After the ghost-hunting master descended the mountain, his fame spread throughout the capital.

Xie Jinchen raised his hand, signaling An Wu to stand up and reply.

Anwu stood up, took a deep breath, and with lingering self-reproach in his eyes after learning the truth, began to narrate:

"After I rushed home, I first inquired around the area and confirmed that Mo Qiuniang was indeed murdered about three months ago. The government had closed the case, the perpetrator was beheaded and his head was displayed to the public, and the neighbors all thought that the injustice had been redressed."

"But... when I asked my mother about the specifics of that night in private, she initially tried to cover it up and seemed flustered. She only repeatedly said that she was sleeping soundly that night and didn't hear anything."

"It wasn't until her subordinate mentioned that she was being haunted by something unclean and that it might be related to this that Mother finally broke down and told the truth."

Anwu's voice lowered, filled with guilt: "Qiu Niang's parents died early, and she has no brothers or sisters. She makes a living by running a dessert stall in the small market. She is hardworking and kind-hearted. The neighbors all understand her hardships and often help her out."

"On the night of the incident, because there were many people visiting the market during the day, her business was better than usual, so she stayed up a little later than usual to close up shop and clean her equipment."

"On her way home, she was followed by a drunk man who seemed to have gotten drunk from somewhere. When he got to her front door, he suddenly covered her mouth from behind and forced her inside while she was taking out her keys to open the door..."

As An Wu finished speaking, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white: "My house and Qiu Niang's house are separated by only one wall, and our courtyards are adjacent. My mother hadn't rested yet when she heard struggling and crying for help coming from Qiu Niang's house, so she immediately got up to check."

"She ran to Qiu Niang's courtyard and, through the crack in the door that wasn't fully closed, saw the drunkard pinning Qiu Niang to the ground and assaulting her. Qiu Niang struggled and screamed desperately, but most of her voice was muffled..."

Anwu's voice choked. He closed his eyes briefly before continuing, "My mother said that she was so scared that her legs went weak and her heart was about to jump out of her throat."

Just as she was about to rush in to help, the drunkard seemed to hear the commotion, turned around abruptly, glared at her fiercely, and growled:

"Old hag, what are you looking at! Get lost if you don't want to die! If you dare report me to the authorities, I'll kill you too!"

As Anwu spoke, his knuckles cracked from clenching his fists.

"Mother... Mother was terrified by the assailant's eyes and threats. She was completely defenseless, her legs went weak, and she thought that the drunkard was burly and strong, and that rushing in would only be suicide, and he might even silence her..."

"She...she hesitated, too afraid to utter a sound or call for help. She rushed home, slammed the door shut, and didn't dare close her eyes all night..."

The room was silent, except for Anwu's suppressed gasps of pain and anger.

"Later," Anwu's voice became even more strained, "Mother heard a short scream from Qiu Niang next door, followed by a thud of something heavy falling to the ground... and then, there was no more sound."

"The next day at noon, Qiu Niang's body was discovered. It was said that the back of her head had been smashed by a stone and was badly mutilated."

An Wu's voice choked, and he took several deep breaths before continuing, "The officials went door-to-door questioning people, and Mother was afraid that the murderer was still nearby, watching and retaliating against her..."

"I'm also afraid of getting involved in a murder case; even more afraid... even more afraid of being gossiped about by my neighbors for not helping someone in distress..."

"She lied to the officials, saying she went to bed early that night and heard nothing, knew nothing..."

"Perhaps justice prevailed, for a few days later the murderer was caught again while drunk in a neighboring town, confessed to the crime of killing Qiu Niang, and was soon executed."

"The neighbors all said it was Qiu Niang's vengeful spirit that brought the evildoers to justice. But my mother was even more frightened, and the heavy stone seemed to weigh on her heart."

"Until a few days ago, when my subordinate went home to visit her family, she felt uneasy and, having heard the saying that doing bad things easily attracts ghosts, she secretly went to a temple outside the city that was said to be very efficacious, and asked for a peace charm to put in my subordinate's purse..."

"She thought this would ward off evil spirits and ensure the safety of her subordinates..."

As Anwu finished speaking, he suddenly knelt down, his forehead hitting the ground heavily, his voice choked with sobs:

"Madam! It was my mother who was confused for a moment, and she failed to save Qiu Niang when she was dying. She then concealed the truth, causing Qiu Niang's wronged spirit to be restless."

"If Qiu Niang harbors resentment and desires revenge, I am willing to bear the consequences myself, only pleading... only pleading that my elderly mother's health not be directly implicated. I am willing to take the blame in her place!"

After listening to his account, Jiang Dusheng remained silent for a moment.

She began, "Get up. The root of the problem lies with that wicked man. Your mother's choice at the time stemmed from basic human fear and self-preservation. While it was wrong and immoral, the primary blame doesn't lie with her. As for Mo Qiu Niang…"

After a moment's thought, she slowly analyzed, "She has incomplete memories now, but she can instinctively sense that the scent of the purse on you is closely related to your mother, and that's why she's attached herself to you."

"This shows that her lingering obsession and resentment are indeed related to your mother's failure to help at the time and her subsequent silence."

"She was struck hard on the back of the head before she died, her memory was shattered, and she only had a vague sense of smell left. Your mother, in extreme guilt and fear, made a sachet and amulets for peace, which contained her intense emotions."

"This wish, mixed with regret and selfishness, was conveyed in your purse, which is why she became attached to you."

Jiang Dusheng looked at An Wu and made a decision: "Regardless of the circumstances, it is a fact that Mo Qiuniang died innocently and her soul is restless."

"Your mother is indeed guilty. Mo Qiuniang's memory is unclear now, and it's impossible to directly communicate with her obsession. Since she has chosen to follow you, then the one who tied the knot must untie it..."

"Then you should sincerely apologize to her on behalf of your mother, help her let go of her obsession, and allow her to re-enter the cycle of reincarnation."

Upon hearing this, An Wu did not hesitate for a moment, clasping his hands in a deep fist salute, "Your subordinate understands! Please instruct me on what to do, Madam!"

Jiang Dusheng took out the bone flute and said to An Wu, "Later I will use the Soul-Soothing Incense as a guide to summon Mo Qiuniang's soul and use magic to temporarily stabilize her mind."

"At that time, you need to clear your mind of distractions and fear, and sincerely and earnestly recount your mother's guilt to her spirit."

"Remember, sincerity is key. Only genuine remorse can touch the lingering resentment of the soul, perhaps helping her understand the ins and outs of this cause and effect, resolve some of her resentment, and find a way to be free."

An Wu nodded solemnly, keeping these words firmly in mind.

He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, then stepped back to the wall and stood quietly. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, recalling every detail and expression of his mother's tearful lament, and immersing himself in that belated regret.

Jiang Dusheng walked to a more open area in the center of the room and gestured for Xie Jinchen and An Wu to step back.

She took out a small incense burner and then took out some calming and soul-stabilizing incense.

Jiang Dusheng placed the incense burner on the table, and with a flick of his fingertips, the soul-soothing incense spontaneously combusted, its tip glowing a crimson light.

Then, wisps of green smoke rose straight up, instantly enveloping an area of ​​several feet in radius.