Chapter 244 — The Star Plate

Ming Li had always been arrogant and dismissive within the Nether King Sect; even before the Nether King himself he seldom showed any deference. That he should now adopt such an attitude toward Mr. Ghost, for whom he had never held a good impression, showed plainly how much Bili meant to him. Mr. Ghost seemed briefly surprised; then he glanced at Ming Li, nodded, and walked past. Ming Li followed behind him, and the two entered the Cold Ice Stone Chamber once more.

In the chamber, Bili lay upon the stone platform just as before, quiet and beautiful, faint white cold vapor drifting up from the icy stone and spreading through the air.

Ming Li walked to Bili's side. He was just about to take the Joyous Union Bell from her hand when Mr. Ghost's voice came from behind him: "Do not take that Joyous Union Bell yet."

Ming Li started, turned to look at Mr. Ghost, and said, "Bili's soul is locked within the Joyous Union Bell. If I do not take it, how is she to be saved?"

Mr. Ghost shook his head. "I said just now that the Star Disc is an ancient dharma artifact, and that I know only a thing or two about it. I cannot claim complete confidence. Before we make the attempt, we should leave Miss Bili's Joyous Union Bell undisturbed; once I have some grasp of the matter, it will not be too late to work the spell. At the very least, we must protect the safety of Miss Bili's soul."

Ming Li came to understand, and nodded repeatedly. "You are right, sir."

Thereupon Mr. Ghost took the jade disc in hand and sat cross-legged on the far side of the stone chamber. Ming Li likewise walked over and sat down facing him, watching him intently. Though Mr. Ghost's sudden appearance had brought him a measure of hope, Ming Li still did not wholly trust him; courteous as his words were, in his heart he must keep some guard up regardless.

Mr. Ghost slowly set the jade disc on the ground before him and closed his eyes in thought, as though some doubt still wound through his mind and would not be dispelled. Only after a long while did he open his eyes, and then he slowly extended the index finger of his right hand, reaching it gradually toward the jade disc before him.