CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 28: THE THIRD TAMING METHOD (PART 2)

So, if a Yin Walker, possessed by an evil spirit, makes the spirit believe it has resurrected in this body, with all habits and behaviors unchanged, the spirit will naturally become ’obedient’, and won’t harm ’its own body’, even helping to protect ’itself’.

"I didn’t expect the third taming method to be so simple and logical," Sang Que remarked with amazement.

But Sang Wan was skeptical, "Haven’t you heard the saying, that a mask worn for too long can’t be taken off? People deceive ghosts by pretending to be them, but isn’t there a risk that eventually even you can’t tell who’s controlling whom?"

Chilling upon reflection, Sang Que felt a shiver down her spine.

When Yan Daozi perfectly replicates everything about Xiao Yuqian, is he still Yan Daozi?

No, he is merely the resurrected Xiao Yuqian, a Skinning Master donning the shell of a living person.

Such actions thus benefit both humans and evil spirits, achieving a so-called ’low-cost and perfect’ balance.

Seeing Sang Que’s troubled expression, Sang Wan asked, "Does Yan Daozi often wear a Daoist robe?"

Sang Que nodded, "Yes, his wardrobe is full of Daoist robes, with no other clothes."

"Yan Daozi’s notes mention that Xiao Yuqian liked to wear white, but Yan Daozi always remained clad in his Daoist robe, always referring to himself as ’this poor Daoist.’ He might use this as a way to constantly remind himself of his true identity. So as long as he wears the Daoist robe, he is Yan Daozi, not Xiao Yuqian."

Sang Que realized, "Mom, do you mean that if I were to use this method, I could emulate Yan Daozi and find something to constantly remind myself of who I am?"

"Yes, but how much do you know about the Yin Child? In Yan Daozi’s notes and correspondence, there’s only mention of the Yin Child seeking revenge on them, with no other clues," Sang Wan asked directly, her eyes filled with concern.

Upon hearing this, Sang Que became listless.

She knew nothing about Gui Chou, and to learn about Gui Chou, she would have to venture into the Mysterious World.

Sang Que glanced furtively at her mother, thinking about having to return to the Mysterious World. She felt a strange excitement, but when she remembered that in her absence Qin Kairong almost harmed her mother, guilt deflated her enthusiasm.

Sang Que quickly regained her spirits, bringing the book she had been reading earlier to her mother. It was filled with illustrations and descriptions of various Taoist talismans.

"Mom, you don’t have to worry too much. If the third method doesn’t work, I can revert to the second method, ’Use Strength.’ While strengthening the Heart Lamp with incense can’t be done short term, I have Yansheng coins, and I’ve always had a premonition, or rather an intuition."

"Once I gather enough evil spirit power to reveal all eight trigrams, I will be able to suppress the Yin Child and forcibly extract her power to combat other evil spirits."

Sang Wan asked, "Now that you’re even with the Yin Child, what will you use to destroy evil spirits and gather power?"

Sang Que held up the book, pointing to the illustration of a talisman, "With this, the ’Ghost Soldier Talisman.’"

Handing over the book, Sang Que explained quickly.

"This talisman was created by Yan Daozi by offering a certain number and level of evil spirits to their ’Daoist Lord.’ Through a complex ritual, after calling upon the Power of Daoist Lord, it was crafted and contains a trace of Ghost Level power, which can destroy evil spirits of the Third Layer and below. The talisman’s consumption rate depends on the strength and quantity of the evil spirits. I’ve seen Yan Daozi use it, with one strike, slashing all the arms from Yin Tong Gui Chou’s abdomen."

In this Mysterious World, the Nine Netherworld’s upper Third Layer is called Evil Spirits, the middle Third Layer is called Ghosts, and the lower Third Layer is the unfathomable great dread, all referred to as Ghost Gods.

"I got ten Ghost Soldier Talismans from Yan Daozi. I can temporarily rely on these Ghost Soldier Talismans to hunt evil spirits over here, gather the power of Yansheng coins to suppress Gui Chou. Then I’ll strive to accumulate incense wishing power to strengthen the power of the Heart Lamp, tackling both things at once. It will definitely be fine."

Sang Que was full of confidence, her eyes shimmering with eagerness for her plan, almost itching to execute it.

Sang Wan frowned, her heart filled with worry.

"Little Que, can’t you... try to exorcise the evil spirit within you, thoroughly resolving this hidden threat and returning to the calm and worry-free days of the past?"

As parents, even if their child suffers a minor illness, they’re pained, fearing the danger, let alone the evil spirit within Sang Que, akin to a malignant tumor that could claim Sang Que’s life at any moment.

In Sang Wan’s eyes, Sang Que’s ’conservative’ treatment method couldn’t be as reassuring as a complete removal.

The light in Sang Que’s eyes gradually dimmed, as she grasped her mother’s hand, understanding her mother’s concern for her.

After contemplating briefly, despite having little hope for exorcising the Yin Child, even a touch of reluctance, Sang Que still nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I’ll try my best, but I really don’t know where to find an expert who can address this matter right now."

Sang Wan pondered, "I remember Sister Zhang mentioned that there’s a temple guardian in the suburb’s Xujiawan Village. Their family has been worshiping the Mountain God of Yu City’s Dragon Spine Mountain for generations, and there’s still an elderly woman alive now."

Sang Que was puzzled, "Wasn’t Xujiawan Village supposed to be relocated at the beginning of the year?"

Sang Wan responded, "Sister Zhang said there was an accident at the construction site, halting work temporarily. Very few know the specifics. Sister Zhang has a relative in Xujiawan who knows the inside story and said that since the relocation project began, strange things are happening."

"That old lady still lives deep in the village, hasn’t moved. You can go have a look. If she can exorcise the evil spirit from you, that would be ideal. If not, ask her if she knows anyone else who can help."

"Alright, I’ll prepare breakfast first, then let’s both get some rest, and after we wake up, I’ll head over."

After breakfast, the mother and daughter returned to their rooms for some rest, Sang Que was exhausted and quickly fell asleep.

However, Sang Wan lay in bed unable to fall asleep, staring at the ceiling lost in thought, questioning whether stopping Sang Que from venturing into such a Mysterious World was right or wrong, while fearing losing her last remaining family.

"Sister, if it were you, you probably wouldn’t be so hesitant like I am, would you?"

After a long time, Sang Wan suddenly got out of bed, retrieving the prosthetic limb she had hidden away for a long time, brushing off the dust on it.