"Master, you know very well about that Ethan Zhang in the world of the living, don't you?"
Abbot Fortune smiled, then pulled me to sit on the platform. He pointed at the Deathbane Ghost lying helpless on the ground and began to laugh.
"That is the source and condensation of Deathbane Aura. As for you, Ethan Zhang, you were born under the Sevenfold Star. Let me explain a bit about the Sevenfold Star."
I nodded, listening intently.
The Sevenfold Star is one of the fourteen principal stars in Ziwei Doushu. It represents determination and courage, symbolizing might and martial prowess. Its essence is that of the General Star, commanding authority and instilling awe. Those under its influence are rational, independent, and daring—always ready to charge ahead and take risks. For friends, no matter the circumstances, they stand by them to the end, right or wrong. They are people of their word, never going back on a promise, and act swiftly to resolve hesitation or uncertainty.
"The Sevenfold Star is also called the Sevenfold Curse when referring to fate. According to the Five Elements, the ancients believed that yin and yang attract, while the same nature repels. In the context of family, officials and ghosts oppose, yang meets yin as deviation, yang meets yang as norm. Those who bear the Sevenfold Star are usually imposing; if the curse is controlled, they can wield great power, but if uncontrolled, disaster follows. So, Ethan, your fate is one of constant struggle—if you do not rise, you perish. Someone like you, whose Sevenfold Curse is innate and complete, is extremely rare. As for its true origin, I am not at liberty to reveal it."
"What does that actually mean?"
I was a bit confused by what I heard.
"Amitabha. In other words, Ethan, your fate carries great calamity. You may well end up alone for life, and now, perhaps part of your destiny is being fulfilled."
I lowered my head and fell silent. After a long while, I felt lost inside. I had already chosen the end, and from the very start, my life was marked by loneliness. There was nothing on this path for me.
"Ethan, there's no need to worry. Though you are the same person, you are now different. Come, try it—see if you can use the Deathbane Aura smoothly now?"
Abbot Fortune spoke as I got up and began, little by little, to release Deathbane Aura. My body no longer hurt; it seemed my Ghost Soul had started to recover.
"Where there is form, there is existence. Keep this in mind. As for the three people I mentioned, last night I helped you confirm them, Ethan. All you need to do is devour their Deathbane Aura in the dream, and you will restore your Ghost Soul, becoming a true ghost and completing what was missing."
I looked gratefully at Abbot Fortune, wishing I could enter the dream now and devour all three's Deathbane Aura.
"Ethan, don't be impatient. Right now, you are still very fragile. It's better to seek more guidance from that fellow."
I looked at the unmoving Deathbane Ghost. Abbot Fortune told me that the murderous intent in Deathbane Ghost's body had been temporarily suppressed, so I didn't need to worry for now. I just had to wait for him to wake up and then seek his guidance.
When Deathbane Ghost finally woke up, his golden eyes were filled with confusion, as if he had no idea what he was supposed to do.
"Ethan Zhang, why are you staring at me?"
I let out an 'oh.' Deathbane Ghost burst out laughing, seeming to be in a good mood. After getting up, he released some Deathbane Aura, which swirled around his body like clouds.
With a few swift motions, Deathbane Ghost swung his Deathbane Twin Blades, cutting down many cave creatures—each one a manifestation of monsters—until none remained.
"Ethan, I have only temporarily suppressed the Malice Flame in your heart, so you can rest assured. You belong neither to humans nor ghosts, so you cannot leave this place. Instead, teach Ethan Zhang. In the future, another destined one—Ethan Zhang—will come, and he is the one who can truly save you."
Deathbane Ghost laughed loudly.
"How can I be saved? My murderous intent keeps surging forth..."
"Ethan, you don't know everything."
Abbot Fortune walked over step by step, interrupting Deathbane Ghost.
"The Ethan Zhang in the world of the living possesses an instinct called Coexistence. Last night in the dream, I witnessed the birth of three instincts, but only Coexistence can save you from the poisonous murderous intent in your heart."
"So when will that guy come?"
Abbot Fortune sighed and shook his head.
"I do not know when. But that Ethan Zhang from the world of the living is a destined one; he will come in due time."
Deathbane Ghost plopped down on the ground and looked at me.
"Alright, release your Deathbane Aura and let me see how far you've come."
Nervously, I stood before Deathbane Ghost as Abbot Fortune walked toward the three small shrines. I was a bit worried.
"Don't worry, I don't feel like killing anyone right now. Hurry up."
I released my Deathbane Aura, but Deathbane Ghost suddenly burst out laughing.
"Too weak, this Deathbane Aura. But it can be strengthened. Come with me back to the bottom of Shadow Falls."
I let out an 'oh,' but immediately refused.
"Do you want to strengthen your Deathbane Aura? If you do, come with me. I told you, I won't kill you. I also want to hear about that Ethan Zhang in the world of the living. You should remember something about him, right?"
This time, Deathbane Ghost and I jumped straight down. He cushioned my fall, and within minutes, we landed with a thud in the mountains. The denizens of Shadow Falls emerged, looking as if they wanted to snatch me away.
"Watch closely, Ethan Zhang. I'll teach you how to use Deathbane Aura. As long as you have a clear image in your mind, you can shape the Deathbane Aura into whatever you imagine."
With a few swift motions, Deathbane Ghost swung his Deathbane Twin Blades, cutting down many cave creatures—each one a manifestation of monsters—until none remained.
"As long as you have a clear impression in your mind, you must also learn how to quickly and effectively produce Deathbane Aura."
I nodded with an 'oh.' Deathbane Ghost grabbed me by the collar and pressed me in front of Shadow Falls.
"Eat."
I swallowed, hesitant but still closed my eyes and took a big gulp.
Suddenly, an unprecedented power surged within me—it was Deathbane Aura, rising like steam from all around my body.
"The Deathbane Aura here is inexhaustible. Just a sip can fundamentally change the quality of your own aura. All you need to do is slowly learn to condense it and steadily increase its quantity. Now, practice on your own."
For several days, Deathbane Ghost helped fend off the creatures inside while I practiced. I gradually became more skilled at releasing Deathbane Aura. My previous method was a failure, wasting a lot of aura.
Deathbane Ghost was strict, constantly pointing out my mistakes and teaching me hands-on. Time passed quickly; I lost track of how long I'd been here, but I could now easily spread my wings and fly. Before, I could only hover for a few minutes, but now I could fly for much longer without any problem.
I was growing rapidly. Since I wasn't a ghost, I couldn't float—only rely on my wings. The Deathbane Aura in my body had substance, but with my incomplete ghost soul, I couldn't fully bear it.
"That's enough. Go up now. Hurry and transform into a ghost, then leave and find Ethan Zhang outside. Tell him to come in quickly, understood?"
Deathbane Ghost reminded me, and I nodded, spreading my black wings. He wrapped me in Deathbane Aura, and I beat my wings hard, flying upward.
As soon as I reached the mist, I encountered the force that had previously stopped Deathbane Ghost. This time, though heavy, I managed to push forward bit by bit. In the end, with Abbot Fortune's help, we successfully returned to the top of the cliff.
"Prepare to enter the dream, Ethan. I will send you again and again into the dreams of the three Children of Malice. As long as you can devour their Deathbane Aura, I will bring you back."
I nodded, following Abbot Fortune's instructions, and lay down in the Grand Buddha Hall, closing my eyes. He placed a hand on my forehead, and I sensed a blinding light outside my eyelids. I wanted to open my eyes but found my body incredibly heavy.
Gradually, I lost consciousness. My body grew lighter and lighter. I hadn't felt this way in ages—like falling asleep.
A beeping sound woke me. I found myself on a highway. Abbot Fortune had once said that in dreams, anything could be real, and I shouldn't stand out too much.
I stood among the crowd. It had been a long time since I'd seen such a scene. In my mind, I knew exactly who I was looking for—a taxi driver named Hu Ming.
I looked over and saw a taxi with flashing yellow lights approaching. I was on the sidewalk and quickly took flight, following it.
Hu Ming was just forty, single, and a taxi driver. Every day, he worked from morning till night, taking a break after lunch until eight, then driving again. He especially loved working nights, picking up passengers at club entrances. He had one rule: never take male passengers, only women.
Most of the women he liked to pick up dressed provocatively, in thin, flashy clothes, and were often drunk. Every time, Hu Ming got excited, hoping to do something.
I followed Hu Ming's taxi to a nightlife district. His habit bordered on perverse—he'd been like this for over ten years. Every time he picked up these women, he'd deliberately drive around the city while they were drunk, especially if he liked them.