Chapter 34: Senior Mo’s Advice

“Since we’re on the topic, I might as well tell you about the differences between demons, monsters, and ghosts.
These classifications have always been a bit confusing.
Do you think the Painted Skin Ghost is a demon or a ghost?” Mo Qingyan asked again.

At the mention of this monster that had almost taken my life several times, my attention immediately shifted from the human pillars.
After thinking for a while, I said, “Since it’s called a Painted Skin Ghost, it should be a ghost, right?
But it doesn’t seem to be the kind of ghost formed by a deceased person’s resentment that we just discussed, nor does it resemble a demon.”

“Hmm, that’s right.
The word ‘ghost’ in Chinese has multiple meanings, and at least in the field of occult studies, it needs to be differentiated.
In the words of Western exorcists, those formed after people die are collectively referred to as spirits, or we can call them ghosts.
Those two Bixian just now were ghosts, but the Painted Skin Ghost is not a ghost,” Mo Qingyan explained.

“Strictly speaking, it should be a type of demon, not formed by humans or animals, but a monster born directly from malevolent energy, filled with pure malice towards humans.
There’s basically no possibility of communication or coexistence with it.”

“Is there really such a thing as communication and coexistence?
I think demons and ghosts are also terrifying,” I asked, confused.

“The key isn’t whether their appearance is terrifying, but their harmfulness to living people and whether they can communicate.
For instance, inviting Bixian is a way to communicate with spirits and demons.
Although dangerous, it is indeed possible to communicate, and you can even pay a price to ask Bixian for help,” Mo Qingyan explained.

“I understand a little.
Is the Painted Skin Ghost the type that can never coexist peacefully with humans, and can’t even communicate normally, no matter what?” I inquired.

“While not absolute, it’s close enough.
This is also why I’m explaining the supernatural classifications to you.
You need to first understand the level of malevolence of these demons, monsters, and ghosts to effectively deal with them,” Mo Qingyan said.

“Generally speaking, demons harbor pure malice towards humans, with no possibility of reconciliation.
Even if they seemingly communicate and can be used, it’s merely their way of dragging you into irreversible doom.”

“Then there are ghosts.
Ghosts are spirits formed when people die with strong grievances.
Their danger level varies based on the intensity of their resentment.
Those with immense resentment become malevolent ghosts that kill indiscriminately, while those with less severe resentment can be attempted to communicate with.
At least they possess human thought patterns.”

“In comparison, demons are actually the safest.
The biggest problem with demons is that they don’t possess human morality.
To a demon, eating a human is the same as eating a chicken.
However, demons are not inherently malicious towards humans.
Therefore, many places worship demons as immortals, only asking that they don’t harm humans.
For example, the Yellow Great Immortal was originally only worshipped by farmers asking weasels not to steal chickens, and it only spread after it was found to be effective.”

Ou Zhiqin added, “That’s why when you invited Bixian just now, and a Yellow Great Immortal came, we all felt it was a great stroke of luck.
Demons generally conduct fair transactions, and if they receive kindness, they might even repay it.
Compared to resentful ghosts, they are much safer.”

I agreed profoundly.
It was evident from the Bixian summoning earlier that the hanged female ghost constantly sought trouble, perhaps wanting to possess a body and return to life through the Bixian ritual.
The weasel, on the other hand, consistently answered in a way that benefited me.
Although I still didn’t know its reasons or purpose for coming, it was likely not there to harm me.

“Wait a minute, demons, monsters, and ghosts, there’s also ‘monsters’ ?” I suddenly realized Mo Qingyan had left one out.

“Monsters, the definition of ‘monster’  differs between ancient and modern times, and it’s quite complex.
I can’t explain it clearly all at once.
If there’s an opportunity, I’ll tell you slowly later.
For now, we need to focus on the immediate situation,” Mo Qingyan said again.

“Immediate situation?Ah!
That’s right, those Bixian have all left.
I haven’t fulfilled my end of the deal yet.
What should I do?” I said, distressed.

“Are you distressed about how to complete the transaction now?
Your thoughts are quite scattered, but it’s a good habit.
Never think of making a deal with spirits and then trying to take advantage.
Heaven sees everything you do; once you owe them something, you’ll be eternally entangled,” Mo Qingyan said.

“Ah?
Then have I already incurred a debt?
They’re all gone now, how can I repay them?” I cried out in alarm.

“Don’t worry, Brother Xiao, you’re not in debt yet.
Transactions between humans and spirits are different; there’s a contractual binding similar to a pact.
You cannot owe them, nor can they deliberately harm you by leaving on their own terms,” Ou Zhiqin said.

“That Yellow Great Immortal will still come looking for you.
You can find a blood bag and a blood collection needle soon to draw and store your blood beforehand.
This way, you can do it in multiple sittings to avoid losing too much blood at once,” Mo Qingyan said with a smile.

“That’s possible?
Where can I buy a blood collection needle?” I began to plan how to draw my own blood.

“Don’t be in a hurry to think about blood collection and transactions.
Your crisis hasn’t been resolved yet.
The Painted Skin Ghost was only injured and fled; it’s not dead yet.
Judging from the previous situation, it won’t let you go,” Mo Qingyan reminded me.

That’s right, the Painted Skin Ghost isn’t dead yet.
It has been repelled twice by Xiao Qing and Senior Sister Mo, and this time it suffered serious injuries, but it’s still not dead.
Why is it so persistent?

“Even if those Bixian agreed to the deal, is it still not enough to kill it for me?” I asked, still holding onto a sliver of hope.
The reason I hadn’t worried earlier was because I thought the Bixian would chase after it and finish off the Painted Skin Ghost.

“No, those two resentful spirits probably can’t leave the school, and even if they could, their strength would be greatly reduced.
They can’t kill the Painted Skin Ghost.
That Yellow Great Immortal could leave, but as a demon, it probably can’t kill the Painted Skin Ghost either,” Mo Qingyan said.

“So the transaction was for nothing?
My blood was given for nothing?” I asked, my face pale.
I found this outcome hard to accept.

“They will still honor the transaction.
If the Painted Skin Ghost comes to the school again, they will still protect you.
But it’s not a good thing for a living person to be protected by a malevolent ghost long-term.
And what will you do once you leave the school?” Mo Qingyan asked.

Yes, what about outside of school?
Am I supposed to hide at Xiao Qing’s house forever?
That’s impossible.
Not to mention whether her parents would become suspicious, last night was full of close calls.
We don’t have a way to kill the Painted Skin Ghost.
If it comes a few more times, we’ll crash sooner or later, and then Xiao Qing will also be killed because of me.

“Senior Sister Mo, you haven’t been nervous at all.
You must have a foolproof plan, right?
Please tell us,” Ou Zhiqin suddenly said, looking at Mo Qingyan.

That’s right, after repelling the Painted Skin Ghost, Mo Qingyan had been composedly chatting with us about the Bixian, showing no signs of panic whatsoever.
She must already have a way to deal with the Bixian.
Both Xiao Qing and I looked at her.

“It’s not exactly a foolproof plan, actually, ordinary people could think of it too.” Mo Qingyan took a deep breath and said, “Call the police.”