Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I took out an inkstick, cut a corner from Ye Xiaolei’s clothes, and burned it with the few pinky-length strands of hair Ye Wenxuan handed me, using a piece of talisman paper to light the fire. Then I carefully poured the ashes into the inkstone.

After mixing the ashes of his hair and clothing into the ink and writing Ye Xiaolei’s birth date and hour on the body of the Soul-Tracking Doll, I placed a small pot of succulents on the east side of the table and a handful of copper coins on the west.

Seeing the confusion in Song Feifei’s eyes, I patiently explained, “The east corresponds to wood, and wood represents vitality. Placing a green plant there strengthens that vitality.”

“The west corresponds to metal, a place of killing energy and withering life. Wood is severed by metal.”

“In a moment, if the Soul-Tracking Doll walks toward the green plant, it means Ye Xiaolei is still alive.”

Song Feifei watched in amazement. She rubbed her chin, looking as if enlightenment had finally dawned on her. “I get it. If it walks toward that pile of copper coins, it means Ye Xiaolei’s kicked the bucket.”

Ye Wenxuan’s face filled with grief. I quickly shot Song Feifei a look. Honestly, this woman had no filter.

Ye Wenxuan wiped his eyes and forced a bitter smile at me. “Master Lingzhu, I’ve been helping my uncle and aunt search for so long. Even now, I still don’t really believe in this kind of thing, but I can tell you’re a good person. You’re different from all those scammers we met before.”

Song Feifei immediately planted her hands on her hips and jumped up. “Who are you calling scammers? The end of science is theology, got it? Just wait, we’ll show you how amazing our Lingzhu is!”

I glared at Song Feifei, and she instantly quieted down. Bending at the waist, she bowed to me. “Master Lingzhu, please continue!”

I took a deep breath, placed the Soul-Tracking Doll in the center, and my hands began rapidly forming seals.

Following my gestures, countless tiny streaks of white light visible to the naked eye burrowed into the Soul-Tracking Doll’s body.

The Soul-Tracking Doll slowly began to move. First it shook its head, then it waved its arms.

Song Feifei and Ye Wenxuan stood nearby, not daring to breathe.

“Swift spirits, manifest now. I seal the spirit, track the soul and seize the shade, through the Five Elements and Three Realms!”

“Rise!”

At my shout, the Soul-Tracking Doll began trembling violently all over.

In less than a moment, the entire doll split straight down the middle. One half rolled onto the copper coins, while the other rolled onto the pot of succulents before stopping.

Holy crap!

My Soul-Tracking Doll!

I sucked in a sharp breath, clutching my chest in heartache.

Song Feifei and Ye Wenxuan also stared at the sudden turn of events, dumbfounded.

“Ah! I know!” Song Feifei shouted. “Does this mean he’s half-dead and half-alive?”

I shook my head, my face going pale. “It means his organs may no longer be inside his body.”