Chapter Twenty-Three: Chaos in the Netherworld

My master picked up his coat from the chair nearby, just about to turn and leave the villa with me. But as soon as he took a step, a piercing scream erupted from the crowd. The shriek startled everyone, and the music halted abruptly. Master ignored the commotion and continued to lead me outside. After a moment, I heard a panicked woman shouting to those around her, “A ghost! I saw a ghost—so many ghosts!”

Upon hearing the word “ghost,” both my master and I froze in our tracks, simultaneously turning to look back at the crowd. Chu Feng and Chu Mengxi, who were standing behind us, did the same. Then, master turned and walked back, with Chu Feng following. We pushed our way through the people and saw the woman collapsed on the floor, a man at her side trying to comfort her. As Chu Feng reached us, he exchanged a glance with my master, and both nodded.

Master crouched down and addressed the woman on the ground, “What happened? Where did you see a ghost?”

“There... over there!” she stammered, pointing, “I’d just come out of the bathroom when I saw a ghost with long, messy hair standing behind me in the mirror. I panicked and ran out, but then I saw even more ghosts near the kitchen. I was terrified!” Her voice quivered with fear.

Master glanced in the direction she indicated. As he stood, Zhong Ming hurried over, squeezing through the crowd and calling out, “What’s going on? Is everyone all right?”

The people nearby assured him they were fine, and Zhong Ming breathed a sigh of relief. Master, however, pulled him aside and whispered, “Zhong Ming, something’s not right tonight. It’s best to end the party here.”

After his encounter with that crooked priest last time, Zhong Ming had grown wary of the supernatural. Hearing master’s warning, he was quick to believe. He clapped his hands and addressed the guests, “Everyone, I’m terribly sorry, but the party has to end here tonight. It’s getting late, and I don’t want to keep you up. Thank you for coming—I’ll make it up to you next time.”

It was clear enough for the guests; no one questioned it. They bid their farewells and left, one after another. Soon the banquet hall was empty except for Zhong Ming, myself, master, Chu Feng, and Chu Mengxi. Even the servants had been dismissed. Master surveyed the room and asked Chu Feng, “Chu Feng, do you sense it?”

Chu Feng nodded silently, his eyes scanning the surroundings. I too could feel the residual presence of many ghosts—some strong, some faint. Zhong Ming looked at us anxiously, “Could it be that crooked priest again?”

I shook my head. “No, don’t worry. We’ll take care of it. With two experts here, what could possibly go wrong?”

Relieved, Zhong Ming’s tension eased. Master then said, “Chu Feng, let’s deal with this quickly. It’s been ages since we’ve fought side by side—let’s see if you’ve lost your edge. Want to make it a contest?”

Chu Feng was taken aback, then laughed, “Come on, old friend, you’re teasing me. I could never match you, but I’m interested all the same.”

“Alright, then let’s see who can catch the most ghosts. I’ll count to three. One... two... three!”

As soon as he finished, both master and Uncle Chu moved like lightning. Even I couldn’t track their movements—the two of them vanished in a blur, and then from all around came shrill cries and wails. Before long, master returned to me with over a dozen talisman papers in hand, and Chu Feng soon joined us, also holding a handful.

Master grinned, “Not bad, kid. You haven’t lost your touch, but you still lost to me.”

Chu Feng chuckled and didn’t argue. Master drew a talisman, tossed it to the side, and with a sound like a pop, a small ghost materialized before us. Zhong Ming, startled out of his wits, nearly had a heart attack and hid behind us, stammering, “Is... is that a ghost?!”

I nodded. Master looked at the little ghost on the ground, crouched down, and asked, “Hey, little one, how long have you been dead?”

The ghost shivered, replying fearfully, “Master, I... I’ve been dead for over a hundred years.”

Master nodded, stroking his chin, “Then why haven’t you reincarnated? Why come to the world of the living and cause trouble?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to reincarnate, master,” the little ghost trembled. “The underworld is in chaos right now. The Ghost King Qingchen is trying to seize control and has already started a war. The Ten Kings of Hell have vanished, and Lady Meng Po has been captured by Qingchen. We little ghosts are powerless and fear being destroyed, so we’ve come to the world of the living. I swear, I’ve never harmed anyone—please, master, spare me, I’ll never cause trouble again.”

Master was taken aback by the ghost’s words, and so was I. I remembered the name Qingchen Ghost King from stories told by Qiyuan, the spirit in the village mortuary. Master was silent for a long time, lost in thought, until Chu Feng patted his shoulder, bringing him back to himself. He turned to Chu Feng, “Give me the talismans. Let them go.”

Chu Feng hesitated, but then nodded, handing the talismans over. Master took them, stomped his foot, and shouted, “Gate of the Underworld, appear!”

After a moment, a familiar black portal rose from the ground. Master tossed the talismans into the gate, and the little ghost, overjoyed, cried, “Thank you, master, thank you!” before darting inside. With a wave of master’s hand, the gate vanished.

Master glanced at Chu Feng, “Chu Feng, I have a favor to ask. Find out what’s happening in the underworld, and get in touch with Qiyuan for me. If you hear from him, tell him to come to my house—the address is...”

He gave Chu Feng the address. Chu Feng nodded but asked, “Are you sure we should notify that guy?”

Master nodded silently, clapping Chu Feng on the shoulder, then turned to Zhong Ming. “Your home’s feng shui is good. You might have some good fortune coming your way. But don’t forget to settle up with my apprentice for handling that crooked priest. As for tonight’s ghost-clearing, consider it a gift. Until next time.”

With that, master led me out of the Zhong family villa. He was silent as we drove, one hand on his head, deep in thought. After a while, I said, “Master, could you please drive safely? One-handed driving is dangerous, you know.”

Startled, he realized his mistake and laughed awkwardly, “Ah, sorry, I forgot. Wait, since when did you become bold enough to scold me?” He caught himself and turned the rebuke on me.

I burst out laughing, “I wouldn’t dare. But, master, what’s on your mind? You seem troubled.”

He pondered a moment, then answered candidly, “You heard what that little ghost said. I’m wondering why Qingchen Ghost King would dare challenge the entire underworld. Is he not afraid of being overwhelmed by all its forces? And I did promise Qiyuan... not to mention my own history with Qingchen. I need to be prepared.”

Riding in the passenger seat, I could tell what master intended and dropped the subject. Instead, I asked, “Master, what’s the story with Chu Feng—why does he call you boss? You two look about the same age; I don’t get the seniority.”

Master smiled, “As I’ve said before, you’ll understand in time.”

I rolled my eyes at him and said nothing more. The car sped along, and soon we were home. Inside, I saw Yooner flitting about the room. When she saw us, she greeted, “Master, you’re back!”

Master nodded. This time, I noticed all the resentment had vanished from her—if she weren’t floating, I’d have thought master had brought home some young lady. I greeted her, and she smiled politely. In this state, she really was beautiful, though, sadly, she no longer belonged to this world.

Master poured himself a glass of water and sat on the sofa, calling Yooner over. “Yooner, stop calling me master. It sounds odd. Also, don’t go to the underworld for now—it’s in turmoil. Lay low here.”

She nodded obediently, “Okay, mas—uh, sir! Understood.”

Master nodded, pulled out his phone, and made a few calls—I didn’t ask whom. I went to my room, and Yooner followed. I walked to the balcony, gazing at the starry sky, taking a deep breath. Yooner floated over, looked at me, and asked, “Lin Xuan, what’s wrong? Missing your grandparents?”

I was startled, “How did you know?”

She giggled, “Sir told me about your family. If you miss them, why not call? You mortals have those phone things now, don’t you?”

I blinked. Phone? Right, how could I have forgotten? I quickly dialed my grandfather’s number. He answered, and I shouted excitedly, “Grandpa, how are you? It’s me, Lin Xuan! Where’s Grandma?”

“Oh, Xuan’er, I’m doing well, and so is your grandma. We just miss you, that’s all. It’s been so long—have you forgotten about us?” Grandpa teased.

I laughed, “Of course not! How could I ever forget you two?”

“Just kidding. Hold on, I’ll get your grandma—she’ll be over the moon to hear from you. Xuan’er’s calling!” He called out.

Soon, I heard my grandmother’s voice and her hurried footsteps. “Xuan’er, you finally called! I’ve been longing for you every day. How is life in the city? Are you listening to your master?”

I laughed, “Grandma, I miss you too. Don’t worry, master treats me very well—he always shares the best food and drink with me. I’ll come back and visit when I can. Oh, and I’ve been craving your cooking!”

“Haha, my good grandson, come home soon and I’ll make all your favorites,” she replied.

I chatted with them for a long time before hanging up, Yooner by my side the whole time. Afterward, I thanked her. She looked surprised, “Thank me? For what?”

Leaning on the balcony, phone in hand, I said, “If you hadn’t reminded me, I’d have forgotten I could call them.”

She immediately scolded, “You’re nuts! How do you forget your phone is in your pocket?”

I just laughed, not bothering to argue. Speaking with my grandparents left me in much better spirits. At that moment, master came in and asked, “So, how are the old folks?”

I froze—could master hear my call? When I didn’t answer, he pressed, “Well?”

“Ah, Grandpa and Grandma are well. But master, how did you know I just called them?”

“You were talking so loudly, how could I not hear? If you’re missing them, let’s visit when we have time.”

As soon as I heard that, I leapt up and threw my arms around him, shouting, “Thank you, master!”

He patted my head, smiling, “Alright, that’s enough excitement for one day. Time for bed, as usual. Yooner, I’ll need your help with something later.”

She nodded, “Of course, sir. Whatever you need, just tell me.”

Master took a slip of paper from his pocket, handed it to her, and explained, “Take this to the address on the note and give it to someone there. They’ll know what to do. Don’t worry, I guarantee your safety.”

Yooner took the note, glanced at the address, and vanished. I could sense master was up to something, but before I could ask, he pointed at me, “You—bed. Now.”

I pouted but saw him out, then lay in bed, thinking for a long time before finally drifting off to sleep.