"That day, Xiao Niu gave me a very beautiful sparrow, and I felt sorry for it..."
Under the watchful eyes of the two elderly men, Feng Bingwen explained his somewhat bizarre "adventure." He needed to provide an explanation, otherwise he wouldn't be able to get past his own father.
However, the story was too fantastical, but considering his current physical condition, the two old men had no choice but to believe it.
"Haha, I see. Mr. Feng, your grandson is so lucky!"
After hearing Feng Bingwen's story of the spirit bird repaying a debt of gratitude with a red fruit, Doctor Qin was full of praise. The old man beside him was also full of surprise; he had never encountered such a thing in his life, yet his grandson had.
As a scholar, the most common fantasy in his youth was naturally that a fox spirit would offer herself to him, but such things were usually only circulated among scholars. In comparison, there were more stories of spirits harming people.
"Ignorance is bliss!"
After the initial surprise, the old man felt mostly relieved, but also a little wistful, as he recalled what he had experienced in the past.
"Wen'er, if you ever encounter such supernatural things again, stay as far away as possible and never touch them!"
The old man spoke with great seriousness. Having lived most of his life and traveled to many places, his knowledge was among the best in this small county town.
"Xiao Wen, your grandfather is right. You must listen to him. You were lucky this time to encounter a spirit bird that knows how to repay kindness. If you encounter something so obviously unusual next time, don't take chances. It's best to stay away as soon as possible."
Doctor Qin also agreed with the old man's words and gave him the same solemn advice.
"I see."
Feng Bingwen nodded obediently without arguing, but his obedience only made the two elders more uneasy.
"You must not agree verbally but take it seriously. Mountain spirits rarely know human etiquette and morality; most follow their instincts and cannot distinguish between good and evil!"
"Grandpa, I've read the story of Mr. Dongguo before, so I know what to do."
Feng Bingwen spoke helplessly, explaining that the old man was simply worried that if he had tasted the benefits this time, he would naively continue to help these demons and monsters.
“Mr. Feng, there’s no need to be too cautious. Now that our Great Power is flourishing, those demons and monsters won’t dare to show their faces.”
Doctor Qin smiled and comforted the old man.
"Grandpa Qin, do ghosts really exist in this world?"
Feng Bingwen blinked his big eyes, looking like an innocent and incredibly curious child. He was certain that there were things in this world beyond his current understanding, so he wanted to learn more.
"Maybe yes, maybe no, I can't say for sure. I've lived most of my life and I've never seen it with my own eyes."
Doctor Qin shook his head, a kind smile appearing on his face. Looking at the timid child, he reassured him,
"But even if it really exists, there is no need to be afraid. When people die, they become ghosts. People are yang, and ghosts are yin. When people encounter ghosts, people are afraid of ghosts three parts, and ghosts are afraid of people seven parts. If people are not afraid, they are nine parts stronger!"
"If you're not afraid, ghosts can't harm you, right?"
Feng Bingwen pondered that this was the meaning implied in the old gentleman's words.
"Indeed, fear damages the kidneys and disrupts the yang energy, giving evil spirits an opportunity to take advantage. If a person is in a state of fear for a long time, not to mention external disturbances, they will also become ill and bedridden."
"But it's hard not to be afraid of ghosts!"
Feng Bingwen pondered for a while and felt it made a lot of sense, but then he thought about it again and realized it was too difficult. Fear is the oldest and most primitive emotion of mankind, and those who overcome fear are bound to be heroes.
"Indeed, so there is another way to deal with ghosts, which is very simple: go to bed when it gets dark!"
The old doctor stroked his long beard, his face kind and gentle; if he were dressed differently, he would look like a deity.
"Go to bed early and get up early?"
Feng Bingwen was dumbfounded.
"Ghosts are yin creatures. When the sun shines on them, their souls are scattered and they can only appear at night. During this time, if one goes to sleep early and sleeps peacefully, keeping one's mind focused and fearless, the yang energy will naturally operate, and ordinary ghosts will not be able to invade one's life in the slightest."
It sounded reasonable, but after thinking about it for a moment, Feng Bingwen remembered what he had experienced half a year ago. Who said that you can be free from fear when you are asleep?
"What if it could give people nightmares?"
"Hahaha, little guy, back then your body was too weak and your yang energy was insufficient. But now, unless your mind is scattered, ordinary evil spirits won't be able to give you nightmares."
"What if we encounter something even more formidable..."
Feng Bingwen was still uneasy. The old doctor seemed to be saying that ordinary wandering ghosts and evil spirits couldn't harm people, but if he remembered correctly, there seemed to be even more powerful ones.
"Then let's go to the City God Temple and burn some incense. Our county's City God is very efficacious!"
"City God Temple!"
The child couldn't help but laugh.
I almost forgot, the current Daqian is a prosperous and thriving society, and humanity is on the rise. The chaos and demons at the end of the dynasty are still far away. Even if there are great demons and ghosts, there are city gods and local deities to keep them in check and prevent them from overturning the heavens.
"Are you done asking? If you're done, we should go home!"
Feng Lingjun, who had been patiently waiting, watched as his chattering grandson quieted down, and smiled as he took his hand.
"Grandpa Qin, didn't you say you'd never seen a ghost? How do you know so much about them?"
Feng Bingwen had one last question. It sounded strange that someone who had never seen a ghost was teaching him how to control ghosts.
"The old man has been practicing medicine for sixty years. He has come into contact with people from all walks of life. He has seen and heard a lot, so he naturally knows a lot."
The old man sitting in the dilapidated clinic smiled, while Feng Lingjun, who was standing next to him, gave his grandson a flick on the head when he heard him ask such a question.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
After scolding his grandson, Feng Lingjun bowed to Doctor Qin.
"Brother Qin, please don't be offended. Children speak without thinking."
"It's alright, it's alright. This old man has lived for so long, he also wants to see ghosts and monsters!"
Doctor Qin spoke in a humorous and rather open-minded tone.
"Brother, you're joking."
Feng Lingjun was taken aback, but didn't take it seriously. He simply cupped his hands in farewell to Doctor Qin and left the clinic with his grandson.
"Don't talk nonsense again next time. I won't punish you this time because you were ignorant."
Did I say something wrong?
Feng Bingwen muttered to himself, "This old man said from the beginning that he was not sure about the existence of ghosts, but he taught me how to subdue them. Although it sounds reasonable, its credibility is questionable."
"Old Master Qin's clinic has been open for more than 60 years, and countless people in the Qingshan area have benefited from his kindness. He usually doesn't make any money during his medical consultations, and sometimes he even has to pay out of his own pocket. If such a kind person can still be haunted by ghosts, then this world is not a place for humans to live."
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