Chapter Fourteen: Past and Future (Part Two)

Motuo had always found Chishang disagreeable, but after hearing his story, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the fellow—though he still couldn’t quite bring himself to say anything kind. Instead, he blurted out in his usual rough manner, “Hey, since you’re one of us now, shouldn’t you show some goodwill or something?” With that, he pointed at Hu Hai. “So? Do you know how to lift the spell he’s under?”

Chishang was momentarily taken aback. He scrutinized Hu Hai, who was lying on the bed, his eyes darting about restlessly, and replied offhandedly, “The spell on this guy is rather peculiar… Wait! This is the same spell, my lord, that you once used on me.” As he spoke, he pinched Hu Hai a few more times before shaking his head. “But all I know is how to break through the spell with my own spiritual power. As for the actual method to dispel it, I have no idea.” Ever since Chishang had entered into a heart-bond contract with Shi Jun, they were, in effect, master and servant. But Chishang, a bit unaccustomed to this, and having heard Shi Jun call him a “friend,” had compromised and simply addressed Shi Jun as “my lord.”

Then, as if struck by a thought, he looked at Shi Jun in surprise. “My lord, could this… could this be your handiwork as well?”

Shi Jun scratched his head awkwardly and offered a wry smile. “Yes, I’m afraid so. I was conducting an experiment at the time and didn’t expect… Well, I can cast the spell, but I don’t know how to undo it. I really don’t know what to do now.”

Chishang stuck out his tongue and grinned. “Good thing I was able to break your spell with my own power, or I’d be stuck just like this guy, lying around like a log waiting for the spell to wear off.” At the same time, he was increasingly perplexed by Shi Jun’s inconsistent abilities—at times profoundly mysterious, at others seemingly half-baked. He just couldn’t figure out his new “master.”

Shi Jun had originally wanted to consult Chishang about how to undo the Binding Spirit spell. Hearing Chishang’s immediate dismissal, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. But when he caught Chishang’s last comment, he straightened up, invigorated. “You said the spell can wear off on its own?”

“That’s right,” Chishang replied, growing even more curious that Shi Jun didn’t know such a fundamental principle of spellcasting, but he explained patiently anyway. “Actually, the Binding Spirit spell is like any other spell—its strength and duration depend on the caster’s power and cultivation. So, unless someone knows the precise incantation and gestures, or can break through with their own strength, it’s impossible to lift it. But don’t worry, my lord. Judging by what I see, the spell you cast on him isn’t that powerful. Generally speaking, if you cast it on someone from the Underworld, it would last at most half a day. Now that it’s on a mortal… I’d say, in your world, it’ll probably last three or four days. It’ll fade on its own, so there’s no need for concern.”

He glanced at Hu Hai and chuckled. “This fellow looks as robust as an ox—I’m sure going without food for three or four days won’t faze him in the least!”

Though Hu Hai lay motionless on the bed, he could hear every word. Chishang’s remark nearly made his nostrils flare with rage. His large, bull-like eyes seemed ready to shoot swords at Chishang, thinking, “Easy for you to say! Just because I’m built like an ox, I’m supposed to go hungry for days? If you’re so tough, why don’t you try it yourself? Hmph! Just wait till I’m back on my feet—I’ll make you pay!” In truth, though Hu Hai couldn’t move, he had been listening intently to their conversation. Learning Chishang’s origins had gradually dispelled his hostility, and he even thought he might later seek advice from him on cultivation. Who could have guessed this brat would “kick a man when he’s down”? Now, Hu Hai was all the more resentful.

“Go hungry for three or five days? No way!” Motuo cried out at once. The boy hated hunger most of all, and the thought of Hu Hai going so long without food made him anxious. He hurriedly turned to Shi Jun. “Why don’t we go to the Underworld for help?”

Shi Jun just shook his head with a bitter smile. “That trip would take just as long, wouldn’t it? In terms of time, it makes no difference.”

“Well then…” Motuo’s eyes darted slyly. Without waiting for Shi Jun’s approval, he turned to Chishang and ordered, “Surely you have some magical elixirs or spirit pills for boosting cultivation, don’t you? Feed Da Hai a few—maybe he’ll last longer.”

Chishang was unmoved by Motuo’s antics, rolling his eyes and pretending not to hear. Instead, he turned to Shi Jun. “My lord, is there anything else you require?”

In the past, Shi Jun would have been uncomfortable with Chishang’s constant “my lord, my lord,” and would’ve told him to use his name instead. But after his journey to the Underworld, where even the Ancestor of the Yellow Springs had addressed him as “my lord,” he had gradually grown accustomed to it, so he simply continued as if nothing was amiss. “I’ve heard your brothers are quite formidable as well, is that true?”

Chishang was momentarily stunned. An odd expression crept across his face before he lowered his head, silent for a long while.

Shi Jun was in no hurry. Seeing Motuo growing impatient and about to speak, he shot him a warning glance. After a considerable silence, Chishang finally muttered, “My other brothers are nothing special. But my second brother, Shi Ling, is the most outstanding among us—he’s the most cunning and resourceful, and in terms of cultivation, he’s second only to our eldest, Yue the Ghost King. He’s just a bit eccentric, that’s all. Now I… I’d rather not speak ill of him.”

Shi Jun said kindly, “I understand, really. You’re close to your brothers—I won’t press you.”

Chishang nodded gratefully, saying nothing more.

Shi Jun continued, “Over the next few days, Old Mo and I have some matters to attend to. If you and Sister Liu have time, could you look after Da Hai at home? Maybe make him something to eat, so I won’t have to worry about him suffering too much… Also, although you won’t be coming with us to look for your brothers, when I do find them, I hope you’ll help persuade them. They’re your kin, after all, and I’d rather not escalate things if it can be avoided.”

Seeing that Shi Jun truly wasn’t going to press him about his brothers, Chishang finally relaxed, readily agreeing. His spirits lifted, he turned to look at Hu Hai, pulling a face at him. “Never in my life have I had to wait on someone—today’s your lucky day!” When he saw Hu Hai glaring at him warily, he just grinned.

With the serious matters concluded, the tension in the room eased. Motuo, ever the straightforward type, had already warmed up to Chishang, and soon began chatting with him freely. It wasn’t long before he was pestering Chishang about how he’d managed to keep all those doctors and patients in the hospital running in circles. Chishang, initially uncomfortable with such informal conversation, soon relaxed—he was young and lively by nature. At first he answered perfunctorily, but gradually became animated, launching into a detailed explanation of his experience with the “Disorderly Spirit Technique.” Motuo, not to be outdone, boasted about his own “new generation” status in the Demon Realm.

Liu Qing, who had never set foot in the Underworld and knew even less about the Demon Realm, listened with fascination, occasionally interjecting with questions. Spurred on by her curiosity, Chishang and Motuo became even more enthusiastic, treating her as their ideal audience. The three of them soon found themselves chatting and laughing together in lively conversation.