Chapter 299

I went home with Pangzi to pick up the command flag and talismans, brought along Hong Nainai and Little Fat, then stopped at the paper shop to buy streamer money candles, longevity gold, and five ghost money, before hurrying off to the temple.

But we need to be faithful, not add. Let's break down:

I went home with Pangzi to fetch the command flag and talismans,

I brought along Hong Nainai and Little Fat,

then went to the paper shop and bought streamer money candles,

longevity gold and five ghost money,

only then did I rush hurriedly to the temple.

We need to keep it concise but include all info.

Let's produce: "With Pangzi I returned home and took the command flag and talismans, brought along Hong Nainai and Little Fat, then went to the paper shop to buy streamer money candles, longevity gold, and five ghost money, only then hurrying to the temple."

I checked for any omissions: the phrase "hurriedly rushed to the temple" was used, and I opted for "hurrying to the temple".

Now output: 【1】 With Pangzi I returned home and took the command flag and talismans, brought along Hong Nainai and Little Fat, then went to the paper shop to buy streamer money candles, longevity gold, and five ghost money, only then hurrying to the temple.

Make sure it's one line.

The temple we were looking for is the nearby Northern Emperor Temple. The Northern Emperor refers to the True Martial Great Emperor, whose full title is Northern Pole Mystic Heaven True Martial Subduing Demons Great Emperor. Our purpose in coming here is, naturally, to borrow yin troops.

Translate: "The temple we sought is the Northern Emperor Temple not far away. The Northern Emperor refers to the True Martial Great Emperor, whose full name is Northern Pole Mystic Heaven True Martial Subduing Demons Great Emperor. Our purpose in coming here is naturally to borrow yin troops."

We should use the exact terms: Northern Emperor Temple, True Martial Great Emperor, Northern Pole Mystic Heaven True Martial Subduing Demons Great Emperor, and yin troops (keeping "yin troops" lowercase).

Thus: 【2】 The temple we sought is the Northern Emperor Temple not far away. The Northern Emperor refers to the True Martial Great Emperor, whose full name is Northern Pole Mystic Heaven True Martial Subduing Demons Great Emperor. Our purpose in coming here is naturally to borrow yin troops.

At this point, some might find it strange—aren't temples supposed to enshrine deities? Why would you come here to borrow ghosts?

Translate: "Speaking of this, some might find it strange: the temple enshrines not spirits? You come here to borrow ghosts—what is your intention?"

We need to keep punctuation? We'll keep meaning.

Thus: 【3】 Speaking of this, some might find it strange: the temple enshrines not spirits? You come here to borrow ghosts—what is your intention?

But let me tell you, the common belief that temples have no ghosts is wrong. Temples not only have ghosts, they have many of them. I don't know if saying this makes you stare in disbelief.

Translate: "But I tell you, it's wrong for ordinary people to think temples have no ghosts. Temples not only have ghosts, they have many of them. I don't know if saying this makes you stare wide-eyed in disbelief."

We need to keep all info.

Thus: 【4】 But I tell you, it's wrong for ordinary people to think temples have no ghosts. Temples not only have ghosts, they have many of them. I don't know if saying this makes you stare wide-eyed in disbelief.

Here, I want to tell you all about something that perhaps you have encountered before.

Translate: "Here, I want to tell you all about something—perhaps you have encountered something like this nearby."

We must retain the translation of "I and everyone say a matter" as "I want to tell you all about something".

Thus: 【5】 Here, I want to tell you all about something—perhaps you have encountered something like this nearby.

Last year, I, Uncle Qingsong, and Pangzi went to Shandong to run an errand for a client. Passing through a small town, we came across a renowned Thousand Buddha Temple, where a strange incident had once occurred.

Translate: "Last year, I, QingSongShu, and Pangzi three of us went to East Mountain to handle a client's affair, passing through a small town where there stood a famous Thousand Buddha Temple; in that temple such a strange event once occurred."

We need to use exact forms: QingSongShu, Pangzi, East Mountain, Thousand Buddha Temple.

Thus: 【6】 Last year, I, QingSongShu, and Pangzi three of us went to East Mountain to handle a client's affair, passing through a small town where there stood a famous Thousand Buddha Temple; in that temple such a strange event once occurred.

At first, we were just wandering around the temple grounds. Suddenly, a very noisy sound came from outside the temple.

Translate: "At first we were just wandering around the Buddha Temple for fun. Suddenly, a very noisy sound came from outside the temple."

Thus: 【7】 At first we were just wandering around the Buddha Temple for fun. Suddenly, a very noisy sound came from outside the temple.

When we went up to see what was happening, we witnessed a strange sight.

Translate: "When we went up to look, however, we saw this strange phenomenon."

Thus: 【8】 When we went up to look, however, we saw this strange phenomenon.

A young man in his early twenties was jumping about, waving his arms and legs, muttering incoherently—no one knew what he was chanting—while he kept picking up trash from the ground and swallowing it.

Translate: "A youth about twenty years old jumped about there, flailing his arms and legs, muttering something incoherent, and while chanting he picked up trash from the ground and swallowed it."

We need to keep all info.

Thus: 【9】 A youth about twenty years old jumped about there, flailing his arms and legs, muttering something incoherent, and while chanting he picked up trash from the ground and swallowed it.

After inquiring further, the onlookers said the young man had offended the Buddha and been punished by him. I found this puzzling and asked them what had happened.

Translate: "Upon inquiry, the onlookers said the youth had offended the Buddha and been punished by him. I found this puzzling and asked those people what was going on."

Thus: 【10】 Upon inquiry, the onlookers said the youth had offended the Buddha and been punished by him. I found this puzzling and asked those people what was going on.

People said he was a local troublemaker who often came to the temple to cause mischief. This morning, for some unknown reason, he grabbed some trash, rushed into the temple, and splashed it onto the Buddha's golden statue. After being driven out, he ended up looking like a madman or a fool.

Translate: "People said the youth was a hooligan from town who often came to the temple to cause trouble; just this morning, for some unknown reason, he grabbed trash, rushed into the temple and splashed it onto the Buddha's golden statue. After being driven out, he became like this—neither crazy nor sane."

Thus: 【11】 People said the youth was a hooligan from town who often came to the temple to cause trouble; just this morning, for some unknown reason, he grabbed trash, rushed into the temple and splashed it onto the Buddha's golden statue. After being driven out, he became like this—neither crazy nor sane.

The onlookers all said the young man had offended the Buddha, and now the Buddha had punished him, making him suffer.

Translate: "The onlookers all said the youth had offended the Buddha, and now the Buddha has punished him, making him suffer a bit."

Thus: 【12】 The onlookers all said the youth had offended the Buddha, and now the Buddha has punished him, making him suffer a bit.

I believe similar stories are told and have happened in various places among the folk. For example, after cursing a deity, one might come home with a fever; after throwing feces and urine at a deity, one might become foolish for a while. Saying this, many people don't understand— isn't the Buddha all‑compassionate? How could he punish someone over such a trivial matter?

Translate: "I believe similar stories are spread and happen in various places among the folk. For example, after scolding the spirits, one returns home with a fever; after throwing feces and urine at the spirits, one returns home foolish for a period. Speaking of this, many do not understand: the Buddha is all‑compassionate, so how could he punish someone for such a small matter?"

Thus: 【13】 I believe similar stories are spread and happen in various places among the folk. For example, after scolding the spirits, one returns home with a fever; after throwing feces and urine at the spirits, one returns home foolish for a period. Speaking of this, many do not understand: the Buddha is all‑compassionate, so how could he punish someone for such a small matter?

Yes, the Buddha and other true deities are broad‑minded; they wouldn't blame someone for a minor offense. In fact, what people call "making offerings" are actually the spirits that linger around the temple—the temple's yin troops.

Translate: "Yes, the Buddha and the proper gods are very forgiving; they would not casually blame others for a trifle. Actually, those who make offerings are in fact the ghosts surrounding the temple—that is, the temple's yin troops."

We need to use yin troops.

Thus: 【14】 Yes, the Buddha and the proper gods are very forgiving; they would not casually blame others for a trifle. Actually, those who make offerings are in fact the ghosts surrounding the temple—that is, the temple's yin troops.

These yin troops are mostly wandering wild souls and homeless ghosts in the mortal world; whenever someone lights incense, they are drawn by the scent. The deities and Buddhas, being largely compassionate, allow these spirits to linger nearby and practice cultivation as long as they do no harm, sharing a portion of the incense offerings with them. Out of gratitude for the deities' mercy, these wandering souls naturally become the temple's guardian yin troops. If anyone dares to cause trouble in the temple or offend the deities, they remain unharmed while inside, but once they step outside, the yin troops will punish them. Although these troops serve alongside the deities and have had their resentment largely dispelled through rites, they will not take lives or harm sincere worshippers who come to pray. Their targets are mainly those who desecrate the deities—such as splashing filth on the gods' golden images—and they treat such offenders by repaying them in kind: whatever you do to the deities, the yin troops will do to you, letting you reap what you sow.

Translate: "These yin troops are mostly wandering souls and wild ghosts in the Yang realm; whenever someone lights incense, they tend to come drawn by the scent. The Buddha and gods, being mostly compassionate, allow such spirits to cultivate beside them as long as they do not harm people, giving them a large share of the incense offerings. Out of gratitude for the gods' compassion, these wandering souls naturally become the temple's yin troops guarding it. If someone dares to cause trouble in the temple or offend the gods, they are fine inside, but once outside the temple these yin troops will punish them. However, these yin troops, who cultivate alongside the gods, have had their resentment mostly purified, so they will not take lives or harm the faithful who come to worship; they mainly target those who desecrate the gods, splashing things onto the gods' golden images, and they usually treat such people by giving them a taste of their own medicine. How you treat the gods, the yin troops will treat you likewise, letting you reap what you sow."

We need to keep all info, but not add. Let's produce a concise but complete translation.

Thus: 【15】 These yin troops are mostly wandering souls and wild ghosts in the Yang realm; whenever someone lights incense, they tend to come drawn by the scent. The Buddha and gods, being mostly compassionate, allow such spirits to cultivate beside them as long as they do not harm people, giving them a large share of the incense offerings. Out of gratitude for the gods' compassion, these wandering souls naturally become the temple's yin troops guarding it. If someone dares to cause trouble in the temple or offend the gods, they are fine inside, but once outside the temple these yin troops will punish them. However, these yin troops, who cultivate alongside the gods, have had their resentment mostly purified, so they will not take lives or harm the faithful who come to worship; they mainly target those who desecrate the gods, splashing things onto the gods' golden images, and they usually treat such people by giving them a taste of their own medicine. How you treat the gods, the yin troops will treat you likewise, letting you reap what you sow.

Among the many temples of deities, perhaps only two have no yin troops surrounding them. The first is General Guan, also known as the Holy Emperor Guan, a deity who attained godhood through self‑sacrifice, known for his fierce temper and honored as the foremost paragon of loyalty and filial piety through the ages. The second is the deity venerated by Wang Pangzi's Huaguang sect, the Five Manifest Huaguang Great Emperor. Huaguang is a fire spirit who cannot tolerate even a speck of dust in his eyes. Both of these deities have fiery tempers, so no yin spirit dares to approach them.

Translate: "Among many spirit temples, perhaps only two have no yin troops around them. First is Great Marshal Guan, that is Holy Emperor Guan; this deity attained godhood through self‑sacrifice, has a fierce temper, and is praised as the foremost in loyalty and filial piety through the ages. Second is the deity enshrined by Wang Pangzi's Huaguang sect, the Five Manifestations Great Emperor Huaguang. Great Emperor Huaguang is a fire spirit who cannot tolerate even a speck of sand in his eyes. These two lords are hot‑tempered, so no yin spirit dares to approach either of them."

We need to use exact forms: Great Marshal Guan, Holy Emperor Guan, Wang Pangzi, Five Manifestations Great Emperor Huaguang, Great Emperor Huaguang.

Thus: 【16】 Among many spirit temples, perhaps only two have no yin troops around them. First is Great Marshal Guan, that is Holy Emperor Guan; this deity attained godhood through self‑sacrifice, has a fierce temper, and is praised as the foremost in loyalty and filial piety through the ages. Second is the deity enshrined by Wang Pangzi's Huaguang sect, the Five Manifestations Great Emperor Huaguang. Great Emperor Huaguang is a fire spirit who cannot tolerate even a speck of sand in his eyes. These two lords are hot‑tempered, so no yin spirit dares to approach either of them.

Usually, disciples of the Yin‑Shan school go to the City God Temple and the Earth God Temple to borrow troops. The City God is an underworld deity sent by the netherworld to oversee a locality, and all the wandering ghosts in that area must come to pay respects to him. The Earth God Temple, meanwhile, serves as a medium for spirits traveling from the mortal world to the underworld. Thus, these two temples are the best places to borrow troops.

Translate: "Usually, disciples of the Yin Mountain Sect borrow troops from the City God Temple and the Earth God Temple. Because the City God is a yin deity sent by the netherworld to oversee a region, all the wild ghosts in that area must come to pay respects to the local City God. And the Earth God Temple is the medium through which ghosts travel from the Yang realm to the netherworld. Therefore, these two temples are the best places to borrow troops."

We need to use Yin Mountain Sect, City God Temple, Earth God Temple, City God, Earth God.

Thus: 【17】 Usually, disciples of the Yin Mountain Sect borrow troops from the City God Temple and the Earth God Temple. Because the City God is a yin deity sent by the netherworld to oversee a region, all the wild ghosts in that area must come to pay respects to the local City God. And the Earth God Temple is the medium through which ghosts travel from the Yang realm to the netherworld. Therefore, these two temples are the best places to borrow troops.

But nowadays, City God and Earth God Temples have largely faded away, existing only in a few places. Consequently, Yin‑Shan disciples often have to settle for borrowing troops from other orthodox deity temples.

Translate: "But nowadays, the City God and Earth God temples have gradually faded, existing only in rare places. So our Yin Mountain Sect disciples mostly resort to borrowing troops from other proper‑god temples."

We need Yin Mountain Sect.

Thus: 【18】 But nowadays, the City God and Earth God temples have gradually faded, existing only in rare places. So our Yin Mountain Sect disciples mostly resort to borrowing troops from other proper‑god temples.

Of course, I dare not borrow troops directly inside the temple, because performing rites there would offend the resident deity. Moreover, the temple is usually crowded, and openly conducting rituals would only attract a crowd of onlookers.

Translate: "Of course, I dare not borrow troops directly inside the temple, for performing rites there would directly offend the deity. Moreover, the temple is usually crowded, and openly performing rites would only attract onlookers."

Thus: 【19】 Of course, I dare not borrow troops directly inside the temple, for performing rites there would directly offend the deity. Moreover, the temple is usually crowded, and openly performing rites would only attract onlookers.

Pangzi and I placed a few sticks of incense before the deity's incense burner, burned some paper money, and informed the Northern Emperor of our purpose: to borrow troops in order to counter the evil master's sorcery and rescue those harmed by it. At the same time, burning incense and paper money serves to draw the yin troops residing in the temple.

Translate: "I and Pangzi lit a few sticks of incense and burned some paper money before the deity's incense burner, informing the Northern Emperor that our purpose was to borrow troops to break the evil master's sorcery and save the afflicted. At the same time, burning incense and paper money also aimed to draw the temple's yin troops forward."

We need to use Pangzi, Northern Emperor, yin troops.

Thus: 【20】 I and Pangzi lit a few sticks of incense and burned some paper money before the deity's incense burner, informing the Northern Emperor that our purpose was to borrow troops to break the evil master's sorcery and save the afflicted. At the same time, burning incense and paper money also aimed to draw the temple's yin troops forward.

After informing the Northern Emperor, Pangzi and I slipped into a side alley next to his temple and set up an altar there to conduct the ritual.

Translate: "After informing the Northern Emperor, I and Pangzi sneaked into the side alley of the Northern Emperor Temple and there set up an altar to perform the rite."

Thus: 【21】 After informing the Northern Emperor, I and Pangzi sneaked into the side alley of the Northern Emperor Temple and there set up an altar to perform the rite.

Before long—less than a moment later—many yin spirits of various sizes came to the temple upon hearing the summons.

Translate: "In less than a moment, many yin spirits of all sizes indeed came to the temple upon hearing the news."

Thus: 【22】 In less than a moment, many yin spirits of all sizes indeed came to the temple upon hearing the news.

Seeing these spirit soldiers appear, I took out the Five‑Ghost talisman and laid it on the ground. This follows the Yin‑Shan rule for writing and using yin talismans: they must never be written directly on the altar, but prepared elsewhere and then brought to the altar. As previously mentioned, Yin‑Shan practice sets the spirit altar on the ground so it can draw earthly energy; such an altar is called a lower altar, implying a connection to the subterranean realm.

Translate: "Seeing these troops manifest, I took out the Five Ghosts Talisman and placed it on the ground—this is the Yin Mountain Sect's rule for writing yin talismans when performing rites: any yin talisman must not be written before the altar, only written elsewhere and then brought to the altar. As already stated, in Yin Mountain Sect rites the divine altar is set on the ground to receive earthly qi; such an altar is called a lower altar, meaning it connects to the underground."

We need to use Yin Mountain Sect, Five Ghosts Talisman, lower altar.

Thus: 【23】 Seeing these troops manifest, I took out the Five Ghosts Talisman and placed it on the ground—this is the Yin Mountain Sect's rule for writing yin talismans when performing rites: any yin talisman must not be written before the altar, only written elsewhere and then brought to the altar. As already stated, in Yin Mountain Sect rites the divine altar is set on the ground to receive earthly qi; such an altar is called a lower altar, meaning it connects to the underground.

I calculated the time—it is about six o'clock in the evening, the you hour, which belongs to western yin metal. Therefore I should face north to summon the spirits, using the you‑hour troop‑dispatching incantation. However, before issuing that command, I must first appoint a commanding general to lead the troops.

Translate: "I calculated the time; it is about six o'clock in the evening, which is the you hour, belonging to western yin metal. Therefore I should face north to summon the ghosts, using the you‑hour troop‑dispatching incantation. However, before dispatching troops I must first appoint a commander‑in‑chief."

We need to use you hour? We'll keep "you hour". Also "troop‑dispatching incantation". We'll keep as is.

Thus: 【24】 I calculated the time; it is about six o'clock in the evening, which is the you hour, belonging to western yin metal. Therefore I should face north to summon the ghosts, using the you‑hour troop‑dispatching incantation. However, before dispatching troops I must first appoint a commander‑in‑chief.

"Hong Nainai, come out," I called out to the piece of spirit jade before the altar.

Translate: ""Hong Nainai, come out," I called out to the piece of dark jade before the altar."

Thus: 【25】 "Hong Nainai, come out," I called out to the piece of dark jade before the altar.

Not long after, Hong Nainai's shadowy form appeared, and even Little Fat couldn't resist peeking out, staring at us furtively.

Translate: "Not long after, Hong Nainai's shadowy form appeared, and even Little Fat could not help but poke his head out, sneakily watching us."

Thus: 【26】 Not long after, Hong Nainai's shadowy form appeared, and even Little Fat could not help but poke his head out, sneakily watching us.

Upon seeing Little Fat, Pangzi rubbed his hands, raised his eyebrows, and teased, "Hey, Little Fatty, want a drink? Later I'll buy you a few bottles of aged liquor to treat you well." Little Fat shook his head vigorously, hurriedly hid back in the coffin, presumably still traumatized from the last time Pangzi mixed his mulberry‑technique liquor with alcohol, which had left a lasting impression.

Translate: "Wang Pangzi, upon seeing Little Fat, rubbed his hands, raised his eyebrows, and teased, "Yo, Little Fatty, want a drink? Uncle will buy a few bottles of aged liquor later to serve you well." Little Fat was frightened, shaking his head vigorously and hurrying back to hide in the coffin; presumably he still feels the sting from last time when Pangzi's mulberry‑technique mixed with liquor left him bitter."

We need to retain the term "mulberry technique". We'll translate it as "mulberry technique". It's a technique name, possibly generic; we'll keep it as "mulberry technique". Not a proper noun.

Thus: 【27】 Wang Pangzi, upon seeing Little Fat, rubbed his hands, raised his eyebrows, and teased, "Yo, Little Fatty, want a drink? Uncle will buy a few bottles of aged liquor later to serve you well." Little Fat was frightened, shaking his head vigorously and hurrying back to hide in the coffin; presumably he still feels the sting from last time when Pangzi's mulberry technique mixed with liquor left him bitter.

I was speechless at these two troublemakers; I could only shake my head and ignore them. Bringing little Fatty along on errands has become a habit; the main purpose is to broaden his horizons, and I don't expect him to be of much use.

Translate: "I am truly speechless about these two clowns, only able to shake my head and leave them be. Bringing Little Fat along on errands has become habit; the main purpose is to let him gain experience, not expecting him to be of much use."

Thus: 【28】 I am truly speechless about these two clowns, only able to shake my head and leave them be. Bringing Little Fat along on errands has become habit; the main purpose is to let him gain experience, not expecting him to be of much use.

"Hai Sheng, why did you summon Red Granny?" After Red Granny emerged from the underworld jade, she also watched the two fatties fool around for a bit before asking me.

Translate: ""Hai Sheng, why did you summon Hong Nainai?" After Hong Nainai emerged from the dark jade, she also watched the two fatties clown around, then asked me."

Thus: 【29】 "Hai Sheng, why did you summon Hong Nainai?" After Hong Nainai emerged from the dark jade, she also watched the two fatties clown around, then asked me.

I told Red Granny, "It's like this; I want to appoint you as the great general commanding troops, to go and break apart two people for me." The so-called "break apart" naturally refers to separating two people who have been bewitched together. This is a countermeasure created in the Ghost King's magic for dealing with union and entanglement. Of course, this spell has two uses: first, to break apart a marriage that is under enchantment; second, to dispel enchantment itself. The first use is wicked: it makes a good couple quarrel so badly that even the household dogs are unsettled, then it merges that ill-fated karma. The second use is benevolent: it frees those who have been bewitched.

Translate: "I told Hong Nainai, "It's like this: I want to appoint you as commander‑in‑chief to lead the troops, so you can break apart those two people." The so‑called breaking open naturally means to separate the two people who are under a bewitching bond. This is a counter‑measure created in the Ghost King's art against union and bewitchment; of course, this technique has two uses: first, to break open a marriage that is under bewitchment; second, to break open bewitchment itself. The first kind is wicked: it makes a good couple quarrel so badly that even the household dog cannot rest, then mixes in an ill‑fated karmic bond. The second kind is virtuous: it breaks open the bewitchment afflicting the victim."

We need to keep all info.

Thus: 【30】 I told Hong Nainai, "It's like this: I want to appoint you as commander‑in‑chief to lead the troops, so you can break apart those two people." The so‑called breaking open naturally means to separate the two people who are under a bewitching bond. This is a counter‑measure created in the Ghost King's art against union and bewitchment; of course, this technique has two uses: first, to break open a marriage that is under bewitchment; second, to break open bewitchment itself. The first kind is wicked: it makes a good couple quarrel so badly that even the household dog cannot rest, then mixes in an ill‑fated karmic bond. The second kind is virtuous: it breaks open the bewitchment afflicting the victim.

As soon as Red Granny heard my words, she immediately thought of the first use, assuming I wanted her to do something wicked. She quickly shook her head and said, "No, no! I'm with you to accumulate merit; you can't make me do these wicked deeds."

Translate: "Upon hearing my words, Hong Nainai immediately thought of the first kind, assuming I wanted her to do wicked deeds; she quickly shook her head, saying, "No, no—I follow you to accumulate merit; you cannot let me do these wicked things.""

Thus: 【31】 Upon hearing my words, Hong Nainai immediately thought of the first kind, assuming I wanted her to do wicked deeds; she quickly shook her head, saying, "No, no—I follow you to accumulate merit; you cannot let me do these wicked things.""

Later, after I explained the situation to her, Red Granny agreed to lead the troops to break apart Ou Yaofeng and Yao Yirong.

Translate: "After I explained the matter to her again, Hong Nainai then agreed, promising to lead the troops to break open Ou Yaofeng and Yao Yirong."

Thus: 【32】 After I explained the matter to her again, Hong Nainai then agreed, promising to lead the troops to break open Ou Yaofeng and Yao Yirong.

I planted the command flag upside down in the soil beside the grave, just about to begin the incantation and march, when Red Granny beside me added, "Ah, Hai Sheng, you want me to be a military commander... a general really needs a proper weapon."

Translate: "I planted the command flag upside‑down in the earth beside a grave, just about to begin the incantation and steps, when Hong Nainai beside me added, "Ah, Hai Sheng, you're making me a military commander… a commander really needs a proper weapon.""

Thus: 【33】 I planted the command flag upside‑down in the earth beside a grave, just about to begin the incantation and steps, when Hong Nainai beside me added, "Ah, Hai Sheng, you're making me a military commander… a commander really needs a proper weapon.""

After a moment of silence, I said to her, "Whatever you want, I'll burn it for you."

Translate: "After a moment of speechlessness, I told her, "Whatever you want, I'll burn it for you.""

Thus: 【34】 After a moment of speechlessness, I told her, "Whatever you want, I'll burn it for you.""

Without hesitation, Red Granny replied, "Just give me a big broadsword, not that Guan Erge style; I want the kind we used to hack down enemies in battle."

Translate: "Hong Nainai, without hesitation, replied, "Just give me a big chopping knife—not the kind Guan Erge uses; I want the sort we used to cut down enemies when we fought in battle.""

Thus: 【35】 Hong Nainai, without hesitation, replied, "Just give me a big chopping knife—not the kind Guan Erge uses; I want the sort we used to cut down enemies when we fought in battle.""

I... a delicate girl wielding a big broadsword—apparently Red Granny used to be in the women's militia.

Translate: "I… a delicate‑looking woman wielding a big chopping knife—come to think of it, Hong Nainai used to be in the women's corps."

Thus: 【36】 I… a delicate‑looking woman wielding a big chopping knife—come to think of it, Hong Nainai used to be in the women's corps.

I handed the task to Fatty, who eagerly took it on. Origami is one of Fatty's few talents; actually, a girl once joked with him, saying if he could fold 999 paper cranes, she'd agree to date him. He took her joke seriously, staying up day and night for three days to fold over a thousand cranes. Although she later rejected him, he wasn't upset at all; instead, he happily said he'd found his hobby.

Translate: "I handed the task to Pangzi, who accepted it gleefully. Paper folding is one of Pangzi's few specialties; to be precise, a girl once joked with him, saying if he could fold nine hundred ninety‑nine paper cranes she would date him. He took the joke seriously, staying up sleepless for three days to fold over a thousand cranes. Although he was later rejected, he felt no resentment; on the contrary, he happily declared he had found his hobby."

Thus: 【37】 I handed the task to Pangzi, who accepted it gleefully. Paper folding is one of Pangzi's few specialties; to be precise, a girl once joked with him, saying if he could fold nine hundred ninety‑nine paper cranes she would date him. He took the joke seriously, staying up sleepless for three days to fold over a thousand cranes. Although he was later rejected, he felt no resentment; on the contrary, he happily declared he had found his hobby.

Naturally, this hobby of his is origami, but he wasn't satisfied with just folding paper cranes; he even paid to learn how to make weapon figurines and everything else. When the school held an origami contest, he took first place; among the top ten, nine were girls, and the other was our King Fatty.

Translate: "Pangzi's hobby naturally is paper folding, but he was not satisfied with only knowing how to fold cranes, so he deliberately paid to learn all sorts of weapon figurines, mastering them all. At the school paper‑folding contest he took first place; among the top ten, nine were girls and the other was our Wang Da Pangzi."

Thus: 【38】 Pangzi's hobby naturally is paper folding, but he was not satisfied with only knowing how to fold cranes, so he deliberately paid to learn all sorts of weapon figurines, mastering them all. At the school paper‑folding contest he took first place; among the top ten, nine were girls and the other was our Wang Da Pangzi.

In less than two minutes, a large broadsword was freshly made. When I snatched the paper-made broadsword from Fatty's hands, he was reluctant, looking at me with eyes full of resentment, as if I had stolen his wife.

Translate: "In less than two minutes a fresh big chopping knife was ready. When I snatched this paper‑made big chopping knife from Pangzi's hand, he was reluctant, his eyes full of resentment toward me, as if I had taken his wife."

Thus: 【39】 In less than two minutes a fresh big chopping knife was ready. When I snatched this paper‑made big chopping knife from Pangzi's hand, he was reluctant, his eyes full of resentment toward me, as if I had taken his wife.

"Got Pangzi, stop being pretentious… I'm not trying to steal your wife." Without another word, I immediately snatched the machete from Pangzi's hand, after issuing the divine order, I threw it into the fire basin.

Grandma Red got the machete, with a clang she did a flip, very satisfied she said, "Not bad, not bad."

"Grandma Red, alright now, you have the knife, you old lady have no more demands, right?" Still appointing a general and still gossiping with a ghost, I feel I'm truly the most useless disciple in the history of the Yin Mountain Sect.

Grandma Red shook her head and said: "None."

"Wait a minute, why don't you bring Little Fat along too? He isn't your soldier?" Grandma Red asked again.

"He's timid, he doesn't dare to kill people."

"Oh… it's fine, you continue."

"Wait a minute, later when I go, am I supposed to kill people like I would kill Japanese devils?"

"This, you assess the situation; if you can possess that girl, then possess her and cause a scene to drive the man away; if you can't, then scare the man off."

"Oh, is that so? Okay."

After a moment, Grandma Red turned around: "In a bit, I still want to ask…"

I………… fuck, are you done or not, can we start?.