Lin Zhitong was completely immersed in the story of the red-clothed fierce ghost, her emotions spiraling out of control, unable to break free.
She deeply felt the despair and helplessness of the girl before her death, as if the heavens and earth had lost their color, her life devoid of light, with no hope in sight.
The abyss was swallowing her.
“Amitabha, the situation is not good!”
Changshan pressed his palms together, chanting the Buddha's name. He could sense the emotional shifts within Lin Zhitong and the red-clothed fierce ghost, and could not help but remind everyone.
Long Feicheng could not help but ask, “Sister-in-law and that Lu Xin are from the same sect. Why does Lu Xin seem so relaxed and in control, while Sister-in-law is in so much pain?”
“They are using different methods,” Yan Shouyi sighed softly and said, “Lu Xin is forcing Hua Ying to relive her own pain, while the little brat is experiencing the past of the red-clothed fierce ghost, essentially sharing its suffering.”
The difference between the two was that one tormented the spirit, while the other tormented herself.
Given Lin Zhitong’s personality, she naturally wouldn’t torment the fierce ghost like Lu Xin.
Moreover, the red-clothed fierce ghost had already been tormented into a state of mental numbness by Lu Xin, reduced to a puppet. Even if Lin Zhitong were to torment it in the same way, it would be futile.
Yan Shouyi felt immense heartache for Lin Zhitong but was helpless. This was a battle of abilities within the Lu Shan Sect, and he could not offer any assistance.
Everyone watched with anxious hearts.
After witnessing Hua Ying’s suffering, Lu Xin immediately cast a spell, trapping Hua Ying in a cycle.
This would force Hua Ying to repeatedly witness the scene of her child’s soul scattering, a scene that would constantly torment Hua Ying until her mental breakdown.
Having done this, Lu Xin actually stood up.
She had done all she could; the rest was left to time, to see how long Hua Ying could endure such torment.
She glanced at Lin Zhitong, who was lowering her head and shedding tears, and a mocking smile curved her lips:
“It seems I am about to win.”
“Madam, please don’t be too confident!” Long Feicheng said through gritted teeth.
Lu Xin was taken aback. The word “madam” struck a deep chord in her sensitive nerves.
If the occasion permitted, Lu Xin would have torn Long Feicheng to shreds on the spot, then extracted his soul, ensuring he would never reincarnate.
However, now was not the time to bicker with Long Feicheng.
She confidently declared, “I will win this competition. You all should focus on what to do after losing! Once I become the sect leader of the Lu Shan Sect, Jianzhou Province will no longer have a place for you!”
Lu Xin dared to boast so confidently, clearly having a plan.
Previously, Yan Shouyi believed Lu Xin had no backing, but that was no longer the case. The character “寅” on Lu Xin’s forehead indicated an extraordinary background, connected to the actor Li Genmiao.
Yan Shouyi had long understood Li Genmiao’s capabilities. Although Li Genmiao had never gained any advantage over him, Li Genmiao was undeniably a formidable figure.
Despite his humble origins, Li Genmiao had managed to win over people and single-handedly establish the Xin Xuan Mountain Sect, with an influence that surpassed even that of Longhu Mountain.
Even though Li Genmiao had suffered setbacks repeatedly, his actions in crucial matters were never lacking.
It was known that the former Celestial Master Zhang Yin had met his end at Li Genmiao’s hands. This single achievement was enough for Li Genmiao to boast about for ten years.
If Lu Xin were to succeed as the sect leader of the Lu Shan Sect, Li Genmiao would undoubtedly lend his full support. At that time, Jianzhou Province would surely descend into chaos, and perhaps they would truly have no place to stay!
“Little brat… this time, it’s up to you!”
Yan Shouyi pursed his lips, staring at Lin Zhitong. His willpower seemed to transform into hands, firmly supporting Lin Zhitong from behind.
At this moment, Lin Zhitong was still lost in her pain.
The female ghost’s memories felt like her own experiences, making her unable to extricate herself, even wishing to sink and fall like the ghost.
But suddenly, a figure flashed before Lin Zhitong’s eyes.
It was a boy.
She widened her eyes and looked upwards. A beam of light pierced the darkness, gradually tearing it apart to reveal a circular well opening.
The boy was lying at the edge of the well, shouting down at Lin Zhitong, “Hey! Are you alright!”
Lin Zhitong suddenly woke up.
That boy was a young Yan Shouyi, the person who appeared in Lin Zhitong’s life during her most difficult and helpless moments.
He was the beam of light that illuminated her life!
And so, from that day forward, Lin Zhitong no longer feared the darkness!
“Big idiot…”
Lin Zhitong looked at the childish boy lying at the well opening, a smile gracing her lips.
She looked around and found the red-clothed fierce ghost curled up in a corner at the bottom of the well.
Lin Zhitong moved to the ghost’s side and gently reached out, taking its hand.
The ghost trembled all over with fear, instinctively shrinking back.
“Don’t be afraid.”
Lin Zhitong said softly, “Life isn’t just despair. There’s always a light. Think hard, who is the light in your life?”
The ghost looked up, gazing blankly at Lin Zhitong.
She was responding!
Lin Zhitong’s heart leaped with joy. As long as the ghost could communicate, there was a chance to influence her.
So Lin Zhitong quickly said, “Think hard about that sunny and handsome boy from the next class at school, the colleague who always cleaned up your messes at work, and that cute guy you met at the library…”
The ghost listened intently but remained unmoved.
Lin Zhitong let out a hum. It seemed men were not the ghost’s true love.
She continued, “Think about the house you liked in the big city, the coffee shop you always visited, the corner downstairs from your home, the flower shop that always played your favorite music.”
The ghost remained indifferent.
These were all things the ghost cherished most in her life; Lin Zhitong knew them even better than the ghost herself.
But these were not the light in the ghost’s heart.
Suddenly, Lin Zhitong seemed to recall something.
She lowered her voice and said to the ghost, “Second sister, why don’t you come back to the village? I’ll work to support you.”
The ghost was startled.
This was what the ghost’s younger brother had said by her bedside after she jumped off the building.
The ghost had once detested the countryside, wanted to escape her native family, and believed she was merely a guinea pig for her younger brother. Such negative energy had filled the first half of her life.
She feared becoming her younger brother’s sacrifice, but in the end, she discovered that her younger brother could also sacrifice for her at any time.
It was precisely because of her younger brother’s words that the ghost suddenly realized that in this world, only family truly cared about her.
From then on, the ghost began to live actively and strive for a better future.
Her younger brother’s words were the beam of light that shone into the ghost’s life.
The ghost suddenly lowered her head and began to sob softly.
Lin Zhitong’s eyes brightened, and she quickly pulled the ghost, saying, “If you’ve found your light, you must hold onto it tightly and lead us out of here! Once we’re out, I can take you to your family and reunite you with them!”