Chapter 021: The End of Fate

“Disperse!” I pointed my finger at the little Soul-Capturing Ghost and uttered a soft command.

The chains formed by the Soul-Binding talisman on her body began to loosen, then dissolved into clear air and disappeared.

She sat up, hugging her knees, looking pitiful as she remained on the ground.

Seeing her like this, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But the outcome was already decided. With my abilities, I could no longer help her.

I let out a helpless sigh, then stepped back and tugged at Shang Wu-wei.

Signaling him to follow me to the side, I whispered, “Is there any way you can help her? Ideally, you could send her into the cycle of reincarnation.”

Shang Wu-wei shook his head at my words, “No. She was merely a wandering soul, surviving by chance. That was already her fortune. There’s nothing I can do.”

“Ah…” I sighed again.

Indeed, even if Master were here, he might not be able to help her in this situation.

“What’s wrong? What’s wrong? Mr. Yu, what happened?” Gu Xiao-gang called out, running over.

Before I could answer, he caught sight of the little girl sitting on the ground.

Previously, Shang Wu-wei had opened his spiritual eyes for him. The effect hadn’t worn off yet, so naturally, he could see the little Soul-Capturing Ghost.

“She…” Gu Xiao-gang turned to ask me.

“Yes, she’s your daughter,” I nodded.

“I…” Gu Xiao-gang’s body trembled; he looked again at the little Soul-Capturing Ghost, then immediately ran toward her. But after just two steps, he stopped.

It was clear he was torn. He desperately wanted to see his daughter, but he also knew she was no longer alive—now, just a ghost.

That strange bond of flesh and blood stirred him deeply, yet fear kept him from approaching.

“Go on, she’s an exceptionally understanding child. All of your family owe her, yet she has never blamed you. On the contrary, she longs for your love,” I said to Gu Xiao-gang.

“Someone, please open his Listening Palace for him! This is a special case; I’ll handle the aftermath,” I said to the two Shang brothers.

Shang Wu-wei was exhausted, so he glanced at Shang Wu-yong.

Shang Wu-yong pursed his lips, glared at Gu Xiao-gang with annoyance, then waved him over with a grumpy, “Come here!”

Gu Xiao-gang quickly jogged over.

Opening the Listening Palace was effortless for Shang Wu-yong. He placed both hands on Gu Xiao-gang’s ears, chanted a spell, and after a moment, with a final “Open!” it was done.

“Papa!” The little Soul-Capturing Ghost called out, her face full of grievance, lips pursed, looking at Gu Xiao-gang.

That single cry of “Papa” shattered my heart.

Sniffling, I fought to hold back my tears.

Gu Xiao-gang, hearing his daughter call him, trembled all over, then rushed to her and sat down, wailing, “Child! My child! I’ve wronged you!”

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“Papa…” The little Soul-Capturing Ghost looked even more aggrieved.

“I deserve to die! I deserve it! I failed you!” Gu Xiao-gang, a grown man, wept rivers of tears, slapping himself hard.

“Ah… I can’t bear to watch this! Not fun at all!” Shang Wu-wei shrugged and turned to leave.

Shang Wu-yong shot Gu Xiao-gang a vicious glare, muttering curses as he walked out.

“I… I don’t blame you! Truly, I don’t blame you! I… Actually, I’ve been quite happy being near you all these years,” the little Soul-Capturing Ghost comforted Gu Xiao-gang in her sensible way.

“Child! Oh, my child! You break your father’s heart! It hurts!” Gu Xiao-gang beat his chest hard.

He already knew the truth—his daughter had possessed Da Jin, and Da Jin had bitten his son