Blade - Unbound

"Dig up the grave and break open the tomb..." Master Du looked puzzled and asked, "But wasn't the ancestral tomb already destroyed?"

"It isn't that simple." Wang Daoxuan shook his head. "The Marrow Drip Formation has already taken shape. The ancestors and the Du bloodline form its inner core, while the ancestral yin residence and the family's yang residence serve as its outer shell.

"The destruction of the yin residence merely damaged the exterior. The true problem is the poisonous influence that has spread, bringing calamity upon the descendants of the bloodline. That Demonic Sheng is the malignant consequence born from all of this.

"It uses the descendants' bloodline as its nest. As long as your bloodline survives, so will it. Once the Du bloodline is completely extinguished, it will break free and become a true demon that will plague the region. However, its appearance also represents the Du Family's only chance of survival. If we can locate your ancestor's coffin, temporarily suppress it with a secret method, and get the Taixuan Orthodox Sect to seal it beneath the City God's Temple, the bloodline curse will cease."

Luo Faqing frowned. "Can't it simply be destroyed?"

"Destroyed?" Wang Daoxuan shook his head. "The Heavenly Dao is the Heavenly Dao. If slaughter alone could solve every problem, why would the world suffer human disasters and endless sorrow? Can you kill the blazing summer sun? When winter blankets the land with snow, can you kill the bitter cold?

"Our dynasty's founding emperor once established harsh laws. Anyone found guilty of corruption was flayed, with their skin stuffed with straw and displayed at the City God's Temple. But did that ever kill mankind's greed?"

His words left Luo Faqing speechless.

"The same principle applies to such demonic beings." Wang Daoxuan continued solemnly, "Whether they are born of natural disasters or human calamities, even the Taixuan Orthodox Sect cannot destroy them outright. They can only be suppressed within blessed lands, where continuous rituals to dispel misfortune and offer blessings gradually erode them.

"Now that the curse has already penetrated the Du bloodline, the only option is to exhume the bones, remove the corruption, and suppress this Demonic Sheng. But doing so will also destroy the Marrow Drip Formation.

"From that moment on, the Du family will no longer possess heaven-bestowed fortune. Everything must be earned through your own efforts. You must cultivate virtue and benevolence while burning incense and praying daily to dispel future calamities.

"What to do now is entirely Master Du's decision."

"I agree!"

Before Master Du could speak, his eldest son, Du An, who had been eavesdropping outside the door, rushed inside. He dropped to his knees before his father, tears streaming down his face as he repeatedly kowtowed. "Father, I don't care about wealth or status. I only want Wan'er and the rest of our family to live safely. I would willingly give up everything!"

A trace of relief appeared in Master Du's eyes as he helped Du An to his feet. "Though your aptitude has never matched Chong'er's, you possess a kind and compassionate heart. You are the true blessing of this family. I was not mistaken about you."

Turning toward Wang Daoxuan, he cupped his hands and bowed deeply. "Daoist, I feel the same. As long as my family survives safely, I am willing to give up everything."

Wang Daoxuan nodded. "That makes things much easier. Though this creature is a demonic fiend, it has merely developed intelligence and can actively attack people. Tonight's disaster has already passed, but tomorrow night it will strike again. I have a method to temporarily ward off the disaster.

"There is no time to lose. Master Du, I need materials for making paper figures. Every member of the Du family must be present, even your daughters-in-law and concubines."

Master Du immediately gave the order. "Quick! Hurry and prepare everything!

Inside the main hall, Sha Lifei barked out instructions, "One at a time. Don't be afraid! That's right. Straighten your back. Raise your arms..."

Steward Wang and the servants carried measuring tapes, carefully recording each person's height, arm length, leg length, and even the circumference of their necks and heads.

Master Du personally wrote everything down. After each set of measurements was recorded, bamboo strips of identical lengths were cut and laid aside in order.

Meanwhile, Li Yan assisted Wang Daoxuan in making the paper figures.

As he worked, he watched with great interest.

The Northern Emperor Straw Spirit Technique naturally contained methods for crafting paper figures, straw effigies, and even wooden puppets. However, the technique was simply too ancient, emphasizing spirit over form. A rough resemblance was generally sufficient.

Wang Daoxuan's paper figures, however, were crafted with extraordinary precision. Their height, build, and even facial features all had to match the original.

Luo Faqing had never thought much of Li Yan or Sha Lifei, but after the events of the previous night, he had come to respect Wang Daoxuan immensely.

Seeing what he was doing, he hesitated before asking, "Daoist Wang, this is a technique of the Yin Sect, isn't it? I didn't expect you to be familiar with it."

"I'm far from proficient." Without slowing, Wang Daoxuan replied calmly, "Methods for dispelling calamities inevitably have their limits. If something unexpected happens, one must prepare contingencies.

"There are only five ways to deal with such situations: deceiving the spirits, punishing the spirits, overcoming and breaking, transferring calamities, and cultivating oneself. This method combines deceiving the spirits with transferring calamities. If you want to fool that evil creature, the bones, flesh, and outward appearance must all resemble the original."

Li Yan listened with great interest. Eventually, he muttered, "I never imagined paper figures required such attention to detail."

Wang Daoxuan sighed. "They gradually evolved into this over time. Those who practiced the arts of the Yin Sect have existed since the time of Emperors Yao and Shun. But they were always regarded with suspicion, excluded from the orthodox sects and Daoist lineages while occupying a lowly status with limited scholarly learning. Their knowledge was passed down solely through word of mouth between master and disciple.

"Later, after Song Ci wrote the Collected Cases of Injustice Rectified, the status of coroners improved somewhat. They came to regard him as their patriarch, and many other unorthodox professions also honored and studied his work. Paper figure craftsmen, for example, greatly advanced their own techniques because of it.

"During my travels, I once studied under a fellow practitioner for a time, though I only learned a little."

As he spoke, he completed the paper figure that was to be Master Du's substitute. Its height, hairstyle, facial features, and even the color of its clothing all matched him perfectly. Only its eyes remained blank.

Wang Daoxuan's expression turned solemn. Forming hand seals, he dipped a finger into the drop of blood Master Du had squeezed out. Chanting the Secret Six Jia Incantation, he gently touched the paper figure's eyes.

Everyone held their breath as they watched.

Nothing happened.

"... It failed." Wang Daoxuan smiled bitterly, looking rather embarrassed. Eventually, he explained, "After all, I'm not truly a practitioner of this discipline. I can reproduce the appearance and structure, but I cannot grant it spirit. That creature would see through it at a glance. We'll have to start over. Hopefully we can finish before the day's over..."

Li Yan interrupted, "Wait. If all it lacks is spirit, I might have a way."

He formed hand seals and activated the Northern Emperor Straw Spirit Technique, lightly hooking his little finger.

Rustle...

A swarm of straw effigies flew out from the leather pouch at his waist, dancing through the air as they circled around him. Pinching one between two fingers, Li Yan stained it with Master Du's blood before forming another seal.

The tiny effigy slipped through a gap in the larger paper figure's back and disappeared inside. A straw effigy itself contained spirit. Thus, when it came to granting spirit, what could be more suitable than it?

The moment the paper figure was completed, a chilly gust suddenly swept through the main hall. The candle flames flickered wildly, lending the room an eerie atmosphere. Li Yan could now smell Master Du's scent coming from the paper figure. Though faint, it was completely identical.

Steward Wang's voice trembled as he pointed shakily at the paper figure. "L-Look!"

Everyone watched as the paper figure's neck slowly turned. Then, seemingly startled by so many eyes upon it, it quickly returned to facing forward. The sight sent chills down many people's spines.

"It worked!" Wang Daoxuan clapped his hands and laughed. "I never imagined it could be done this way. Compared to the paper figures crafted by true masters of the mystic path, this is no less impressive. With this method, many things will become much easier in the future."

Li Yan was pleasantly surprised as well. He had never expected the straw effigies could be used in such a way.

He and Wang Daoxuan exchanged a glance, each instantly understanding what the other was thinking. The possibilities of this technique were enormous. Not only could it be used to ward off calamities, but it could also greatly enhance the power of Wang Daoxuan's incantations.

Even Luo Faqing was momentarily stunned before nodding. "My congratulations to both of you."

He naturally recognized the value of such a technique. With the successful experiment behind them, their work progressed much more quickly.

The reason Wang Daoxuan had reserved an entire day was because he feared repeated failures while attempting to bestow spirit to the figures. However, with Li Yan's assistance, they finished everything before noon.

The Du Family's main hall was filled with paper figures, with every family member having two substitutes. Each paper figure had its head covered with a piece of red cloth.

Wang Daoxuan turned to Master Du and said gravely, "Remember this well. Before midnight every night, everyone in the estate must leave. The chickens, ducks, dogs, livestock, mules, and horses must all be taken away as well. Return only shortly before dawn, after midnight has passed.

"These paper figures now possess a trace of spirituality. They will bear the calamity in your stead, and resentment will inevitably accumulate within them. At daybreak, offer incense to them. Then, when the noon sun is at its strongest, burn them with willow wood.

"Do not forget even a single one. Otherwise, before this matter is resolved, the paper figures themselves may begin causing trouble. If we have not returned by the second night, place the second set of paper figures in their positions and simply remove the red cloth covering their heads.

"Also, Master Du, immediately send someone to Chang'an and seek assistance from the City God's Temple. If they do not return in time, don't wait. Go straight to the City God's Temple in Xianyang instead. Its temple master, Senior Qing Yangzi, is an old acquaintance of ours."

Master Du listened attentively, his expression solemn. "I've memorized everything. There will not be the slightest mistake."

Wang Daoxuan nodded. "There is no third chance after the second. This method can only protect you for two nights. Time is of the essence! We leave immediately."

Master Du commanded, "Men! Prepare the horses!"

He had already ordered the horses to be fed and readied the moment Wang Daoxuan mentioned they were leaving. After gathering their belongings, Li Yan and the others prepared to leave the estate.

Seeing their actions, Luo Faqing hesitated before speaking, "Daoist Wang... Perhaps I should accompany you."

"You mustn't." Wang Daoxuan shook his head solemnly. "Breaking open the tomb itself isn't particularly difficult. I can temporarily suppress it with a ritual until the Taixuan Orthodox Sect arrives.

"The situation here is the real priority. Two people have already died. The old madam's brain and lungs have been devoured, corresponding to the sea of consciousness and the Five Elements. Together with the missing grandson, that already makes two victims. If this truly is the work of an evil cultivator, then once three more people die, the Demonic Sheng will fully mature.

"Daoist Luo, your offensive arts are exceptional. If that evil cultivator comes to interfere, you must hold him off until we succeed!"

Luo Faqing cupped his hands with a solemn expression. "Rest assured, Daoist!"

He was carrying his own burden of frustration. Although Wang Daoxuan had completely earned his respect, he had also lost his reputation this time. If he allowed the evil cultivator's scheme to succeed, he might as well give up being a cultivator altogether.

He bowed slightly. "Take care."

After exchanging farewells, Li Yan and the other two mounted their horses and departed. Before they realized it, heavy snow had begun falling once again.

***

Holding onto the bamboo hat atop his head, Sha Lifei shouted over the storm, "Daoist! We've arrived!"

The weather had turned without warning. Snow had begun falling again shortly after they departed at noon, and the northern wind had only grown stronger, the snowfall heavier with every passing hour.

The snow also concealed the ditches along the road, making horseback travel impossible. The three of them could only lead their horses on foot against the raging wind.

Fortunately, the ruins of the ancient capital were not far away.

Sha Lifei pointed ahead. "Over there are the ruins of Epang Palace, and over there is the ancient capital. This whole area used to be Shanglin Garden. I know a place where we can shelter from the wind!"

He led them another li before stopping at the corner where two earthen walls met. The wind was noticeably weaker there.

Lighting a torch, Li Yan examined the area beneath the flickering light and quickly made a discovery. Though the earthen walls had been badly weathered and buried beneath thick snow, they could still barely be recognized as the remnants of an ancient city.

The ancient capital, Epang Palace, Shanglin Garden...

Those glorious names recorded throughout history, after countless years and endless wars, had now been reduced to little more than crumbling earthen walls.

Li Yan smiled. "Uncle Sha, you seem quite familiar with this place."

Sha Lifei grinned. "I used to come here often. Isn't it almost the twelfth month? Back then, during the Night Fox Hunt, wealthy families in Chang'an were obsessed with fox-fur clothing. If you showed up carrying a fox during the Night Fox Hunt, you'd earn a handsome reward. So we'd come here hunting foxes for money..."

The Night Fox Hunt, also called Hunting the Night Fox, originated from an old custom. It was said that Emperor Jingzong of Tang had been obsessed with Daoist arts, the pursuit of immortality, and indulgence, and thus commissioned endless construction projects. The famous essay The Epang Palace Poem had been written to admonish him.

Of course, however brilliant the essay, it had done absolutely nothing to change him. Emperor Jingzong also had another peculiar hobby, leading people out at night to hunt foxes.

For reasons unknown, this eventually evolved into a folk tradition. Every twelfth month, beggars and impoverished folk in the city would dress as ghosts and spirits, beating gongs and drums as they went door to door asking for money, claiming they were driving away plague spirits. For the sake of good fortune, most households would give them something.

It was rather like Halloween's "trick or treat."

Li Yan asked curiously, "I knew about the Night Fox Hunt, but people actually brought real foxes? I've never heard of that."

Sha Lifei snorted. "Hah, just city folk following the latest trend. People in Chang'an are like that. The moment some wealthy family starts doing something, everyone copies them. They claimed fox pelts obtained on that particular day could ward off evil. Later, though, the practice was banned."

Li Yan asked, "Why?"

Sha Lifei shrugged. "Because something happened. Rumor had it that some people went hunting foxes and encountered foxfire near Epang Palace. Then fox spirits started causing trouble, and quite a few jianghu folk died. The authorities eventually banned it. I never went myself, though, so I don't know whether the rumors were true."

After chatting for a while, Li Yan took out a scroll. It was exquisitely crafted and folded like a fan. Bamboo formed its frame, while fine silk served as its covering. Once unfolded, it revealed densely packed writing and maps.

It was an imperial funerary record. Originally an item reserved for the imperial family, it was used to praise the achievements of emperors and empresses during their lifetimes. The funeral eulogy would be buried together with them.

Later, the custom spread among the common people. Some great families, whose ancestral tombs were hidden in remote locations, also created such records so future generations would never lose track of the family graves. As such, they were considered confidential family documents.

That particular one had been given to them by Master Du, recording the tomb's location in meticulous detail.

Studying it carefully by torchlight, Sha Lifei's eyes lit up. "Hey, I know this place. It's not far at all. Another two sticks of incense's worth of travel and we'll be there."

Wang Daoxuan also examined the document thoughtfully and mumbled, "As expected... The Du family excavated the ancient Zhou tomb and concealed the entrance afterward. It looks rather spacious inside. Let's head there now. We can take care of our business while also sheltering from the snowstorm."

Having made up their minds, the three of them set off immediately. It didn't take long for him to arrive at a vast plain.

It was dotted with one mound after another, blanketed in snow. They resembled steamed buns... or perhaps burial mounds. Many of them were indeed the grand tombs of ancient nobles and marquises, their earthen mounds varying in size and age. Most had already been visited by tomb robbers, leaving them riddled with gaping holes.

As they reached the foot of one of the mounds, Sha Lifei suddenly pointed toward the right and yelled, "Look over there!"

Halfway up the hillside, a massive fissure had appeared out of nowhere, with enormous bricks scattered all around it.