In the Paranormal Investigation Unit's infirmary, a Taoist priest in a yellow robe lay on the bed, pale and lifeless.
Lin Feng recognized him instantly. Wasn't this the very same Daoist Liu from the Maternal and Child Health Hospital a few months ago? Charging tens of thousands for a single ritual — a heartless scammer! And now he had ended up like this?
Lin Feng now knew about Qingquan Temple. The disciples Fang Yun and Lu Feng, who had been eliminated from the Ghost Gate Trials of the Southern Sect, hailed from that very temple. Word had it that Qingquan Temple was quite renowned throughout the South, with wealthy patrons from coastal cities in neighboring provinces flocking there to burn incense and pray.
"His three souls remain intact, but his seven spirits have been damaged. His 'Head Spirit' has been taken — he's likely to end up in a vegetative state," said Jiang Wan, lifting her delicate face and gazing at Lin Feng with almond-shaped eyes.
"This was discovered on the rooftop of your apartment complex. An elderly woman hanging out her bedding thought it was a corpse and called the police. Lin Feng, care to explain?"
Lin Feng felt like choking. Explain? Explain what?
The Head Plucking Technique — the signature move of the Headless Ghost! He'd witnessed it countless times over the past few months.
But he wasn't about to take the fall for this. If he did, every similar incident in the future would be pinned on him.
"Ahem! Nie Yuxuan, what do you think? I heard from Nie Chuxia that the Tiger Roar Technique of the Fight Sect can also cause the 'Head Spirit' to explode."
Over the past few months, Lin Feng had been diligently studying the techniques of various sects. Once you entered this world, you became part of the circle. He had developed a habit of inquiring about the renowned techniques of different sects, enjoying the sense of mystery and allure it brought.
Humans possess three souls and seven spirits, governing their consciousness and physical body. The seven spirits correspond to the head, torso, dantian, two hands, and two legs. Damage to any of these spirits renders the corresponding body part unusable, a condition commonly referred to as possession.
In addition to the Head Plucking Technique, the Tiger Roar of the Fight Sect was also on the list of suspects.
Nie Yuxuan was visibly annoyed. Lin Feng's quick thinking and cunning made it clear he was up to something. And now he was trying to shift the blame? Shameless!
"Lin Black Dog, if you did it, just admit it. We're all on the same side here. If this incompetent Daoist ends up as a vegetable after fighting with a ghost, so be it. But we do need to find out who's responsible!"
Nie Yuxuan took a sip of wine, sneering.
Lin Feng inwardly scoffed. This drunkard was cunning, trying to set a trap. If he confessed, he'd fall right into it.
"Whoever did it, it wasn't me. I, Lin Feng, have my principles! If I did it, I'd admit it. If I didn't, I won't take the blame! Captain Nie, Captain Jiang, I believe the priority now is to revive him. I happen to know a few techniques. May I give it a try?"
Lin Feng's shameless confidence left everyone speechless.
Nie Yuxuan's teeth were practically aching with frustration. If it wasn't Lin Feng or his ghost general, then he must be blind! And now, Lin Feng was playing the hero, as if mocking the Fight Sect's incompetence.
Jiang Wan saw her senior brother about to explode but sighed inwardly. If Lin Feng could save a life, it would be a good deed. She had no choice but to concede.
"Very well, please proceed."
Jiang Wan gestured.
Lin Feng requested a dark room.
In broad daylight, the Headless Ghost was yawning when Lin Feng summoned him from the City God Talisman.
"Master, you called?"
Lin Feng rolled his eyes. "Can we stop pulling off heads without warning?"
The Headless Ghost, wearing a large doll-like head, glanced at the unconscious Daoist Liu.
Sure enough, he knew how to reattach the head.
Removing the doll head, a closed-eyed human head appeared inside — Liu's Head Spirit, eerie yet unmistakable.
Reluctantly, the Headless Ghost returned the head. Lin Feng then stored him back into the City God Talisman.
Lighting a cigarette, Lin Feng sent a few messages to Li Xi, stalling for time before emerging from the dark room, drenched in sweat.
"Mission accomplished. He should wake up soon," Lin Feng announced, feigning exhaustion.
Nie Yuxuan shot him a look of disdain, as if ready to walk away without a word, clearly unimpressed.
In the office, Jiang Wan poured Lin Feng a cup of tea. She didn't mention Daoist Liu but instead started a casual conversation.
Though they weren't close, they had met a few times. Despite her poor impression of him, Jiang Wan considered Lin Feng a fellow practitioner. Their conversation drifted to recent major events in Nanyang City, such as the White Lake Amusement Park explosion.
Eventually, Jiang Wan broached a more sensitive topic — the rivalry between the Southern Sect and Northern Sect.
"Lin Feng, I know your origins are unclear, but throughout history, those who accompany the Celestial Hound have aligned with the Southern Sect. What do you think about the chaos stirred by the Northern Sect this time?"
Lin Feng had recently delved into this topic, even asking Nie Chuxia, who in turn consulted her grandfather to explain the relationship between the two sects.
Origins of the Southern Sect and Northern Sect
During the Qin and Han dynasties, practitioners had already begun cultivating on Mount Mao. However, it wasn't until the Eastern Jin Dynasty, about 1,700 years ago, that the mountain gained prominence with the publication of Baopuzi by Ge Hong, establishing it as the ancestral court of ghost exorcists.
The Baopuzi, comprising 72 inner and outer chapters, discussed deities, talismans, ghosts, and alchemy. It became a foundational Taoist text. Additionally, there were rumors of 36 hidden celestial chapters, containing the true essence of Taoist knowledge.
Taoism sought immortality and freedom. Legend has it that Ge Hong founded the Dan Ding Sect, focusing on refining ghosts into elixirs for longevity. Using ghosts as ingredients, humans as furnaces, and karma as fire, he aimed to achieve transcendence. Whether he succeeded remains unknown, but his theories birthed a formidable profession — ghost exorcists.
The Dan Ding Sect not only captured ghosts but also refined them, creating talismans and elixirs related to spirits.
At that time, Fuyu Mountain, the original peak of the Southern and Northern Sects, was a mere side mountain adjacent to Mount Mao, home to struggling Taoists seeking refuge under the Dan Ding Sect.
During the chaotic Five Barbarians' Rebellion, Mount Mao faced destruction several times, scattering its scriptures and forcing many Taoists to flee.
Despite the exodus, Fuyu Mountain remained steadfast, guarding the ancestral grounds. Moved by their dedication, Master Lu Jiuhuo of Mount Mao bequeathed six celestial scrolls to them in recognition of their loyalty.
Those six scrolls of heavenly scriptures were part of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Scriptures.
Zhu (Candle), Dou (Battle), Fu (Talisman), Zhong (Bell), Ji (Ritual), and Pan (Judgment).
These six scrolls were once the most closely guarded secrets of the ancestral court. Perhaps Lu Jiuhuo did not want to perish with the scriptures, or maybe he wished to pass on the legacy, so he bestowed them upon Fuyu Mountain.
From that point forward, Fuyu Mountain pledged allegiance to Maoshan as the ancestral court and revered Lu Jiuhuo as the founding patriarch of Fuyu Mountain.
Returning to the six scrolls of heavenly scriptures:
These scriptures were the divine revelations of Master Ge, containing the righteous laws of heaven and earth. Their purpose was to maintain balance between Yin and Yang. However, in a world where suffering was rampant, these Taoist arts were not only meant to combat ghosts but also to contend with humans.
Thus, Fuyu Mountain eventually split into two factions.
Those who cultivated the Zhu, Ji, and Fu scrolls found enlightenment in seeking longevity through karma manipulation, refining ghosts to sustain life, and waiting for the world to achieve peace naturally. They believed that Taoist disciples should not interfere with the mortal affairs of kings and emperors, as the rise and fall of nations were predestined by heaven.
On the other hand, those who cultivated the Zhong, Dou, and Pan scrolls believed that humans, being human, could defy destiny. They saw the chaos plaguing the world as a result of human folly. Since they had mastered Taoist arts, they felt it was their duty to uphold justice, even if it meant employing controversial ghostly and demonic techniques to combat their own kind, all for the sake of restoring order.
With such opposing ideologies, the sect eventually split.
One faction headed south, focusing on capturing ghosts, manipulating karma, and stabilizing the mortal realm.
The other faction ventured north, harnessing Taoist arts and commanding spirits, hoping that external forces could end the chaos sooner.
This division gave rise to the Southern Sect and Northern Sect.
During those turbulent times, Fuyu Mountain's strength was limited. Despite their mysterious and unpredictable techniques, they were but a drop in the ocean, unable to sway the grand course of history. Over the years, the Southern Sect and Northern Sect repeatedly merged and split apart. The Ji Sect abandoned the south for the north, while the Fight Sect migrated from the north to the south, eventually stabilizing the distinction between the two factions.
Because the Southern Sect's techniques often required karma to function, while the Northern Sect relied on incantations to command the mysterious forces of heaven and earth, they became known for the saying:
"Southern Sect governs karma, Northern Sect commands the heavens."
Since it was a dispute between the north and south, and both factions claimed Maoshan lineage, Lin Feng figured it was better to stay out of their business. After all, it was like gods battling each other—why get involved and risk becoming collateral damage?
Lin Feng sipped his tea and let out a deliberate sigh:
"Captain Jiang, to be honest, all of this is Fuyu Mountain's internal matter. I'm just an outsider. We're living in a peaceful era now, and my job is to focus on my duties and contribute to socialism. As for those old sectarian grudges and ancient feuds, please don't drag me into them. Besides, you're a government official. Shouldn't you refrain from playing these small sectarian games? Wouldn't the state criticize you for this?"
Jiang Wan was furious, her temper flaring. How had she never noticed how infuriating Lin Feng could be?
So, I just casually asked a question, and you took it to this level of insinuation?
Jiang Wan wanted to retort, but she suddenly realized something seemed off with Lin Feng today.
Humans have three fires—one on each shoulder and one atop the head. Though the Fight Sect's unique training didn't excel in clairvoyance, they were experts at observing these vital flames.
Jiang Wan noticed that Lin Feng's three fires were extraordinarily weak today, as if they could be extinguished with the slightest breeze.
"Lin Feng, have you encountered anything unusual lately? It seems like your life force is running low." Jiang Wan's question was one of genuine concern.
Lin Feng, irritated, spat:
"Seeing you and your senior brother first thing in the morning—how could my life force not be diminished?"
With that, he stormed off, not appreciating her concern in the slightest.
Damn it! Women could be so ruthless—who curses someone like that?
Feeling disgruntled, Lin Feng hopped onto his bicycle and rode off into the distance.