Chapter Sixteen: Formalizing the Godfather Bond and the Unexpected Birth of a Divine Spirit

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Among these three folk methods, the so-called “godparent ritual” is the most intriguing.

In rural communities spanning five thousand years, there exists a widespread custom known as recognizing godparents. In the North, it’s called taking on a godfather or godmother; in the South, it’s referred to as appointing a foster father or foster mother.

The two have significant differences. In the North, the godparent ritual typically involves recognizing actual people, done for various reasons. For instance, if one feels their child is too fragile and wishes to help them grow strong, they choose as godparents those with many children. Alternatively, if they believe their child’s future fate is weak and wants to borrow some good fortune, they choose godparents from families known to be wealthy and influential—a difficult task, often requiring close relationships for agreement. In either case, one must visit and nurture the bond yearly.

In contrast, the Southern ritual often recognizes non-human entities—stones, ancient trees, and the like—especially those with unique qualities. People believe these possess spirits capable of communicating with ghosts and other supernatural beings, thereby protecting the child from malevolent forces.

(In modern times, this ritual has evolved into a way for two families to strengthen friendship and ties.)

Though seemingly ordinary, this folk method holds potential, for its power depends entirely on the strength of the chosen godparent.

If weak, the aid is minimal; if strong, the help is considerable.

Between the two types, since Louis currently cannot find any well-connected, influential person, the first method is abandoned.

The second method becomes the focus: recognizing a spiritual entity as godparent. Ordinary spirits offer no help unless it is something widely acknowledged by the village as a godparent and has been revered for many years, such as an ancient tree or stone—perhaps these might provide some assistance.

So, is it possible to recognize a deity as godparent?

Louis’ gaze involuntarily shifted toward the statue of the Kitchen God, then he began flipping through the page, enlarging the section to study this method carefully.

After a brief look and reflection, Louis shook his head, then nodded again. Among the detailed procedures of the godparent ritual, there was indeed mention of recognizing a deity.

The description stated that gods are special, extraordinarily powerful, and the pinnacle of spirituality. To recognize one as godparent, first, the god’s consent is required; second, the person must possess certain qualifications. Without these, one would be unable to bear the consequences and might even suffer backlash. These qualifications relate to mysterious concepts like fate and aura.

Fate and aura were too abstruse and intangible; he set these aside for now.

“Let’s give it a try. Remember, the Kitchen God is the household guardian deity, and this is the only deity statue I have personally worshiped for so long in this otherworld. If this doesn’t work, there’s no hope for the others.”

Actually, because the Kitchen God is currently the only deity-related folk magic (the Kitchen Ash Method) in the folk manual, Louis always felt that the effectiveness of these methods—despite being incompatible with the local environment—must have a strong connection to the folk manual. Hence, if the deity statue method were to work, it should be linked to the folk magic.

Louis took out a bowl of clear water, dropped a bead of blood from his middle finger into it, then swiftly knelt before the Kitchen God statue and began a grand ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows.

At the same time, he murmured, “Grandfather Kitchen God, your humble servant Louis... seeks your protection, free from sickness and disaster... I shall worship you constantly and hold gratitude in my heart.”

Louis recited the words repeatedly, his forehead touching the ground with each kowtow, the bloodstains quickly darkening the floor.

As the ritual proceeded, the statue subtly moved; a faint breeze stirred the incense ashes in the altar into a spiraling dance; the drop of blood in the water solidified without dispersing, shining brilliantly.

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In the next moment, the blood flew into the statue, settling within the table beneath it, just beneath a wooden panel under Emilia’s diary cover. A streak of black radiance dissipated, and the statue’s eyes suddenly came alive with vivid spirit.

The three slender incense sticks emitted curling smoke, which suddenly condensed and enveloped Louis, emitting a faint fragrance.

Watching this, Louis stood up, uncertain and perplexed. This was unlike the descriptions in the book.

If the deity had consented, the manifestations should have been far more spectacular, and the consciousness should have mysteriously revealed its agreement—but none of that occurred.

Yet, if it had not consented, how to explain these phenomena?

After a thorough examination, Louis frowned at the statue.

It seemed as if it had worked; but at the same time, it seemed as if it hadn’t.

He had indeed recognized a godparent—but not the deity itself, rather the spirit born from this statue.

This statue had given birth to a spirit and shared an inexplicable connection with the Kitchen God.

“What is this, then?”

Louis smiled wryly.

If it wasn’t a true god, but merely a spirit born from the statue, what power could it possibly wield?

Wasn’t this contrary to his original intent?

And how did the spirit just happen to be born?

Spirit birth should require a rare coincidence, shouldn’t it?

“Well, it’s done now—I can’t back out.”

“After all, recognizing a godparent is a gamble. As long as I don’t lose, it’s fine.”

Louis bowed respectfully again, offered fruit, then began to study the other two folk methods.

While he studied, the statue’s eyes no longer glowed faintly.

The text was enlarged.

One by one, detailed introductions and instructions appeared.

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The Rooster Head Exorcism Method

Since ancient times, the crowing rooster has been considered a symbol of utmost yang energy. People generally believe that when a rooster crows, it signals the sun’s arrival, and with the sun’s appearance, all ghosts and evil spirits vanish.

Hence, the Rooster Head Exorcism Method was born: throwing a rooster’s head over the rooftop to dispel the house’s dark and malevolent energies.

Another folk method to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.

There’s no choice—folk customs often intertwine with tales of spirits and demons.

Louis shook his head and turned to the final folk method.

The Magic Trick: Blade-Spitting Technique.

This technique is actually a branch of magic tricks. In the five-thousand-year-old past, magic and juggling formed a vast lower-class trade, including feats such as breaking stones on the chest, sword swallowing, the “Three Immortals Enter the Cave,” and the “Immortal Rope.” These acts blend skill and mysticism. Though most were mere showmanship, those who mastered them deeply could wield formidable power.

Historically, many extraordinary individuals used powerful magic tricks to infiltrate the imperial court, enjoying brief glory. Of course, the court was a place of intrigue, and many of these people met unfortunate ends.

The so-called Blade-Spitting Technique is somewhat related to sword swallowing—or rather, sword swallowing is part of this folk method. Once mastered, one can swallow sharp blades, hide needles under the tongue, or, when perfected, spit them out like projectiles—powerful and lethal.

Louis nodded, a hint of delight in his eyes. This might be the first method he learned that had direct killing potential, though it required mastery.

“More herbal concoctions again. Finding ingredients in this America is troublesome.”

“And a rooster’s head—do roosters crow here?”

...

Time passed slowly.

The next day.

Louis held a needle in his mouth, his tongue carefully moving.

Across from him, Emma ate while glancing at him. When he met her gaze, she quickly lowered her head again.

Louis ignored her fear; it didn’t change the fact that she would continue undergoing “correction” today.

David, however, had left early in the morning. Where had he gone?

Louis recalled the surprise David mentioned.