"Yes, Senior Brother Wu stood up for the two of us, but wasn't it you who provoked the Northern Sect? If you hadn't traveled north to compete in spells and challenge their claim to orthodoxy, would any of this have happened?"
Jing Sansheng's words were sharp and aggressive.
Old Master Nie chuckled, "Those ghost-catchers from the Northern Sect, arrogant as they are, have always been outsiders—establishing sects, recruiting followers, and acting suspiciously. Back then, Master Ge of the Fight Sect already used government forces to suppress them. Was it really necessary for you to fight over Fuyu Mountain's orthodoxy?"
Yu Yuexian argued, "We have the Candle Duel Talisman; they have the Bell Ritual Judgment. Both originated from Fuyu Mountain. I wasn't fighting for orthodoxy—I just couldn't stand by and watch them commit evil without taking action!"
"Standing by would've been better than indiscriminate slaughter! You faced the Bell Ritual Judgment from three families north of the Yellow River and wiped out a hundred miles in anger. If not for those people already being wanted criminals, and Master Ge's intervention, you'd be dead by now! Chief Yu, we're ghost-catchers, not wandering swordsmen! Times have changed!"
"They committed murders for which no one could find evidence. What was I supposed to do? How should I console the souls of those unjustly killed? Old pervert, tell me, can your Fight Sect's Blood Soul Technique counter the Bell Sect's Dream of Nanke? Speak up!"
The old men continued their heated argument, unaware that Lin Feng had quietly left the room.
This Southern Sect assembly had been an eye-opener for Lin Feng. He had thought ghost-catchers were merely a myth, and that this circle was small and insignificant. But everything he thought he knew had been overturned, revealing a complex and far-reaching network.
Even those high up in this world of ghost-catchers had their troubles.
Lin Feng leaned on the balcony railing, gazing down at Qingzhu Mountain. A strange melancholy crept over him as he smoked.
"What's the matter, young man? Feeling melancholic? Smoking too much isn't good for you."
Lin Feng turned around. Unbeknownst to him, Old Wu had appeared behind him.
"Master Wu, I just can't figure it out. Ghost-catching seems so pointless. To ordinary people, we're no different from lunatics."
Old Wu chuckled, "Master? I'm no master. My junior brothers call me that out of respect. Just call me Wu Banxian. As for your question—I once asked someone the same thing. They answered with just four words: Harmony between Yin and Yang."
Though Wu still looked as mischievous as ever, those four words somehow eased Lin Feng's doubts.
Harmony between Yin and Yang.
Lin Feng found he had no reason to refute them.
Wu continued, "In fact, the Southern Sect and the Northern Sect were once one and the same. Their goal was always harmony between Yin and Yang—only their methods differed. That's where the disputes come from. If you ever have time, visit Sangyu City north of the Yellow River. The ghost-catchers there all hail from the Northern Sect, and they're quite renowned."
Surprisingly, Wu did not criticize the Northern Sect, suggesting he secretly approved of some of their practices.
"Sangyu City? Got it. But I don't think I'll go. A city I've never heard of probably isn't very interesting..."
Lin Feng shrugged. Besides, he had neither the time nor the interest to meet people from the Northern Sect.
At 4:30 p.m., Lin Feng left Qingzhu Mountain on his bicycle. In the parking lot, a Xingfu 250 motorcycle and a Forever bicycle were still there. The assembly wouldn't end until tomorrow, and some young ghost-catchers hadn't left. Lin Feng felt a bit regretful that he hadn't met their owners.
Back in Xiugai, Niu Meng and Ah Chou had returned. Lin Feng noticed that Ah Chou still looked as lifeless as ever and hadn't regained her appearance from before death. It was unclear if she had learned any ghostly techniques from other female ghosts.
Cycling from the northern suburbs to the western suburbs, Lin Feng breathed in the fresh air. At the Nanyang City Funeral Home, he greeted the gatekeeper, Uncle He, and slipped inside.
In the office, Director Wang was reading a newspaper. Seeing Lin Feng, he asked, "Did your sister start school?"
"Yes," Lin Feng replied.
Director Wang noticed Lin Feng's peculiar outfit, touched it, and suddenly paused. "You met the old tailor and his wife?"
Lin Feng nodded. "Not only did I meet them, but the old lady also asked about you and Uncle He."
Lin Feng scrutinized Director Wang's face, hoping to glean something, but saw nothing.
Director Wang chuckled, somewhat nostalgic. "I bet she still holds a grudge. A woman's heart is as small as a needle's eye. So, you went to the Southern Sect assembly?"
Lin Feng didn't deny it. He had to admit, after two years at the funeral home, it was his first time realizing that Old Wang had many hidden secrets.
"Old Wang, you were the one who told me 'the hardest fate aligns with a black dog's spirit,' and you were the first to mention the path between life and death. Since all this concerns me, shouldn't you share some information? I've done plenty of work for you these past two years."
Lin Feng decided to press for more answers today.
Director Wang smirked. "When it's time for you to know, you'll know. Lin Feng, when I hired you from the job market, it wasn't because of your destiny as a black dog spirit. I saw a young man with unyielding determination in his eyes. Don't disappoint me—focus on your job!"
Damn... Lin Feng couldn't think of anything polite to say. When it came to spouting official jargon, Director Wang was unrivaled.
After sipping his tea, Director Wang added, "But your recent salary will be docked. That's the funeral home's rule—I can't bend it for you."
Lin Feng was furious. "I even treated you to seafood! Wasn't it agreed that my leave was paid?"
Director Wang grinned slyly, like a cunning fox. "By the way, did Wu Banxian sneak back?"
Lin Feng was startled. "How do you know everything?"
Director Wang shrugged. "Your brother Wang is in Information Security, and your aunt's with the Women's Federation. With them around, what don't I know?"
Lin Feng had to admit—this funeral director was impressive.
Director Wang warned him, "In a few days, something big might happen in Nanyang City. Stay out of it. Wu Banxian violated the agreement and returned inland. The Northern Sect will likely stir up trouble. Those people are unreasonable."
Thinking it over, Director Wang added, "Even worse than the Fight Sect. Be careful."
Lin Feng nodded, taking the advice to heart.
Director Wang's identity was a mystery, and so was Uncle He's. After finishing his work, Lin Feng headed to the gatekeeper's room, where Uncle He was listening to Kunqu opera.
Lin Feng glanced at Uncle He's ID card and confirmed the name: He Chengyang.
"Uncle He..."
Before Lin Feng could finish, Uncle He interrupted, "If Old Wang won't tell you, neither will I. Lin Feng, just do your job and don't meddle in things you shouldn't."
Lin Feng sighed. Everyone around him seemed to be keeping secrets.
Suddenly, Uncle He added, "That taxi that comes every night—the driver has been acting strange. Deal with him."
Lin Feng was surprised. "You can see Master Kuang?"
Uncle He snorted. "Of course. If he shines his high beams at me again tonight, I'll burn his car!"
Lin Feng winced. Uncle He's temper was genuinely intimidating.
"Don't worry, I'll deal with him tonight. No way I'll let him loiter around the funeral home."