Soul Summoning

"This…"

Landlord Lu hesitated, looking displeased at the person beside him.

Steward Lu, who was waiting and serving nearby, put on a pained expression and quickly cried out in protest, "Master, I… I didn't say anything…"

Before he finished speaking, he already knew it was bad.

This was practically confessing without being accused, admitting that the Lu family had problems.

He had always been meticulous in his work, but he was terrified of Landlord Lu, and in his panic, he had made a mistake.

Landlord Lu's expression naturally became even uglier.

But before he could get angry, Wang Dao Xuan spoke, "Lay Buddhist, there's no need to blame others. The steward didn't say much, it's just that this Daoist has noticed something."

As he spoke, he led everyone outside the courtyard, pointed to the corner of the wall, and then to a tree in the distance, saying, "After many days of scorching sun, not a drop of rain has fallen, yet moss and mildew have grown on the wall, the date wood is damp and dark, and there are even dead birds fallen… there must be Yin Energy."

Everyone looked and saw that it was indeed so.

These seemingly insignificant things now felt strange.

Li Yan stood behind the crowd, secretly amused.

Although Wang Dao Xuan was a good person, his Jianghu methods were equally skillful.

This Daoist, ever since he decided to join the Xuan Gate, had traveled all over the country, visiting famous masters. Although he hadn't succeeded and had been tricked many times, he had gained something.

He had a basic understanding of the various tricks within the Xuan Gate.

Logically speaking, with this ability, he should have no problem making a living.

But the Spiritual Power that Wang Dao Xuan had awakened was precisely Tongue Mystical Power, which meant he could only discern information from taste after tasting things.

He couldn't just go around licking everything he saw, could he?

How could he lick zombies and fierce ghosts?

And if a young lady was possessed, would he go lick her body?

Fortunately, he later found a method: using talismans or other means as a cover to pick up the taste before identifying it.

Even so, what he did most often was Feng Shui Geomancer.

After all, there was a unique skill among geomancers: tasting soil.

Of course, Tongue Mystical Power was not without potential. When one's Dao Progress reached a certain level, by reciting True Words and incantations, one could exert greater power than others.

Wang Dao Xuan clearly didn't have this ability.

The ritual of Preserving the Spirit to establish a temple had exhausted all his savings, and he still owed a lot, which was why he lived in such poverty.

When he met Li Yan, he had an idea.

Li Yan could smell special scents, and he could discern signs from them.

The two of them complemented each other perfectly.

They hadn't spoken on the way; they had been doing this.

Li Yan smelled a faint Yin Energy, so he turned the back of his hand, which he had been carrying behind him, upwards – the palm is Yang, the back of the hand is Yin.

And by raising his little finger, he pointed to the abnormal area within the courtyard.

Wang Dao Xuan had been paying close attention. By the time they entered, he already had a good idea, and naturally put on a show of being an expert in front of the Lu family, firmly planting his "Horse-Tying Post."

"Daoist Wang is truly brilliant!"

Sha LiFei feigned surprise and quickly applauded, playing the part of an enthusiastic supporter.

Even three cobblers, when they put their heads together, could come up with a Zhuge Liang.

As expected, Landlord Lu's expression changed slightly. He glanced deeply at Wang Dao Xuan and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "Daoist Wang is indeed brilliant. Please, have a seat."

The crowd returned inside and sat down.

Landlord Lu hesitated for a moment, "It's not that I intended to hide anything, but this matter…"

"Lay Buddhist, please rest assured,"

Wang Dao Xuan knew what he was going to say and smiled, nodding, "This Daoist's Dao Progress is average, but my discretion is very tight."

Landlord Lu then sighed, "This matter is very strange."

"Last night, Zhao Jiu, the night watchman, heard some noises and went to investigate. He ended up seeing a figure floating in the air, which was my late wife."

"Zhao Jiu cried out in alarm, and many people came out and saw it too. Then, she disappeared in front of everyone."

Wang Dao Xuan frowned, "Seeing a ghost? How could that be?"

Li Yan also found it strange upon hearing this.

Whether it was ghostly creatures, soldiers, or immortals, they were all formless. Only those like them who had awakened Spiritual Powers could perceive them.

Ordinary people could only see them in special circumstances, such as when they were on the verge of death, surrounded by Yin Energy, or when their Yin Soul entered their dreams…

It was rather peculiar that so many people saw it at the same time.

Sha LiFei, on the side, couldn't be bothered with these details. He could no longer resist, stuffing his mouth with food and gulping down wine, muttering, "The First Madam… has already passed away?"

"The problem lies here."

Landlord Lu gave a wry smile. "My wife has been unwell for years and confined to bed. For the past few months, she's been in a stupor."

"After it happened, we went to see."

"The person is still alive!"

Wang Dao Xuan stroked his beard, frowned, and shook his head. "This is a case of the living soul leaving the body. A soul-summoning and calming ritual is needed. However, the living soul is also formless. It's unheard of for so many people to see it."

Li Yan, sitting beside him, was equally swift. His chopsticks flew, shoveling large pieces of braised beef and perch into his mouth.

He appeared to be mindlessly stuffing his face, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Could this peculiar phenomenon be related to what I'm looking for...?

Landlord Lu gritted his teeth. "Daoist Master, how can this be resolved?"

Wang Dao Xuan pondered for a moment. "A living soul leaving the body can have many causes. Based on my guess, the First Madam, being bedridden for a long time, has unstable Yang energy, causing her soul to disperse."

"Let's perform the soul-summoning ritual first."

The night was windless, yet the Lu Family mansion was brightly lit by candles.

Contrary to what Sha Li Fei had said, although Landlord Lu had married two beautiful concubines, he had not abandoned his wife of hardship. In fact, he treated her with exceptional respect.

A refined courtyard in the back served as the Madam's residence.

Although she was bedridden, almost like a vegetative state, the courtyard was meticulously maintained, with numerous servants.

More importantly, this was the master's inner quarters.

Landlord Lu had vacated it, moving himself and his concubines to a separate courtyard.

A ritual altar had been erected in the courtyard.

Calling it an altar was a stretch; it was merely a square table. On it were enshrined the God Statue and Spirit Tablet of Profound Qi Manifesting Might Celestial Lord Chen. Behind it, in order, were a pair of red candles, an incense burner, an incense dish, a cup of clean water, ritual slips, a token, a wooden fish, a peach wood sword, yellow paper, and other items.

There was even that Treasure Vase Wandering Soul Jar.

It was a small black jar, wrapped with a red rope, sealed with yellow cloth, and adorned with a talisman. A faint current of Yin Energy flowed around it.

Inside was a Little Yin Soldier that Wang Dao Xuan had painstakingly acquired. It didn't have great abilities, only able to deliver messages and find things.

Having finally landed a big job, Wang Dao Xuan had brought all his equipment.

At this moment, Landlord Lu, the mansion's guards, and servants were all present.

Wang Dao Xuan counted on his fingers and said in a deep voice:

"The Madam was born in the Year of the Tiger. Anyone born in the Year of the Ox, Tiger, Snake, or Monkey must leave the mansion and return tomorrow morning..."

"Cover all the mirrors in the house..."

"The personal maid who usually takes care of the Madam stays..."

"All other unnecessary personnel are to withdraw and hide in their rooms. No matter what you hear, do not come out rashly..."

A string of instructions tumbled out, leaving everyone somewhat bewildered.

Landlord Lu snapped, "What are you waiting for? Do as he says."

The servants immediately became busy. Several guards from the Zhao Family Fist exchanged glances but said nothing more, turning to leave.

Only Landlord Lu asked cautiously, "Do I have to leave too?"

Wang Dao Xuan nodded. "The living soul is most afraid of being startled. If not handled carefully, it could scatter. It's best to be cautious."

"Alright, I'll trouble you, Daoist Master."

Landlord Lu didn't waste any more words and turned to leave.

At this moment, only Li Yan and Wang Dao Xuan remained in the courtyard. The maid, following instructions, turned and went into a room to cut a lock of hair from the emaciated, unconscious Madam and tear off a piece of her intimate clothing.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Yan said in a low voice, "Landlord Lu has a smell of urine and musk on him, masked by expensive perfume. I can barely stand to be near him..."

"I noticed that long ago."

Wang Dao Xuan was not surprised. He shook his head. "When I traveled through various prefectures, I encountered a village where the villagers often made their second sons castrate themselves to enter the palace for wealth and status. Over generations, many great eunuchs emerged, and they would return to build grand residences, with everyone imitating them."

"But the palace is a dangerous place, and not everyone can succeed. Many people never get in. Some idlers in the village are like that – pot-bellied, pale, beardless, with flabby skin..."

"Your Spiritual Power is back?"

"Intermittently."

Li Yan's expression was somewhat helpless.

His Spiritual Power had been erratic since its outburst outside Xianyang City, sometimes weak, sometimes suddenly strong, followed by mental fatigue.

The previous outburst had allowed him to smell the scent around Landlord Lu.

No wonder this man kept two beautiful concubines by his side, unconcerned by others' gazes, even seeming proud. If he were a eunuch, it would make sense.

He had come to the Lu family to find that mysterious treasure.

A eunuch, who was once in the Capital City...

Could it be a treasure that leaked from the imperial palace?

Unfortunately, my spiritual power isn't working at the moment. What rotten luck.

Wang Dao Xuan, unaware of his thoughts, began to explain, "The method of soul summoning originates from ancient shamanism. The 'Book of Rites. Funeral Rites' states, 'To recall is for the official to summon the soul and recall the spirit.' It also says, 'The ritual of summoning the soul and preparing for burial, the date of the funeral and the tomb.'"

"Given the state of this madam's body, summoning her soul back might as well be preparing for her funeral."

As he spoke, he began cutting paper.

Large sheets of yellow spirit paper danced under his scissors, and a paper soul-summoning banner gradually took shape, adorned with cloud patterns and small figures.

Li Yan couldn't help but praise, "Daoist Priest, you have skillful hands."

Wang Dao Xuan shook his head and chuckled, "If you ever have the chance to meet a paper craftsman from the Xuan Gate in the future, you'll know what true mastery is. I've only learned the basics..."

He continued to explain Xuan Gate knowledge to Li Yan.

This was their unspoken understanding: Li Yan acted as his assistant, and Wang Dao Xuan, in turn, guided Li Yan into the profession, teaching him various hidden secrets and crucial points.

While they were talking, the maid returned with the hair and clothes.

Wang Dao Xuan first burned the hair to ash, then sprinkled it into a basin of clear water to observe its movement. After a moment, he stuffed the torn clothing into the pole of the soul-summoning banner and said, "When the Zi Hour arrives, you will hold this banner, stand on the roof of the courtyard in the northeast corner, and wave the banner to call the soul back."

"Remember, don't be afraid. If you feel a chill, close your eyes and keep shouting. When you hear the sound of the wooden fish, run back immediately."

"And if someone calls you from behind, absolutely do not look back!"

The maid was already trembling with fear, but remembering the generous reward promised by her master, she gritted her teeth and said, "D-Daoist Priest, don't worry, I've got it."

With that, she carefully took the soul-summoning banner and left.

Li Yan was a little puzzled, "Calling out from behind is the work of evil spirits and fierce ghosts. Can living souls also harm people?"

Wang Dao Xuan whispered, "Living souls can't withstand fright. It's like a sleepwalker; they need to be guided back."

"I'm afraid the maid might frighten the living soul away."

Li Yan chuckled upon hearing this.

This Wang Dao Xuan was truly considerate in every aspect...

Before long, the Zi Hour arrived, and the entire Lu residence was plunged into darkness.

The maid had already climbed onto the roof. Closing her eyes, she shook the soul-summoning banner and shouted through gritted teeth, "Soul, come back! Soul, come back..."

Her long, drawn-out cries startled many servants, who hid under their blankets.

Meanwhile, in a side courtyard, Landlord Lu and his two concubines were also hiding in a pitch-black wing room.

At this moment, a hint of authority flickered across his face. He turned to his two concubines and said coldly, "Take them out."

The two concubines quickly reached under themselves and each produced a date.

Landlord Lu took them, threw them directly into his mouth, and chewed as he listened to the cries outside, his expression shifting between light and shadow