Chi Yan woke up from his dream in a shock, his pyjamas drenched in cold sweat and his heart thumping like a drum out of rhythm. He slowly opened his eyes, taking in the sight of the orange glow of his bedside lamp and the bright light streaming in from the living room, only letting out a sigh of relief as his fingers found the jade pendant hanging from his neck. He had dreamt that he was back in university.

When he was an undergrad, he had lived in the dorms, sharing a room with four other students. The toilets, showers and washing up areas were all shared, located along the corridors, with one to a few rooms. He had dreamt that he had gone to the toilet, and returned to find himself locked out from the room. There was no response however loud he shouted, or how hard he knocked on the door. He called out the names of his roommates, saying, "Open the door, it's me Chi Yan," but all to no avail. Without a reason, he could see and hear what's going on inside. Besides his three roommates, there was another him, another 'Chi Yan', warning his roommates not to open the door, telling them, "The person outside is not human." The roommates whom he had spent most of his time with, shut him out outside.

The other Chi Yan stood behind his roommates, seemingly able to see him. Suddenly lifting his head, his lips stretched into a smile, and grinned at him. This was when Chi Yan awakened in shock.

Chi Yan was not a materialist, or it could be said that he was not sceptical at all. He didn't possess of any supernatural powers, nor a 'third eye' which could allow one to see ghosts as shown in books and on TV; he just felt their presence. They loitered around him, full of evil intentions.

He had been able to sense these things since young, but he could only be faced it alone, unable to let others know, until he was pushed off the stairs when he was 10. The mall's CCTV showed that he was alone when the accident happened, and that he had fallen off himself. His granny had been taking care of him at the hospital, and saw a tiny, almost invisible red handprint on his back when she helped him change. She was shocked, and started to prioritise this issue, staying by his side during his hospitalisation. When he recovered, she took him to a famous Taoist temple.

Chi Yan could still remember clearly that a Taoist priest, whose face had blurred in his memory, had tied a red blessed string around his wrist, advising him to "stay away from those things, as they are trying to kill him in order to replace him." At that time, Chi Yan was still clueless, but a month later after dinner, the string suddenly snapped into two, with the ends seemingly burnt by a lit cigarette.

Alarmed, his grandma quickly took him to see the priest again, but the priest did not see them. Passing a message through his disciple, he had informed them that Chi Yan was born weak, and that his powers were not strong enough to protect Chi Yan, thus they should seek other help. The priest refused to meet them no matter how much his grandma begged, but eventually he relented though he would only see her alone. When she came out, her eyes were reddened, as if she had just cried. She left with Chi Yan, and tried to look for help from other priests, but to no avail. If the famous priest had his hands tied, what more could they do? No one agreed to help.

During that period, had his grandma not kept a close eye on him, he probably would have died. Moreover, he was able to avoid dangers as he recovered under her watchful eyes at home. Things started to improve after his grandma asked for help from her relatives from whom she got a supposedly ancestral jade pendant with much difficulty, which she then gave Chi Yan to wear with a red blessed string.

While he could still feel their ever-present gazes, and sometimes even hear the angry, senseless sounds they make, but there seemed to be a film separating him from them, preventing them from coming close and harming him.

However, the protective powers of jade pendant seemed to be weakening recently. Chi Yan could feel them closer to him, growing more daring and restless.

His parents had passed away in an accident when he was nine, and he had been raised by his grandparents since then. When he was a sophomore, his grandfather died, followed by his grandma in autumn, leaving him only with an uncle. His uncle was always busy with work, and they were not close. Moreover, his uncle had been sceptical of the things his grandma had been up to, such as talking about how Chi Yan had been born weak and thus attracted attention from evil spirits, as well as bringing Chi Yan around to pray to gods and visit priests. While he did not stop her, he had not been supportive of her actions as well. Thus now, Chi Yan could only rely on himself to protect his life.

Thanks to his parents and grandparents, he at least need not worry about his livelihood. His parents had left him an inheritance with the house and their savings, as well as their stocks in his uncle's company. Moreover, his grandparents were also well-off, and heartbroken over her daughter's plight, he was his grandma's favourite. She kept every penny of his inheritance, and had even helped him invest them. After she passed away, she also left much of her properties to him.

As Chi Yan had always been living with an undercurrent of fear of his life, unlike other people, he did not have goals of being successful, and simply found a job related to his major, and worked steadily.

He felt for his mobile phone, and eyed the time. 3:59am. Everytime he woke up from a nightmare, it was 3:59am. But as he had encounters with evil spirits since young, he had become nonchalant towards such small details, as long as they were not harmful to him.

No longer sleepy, Chi Yan took out his phone and started to scroll through his apps, going through all sorts of online posts, as well as updates from his friends, feeling a sense of liveliness which calmed him down, slowing his heart rate and reviving him. He spent hours doing such, until sunlight started to stream in through his window at around 7am. He then got out of bed, turned off the lights in his room and living room, and prepared to wash up.

The apartment his parents left him, while located in the city, was in a shadowy area, where the lighting was not good. Chi Yan always felt as if his life was given to him by the sun, and could only feel relaxed under the warmth and brightness of sunlight. Thus he had rented out that place, and rented a sun-bathed apartment near his office. Before renting, he had even asked someone to have a look, to ensure that it was a place full of yang energy and of good fengshui. These might not matter much to others, but it was important to Chi Yan.

One thing to be grateful for from his plight was that now he had a good eye for scammers and be able to tell whether one was a genuine master or a cheat from just a short conversation.

Due to his special ‘circumstances’, Chi Yan had always felt a certain dislike towards mirrors, reflective surfaces, wells, things with lots of yin energy and supernatural places, thus while it was not healthy, he still chose to use disposable utensils as it was more difficult for these lifeless manmade materials to be possessed.

However, as it was not possible for him not to have any mirrors, as he still needed to check his appearance; but he had asked for advice to place one at the best possible position in the house.

After washing up, he groomed his hair using the mirror, and suddenly his reflection looked up and grinned at him.

Chi Yan threw down his comb, grabbed his bag and rushed out of the house, his heart still thumping even after he got into the lift. Luckily it was peak hours, and his estate was prosperous with convenient transport options as it was close to the CBD. The rental was not cheap and most of the residents were office workers, thus the lift was usually packed with people. The smell of breakfast wafted in the air, and the liveliness of the surroundings helped pull Chi Yan out from the fear of the scare.

Feeling for his pendant, Chin Yan felt the urgency of the situation. While he had not experienced any physical harm, he noted that the increase in strange happenings recently. The pendant could lose its protective charms one day, and he must find a replacement before then. Upon thinking this, he took his phone out and applied for leave.

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For Chi Yan, this was the best thing about the job, it wasn't stressful, and the work load was light, making it possible for urgent leave to be approved easily. Of course, the remuneration was not that good, and there were few opportunities for promotion. However Chi Yan was afraid of finding a job which required working overtime, as he knew that if he got too tired, it was easier for those 'things' to pester him. It was good enough for him to live steadily like this.

He drove straight out of the city towards West Green Mountain, where there was a temple which was quite well-known in the province. A priest named Zhang whom Chi Yan had consulted about his house and interior design previously was based there.

Half-way there, the sky suddenly went dark, with an occasional rumbling of thunder. Chi Yan vaguely felt uneasy, and increased his speed. He had always disliked rainy days when those 'things' become even more unrestrained, moreover this being the outskirts of the city, there were hardly any other people around, turning the odds against him.

It was fortunate that it was early in the day, with things starting afresh, full of vitality. Chi Yan didn't dare to stop for a person waving alongside the road, and sped up to go past him. That person didn't come close, though Chi Yan could have overthought it, and it was really a person looking for a ride. But even though it was a national highway, it was quite rare to have people flagging for a car.

Like a character in a horror movie, he was unable to see these things normally, unless they wanted him to out of ulterior motives.

Chi Yan began to relax upon reaching the area of the temple, and whether it was a psychological effect or not, the sense of being watched with malicious intent had lightened.

As it was a weekday, there was hardly any visitors at the temple. Chi Yan walked with familiarity to the inner section, and knocked on wooden door leading to the second room from the left. A young trainee, 15 years of age, lived there. He was a distant relative of Priest Zhang, and was also his disciple. He studied in a school in the city, and would help out at the temple during school holidays and on weekends.

The trainee was familiar with Chi Yan, and upon seeing him, said, "I'll go inform my master."

Priest Zhang looked to be around 40 plus years old, with an air of wealth, and slightly differed from the common perception of religious figures. However Chi Yan knew that he truly had some skills. When he first returned to Su Min City, he had first lived at another apartment that was closer to his office.

That apartment seemed bright and airy, but was not as ‘clean’ as it looked. During the two weeks he lived there, Chi Yan had been haunted by something. While he could sense the presence of those "things" around him, and experienced weird happenings when he was tired, like what happened that morning, he had never felt being haunted explicitly like that before, similar to what happens in horror movies. He had searched around, lost and helpless for a way to save himself, and it was Priest Zhang who had rescued him from that 'thing' and also helped him to find a new apartment. During that period, Chi Yan also felt the pendant's protective powers getting weaker after saving him three times from near-death incidents.

Chi Yan explained his visit to Priest Zhang, telling him in detail what happened recently and this morning, and hopefully asked if there were any ways or items which could help him in place of the jade pendant. Actually, Chi Yan also knew that the possibility was very low, seeing how much effort his grandma had made those years back, before finding the jade pendant. It was also by luck that such a pendant had existed in the family, which allowed her to bring it back for Chi Yan. Still, if Priest Zhang could give him some clues for any such charms from other families, he would gladly use his inherited fortune to purchase it. He also hoped that the priest could teach him some methods on how to defend his life.

Priest Zhang didn't disappoint him. After ruminating for a while, he said, "Such a coincidence. If you had come two days earlier, I might not have anything to help you, but now that you are here today, I might know of a way." Priest Zhang took out his phone, and after swiping around, he passed it to Chi Yan. "Do you know this man?"

It was a photo a a young man. He was dressed in neat white shirt and black pants, his gaze gentle and modest as he looked into the camera. With outstanding appearance and airs, he easily made an impression. Chi Yan found him familiar, and after thinking a bit, asked, "Ye Ying Zhi?"

The Ye Family was a powerful one in Shiming City, and thus famous. As the economic centre of the eastern region, it was even more prosperous than Sumin City. It was also the reason why Chi Yan's uncle eventually moved his company to Shiming City, as well as bringing Chi Yan's grandparents there when Chi Yan was in uni. Chi Yan had visited them frequently during his summer breaks, and thus recognised that face.

Taking back the phone, Priest Zhang passed it to Chi Yan again after closing the photo. On the screen was a news article with the headline, "Scion of Ye Corporation Ye Ying Zhi passes away from illness early this morning".

Chi Yan vaguely remembered that when people mentioned Ye Ying Zhi, they always used 'Third master Ye', as if he was the third son, when in fact he was the head of the company. He heard that it was because he had been ill since young, his business associates had always taken note not to startle him, or anger him, yet there were no signs that he would pass away at such a young age.

Chi Yan looked at the photo closely, and noticed the pallor on Ye Ying Zhi's face. It seemed that Ye Ying Zhi seldom took photos, as all the articles which mentioned him only used this photo.

Observing his expressions, Priest Zhang asked Chi Yan, "You know him?"

Chi Yan shook his head, "No… I knew of him, but he didn't know me." He questioned Priest Zhang, "Why are you showing this to me?"

"I sort of sensed that you would be visiting this morning, and when I saw Mr Ye's picture in the news, I realised that he was one of those mystical few who possessed looks of a demon. I wasn't sure at first, since this was a rare condition, however I became certain after checking his background, dates of birth and death," replied Priest Zhang.

"What are the ‘looks of a demon’?" Chi Yan was puzzled.

Priest Zhang said, "I haven't met someone like that myself, and only read in books, where people like him would emanate a thick evil miasma. Even ghosts and spirits would avoid them, and they would lead live grandly and fearlessly, yet as they are spirits more than humans, thus they usually die early."

Having known Chi Yan, and being familiar with him, Priest Zhang did not mince his words. "Seeing Mr Ye, I had thought of you, and perhaps your time was not up, thus his timely death could save you. However, I happened upon this method through inscriptions that were passed down and it is not orthodox, so while I am sharing it with you, you must not tell anyone I told you of this."

Anxious to save his own life, Chi Yan immediately promised, "I will not tell anyone."

Priest Zhang nodded, "You must try to get the ashes of Mr Ye, and carry it around with you. Later, set up an altar with his spirit tablet at your home, and this would help keep out the spirits, preventing them from nearing you."

"Erm…" Chi Yan could not help but hesitate upon hearing the condition of having to bring around someone's ashes. Priest Zhang did not reply but passed him two blessed paper charms and said, "You can decide whether to use this method or not. Do as you wish."

Needless to say, Chi Yan was already half-tempted. For as long as he could remember, he had always been different from the others, and with the pendant losing effect, it would only get more dangerous for him as time passed. Since the situation was already so, he might as well give his all and take a shot. But he still had to ask, "This would not affect Mr Ye right?"

Priest Zhang waved his hand, and said nonchalantly, "He's not an evil spirit. When people die, they die, what kind of effect will this have?"

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After the meeting with Priest Zhang, Chi Yan felt as if the cobwebs from his head were cleared, and a goal was in sight now. Even though it would be a difficult task to obtain Ye Ying Zhi's ashes…

By the time he reached home, it was already 1pm. As it was an overcast day, the house was dark and dreary. Due to the nightmare, he hadn't slept well last night, and was seized by a sense of drowsiness. Chi Yan fell into bed after a quick change of clothes.

In a daze, he heard the sounds of slippers hitting against the floor, as if someone was walking around. He tried to open his eyes, but could not see anything. When he tried to reach for the light, he realised he could not move his body, akin to sleep paralysis. However he knew that while some things might have a scientific explanation, it might not necessarily apply in his situation. He tried to focus his whole body's energy on the jade pendant on his chest, yet gradually felt himself being unable to catch his breath. Suddenly, the sound stopped and his body regained its senses.

He then realised his phone was ringing, and quickly picked it up. The caller ID showed 'Uncle'.

"Hi Uncle, is anything wrong?"

Feeling parched, Chi Yan got up and went to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water. After getting through the usual greetings, his uncle Du Ming Jing went straight to the point. "Xiao Chi, could you come over during the weekend? It is Third master Ye's funeral, and I'm overseas, so I need you to go over with your aunt. It would also be a good opportunity to get to know more people. There's only benefits to gain from expanding your social circle."

While Chi Yan could not be said to be very close to his uncle, there was no discord between them. He knew that his uncle thought of him as a good-for-nothing, a young man with no ambitions muddling through life. As one of the older generation, his uncle probably agreed with the proverb, "The more friends you have, the more options you have in life". However Chi Yan's cousin was overseas, and there was no other relatives from his aunt's side that his uncle felt could represent their family, since it would be better if someone went along with his aunt.

Normally, Chi Yan would have used any excuse to reject his uncle, but now this could be said to be a golden opportunity for him. It was twilight now as he had been sleeping for five hours. A face appeared on the windowsill, shooting him a creepy smile. Chi Yan quickly lowered his head, pretended he didn't see anything and left the kitchen. He felt for the pendent on his chest and replied without any hesitation, "Sure, I'll go. I'll contact aunt directly then."

His uncle was surprised at the speed Chi Yan agreed, but thought he had finally come to his senses, and hung up after giving him a few details.

It was a two-hour train ride from Sumin City to Shiming City, and there was a train departing at 6.30am. Even though the sun rose much earlier during summer, Chi Yan still did not dare to drive by himself. He carefully kept the two paper charms Priest Zhang gave him in a backpack, and bought a train ticket. Compared to driving alone, there would be more people on the train, giving him ease of mind. After arriving at Shming City, his aunt had arranged for a car to bring him to the cemetery.

Though he was not close to his uncle, at least they were blood-related relatives, while his aunt was more of a stranger to him. As it was a special occasion, she didn't wear any makeup, and it was obvious that she had taken good care of her skin. She spoke gently and politely to Chi Yan, treating him like a guest.

Everyone kept their voices down, and was orderly, tip-toeing around, almost afraid to breathe loudly. Chi Yan and his aunt stood at the back, and could see the black coffin placed in the middle of the room, as well as the photo placed in front of it.

Chi Yan took a glance and bowed his head, praying in his heart, "Mr Ye, please take mercy on me, let me borrow your ashes, I will definitely worship you everyday and burn incense for you during festivities. Saving a life is akin to building a seven-storey pagoda. If you save me, you will definitely rest in peace in heaven…"

When it was time to mourn and pay their respects, Chi Yan did so sincerely like the others. Since he and his aunt were not close, it got awkward for them to be together for a long period of time, so his aunt did not restrict him. Thus after the ceremony was over, Chi Yan quietly went over to the crematorium.

It was easier than he thought to get the ashes. He told a staff that he was Mr Ye's classmate and had promised him that he would help Ye scatter his ashes into the sea, and asked the staff to help him. He then handed over two boxes of top-grade cigarettes and some cash.

The staff took the things and agreed readily without saying much. He had been working here for some time and while there were taboos he rather believed than not, he was not superstitious and was of the belief that there was nothing once a person died. The ashes were just remains after cremation and at most could only be used for memorial. Since the young man said that he would be scattering it in the sea, he would just take him for his word and fulfil his request. Anyway, it wasn't like any other person would find out about this.

Chi Yan had ordered a tablet immediately after getting his uncle's call. He had also bought a mini porcelain bottle charm online and had brought it along with him. He found a quiet place and rolled up the paper charm into a small tube, and poured the ashes into it before squeezing it into the bottle charm. Making sure the bottle lid was tight, Chi Yan threaded it through the red string, hanging it next to the jade pendant. It didn't look out of place, looking like some sort of intricate ornament.

His grandparents had passed away shortly after moving to live with his uncle in Shiming City. They were now buried side by side, resting in eternal peace in this land. As their graves were nearby, Chi Yan decided to pay them a visit. He informed his aunt, and his aunt lamented that she could not accompany him as she had things to settle in his uncle's absence. Chi Yan told her it was ok as he already had a return train ticket and could return home by himself later.

The cemetery's path was lined with rows of pine and cypress trees, giving the place a sombre atmosphere. While the cemetery had a strong yin energy, due to the sincere mourning feelings that the living carried for the dead, the energy was pure and Chi Yan did not fear being there.

Carrying white chrysanthemums and a clean cloth he had bought, Chi Yan found his grandparents' grave from memory. As he talked to them about the recent ongoings in his life, he cleaned the gravestones and threw away the old dried flowers, arranging the new flowers neatly. Seeing that it was getting late, he decide to leave. As he turned away, the originally smiling faces of his grandparents turned serious. If one looked closer, one could see the worry reflected in their gazes. But Chi Yan didn't see. He also didn't notice a dark, human-shaped shadow that was clinging to his back.

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