At five o’clock sharp, Ma Daqiang and I gathered up the supplies and headed out, making our way straight to the “Gulch of the Dead” on the northwest edge of the village. By the time we got there, night had fully fallen.

　　I looked up at the moon overhead, which cast a bright, clear light across the path, helping us find our way in the darkness.

　　“Put it on,” I told Ma Daqiang.

　　“Got it,” he replied, slipping into the mourning clothes without a fuss.

　　We were still on the outskirts of the gulch, and I’d had him wear the mourning attire to hopefully ease Zhang Cuicui’s grudge against him. I wasn’t sure if it would work, but it was worth a shot.

　　“Listen carefully,” I said, my tone serious. “When the time comes, you need to kneel and apologize. Got it? Otherwise, there’s nothing I can do for you.”

　　Ma Daqiang nodded quickly, his face pale with fear.

　　With a sigh, I added, “Grab the bag, let’s keep going.”

　　Without a word, he hefted the big sack of joss paper onto his shoulder and followed close behind.

　　As soon as we stepped over the seal, an icy chill hit me, and one by one, shadowy spirits began to gather around us.

　　“S-sir… do they know we’re here?” Ma Daqiang’s voice was a shaky whisper as he glanced around nervously.

　　“Yes,” I replied, honest and to the point. There was no point sugarcoating it now.

　　“Then…then why can’t I…see them?” His voice was trembling.

　　I looked over at him, but stayed silent.Ma Daqiang couldn’t see the spirits, but they were all fixated on him, lurking in the shadows without revealing any ghostly energy, which was why he was oblivious to their presence. I kept my gaze fixed ahead, knowing Zhang Cuicui was waiting for me just up ahead.

　　“That Zhang Cuicui…” Ma Daqiang ventured to say.

　　“Shut up!” I snapped, pressing on.

　　His fear was palpable, and he quickly fell silent, too intimidated to speak again.

　　After about two minutes, we halted and stared at Zhang Cuicui, who floated in the air before us. I announced, “I’m here.”

　　As soon as the words left my mouth, Zhang Cuicui and the other spirits materialized, sending Ma Daqiang into a panic, nearly causing him to trip.

　　“Sir, you truly keep your promises. I ask you to fulfill your earlier vow and help us find our way to the underworld,” she pleaded earnestly.

　　I let out a soft sigh and shot a glance at Ma Daqiang, urging, “It’s your turn!”

　　Gathering his courage, Ma Daqiang stepped forward and, with a thud, knelt down. “I, Ma Daqiang, recognize my family's wrongs and the pain we’ve caused you. In light of your kindness, I hope you can spare my family. I promise to burn paper for you every year and honor you properly!” He bowed his head repeatedly, desperation lacing his words.

　　Zhang Cuicui slowly descended from the air, the other spirits standing solemnly behind her.

　　“Ma Daqiang has put on mourning clothes to confess his sins to you. It seems he truly understands his mistakes. You can let go of your hatred and enter the underworld for reincarnation,” I explained.

　　Zhang Cuicui and I locked eyes. She sighed deeply but ignored Ma Daqiang, focusing instead on me. “Sir, please proceed.”

　　“Alright,” I replied softly, lowering my head as I pondered my next move.

　　“What’s wrong, sir?” Zhang Cuicui asked, sensing my hesitation.

　　I turned to her and said, “I’m trying to figure out how to send all of you off. After all, it’s not just a handful of spirits; there’s a whole group here.”

　　Zhang Cuicui glanced back at the other spirits and suggested, “Sir, since you’re skilled in formations, couldn’t you use one to send us all together?”

　　I shook my head and replied, “That’s not an option. If the formation isn’t executed perfectly, it could tear you apart. It’s way too risky!”

　　“What about sending you one by one?” Zhang Cuicui asked.

　　“That would take far too long. With so many of you, it could take at least half a month. And honestly, I can’t guarantee that my energy will hold out for that long,” I explained.

　　Zhang Cuicui thought for a moment, then lowered her gaze and said, “Please, sir, think of a way!”

　　I stepped aside, deep in thought. The best solution would be to summon some ghost messengers!

　　After making up my mind, I looked back at Zhang Cuicui and said, “I’ve got it! I’ll call a few ghost messengers!”

　　“Ghost messengers?” she hesitated for a moment before asking, “Will that really work?”

　　“It absolutely will!” I assured her.

　　With that, I formed a hand seal and began to recite, “Heaven and Earth, I command; let the energies flow through the underworld. Close the gate of life, and reverse longevity in the realm of the dead. I now beseech the three souls to communicate and summon the ghost messengers. Open the gates of the underworld!”

　　Without delay, I pulled out a yellow talisman that shimmered with golden light and tossed it into the air. It exploded in a brilliant flash, illuminating the space with dazzling golden brilliance.

　　I turned to the side, waiting quietly for what would happen next.

　　In that moment, silence enveloped us. Ma Daqiang, Zhang Cuicui, and the other spirits all fixed their eyes on a single point in front of us.

　　After a brief pause, with nothing happening, Zhang Cuicui suggested, “Sir, maybe you should think of another way?”

　　I kept my silence, my gaze still locked ahead. I had successfully summoned ghost messengers, but since this was my first time using this method, I had no idea who would actually appear. All I could do was wait!

　　Then, after what felt like an eternity, the air in front of us began to shimmer. “They’re coming!” I announced, excitement building in my chest.

　　Two figures slowly emerged from the undulating air—one tall and the other short, one stout and the other slender—dressed in black and white robes, topped with tall, pointed hats.

　　I blinked, recognition dawning on me. Aren’t those the Black and White Impermanence?

　　Eight years ago, on the night of my grandfather’s return, I had seen them. I couldn’t believe that after all this time, I had managed to summon them again.

　　“Who called for us?” the Black Impermanence asked, his voice stern as he surveyed the scene. His brow furrowed as he continued, “Where did all these spirits come from?”

　　“Eighth Master, this time we’re really going to make a name for ourselves! So many spirits, and there’s even a fierce ghost!” the White Impermanence chimed in, a sly grin spreading across his face.

　　“Is that... Black and White Impermanence?” Ma Daqiang stammered in disbelief, rooted to the spot, too terrified to move.

　　Zhang Cuicui and the other spirits immediately fell to their knees at the sight of the two.

　　But I stood firm, unafraid, even offering them a smile.

　　The Black Impermanence floated closer, fixing his gaze on me. “Did you call us here?”

　　“Yes, I did. Is that a problem?” I replied, my voice steady.

　　The Black Impermanence circled around me, grinning. “Summoning us like this? You’ve got some serious skills! It’s been ages since we’ve seen someone like you in the human world!”

　　“Is that so?” I replied, smiling back.

　　Just as the Black Impermanence was about to say more, the White Impermanence tugged at his sleeve from behind.

　　“What’s with the pulling, old seven?” the Black Impermanence shot back.

　　“Eighth Master, how can you be so clueless? Take a closer look at who he is!” the White Impermanence whispered urgently in his ear.

　　“Hmm?” The Black Impermanence scoffed, leaning in closer to inspect me. Suddenly, his expression shifted. “It’s you! You…”

　　Before he could finish, the White Impermanence swiftly covered his mouth, saying, “Eighth Master, don’t act on impulse!”

　　The Black Impermanence nodded, and only then did the White Impermanence let go, chuckling as he turned to me. “Hehe, so it’s you, brother! I nearly didn’t recognize you!”