Chapter Ten: Red Thread of Fate

  Liu Lang River I know is this one winding river around the city, named for its willows along the embankment. This is the orthodox explanation.

  According to what the elderly people said, the legend goes that there was no river here originally, but a cliff. In the early years, there was a pair of star-crossed lovers, with the woman from a wealthy family and the man from a poor background. Using modern language, it can be described as a "poor guy winning over a rich beauty", which of course could not have ended well. The woman's parents were strongly opposed to their relationship. However, the woman was passionate and would not accept anyone else. Her parents had no choice but to say that they would only agree if the man dared to jump off the cliff and catch a five-zhang-long python, using its skin to make a drum to welcome the woman's family. The man did not hesitate and jumped off the cliff, never to return again. Of course, he could not have returned, as the cliff was thousands of feet high, how could anyone survive? The woman waited by the riverbank every day, her tears falling into the cliff, and eventually, a river formed around the city. Some people say that on nights when the moon is full, if you get close to the cliff and listen carefully, you can still hear the sound of drums in your ears, which is the moment when the star-crossed lovers got married. Although this legend is mysterious, it has been passed down without fading, winning the sympathy and tears of many star-crossed lovers. Now, the willow trees along the riverbank are a popular place for people to take leisurely strolls.

  I floated along with Dao Zhang, perhaps due to his replenishment of my spirit, I felt light and agile, more energetic than usual, and could barely keep up with Dao Zhang's pace.

  Arrived at the Liu Lang River, it was midnight. The river water murmured, the willow branches trembled, and dark shadows flickered all around, which was even more eerie than in the daytime.

  Qingshan Dao stretched his legs out along the embankment and sat down, I also hastily sat down beside him.

  He took out a ball of red thread from his sleeve and said to me: "This red thread is 24 meters long, with 24 knots tied on it, representing the 24 numbers of yin and yang. Later, you will tie the copper bell I gave you to your wrist, one end connected to the thread, and the other end I will hold in my hand. Then, you walk close to the water's edge, but remember only to get close to the water's edge, absolutely do not touch the water. No matter what you see or hear, don't pay attention to it. You are a righteous spirit body, and I will perform magic on this side to enter yin, which won't harm you. At that time, just tell me everything about Li Yan in detail, the more detailed the better, say whatever comes to mind. If there's an emergency, just pull the red thread, and I'll pull you back. After finishing speaking, make a bow to indicate completion. At this time, be careful again, after making the bow, do not stand up, do not lift your head, just keep your body shape and retreat back to my side."

  The Taoist priest's eyes gleamed brightly, I listened without understanding, and my heart was still a little afraid, but thinking of Li Yan's miserable expression, I finally summoned up the courage to follow his words, tied the copper bell with red thread, and waited quietly for the Taoist priest to perform the ritual.

  Qingshan Dao Chang drew out a small sword made of peach wood, and with a wave of his hand in the air, he drew out a lotus flower. He shouted: "The true man of Qingcheng has an urgent matter to report to Qingshan, now I'm borrowing the Yin Bridge for one crossing, the law is exhausted and returns to Yang, all you little ghosts listen, the law doesn't harm the body, but the law doesn't tolerate chaos, acting recklessly will lead to falling into the black water of Liu Lang, none can be saved, take care of yourselves."

  As soon as the words were spoken, a sword dance unfolded like a lotus flower. Suddenly, there were faint whispers around, and the rustling of willows sounded, as if countless footsteps gathered in turmoil.

  Suddenly, Qing Shan Dao pulled out a candle from his bosom and tossed it with a flick of his wrist. Two white lights flashed by, and to everyone's surprise, they landed on the embankment in two neat rows, 12 candles on each side, for a total of 24 candles. The flames danced steadily, yet despite being surrounded by swirling dark winds, the candle flames stood upright, unwavering and unshakeable.

  The Daoist sat cross-legged at the beginning of the two rows of candles and said to me, "I have temporarily borrowed the Nether Bridge for one crossing. You can go slowly ahead, remember what I just said, when the candle is extinguished, stop and tell everything."

  The Taoist raised his peach-wood sword high again and gazed into the darkness where a light was flashing.

  I touched the wrist tied with a red thread and copper bell, taking one step at a time, slowly walking down the embankment.

  Having only walked a short distance, I suddenly felt a chill in the air. Looking ahead, everything was pitch black and I couldn't see the surface of the water. All I could see was a long road with lamps burning brightly on either side. Hurriedly turning my head back, I wanted to take another step forward to muster up some courage. After all, I had only taken two steps so far, and this eerie wind was indeed frightening. Turning my head back, the copper bell suddenly rang out loudly, and everything went dark. All I could vaguely see were two points of starlight twinkling in the distance. Suddenly, a stern voice echoed in my ear: "The envoy must not move rashly, proceed according to the words."

  Startled, he turned his head and continued walking forward cautiously.

  At this time, the ears were filled with noise, like the sound of a radio not tuned in during childhood, and it felt strange. Obviously, it was a slope under the embankment, but it was a flat road.

  Thinking to himself, 12 candles, about 12 meters, hurry up and finish talking and go back.

  The more anxious I became, the less I could move forward. The sounds around me grew louder and more chaotic, while dark shadows darted back and forth before my eyes. Red streaks flashed by quickly, and I suspected they were blood bats. The eerie cries seemed to come from all directions. Suddenly, a dark shape rushed towards me, and instinctively, I raised my hand to block it, causing the copper bell's red string to vibrate. The shadow halted abruptly, then retreated. My entire body felt an intense chill, and my teeth chattered involuntarily. Two gusts of cold wind slipped up my pant legs, only to be blocked again at my chest. Above my chest was a burning sensation, while below it was icy cold - was this the so-called "ice and fire two heavens"?

  It's finally over, there are no more paths ahead of us, but we've already reached the water's surface.

  The water surface was calm at first, but as soon as I stood still, it suddenly churned up a whirlpool. In my ear, I heard the sound of a woman crying, her voice sobbing and heart-wrenching. Just as I was startled, a white shadow floated out of the whirlpool, resembling a woman's figure, stretching out one hand as if to grab me for help, and the sobbing grew even more mournful. Instinctively wanting to stretch out both hands, but the red thread tightened, holding me back. My heart greatly shocked, I remembered Daoist Zhang's warning, hastily lowering my hands and standing still. The whirlpool disappeared in an instant, and the water surface returned to calmness.

  At this time, my heart was filled with Li Yan's bitter and sorrowful appearance. I said loudly: "Qing Shan Dao Zhang entrusted me to tell you about the occupation of Yang Jia Cun and the supermarket riot at the crossroads. I have told you everything, listen carefully."

  As soon as the words came out, I suddenly felt a sense of peace in my heart. The image of Li Yan appeared in my mind, and a sense of responsibility arose spontaneously. It seems that I was born to be a poor man, and there's no way to get rid of this fate.

  I recounted everything that had happened in the past few days, especially highlighting Li Yan's great kindness and righteousness. After finishing speaking in one breath, I felt a coolness on my face, and upon touching it, I found it was all tears.

  I bowed deeply. However, I heard a series of strange noises in my ears and didn't dare to lift my head, as Daozhang had instructed me. Before long, I heard a clear and lovely female voice say: "The envoy has already risked his life by entering the underworld, which is not an easy feat. He has recounted all the previous events, and they have been duly recorded. The ghostly escort has already been released from its duties. The envoy's great kindness will surely be rewarded in the future when we meet again."

  The sound had just fallen, but it was a loud and clear "pa pa pa" sound. Just as I was surprised, another old voice came, "Qing Shan spoke clearly, you still want to be presumptuous, go down to Wan Ya Gou to repent." My surroundings were again filled with strange noises, and then suddenly quiet.

  It was the same female voice as before, "The 24 solar terms have been exhausted, and all the messengers have retreated. The small ghosts who were in charge of clearing the way for the messenger have already done their job. Please ask the messenger to keep the great faith and fulfill the great spirit. Now that we have investigated, the messenger is suffering from a huge loss of vitality, and Mount Qing can make up for it. Please ask the messenger to return quickly and pay attention to the matter of yin and yang alternating, which cannot be leaked out. At the time of destiny, everything will naturally become clear." The surroundings suddenly became extremely quiet, and the Liuyan River was as calm as ever.

  I obeyed and backed away without lifting my head or turning around.

  But also strange, just a few steps away, his shoulder was suddenly slapped hard, startling him to jump, and he had already arrived beside Qing Shan Dao.

  The Daoist's hand waved once, and all the candles went out. The riverbank was again a vast expanse of dark, flickering shadows.

  The director said: "Alright, I've got it."

  I said: "It's scary enough, I heard three people talking clearly, the rest of the noise and commotion I couldn't make out."

  The leader suddenly asked: "How long have you been walking?"

  I said: "It's really strange, it took a long time to get there, but the return trip was quick. But judging from the state of the candle, it's only 12 meters away, isn't that strange?"

  The Taoist priest smiled mysteriously and said: "I've let out all the red thread in my hand, if it's not a desperate struggle to pull you back, I'm afraid you won't be able to return."

  I was shocked at once, the red line is 24 meters after all.

  "Yin emotions, yang emotions, dao emotions, all are trapped by emotions. One extreme emotion can lead to great love. You have the root of zhēng líng, but there are too many emotions, and many false spirits want to use you to turn their spirits. Li Yan's emotions cannot be concluded, I see that your heart is not at peace. I risk my life to help you repair your true spirit by borrowing a bridge to cross the yin. Just now, when our spiritual bodies collided, I was also shocked."

  I took a glance at Dao Chang, and his face showed the familiar deathly pale complexion again. No need to ask, just now he had been making one move after another, and it seemed that he had also exhausted his true yuan.

  "The messenger's mission has been fulfilled, and you and I have taken the first step towards success." Dao Chang said.

  I asked irrelevantly: "Why go to the Liu Lang River?"

  The elder said, "A place of utmost sincerity and nature is the best choice for crossing over to the underworld. The water is soft yet separates yin from yang, and even in the realm of yin, safety is a priority. It's likely that someone with ulterior motives would take advantage of this opportunity to cause chaos and destroy the righteous spirit. Therefore, if you want to ensure your own safety, first provide safety for others. It seems not bad after all; at least the Zhengling Gate has fully acknowledged you. The clear and lovely female voice from earlier is the great protector of the Zhengling Gate. If you can pass her test, you've succeeded in one step. Earlier, if the Zhengling spirit had not been firm, you would have almost been pulled into the water by a vengeful ghost to exchange bodies. Fortunately, I managed to pull you back with all my might; don't be reckless again."

  I've finally figured it out. The underworld has its own rules, whether I believe them or not, but I mustn't act rashly. Once I step in, I have to follow them and proceed accordingly.

  Suddenly a gust of dark wind blew up, Qing Shan Dao turned around, his foot stepped on the trigram pattern, his hand raised the peach sword, and he shouted loudly: "Don't you still have a death wish!"

  A burst of sinister laughter came from above, "The bootlicker is deceiving the world again. Last time he hurt me, the master didn't hold a grudge and helped me recover my energy, I became a great protector. You're still just a bootlicker, that old guy has cultivated an indestructible body for a hundred years, you'll probably never be able to surpass him."

  A thick black fog enveloped everything, with two red dots the size of chicken eggs glowing brightly in the middle.

  Qingshan Dao said with a cold smile, "Last time I spared your life, you know it in your heart. For sixty years as fellow disciples, even our master couldn't bear to do anything to you, yet you still won't let up. The envoy is here, you absolutely cannot act rashly. If not, no one will be able to save you."

  "Hmph, hmph, hmph", sneering repeatedly, "You rely on the envoy being by your side, knowing that I can't do anything to you at this moment. I'll keep an eye on you from time to time and see how you work together with that old guy."

  "Nanmanzi, you'd better take care of yourself. Nan Cun, don't make trouble, okay?" Dao Chang Tao Jian danced the lotus flower again, and the black fog floated around.

  "My business is none of your concern. When I was young, you took care of me, when I grew up, my master took care of me, and now you still want to take care of me?" The sound of footsteps faded away.

  "Is it Wú Yǐng Mén again?"

  Qingshan Road nodded, "This time it's really over, Nan Village is finished."

  I was shocked again.

  "First, let's revive your spirit and then take action. This place is already a return to the world of the living. You and I should leave quickly, it's not good for us to linger in this world." The Taoist priest pulled me along as we walked forward.

  But behind him, there was clearly a voice chasing after him.