Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Fengmen Valley, also known as Wind Gate Valley, is considered by ancient scholars to be the most auspicious area, located at a 90-degree angle to the southeast. This region is referred to as "Wind Gate," and it is believed to be named after its geographical significance and feng shui principles. In recent years, however, there have been numerous reports of supernatural events occurring in Wind Gate, stirring up a frenzy of curiosity among adventurers. Some television stations even attempted to create special programs about it, but ultimately, nothing came of those efforts.
Wei Ning was particularly astonished because it was said within the Taoist Sect that this place is the entrance to hell.
Wang Tuozi had obtained Hell's Key and was now heading to Wind Gate and Ghost Valley. Could it be...?
Wei Ning increasingly felt that her master was becoming more enigmatic.
The next day, the master and disciple packed their belongings and set off. When Wang Tuozi's vehicle reached Xiangtan, he suddenly stopped; he had an old friend to meet first.
Xiangtan is the hometown of our nation's founding figures, so it has developed rapidly in recent years. As soon as Wei Ning entered Xiangtan, she noticed the locals' fondness for betel nut, which seemed to be constantly in their mouths.
Wang Tuozi finally stopped in a remote town as evening fell. After a long journey, both were feeling fatigued. He checked into a nearby inn and then left alone to meet his old friend, leaving Wei Ning to have dinner by herself in the restaurant downstairs.
Suddenly, a familiar figure caught her eye. Wei Ning's heart leaped with joy as she exclaimed, "Brother Zhang!"
Zhang Ye turned around and, upon seeing Wei Ning, his eyes widened in disbelief before breaking into a broad smile. "It's Wei! Haha! What a coincidence! You really came back to life!"
"Come here!" Wei Ning was thrilled to meet an old friend in an unfamiliar place. She beckoned Zhang Ye over and asked, "Brother Zhang, what are you doing here?"
Zhang Ye sheepishly replied, "Well, business at the restaurant hasn't been great lately, so I switched careers to betel nut wholesale. This place is the most authentic old brand of betel nut in Xiangtan; all the best betel nuts come from here." He spat out some betel nut residue and pulled out a piece from his pocket, offering it to Wei Ning. "Here, want some?"
"No thanks," Wei Ning shook her head. "It's too stimulating; I'm not used to that taste."
"Fair enough," Zhang Ye said as he realized he hadn't eaten yet. He called for more dishes and a bottle of wine. As they chatted away, Zhang Ye suddenly exclaimed with delight, "It seems you're really fully recovered! If Haozi knew about this, he would definitely be very happy."
"Haozi? What happened to Haozi?" Wei Ning asked anxiously, not understanding what had transpired.
"Nothing much," Zhang Ye said evasively, "just drinking, drinking." He hurriedly urged Wei Ning to drink.
"Pah, what is this Betel Nut? It's really awful." A person nearby spat out some Betel Nut residue.
"You wouldn't know, but this Zhangjiawan has the most authentic Betel Nut made by Old Man Shi," the person next to him said, handing him a piece of Betel Nut. "You look like you're from out of town; give it a try."
Zhang Ye leaned in and said, "Old Man Shi's Betel Nut is indeed delicious. I always buy a few packs to take home whenever I come here, but Old Man Shi has such a strange personality. He only makes a little bit each time, which frustrates me."
"But you know, not only is Old Man Shi's temper odd, but he rarely talks to anyone. He just stays hidden in that room, and whenever a child sees him, they cry—really loudly."
"However, his Betel Nut is truly tasty; no one else can replicate that flavor," Zhang Ye nodded and turned to Wei Ning, saying, "And after eating his Betel Nut, I feel like my body reacts better than with any Tibetan medicine."
Wei Ning smiled lightly.
At that moment, a three or four-year-old child came over and burst into tears upon seeing the Betel Nut in the guest's hand.
"This child, what's wrong with him?" the person holding the Betel Nut shrugged.
Wei Ning felt a stir in her heart.
"Indeed, there are many strange things in this village," another local emphasized with a Xiangtan accent. "Recently, it's been quite eerie here; people claim to see ghosts for no reason at all. Everyone seems on edge. I don't know what's going on; the village has already invited several high monks to perform rituals, but nothing seems to work."
"Who cares? We're just passing through for business; once we get our goods, we should leave quickly. It's best not to get involved in these matters," one person waved his hand dismissively.
"Right, right," Zhang Ye agreed as he sat down to continue eating and drinking with Wei Ning.
Wei Ning suddenly asked, "Can I see the Betel Nut you just ate?"
Zhang Ye took out a bag of Betel Nut and smiled, "What, do you want to try some too? Come on, it's just a man's thing—smoking, drinking, and Betel Nut. Be careful though, this stuff has a strong flavor."
Wei Ning remained silent, merely weighing the Betel Nut in his hand. Suddenly he asked, "Brother Zhang, did that old man make this Betel Nut too?"
"Of course! This Betel Nut is rare and hard to find. That old man is really strange; he only makes a little bit at a time. If you’re late, it’s gone. I managed to get this by queuing early this morning. Honestly, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have shared it."
"Can you take me to that old man's house?"
"Why? That old man is really peculiar. He only opens his door when he's selling Betel Nut in the morning; the rest of the time it's closed. I'm afraid..."
Wei Ning calmly replied, "There’s something wrong with this Betel Nut."
"Wrong?" Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Brother, don’t scare me like that."
"I can't be sure, but the Evil Energy in this village is too heavy; it definitely feels off. That child earlier cried as soon as he saw the Betel Nut—there's a reason for that. They say when your physical eyes close, your inner vision opens. Growing up is about developing the functions of your body; your initial instincts and abilities tend to weaken over time. In reverse: the older you get, the more sensitive your feelings become."
"You mean..." Zhang Ye was stunned by Wei Ning's words.
Comment 0 Comment Count