Upon hearing the old woman's words, my heart sank.
The little girl had been captured by a villain, and might even be eaten for her Yin Shou?
The first thing that came to mind was the malevolent spirit that had taken over the old couple's home.
My expression grew solemn, and I asked with a hint of urgency:
"Madam, is that villain an evil spirit residing in the ravine on the west side of South Mountain?"
The old woman nodded slightly at my question:
"It only preys on little children; only an evil spirit could do such a thing.
As for whether it lives in the ravine below South Mountain, I'm not too sure.
Alas! What a pity for this child.
She only moved into the cemetery a few months ago and was already taken by that villain.
Now, she's likely beyond saving..."
Hearing this, my face turned grim.
The incense sticks I held in my hand fell to the ground...
Although the little girl was a ghost, she had been kind to me and had helped me.
I had come specifically to repay her kindness and offer incense.
To hear that she was in trouble made me feel terrible.
Moreover, according to the old woman, the villain who captured the little girl was very likely the same malevolent spirit we were planning to stake out tonight.
At this thought, I couldn't bear to stay another moment and prepared to go find the creature.
I thanked the old woman beside me:
"Madam, thank you, I must take my leave now."
With that, I turned to go.
But after taking just two steps, the old woman called out to me from behind:
"Young man, are you planning to go find that villain?"
I turned back:
"Yes! Besides offering incense to Lingling today, I came here specifically to find that malevolent spirit.
Leaving such a harmful creature to linger for another day is a sin."
The old woman looked at me with a half-smile and continued:
"Young man, aren't you afraid?
Perhaps you'll just become an appetizer for that villain, your soul devoured."
I forced a cold smile.
Fear, I feared death the most.
But I also wished to live more.
My life was already hanging by a thread.
The lamp oil I had wouldn't last a month.
If that malevolent spirit was so formidable, I would have ample lamp oil if I could seize its Yin Shou.
If I killed it, I would live.
If I didn't, I could only wait to die slowly.
The choice was clear.
At the same time, a sliver of hope flickered within me.
I hoped the little girl was alright, and not yet eaten by that malevolent spirit.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at the old woman and said:
"This is the profession I've chosen, the path I walk.
As for who is the wine and who is the dish,
It's not yet clear!"
The old woman listened, then chuckled softly:
"I didn't expect you, a young man who borrows Yin Shou, to have such a sense of righteousness.
That villain is indeed too brazen, daring to capture little children near the cemetery.
If it weren't for this old woman..."
The old woman's emotions clearly shifted, but she seemed to hesitate, her words trailing off.
After a brief pause, she spoke to me again:
"Alas! How about this.
Let my son go with you.
It would be best if he could drive away that villain.
But if something were to happen, perhaps it could help you..."
With that, the old woman patted the large black rat in her arms.
The rat, which had been sleeping in her embrace, suddenly opened its large, round eyes.
It tilted its head and squeaked a few times at the old woman.
The old woman stroked its back and smiled with pursed lips:
"Good boy, son, Mother will wait for you here at the cemetery."
Watching the old woman pet the big black rat, calling it son and herself mother, sent a shiver down my spine.
I also looked curiously at the rat, its fur shiny and black.
How could this large rat possibly help me?
Doubt filled my mind.
But then I remembered that this old woman was no ordinary person, running a shop for the deceased within the cemetery.
Selling goods for spirits meant she was no commoner.
Just as I thought this, the large black rat leaped from the old woman's embrace onto the ground.
It looked up at me and squeaked twice, then began to run down the mountain.
Seeing this, the old woman said to me:
"Young man, follow it!
My son has a good sense of smell; it can guide you."
I watched the large black rat running down the mountain. It even turned back, staring at me with glowing eyes and squeaking at me.
It seemed to be urging me to hurry.
The scene felt uncanny, and I couldn't help but gasp.
This old rat had likely achieved sentience!
My mission was more important, so I didn't hesitate. I nodded to the old woman, said "Thank you,"
Then turned and quickened my pace, following the large black rat towards the cemetery gate.
The evening wind within the cemetery was much cooler.
But at this moment, I paid it no mind.
My heart was filled with apprehension and anger.
From a young age, I understood a simple principle: a drop of kindness.
To think that Li Lingling, such a cute and kind little sister who had guided me,
Might have been eaten by the malevolent spirit, filled me with rage.
Of course, I also tried my best to maintain my composure.
My master always told me: dealing with spirits is like walking on the edge of a blade.
Mercy and anger can lead to a swift death.
Only calmness and rationality are the foundations for survival...
I knew my own limitations well.
Currently, I was merely a newcomer to this line of work.
I hadn't learned much true skill, and my cultivation wasn't high.
My main task tonight was reconnaissance, gathering intelligence, and testing the formidable spirit's depth.
This was to prepare for my master's arrival tomorrow night.
Of course, if the opponent's strength was within a controllable range,
I wouldn't hesitate.
Tonight, I would seize its Yin Shou and take its ghostly life...