[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-24":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2262329,4415,"Chapter 24: Soul Summoning","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-24",24,"\u003Cp>“This…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Squire hesitated, his face darkening as he glanced sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu family steward, standing nearby to serve, turned pale and cried out in protest, “Master, I didn’t say anything at all…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, he realized his mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an outright confession that the Lu family had problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He always acted with perfect care, but he feared Lu Squire—and in his panic, he slipped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Squire’s expression grew even darker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could rage, Wang Daoxuan spoke: “Sir, don’t blame others. The steward said nothing—I merely noticed something amiss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He led everyone outside, pointed to a corner of the wall, then to a distant tree, and said: “Days of scorching sun, not a drop of rain—but moss and mold have grown on the wall corner; the jujube tree is damp, and dead birds have fallen nearby… there must be yin-sha energy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked—and it was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These seemingly trivial details now seemed suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan stood behind the crowd, silently smirking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan was a decent man, but he knew his underworld tricks well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since deciding to enter the Xuan Gate, this Daoist had traveled far and wide across the land, seeking out famed masters. Though he failed to gain true discipleship and was fooled often, he still gained some knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood bits and pieces of every Xuan Gate practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, with such skills, he could easily earn his bread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wang Daoxuan’s awakened divine ability was the Tongue Divine Power—only by tasting something could he discern its hidden signs from its flavor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he just lick everything he saw?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How would he lick a corpse or a vengeful ghost?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a young lady was possessed, would he lick her body?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, he later found a method: using talismans or other means as cover, he would smear the substance, then analyze its taste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, his most common work remained feng shui geomancy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, geomancers had a secret skill: tasting soil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the Tongue Divine Power wasn’t without potential—when his Dao cultivation reached a certain level, reciting true incantations could amplify his power beyond others’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan clearly lacked this ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Performing the ritual to establish a shrine and invoke the spirit had drained all his savings, and left him deeply in debt—he lived in utter poverty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he met Li Yan, he saw an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan could smell special odors; Wang Daoxuan could interpret the signs from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, they complemented each other perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hadn’t spoken on the road—because they’d been doing exactly this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan had sensed faint yin-sha energy, so he turned his back hand upward—palm was yang, back of hand was yin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his little finger, pointing toward the abnormal area inside the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan watched closely—he’d already understood upon entering, so he put on a show of mastery before the Lu family, firmly planting his “tethering stake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Wang is truly brilliant!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei feigned astonishment, clapping loudly to play the admirer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three mediocre men could still rival Zhuge Liang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Lu Squire’s expression shifted slightly. He studied Wang Daoxuan deeply, then bowed respectfully: “Master Wang is indeed skilled. Please be seated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone returned indoors and sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Squire hesitated again: “It wasn’t intentional concealment—this matter…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, rest assured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan knew what he meant, smiled, and nodded: “My Dao cultivation is ordinary, but my lips are sealed tight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Squire sighed: “This matter is deeply strange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last night, the night guard Zhao Jiu heard a sound and went to investigate—he saw a figure floating in midair. It was my late wife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Jiu cried out. Others came out and saw it too—then the figure vanished before everyone’s eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan frowned: “A ghost? How is that possible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan, hearing this, also found it odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether ghosts, soldiers, or immortals—all are formless. Only those with awakened divine powers can perceive them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary people can see them only under special circumstances: near death, overwhelmed by yin-sha, or haunted in dreams…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For so many to see it at once? That’s unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei didn’t care—he’d already lost patience, gorging on food and gulping wine, mumbling: “The Lady has passed on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Squire gave a bitter laugh: “My wife has been ill in bed for years. These past few months, she’s been in a constant daze.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After it happened, we went to check.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s still alive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard, frowned, and shook his head: “This is a living soul leaving the body. A soul-recall and soul-anchoring ritual is needed. But a living soul is formless too—how could so many see it? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting beside him, Li Yan moved just as quickly—his chopsticks flew, shoveling large chunks of braised beef and perch into his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked like a man wolfing down food, but his eyes flashed with sharp insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this unusual phenomenon be connected to what he was seeking…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Squire clenched his teeth: “Master, what must we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan pondered: “A living soul leaving the body has many causes. I suspect your Lady, long bedridden, has lost her yang energy and her soul has scattered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, perform the soul-recall ritual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night was windless; candles burned brightly throughout the Lu estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Contrary to Sha Lifei’s claims, Lu Squire had not abandoned his first wife despite taking two beautiful concubines—he treated her with unusual respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dignified courtyard in the rear became the Lady’s residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she lay bedridden, nearly a vegetative patient, the courtyard was kept immaculately clean, with many servants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, this was the master’s inner quarters. Lu Squire had given it up, moving himself and his concubines to another courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, a ritual altar had been set up in the yard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Called an altar, it was merely a square table, bearing the statue and spirit tablet of Chen Tianjun of the Xuan Qi Manifestation, followed by a pair of red candle stands, a sandalwood incense burner, a sandalwood incense dish, a pure water vessel, a ritual scroll, a talisman token, a wooden fish, a peachwood sword, yellow talisman paper, and other items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the treasure bottle—the wandering soul jar—was there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a small black jar, bound with red string, sealed with yellow cloth, and pasted with talismans, faintly pulsing with yin-sha energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside was a minor yin-soldier Wang Daoxuan had painstakingly acquired—no great power, only capable of delivering messages and locating objects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finally landing a major job, Wang Daoxuan brought all his tools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Lu Squire and all the estate guards and servants were present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan pinched his fingers, then spoke solemnly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Lady was born under the Tiger. All those born under Ox, Tiger, Snake, or Monkey—leave the estate immediately. Return only after dawn tomorrow…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cover every mirror in the house…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The personal maid who tended to the Lady remains…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All others, stay indoors. No matter what you hear, do not step outside…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rapid stream of orders left his lips, leaving the crowd bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Squire barked: “What are you waiting for? Do as instructed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servants scrambled into action. Several Zhao Family Fist guards exchanged glances but said nothing, turning away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Lu Squire asked cautiously: “Must I leave too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan nodded: “A living soul fears shock most. One misstep, and it may scatter forever. Caution is best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then so be it. Thank you, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Squire said no more, turning and leaving immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, only Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan remained in the yard. The maid, as instructed, entered the room and cut a lock of hair from the emaciated, unconscious Lady, then tore off a scrap of her undergarment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seizing the moment, Li Yan whispered: “Lu Squire reeks of urine and musk—he’s masked it with expensive perfume. I couldn’t even get close…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I noticed long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan wasn’t surprised. He shook his head: “During my travels, I once visited a village where families forced their second sons to castrate themselves to seek fortune in the palace. Generations produced many powerful eunuchs, who returned to build lavish homes—everyone imitated them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the palace is treacherous—not everyone succeeds. Many never even entered. In the village, idle men all looked like this: potbellied, pale, beardless, skin loose…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your divine power has returned?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Intermittently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s expression was weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His divine power, since exploding outside Xianyang City, had been erratic—sometimes weak, sometimes suddenly strong, then leaving his spirit exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, it flared again—he smelled the odor around Lu Squire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder he kept two beautiful concubines close, ignoring others’ glances, even seeming proud—if he were a eunuch, it made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came to the Lu estate to find that mysterious treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a eunuch, once in the capital…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be a treasure that leaked out from the imperial palace?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad, just when his powers failed him—what bad luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan naturally knew nothing of his thoughts and said: “The method of summoning souls originates from ancient Wu-Nuo rituals. The Book of Rites: Funeral Rites states, ‘The summoner, an official, calls the soul back to restore the spirit.’ It is also said that the rites of summoning the soul and preparing the corpse for burial mark the time of interment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Given this lady’s condition, even if the soul returns, it will be time for the funeral.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he began cutting paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large sheet of yellow paper danced beneath his scissors, gradually forming a paper spirit banner, adorned not only with cloud patterns but also tiny human figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan couldn’t help but praise: “Master, your craftsmanship is superb.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan shook his head and smiled: “Once you meet a Daoist paper-zha craftsman, you’ll understand what true divine skill means. I’ve merely learned the surface…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept talking, explaining Daoist knowledge to Li Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was their unspoken understanding: Li Yan assisted him, while Wang Daoxuan guided Li Yan into the trade, imparting hidden secrets and techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, the maid brought the hair and clothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan first burned the hair to ash, then scattered it into a water jar, observing its flow. After a moment, he inserted the torn clothing fragments into the staff of the spirit banner and said: “At Zi time, you will hold this spirit banner and stand on the roof in the northeast corner of the courtyard, shaking it and calling: ‘Soul, return, soul, return.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remember, don’t be afraid. If you feel cold, close your eyes and keep shouting. When you hear the wooden fish sound, run back immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If someone calls you from behind, never turn around!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maid, already trembling with fear, remembered the master’s promise of a hefty reward and gritted her teeth: “M…Master, don’t worry—I’ve remembered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she carefully picked up the spirit banner and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan found it strange: “If someone calls from behind, it’s a demon or evil spirit—but can a living soul harm a person?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan whispered: “A living soul cannot withstand shock, like a sleepwalker—it must be gently guided back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m afraid the maid will scare the soul away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Li Yan fell silent, then chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan truly thought of everything…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Zi time arrived, and the entire Lu residence plunged into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maid had already climbed onto the roof, eyes shut, shaking the spirit banner and gritting her teeth as she shouted: “Soul, return, soul, return…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long, drawn-out cry sent many servants cowering under their quilts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In another side courtyard, Lu the Merchant and his two concubines hid together in a pitch-black side room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, his expression carried a touch of authority. He turned to the two concubines and said coldly: “Bring them out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two concubines quickly reached beneath them and each pulled out a date.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu the Merchant took them, swallowed them whole, chewed as he listened to the cries outside the window, his eyes shifting between shadow and light…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1998,"2026-06-19T18:28:32.159Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","95cd19ae974f2532e53afc31f72095cbfbb102864102c9bed4ec6ec5e1adf06c","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-25","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-23",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]