Underworld App (6): The Wisdom of the Child of the World

 One month after the app launched.

After recovering from most of his injuries, the Child of the World was finally discharged from the hospital.

There were still some unhealed scabs on his forehead, and thanks to his handsome and well-defined features, the added blood marks gave him a wilder, more masculine look.

It was precisely because of his good looks that he attracted attention even while staying in the hospital. With the deliberate push from the World Consciousness, he met a rich young lady, heroically saved her from a ghost who wouldn’t stop harassing her, and after some back-and-forth between the two, they became a couple.

Today, when the Child of the World was discharged, the rich girl came to pick him up in a luxurious red sports car. As soon as they met, she wrapped her arms around his affectionately, her gentle and loving demeanor drawing envious glances from others.

Feeling pleased, the Child of the World chatted casually after getting in the car, only to hear the beauty beside him sigh and say that strange things had been happening at home lately, leaving the whole family on edge.

Upon hearing this, the Child of the World immediately said, “Is that so? Take me to your place—I’ll help you get rid of that harmful  fierce ghost.”

The girl’s eyes lit up, and she happily agreed, driving him straight to her home: a luxurious villa halfway up a mountain, with several thousand square meters of floor space.

Seeing such a building on TV was nothing like seeing it in real life—the shock was overwhelming. The Child of the World was awestruck by the opulent architecture in front of him, longing for the day he, too, could live like a celestial being among mortals.

He had long since shed the cautiousness of a newcomer and swaggered right into the villa. Whether by coincidence or design, the girl’s family members were still at home during the day and just so happened to “coincidentally” be present for the Child of the World’s ghost-busting visit.

Carefree by nature, he didn’t notice these details, nor did he think more deeply about whether the girl had come to pick him up from the hospital not to celebrate his discharge but to use his skills for exorcism.

Instead, he felt proud of his good luck. As long as he showcased his abilities in front of these rich people—who typically feared ghosts and death—how could they not respect him, revere him, and pay him handsomely?

However, one aunt looked at the Child of the World with a suspicious gaze, frowned, and said discontentedly, “What nonsense. The government has already said that ghosts have no form and cannot touch anything in the human world. All these strange things you’re experiencing are just your imagination. And now you’ve gone and found a ‘master,’ and such a young one at that.”

The others appeared indifferent. Their expressions showed neither enthusiasm nor outright rejection. Clearly, as the aunt had said, the family had already tried hiring several so-called monks and Taoist priests, but none of them could solve the problem.

They watched each of these people perform strange rituals, paid them, politely saw them off, and continued to be tormented by invisible ghosts. By now, they held no great expectations for this handsome young man the rich girl had suddenly brought back from the hospital.

The girl spoke sweetly, “Auntie, Brother Wu San really has skills. I saw him with my own eyes—he revealed the ghost stalking me and killed it with one strike.”

Before the ghost “died,” it even screamed, “I want to be with you!”—which clearly matched what the Underworld App described as “obsession.”

Wu San had also told her that the ghost wished she would die soon, so they could be together in the afterlife—if that wasn’t a  fierce ghost, then what was?

“Hmph, I think you’ve scared yourself silly with your own imagination and hallucinations!” the aunt snapped. “You all keep saying bad luck has struck, but from what I see, nothing serious ever happens—it’s all psychological!”

“Enough,” said an elderly man—the oldest in the group—calmly, making the final decision. “Young man, Lili says you have real skill. Then I’ll trouble you to take care of this. If the problem is solved, your payment will be generous.”

“Grandpa…” Lili was a little unhappy at how bluntly the old man spoke. She actually had a pretty good impression of the Child of the World.

When he stood in front of her and killed the ghost with a single strike, it had been incredibly cool. She was already somewhat infatuated by his looks and now found herself deeply smitten.

The Child of the World felt annoyed at this group’s lack of respect. Being doubted made him angry. He was just about to summon a ghost and command it to break the crystal chandelier above their heads, to scare these people into submission, when he suddenly saw the girl looking at him with an apologetic expression. That softened his mood a little. He smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll catch that  fierce ghost for you.”

A man nearby asked curiously, “I’ve heard of  fierce ghosts. The app says they can harm people and crave flesh and blood.”

But the strange thing was, their household had only been having bad luck lately—no one had actually been injured.

The Child of the World frowned in displeasure, thinking: That damned app again.

After gaining the power of the Yin-Yang Eyes, he believed himself to be the chosen one, a one-in-a-million existence. Every time he saw ghosts moving among humans, while the humans remained oblivious and ignorant, he felt like he alone was the clearest, most all-knowing person in the world—uniquely special and noble.

But now, this app had appeared out of nowhere. Not only did it reveal the existence of ghosts to the public, it even let them appear in front of humans through livestreams.

The Child of the World felt furious, as if the treasure he alone had possessed was stolen away. He was very displeased with the app’s existence. And now this group kept bringing it up in front of him—it felt like patients quoting internet searches to challenge a doctor’s diagnosis: “But I read online that…” It was maddening.

He sneered and said bluntly, “You don’t really think that app is being kind, revealing all its secrets for free, do you? Nothing falls from the sky for free. If you believe everything it says, you’re the ones who’ll suffer in the end.”

His condescending tone made everyone in the room rather displeased.

That same aunt snapped, “Suffer? We haven’t had any real trouble these days. Are you cursing us now by saying we’ll suffer?”

The Child of the World gave the old woman a look of disgust. He exchanged a glance with a ghost beside him—this ghost had been working with him for some time and immediately understood. Using the yin energy techniques the Child of the World had taught it, the ghost abruptly exploded a nearby expensive, exquisite vase.

The sudden loud bang startled everyone. Shards of porcelain flew in all directions, and one sharp piece sliced a deep cut across the aunt’s face.

“Ahhhhh!!” she screamed in pain. Blood flowed uncontrollably down her face, terrifying the others. A servant quickly rushed to get a first aid kit, and the butler checked the wound, saying with concern, “It’s too deep—she’ll need stitches!”

“Stitches?!” The aunt dared not touch her face. Her carefully maintained, fair complexion only made the wound more horrifying. Hearing that, she wailed in despair, “My face!!”

The Child of the World calmly said, “See? It’s begun trying to take blood.”

Hearing this, everyone’s expression turned serious. No longer daring to delay, they all said, “Master, please exorcise the  fierce ghost!”

“Heh, with pleasure.”

Catching ghosts might sound mysterious and complex, but for someone with Yin-Yang Eyes and techniques to deal with ghosts, it was no harder than catching a regular person—in fact, it was easier.

If it were a true fierce ghost, there would be some danger. But if it was just an ordinary ghost, it was even easier than catching a rabbit.

Ordinary ghosts couldn’t harm humans or touch anything in the living world. When facing someone like the Child of the World, they could only be beaten without resistance.

From the moment he entered the villa, the Child of the World had already spotted the ghost standing among the people. The ghost was elegantly dressed and dignified—at first glance indistinguishable from a living person.

It was only through the ghost’s emitted yin energy and overly pale face that he identified it as a spirit. Later, when he ordered another ghost to smash the vase and hurt someone, this ghost was enraged—roaring at the Child of the World and cursing him for being treacherous and despicable.

At the same time, those around still spoke respectfully to the Child of the World, begging him to kill this “evil” ghost.

Furious, the ghost cursed, “Unfilial descendants! A bunch of idiots!” as it tried to slap the Child of the World in the head to avenge its daughter.

The Child of the World’s gaze turned cold—how could he let this old ghost succeed? With a swift motion, he pulled out a talisman and slapped it onto the ghost’s forehead.

The old man’s ghost immediately froze in place, unable to move. His eyes were full of shock and fear as he stared at the Child of the World, clearly never expecting this guy to be different from the other phony Taoists—he actually had real ability!

Just like the ghost, the surrounding middle-aged and elderly people were stunned. They had just seen the Child of the World suddenly pull out a talisman, and with a sharp motion, it flew through the air and stuck midair, fluttering slightly—as if there really was something invisible struggling against it on the other side.

At that moment, all doubts disappeared from their eyes. No one dared question him anymore.

Even the aunt who had been screaming moments earlier shivered, now looking at the Child of the World with regret, respect, and even gratitude in her eyes.

If not for his timely appearance, who knew what that fierce ghost might have done next?

This young man before them had saved their lives!

The rich girl named Lili blushed slightly, gazing at the Child of the World with obsession and adoration.

Her father, seeing this scene, was momentarily stunned. He glanced seriously at Lili, then at the skillful, poised, and handsome Child of the World…

A thought began to stir in his heart.

Now that everyone knew ghosts were real, if his family could draw in a truly capable master as a son-in-law, the entire clan might rise even higher. They could even use the opportunity to connect with high-level figures they could previously only dream of reaching…

Thinking this, the middle-aged man’s gaze toward the Child of the World grew more determined. He made up his mind to win him over, no matter the cost—money, property, or even his daughter…

He had no idea that the very young man he was eyeing as an ideal son-in-law was, right then, tormenting and harming their own family member—the elder they respected most. The man who had raised them when the family was still poor, leading them to the success they had today…

The Child of the World could have made the ghost visible to everyone, just like he did with the ghost that had followed Lili. But once he heard the ghost cursing “unfilial descendants,” he completely dropped that idea.

After all, this ghost had witnessed him deliberately harm someone. What if he revealed the truth and turned the family against him?

And judging by the ghost’s tone and presence, it was clear this elder held great authority in the family. Killing such a ghost casually would be wasteful. The Child of the World planned to capture him and interrogate him later. After enough torture, the ghost would talk. If he offered something valuable as ransom, perhaps he could be granted an easier death.

After all, any small scraps these rich folks offered were enough to let an ordinary person live comfortably for a lifetime. The Child of the World had no sympathy.

These people had already enjoyed lives that even someone like him couldn’t imagine. This was just fair compensation—repayment for all the humiliation he once suffered when his talent went unnoticed.

After slapping on the talisman, the Child of the World simply stood there coldly without moving. The others couldn’t help but ask, “Master? Is something wrong?”

The Child of the World: “…”

If he could subdue the ghost with just a talisman, why would these people be willing to pay more?

He composed himself and said solemnly, “This fierce ghost is very tricky. Stay behind me, and don’t wander off.”

Then, he discreetly made a hand gesture. The ghosts under his command immediately understood and began wantonly wrecking the living room—loudly and dramatically. Their actions were carefully timed to appear aggressive yet containable, acting out a chaotic battle in coordination with the Child of the World.

From the ghost of the elder’s perspective—who was practically dying from anger—the scene was outrageous. But for the rest, it looked terrifyingly real.

Cracks suddenly formed in the expensive marble floor, creeping toward them like something was approaching beneath the surface. The sound of stone splitting rang out, causing screams of fear. Everyone instinctively clung to the Child of the World, trembling with fear and dependence.

One elderly man, a long-time antiques enthusiast who had spent over a decade collecting fine porcelain, felt his heart shatter. Watching his prized vases being smashed like trash, his hands trembled in rage. He almost rushed forward to save them.

His son held him back tightly, yelling, “Dad! Are you crazy?! It’s just a vase!”

“That’s not a vase—that’s my life!!” the old man cried in anguish.

“I’ll buy you another one later!” his son snapped, clearly lacking the understanding that some antiques were irreplaceable treasures.

When one of the elegant vases was smashed to bits, the old man’s heart seemed to shatter with it. His son, oddly relieved, thought, At least now Dad won’t run into danger trying to save it.

The blow was too much. The old man let out a pained howl, rolled his eyes back, and collapsed completely unconscious.

His son panicked, dropping to his knees to catch him. “Dad! Dad!!”

The butler rushed over to pinch his philtrum and pat his face, trying to wake him.

The son, frantic, pulled out his phone and dialed emergency services. The whole family was now a mess, worried sick but unable to help—making everything feel even worse.

Meanwhile, the Child of the World was still busy “fighting” ghosts, moving from room to room, creating chaos and fear. Everyone followed him around the house, too afraid to be left alone.

Someone, breathless, said, “I can’t believe that fierce ghost was so powerful! Thank goodness Lili brought this master. Otherwise, we’d have been boiled alive like frogs!”

The aunt who had doubted him earlier lowered her head in shame. Her face was wrapped in a barely useful bandage, her clothes soaked with blood. She looked pitiful—but not resentful. In fact, she was grateful.

That ghost had nearly harmed her. If not for this skilled young man, who had descended like a savior, she and her whole family could’ve been doomed.

After this, she was determined to prepare a generous gift to properly apologize, hoping the master would forgive her foolishness.

With that, the entire group followed the Child of the World through the mansion in this dramatic “hunt.”

Though terrified throughout the ordeal, no one was ever truly harmed. At most, some were “accidentally” hurt by the ghost, only to be swiftly saved by the master. In the end, it was all thrilling but safe, leaving everyone full of gratitude.

Ten minutes later, the young man thrust a sword into the elder’s chest. Everyone watched, thrilled, as the chaos finally stopped—they knew the Child of the World had pinned the  fierce ghost in place and subdued him. Their faces lit up with joy.

“Master, have you subdued the ghost?”

Someone asked urgently.

The Child of the World had been running, dodging, and fighting all over the house and was now exhausted. He looked at the person tiredly, and the expression only deepened their guilt and gratitude.

“This ghost was incredibly troublesome. Fortunately, I know secret techniques. It cost me some effort, but I’ve finally subdued him.”

As expected, the crowd’s admiration and gratitude deepened even more. They nearly rushed up to shake his hand in thanks.

They gathered around him, carefully avoiding the peachwood sword hanging midair. They couldn’t hear the ghost’s screams or pleas for help—only showered the very person who had harmed their beloved elder with praise and reverence, practically worshiping their “savior.”

The atmosphere was lively. Soon, the sound of an ambulance came closer. A young man rushed in ahead of the medics, stunned by the mansion’s war-torn condition.

“What happened?! Why does it look like a bomb went off?!”

Panicked, he ran inside, relieved to find his family unharmed and excitedly talking around a young man.

Then he saw the floating talisman and wooden sword. His eyes widened in shock, and his jaw dropped.

Curious, he walked up and reached for the sword. The rich girl saw this and quickly shouted, “Don’t touch it!”

Startled, he flinched and looked at his sister in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

Lili quickly explained, “That sword is pinning a fierce ghost. Everything you see here—it was all that ghost’s doing.”

“A  fierce ghost?!” the young man was startled—but then looked thrilled.

He hadn’t experienced the terror of the ghost firsthand. Seeing that everyone was safe, he felt only excitement at the novelty. “I can’t believe I’m this close to a ghost—and a fierce one!”

Then, he pulled out his phone and opened the popular app.

Lili scolded, “This is not the time to be browsing forums! Come here!”

She wanted to introduce her brother to the Child of the World.

But he waved her off. “No no, I’m not posting—I just want to see what the ghost looks like!”

He added excitedly, “Sis, maybe you didn’t notice, but this app just launched a new feature. If you turn on your camera, you can see the ghost!”

“I remembered all the ghostly stuff going on at home lately, so I rushed back—just in time to witness a ghost-hunting in action!”

He tapped the app’s new feature and slowly raised the camera toward the peachwood sword, his face full of eager anticipation.

Then—

He nearly dropped his phone from shock.

Eyes bloodshot and anguished, he screamed, “GRANDPA!!!”

The sharp cry pierced the entire room.

The Child of the World, who had been surrounded by flattery, turned in confusion toward the young man.

The rest of the family also looked over in bewilderment, not understanding why he had just screamed the name of the recently deceased elder.