I felt a surge of inexplicable excitement, a nearly mad impulse driving me toward the woods that concealed secrets.
This thrill coursed through my veins like electricity, almost igniting my entire being.
I struggled to suppress this urge; it was like an invisible hand gripping my heart, making it hard to breathe and compelling me to run headlong into the unknown.
The woods lay behind the old house, rarely visited by anyone.
Dense trees formed a natural barrier, isolating this area from the outside world and creating an atmosphere that was both mysterious and eerie.
The canopy blocked out the sun, making the woods appear sinister even in daylight, like a gateway to hell.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the forest.
A damp, decaying odor assaulted my senses, mingling with the scent of earth and fallen leaves, causing a wave of nausea to wash over me.
The woods were eerily quiet, save for the rustling leaves stirred by the wind and the calls of unknown birds.
These sounds did not break the silence; instead, they heightened the woods' uncanny atmosphere, as if something lurked in the shadows, watching my every move and sending chills down my spine.
I advanced cautiously, each step taken with utmost care, afraid of disturbing whatever might be hidden within the trees and equally fearful of missing any crucial clues.
The crunch of dead branches and leaves underfoot echoed sharply in the stillness of the woods, sounding like a warning not to venture further.
As I moved deeper, the light grew dimmer, and my vision became increasingly blurred.
I felt as if I were trapped in a labyrinth, unable to find direction or an exit.
A sense of unease began to creep into my heart, an inexplicable fear wrapping around it like vines, nearly suffocating me.
I continued forward, and suddenly, I spotted an open space ahead.
In the clearing stood an ancient stone tablet, covered in strange runes that resembled those in my diary.
My heart raced; could this be the secret that Chen Mo spoke of?
Could this be the answer I had been searching for all along?
I hurried to the stone tablet and examined the runes closely.
Though similar to those in my diary, these runes were more complex and mysterious, as if they concealed deeper secrets waiting for me to uncover.
I attempted to decipher the runes using the method Chen Mo had taught me, but still found nothing.
These runes felt like an unsolvable puzzle, keeping me at bay and filling me with frustration.
A wave of despair washed over me. Was I destined to fail?
Would all my efforts be in vain?
Just as I was about to give up, I suddenly remembered that Su Wan had once said she could communicate with spirits; perhaps she could help me interpret these runes.
It was like seeing a glimmer of hope in the darkness, reigniting my spirit.
I immediately contacted Su Wan and sent her the photos of the runes on the stone tablet.
Su Wan agreed to take a look and arranged to meet me the next day for a detailed discussion.
The waiting felt interminable, and I anxiously anticipated the arrival of the next day, like a prisoner awaiting judgment.
The following day, I arrived at Su Wan's residence as agreed.
Her room was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, which brought me a sense of calm.
Su Wan informed me that these runes were an ancient spell that could be used to seal or summon a Vengeful Spirit.
My heart was filled with shock and fear, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over my head, instantly waking me up.
Su Wan explained that Jiang Yao's Vengeful Spirit was sealed beneath this stone tablet. To uncover the secrets of the old house, I would have to break this seal and release Jiang Yao's Vengeful Spirit.
I hesitated, unsure whether I should break the seal.
I feared that Jiang Yao's Vengeful Spirit might harm me, and I also worried she could hurt others.
My heart was filled with dread and unease, as if I were standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure of which way to choose.
Noticing my hesitation, Su Wan reassured me that Jiang Yao's Vengeful Spirit meant no harm; she simply sought revenge and yearned for release.
If we could help her fulfill her wish, she would leave the old house and no longer haunt us.
Su Wan's words brought me a glimmer of comfort, but they also deepened my inner conflict.
In the end, I decided to break the seal and release Jiang Yao's Vengeful Spirit.
I knew this could bring danger, but I had no way out.
I had to uncover the secrets of the old house; I had to seek justice for Jiang Yao, even if it cost me my life.
Su Wan told me that the method to break the seal was simple; I just needed to recite a spell.
She taught me the incantation and warned me to concentrate while reciting it, as any distraction could lead to unforeseen consequences.
Taking a deep breath, I began to chant the spell.
As I recited the incantation, the stone tablet started to emit a faint glow, which grew brighter and more blinding.
I felt as if I were caught in a massive whirlpool; everything around me became blurry, and my consciousness began to fade.
Suddenly, a crack appeared in the stone tablet, and a chilling aura surged forth from the gap. I felt as if my body had been frozen, unable to move.
A shadowy figure slowly emerged from the crack. As it drew closer, it became clearer and more real until I finally saw Jiang Yao's face.
Her complexion was pale, her eyes hollow, and the blood-red mark on her forehead was more vivid than ever, as if it were about to bleed, like a messenger from hell.
She stood silently in front of me, her gaze hollow and fixed upon me, as if she intended to draw my very soul into her depths, sending a chill down my spine.
My heart raced, my body trembled, and fear filled my mind, yet I did not retreat. I met her eyes with unwavering resolve.
"You finally came," Jiang Yao's voice was low and hoarse, as if it emerged from the depths of hell, laden with endless resentment and sorrow.
"I'm here to help you," I summoned my courage to say, my voice quivering yet my tone resolute.
A faint smile of bitterness crossed Jiang Yao's face, a smile that carried the weight of countless sorrows and helplessness.
"Help me? What can you possibly do for me?"
"I can help you seek revenge, I can help you find release." My tone was firm and powerful, as if I were making a vow.
A glimmer of hope flickered in Jiang Yao's eyes, a light like stars twinkling in the night sky—dim yet filled with strength.
"Really?" Her voice trembled slightly, laced with anticipation.
"Really," I answered without hesitation.
Jiang Yao fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Tell me, why do you want to help me?"
I took a deep breath and shared my story, my thoughts, and my determination with Jiang Yao.
My voice shook as I poured out all the repression and pain that had been bottled up inside me.
Jiang Yao listened quietly, her gaze gradually softening and warming, as if the ice and snow were melting away.
When my story came to an end, a smile appeared on Jiang Yao's face—a genuine smile, one I had never seen before.
This smile was like the sunlight on a winter day, warm and bright, dispelling all the shadows in my heart.
"Thank you," Jiang Yao said, her voice filled with gratitude. It was no longer hoarse but gentle and melodious.
"No need to thank me; it's what I should do," I replied sincerely.
Tears streamed down Jiang Yao's cheeks, two lines of tears that were tears of relief and gratitude.
"I have waited for a long time; I finally waited for this day," her voice was filled with emotion and hope.
"I will help you fulfill your wish," I said firmly.
Jiang Yao nodded and then slowly said, "Follow me; I will take you to a place."
(End of chapter)
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