The art of divination using oracle bones was, legend had it, passed down from the human realm.
Lin’er had only read about this legend, never having witnessed it firsthand.
It was said that the mysteries within were profound, beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.
Seeing it today was like discovering a new world, filling his heart with curiosity and delight.
Lin’er asked with a curious tone.
“Senior, I never imagined you possessed such a miraculous method of divination. I’ve only ever read about it, and what you’re doing is exactly the same.”
The old man chuckled happily and then looked at the elder.
“Brother Li, you even have your nephew call me ‘senior,’ doesn’t that sound rather distant?”
The elder finally reacted and said to Lin’er.
“Lin’er, my old friend’s surname is Yu. You should call him Uncle Yu.”
Lin’er quickly cupped his hands in greeting.
“Uncle Yu.”
Old Senior Yu then nodded with satisfaction and began to explain the divination method to him.
“Oracle bone divination is originally a human art. A thousand years ago, it was introduced to the Four Cities by a master.
That master had disciples, and his disciples took on their own disciples. After many generations, it was passed down to a man named Meng.
I met that man in my early years. He was a genial and uninhibited person. Seeing my keen interest in oracle bone divination,
he passed this secret art to me.”
“So that’s how it is. Truly miraculous.”
“Indeed. I have studied diligently for many years, yet I have only grasped a tiny fraction of it. I can only serve as a leisurely scholar who resolves doubts.”
“That is still incredibly impressive.”
As the two were talking, a sudden crackling sound echoed from within the cauldron.
Old Senior Yu calmly brought over a basin of water and, using the prepared iron tongs, retrieved the bone.
He tossed it into the water basin, and the bone immediately began to boil.
Before long, the boiling subsided, revealing cracked white bone.
Old Senior Yu picked it up and examined it meticulously.
His brows shifted from surprise to alarm, and then back to surprise.
The elder, watching his expression change, felt a surge of anxiety and quickly asked.
“Brother Yu, is there a problem?”
Old Senior Yu slowly put down the bone, his expression returning to its usual calm. He said to the elder.
“Brother Li, I have a few words I wish to speak with you alone. Please follow me.”
“Alright.”
The elder guessed it might be something unfavorable, yet he still held onto hope.
Old Senior Yu led him to the backyard, let out a sigh, and said to him with deep earnestness.
“The Ghost魅 Tribe has suffered for a thousand years. Now is the time for them to rise again…”
Upon hearing this, the elder’s face immediately lit up with joy, and he exclaimed excitedly.
“What you say, is it true?”
He nodded slightly, but then shook his head.
The elder, confused, asked him.
“Why the shake of your head?”
He replied.
“This time, it is both a great trial for the Ghost魅 Tribe and a great trial for you. I have known you for many years, and I do not wish to see you die in vain.”
The elder knew that he had seen something, perhaps the future of the Ghost魅 Tribe.
If that were the case, then why fear death? He couldn’t help but laugh.
“Hahaha, hahaha.”
Old Senior Yu understood his thoughts and still wanted to persuade him.
“Brother Li, I urge you to let the younger generation take the lead.
You have dedicated your entire life to the Ghost魅 Tribe, serving them with utmost devotion. Keep this life for yourself.”
The elder gently shook his head, gazing at the clear, cloudless sky and the fiery sun.
His eyes were filled with anticipation, and he then said.
“Ten thousand years ago, our Ghost魅 Tribe was a dominant force.
Yet, we suffered a calamity and endured a thousand years of hardship. Ever since I can remember, my entire being has been dedicated to the Ghost魅 Tribe.
The previous elder entrusted the entire tribe to me before his passing.
I know this path is fraught with extreme danger, but I have waited a thousand years for this day.
If I abandon it now, what difference would that make than to take my life?”
Old Senior Yu, listening to the elder’s heartfelt and impassioned words, felt a deep respect.
From the moment he knew him, the elder had been solely devoted to the Ghost魅 Tribe. Even after so many years, his resolve remained unchanged.
He knew he could not persuade him, so he slowly raised his hand in a respectful gesture.
He said, moved.
“Brother Li, your great integrity and righteousness are truly beyond compare.
It is just a pity that you will not live to see the prosperous era.”
The elder cared not for such things. He said.
“If I can do anything for the Ghost魅 Tribe, if I can secure a bright future for them, then I will be content.”
Old Senior Yu was deeply touched. He said.
“Very well. If that is the case, then your departure will surely shake the heavens and the earth, and the Ghost魅 Tribe will emerge anew.”
Upon hearing this, the elder was filled with excitement. He turned back and clasped Old Senior Yu’s hand tightly, saying.
“Good. With your words, I am at ease.”
“You can proceed with confidence and boldness.”
“Good.”
Lin’er waited anxiously in the living room, wondering what they had discussed.
Before long, the two emerged, smiling.
Lin’er turned to look at them, eager to know what had happened, and quickly asked.
“What’s wrong? You seem so happy.”
Old Senior Yu said with a smile.
“Nothing much, just good news. Since you are busy with important matters, you should depart now.
This humble place of mine will not keep you.”
The elder nodded slightly and, along with Lin’er, cupped his hands in gratitude.
“Thank you, Brother Yu.”
“Thank you, Uncle Yu.”
Then, Old Senior Yu personally escorted them to the courtyard gate. The two mounted their swift horses and, amidst heartfelt farewells, gradually rode away.
As they left the small mountain village, dusk had already fallen. To reach Wanxue Mountain as quickly as possible, they had to travel through the night.
After a night of continuous travel, they finally arrived at Wanxue Mountain before dawn.
This was Lin’er’s first time here. From afar, he saw a majestic snow-capped mountain, bald and white-haired.
It was a sight he had never witnessed before. Although he often saw snow, it was never like this, with both green and white.
Lin’er couldn’t help but exclaim.
“How beautiful.”
The village chief turned back, looked at him gazing enraptured at Wanxue Mountain, and smiled slightly. He said to him.
“Wanxue Mountain is beautiful, but it is also extremely cold. It is not suitable for us to live here.
Our ancestors originally lived in the plains, enjoying a life of prosperity and peace.
In the future, we too will live as our ancestors did.”
Lin’er listened with great anticipation, wondering how wonderful such a life would be.
A life where everyone lived and worked in peace, and every household was filled with laughter.
Seeing Lin’er still lost in thought, the elder shouted.
“Let’s go!”
He spurred his horse and turned towards the foot of the mountain. Lin’er quickly followed.
Passing through a patch of lush green rice paddies, at the foot of the snow-covered mountain, were about a dozen closely packed houses.
These were the dwellings of some minor demons.
The elder’s gaze fell upon them, a faint smile appearing on his face.
It was as if he had visited this place in years past.
Then, he led Lin’er into the village before them and into the home of an old woman.
As they approached, the two dismounted and led their horses forward.
Before reaching the door, they saw the old woman waiting in front of the house, smoking a pipe, her eyes fixed on the approaching figures.
Upon seeing the elder, she showed a flicker of surprise.
However, she calmly continued to smoke. As they drew nearer, she rose to greet them.
The elder looked at the old woman before him and couldn’t help but smile, teasingly.
“Thirteenth Sister, it’s been many years. Your transformation skills have truly improved.”
The old woman smiled slightly, took a puff from her pipe, and then slowly exhaled, letting out a long sigh.
“Hibiscus bleeding, a smile with a hidden blade, a thousand years of waiting in a single strand.”
She transformed, and amidst the hazy smoke, she became a beautiful woman.
She then bowed respectfully to the elder and said.
“I remember our last parting was five hundred years ago.
Elder, is there something important that brings you to me this time?”
Lin’er looked at the person before him with great astonishment and quickly bowed.
“Greetings, Thirteenth Aunt.”
Thirteenth Sister looked at him with surprise and quickly asked the elder.
“Who is this?”
The elder smiled slightly and gestured towards the inside.
“Let’s talk inside.”
Thirteenth Sister then welcomed them into the house.
Once inside, the three of them sat down.
The elder then introduced.
“This is my nephew. You met him briefly many years ago.”
Lin’er was also surprisingly well-behaved and chimed in.
“Thirteenth Aunt, I’ve often heard my uncle speak of you, but I’ve never had the chance to meet you in person.
Seeing you today, you are indeed as beautiful and captivating as the legends say.”
Thirteenth Sister looked at this young man, noting his politeness and good manners.
Coupled with his handsome appearance, he was truly a rare and precious talent. She smiled slightly.
“Indeed, he is a rare and fine young talent. I believe I can guess the reason you brought him here, Elder.”
The elder, however, said.
“He still has much to learn. Today, I have also brought something with me.”
“What is it?”
The elder carefully took out a red wooden box from his embrace and handed it to Thirteenth Sister.
Thirteenth Sister took the box, gently opened it, and upon seeing its contents, was immediately astonished.
She quickly closed it and returned it to the elder.
Then, with a solemn expression, she asked.
“Has the time come?”
“The time has come. We only need to gather our scattered tribesmen from the four directions.”
The elder then began to tell her what he had learned.
“I presume you have also heard the news of the Ghost King’s imprisonment.”
“I have indeed heard some whispers.”
“The Ghost King waited for a thousand years and has finally been reborn, which is no easy feat. However, he is now being pursued by the Four Cities.
His life is in danger, and we must act quickly.”
“Yes.”
“I have learned that the Ghost King is imprisoned in Qianmen Cave.
However, our manpower is currently dispersed, and we need to contact our scattered tribesmen.
Now is the time for you to travel to the east, west, north, and south to recall the scattered Ghost魅 tribesmen.
Afterward, we will rendezvous at Wanxue Mountain and proceed with the rescue.”
“Understood.”
“I have written a few letters here. Once you deliver these letters to the elders, they will understand what to do.”
Saying this, he took out several letters from his embrace and handed them to Thirteenth Sister.
Thirteenth Sister took the letters, carefully put them away, and said.
“Very well, I will depart now.”
“Yes, be careful. When I and Lin’er were traveling, we saw many patrol soldiers along the way.
It seems that with the Ghost King’s emergence, they are still wary of our Ghost魅 Tribe.”
“Understood, I will be cautious and prudent.”
With that, she stood up and walked out the door, transforming into a black bird and flying away.
After Thirteenth Sister departed, the elder let out a sigh of relief and said to Lin’er.
“Lin’er, let us ascend the mountain now.”
“Ascend the mountain? The snow mountain?”
“Indeed. We must meet that person. His thousand-year wait is about to bear fruit.”
Lin’er knew his uncle was referring to the Wanxue Spider. However, it had been materialized for a thousand years.
He wondered if it still retained its clear consciousness.
Despite his doubts, he followed his uncle up the mountain.
Upon reaching the snow mountain, gazing at the vast expanse of white snow.
The elder’s eyes showed no trace of confusion.
He slowly took out a white jade whistle from his sleeve and blew it long and clear towards the vast white snow.
The whistle’s sound echoed through the heavens, reaching the sky.
At this moment, a loud noise erupted from one side of the snow mountain, like an avalanche.
Suddenly, not far away, a large snowdrift rolled down from the mountainside.
Lin’er watched curiously as the snowdrift landed on the ground and began to shake.
Suddenly, it propped up eight legs, shedding snow, and ran towards the elder, stopping before him.
The elder looked at the colossal creature before him, showing no fear. Instead, he spoke to the Wanxue Spider.
“General Xian, you have resided here for a thousand years, originally for a promise made a millennium ago.
Now that the Ghost King has reappeared, it is time for you to receive your orders.
Assist the Ghost King once more to pacify the four directions, rebuild our tribe’s former glory, and wash away a thousand years of humiliation.”
The Wanxue Spider seemed to understand his words, letting out a long roar to the sky, its eight large eyes shining like brilliant pearls.
Lin’er was also curious. Legend had it that only a wisp of his soul remained, and yet, after a thousand years as the Wanxue Spider, he could still retain his humanity. It was truly miraculous.
The elder continued.
“Today, though you are confined within the Wanxue Spider’s body.
In the future, you will surely regain your true form and be celebrated through the ages.
For now, you need only lie low and wait for my command.”
The Wanxue Spider nodded and roared to the sky again, as if expressing its joy.
Then, it turned and, with the speed of a blizzard, galloped away, disappearing into the vast snow.
After the Wanxue Spider departed, the silent snow ridge miraculously began to experience a heavy snowfall.
The elder stood tall amidst the white snow, like a proud hero.
He gazed at the vast white snow before him, his heart filled with emotion. He said to Lin’er.
“I was the last elder of the Ghost魅 Tribe. When I received my mandate, I was not even as old as you are now.
At that time, the Ghost King was besieged, then killed, and his spirit imprisoned in Wan Gui Mountain.
It was twelve elders who sacrificed their lives to break the Ghost King’s seal.
Before they departed, they instructed me to remain hidden until the Ghost King’s reappearance.
Then, I was to assist him in revitalizing our Ghost魅 Tribe and restoring its former glory. Therefore, Lin’er, your responsibility is also immense.”
Lin’er’s gaze gradually became resolute, and he replied.
“Uncle, Lin’er understands.”
“It is good that you understand. Now, let us return to Luoshui Village and await Thirteenth Sister’s news.”
“Alright.”
Having done this, they descended the mountain and traveled back to Luoshui Village overnight. By this time, it was already dusk.
Thirteenth Sister:
“Hibiscus bleeding, a smile with a hidden blade, a thousand years of waiting in a single strand.”
Thirteenth Sister, a devoted woman who lived in seclusion at the foot of Wanxue Mountain, was in reality the ancient divine beast, Feifei.
She and Xian Ling’er were originally lovers who had not yet had the chance to confess their feelings.
It was not until the Ten Thousand Ghost King was defeated and Xian Ling’er died.
With a lingering vengeful spirit, he flew to Wanxue Mountain and possessed the Wanxue Spider.
She then pursued him to this place and has since lived in seclusion at the foot of the mountain, guarding her beloved.