Taboo Mage - Chapter 193 - Peony Pavilion

I was somewhat confused about Zhou Qifang’s words; he didn’t explain further but took a step back to continue handling the items in his hands.

I stared blankly as he hung the wind chime, stained with Jue Chi’s blood and glutinous rice water, on a nearby branch.

Watching the wind chime remain motionless in the breeze, I suddenly recalled the peach blossom amulet I had made at the very beginning.

That one was crafted for Xu-Jie. At that time, my eyesight was poor, and I mistook the Resentful Spirit for the Peach Blossom Spirit, sealing it into the life amulet.

Because the Resentful Spirit had been entangled with Xu-Jie and her Husband during its lifetime, Xu-Jie became ensnared by the Resentful Spirit, leading to the series of events that followed.

It was only at this moment that I realized Xu-Jie’s Husband’s first love, the woman he deeply cherished, must have been gentle and beautiful in her lifetime; otherwise, how could she leave such a lasting impression on a man for so many years?

Yet after her death, she transformed into a Resentful Spirit capable of taking lives, her resentment consuming her entire soul, and all the beauty she had in life vanished completely at the moment of her passing.

I glanced at Zhou Qifang and suddenly understood the meaning behind his earlier statement.

The steps I wanted to take to stop the situation felt frozen. I started to doubt in my heart: if Jue Chi really was dead, would his spirit still be as warm as before, or would he become like the many Resentful Spirits he had dealt with?

Filled with bitterness, unable to reincarnate, entangled in the mortal realm.

If that were true, what should I do?

“Alright, let’s begin.”

Zhou Qifang’s voice broke into my thoughts. I sniffled, sat down in front of the dharma array, formed a strange dharma seal with my hands, closed my eyes, and began reciting the Incantation.

Having come this far, I decided to confront whatever comes next later.

As I gradually finished the Incantation, I felt myself plunging into a massive whirlpool, with me at its center, my body spinning in endless circles, breathing becoming increasingly difficult.

I summoned all my strength and suddenly opened my eyes.

The sound of birds chirping filled my ears, and before me lay a vast expanse of lush green grass. At the edge of the grass, I spotted a theater stage, with intricately carved beams and painted rafters, looking brand new as if it had just been unveiled.

I blinked and pushed myself off the grass with my hands to stand up. Wasn’t I searching for the resting place of the spirit? Where was this place?

“Once the vibrant colors bloom everywhere, will they all be left to the crumbling walls? In beautiful times and scenic places, what joy can be found in whose courtyard? Morning flies away, evening rolls in, clouds and rosy mist fill the pavilions…”

A lingering melody floated in the air, the voice sweet and enchanting. I spun around abruptly, my eyes fixated on the empty theater stage.

Suddenly, the curtain bearing the officers was lifted, and a woman dressed in a pink costume emerged. With long flowing sleeves, floral adornments on her forehead, and beads sparkling in her hair, she gracefully stepped to the center of the stage.

I felt as if I was nailed to the spot, unable to move. The voice seemed to penetrate my eardrums, sending my heart racing wildly.

In the middle of the stage, the woman’s every smile and frown radiated extreme allure. Her sleeves danced in a dazzling display, and for a moment, I was entranced, unable to take my eyes off her, a smile unconsciously forming on my lips.

As her song drew to a close, she slowly retreated.

“Don’t go!”

I suddenly shouted, my feet were moving again, but my racing heart didn’t allow me to think much, and I rushed toward the stage.

I circled the stage and then headed backstage, where several large boxes were piled up. Costumes were hung haphazardly on racks, and two rows of dressing tables stood side by side at the back.

I searched everywhere for the woman who had just performed, growing anxious as I couldn’t find her. I jumped down from backstage in a panic and sprinted across the grass field.

Beyond the field lay an endless street, with neat houses lining either side, smoke rising from chimneys, yet the street was void of any signs of life.

A dull ache throbbed in my head, and as I squatted down, pressing my temples, a sense of urgency consumed me. It felt like there was something important I needed to do, but what exactly was it…?

Why couldn’t I remember?

“Are you looking for me?”

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out above me. I looked up abruptly to see a beautiful woman standing before me, dressed in a cheongsam with a fan in her hand.

I recognized her instantly; she was the same woman who had just sung on stage.

Even though she had removed her makeup, I remembered those eyes-there was no way I could be mistaken!

I jumped to my feet, my hands fidgeting anxiously together, struggling to find my words. “Yes, I was waiting for you! I… I…”

I struggled to articulate my thoughts, failing to speak a complete sentence. I nervously looked up at the enchanting woman across from me, terrified that my hesitation might bore her.

To my surprise, the woman’s lips curled into a faint smile as she extended the hand that wasn’t holding the fan. I glanced at her joyfully, wiped my palm on my clothes, and then earnestly took her hand in mine.

“Come with me.”

Her voice was deep and pleasant, like a poppy flower, effortlessly drawing me in.

I followed her, feeling as if I was trailing behind my life’s belief, filled with awe and anticipation, hand in hand with her, step by step.

The street remained eerily quiet and deserted. Finally, she stopped in front of a house, turned to me with a smile that illuminated her face.

“Go inside.”

I nodded and looked up at the ordinary dwelling before me. The two doors were adorned with deities-Yuchi Gong and Qin Qiong¹-holding weapons and glaring fiercely.

I reached out and pushed open the door, but as soon as I saw the person sitting in the courtyard, my eyes widened in shock.

“Qingshu, you’re here.”

The speaker was Jue Chi. Dressed in a long robe, he sat under the bridge in the center of the courtyard with a cup of tea in his hand. Upon hearing the door open, he looked up at me.

His tone was warm, and his smile felt like a gentle spring breeze.

I felt my heart race and turned to look back at the woman behind me. The once elegant figure started to shed all her glamour abruptly, her hair falling off swiftly, and her face becoming gaunt.

In less than a minute, she transformed into a mummy, as if she had been drained of all moisture.

“Why aren’t you going in yet? He’s waiting for you,”

the mummy’s lips parted slightly, the voice hoarse and ragged, like a broken string.

“Damn!”

Footnote:

1. Yuchi Gong and Qin Qiong(尉迟恭和秦琼): They were famous generals during the early Tang Dynasty in China, known for their loyalty and martial prowess. They are also celebrated as door deities in Chinese folklore.