Zhang Lingyu started chanting. As the incantation echoed, the formation on the ground emitted a faint white light that grew stronger, finally enveloping all three of them.
The ground suddenly trembled, and a beam of white light shot out from the formation, piercing through the mist of the Netherworld and reaching straight to the sky. When the white light on the ground faded, the three were no longer seen.
Lin Tian felt as if he had fallen into a vortex, the world spinning around him, much like when they entered. However, the dizziness quickly dissipated, and the solid ground beneath his feet confirmed that he was back in Xiao Manxuan's room.
But when he looked around, he only saw Zhang Lingyu in her purple attire; Xiao Manxuan, who had been holding hands with him, was nowhere to be found.
"Where is the Second Miss's soul?" Lin Tian asked urgently, scanning the room but finding nothing.
"Don't worry, Xuanxuan is here," Zhang Lingyu said calmly, reaching out and spreading her fingers.
In her palm was a paper doll cut from yellow talisman paper, which puzzled Lin Tian. How did the lively soul become a paper doll?
Knowing Lin Tian's confusion, Zhang Lingyu explained, "The daylight is almost here. Without the protection of a physical body, Xuanxuan's soul might disperse when exposed to sunlight. I've sealed her in the paper talisman to temporarily protect her soul from scattering."
"I see," Lin Tian said, enlightened and relieved. No matter what, after much hardship, he managed to reclaim the Second Miss's soul from the Netherworld's grip.
The Second Miss's body lay quietly on the bed, surrounded by the Seven Star Soul Calming Lamp, whose seven tiny flames burned silently.
Lin Tian used the Eye of Clarity to thoroughly diagnose the Second Miss, confirming that her life force was still there, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
However, the strange energy within her body was still active. Although the Ice Soul Necklace held and harmonized the energy, Lin Tian knew well that the necklace's effect was merely a temporary fix.
"What is the next step for returning the Second Miss's soul to her body?" Lin Tian asked.
"It's simple. As long as I recite the Soul Summoning Spell in conjunction with the Seven Star Soul Calming Lamp, Xuanxuan's soul can return to her body," Zhang Lingyu replied.
She moved to the bedside and gently placed the paper doll on Xiao Manxuan's chest.
"Lin Tian, there's something I must clarify with you. In the process of restoring Xuanxuan's soul, I will seal her memories of her time in the Netherworld, making her forget everything she experienced there,"
"When Xuanxuan wakes up, she will think she only had a very long dream," Zhang Lingyu said softly, turning to look at Lin Tian.
"Why?" Lin Tian asked, puzzled, frowning.
"The existence of the Netherworld is forbidden knowledge for Xuanxuan. Allowing you to know is already an exception. Even after Xuanxuan wakes up, you must not mention anything about the Netherworld," Zhang Lingyu insisted indomitably.
Lin Tian looked at the peaceful Xiao Manxuan on the bed, smiled gently, and said, "That's exactly what I want. I agree with your approach."
Zhang Lingyu was a bit surprised; she had thought Lin Tian would object. In her understanding, Lin Tian was usually overbearing and would not agree easily.
"Have you thought it through? Sealing this memory, Xuanxuan won't remember how you disregarded everything to save her, won't remember what you did for her in the Netherworld,"
"If she remembers these, she might... fall in love with you. This experience would be the testimony of your passionate love. If Xuanxuan forgets this memory, you'll return to your usual days," Zhang Lingyu hesitated, then expressed more clearly.
She thought her words might change Lin Tian's mind, but Lin Tian remained unwavering.
With a confident smile, Lin Tian said, "You underestimate me. Without this experience, do you think I can't win a girl's heart?"
Of course, in Zhang Lingyu's eyes, his confidence seemed more like vanity.
Lin Tian dropped his smile and, more seriously, said, "Moreover, I believe love doesn't rely on such dramatic experiences or on romance but on the everyday, trivial, mundane matters. Dramatic moments will pass, romance isn't always present, but what accompanies two people for a lifetime are those unremarkable, unnoticed little things."
"Many people believe their partners aren't romantic or passionate enough and see it as a lack of love, leading to breakups. These people are laughable because they don't love people; they love romance and care more about their own feelings," Lin Tian said earnestly.
Zhang Lingyu hadn't expected Lin Tian to answer like this. She looked at Lin Tian unblinkingly, her eyes shimmering with wonder.
Lin Tian suddenly laughed, "Don't fall for me just because of what I said. All these words are read from a guide to wooing girls."
The serene atmosphere was broken by Lin Tian's words. Zhang Lingyu was so exasperated she was ready to pounce and beat Lin Tian.
Lin Tian didn't mind but instead approached the bed, gently stroked Xiao Manxuan's hair, and softly said, "I just don't want the Second Miss to remember facing countless evil spirits alone in the Wangchuan River. She'll be scared when she's alone at midnight, have nightmares. I don't want her to have nightmares, just hope she's a happy angel, even in dreams."
Hearing this, Zhang Lingyu's agitated stance softened, and she said, "I understand."
"Let's begin," Lin Tian said.
Zhang Lingyu closed her eyes, forming seals with her hands in front of her chest. When she reopened her eyes, a purple electric light flashed in their depths.
"魂兮归来!去君之恒干,何为四方些,舍君之乐处,而离彼不祥些..."
This time, Zhang Lingyu's chanting was different, more like singing. At first, the incantation sounded obscure, but upon closer listening, it seemed like the ancient Soul Summoning Song recorded in tomes.
As the incantation and the hand seals changed, a yellow light glimmered from the paper doll on Xiao Manxuan's chest, spreading until it fully enveloped her.
The Soul Summoning Song was quite long, seeming to repeat endlessly. Zhang Lingyu chanted for over an hour, with beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Yet, she maintained her hand seal position without moving. For an average person, even half an hour would have been strenuous.
Lin Tian then realized that Zhang Lingyu had said it was simple just to put him at ease; it was indeed an arduous task.
The night outside gradually faded, and the sky showed the pale white of dawn, clearly indicating the night was ending and daylight approaching.
Just as the first ray of light touched the balcony, the paper doll suddenly stirred restlessly, as if trying to break free from Zhang Lingyu's control.
Zhang Lingyu noticed the change in the sky and became slightly anxious, stopping her incantation but quickly forming seals with her hands, trying to suppress the paper doll.
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