Chapter Three: The Secret Treasure of the Netherworld (Part One)

The first item was a talisman-like object—a metallic necklace that gleamed with an unusual silvery light, from which hung a pale blue teardrop-shaped pendant. This tiny pendant, no larger than four square centimeters, was covered with intricate and bizarre patterns and designs, as if it were the most exquisite micro-carving in the human world. At its center, dozens of strange, unknown creatures were delicately engraved, surrounded by flame-like motifs. Embedded in the heart of each flame was a Sanskrit incantation. Despite the pendant’s small size, the complicated designs were arranged in such a harmonious and orderly fashion that there was not the slightest sense of clutter.

The creatures at the center of the pendant all had human bodies and beastly faces, double horns on their heads, treading on clouds, and wielding various weapons in their hands—bearing a striking resemblance to the ghostly warriors of myth. Most wondrous of all, their eyes seemed to glow with tiny fiery red sparks, making them appear alive, as though any moment they would leap from the pendant to devour someone.

The reverse side of the pendant was far simpler: encircled by several flames, a single archaic character for “Command” was carved, its color a vivid blend of red and blue, lending it a palpable sense of texture.

Shi Jun stared at it for a while, soon feeling dizzy—this object was truly uncanny. Though small, it seemed to contain an entire world within. After only a brief glance, he already felt his mind being drawn in by some mysterious force, nearly losing himself.

He dared not look any longer, so he carefully tucked it away in his clothes, then picked up the second item to examine.

The second object was utterly ordinary in appearance—about five centimeters square, thin, soft, with a light gray color, and looked no different from his own wallet.

A wallet? Shi Jun scrutinized the grayish pouch, puzzled. What use could this palm-sized thing possibly have? Even a thick wad of bills would burst it open, yet it was called a secret treasure? Though confused, he refused to show it outwardly, merely smiling and saying, “Is this a wallet? How unique! Though a little delicate, I quite like it.”

The little troublemaker had already bounced over, crowding close to Shi Jun and pointing with her chubby finger. “That’s a token from the Netherworld—with it, you can come and go in the Underworld as you please.” She pointed to the talisman Shi Jun had just stowed away, then to the wallet-like object. “This one, Sister Chiyang spent ages picking out for you. But I said you might not like it, since the color isn’t nice, but Sister Chiyang insisted you would!”

At last, he could move freely through the Underworld! Shi Jun said nothing, but an indescribable joy welled up in his heart. Suddenly, all his recent endurance and effort seemed worthwhile—now, with this token, he finally had the chance to search for his father!

“Lord Ghostcatcher, you may not know, but Sister Chiyang had to plead with the Emperor of the Underworld for a long time before he agreed to let you have this token!” the little troublemaker blurted out.

“Enough chatter!” Chiyang shot her a look. Seeing Shi Jun staring blankly at her, she replied as if nothing had happened, “I promised I’d do my best for you, didn’t I? As for the treasure pouch… I just grabbed it at random. Don’t listen to her nonsense.”

“That’s not true! You picked and chose for ages! You even said that fool always loses things and should carry it with him!” the little troublemaker persisted.

“Little! Troublemaker!” This was the third time Chiyang had cut her off, and Shi Jun, noticing the rare flush on her usually pale face, hurried to smooth things over. “Haha, thank you for the treasure pouch, then!” He truly hadn’t expected Chiyang to have chosen something for him herself, and whatever her feelings, he had to accept such a gesture.

“No need for thanks,” Chiyang replied stiffly, perhaps too embarrassed to show any warmth. “This treasure pouch has an enormous capacity, yet no matter how much you put in, the weight never changes. I’m sure you’ll find it useful in the future. Let’s just call it repayment for you treating me that day.”

Shi Jun, hearing the seriousness in her tone, grew curious and opened the “wallet” for a closer look. The treasure pouch had three layers, separated by extremely thin leather. It was very light—hardly the sort of thing that could hold much at all. He took his own wallet and tried fitting it inside the treasure pouch.

Strangely enough, though his own wallet was larger, it slipped in without the slightest resistance, and the pouch’s size remained unchanged, still lying flat and empty as if nothing were inside. Shi Jun’s curiosity was now fully aroused. Without further ado, he began stuffing everything within arm’s reach into the “wallet.” Not until he had packed his large travel bag inside did he stop, panting. This treasure pouch really was a rare find—no matter how much he put in, the weight never changed. It still felt as light as ever in his hand.

Even better, anything that had been put inside would leap out at a mere thought, saving him the trouble of rummaging around. It was perfect for someone as hopelessly untidy as himself—clearly, Chiyang had put a lot of thought into it.

Overjoyed, Shi Jun thanked Chiyang repeatedly, not even noticing that her blush had spread all the way to the back of her neck.

* * * * * * *

“By the way, from now on, you’re an official of the Underworld. The Ghostcatcher is equivalent to the highest rank of the Three Divisions—the rank of Nether Envoy, reporting directly to the Emperor of the Underworld. Even the Three Great Kings have no authority to command or reassign you at will, so you must conduct yourself accordingly!” Chiyang, not wanting to betray any emotion, deliberately put on a stern face and changed the subject.

“Nether Envoy, Underworld King—whatever. I’m just here to catch ghosts! I won’t bother with them, and I hope they’ll leave me alone!” Shi Jun, bewildered by his sudden promotion, felt annoyed. If it weren’t for the freedom to enter and leave the Underworld, he would never have agreed to be the leader of a bunch of supernatural beings.

“As long as you understand your responsibilities,” Chiyang replied indifferently. “You should start learning more about the knowledge relevant to your duties.”

“Lord Ghostcatcher, can you now tell the difference between people and ghosts?” the little troublemaker chimed in.

How to distinguish between people and ghosts? That really was a problem. Ever since he’d acquired the little troublemaker’s scales, most spirits could no longer hide from Shi Jun’s eyes—it was easy enough to spot them. But precisely because of this, it was hard to tell them apart from real humans. Figures like Lu Qing and Susu looked almost exactly like ordinary people—if not for their strange behavior and lack of physical form, it would be nearly impossible to pick them out in a crowd. Since catching ghosts was his job as Ghostcatcher, he really ought to master some way of identifying spirits. He couldn’t very well stalk every stranger for days and then throw a brick at them to see if it passed through, could he? The thought made Shi Jun frown.

Chiyang, seeing his troubled face, knew he was completely lost, but she was in no hurry. She gently prompted, “Think again—what unique traits did those spirits you saw possess?”

Unique traits? At once, the scene of Lu Qing looking into the mirror flashed through Shi Jun’s mind. “That’s it—ghosts don’t have shadows!” he cried out.