Crowds surged in every direction, the heat oppressive, as throngs of believers hauled heavy bags through the packed roads. Both sides of the Universal Temple’s main street were crammed with parked cars. I blended into the masses. Tonight at midnight, Universal Temple would host the week-long Jialan Ceremony—a grand Buddhist event. People came from far and wide, hoping to burn incense and pray for blessings at midnight.
This triennial Buddhist gathering was set at this exact time. Following what John Chou said, I came straight here. Though I worried about Rachel Lan’s condition, the world outside was shifting. Before coming, I’d stayed briefly at the bay for two days, leaving instructions with Heavenly Soul and 007. 001, however, insisted on tagging along, refusing to let go.
“No way, all the places where the Earthly Soul stays are full. What am I supposed to do? Where am I going to sleep tonight?”
Wearing sunglasses and a hooded jacket that concealed my face completely, I glanced at 001’s helpless expression before looking off into the distance.
“There are some abandoned old houses in the hills over there. I’ll take you there later.”
001’s face instantly changed.
“You want me to sleep in such a filthy place? I’m a girl, you know, the Earthly Soul—”
I clamped a hand over 001’s mouth and dragged her into an alley. Meanwhile, monks from other Buddhist temples strode past, the lead monk smiling as he made Buddhist gestures to those around him. The crowd parted quickly.
“What are you doing?”
001 glared at me, fuming. I shot her a warning look.
"Fine, I'll listen to you."
Taking advantage of their Buddhist assembly, I planned to come and see for myself. After all, this event has caused quite a stir in the arcane world. To this day, the Buddhist sect hasn’t made its stance clear. Previously, Lucas Dao had represented the Underworld at Universal Temple and spoken with Grandmaster Mingde, but it ended badly. The Buddhist sect still hasn’t responded, and the Underworld is getting anxious.
The Underworld gave the Buddhist sect until the end of the Jialan Ceremony to respond. They must give a clear answer. As for Ksitigarbha, he’s like a bystander, not getting involved.
001 and I took a coach here. Along the way, I sensed heavy Yin energy—many Underworld ghosts had arrived, lurking near Universal Temple. Officially, they claimed to be on guard, but in reality, they were watching.
In previous years, the Jialan Ceremony was strictly for the Buddhist sect, outsiders couldn’t attend. Some curious folk tried, but couldn’t get past the gates. This year is different—the ceremony is open to the public.
I could guess the Buddhist sect’s reasoning. With so many Underworld ghosts here, the place was saturated with Yin energy. By opening the ceremony to outsiders, the collective faith and Yang energy of the crowd could overwhelm and dispel the Yin energy seeping into Universal Temple.
Although the ceremony doesn’t start until midnight, the temple gates were already open for worshippers to burn incense and pray. The broad, sloping steps of Universal Temple were packed—believers knelt and bowed every few steps. Those wary of crowds or the heat stayed in the town below; some even set up tents in the woods outside. There were simply too many people, too much congestion.
001 and I arrived early this morning, but it was already past 2 PM and we hadn’t found a single vacant hotel room. Worse, the vegetarian restaurants had long lines—getting something to eat was nearly impossible.
"I'm so hungry, Earthly Soul. I’m about to starve."
001 clung to my hand, scanning the street hopefully. She wanted me to use my powers to influence others—make things easier. But I refused. Tonight, I planned to blend into the crowd and climb the mountain, not reveal myself too soon.
If I use my powers here, Universal Temple will sense my presence instantly. What worries me most is the reincarnation of that Ghostworm Monk. Zhang Qingyuan once discussed Liaochen with me—even after rebirth, he retains vast knowledge and memory. Now the Buddhist sect considers him a holy child, but a leopard can’t change its spots. I know the evil lurking beneath that innocent face is all too real.
"Hey, I'm talking to you. Did you hear me?"
001’s sharp voice pierced my ear. I turned, irritated, as she pointed at her stomach.
"I’m hungry."
"I heard you."
I grabbed 001 and started walking through the crowded streets. People queued outside every shop, some brought their own food. I watched the crowd closely. Then I spotted a monk with several disciples—Zhou Tian, the one who had helped Zhang Hao before. As he passed through, the crowd parted instinctively.
"Relax, Earthly Soul."
"You..."
Just as I was about to speak, 001 pointed at a shop where seats had opened up. She darted over, plopped down, and started ordering with a grin.
After a while, 001 finished eating. We continued wandering the streets. More people were heading up the mountain, most prepared to burn incense. Their posture showed they intended to wait until midnight; no one would yield. The plaza before Universal Temple’s gate was packed.
Now I had to solve 001’s lodging problem. With no other option, I sent her back to the tour bus to sleep. Tonight, I planned to go into Universal Temple alone—when the crowd surged at midnight, I’d slip inside.
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"I'm going with you."
Sensing my intentions, 001 spoke up immediately. I shook my head.
"Just stay put. Remember, if anything happens, pull the ghost thread I gave you."
001 pursed her lips, looking disappointed. I spoke seriously.
"This isn’t a game."
"I can’t go back for now. Earthly Soul, be careful. I can’t stay long—the perimeter of the meditation rooms is shielded. Don’t go straight in; hide on the right and wait for the worshippers to flood in. Then find a way to slip inside. I can’t help you this time."
I grunted in response.
Finally, at 10 PM, I climbed the steps toward Universal Temple. Those still kneeling in prayer kept to the left; those heading up moved to the right.
Among all the chatter, the most discussed topic was the rumored reincarnation of the eminent monk Liaochen. I sneered in contempt.
Finally, I reached the plaza before the mountain gate. Rows of incense burners had been set out. Crowds lined up, waiting to burn incense and pray, while monks maintained order. Though the gate was open, entry was forbidden until after midnight, when worshippers would be allowed inside to pay respects at the Grand Hall.
I focused my senses. Hundreds of monks were gathered in a Zen courtyard to the left—I didn’t count them, but there must have been over three hundred. Then I noticed something different about the golden lion statue at the gate.
I didn’t join the queue. Instead, I circled around the statues outside, heading for the gate. My plan was to slip inside the temple the moment the doors opened, blending in with the monks. Using my abilities, I could do this silently. I sat before a Buddha statue on the left, watching the golden lion at the entrance. It used to seem lifeless, but now it looked almost alive. I wasn’t the only one who felt this—many worshippers whispered about how vivid the lion had become.
I stared at the golden lion. As I drew closer, I felt it—this was no mere statue, but the real golden lion, not just a manifestation but something with substance. Its power was immense, though something on its surface seemed sealed.
Suddenly, a burst of golden light flashed before me. The golden lion lunged, and I jumped to my feet, ready to react, but its paw pressed down on my shoulder. Its body radiated golden light and was about my size.
"Relax, Earthsouls."
I glared coldly at the golden lion. It glanced around—no one else seemed to see it. I retreated, shrinking behind the Buddha statue.
"What’s going on with you?"
The golden lion crouched beside me, sighing.
"I’m just here to fulfill a few promises. What I didn’t expect was how the living world has changed—a great battle is coming."
I replied with a cold laugh.
"How did you know I was here?"
"I might mistake others’ auras, but I’d never mistake Zhang Qingyuan’s. He should be in the illusion realm now—I sensed him taking something from my illusion before."
I looked at the golden lion, puzzled.
"Can you deliver a message for me in the illusion realm?"
As I spoke, the golden lion shook its head helplessly.
"I can’t go back for now. Earthsouls, be careful. I can’t stay long—the perimeter of the meditation rooms is shielded. Don’t go straight in; hide on the right and wait for the worshippers to flood in. Then find a way to slip inside. I can’t help you this time."
I nodded at the golden lion.
"You too—how does it feel being their watchdog? Are you happy?"
I stood up. The golden lion smiled bitterly, then vanished in a flash of gold. It was already 11:30. I moved closer to the gate, sensing a rush of ghostly energy. Looking up, I saw a beam of red light—the Underworld had arrived.