Chapter 300: with translation of chapter title

「Turn around, listen to the seal」 I almost shouted impatiently, and Red Granny only then reluctantly turned around.

Translation: "Turn around, listen to the seal" I almost shouted impatiently, and Red Granny only then reluctantly turned around.

But we need to keep the quoted speech exactly as is? The Chinese line includes 「Turn around, listen to the seal」 inside quotes. We should translate the quoted speech as well. The translation should convey meaning. We'll translate: "Turn around, listen to the seal". Keep quotes? Usually we keep the quotes as they are part of the text. We'll output English with quotes.

Thus: 「Turn around, listen to the seal」 I almost shouted impatiently, and Red Granny only then reluctantly turned around.

But we need to keep the original punctuation? We'll translate: "Turn around, listen to the seal" I almost shouted impatiently, and Red Granny only then reluctantly turned around.

Make sure it's one line.

「By the order of the Yin Mountain Grand Dharma Master, the edict of the Ghost Power Great King, conferring the seal... 」 After finishing the incantation, I struck a palm at Red Granny's back; this palm is called the Zhenyang Palm. In the Yin Mountain Pangu Method, there is a technique called Zhenyang and Zhenyin. Zhenyang can disperse a person's yang qi when used on people, and increase a ghost's yin qi when used on ghosts; conversely, Zhenyin is the same. At the same time striking Red Granny's body, there was also the Xuan Hui conferred by the edict appointing her as Western Troop-Commanding General.

「By the order of the Yin Mountain Grand Dharma Master, the edict of the Ghost Power Great King, conferring the seal... 」 After finishing the incantation, I struck a palm at Red Granny's back; this palm is called the Zhenyang Palm. In the Yin Mountain Pangu Method, there is a technique called Zhenyang and Zhenyin. Zhenyang can disperse a person's yang qi when used on people, and increase a ghost's yin qi when used on ghosts; conversely, Zhenyin is the same. At the same time striking Red Granny's body, there was also the Xuan Hui conferred by the edict appointing her as Western Troop-Commanding General.

「By the order of the Yin Mountain Grand Dharma Master, the edict of the Ghost Power Great King, conferring the seal... 」 After finishing the incantation, I struck a palm at Red Granny's back; this palm is called the Zhenyang Palm. In the Yin Mountain Pangu Method, there is a technique called Zhenyang and Zhenyin. Zhenyang can disperse a person's yang qi when used on people, and increase a ghost's yin qi when used on ghosts; conversely, Zhenyin is the same. At the same time striking Red Granny's body, there was also the Xuan Hui conferred by the edict appointing her as Western Troop-Commanding General.

「By the order of the Yin Mountain Grand Dharma Master, the edict of the Ghost Power Great King, conferring the seal... 」 After finishing the incantation, I struck a palm at Red Granny's back; this palm is called the Zhenyang Palm. In the Yin Mountain Pangu Method, there is a technique called Zhenyang and Zhenyin. Zhenyang can disperse a person's yang qi when used on people, and increase a ghost's yin qi when used on ghosts; conversely, Zhenyin is the same. At the same time striking Red Granny's body, there was also the Xuan Hui conferred by the edict appointing her as Western Troop-Commanding General.

Make sure it's one line.

「Pangzi, burn the Five Ghost Money and Longevity Gold」 After conferring the seal on Red Granny, I had Pangzi burn the Five Ghost Money and Longevity Gold in the fire basin. Then I began facing west, making the Invite Yin Finger hand seal and stepping the Five Ghost Steps. I chanted the troop dispatch incantation.

Translation: "Pangzi, burn the Five Ghost Money and Longevity Gold" After conferring the seal on Red Granny, I had Pangzi burn the Five Ghost Money and Longevity Gold in the fire basin. Then I began facing west, making the Invite Yin Finger hand seal and stepping the Five Ghost Steps. I chanted the troop dispatch incantation.

「Pangzi, burn the Five Ghost Money and Longevity Gold」 After conferring the seal on Red Granny, I had Pangzi burn the Five Ghost Money and Longevity Gold in the fire basin. Then I began facing west, making the Invite Yin Finger hand seal and stepping the Five Ghost Steps. I chanted the troop dispatch incantation.

「Pangzi, burn the Five Ghost Money and Longevity Gold」 After conferring the seal on Red Granny, I had Pangzi burn the Five Ghost Money and Longevity Gold in the fire basin. Then I began facing west, making the Invite Yin Finger hand seal and stepping the Five Ghost Steps. I chanted the troop dispatch incantation.

「Obey the summons of the divine incarnation, transform into the City God to support the body, the moon's emptiness three sounds respond, the Grand Duke Jupiter leads the yin soldiers,... the soldiers come to the altar to hear my command, the divine soldiers rush like the law, confer」 After the edict, I overturned the bowl of rice in front of the altar onto the ground, then flipped it over. This is the rule of borrowing troops from Yin Mountain. The raw rice in the bowl, inverted onto the ground, then flipped again; the amount of rice remaining indicates how many troops you can borrow.

Translation: "Obey the summons of the divine incarnation, transform into the City God to support the body, the moon's emptiness three sounds respond, the Grand Duke Jupiter leads the yin soldiers,... the soldiers come to the altar to hear my command, the divine soldiers rush like the law, confer" After the edict, I overturned the bowl of rice in front of the altar onto the ground, then flipped it over. This is the rule of borrowing troops from Yin Mountain. The raw rice in the bowl, inverted onto the ground, then flipped again; the amount of rice remaining indicates how many troops you can borrow.

「Obey the summons of the divine incarnation, transform into the City God to support the body, the moon's emptiness three sounds respond, the Grand Duke Jupiter leads the yin soldiers,... the soldiers come to the altar to hear my command, the divine soldiers rush like the law, confer」 After the edict, I overturned the bowl of rice in front of the altar onto the ground, then flipped it over. This is the rule of borrowing troops from Yin Mountain. The raw rice in the bowl, inverted onto the ground, then flipped again; the amount of rice remaining indicates how many troops you can borrow.

「Obey the summons of the divine incarnation, transform into the City God to support the body, the moon's emptiness three sounds respond, the Grand Duke Jupiter leads the yin soldiers,... the soldiers come to the altar to hear my command, the divine soldiers rush like the law, confer」 After the edict, I overturned the bowl of rice in front of the altar onto the ground, then flipped it over. This is the rule of borrowing troops from Yin Mountain. The raw rice in the bowl, inverted onto the ground, then flipped again; the amount of rice remaining indicates how many troops you can borrow.

After borrowing the troops, we must explain their purpose; next we need to chant the unlocking spell to tell the troops where to go, and also include Yao Yirong's eight characters, then pair it with the You-time unlocking talisman. From the moment the talisman burns, I wave the command flag, directing these troops to Yao Yirong's house.

Translation: After the troops are borrowed, naturally I must explain their purpose; next I must chant the Break Open Incantation to tell the troops their destination, plus Yao Yirong's eight characters, then pair it with the You-time Break Open Talisman. From the moment the talisman burns, I wave the command flag, directing these troops to Yao Yirong's home.

We need to keep it one line.

When Red Granny led these troops forward, I lit a kerosene lamp and sat cross-legged before the altar. This lamp is the soul lamp of our Yin Mountain Daoists; if during a magical duel, or due to other factors the soul lamp goes out, the troops and the Daoist's own soul will be harmed.

Translation: When Red Granny led those troops forward, I lit a kerosene lamp and sat cross-legged before the altar. This lamp is the soul lamp of our Yin Mountain Daoists; if during a spiritual battle, or due to other factors the soul lamp extinguishes, the troops and the Daoist's own soul will be harmed.

Normally, in performing rituals, this soul lamp would not be needed, but I wanted to follow these troops to investigate, to see what tricks Ou Yaofeng was playing, so I set up this soul lamp.

Translation: Normally, when performing rites, this soul lamp isn't needed, but I wanted to follow these troops to investigate, to see what trick Ou Yaofeng was playing, so I set up this soul lamp.

To avoid being disturbed while performing the ritual, I left some troops on either side and did not dispatch all of them.

Translation: To avoid being disturbed while performing the rites, I left some troops on either side and did not withdraw all of them.

The night deepened slowly, and Red Granny led the yin troops to Yao Yirong's house. Fortunately, Yao Yirong's home had no door gods or earth deities; otherwise I would have had to avoid the door gods to enter.

Translation: The night deepened slowly; Red Granny led the yin troops to Yao Yirong's home. Fortunately, Yao Yirong's home lacked door gods and earth gods and similar deities; otherwise I would have had to avoid the door gods to enter.

Yao Yirong's house is large, with many servants, but Red Granny still found her room according to the

Translation: Yao Yirong's home is large, with many servants, but Red Granny still found her room according to the eight characters. Strangely, Yao Yirong's room had only her alone, with no movement or sound.

"How strange, you didn't say Ou Yaofeng would cast a spell on Yao Yirong? Why is there still no movement?" said the fatty beside me; he was now pinching a hand seal, sitting in an unusual posture, leaving me speechless.

Translation: "How strange, you didn't say Ou Yaofeng would cast a spell on Yao Yirong? Why is there still no movement?" said Pangzi beside me; he was now making a hand seal, sitting in an odd posture, leaving me speechless.

"How strange, you didn't say Ou Yaofeng would cast a spell on Yao Yirong? Why is there still no movement?"

"How strange, you didn't say Ou Yaofeng would cast a spell on Yao Yirong? Why is there still no movement?" said Pangzi beside me; he was now making a hand seal, sitting in an odd posture, leaving me speechless.

Pangzi is using the Huaguang sect's Xuan Eye divine ability; the Huaguang Great Emperor has two yaksha‑like little demons standing to his left and right. They are not wild ghosts but the Thousand‑Mile Eye and the Wind‑Following Ear. Thus, Huaguang's magic also includes two secret arts: the Xuan Eye and Ear Report. Though they aren't as exaggerated as the legendary Thousand‑Mile Eye and Wind‑Following Ear, these two abilities are indeed formidable. I perceived this through the nether soldiers, while Pangzi is using the Xuan Eye to see.

Translation: Pangzi used the Huaguang Sect's Profound Eye Divine Ability; the Great Emperor Huaguang had left and right attendants resembling two yaksha-like little demons. These two were not ordinary wild ghosts, but Clairvoyance and Wind-Following Ear. Therefore, the Huaguang sect's arts also include two secret methods: Profound Eye and Ear Report. Although not as exaggerated as the legendary Clairvoyance and Wind-Following Ear, these two divine abilities are indeed formidable. I perceived it through the yin troops, while Pangzi perceived it using the Profound Eye.

Each use of the Xuan Eye drains a lot of vital energy; after using it once, it cannot be used again for at least forty‑nine days. Yet Pangzi is actually using this Xuan Eye power just to watch the spectacle—I wonder if Uncle Qingsong will cut him down when he finds out.

Translation: However, each use of the Profound Eye consumes a great deal of vital energy; after one use, it cannot be reused for at least forty-nine days. Yet Pangzi actually used this Profound Eye's divine ability to watch the spectacle; I don't know if QingSongShu will chop him upon finding out.

After more than an hour had passed, I could hardly keep from dozing off. Meanwhile, nothing unusual had occurred at Yao Yirong's house.

Translation: After more than an hour passed, I could not help but feel drowsy. Meanwhile, Yao Yirong's home still showed no unusual circumstances.

I almost began to doubt whether I had seen wrong—could it be that Ou Yaofeng hasn't placed the bewitching curse on Yao Yirong at all?

Translation: I almost doubted whether I had misseen; perhaps Ou Yaofeng had not placed a bewitching union curse on Yao Yirong.

Just as that thought flashed through my mind, Yao Yirong, lying on the bed, suddenly changed—her face flushed rapidly, her body twisted in an unnatural way, and although I couldn't tell what she was murmuring in her sleep, it was clear that she was experiencing springtime longing.

Translation: Just as that thought suddenly flashed through my mind, suddenly, Yao Yirong lying on the bed underwent a change: her face suddenly flushed red, her body twisted contrary to reason, and although I didn't know what she was murmuring in her sleep, it was certain that this girl was lovesick.

Suddenly, another terrifying idea flashed through my mind: could Ou Yaofeng be using the dream‑soul union technique?

Translation: Suddenly, another terrifying thought flashed through my mind: could Ou Yaofeng be using the Dream Soul Exchange Technique?

The dream‑soul union technique is a wicked art that keeps the victim restless day and night, stirring deep‑seated desires as if they had taken an aphrodisiac. While the caster's soul leaves the body and merges with the victim's spirit, this evil practice is far more serious than mere bodily lust. Controlling the flesh does not control the mind or soul; dream‑soul union makes a person have erotic dreams, causing inexplicable affection toward the target, even to the point of throwing themselves into their arms. What is controlled is likewise the mind and soul. If a woman's heart is wholly given to a man, could that man possibly fail to obtain her body?

Translation: The Dream Soul Exchange Technique is a wicked art that makes the victim restless day and night, stirring deep-seated desire, as if having taken an aphrodisiac; at this moment the practitioner, with soul projecting, merges with the victim's soul. This wicked art is far more severe than carnal lust. Controlling the body cannot control the mind and soul. Whereas Dream Soul Exchange makes a person have erotic dreams, producing inexplicable affection toward the caster, even throwing themselves into their arms. What is controlled is also the mind and soul. If a woman's heart is wholly set on a man, could that man still fail to obtain her body?

In that case, everything makes sense: all that Ou Yaofeng has done so far was merely to bewitch Yao Yirong's soul, completely releasing the desires hidden within a person's spirit. If at this moment Ou Yaofeng's soul were to leave his body and enter Yao Yirong's dream, the soul union would naturally be accomplished. Though it may seem unrelated to the body, the impact on mind and body is far greater than that on the flesh alone.

Translation: Thus, everything is explained: everything Ou Yaofeng did before was merely to bewitch Yao Yirong's soul, thoroughly releasing the desire within a person's soul. If at this moment Ou Yaofeng's soul projects and enters Yao Yirong's dream, then naturally the soul exchange can be completed. Though said to be unrelated to the body, the impact on mind and body is far greater than on the body alone.

Thinking of this, I chanted a spell, ordering the troops led by Red Granny to hide to one side, waiting for Ou Yaofeng's soul to emerge, then give him a sudden strike, swinging the big knife at the ghost.

"Holy shit, it's started, it's so hot I'm about to take off my clothes—do we have to be this exciting…" Pangzi drooled on the side, wearing a piggy face.

Yao Yirong's face grew redder and redder, perhaps because her soul was too intoxicated, causing her body to lose control, producing some reactions, and gradually becoming more intense.

At this moment, I didn't dare be careless; instead, I focused my mind and energy to watch the movements in her room. According to my estimate, Yao Yirong has already been driven by the aphrodisiac to a critical point, and Ou Yaofeng's soul should emerge; if it doesn't, we cannot enter the dream to achieve soul fusion.

Sure enough, a gust of yin wind blew through the room's window; a ghost sneaked in and headed straight for Yao Yirong on the bed. Judging by the ghost's appearance, it is undoubtedly Ou Yaofeng.

"Boundless Heavenly Venerable of Blessings and Life, fellow Daoists, why are you here commanding troops and controlling ghosts—are you plotting to harm others?"

At the critical moment, a pedantic passage of words echoed in the alley.

At some point, a refined bespectacled man ran into the alley, wearing a set of white clothes, giving off a scholarly air, and speaking in a refined, genteel manner.

"The sage says: 'A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it by the proper way; a lovely maiden, one must not covet wantonly.' I observe that you two fellow Daoists have dignified appearances—why do you commit such heinous acts? Know that practicing the Dao for evil brings karmic retribution; I urge you two fellow Daoists to lay down your butcher's knives and take refuge in the highest good, like water..."

Before I could speak, the bespectacled man began to ramble on endlessly, and what he said was all nitpicking over words, truly bewildering.

The bespectacled man gave me the feeling of an ancient scholar, but oddly, why is he chanting a Daoist exegesis? Could it be that he also has ties to the Daoist Sect?

I dare not underestimate the bespectacled man in any way; nothing else, just that demeanor makes me feel uneasy. Indeed, this bespectacled man, through his studies, has actually cultivated the righteous vigor of a Confucian.

Confucianists are neither Daoist Sect nor Buddhist Sect, but a group of people who read the sages' books and revere the sage Confucius. In this world, aside from Daoist priests and Buddhist monks, there are three kinds of people that ghosts and monsters generally dare not approach. The first is market butchers and ruthless gangsters, whose bodies are heavy with killing aura; the second is soldiers; the third is those who read the sages' books, wholeheartedly for the world—the scholars.

In ancient times, scholars did not venerate ghosts and gods, only the ruler and ministers, yet ghosts and gods still dared not invade them. Because scholars' brush carries righteous vigor, for the sake of the world. As long as a scholar holds justice in heart, they will receive the patronage of Confucian vigor; even if they do not honor gods and buddhas, evil spirits and monsters still dare not approach.

It is said that a piece of calligraphy by the late Song scholar Zhang Zai was enough to make ghosts and gods flee in fright. Zhang Zai, who uttered the words 'To establish the heart for heaven and earth, to establish the livelihood for the people, to continue the lost learning of the sages, to open peace for all ages,' this grand statement of a great Confucian, such a scholar—let alone ghosts fearing him, even the gods admire him.

However, with the changing times, studying has also changed its flavor. Not to mention lofty ideals like 'establishing the heart for heaven and earth' or 'establishing the livelihood for the people'; even the ability to read smoothly the Han classics such as the Confucian Analects, the Doctrine of the Mean, and the Great Learning is almost nonexistent. The purpose of study is no longer for the nation and the people, but for future personal fame and profit, or merely to pass exams. Discarding the thousand-year heritage of the Han Chinese, we bury ourselves in the vast sea of math, physics, chemistry, and English, unaware that within this Han Chinese thousand-year heritage lies the amalgamation of ancient Confucians' insights on self-cultivation and governance, and the philosophy of conduct as a human being. This is the most original essence of our Han culture. Reading extensively can also change one's temperament; those who comprehend its meanings and attain the realm of self-cultivation, family regulation, and state governance can further cultivate a righteous vigor that makes even ghosts and gods retreat three feet.

Nowadays, this bespectacled man's person actually causes the soldiers around me to feel a sense of panic. Without a doubt, this bespectacled man has at least reached the realm of self-cultivation attained by ancient scholars, granting him the patronage of Confucian vigor on his person, which is why the yin spirits dare not approach him.

But this feeling only makes me feel uneasy. Now Yao Yirong's side has reached a critical moment, and I naturally cannot allow this bespectacled man to mess around.

While I pinched the Seal Finger and ordered Red Granny to drive away Ou Yaofeng's soul, I also commanded the surrounding troops to drive this bespectacled man away.

The bespectacled man watched the yin troops charging at him, unafraid, and slowly pulled out from his bosom… a writing brush.

Holy shit, what is this bespectacled man up to? Is he going to write? Could it be that he intends to perform calligraphy on the spot, emulating the great Confucian Zhang Zai, infusing his brush with righteous vigor to write and scare away these yin troops?

Before I could even be surprised, this bespectacled man actually pinched a finger seal, and then, from his mouth, he chanted a spell.

"Daoist methods are not many; they subdue the north and south mountains and rivers; with just a single character, they can subdue all demons in the world."

After finishing the chant, he actually drew a command character in the void. This character was not aimed at the oncoming yin troops, but rather charged at me, whose defenses were wide open.

I never expected him to use this move, so carelessly I sent out all the yin troops. Moreover, I didn't expect him to ignore those soldiers and instead, following the principle of 'capture the bandit by capturing their leader,' he targeted me, whose defenses were wide open.

I waved my command flag, trying to recall those troops for defense, but I was still half a step slow. Instantly, I was struck by the aura of that command character, causing me to involuntarily grunt a mouthful of heart's blood, as if my five viscera and six bowels were about to burst.

The soul lamp on the altar also instantly went out. Aside from Red Granny, all the yin troops on that side vanished. However, Red Granny was not unscathed either, for she is the military general I conferred with a command seal, her soul linked to mine; since I was injured, she naturally suffered as well. Within a few seconds of the soul lamp's extinguishing, she immediately severed her connection with me.

The sole image before the connection was severed was Red Granny being beaten back step by step by Ou Yaofeng.