Chapter 71

Prolonged illness tests the limits of filial piety.

At funerals, those who express exaggerated grief with loud wailing are often not the children who have constantly attended to their parents for years. Conversely, those who have spent day after day caring for the elder and seen them through to their end often find it difficult to shed tears at the funeral.

Anything that can have 'value' attached to it is finite, like emotions. With prolonged use, it naturally depletes.

At this moment, Yin Meng smiled, not a forced expression, but one of true relief and quiet satisfaction. Her grandfather was confined to the coffin, and she, to the coffin shop. Both grandfather and granddaughter had been in torment. Now, at last, both had found release.

The quiet satisfaction stemmed from the fact that she had persevered to the very end. She had not shown any impatience or dejection, maintaining a positive and cheerful demeanor. Every day, she helped her grandfather change his diapers and bathe him, and she leaned by his coffin to talk to him.

She knew it was her duty, as her grandfather had raised her. She would feel disgusted with herself for any fleeting moments of numbness or revulsion, which she would then follow with self-criticism and resolve. She was terrified of giving in, unwilling to betray any hint of being less than a 'dutiful granddaughter' in front of her grandfather. Even the slightest deviation was unacceptable.

Now, she had won. She had earned a clear conscience for the rest of her life.

Tan Wenbin was the first to step forward, also smiling, and remarked, "The old man passed peacefully. It’s a joyous passing."

Runsheng said, "Let's hold the funeral."

The funeral was simple because there were no outside guests. Yin Meng didn't need to adorn herself with black gauze or white rope, nor kneel to invite mourners. On both sides of the shop sign, two white lanterns were hung. A wreath was placed at the entrance, with the names of three people inscribed. The elegiac couplet was written by Li Zhuiyuan, as he was the only one of the four with good calligraphy. The shop already had an old stereo, which was now placed outside, playing mournful music.

But this was Fengdu, also Ghost Street, and the storefront was still a coffin shop. Even with all these arrangements, passersby wouldn't think someone had died; they would subconsciously assume it was a promotional event to enhance the atmosphere. For a time, more customers than usual came into the shop to look around.

After the old man was dressed in his burial shroud, Yin Meng put on her mourning clothes and sat cross-legged before the spirit altar. Tan Wenbin and Runsheng sat opposite each other, burning joss paper. Paper ash swirled, and the room felt a bit stuffy and smoky. Just then, it started raining outside, so Li Zhuiyuan simply closed the family genealogy book, picked up a small stool, and sat by the shop entrance. The rain brought fresh air and cleared the streets of pedestrians.

Runsheng asked, "How do you arrange funerals here? How long will the wake be?"

Yin Meng replied, "I want to bury my grandfather tonight."

Runsheng reminded her, "That doesn’t follow custom." Unless times were chaotic or circumstances demanded expediency, he had never heard of a burial taking place on the same day as the death.

Yin Meng said, "Customs don't matter anymore."

Tan Wenbin immediately assented, "Those who fulfilled their filial duties in life have nothing to prove; there's no need for pretense."

Runsheng asked, "Then I’ll take him for you. Where is your family’s ancestral burial ground?"

Yin Meng shook her head. "My family doesn't have an ancestral grave; our family tradition is water burial."

"Which body of water?" Runsheng asked.

Yin Meng shook her head again. "I don't know; my grandfather didn't tell me about these details when he was alive."

Li Zhuiyuan, sitting by the shop entrance with his back to the others, listening to the rain, spoke up, "Nine Bends River."

Yin Meng asked curiously, "Xiao Yuan, how did you know?"

"It's written in your family genealogy."

"It's written? I've seen the genealogy, I don't remember seeing this."

"It's in the notes at the back. An ancestor from your family in the Ming Dynasty recorded the detailed process of his father's burial."

"Oh, no wonder. I didn't read those notes; there were too many and they were too dense, and the handwriting was hard to make out."

Li Zhuiyuan said, "Your grandfather truly was too careless." Despite his advanced age, he neglected to inform his granddaughter of his posthumous arrangements. Of course, it’s also possible the old man had long ceased to value such customs, considering he readily lent out the family genealogy. Given that his son was 'missing without a trace,' his only blood relative was his granddaughter, and his own poor health, he must have long been prepared for the family line to end. Otherwise, he wouldn't have even withheld the art of 'walking the underworld' from Yin Meng.

"So, will you help me arrange Grandpa's burial, Xiao Yuan?"

Runsheng interjected, "Call him brother."

Tan Wenbin set an example, saying, "Brother Xiao Yuan, what would you like for lunch? I'll go get it."

Yin Meng got up from her prayer mat, went to Li Zhuiyuan's side, and half-squatted down. "Brother Xiao Yuan, please help me."

Li Zhuiyuan nodded.

Yin Meng let out a breath of relief, then turned and called out to Tan Wenbin, "Go to Auntie Wang's braised meat shop down the street. I want pig trotters!"

Tan Wenbin opened his umbrella and walked into the curtain of rain. Before long, he returned carrying a large bag of food. No alcohol, but good meat and dishes. The four sat in a circle, with the plastic bags opened and placed on the ground. The rice was from home, cooked personally by Runsheng, who didn't dare let Yin Meng touch it. A large basin of rice was brought out; Li Zhuiyuan and Yin Meng each took half a bowl, while the almost untouched remainder of the basin was given entirely to Runsheng and Tan Wenbin.

During the meal, Tan Wenbin asked, "What do you plan to do next? Will you continue to run this coffin shop?"

Yin Meng paused her gnawing on the pig trotter, subtly glanced at Li Zhuiyuan, and whispered, "I've already started calling him brother."

"What does that mean?" Tan Wenbin didn't understand for a moment.

Runsheng said, "She's attached herself to us."

Yin Meng extended her leg and kicked Runsheng.

Tan Wenbin was somewhat surprised. "What are you thinking? You want to come with us? This place is quite far from Nantong."

Yin Meng said nonchalantly, "Anyway, I have no relatives left now. It’s a case of 'one person fed, the whole family not hungry,' so I can go anywhere. I don't have many friends, just you three."

Tan Wenbin said somewhat awkwardly, "But, Old Man Li's family already has one freeloader—me."

Yin Meng offered, "I can work, help with cooking and such."

Runsheng sighed.

Tan Wenbin sighed.

Li Zhuiyuan also had to interject, "After you come home with us, you can do absolutely nothing, but whatever you do, don't get the urge to cook." Even Tan Wenbin, with his iron stomach, couldn't endure it. It was feared that one meal cooked by Yin Meng could send both her and Great-Grandpa Li to the afterlife.

"You agreed?" Yin Meng asked happily. "Then I'll go to Nantong with you."

"Yes, good."

Old man, your granddaughter is actually much smarter than you think.

After the meal, the stereo outside continued playing mournful music, while everyone sat before the spirit altar playing cards. Initially, they played four-player 'Fight the Landlord,' but after a while, the three tacitly excluded Li Zhuiyuan and started playing three-player 'Fight the Landlord.' It wasn't until the afternoon that the three dispersed.

The items in the shop needed to be dealt with. The handcrafted goods weren't worth much and could be given away. What was truly valuable in the shop were the coffins; the old man had used one, leaving four. Fortunately, coffins were currently a hot commodity. Every family had elders, and older people typically prepared their burial shrouds in advance of their passing. To sell them quickly, Yin Meng offered a direct 50% discount. The four coffins were quickly sold for cash. Runsheng and Tan Wenbin then pushed carts, delivering the four coffins to their respective buyers. Indeed, they didn't even leave Ghost Street before being bought by other merchants. They weren't worried that temporarily displaying coffins outside their shops would affect business; here, it was as common as displaying a lucky cat.

Yin Meng sat there counting the money. "Good, next month's rent hasn't been paid yet. All the remaining items in the shop can just be left for the landlord."

Runsheng threw in all the leftover cooked dishes from lunch and made a large pot of mixed porridge. After eating and drinking their fill, it was completely dark outside.

Yin Fuhai's coffin was placed on a cart. Runsheng pushed it from the front alone, Tan Wenbin pushed from the back, Yin Meng walked alongside the cart, and Li Zhuiyuan sat on the coffin lid, holding an umbrella. It wasn't because the boy was asserting his authority or being deliberately lazy; the path to the burial site was inherently difficult, and he needed to sit high to see far and plan the route. Burying at night, and in Ghost Street, no less—if they blundered blindly, heaven knew what they might encounter. They were due to return tomorrow, and Li Zhuiyuan certainly didn't want any unforeseen incidents tonight.

Leaving the street, then the county, and passing through the village, the coffin was safely and smoothly transported to the riverbank. Ahead was Nine Bends Head, which locals also called Nine Dragon Bends. As the name suggested, the river section here was winding and full of extreme turns. After these Nine Dragon Bends, the rest of the river flowed straight, directly merging with the Yangtze River. From a geomancy perspective, this location gathered energy and prepared for a release of its accumulated power. Water burial here symbolized the deceased washing away the dust of their life and cleansing all karma.

After seeing the actual site, Li Zhuiyuan felt a bit strange. Because, logically speaking, this wasn't actually a good location for a water burial. For most people, the deceased should find peaceful rest, but this place suggested a light journey onward. It would be more suitable to choose this place for newborns to receive baptism and blessings, and for coming-of-age ceremonies.

On the riverbank, Tan Wenbin set up the offering table. Li Zhuiyuan looked at Yin Meng. "Can you recite the eulogy?"

Yin Meng spread her hands; she was already used to this response today. "No, I don't know how."

Li Zhuiyuan suddenly felt he was getting the short end of the stick, as this was akin to him performing the memorial service for the old man. But this particular item was not part of their transaction. Li Zhuiyuan walked to the offering table, pointed to his side, and said to Yin Meng, "Hold the incense and kneel here."

"Alright, okay."

Yin Meng was very obedient. She lit the incense, knelt down, and held the incense sticks with both hands above her head. Li Zhuiyuan made a gesture to Runsheng, and Runsheng pushed the coffin from the bank into the water. However, the coffin was not carried away by the current; instead, it remained near the bank. Li Zhuiyuan lit yellow paper with a candle, and with a wave, scattered the burning yellow paper in batches into the air, onto the ground, and into the river. By the light of the still-burning paper, Li Zhuiyuan leaned his hands on the offering table, his eyes slightly lowered, body swaying slightly, and began reciting the eulogy.

The first half of the eulogy was entirely dedicated to praising Yin Changsheng, also known as the Great Emperor of Fengdu. Li Zhuiyuan recited these parts entirely from the notes, with nothing needing modification. The second half, however, required recounting his life story. This couldn't be copied and had to be based on the specific circumstances of the 'departed person.' However, there wasn't much to boast about the old man. Not only did he fail to expand the family legacy, but it was almost severed under his watch. Had the one-eyed old woman not poisoned the person first, the old man would have been implicated in the karmic downfall of his own family. For such things, the Dao of Heaven cares nothing for justifications or hardships.

Since there were no notable achievements or highlights in his life, all Li Zhuiyuan could praise was his 'diligence and dedication.' To pad out the eulogy, Li Zhuiyuan repeatedly described this point from multiple aspects and angles. Once he felt it was sufficient, Li Zhuiyuan began the conclusion, which was also the most crucial step.

The boy first took a deep breath, then leaned forward, entering a semi-'walking the underworld' state. His voice no longer merely existed in reality, but also transmitted to another unseen and intangible 'world.'

"Li Zhuiyuan, on behalf of the filial child Yin Meng, humbly requests the Great Emperor of Fengdu to stabilize the Yellow Springs, govern the Underworld, and open the Gates of Yin. Yin Fuhai, a descendant of the Yin clan, returns to Fengdu, journeys to rebirth, and enters the Pure Land."

Li Zhuiyuan leaned his head back, ending the 'walking the underworld' state, then said to Yin Meng beside him, "Kowtow."

Yin Meng immediately kowtowed towards the river.

The ritual concluded.

A wind rose from the riverbank, so chilling and strange that even ordinary people could sense it. The next moment, the coffin, which had seemed to cling to the mortal realm, finally detached from the bank and drifted towards the deeper part of the river.

Tan Wenbin watched very carefully, as if he had discovered something. He covered his mouth with one hand to prevent himself from screaming, while with the other, he fiercely pounded Runsheng's arm. Runsheng understood Tan Wenbin's meaning; he too saw four shadows appear in the water beneath the coffin. The shadows grew more solid, and the coffin gradually lifted from the water. The shadows beneath transformed into four spectral, substantial entities. They carried the coffin, continuing to move forward in the river. Runsheng sniffed, detecting a strong stench of waterlogged corpses. The four coffin bearers appeared to be reanimated corpses.

Li Zhuiyuan also watched the scene. What he perceived was actually more than Runsheng. For example, the four coffin bearers were likely corpses that had drowned in this river section years ago, their bodies not washed away by the current but deeply buried beneath the riverbed's mud and sand. At this moment, they had all 'revived,' as if conscripted for temporary labor, serving as coffin bearers. This again confirmed Li Zhuiyuan's earlier suspicion: this ghost city of Fengdu indeed possessed its unique characteristics. At the same time, it indirectly confirmed another speculation: Yin Changsheng's 'ascension to immortality' by consuming corpse pills. This 'immortality' was likely the opposite of its literal meaning. And the dozens of reclusive Daoist companions Yin Changsheng claimed to have seen only after his 'ascension' were most likely not ethereal immortals, but formidable and terrifying reanimated corpses.

He just wondered if they had communicated privately… and if he himself would have the chance to encounter them in the future.

"Cock-a-doodle-doo!"

It was still early before dawn, but from somewhere nearby, a high-pitched rooster crow could be heard. The sun was not summoned, but above the clouds, an eerie red glow appeared, casting an extremely grim and oppressive light over the riverbank and water. This phenomenon was fleeting, so quick that one might mistake it for a momentary illusion. Then, the coffin, which had 'drifted far' yet was still in sight, also vanished.

Tan Wenbin used Runsheng's shoulder to steady himself and jumped vigorously several times. "Huh, why is it suddenly gone? Did it sink?"

Runsheng replied, "It was taken away."

Li Zhuiyuan clutched the offering table, his forehead beaded with sweat, and continued to take deep breaths. Yin Meng got up from the ground and asked with concern, "Xiao Yuan...Brother, are you okay?" She felt quite guilty, thinking the boy was exhausted from helping her with the funeral. In reality, after learning the twelve Yin family techniques and addressing that most fundamental weakness, Li Zhuiyuan no longer bled from the nose as easily as before. His current state was one of profound lingering fear. Because just now, even for that brief moment, he had enough time to instantly 'walk the underworld' and 'take a look' ahead. As soon as this thought arose, he felt a massive sense of crisis. It was as if by doing so, he would witness true horror.

After so many years, the death of a Yin family member could still summon the 'four ghost bearers' for escort, proving that the underlying mechanics had not broken down. Did this also mean that Yin Changsheng, the Great Emperor of Fengdu... was he still there?

He closed his eyes, swallowed hard, and when he opened them again, Li Zhuiyuan's breathing had calmed. He turned, facing the direction of Fengdu Ghost Street, the horror in his eyes replaced by a hint of faint excitement: "It’s good, you're still there. This world is truly becoming more and more interesting."

The boy was relieved, as he was certain that even when he grew up, he would not feel bored or dull.

After packing their belongings, the four returned to the coffin shop on Ghost Street. After the clearance sale, the shop was very empty. They had to sleep on makeshift beds for the night, and after the coffins were gone, they actually missed them very much.

The next morning, the four, carrying their luggage, boarded a boat at the Ghost Street pier. They didn't need to go to Wanzhou anymore; next, they would head straight for Shancheng. Yin Meng stood at the bow of the boat, watching the river surface below being continuously cut open. The one standing at the stern, somewhat reluctantly, was Li Zhuiyuan. It was like a famous dish: a taste was enough to leave a profound and lingering impression, yet it still offered immense anticipation for more. Although he knew this was courting death, he believed that when he grew up and the time was right, he would return to this ghost city to try and uncover the secrets at its core.

The pier faded into the distance, then the street, and then the mountains, but the future was approaching step by step.

After returning to Shancheng, Li Zhuiyuan called Xue Liangliang. Xue Liangliang informed the boy that the restoration of the bamboo slips would take quite some time. When he finished his current project and returned to Jinling, he would bring the restored slips back and personally deliver them to the boy in Nantong.

Without further delay in Shancheng, the four went to the train station and bought tickets for their return journey. However, this time, without Xue Liangliang's connections, the four could only buy hard sleeper tickets: six people in one compartment, and none of them were lower berths. Even though Li Zhuiyuan was still young, he felt cramped lying on the hard sleeper berth. The other three were even worse off; these berths only allowed lying down, not sitting, making it quite uncomfortable. Therefore, except for sleeping at night, the three of them preferred to move around in the aisle outside during the rest of the time. Tan Wenbin specifically warned Yin Meng several times not to offer food or drinks on the train and not to have too much contact with any strangers. The previous incident with the little girl in red had left too deep an impression on everyone; they truly didn't want to be exploited again.

It was late night when they arrived in Nantong. The few taxis and private cars outside the station all refused service when they heard the destination was the countryside. Eventually, having no other option, Tan Wenbin went to a phone booth and called Tan Yunlong. The four waited by the roadside for some time before a pickup truck, wafting a strong smell of seafood, pulled up in front of them. Tan Yunlong flicked his cigarette butt out the window and urged, "Hurry up and get in! I need to return the truck soon; someone needs it for deliveries in the morning!"

By the time the pickup truck arrived at Siyuan Village, dawn had broken. When the truck stopped, Tan Yunlong looked at his son and asked, "Come home with me. Your mother misses you."

"It's fine. I'll go back tomorrow. Let my mom enjoy one more day of anticipating our reunion." With that, before his father could scold him, Tan Wenbin got out of the car. While the others were still retrieving their luggage, he ran excitedly towards home, waving his arms and shouting, "Old Man Li, Old Man Li!"

From the courtyard came Li Sanjiang's playfully scolding voice, feigning ignorance: "I say, who is it at this early hour?"

"It's Zhuangzhuang, Zhuangzhuang is back!"