Silver Snakes Count as Snakes Too? (2/2)

The whole Earth God Shrine was brightly lit. Xu Feng and Master knelt in the kitchen, facing the stove!

Master had never set up an image of the Kitchen God, but that did not matter now.

This time, Master was staking everything on it!

Beside him lay a sheet of Yellow Prayer Paper covered in writing. He had not burned any spirit money. At this point, burning it for anyone would do no good!

Master burned the Yellow Prayer Paper and began to chant.

But this time, it was not "Boundless are the ten directions, merciful is Houtu."

This time, he sang, "Merciful spirit, I beg you, Grandpa Stove God, take me to the Heavenly Court.

"I have wrongs to air and hardships to tell. I pray to beat the Heavenly Lord's Grievance Drum.

"O Heavenly Lord, let me beat your drum. Hear the suffering of this humble man."

It was not an incantation.

Nor did it sound like a prayer.

But Xu Feng listened solemnly as Master sang.

He was watching his Status Bar.

All the Baleful Objects had been placed far away.

Xu Feng carried only the Earth Uncle Protective Talisman and the Treasure Mirror. He did not know whether the ritual would work, but if it did, his Status Bar would be the first to show it!

Master finished speaking. The Yellow Prayer Paper burned away, and the blue smoke dispersed.

Nothing happened.

Xu Feng glanced up at Master and found his expression utterly calm.

Master stood. "All right! We've done everything we can! Check the time! Get ready for Corpse Stitching!"

Master gave one last bow and rose. Xu Feng bowed too, then stood. "All right, let's go, Master!"

He returned the Corpse Stitching satchel to Master.

Master gestured for Xu Feng to count the bodies