Volume Two: The Turbulent Autumn Chapter Ninety-Six: The Enchanting Nymph Summons the Soul

After closing the door behind them, Chen San and Yang Chengzi lay down on their respective beds. Before long, the second younger brother came in to fill the bathwater.

Stripping off his clothes, Chen San sank comfortably into the large wooden basin.

“I’m telling you, you’re just babbling nonsense. Why not say something else instead of insisting there were demons in the Tianxiang Courtyard that day? Now look, the matter hasn’t gotten any smaller, and you even want me to dress as a woman.”

“Who’s babbling nonsense? There really were demons in the Tianxiang Courtyard. You think I’m saying that to help you? I was hoping to see some good drama, but then you say you don’t remember.”

“I honestly don’t remember. I was just watching the show. The only thing I recall is you dragging me downstairs—I don’t even remember how I got up there in the first place.”

“I know you don’t remember, but who knows what else you’ve forgotten? If I didn’t say there were demons, we wouldn’t even have to check it out. But no matter what, we have to investigate. Hurry up and wash; those two will be back soon. Would you be comfortable standing there naked?”

“Bah, what’s there to be embarrassed about? I’d rather show them. Do you think they’d dare look?”

Yang Chengzi closed his eyes. “I’m telling you, you should’ve slapped him dead just now. Your shamelessness is truly innate—no one across the world could match it.”

“Thanks for the compliment. But you should think about how we’re going to catch the demon. I doubt even if we dress as women, we’d manage to blend in.”

“That’s why I want you to go first. Do you think I’m stupid?”

“I…”

Chen Xin and Chang Yu were strolling down the street. Though Chen Xin was unhappy, thinking that Chen San hadn’t had time to do anything made her feel a little better. Shopping and walking around was still enjoyable.

“Sis, what should we buy?”

Chang Yu smiled brightly. “Of course beautiful dresses, and some rouge. Put on a dress and powder your face—should look like a real woman, haha.”

“Yeah, but they’re both tall. Not sure if they have dresses that big. Hmph, if there’s no demon, I’ll show them what I can do.”

“Show them? I’ll tie him up for you and beat him until even his own parents don’t recognize him. Let’s see if he dares go there again.”

“Beat him so badly his parents won’t recognize him? Isn’t that a bit much?”

“Oh, have you already started feeling sorry for him before even hitting him? You like him that much?”

Chen Xin blushed and lowered her head. “We grew up together. Although sometimes he’s a bit reckless, he’s responsible. He’s someone you can rely on.”

“How can you tell he’s responsible? Maybe you’re mistaken. He might be even more timid than a mouse. Shouldn’t you look more closely?”

“When my father passed away, there was no one to carry the coffin. He fainted for almost four days while carrying it for my father. Luckily, an old Taoist saved him. But he really did carry the coffin, knowing it was dangerous, yet he still did it.”

“So this kid isn’t actually cowardly; he just hides it in front of you.”

“Maybe he just hasn’t faced any real trouble before. I’ve made up my mind about him—I want to have two children with him and live a peaceful life.”

“Hearing that makes me envious. I want two children too, and a simple life.”

“What about Taoist Yang? I think he cares about you. Will you marry him someday?”

“He does care, but only enough to ensure I return safely to my parents. As for marriage, I don’t know. He’s a Maoshan Taoist and can’t marry. If we got married, then he…”

Chang Yu didn’t finish her sentence; a trace of melancholy showed in her eyes.

Chen Xin smiled. “The boat will right itself when it reaches the bridge. Maybe fate has already arranged everything.”

“Yeah, I hope it arranges something good for me.”

The two continued shopping, chatting as they gathered their purchases before returning to the inn.

Chen San had finished washing and was sitting on the bed, picking at his toes. When the two girls entered, they naturally expressed disdain before beginning to dress him up.

He was outfitted in a Su embroidery butterfly skirt, with golden and emerald hairpins, his hair pinned up, rouge and blush applied. Holding the silk cloth, it was clear that clothes truly make the person.

When he looked in the bronze mirror, even Chen San felt as if he were born into the wrong body. Being a woman seemed more fitting—look at those delicate features, the faintly red lips, the alluring eyes.

“Smack!” A slap came from behind, nearly sending the hairpin flying. Yang Chengzi blushed and apologized.

“Sorry, sorry! I just couldn’t hold back. I really wanted to slap you dead. Carry on, I’ll sit over here.”

Chen San flicked the silk cloth flirtatiously and, with a mischievous look, said, “Annoying~” Then he pouted at Chen Xin, waiting for their agreement.

If not for Chang Yu’s intervention, Yang Chengzi might have even drawn his sword.

After a few more adjustments, the image of a distinctly recognizable young woman appeared before them.

Chen San took a few steps. Surprisingly, he walked far more like a woman than Chang Yu. Just as they thought he might pass, Chen San’s rough voice cut through: “How’s this? I look good, right? Gentlemen, come have fun!”

“Everything else is fine, but what about your voice? It’s obviously a man’s.”

Chang Yu scratched her head. “Why don’t you try lowering your voice?”

“Like this? Gentlemen, come have fun!”

The strange voice made all three shudder. This wasn’t ‘come have fun,’ this was ‘come get killed.’ After all the effort of dressing up, their voices were the final stumbling block. All three looked at Yang Chengzi.

“What are you looking at me for? I’m a Taoist, not an actor. What can I do?”

Suddenly, a cold yet distinctly feminine voice sounded: “Gentlemen, come have fun. How’s this?”

Everyone was stunned—that was Chen Wan’er’s voice. And indeed, it sounded like that of a great beauty.

“Isn’t that perfect? Chen San just needs a veil and to keep silent. That voice would surely enchant many men,” Chang Yu said enthusiastically.

Yang Chengzi grimaced. “Walk around a bit, then speak again.”

Chen San raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Gentlemen? Want me to dance a little?”

Chen Wan’er’s voice paired with Chen San’s already delicate figure left Chen Xin and Chang Yu feeling inferior. Yang Chengzi looked utterly depressed—if Chen San succeeded, it meant his turn would come next!

Chen Xin and Chang Yu looked hopeful, but Yang Chengzi was clearly reluctant. Chang Yu even slapped him on the shoulder several times.

“Weren’t you the one who wanted to blend in? Wanted to kill demons? Agreed to dress as a woman? Now you’re reluctant.”

Half forced, half willing, Yang Chengzi put on the clothes and began adorning himself. But just as he finished dressing and had applied half the blush, Chang Yu asked, “Chen San’s voice is fine, but what about yours? Do you have Chen San’s charm?”

Yang Chengzi looked aggrieved. “Then I’ll see fewer clients. Let him be the flirt; let him go all out. I’m here to slay demons, not entertain.”

He glanced at Chen San, who winked coquettishly. Chang Yu frowned, sensing something off.

Once done, another young woman appeared before them. Both girls were tall, but their beauty was no less than any common courtesan.

Chang Yu told Yang Chengzi to imitate Chen San’s steps. Yang Chengzi took two normal strides, causing Chang Yu to almost spit out her tea.

“Can you at least imitate Chen San? Your strides are so masculine. No, no, I knew something was wrong. Chen San’s fine, but you won’t pass like this.”

“How do you know if I don’t try? Maybe I can blend in.”

“What’s the use of blending in? You’ll have to entertain clients, right? You’ll have to talk, and then you’ll be exposed. Besides, Chen San can’t entertain clients either. How do we handle that?”

Chang Yu hit the nail on the head—how could they entertain clients? Surely not by really sleeping with them.

All three looked at Yang Chengzi, who looked at Chen San. Chen San covered his chest with both hands, disgusted.

“What are you thinking? I’m going to find a demon, not offer myself! Don’t get any funny ideas.”

Yang Chengzi also looked disgusted. “Who said you have to offer yourself? I’m trying to figure something out.”

“Then hurry up and think. Stop staring at me like that. We’re all men here; aren’t you disgusted?”

Yang Chengzi almost rolled his eyes. Who was really disgusting here? Just as he was about to retort, a bright idea struck him.

“How about this? I’ll find a wandering female spirit and have her possess me. She could walk and talk for me.”

“You have Taoist blood flowing through you. Can a spirit really possess you without disappearing?”

“No problem. Taoist blood is Taoist blood; possession is possession. As long as I agree, it works.”

“What about entertaining clients? You’re both posing as courtesans, right? They have to entertain clients.”

Chang Yu was confused but knew this was the crucial point. If they slipped up here, they wouldn’t last two days, let alone find demons. They might even end up in jail.

“That’s simple. Wan’er and the wandering spirit will use ghost concealment. Whatever happens, we’ll just brew some tea and watch.”

Chen San looked doubtful. “Are you sure? If it fails, we’re doomed.”

“Of course I’m sure. I’m a Taoist, how could I not be? Want to try it?”

“Try it? How?”

Chang Yu was curious, and Chen Xin pouted, eager to see how.

“Just watch. Chen San, don’t say much when the spirit arrives.”

“Ha! I’ve seen wandering spirits before. Why would I be scared?”

Yang Chengzi remained silent. He pulled out the yellow talisman they had just bought, bit his finger, and quickly drew a simple exorcism script on it, then began chanting with his soul energy.

Soon, Chen Xin and Chang Yu felt the room grow cold, as if plunged into the dead of winter. They rubbed their arms, watching Yang Chengzi.

Seeing him dressed in a floral skirt, so unlike his usual self, and focused on his ritual, the two girls couldn’t help but giggle.

Chen San watched as golden ripples spread from the talisman on the table, radiating outward. A yellow glow appeared around Yang Chengzi—the soul energy was being summoned.

The room filled with a creeping chill. The sunlight from outside was blocked by thick yin energy.

One by one, grotesque spirits appeared—faces disfigured, bodies covered in wounds, some with long hair hiding their faces, others missing limbs or disfigured beyond recognition.

Besides Chen San’s ghost eyes, Chen Xin and Chang Yu could see nothing. Yang Chengzi had yet to open his heavenly eye.

Since Chen San could see them, the spirits naturally fixed their gaze on him. Those gory, bloodied faces made his scalp tingle and his stomach churn. If not for Yang Chengzi’s earlier warning to stay calm, Chen San would have been hugging the basin and vomiting.

“I am a disciple of Maoshan, here to seek your help. Afterward, I will personally perform your rites,” Chen San declared.

As soon as he finished, the spirits stirred wildly, the wind howled, melon seeds on the floor scattered. A gust flipped Chen San’s butterfly skirt over his face.

He hastily pulled it down, swallowing hard, full of questions. But Yang Chengzi was still performing the ritual, so Chen San dared not cause trouble.

“There are two requirements. First, the voice must be female and pleasing to men. Second, the walk must mimic the ladies here—one step, three twists. Anyone who can’t do that will be dismissed.”

The moment he finished speaking, much of the yin energy dissipated. The dense crowd of spirits thinned to a handful standing before them.

Chen San swallowed hard, trembling. This was far more intense than the wandering spirits he’d encountered before.

“I’m suppressing the yang fire now. One by one, possess me. When they ask you to do something, you do it. In the end, only one remains—the one who earns the chance for release. Seize it well.”

He raised a finger and chanted, sending soul energy surging outward.

Thud... thud. Two ripples appeared. The two fiery yang flames on his shoulders nearly vanished. In an instant, a long-haired spirit with her face hidden possessed Yang Chengzi.

“Greetings from this humble one,” Yang Chengzi said with a radiant smile, left hand resting on the right, knees slightly bent in a bow. Everyone was stunned.

Compared to the earlier, still masculine Yang Chengzi in the floral skirt, this possessed version was softer, more refined, like a noble lady, and more natural. The voice was clear and melodious—perfectly fitting.

Chen San looked dumbfounded. Chen Xin knew what to do next.

“Walk back and forth a few times. We want the courtesan’s manner. If you don’t know how, learn.”

Yang Chengzi was embarrassed. Though possessed, seeing himself like this made his scalp tingle. But since they were here to catch demons, he had to endure.

The spirit inside him listened and began imitating the unseemly swaying steps of the courtesans.

The first pass was awkward and hesitant. The second was perfect, just the right amount of sway, like the poetry described: “Clad in emerald mist and thin gauze, a bewitching beauty without bones.”

Chen Xin blushed and panted, covering her eyes. Chang Yu nodded in disbelief.

“Pretend I’m a client standing outside your brothel. Let’s see how you seduce me.”

Chang Yu approached. Yang Chengzi pursed his lips, brushed his hair behind his ear, and cast a tender, alluring glance. He suddenly grasped Chang Yu’s arm.

“Gentleman, tonight the moonlight is enticing, the warm breeze gentle. In such a perfect moment, may this humble one compose poems with you?”

“You can compose poems? Don’t tell me you’re trying to trick me into drinking with you?”

“Look what you say, sir. Shouldn’t we say, ‘The bright moon rises over the sea, we share this moment though far apart’? You drink one cup, I drink one cup. Life rarely comes without sorrow; tonight we drink and be merry!” As he spoke, his hand gently caressed the arm holding him.

Chang Yu’s heart raced, cheeks flushing. Being teased like this by Yang Chengzi, so close that she could hear his breathing, was intoxicating. How could she resist when the one she liked was so charming?

Swallowing nervously, she coughed theatrically.

“Poetry, huh? I like that. Today you’ve made me happy. I reward you.”

“I’ll make sure you’re comfortable, sir. Shall we start with poetry or something else?” He pulled Chang Yu onto the nearby bed.

Before she could answer, Yang Chengzi was already removing his dress. His hands brushed Chang Yu’s cheeks; his face drew close, breathing heavy and coquettish. In a blink, the clothes on Chang Yu’s shoulders had slipped off.

Chang Yu’s breathing quickened, her face flushed deeply. Just as she thought to push him away, his lips pressed to hers. Her eyes widened in shock; she gripped the bedding tightly.

Images flooded her mind—the delicate, handsome face, the fearless fighting spirit, the broad, warm heart. Everything both inevitable and forbidden was unfolding step by step.

Afterward, Chang Yu shyly opened her eyes. The expected Yang Chengzi was nowhere to be seen. She turned in surprise.

Chen San and Chen Xin stood nearby, smiling. Yang Chengzi was still dressed in his floral skirt behind them, though still delicate in appearance, something was clearly amiss.

“I…”

Before she could finish, Chang Yu clutched the partially removed garment over her chest, looking at Chen San and the others in horror. She clearly remembered what had just happened with Yang Chengzi. Why were Chen San and the others watching?

“How was it? Exciting, right?”

Chen San suddenly blurted this out. Chang Yu, initially confused, seemed to catch a hidden meaning.

“Exciting? You saw it?”

“Yeah, you were twisting and turning all alone on the bed. How was it? Exciting?”

Chen San was truly clueless. Chang Yu’s face darkened; he didn’t realize what he’d said, and asked if it was exciting.

Chang Yu drew the sword of Shangqing from the bed, ready to strike Chen San. Chen San panicked, scrambling away like a soul fleeing death’s grasp.