Lucas held the book in his hands, unable to resist reading aloud in a hushed voice:

"Breathing techniques of spirits and ghosts... 

Once a being attains a certain level of enlightenment, it naturally generates inner energy, which can be expelled with various effects depending on the type of entity. 

Some expel yellow breath to confuse the mind, others black breath to obscure vision, gray breath to induce sleep, and white breath to heal the sick... 

The most powerful can create clouds with their breath, blocking out the sun."

Lucas was shocked by what he read. Could this be a book of mystical techniques? He continued to flip through the pages, his fingers brushing against the paper, which emitted a faint glow. His gaze grew distant, and the words seemed to inscribe themselves into his mind:

"The world is filled with five types of energy, which all things are formed from... 

Spirits and demons expel their breath, often filled with negative energy, but humans, if strong enough in spirit and will, can resist and even overcome them..."

The book detailed the techniques in vivid detail, explaining how both enlightened beings and ordinary humans could utilize their breath in different ways. Even though Lucas barely understood the complex terminology, he grasped the basics. The book advised against using such techniques unless absolutely necessary, as it could harm the practitioner.

It was a book of mystical arts!

But where had it come from, and why had these techniques suddenly appeared? Was it because of the spirit he encountered the previous night? Lucas pondered these questions, flipping through the book again, only to find that the rest of the pages were blank.

The thoughts of the previous night’s encounter with the spirit swirled in his mind. The creature, though otherworldly, seemed almost human and, in some ways, more intriguing than many people Lucas had met in the village.

How many spirits and demons truly existed in the world? How much of the old legends were true?

Lost in these thoughts, Lucas eventually fell asleep, only to be awakened for a simple meal. The family had just endured a tough time, and food was scarce. But knowing Lucas had spent the night at the Wang family’s ancestral hall and returned safely, even receiving thirty taels of silver as a reward, his aunt made him a nourishing meal to help him recover.

"You don’t need to worry, Aunt. The Wang family has taken on Uncle's medical expenses," Lucas reassured her, though she remained skeptical, advising him never to do something so reckless again.

Still feeling lightheaded, Lucas left to cut grass for the village cattle, which, like many other tasks, was a duty imposed by the Shu family’s kindness.

As Lucas worked, he couldn’t help but think of the mystical book. How could he learn more of these techniques? Where could he find the necessary knowledge?

Later that day, while carrying his load of grass, Lucas was stopped by an elder from the village, the very man who had told him many ghost stories and guided him to the Wang family's ancestral hall. The elder looked at him with concern.

"I heard you didn’t come back last night. You really went to Heng Village?"

"I did."

"And the ancestral hall?"

"Yes, I went."

"Did you encounter anything?"

Lucas hesitated before replying, "Grandpa Shu, the world truly is filled with spirits and demons..."

The elder sighed deeply, understanding the gravity of Lucas's newfound realization. "The world is vast and full of strange things. Don’t be afraid, and remember not to scare yourself. Rest well."

"Grandpa Shu, if there are spirits and demons, are there also gods and practitioners of mystical arts?"

"Of course, there are gods! We’ve worshipped them for so many years. As for practitioners, if you travel far enough and see enough, you’ll encounter some, whether real or not."

"Then where can I find such practitioners?"

"That depends on fate."

"Fate..."

"Don't worry about such things now. Focus on your studies. Many people wish they had the opportunity you do."

Lucas nodded, still deep in thought as the elder patted him on the shoulder and walked away, leading a group of curious children away with him.

That evening, a procession from Heng Village arrived, led by members of the Wang family. They carried gifts of salted fish, cured meat, wine, and even a bolt of cloth, causing a stir among the villagers. The reason for their visit soon became clear—Lucas had spent the night at the Wang family's ancestral hall and managed to rid them of the spirit that had troubled them for so long. The Wang family had come to express their gratitude.