Chapter Three: The Sorcery of Chaotic Spirits (Part Two)

Motuo deliberately hung his head, pouting in silence, feigning a look of indignation.

“We really didn’t mean to deceive you! Besides, if we weren’t forced into it, why would we risk losing a good friend by keeping things from you? As the saying goes, ‘Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you’—you wouldn’t want your friend to turn into someone untrustworthy, would you?” Shi Jun was filled with conflict. He didn’t want to hide things from his friend, but he sensed that there was too much mystery surrounding his encounters with the Underworld, his innate abilities, and the attitudes of Chiyang and the Netherworld toward him. He felt it wasn’t right to drag Motuo into matters whose outcome even he couldn’t predict, so he did his best to reason with him and appeal to his feelings.

Liu Qing, sitting nearby, was surprised that the three, who had been speaking amicably, suddenly began to argue. After listening to Shi Jun, she saw that Motuo’s expression had softened, though he still said nothing. Gently, she spoke, “I may not understand what you’re talking about, but I think everyone should be allowed their own secrets. Besides, you’re all good friends—shouldn’t you be more understanding of each other?”

“That’s right, Lao Mo, we really do see you as a brother, but…” Hu Hai fretted, scratching his head in agitation. “What will it take for you to believe us?”

As soon as he finished, Motuo suddenly looked up with a smile. “Alright, you don’t have to explain anymore. I understand.”

Seeing Hu Hai and Shi Jun both staring at him, Motuo exclaimed, “I said I understand—don’t you believe me?”

“It’s not that we don’t believe you. We’re just afraid you’re saying it out of anger,” Hu Hai replied honestly.

Motuo sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “Sister Liu is right. Everyone has secrets, and I have things I don’t want others to know as well! Come to think of it, I really don’t have a reason to force you to break your promise just to satisfy my curiosity. That wouldn’t be fair.” He grinned, scratching his head. “Honestly, I was just trying to fish for more strange tales. How was my act? Did I look convincing?”

Shi Jun finally relaxed, giving Motuo a hearty punch and laughing, “You really could win an Oscar for that performance!”

“What’s an Oscar? Is it more impressive than me? I am, after all, the brilliant and dashing new star of the Demon Realm, with a heart as broad as the sea and methods as ever-changing as the clouds!” Motuo pulled a silly face, then returned to his usual self. “But seriously, if what Dahai said just now is true, your potential is pretty impressive. Keep at it and you might just catch up to me!”

Hu Hai burst out laughing. “Give me a break! I’d say the person with the highest opinion of himself in this room is definitely you!”

“Just this room?” Motuo protested. “With my talent, can you find a second like me in the entire human world?”

Amid everyone’s laughter, the earlier tension quickly faded away.

* * * * * * * *

After a little more banter, the three finally decided to let Shi Jun take the risk and try to restore Hu Hai and Motuo to their original forms. As those two, in their own words, put it: rather than running around in each other’s stinky skins, it was better to be lab rats for a while—it was at least more satisfying. Unable to resist their persistent pleading, Shi Jun gave in to their pressure, steeling himself to give it his all.

Careful as ever, Shi Jun once again reviewed in his mind the entire process of the Soul-Disordering Technique as performed by Chi Shang. Only when he felt confident did he turn to Liu Qing and say, “Sister Liu, I don’t know what kind of effect this technique might have on people nearby. Could I trouble you to step outside for a while? You could also keep watch for me at the door—would that be alright?”

Liu Qing nodded and slipped out the door. Hu Hai and Motuo, however, were too excited to wait. Far from nervous, they squirmed in their seats, urging him on, “What are you waiting for? Hurry up and show us something amazing!”

Shi Jun could only chuckle wryly. “You two really are something else—I give up!” With that, he sat before them, closed his eyes, formed the necessary hand seals, and began chanting the spell…

As the incantation flowed, Shi Jun sensed a cool current swirling around him, gliding over his skin like spring water before seeping into his body. Soon, he became aware of the slightly rapid breathing and heartbeats of Hu Hai and Motuo, each sound entering his ears as his perception expanded a thousandfold.

Suddenly, he caught two utterly distinct spiritual fields—one a vivid red, like a lively, flaming blaze; the other a pale yellow, reminiscent of rich earth, mellow yet vibrant. They danced and spun, left and right, in his mind, radiating a joyful energy. Shi Jun realized these must be the soul fields of Motuo and Hu Hai, and, not daring to delay, he swiftly changed his hand seals, switching the locations of the two fields.

Though it was Shi Jun’s first time using the Soul-Disordering Technique, his movements were so deft and precise that even Chi Shang himself would have been impressed. Under Shi Jun’s control, the spell flowed seamlessly, as if he had practiced it a hundred times before. Both Hu Hai and Motuo watched, dazzled and speechless.

As the spell completed, Shi Jun felt a mysterious bond forming between his spirit and those of the other two. Hu Hai and Motuo’s inner confusion, wonder, and envy poured into his mind, while he, in turn, shared his own joy and delight with them. United in spirit, the three were deeply moved by their friendship and childlike sincerity. No words were needed—they simply savored the happiness of this communion. After a long while, all three opened their eyes and exchanged smiles.

It was Hu Hai who broke the silence first, sighing, “That was a strange feeling, as if the three of us merged into one for a moment. Old Shi, are you sure you didn’t just turn us into lovers?”

“Get lost!” Shi Jun was so choked by Hu Hai’s words he broke into a fit of coughing, giving him a solid punch. “You never have anything decent to say! Seriously though, have you two changed back yet?”

“Not sure!” Motuo glanced at Shi Jun. “It feels like we have, but maybe not. Is there any way you can check?”

Shi Jun smiled faintly. “That’s easy!” He turned to Hu Hai’s “body” and asked, “Who are you?”

“Who else could I be? Hu Hai, of course!”

Shi Jun finally let out a sigh of relief, a broad smile spreading across his face. “Then it worked!”