Chapter 18: Breaking the Dried Leaf Curse

Anticipating potential exhaustion, Luo Li chose to take a car this time. Upon arriving at the entrance of Muliu Village, he ran into Wang Huzi, who greeted him with a happy grin, thinking that Luo Li had come to visit out of boredom.

Luo Li initially didn't want to explain, but since he had ended up here by chance, he felt he should provide an explanation.

So, he honestly said that he was here to treat Master Tang. Wang Huzi was intrigued and insisted on knowing what the illness was, as even experts couldn't handle it and needed Luo Li's intervention.

Unable to avoid it, Luo Li solemnly explained that Master Tang was under a curse. Wang Huzi was astonished, his mouth hanging open.

Luo Li thought: Afraid now, aren't you?

But then Wang Huzi immediately turned and called home, insisting on coming along to "witness" the situation.

Luo Li regretted his decision but, knowing Wang Huzi's persistence, reluctantly agreed. Wang Huzi assured him repeatedly that he would not speak a word, touch anything, and would keep everything confidential. He said his curiosity would make him resent Luo Li for life if not satisfied.

With no other option, Luo Li took the big bearded man along.

Arriving at Master Tang's grass hut, Luo Li intended to explain Wang Huzi's presence.

Master Tang waved his hand to Wang Huzi and said, "I see that although you are cunning and eloquent, you are a trustworthy person. I believe you won't speak out of turn."

Wang Huzi immediately took a liking to Master Tang and turned to Luo Li, raising his eyebrows. "See, he knows how to judge people better than you."

Luo Li reminded him, "Didn't you promise not to say a word?" indicating that he should be quiet.

The three entered the hut.

Luo Li asked Master Tang when the affliction would occur.

"It will start at noon," Master Tang replied.

Master Tang then lifted his left leg, and Wang Huzi exclaimed, "Ah!"

He quickly closed his mouth and retreated awkwardly to the side.

Master Tang's left leg was nearly rotting up to his thigh, with blackened and red flesh clinging to the bone, and traces of dark blood in between.

Luo Li admired Master Tang privately, wondering how anyone could endure such torture.

Previously skeptical about his "robbing the rich to help the poor" practice, Luo Li now fully believed in it, as Master Tang's resolute will was truly admirable.

Master Tang seemed to comfort the two men, saying, "It's nothing serious yet. The real pain will come when it starts. If I can be cured today, I might still have a chance to save my life."

Luo Li was taken aback: Indeed, the rot was nearing the genital area, which would cause urinary issues if it continued.

He brought out a large wooden basin, asked Master Tang to undress, and sit in the basin, immersing his rotting leg in the water.

Master Tang asked, "Will you start the ritual now? Don't you need to bathe and change?"

Luo Li explained, "My master and I are of the purest form, able to absorb celestial energy better than ordinary Taoist priests."

Master Tang looked at him with great admiration.

Luo Li continued, "Master Tang, I have never broken a curse before. This time, like you, I'm going to give it a try, with only a fifty percent chance of success." Luo Li didn't want to appear overly confident, so he deliberately lowered the probability.

Master Tang smiled indifferently and said, "I trust you. Even if it's only a thirty percent or twenty percent chance, it's still my hope."

Luo Li nodded. "Alright."

He took out some dry cinnabar and drew a circle around the basin.

After cleansing his hands and clearing his mind, he made a decision.

Calming himself, he began to perform the ritual steps, chanting three incantations. A white mist appeared from Master Tang's head, gradually enveloping the entire area inside the cinnabar circle.

Wang Huzi watched in awe, thinking, "Luo Li really is impressive."