We entered the dark forest. Just as I thought we had reached the inner part, my legs began to feel like jelly, and I was out of breath. Zen Master Baimei eventually stopped and looked around. He licked his finger then raised it, quietly sensing his surroundings.

I was curious. “What are you doing?”

Zen Master Baimei replied, “I want to check if there are some Soul Luring Worms here. The place where the Soul Luring Worms gather often has thick Yin energy.”

After a while, he said, “Good. It’s here.” Then, he pointed at a corner. “Throw the lard there.”

I threw the fat, greasy chunk of meat over the spot he had pointed at. Then, Zen Master Baimei began to walk according to a special pattern. Using his feet, he drew many patterns on the ground. It seemed he was arranging a magic formation.

After everything was prepared, he casually tore a piece of fabric from his kasaya and shoved it into the meat. He then brought...