearing tall hats. Their tongues were long, longer than those of hanged ghosts! The one in black held a weeping stick, and on his tall hat were the four characters “Zheng Yao Zhu Ni” (Exactly what you deserve); while the one in white held an iron chain in one hand and a token in the other, and on his tall hat were the four characters “Yi Jian Sheng Cai” (Wealth upon sight), which had a completely opposite meaning.
Their costumes were very similar, both wearing coarse hemp robes that dragged to the ground. The only difference was the color. The black one had a fierce appearance, and that was Fan Wujie. The white one had a kind face, and obviously that was Xie Biansheng. Anyone with a keen eye would now know the answer. Indeed, the two were the Yin Si spirits, the Black and White Impermanents!
According to legend, the White Impermanent is named Xie Biansheng, and the Black Impermanent is named Fan Wujie, also known as “Seventh Master” and “Eighth Master.” It is said that Xie and Fan had sworn brotherhood since childhood, as close as brothers. One day, the two walked together to the Nan Tai Bridge. As it was about to rain, Seventh Master asked Eighth Master to wait while he went home to get an umbrella. However, after Seventh Master left, thunder and rain poured down, and the river swelled. Eighth Master, unwilling to break his promise, was drowned due to his short stature. Soon after, Seventh Master hurried back with the umbrella, but Eighth Master was already gone. Overcome with grief, Seventh Master hanged himself on the bridge pillar (hence the image of the White Impermanent with a long red tongue). The King of Hell commended his deep sense of loyalty and trustworthiness, and ordered them to capture lawbreakers in front of the City God. Some say that Xie Biansheng means that one will surely be safe after thanking the gods, and Fan Wujie means there is no salvation for those who commit crimes.
“Oh dear, the rooster will crow soon. What if we delay tonight’s duty? Will the King of Hell get angry?” Xie Biansheng sighed, his pale, fat, and powder-faced face wrinkled with concern.
Fan Wujie sucked his long tongue and frowned, “What else can we do? If he gets angry, he gets angry!”
“That’s true. We’ve lived for thousands of years, but today has been the happiest. And the roast meat was delicious too.” Xie Biansheng bit into a candle he had somehow grabbed, then discarded it on the ground without looking, merely smacking his lips with lingering satisfaction.
“Hehe, next time we’re on duty, let’s bring some roasted rabbit to munch on!” Fan Wujie said, scratching his head with the token in his hand.
“That’s a must. It would be even better if we could meet that kid again! Alright, let’s go.” Xie Biansheng put his arm around Fan Wujie and walked back the way they came, shoulder to shoulder.
All the way, they sang:
“White and black, black and white;
Brothers good, spirits bright;
Soul catchers, life takers;
Eating roast meat, making brothers…”
“Oh, are you heading back now? Hehe! What a great time we’ve had!” Liu Dashao laughed, “I wonder where you two brothers live. If it’s nearby, I’d love to visit next time, don’t get me wrong! I’ll definitely sneak a few bottles of the good stuff from my dad for you two to try.” Liu Dashao and Xie, Fan had hit it off splendidly, chatting freely, and he was reluctant to part so soon, hence the suggestion.
“Where do we live?” Xie Qige was momentarily stunned, then exchanged a look with Fan Bage, thinking, hehe, our residence is not something you could know. If you knew, you’d probably wet your pants. The more talkative Xie Qige spoke up first, “Haha. Sorry to disappoint you, brother. We drift around, no fixed abode. We’ve just been doing business here recently, happened to pass by, and happened to meet you. Let’s not wait for another day, how about today? Let’s finish our drinks and then part ways. The world is vast, but we’ll surely meet again!”
Hearing this, Liu Dashao felt a pang of sadness but quickly forced a smile, “Alright! Since you two are so forthright, I won’t stand on ceremony either.” He picked up the bottle to drink but suddenly remembered something, “When I was a kid, I heard the elders in the village say that if a man and a woman are well-matched, they become husband and wife, and if men get along well, they become sworn brothers. Since you two brothers think highly of me, why don’t we finish this bottle and then swear brotherhood? If we meet again in the future, we can drink together again. What do you say?” Xie and Fan, dignified and over a decade older, were not the type Liu Dashao would normally consider for such a bond, but with the wine talking, he blurted it out.
“Excellent, excellent, couldn’t be better!” Xie Qige, now quite drunk, his eyes narrowed into crescents, his chubby face beaming, agreed.
Liu Dashao turned to Fan Bage, “What do you think, brother?”
Fan Bage wiped his mouth with his sleeve, “Since you’re so kind, little brother, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Great, it’s settled then!” Liu Dashao was overjoyed and cheered loudly. He then took off his shirt, used it as a mop to clear a spot in the graveyard, blew away the leaves and dust, and carefully found three fist-sized stones, stacking them in a mountain shape as an offering. He split a branch into three equal parts and stuck them in front of the stone pile as incense. After setting everything up, he sheepishly said to Fan and Xie, “Brothers, the conditions here are humble, let’s make do! If it’s not enough, we can make up for it later!”
Seeing this scene, Xie Biran and Fan Wujiu couldn’t help but laugh, exchanging a glance before nodding in agreement.
“Hehe, in my life, I’ve seen all sorts of things, all kinds of people. I don’t care for these trivialities. As long as you’re sincere, brother, I’m satisfied. Many people make a big show, but in the end, they’re deceitful and malicious, willing to push their sworn brothers off a cliff for petty gains, truly venomous.”
“Enough said!” Liu Dashao deeply resonated with Xie Qige’s words and nodded repeatedly. He walked to the stone pile, picked up the three branches, mimed a bow, poured three bowls of wine, handed one to Xie Qige, one to Fan Bage, and then the three knelt together. Liu Dashao declared:
“Heaven above! Today, I and my two brothers swear brotherhood. With the heavens above and the earth below, we offer three bowls of wine as witness. Though we may not wish to be born on the same day, we wish to die on the same day!”
“Good,” Xie Qige took the bowl, watched Liu Dashao splash the wine into the sky, and did the same, as did Fan Bage. They looked at each other, their thoughts instantly communicated, and said, “Heaven above, I Xie Biran (Fan Wujiu) and this Liu Dashao swear brotherhood, let all the gods and buddhas bear witness!”
They kowtowed once, and as Liu Dashao stood up, Xie Biran smiled and said, “Brother, I’m a few years older than you. Today, we’ve sworn brotherhood, not seeking to be born together, but to die together. Your death day will be my death day, do you agree!?”
“Brother Xie, what are you saying!” Liu Dashao patted his chest, “You speak as if you’re belittling me! From now on, whatever you command, I’ll do it even if it costs me my life!”
“Haha, then I’ll thank you first, third brother!” Xie Biran clasped his hands.
“Brother, if you talk like that, you’re being too formal!” Liu Dashao heavily patted his shoulder.
“Straightforward! Brother, enough said, after we finish our drinks, we’ll be life-and-death friends! Come!” Xie Biran and Fan Wujiu clinked glasses with Liu Dashao and drank up.
“Then it’s settled, see you again!” Xie Biran and Fan Wujiu, slightly tipsy, stretched and yawned.
“Alright, but…” Liu Dashao hesitated.
“What is it, brother? Speak up, don’t be shy, don’t underestimate me.” Xie Biran laughed, and Fan Wujiu nodded in agreement.
“Well, it’s like this. I’ve been wandering around and got lost. Can you tell me how to get out of here?” Liu Dashao scratched his head sheepishly.
“Is that all!” Xie Biran smiled slightly, pointing a way for Liu Dashao, “Brother, see clearly, follow the path I point, go straight, don’t turn, don’t change course. Don’t look back no matter what. You’ll be home soon!”
“Great, brother, you really know your way around!” Liu Dashao gave them each a bear hug, “I’ll miss you.” With that, he walked away without looking back.
Watching Liu Dashao’s receding figure, a sinister black wind suddenly swirled around Xie and Fan! The eerie wind enveloped them completely, as if some monster was about to emerge!
Soon, the wind subsided, and the two transformed, now dressed in bizarre outfits…
One was black, the other white, both wearing tall pointed hats, their tongues incredibly long! Longer than a hanged man’s! The black one held a mourning stick, his hat inscribed with “About to Catch You”; the white one held an iron chain in one hand and a token in the other, his hat also inscribed, but with a completely opposite meaning, “See and Prosper”.
Their outfits were strikingly similar, both wearing coarse hemp robes that reached their feet. Only the colors differed, and the black one’s face was fierce, clearly Fan Wujiu; the white one’s face was kind, undoubtedly Xie Biran. Anyone with eyes would now know, yes, they were the underworld’s ghost envoys, the Black and White Impermanence!
Legend has it that White Impermanence is named Xie Biran, and Black Impermanence is named Fan Wujiu, also known as “Seventh Master” and “Eighth Master”. It’s said that Xie and Fan swore brotherhood in their youth, as close as brothers. One day, they walked together under the Nantai Bridge, and as it was about to rain, Seventh Master told Eighth Master to wait while he went home to fetch an umbrella. Unexpectedly, after Seventh Master left, a torrential downpour caused the river to swell, and Eighth Master, unwilling to break his promise, was drowned due to his short stature. When Seventh Master returned with the umbrella, Eighth Master was already missing. Seventh Master, heartbroken, hanged himself from a bridge pillar (hence many depictions of White Impermanence with a long red tongue). The King of Hell, impressed by their deep loyalty, appointed them to capture lawbreakers before the City God. Some say, Xie Biran means “Thank the gods and you will be safe”; Fan Wujiu means “Lawbreakers have no salvation”.
“Ah, the rooster is about to crow, we’ve delayed tonight’s duties, what to do? Will the King of Hell be furious?” Xie Biran sighed, his plump, powdered face wrinkling.
Fan Wujiu sucked in his long tongue, frowned, “What can we do? Let him be furious!”
“True. After living for thousands of years, today was the happiest. And the barbecue, so delicious.” Xie Biran took a bite of a candle he somehow had in his hand, then tossed it aside without a glance, smacking his lips with lingering satisfaction.
“Hehe, next time we’re on duty, let’s roast a rabbit to munch on!” Fan Wujiu scratched his head with his token.
“Absolutely, if we can run into that kid again, even better! Alright, let’s go.” Xie Biran put his arm around Fan Wujiu, and they walked back the way they came.
Along the way, they sang, “White plus black, black and white; brothers good, underworld enforcers; soul catchers, life takers; eat barbecue, men swear brotherhood…”
“Haha, Little White, let’s go home!”
“Hey hey hey! Why call me Little White? I’m older than you, okay? I’m Seventh Master, you’re Eighth Master!”
“Why? Black and White Impermanence! Black and White Impermanence! Just because ‘black’ comes first, I’m the boss!”
“To hell with that! That’s no basis at all!”
“Hey! Still not convinced! Then I’ll have to explain it to you properly…”
“Ah!” Liu Dashao suddenly sat up, eyes wide open. The darkness before him vanished, replaced by the sight of his own small room and the moonlight spilling on the floor.
The strands of hair on his forehead were soaked with sweat, sticking together, forming clumps that were hard to comb, losing their previous grace.
A drop of cold sweat slid down his face, tickling, then dripped off his cheek.
Liu Dashao panted, his tense nerves finally relaxing, and he grabbed the blanket to wipe his head roughly.
Looking at the familiar surroundings, Liu Dashao frowned, Could it be that everything before was just a dream? But why does it feel so real?
He nervously scanned the area, the child under the bed was gone, the lake, the graveyard were all gone, and the two brothers he had just sworn brotherhood with were nowhere to be seen.
The room was peaceful, as if nothing had happened.
“Strange,” Liu Dashao muttered to himself, suddenly remembering something, and instinctively touched his neck. The jade pendant, that jade pendant was gone!
“Oh, are you heading back now? Hehe! What a great time!” Liu Dashao laughed, “I wonder where you two brothers live. If it’s nearby, I’d love to visit next time, don’t get me wrong! I’ll definitely sneak a few bottles of real good wine from my dad for you two to try.” Liu Dashao had hit it off with Xie and Fan, and they had talked so openly that he was reluctant to part so soon, hence the suggestion.
“Where do we live?” Xie Qige was taken aback, then exchanged a glance with Fan Bage, thinking, hehe, where we live is not something you should know. If you knew, you’d probably wet your pants. The more talkative Xie Qige spoke up first, “Hehe, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, brother. We wander the rivers and lakes, with no fixed abode. We’ve just been doing business here recently, happened to pass by, and happened to meet you. Let’s not wait for another day, let’s finish the wine we have today and then part ways. The world is vast, but we’ll surely meet again!”
Hearing this, Liu Dashao felt a pang of sadness but quickly forced a smile, “Alright! Since you two are so forthright, I won’t stand on ceremony either.” He picked up the wine bottle to drink but suddenly remembered something, “When I was a kid, I heard the elders in the village say that if a man and a woman are compatible, they become husband and wife, and if two men get along well, they become sworn brothers. It’s rare that you two brothers think highly of me. After we finish this bottle, let’s swear brotherhood. If we meet again in the future, we’ll drink together again. What do you say?” Xie and Fan, with their dignified air and being over a decade older, were not the type Liu Dashao would usually think of swearing brotherhood with, nor would he likely suggest it. But with nine-tenths of the wine in him, the words just slipped out.
“Excellent, excellent, couldn’t be better!” Xie Qige, now slurring his words, his eyes narrowed into crescents, his chubby face beaming with a silly smile, agreed.
Liu Dashao turned to Fan Bage, “What do you think, brother?”
Fan Bage lifted his sleeve to wipe his mouth, “It would be impolite to refuse. Little brother, with such a kind offer, cough, cough! I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Good, then it’s settled today!” Liu Dashao was overjoyed and cheered loudly. He then took off his jacket, using it as a mop to sweep a clearing in the graveyard, blowing away the leaves and dust that had accumulated on the ground. He then tiptoed around to find three fist-sized stones, placing one on top and two below to form a mountain shape as an offering. He broke a branch into three equal parts and stuck them in front of the stone pile to serve as incense sticks. After setting everything up, he sheepishly said to Fan and Xie, “Brothers, the conditions here are humble, let’s make do! If it’s not enough, we can always make up for it later!”
Seeing the scene Liu Dashao had created, Xie Bi’an and Fan Wujiu couldn’t help but chuckle. After exchanging a glance, they nodded in agreement for the first time.
“Hehe, in my life, I’ve seen all sorts of things, the myriad facets of human life. I won’t fuss over these trivial matters. As long as you’re sincere, brother, I’m satisfied. Little do people know, many who put on grand shows end up being deceitful, with sinister intentions, willing to push their sworn brothers off a cliff for petty gains, truly venomous.”
“Say no more!” Liu Dashao deeply resonated with Xie Qige’s words and nodded repeatedly. He then walked to the stone pile, picked up the three branches, mimed a bow, poured three bowls of wine, handed one to Xie Qige and one to Fan Bage. The three of them knelt together in the dust, and Liu Dashao said:
“By the heavens above! Today, I swear brotherhood with you two brothers. With the yellow sky above and the earth below, we offer three bowls of wine as witness. Though we may not wish to be born on the same year, month, and day, we do wish to die on the same year, month, and day!”
“Good,” Xie Qige took the wine bowl, watched Liu Dashao splash the wine into the sky, and did the same. Fan Bage followed suit. The two exchanged a glance, their thoughts instantly communicated, and said, “By the heavens above, I, Xie Bi’an (Fan Wujiu), swear brotherhood with Liu Dashao. May all the gods and buddhas bear witness!”
They kowtowed once, and when Liu Dashao stood up, Xie Bi’an spoke with a smile, “Brother, I’m a few years older than you. Today, we’ve sworn brotherhood, not seeking to be born together, but to die together. The day you die, brother, will also be the day I die. Are you willing?”
“Brother Xie, what are you saying!” Liu Dashao patted his chest, “You speak like that, it’s too much for me! From now on, whatever you command, brother, I’ll do it even if it costs me my life!”
“Hmph, then I’ll thank you first, third brother!” Xie Bi’an cupped his hands in gratitude.
“Brother, if you talk like that, it’s too formal!” Liu Dashao heavily patted his shoulder.
“Straightforward! Brother, say no more, after we finish the wine in our bowls, we’ll be life-and-death friends! Come on!” Xie Bi’an said, clinking glasses with Fan Wujiu and Liu Dashao, and they all drank up.
“Then it’s settled, see you again!” Xie Bi’an and Fan Wujiu, slightly tipsy, stretched and yawned.
“Alright, but…” Liu Dashao hesitated.
“What is it, brother? If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t underestimate me,” Xie Bi’an laughed, and Fan Wujiu beside him nodded darkly in agreement.
“Uh, it’s like this. I’ve been wandering around and got lost. I wanted to ask how to get out of here?” Liu Dashao embarrassedly scratched his head.
“I thought it was something serious!” Xie Bi’an smiled slightly, pointing a way for Liu Dashao, “Brother, see clearly, follow the path I’m pointing to, keep going straight, don’t turn, don’t change direction. No matter what, don’t look back. You’ll be home in no time!”
“Good, brother, you really know your way around!” Liu Dashao gave each of them a bear hug, “I’ll miss you.” With that, he walked away without looking back.
Watching Liu Dashao’s figure gradually disappear into the distance, a sinister black wind suddenly swirled around Xie and Fan! The eerie wind wrapped around them tightly, as if some monster was about to be born!
Soon, the wind subsided, and the two transformed, completely changing into a set of bizarre attire…
They were dressed in black and white, both wearing tall pointed hats, their tongues incredibly long! Longer than a hanged man’s! The one in black held a mourning stick, his tall hat inscribed with the words “Just about to catch you”; while the one in white held an iron chain in one hand and a token in the other, his tall hat also inscribed with four characters, but with a meaning completely opposite to the black one’s, called “Wealth at first sight”.
Their attire was extremely similar, both wearing coarse hemp robes that reached their feet. Only the colors were different, and the one in black had a fierce countenance, none other than Fan Wujiu; the one in white had a kind face, needless to say, it was Xie Bi’an. Anyone with a discerning eye would have already guessed, yes, they were the underworld’s ghost envoys, the Black and White Impermanence!
Legend has it that the White Impermanence is named Xie Bi’an, and the Black Impermanence is named Fan Wujiu, also known as “Seventh Master” and “Eighth Master”. It is said that Xie and Fan have been sworn brothers since childhood, as close as brothers. One day, they were walking together under the South Terrace Bridge when it was about to rain. Seventh Master asked Eighth Master to wait while he went home to get an umbrella. Unexpectedly, after Seventh Master left, a torrential rain poured down, and the river swelled. Eighth Master, unwilling to break his promise, was drowned due to his short stature. Soon after, Seventh Master returned with the umbrella, but Eighth Master had already disappeared. Seventh Master was heartbroken and hanged himself on the bridge pillar (hence the image of many White Impermanence with long red tongues). The King of Hell, impressed by their deep sense of loyalty and righteousness, ordered them to capture lawbreakers in front of the City God. Some say, Xie Bi’an means “Thank the gods and you will be safe”; Fan Wujiu means “Those who break the law have no salvation”.
“Ah, the rooster is about to crow, we’ve delayed tonight’s errand, what to do? Will the King of Hell be furious?” Xie Bi’an, with his white, chubby, powdered face, sighed.
Fan Wujiu sucked in his long tongue, frowned, and said, “What else can we do? If he’s furious, then he’s furious!”
“True. After living for thousands of years, today is the happiest. And the barbecue, it was really delicious.” Xie Bi’an took a bite of a candle he had somehow grabbed, then tossed it to the ground without a second glance. He just smacked his lips, still savoring the taste.
“Hehe, next time we’re on a mission, let’s roast a rabbit to munch on!” Fan Wujiu scratched his head with the token in his hand.
“That’s a must, and if we can run into that kid again, even better! Alright, let’s go.” Xie Bi’an put his arm around Fan Wujiu, and they walked back the way they came.
Along the way, all that could be heard was their song: “White plus black, black and white pair; brothers good, underworld envoys; soul catchers, life takers; eat barbecue, men swear brotherhood…”
“Haha, Little White, let’s go home!”
“Hey hey hey! Why call me Little White? I’m older than you, okay? I’m Seventh Master, you’re Eighth Master!”
“Why? Black and White Impermanence! Black and White Impermanence! Just because ‘black’ comes first, I’m the boss!”
“Go to hell! That’s no basis at all!”
“Hey! Still not convinced? Then I’ll have to reason with you properly…”
“Ah!” Liu Dashao suddenly sat up, his eyes wide open. The darkness before him vanished, replaced by the sight of his own small room and the moonlight spilling on the floor.
The strands of hair on his forehead were soaked with sweat, sticking together, forming clumps that were hard to comb, losing their previous air of elegance.
A drop of cold sweat rolled down his face, tickling, and dripped off his cheek.
Liu Dashao panted, his tense nerves finally relaxing. He grabbed the quilt and wiped his head haphazardly.
Looking at the familiar surroundings, Liu Dashao frowned. Could it be that everything before was just a dream? But why did it feel so real?
With a heart full of trepidation, he scanned the area carefully. The child under the bed was gone, the lake, the graveyard were all gone, and the two brothers he had just sworn brotherhood with were nowhere to be seen.
The room was peaceful, as if nothing had happened.
“Strange,” Liu Dashao muttered to himself, suddenly remembering something. He instinctively touched his neck—the jade pendant, that jade pendant was gone!
“Why? Black and White Impermanents! Black and White Impermanents! Just because ‘Black’ comes first, I’m the big brother!”
“Go to hell! That’s not a valid reason at all!”
“Heh! Not convinced yet! Then I’ll have to talk to you about it properly…”
“Oh, are you guys heading back? Hehe! What a great time!” Liu Dashao laughed, “I wonder where you two live. If it’s nearby, I’d love to drop by next time, don’t get me wrong! I’ll definitely sneak a few bottles of the real good stuff from my dad for you two to try.” Liu Dashao and Xie, Fan had hit it off so well, talking freely, and he was reluctant to part so soon, hence the suggestion.
“Where do we live?” Xie Qige was taken aback, then exchanged a look with Fan Bage, thinking, hehe, where we live is not something you should know. If you knew, you’d probably wet your pants. Xie Qige, the more talkative of the two, spoke up first, “Hehe, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, brother. We drift around, no fixed abode. We’ve just been doing business here recently, happened to pass by, and happened to meet you. Let’s not wait for another day, how about today? After we finish our drinks, we’ll go our separate ways. The world is vast, but we’ll surely meet again!”
Hearing this, Liu Dashao felt a pang of sadness but quickly forced a smile, “Alright! Since you two are so forthright, I won’t stand on ceremony either.” He picked up the bottle to drink but suddenly remembered something, “When I was a kid, I heard the elders in the village say that if a man and a woman are well-matched, they become husband and wife, and if men get along well, they become sworn brothers. Since you two think highly of me, after we finish this bottle, why don’t we swear brotherhood? If we meet again in the future, we can drink together again. What do you say?” Xie and Fan, with their imposing presence and being over a decade older, were not the kind Liu would normally consider for such a bond, nor would he usually suggest it, but with the alcohol talking, he blurted it out.
“Excellent, excellent, couldn’t be better!” Xie Qige, now quite drunk, his eyes narrowed into crescents, his chubby face beaming with a silly smile, agreed.
Liu Dashao turned to Fan Bage, “What do you think, brother?”
Fan Bage wiped his mouth with his sleeve, “Since you’re so kind, cough, cough! I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Great, it’s settled then!” Liu Dashao was overjoyed and cheered loudly. He then took off his shirt, using it as a mop to sweep a clearing in the graveyard, blowing away the leaves and dust that had accumulated. He then tiptoed around, found three fist-sized stones, placed one on top and two below, forming a mountain shape as an offering. He split a branch into three equal parts and stuck them in front of the stone pile, serving as incense. After setting everything up, he sheepishly said to Fan and Xie, “Brothers, the conditions here are humble, let’s make do for now! If it’s not enough, we can always make up for it later!”
Seeing the scene Liu had created, Xie Bi’an and Fan Wujiu couldn’t help but laugh, exchanging a glance before nodding in agreement.
“Hehe, in my life, I’ve seen all sorts of things, the myriad faces of life. I don’t care about these trivial matters. As long as you’re sincere, brother, I’m satisfied. Many people put on grand shows, but in the end, they’re just wolves in sheep’s clothing, treacherous for petty gains, even willing to push their sworn brothers off a cliff without hesitation, truly venomous.”
“Say no more!” Liu Dashao deeply resonated with Xie Qige’s words and nodded repeatedly. He then walked to the stone pile, picked up the three branches, mimicked a bow, poured three bowls of wine, handed one to Xie Qige and one to Fan Bage. The three then knelt in the dust, and Liu Dashao declared:
“Heaven above! Today, I and my two brothers swear brotherhood, with the heavens above and the earth below as our witnesses. We offer three bowls of wine as proof. Though we may not wish to be born on the same day, we wish to die on the same day!”
“Good,” Xie Qige took the bowl, watched Liu Dashao pour the wine into the sky, and did the same, as did Fan Bage. They looked at each other, their thoughts instantly communicated, and said, “Heaven above, I, Xie Bi’an (Fan Wujiu), swear brotherhood with Liu Dashao, let all the gods and buddhas bear witness!”
They kowtowed once, and when Liu Dashao stood up, Xie Bi’an smiled and said, “Brother, I’m a few years older than you. Today, we’ve sworn brotherhood, not seeking to be born together, but to die together. The day you die, brother, is the day I die. Are you willing?”
“Brother Xie, what are you saying!” Liu Dashao patted his chest, “You’re killing me with such words! From now on, whatever you command, brother, I’ll do it even if it costs me my life!”
“Hmph, then I’ll thank you first, third brother!” Xie Bi’an cupped his hands.
“Brother, if you say that, you’re being too formal!” Liu Dashao heavily patted his shoulder.
“Straightforward! Brother, say no more, after we finish our drinks, we’ll be brothers in life and death! Come!” Xie Bi’an clinked glasses with Fan Wujiu and Liu Dashao, and they drank it all in one go.
“Then it’s settled, see you again!” Xie Bi’an and Fan Wujiu, slightly drunk, stretched and yawned.
“Alright, but…” Liu Dashao hesitated.
“What is it, brother? If you have something to say, just say it, don’t be shy, don’t underestimate me.” Xie Bi’an laughed, and Fan Wujiu beside him nodded darkly in agreement.
“Uh, it’s like this. I’ve been wandering around here and got lost. I wanted to ask how to get out of this place?” Liu Dashao embarrassedly scratched his head.
“I thought it was something serious!” Xie Bi’an smiled slightly, pointing a way for Liu Dashao, “Brother, see clearly, follow the path I’m pointing to, go straight ahead, don’t turn, don’t change direction. No matter what, don’t look back. You’ll be home in no time!”
“Great, brother, you really know your way around!” Liu Dashao gave them each a bear hug, “I’ll miss you.” With that, he walked away without looking back.
Watching Liu Dashao’s receding figure, a sinister black wind suddenly swirled around Xie and Fan! The eerie wind wrapped around them tightly, as if some monster was about to be born!
Soon, the wind subsided, and the two transformed, now dressed in bizarre outfits…
One was black, the other white, both wearing tall, pointed hats, their tongues incredibly long! Longer than a hanged man’s! The black one held a mourning stick, his hat inscribed with “Here to Catch You”; the white one held an iron chain in one hand and a token in the other, his hat also inscribed with four characters, but with the opposite meaning, called “Fortune at First Sight”.
Their outfits were strikingly similar, both wearing coarse hemp robes that dragged on the ground. Only the colors differed, and the black one had a fierce visage, clearly Fan Wujiu; the white one had a kind face, undoubtedly Xie Bi’an. Anyone with eyes would now have the answer: yes, they were the underworld’s ghost envoys, the Black and White Impermanence!
Legend has it that the White Impermanence is named Xie Bi’an, and the Black Impermanence is named Fan Wujiu, also known as “Seventh Master” and “Eighth Master”. It’s said that Xie and Fan had been sworn brothers since childhood, as close as siblings. One day, they were walking together under the Nantai Bridge when it was about to rain. Seventh Master told Eighth Master to wait while he went home to get an umbrella. But after Seventh Master left, a torrential downpour came, and the river swelled. Eighth Master, unwilling to break his promise, was drowned due to his short stature. When Seventh Master returned with the umbrella, Eighth Master was already missing. Seventh Master, heartbroken, hanged himself from the bridge pillar (hence the image of the White Impermanence with a long red tongue). The King of Hell, moved by their deep loyalty, appointed them to capture lawbreakers before the City God. Some say, Xie Bi’an means “Gratitude to the Gods Brings Peace”; Fan Wujiu means “Lawbreakers Have No Salvation”.
“Ah, the rooster is about to crow, we’ve delayed tonight’s duties, what to do? Will the King of Hell be furious?” Xie Bi’an, with his plump, powdered face, sighed.
Fan Wujiu sucked in his long tongue, frowned, “What can we do? Let him be furious!”
“True. We’ve lived for thousands of years, and today was the happiest. And the barbecue, it was delicious.” Xie Bi’an took a bite of a candle he somehow had in his hand, then tossed it aside without a glance, just smacking his lips in satisfaction.
“Hehe, next time we’re out, let’s roast a rabbit to munch on!” Fan Wujiu scratched his head with his token.
“Absolutely, if we can run into that kid again, even better! Alright, let’s go.” Xie Bi’an put his arm around Fan Wujiu, and they walked back the way they came.
Along the way, they sang, “White and black, black and white; brothers good, ghost enforcers; soul catchers, life takers; eat barbecue, men swear brotherhood…”
“Haha, Little White, let’s go home!”
“Hey hey hey! Why call me Little White? I’m older than you, okay? I’m Seventh Master, you’re Eighth Master!”
“Why? Black and White Impermanence! Black and White Impermanence! Just because ‘black’ comes first, I’m the boss!”
“Go to hell! That’s no basis at all!”
“Hey! Still not convinced? Then I’ll have to explain it to you properly…”
“Ah!” Liu Dashao suddenly sat up, his eyes wide open. The darkness before him vanished, replaced by the sight of his own small room and the moonlight spilling on the floor.
The strands of hair on his forehead were soaked with sweat, sticking together, forming clumps that were hard to comb, losing their previous air of elegance.
A drop of cold sweat rolled down his face, tickling, then dripped off his cheek.
Liu Dashao panted, his tense nerves finally relaxing. He grabbed the blanket and wiped his head roughly.
Looking at the familiar surroundings, Liu Dashao frowned. Could it be that everything before was just a dream? But why did it feel so real?
He nervously scanned the area. The child under the bed was gone, the lake, the graveyard, and the two brothers he had just sworn brotherhood with were nowhere to be seen.
The room was peaceful, as if nothing had happened.
“Strange,” Liu Dashao muttered to himself, suddenly remembering something. He instinctively touched his neck—the jade pendant, it was gone!
His bangs were soaked with sweat, sticking together in clumps, making it impossible to comb through, completely losing their previous flowing look.
“Oh, are you heading back now? Hehe! What a great time!” Liu Dashao laughed. “I wonder where you two brothers live. If it’s nearby, I’d love to visit next time, don’t get me wrong! I’ll definitely sneak a few bottles of really good wine from my dad for you two to try.” Liu Dashao had hit it off with Xie and Fan, and they had talked so freely that he was reluctant to part so soon, so he made the suggestion.
“Where do we live?” Xie Qige was taken aback, then exchanged a glance with Fan Bage, thinking to himself, hehe, how could you possibly know where we live? If you knew, you’d probably wet your pants in fear. The more talkative Xie Qige spoke up first, “Hehe. I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, brother. We wander the rivers and lakes, with no fixed abode. We’ve just been doing business here recently, happened to pass by, and happened to meet you. Let’s not wait for another day, let’s do it today! After we finish this bottle, we’ll each go our separate ways. Though the world is vast, we’ll surely meet again!”
Hearing this, Liu Dashao felt a pang of sadness but quickly forced a smile. “Alright! Since you two are so forthright, I won’t stand on ceremony either.” He picked up the wine bottle, about to drink, when he suddenly remembered something. “When I was a kid, I heard the elders in the village say that if a man and a woman are well-matched, they become husband and wife, and if two men get along well, they become sworn brothers. Since you two brothers think highly of me, after we finish this bottle, let’s swear brotherhood. If we meet again in the future, we’ll drink together again. What do you say?” Xie and Fan, with their dignified air and being over a decade older, were not the kind of people Liu Dashao would normally think of as sworn brothers, nor would he likely suggest it. But with the wine almost gone, the words slipped out.
“Excellent, excellent, couldn’t be better!” Xie Qige, now quite drunk, his eyes narrowed into crescents, his chubby face beaming, agreed.
Liu Dashao turned to Fan Bage, “What do you think, brother?”
Fan Bage lifted his sleeve to wipe his mouth, “Since you’re so kind, cough, cough! I couldn’t be more willing.”
“Great, then it’s settled for today!” Liu Dashao was overjoyed and cheered loudly. He then took off his shirt, using it as a mop to sweep a clearing in the graveyard, blowing away the leaves and dust that had accumulated on the ground. He then stealthily found three fist-sized stones, placing one on top and two below, forming a mountain shape as an offering. He broke a branch into three equal parts and stuck them in front of the stone pile, serving as incense. After setting everything up, he sheepishly said to Fan and Xie, “Brothers, the conditions here are humble, let’s make do! If it’s not enough, we can make up for it later!”
Seeing the scene he had created, Xie Bi’an and Fan Wujiu couldn’t help but laugh, exchanging a glance before nodding in agreement.
“Hehe, in my life, I’ve seen all sorts of things, the myriad facets of human life. I don’t care about these trivialities. As long as you’re sincere, brother, I’m satisfied. You’d be surprised how many people put on grand shows, only to hide knives behind their smiles, scheming villains who, for the sake of petty gains, wouldn’t hesitate to push their sworn brothers off a cliff, truly venomous.”
“Enough said!” Liu Dashao deeply resonated with Xie Qige’s words and nodded repeatedly. He then walked to the stone pile, picked up the three branches, mimed a bow, poured three bowls of wine, handed one to Xie Qige and one to Fan Bage. The three of them knelt down in the dust, and Liu Dashao declared:
“Heaven above! Today, I and my two brothers swear brotherhood. With the heavens above and the earth below as our witnesses, we offer three bowls of wine. Though we may not wish to be born on the same year, month, and day, we vow to die on the same year, month, and day!”
“Good,” Xie Qige took the wine bowl, watching Liu Dashao pour the wine into the sky, and did the same. Fan Bage followed suit. The two exchanged a glance, their thoughts instantly communicated, and said, “Heaven above, I, Xie Bi’an (Fan Wujiu), swear brotherhood with Liu Dashao, let all the gods and buddhas bear witness!”
They kowtowed once, and when Liu Dashao stood up, Xie Bi’an smiled and said, “Brother, I’m a few years older than you. Today, we’ve sworn brotherhood, not seeking to be born together, but to die together. The day you die, brother, will also be the day I die. Are you willing?”
“Brother Xie, what are you saying!” Liu Dashao patted his chest, “You’re putting me to shame! From now on, whatever you command, brother, I’ll do it even if it costs me my life!”
“Hmph, then I’ll thank you in advance, third brother!” Xie Bi’an cupped his hands in a salute.
“Brother, if you talk like that, you’re being too formal!” Liu Dashao gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder.
“Straightforward! Brother, enough said. After we finish this bowl, we’ll be brothers in life and death! Come!” Xie Bi’an clinked his bowl with Fan Wujiu and Liu Dashao, and they drank it all in one go.
“Then it’s settled, until we meet again!” Xie Bi’an and Fan Wujiu, slightly tipsy, stretched and yawned.
“Alright, but…” Liu Dashao hesitated.
“What is it, brother? If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t underestimate me.” Xie Bi’an laughed, and Fan Wujiu beside him nodded darkly in agreement.
“Well, it’s like this. I’ve been wandering around and got lost. I was wondering how to get out of here?” Liu Dashao scratched his head sheepishly.
“Is that all!” Xie Bi’an smiled slightly, pointing a path for Liu Dashao, “Brother, look carefully. Follow the path I’m pointing to, keep going straight, don’t turn, don’t change direction. No matter what, don’t look back. You’ll be home soon enough!”
“Great, brother, you really know your way around!” Liu Dashao gave each of them a bear hug, “I’ll miss you.” With that, he walked off without looking back.
Watching Liu Dashao’s receding figure, a sinister black wind suddenly swirled around Xie and Fan! The eerie wind enveloped them completely, as if some monster was about to be born!
Soon, the wind subsided, and the two transformed, now dressed in bizarre attire…
One was black, the other white, both wearing tall pointed hats, their tongues incredibly long, longer than a hanged man’s! The black one held a mourning staff, his hat inscribed with the words “Here to Capture You”; the white one held an iron chain in one hand and a token in the other, his hat also inscribed with four characters, but with the opposite meaning, “Wealth at First Sight”.
Their outfits were strikingly similar, both wearing coarse hemp robes that reached their feet. Only the colors differed, and the black one had a fierce countenance, clearly Fan Wujiu; the white one had a kind face, undoubtedly Xie Bi’an. Anyone with eyes would now know the answer: yes, they were the underworld’s ghostly envoys, Heibai Wuchang!
Legend has it that the white one is named Xie Bi’an, the black one Fan Wujiu, also known as “Seventh Master” and “Eighth Master”. It’s said that Xie and Fan were sworn brothers from a young age, as close as siblings. One day, they were walking together under the Nantai Bridge when it started to rain. Seventh Master told Eighth Master to wait while he went home to fetch an umbrella. But after Seventh Master left, a torrential downpour caused the river to swell. Eighth Master, unwilling to break his promise, was drowned due to his short stature. When Seventh Master returned with the umbrella, Eighth Master was already missing. Seventh Master, heartbroken, hanged himself from a bridge pillar (hence the image of many white Wuchang with long red tongues). The King of Hell, impressed by their deep sense of loyalty, appointed them to capture wrongdoers before the City God. Some say Xie Bi’an means “Thank the gods and you’ll be safe”; Fan Wujiu means “Those who break the law are beyond saving”.
“Ah, the rooster’s about to crow, we’ve delayed tonight’s task, what to do? Will the King of Hell be furious?” Xie Bi’an, his plump white face powdered, sighed.
Fan Wujiu sucked in his long tongue, frowned, “What can we do? Let him be furious!”
“True. After living for thousands of years, today was the happiest. And the barbecue, it was really delicious.” Xie Bi’an took a bite of a candle he had somehow grabbed, then tossed it aside without a second glance, smacking his lips as if savoring the taste.
“Hehe, next time we’re on a mission, let’s roast a rabbit to munch on!” Fan Wujiu scratched his head with his token.
“Absolutely, and if we run into that kid again, even better! Alright, let’s go.” Xie Bi’an put his arm around Fan Wujiu, and they walked back the way they came.
Along the way, they sang, “White and black, black and white; brothers good, working for the underworld; soul catchers, life takers; eating barbecue, swearing brotherhood…”
“Ha ha, Little White, let’s go home!”
“Hey hey hey! Why call me Little White? I’m older than you, aren’t I? I’m Seventh Master, you’re Eighth Master!”
“Why? Heibai Wuchang! Heibai Wuchang! Just because ‘black’ comes first, I’m the boss!”
“To hell with that! That’s no basis at all!”
“Hey! Still not convinced? Then I’ll have to explain it to you properly…”
“Ah!” Liu Dashao suddenly sat up, his eyes wide open. The darkness before him vanished, replaced by the sight of his own small room and the moonlight spilling onto the floor.
The strands of hair on his forehead were soaked with sweat, sticking together, clumping into uncombed tangles, losing their previous air of elegance.
A drop of cold sweat trickled down his face, tickling, then dripped off his cheek.
Liu Dashao panted, his tense nerves relaxing, and he grabbed the quilt, wiping his head haphazardly.
Looking at the familiar surroundings, Liu Dashao frowned. Could it be that everything before was just a dream? But why does it feel so real?
Nervously, he scanned the area carefully. The child under the bed was gone, the lake, the graveyard, and the two brothers he had just sworn brotherhood with were nowhere to be seen.
The room was peaceful, as if nothing had happened.
“Strange,” Liu Dashao muttered to himself, suddenly remembering something. He instinctively touched his neck—the jade pendant, it was gone!
Liu Dashao was panting, his tightly wound nerves finally relaxing. He grabbed the quilt and roughly wiped his face.
Looking at the familiar surroundings, Liu Dashao frowned. Could it be that everything before was just a dream? But why did it feel so real?
He nervously scanned the surroundings, the child under the bed was gone, the small lake and the graveyard were gone too, and the two sworn brothers were nowhere to be seen.
The entire room was peaceful, as if none of the previous events had ever happened.
“Strange.” Liu Dashao muttered to himself. Suddenly, he remembered something and instinctively reached for his neck. The jade pendant, that jade pendant was gone!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage