Combining the functions of the Sutra of Salvation and the Living Sutra, Xu Qing furrowed his brows.
If it truly were so, the souls exorcised by the Sutra of Salvation couldn't possibly travel through the Yin Mountain path. It is now governed by the Corpses of Law, and even King Yama, with the power of the Nine Halls at his disposal, could not succeed in his lifetime. How could a half-torn scroll overcome obstacle after obstacle to escort those souls directly to the other side?
Let alone the complex procedures in the Underworld, such as checking the deeds of souls from their past life, guiding them to see their past and present, cleansing their memories, and reincarnating them...
Xu Qing wanted to go to the Underworld River to ask the Demon Exorcism True Monarch, but was afraid the other might notice something and cause unnecessary trouble.
"The Demon Exorcism True Monarch already has a self-sacrificing intention; this matter may not require me to inquire actively."
"Just like when my senior brother discussed it with me, sometimes corpses speak too, and a corpse will never lie, nor betray others."
Having made up his mind, Xu Qing's tightly furrowed brows relaxed.
On his departure, Xu Qing took out a handful of chrysanthemum seeds, scattered them in front of the grave, then transformed into a Fur Corpse, using the combining and separating winds to accelerate the growth of plants.
"In the spring, plants sprout; in the autumn, everything withers. One combines, one separates; one lives, one dies..."
As the wind dissipated, there was a patch of green plants before the solitary grave that hadn't bloomed yet.
Putting away the combining wind, Xu Qing once more used the method of water cultivation and fire weeding, making many white flowers bloom vigorously.
In March, even with the tradition of using flowers for rituals, it would be overlooked, as no one can get flowers that only bloom in September during this season.
However, the cemetery set apart at Wujue Slope was filled with bursts of floral fragrance.
...
In Linjiang City, Xu Qing had just returned from Wujue Slope and had yet to arrive at Underground Street when he heard the clatter of iron hooves along with shouting behind him.
Xu Qing, along with pedestrians along the street, all moved to the side of the street to avoid it.
In the distance, a hundred or so imperial guards on horseback could be seen coming, all wearing red cloth combat uniforms with dark capes, looking particularly majestic.
The leading guard held a black pennant to clear the way, and Xu Qing saw the words "Dingyuan" written on it.
At this time, the market fell silent, leaving only the clatter of hooves on the bluestone and the clanging of armor and weapons.
Watching the imperial guards pass, the surrounding vendors and pedestrians started discussing.
"Who is traveling with such grandeur!"
"These are the Capital City's imperial guards, perhaps a noble from the Capital is here."
Someone who recognized the pennant said, "The flag says Dingyuan, isn't it the general who just returned to the Capital not long ago?"
"Dingyuan General?"
Given the proximity of Jing and Jin, a traveling merchant from the Capital interjected, "It's no longer Dingyuan General; now the person has been bestowed the title Dingyuan Marquis by Your Majesty!"
Xu Qing raised an eyebrow, involuntarily looking in the direction where the imperial guards were escorting the carriage.
If it truly is the Dingyuan Marquis appointed by Zhu Huai'an, then wouldn't Wang Liang be the one sitting inside the carriage?
Xu Qing chuckled, seemingly, this brat hadn't forgotten his little sister. This time, he probably returned upon hearing news of Wang Yue'e, intending to reunite.
"Sending off the departed and welcoming the returning, the twists of fate truly are marvelous."
Feeling comforted, Xu Qing immediately strode back to Underground Street.
Upon arriving at the funeral street, Xu Qing hadn't yet reached the Funeral Shop when he saw a team of imperial guards blocking the door of his house, with Li Tiezhu from the Paper Mache Shop, Sun Erniang from the Funeral Shop, and an imposing Marquis conversing.
By the roadside, the locust branches trembled, the falling leaves not yet touching the ground, and already the red wave-like procession ground them to powder. The common folk took shelter under the eaves, seeing only the dazzling black armor and the red turbans burning against the sky, like Yin Soldiers of the Underworld taking the road. Suddenly, a child cried, and the leading imperial guard glanced sideways, his eyes like electric sparks, and only the sound of swords clinking against scabbards echoed down the street—moments later, the thunder of hooves, the dust shrouded the place, leaving only the cold moon peering into the alley, as dark clouds closed in like ghostly eyes watching intently.