The "Corpse Seeking Plate," based on its literal meaning, is likely a magical artifact used to locate zombies.
I got up and, holding the Corpse Seeking Plate, walked toward the female corpse.As I got closer, the light on the plate grew brighter, almost enough to illuminate the surrounding rocks.Although I had been referring to her as the "female corpse," deep down, I still hoped she wasn't one.I can't really explain the feelings behind it.
Huang Jiu, limping along behind me, said, "Good thing we grabbed this thing, or else we wouldn't have escaped that old Taoist."I didn't respond but stared at the glowing Corpse Seeking Plate and asked, "Is she really a zombie?"Huang Jiu sensed my thoughts and replied, "Once tonight is over, there will only be four days left. Why are you in such a hurry? When she wakes up, we'll know."That's true.I looked at Huang Jiu and immediately felt much more at ease.He's someone who wouldn't get into a situation where he would be foolish enough to ask a zombie for favors.
To reassure myself, I placed the Corpse Seeking Plate on the female corpse's forehead.Other than glowing, the plate didn't show any adverse reactions.Looks like I was overthinking it.If she were a zombie, she wouldn't be so soft.
Thinking of softness, my eyes involuntarily drifted to her chest.But I quickly suppressed the urge to check her heartbeat.Whether we can avoid the old Taoist tonight is still uncertain, and I shouldn't be getting distracted by such trivial matters.
Huang Jiu began organizing the items in his bag. Since he couldn't use Taoist artifacts, I didn't hesitate to take everything.As for the wooden plaque engraved with "Laoshan" and the yellow satchel with the Taoist priest's embroidered Yin-Yang symbol, I took them deep into the cave and buried them in a pit.
After taking care of those things, I went to check the cave entrance.The Buddhist relic was indeed a Buddhist treasure, and its incense had been contained, not leaking out.Seeing that the incense wasn't dispersing, I decided to clear a spot at the entrance and carried the female corpse outside.Huang Jiu, who had been inhaling the incense, asked in confusion, "Kid, what are you doing?"He followed me, limping along."The cave has no other exits, if the old Taoist finds this place, we'll be trapped like fish in a barrel," I expressed my concern.Huang Jiu patted his chest with his paw and reassured me, "Don't worry, this cave is hidden, and very few people in the village know about it, let alone two outsiders."That's true, but it's always better to be cautious.Four days... that's not going to be easy.
Huang Jiu left the cave to make sure the incense hadn't leaked out. Once satisfied, he returned to find a corner and meditated to continue absorbing the corpse incense.Having been busy all day, I was starting to feel exhausted.Sitting next to the female corpse, I observed the outside through the gaps in the tree branches, my peripheral vision also on Huang Jiu. His belly was rising and falling with each breath, and a green light about the size of a fist flickered within it.Was that his Dantian?I placed my hand on my stomach, thinking back to the contents of the lower scroll, and tried mimicking Huang Jiu's breathing.However, despite many attempts, nothing changed inside me.
Just as I was about to give up and sleep, I suddenly felt the incense in my body turn into the same warm current as last time.The first time this happened, I couldn't move my body and could only let the current run wild inside me.But now, I could move my body. Overjoyed, I held my breath and tried to push the warm current into my Dantian.According to the lower scroll's explanation of Qi cultivation, if the Qi could gather in my Dantian and not disperse, that would complete the first step of cultivation: gathering Qi.Once I gathered the Qi, I could control it at will, using it to activate talismans and magical tools—there would be endless possibilities.However, after holding my breath for a while, I saw the Qi gather in my stomach, only for it to suddenly lose control and rush downward.I quickly clenched my legs, but it was too late. I heard an embarrassing sound, and suddenly my body felt empty.In the end, it was just a fart!But I saw hope. I didn't want to give up and end up like my grandfather, who lived his life being ridiculed by others.So, I encouraged myself: no matter how humble the plants in the mountains are, they can still grow into towering trees.Just as I was boosting my confidence, a light, airy voice suddenly said, "Idiot!""Who?!"I jerked open my eyes, my hairs standing on end, my body tense.I scanned the room. Huang Jiu was still in the corner, breathing in and out, paying no attention to the surroundings.My gaze fell on the female corpse.Thinking back, that voice had been cold yet sweet and soft, like a young girl.And in this cave, she was the only female.It had to be her.But why was she calling me an idiot?Did she look down on me?I felt a little upset, but mostly annoyed.She was the typical case of someone who had never known hunger, looking down on those who were struggling. If I had a teacher like that little Taoist, would I be stuck here struggling?Seeing that her eyes were still open, I angrily took two copper coins and placed them over her eyelids.Not satisfied, I picked two leaves, crushed them, and stuffed them in her ears.Let's see how you listen or watch now!I'll make you blind and deaf—what can you do to me?Looking at my work, I felt much calmer.Trying to challenge me? You should consider who's in charge here.With a proud smile, I resumed my meditation.
As dawn approached, the Qi inside me was still chaotic. When I let go, it dissipated immediately.However, just as I was feeling disappointed, I noticed that there was still a small trace of Qi left in my stomach.Though it was small and insignificant, to me, it was undoubtedly a sign of hope.
The incense dispersed, and Huang Jiu exhaled deeply, opening his eyes and standing up.I noticed that after a night of rest, the blood on his head had scabbed over, and his little arm that had been hanging limply was now moving. I was shocked.It seemed that with Qi in his body, even his wounds healed faster.
Huang Jiu walked to the cave entrance, and upon seeing the copper coins over the female corpse's eyes and her ears blocked, he was stunned."My living ancestor, did you do this?"I lifted my chin proudly, "What's wrong? She's my wife. I can do whatever I want with her. Got a problem?"Huang Jiu looked at me with a strange expression and sighed, "Youth is truly formidable."
As he was speaking, I suddenly furrowed my brow.Above his head, there was a swirling cloud of death Qi.I can see the Qi on others, but I can't see my own.It's like the saying, "Doctors don't heal themselves."But now, since Huang Jiu was with me, and the death Qi had appeared on his head, I feared that I might have it too.And this death Qi wasn't there yesterday; it must have appeared after last night's events.I nervously said, "Old Huang, go outside and stay away from me for a bit."Huang Jiu looked confused but still did as I asked, walking outside the cave.Once outside, the death Qi above his head immediately dissipated.My face changed dramatically, and I quickly got up to pack my things.