“This poor monk never expected that a single thought of compassion back then would leave behind such disaster. It is this poor monk’s fault.” The Buddha statue’s face showed neither sorrow nor joy. “Back then, this poor monk was injured by a demonic creature and fled to this place. The villagers saved me. Before leaving, I left behind this Buddha statue to protect them and ensure their safety. I did not expect…”
“You did not expect that they were a group of vicious people.”
“Yes.” The statue sighed. “Once matters here are settled, this poor monk is willing to spend one hundred years performing rites for all the resentful spirits here, sending them into reincarnation and praying for blessings in their next lives.”
Tang Guo smiled. “So, Master, you intend to ignore the people inside? You will not concern yourself with what they are about to face?”
“I will not. Nor can I.” The statue replied calmly. “Although the female benefactor appears filled with killing intent, in truth you are protected by immense merit, as well as a mysterious power even I cannot discern. Even if I wished to interfere, I could not. It is better not to.”
“You Buddhist cultivators are quite interesting.” Tang Guo laughed. “Once you realize you cannot provoke me, you simply do not.”
“The wise adapt to circumstances. That saying is known everywhere. Since the female benefactor is shielded by great merit, you are not someone this poor monk can provoke.”
“It has been a long time since I met such a perceptive Buddhist cultivator.” Tang Guo turned to leave. “Then it is agreed. Once everything here is over, you will perform rites for them, help them reassemble their soul forms, and send them into reincarnation.”
“Those who have left the secular world do not speak falsehoods.”
Tang Guo said nothing more to the Buddhist cultivator and returned to the village. When the little ghosts saw her come back, they quickly gathered around her, their eyes filled with reverence.
“That Buddhist cultivator will no longer protect this village. Whatever you wish to do, go now. All of this is the sin he created. Once you have taken your revenge, he will perform rites for you, send you into reincarnation, and pray for good fortune in your next life. Consider it compensation.”
Hearing this, the little ghosts looked at Tang Guo pitifully. They were soul forms and could not shed tears, but their expressions revealed gratitude and emotion.
They hesitated and asked, “Can we really take revenge?”
“Of course. With me here, nothing unexpected will happen. Whoever harmed you back then, go find them. Do not hold back. There is not a single innocent person in this village.”
Only then did the little ghosts grow excited. They bowed to Tang Guo and turned to seek out their enemies.
There were also some little ghosts who did not go in. They said, “Our enemies are already dead, and their descendants are almost extinct. The men here often end up lifelong bachelors. Over the years, even when many bought wives, they still did not have sons. Perhaps this is retribution.”
In fact, at the very moment Tang Guo removed the Buddha statue, the resentment of the entire village had already begun to surge. It surrounded the village, giving it an eerie atmosphere.
Even ordinary people, seeing such a village, would know something was wrong and would never enter.
Tang Guo sat on the roof of one house, the very house where Ji Yufei had once been held. The little ghosts who had not gone to seek revenge sat beside her, looking at her with admiration.
They wondered if she was the legendary Ghost King. Otherwise, how could she not even fear the Buddha statue?
In any case, they admired her deeply.
“Where do you plan to go in the future?”
Tang Guo’s lips curved slightly. “I don’t know.”
“Oh… can we follow you?” The little ghosts looked at her expectantly.
Discover more from Lilly Translations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.