BOOM BOOM BOOM! BOOM BOOM BOOM! The sun sets behind the western hills, and the sky turns black! Nine out of ten homes have shut their doors. Only one house remains unlocked, burning incense and beating drums, inviting the Immortal in!
With the urgent sound of drums, Bai Lingmiao beat a drum while circling the naked, bound man in the center of the room. In a corner, a group of men, women, young and old huddled together, shivering with tears in their eyes.
"Auspicious is the day to pass the gate; the Southern Dou relies on the Northern Dou.
Before crossing the gate, spray three mouthfuls of Divine Water.
Step forward to the west, south, and north; Qian is for Heaven and Kun is for Earth.
And send all fiends, monsters, and ghosts scattering far away!"
As Bai Lingmiao chanted the Soldier-Shifting Decree to this point, she immediately took off her red bridal veil. She soaked it in a water jar that had been prepared nearby and, still dripping, slapped it straight onto the man's face.
