Long Sheng's smile stemmed from recognizing the connection between the Quran and these incantations. How could he see it? Because while studying the Quran the day before, he had accidentally discovered that the incantations were written in ancient, unintelligible script and pronunciation, whereas the Quran used accessible language, very suitable for modern comprehension. Therefore, he intuitively felt that texts from these different eras must have distinct ways of being recited. If the pronunciation and writing were identical, the resulting effect would necessarily differ. Finally, he located an obsequy chant within the Quran. Comparing it with the modern reading in the Quran, he carefully transcribed it and showed it to Zhou Huan.

“Master Zhou, look at this. Translated, it means ‘obsequy.’ This scripture is usually recited during burial to ensure the deceased rests peacefully—a blessing for their transition. Coupled with the potent spiritual force of the Quran, it’s certain to subdue the Persian ghosts. Furthermore, if he only uses the incantation, it carries another layer of meaning: transforming grievances into tranquility. There’s no better spell for resolving a curse than this one.” Long Sheng’s explanation was a treasure trove for Zhou Huan. He immediately sketched the pattern and the script, then diligently copied it into his notebook.

Dongzi watched Zhou Huan rapidly drawing the talisman and began to imitate him. Strangely, Dongzi found learning much easier and faster this time, so much so that even Zhou Huan looked upon him with new respect. He had completely shed his former careless and slovenly demeanor, as if a novel vigor for life had infused him.

“Dongzi, memorize this well. This talisman is extremely important. Absolutely no Chinese incantations can be mixed into it; therefore, we must remember to recite the Arabic text to command these talismans.” Turning around, Zhou Huan asked Long Sheng to teach him the proper pronunciation. A true marvel occurred: Long Sheng only recited it once, and both Zhou Huan and Dongzi instantly memorized it. They repeated it over a dozen times, fully committing it to memory.

Long Sheng pushed up his glasses and studied Dongzi and Zhou Huan carefully. “Master Zhou, perhaps I should write it out phonetically in Chinese characters? Then you can read it based on the Chinese sounds. It’s quite long; can you really memorize it?”

“Underestimating us, are you? Call me back in an hour, and see if I haven’t memorized it,” Dongzi challenged Long Sheng.

Seeing Dongzi’s sheer stubbornness, Long Sheng didn't dare press the issue, fearing Dongzi might lose his temper and deliver an undeserved beating.

This time, Zhou Huan felt secure. He handed the two books back to Long Sheng. “Go back and study them thoroughly. If you find anything else we can use, be sure to point it out.”

“Master Zhou, honestly, there’s nothing more here. Oh, wait, I remember having an old Persian dictionary at home. It must be practically crumbling now. I’ll fetch that; otherwise, we truly won’t be able to decipher any new meanings.” It turned out Long Sheng’s family did indeed know Persian; not only that, they spoke it quite well. Zhou Huan couldn't help but wonder if the family belonged to the Uyghur people or some similar lineage.

Zhou Huan looked at Long Sheng. “Why didn’t you mention having that book sooner? We could have sent someone to retrieve it right away. Now, going to fetch it will waste a whole day. What do you suggest we do if more people die in the meantime?” Zhou Huan was intentionally applying pressure, making Long Sheng feel the responsibility to translate the scriptures diligently without slacking off.

“I only thought of it now that we reached this point, Master Zhou. You’ve been so busy; I didn’t dare bother you,” Long Sheng retorted without missing a beat.

Immediately after, Zhou Huan stomped on the accelerator, and the car shot forward. He then asked Long Sheng, “Mr. Long, where exactly does your family live? Tell me now; we must retrieve that book today.”

“My home is near the Jinshan Oil Depot, about three kilometers outside the city limits. Master Zhou, slow down, please, I feel a bit dizzy.” Long Sheng pleaded as Zhou Huan’s car sped away. The request to slow down only seemed to encourage Zhou Huan, who pushed the speed past one hundred. Fortunately, the suburban roads had little traffic, and they arrived smoothly at Long Sheng’s house in half an hour. Long Sheng soon returned carrying a rather large box and got into Zhou Huan’s car. As the box was slowly opened, it revealed not just a dictionary, but one covered in dense script, most of which was incomprehensible.

Zhou Huan examined the dictionary Long Sheng held, tracing the characters across its pages. After some intense study, Zhou Huan somehow managed to grasp the methodology for using the Persian dictionary to look up words himself.

“Master Zhou, please be extremely careful. This dictionary is older than all of us; the pages are nearly disintegrating,” Long Sheng cautioned, handling the volume gingerly.

Zhou Huan held the dictionary, watching as numerous circles and markings appeared on its pages. The hard cardboard cover had likely fallen off, exposing the inner leaves. Seeing these pages, Zhou Huan noticed that almost every sheet bore some kind of notation, suggesting someone had seriously dedicated themselves to studying Persian. Before Zhou Huan could ask who this dedicated scholar was, Long Sheng grimaced and slowly turned a page.

“Master Zhou, we must be extremely cautious; we might tear these things apart. This is the treasured heirloom of my family. Only family members use it when necessary; no outsider dares steal it.” As Zhou Huan flipped through, he oddly found his own surname—Long—signed on a blank page. The signature was there, but Long Sheng’s own name was located much further down the list.

Zhou Huan smiled faintly. “Your Long clan is quite interesting, signing their names once per generation!”

Long Sheng offered a nervous smile, glancing sideways at the dictionary in Zhou Huan’s hands. “Master Zhou, let’s proceed. We’ve mostly found the meanings of the incantation words already. I just want to see if there are any other implications hidden within.”

Just as Zhou Huan was about to hand it over, a page stuck to his hand. Seeing he couldn't easily return it to Long Sheng, he decided it was better to help turn the pages. He cupped the dictionary in both hands, while Dongzi opened the Quran and the commentary for Long Sheng to consult. Long Sheng first focused on the unique characters of the Chi Yue Mo Zhou (Scarlet Moon Demon Curse). After studying them, he found nothing particularly special, except for the concluding sentence of the scripture—that one was truly unique. In the dictionary, individual characters within each scriptural line were marked with a faint pencil notation. When Long Sheng finished examining them, he suddenly looked stunned.

“Long Sheng, what is it? Do these markings hold some hidden meaning?” Dongzi asked anxiously.

Long Sheng explained, “Master Zhou, please help me carefully sketch them out. Let’s pick out all the characters that have lines drawn beneath them. Later, we can piece these characters together to see if they form that spell.”

Zhou Huan and Dongzi busied themselves sketching while Long Sheng furiously scribbled notes on paper. Finally, all the characters selected from the dictionary were assembled. In a twist of astonishing coincidence, the extracted characters, when arranged, spelled out precisely the deadly Chi Yue Mo Zhou.

Long Sheng laughed again. “Ah, wonderful. Our ancestors truly had foresight, leaving something so vital in the dictionary. This provides us descendants with so much assurance.” Long Sheng gesticulated animatedly as he spoke.

“Long Sheng, don’t celebrate too soon. I don’t think this is that simple,” Zhou Huan said. “The situation in the tomb chamber is complicated now, perhaps even the nature of that Persian ghost is different.” Zhou Huan considered asking if this dictionary had been left behind by a Long ancestor but decided against voicing it for the moment. He finally concluded by saying, “Brothers, I have a new idea. I need to investigate the history of your Long family. I dare assert now that these successive incidents are somehow linked to your ancestors.” Zhou Huan had made his implication clear enough.

Long Sheng’s eyes flashed green with anger. Zhou Huan finally switched off the car’s ignition. “Brother, it looks like nobody is leaving today until we have a proper discussion about your family history and… well, whatever secrets it holds. If things are normal, fine. If they are not normal, then you’ll have to come with us and clarify this entire affair before anything else.”

“No problem. My ancestors were either loyal patriots who served the nation faithfully or fighters who killed invaders, and they even fought alongside heroes against the Japanese devils,” Long Sheng declared firmly, showing no signs of concealment or apprehension.