Brief introduction to the chapter of the eye of zero vortex

The story of Cang Hu, which should be said to have happened before the orthodox story of whirlpool zero eye, takes Cang Hu, a folklore scholar, as the first person, and describes how he first knew about "the legendary island and unknown village", and set foot on the road of searching, and finally saw and heard there. ...

Preface to the text of the folklore scholar's article "Zero Eye of the Vortex" (updated to the third chapter): This article takes the folklore scholar "Canghu" as the first person narrative. Today is a fine autumn weather, which is most suitable for market. I'm also going to find something good in this Expo, but I don't even know what it is. I hope to get something unexpected. There are many people in the market, which is more lively than in previous years. I walked around and bought some porcelain from Jingdezhen, China, and some strange handicrafts, but there were no unexpected surprises. At this moment, I suddenly remembered an old friend who promised to help me find some books the other day. His bookstore seems to be around here? I bypassed the market and followed the address he told me, and finally found his bookstore on the corner not far away. The door was half open, so I went in without thinking much. As soon as I stepped into the gate, I was confronted with all kinds of books, which is undoubtedly a rare pleasure for a folklore scholar and a person whose greatest pleasure in life is books. Just as I picked up the book and began to read it, I found that my friend, the owner of this bookstore, didn't seem to be here? I didn't see anyone in the shop except me, which made me feel a little strange? I went into the back room and found the door unlocked. I was just about to open the door, but I didn't expect someone to come out from the other end of the door, holding some dusty and slightly broken books in his hand. When the man saw me, he greeted me first. "Cang Hu Jun, you came faster than expected." "Haha, did you guess I would come today?" . "Yes, because today is the day of the fair, I guess you will come. I just went to find the book you said before. " "Are those in your hand right? That's great. " Yes, I finally found it. This is the owner of the bookstore, a 60-year-old man named Muyedao. At first, we met at a folk custom exchange meeting. Like me, he is a person who is quite addicted to folk literature and has provided me with many related books for reference. He put the book in his hand on the table, brought it, and carefully dusted it for fear of damaging the broken book again. "I think you will be interested in this book." After that, I handed me one of the books called The Rite of Reincarnation. "Yes, I really want to find a similar book, thank you very much." I took the book and immediately sat down to read it.

"The reincarnation ceremony is an unknown ceremony and cannot be terminated. It is generally held to drive away or suppress some evil things. " I silently read this passage which impressed me deeply. "Mr. Konoha, have you ever heard of a similar ceremony?" I suddenly asked curiously. "eh? The ceremony of reincarnation is really the first time I heard it. Most of the ceremonies usually held are to pray for a peaceful life or a smooth harvest of crops. " "That's true." What does the unknown ceremony recorded in the book mean? I have been thinking about this problem in my mind, so I didn't care too much. "By the way, the other two books are also related to ceremonies," said Mr. Konoha. I continued to read two other books, the contents of which were relatively general. I am more concerned about the previous "reincarnation ceremony". While I was still meditating, Mr. Konoha suddenly said, "Hu Jun Cang, please come with me." "eh? Very good. " Looking up, I saw Mr. Konoha with a dignified expression, and then turned and walked into the bedroom inside. He pushed open the innermost door and we walked to the storage room in the basement. Just then, Mr. Konoha accidentally sprained his ankle and fell down when he went down the stairs. "Mr. Konoha!" I hurried to help him. When I tried to lift him up, my whole body felt numb and tingling. I saw another figure overlapping with Mr. Konoha. The man has obvious scars in many places, and the expression on his face can make people feel abnormal pain. I was shocked by this scene. I tried to cheer up and went to help Mr. Konoha get up. "... Mr. Konoha, are you all right? "When my hand touched him, the person in front of me was really Mr. Konoha, not the strange person just now. Is it just my illusion? I think so in my heart). "Well, thank you. Fortunately, it seems useless when you are old." Mr konoha still smiled.

I helped Mr. Konoha to the storage room, where there was nothing but a bookshelf and a table. "I have something to show you." Mr konoha took something from the top of the bookshelf. "Have you ever heard of' legendary islands and unknown villages'?" . "Yes, I have. Why? " . I have a picture related to that place in my hand. "Related pictures?" I looked at Mr. Konoha in confusion. He slowly spread out the painting in his hand on the table, and I looked at the things depicted in the painting: a man in addition to the costume of a spiritual master, holding a string of beads in his hand, in front of him was a strange-shaped monster, like the faces of countless people. There are some small characters at the bottom of this picture, because the picture is incomplete and difficult to recognize. "This is?" I asked. This is something handed down from our ancestors. "But what does this have to do with' legendary islands and unknown villages'?" . This painting was brought from the village on that island. "I really have been studying this aspect, but is it true? Does that place really exist? ! "I couldn't restrain my inner joy and asked excitedly. "This island and village do exist. I have never told anyone the secret. Has been buried deep in my heart. I was going to take this secret to another world, but I know you must be very interested in this. " Yes, I believe this is a rare good thing for everyone who loves folk customs deeply. "Pale tiger gentleman, you really and I think. My lifelong pursuit is to find that place. Can you help me fulfill this last wish? " , Mr MuYe is almost crying to ask. "Don't say that. Studying folklore is our common wish." . "So I can rest assured and finally get rid of it." At this moment, Mr. Konoha's expression is like being rescued.

After that, I left the bookstore and said goodbye to Mr. Konoha. I returned to my place of residence with the treasure of life he gave me and what I regarded as my mission. After returning to the residence, it was already evening. I immediately lit the candle, opened the picture that made me feel heavy, and carefully identified the things in the picture again: What does the picture stand for? What does this have to do with "legendary islands and unknown villages"? Since this painting has been handed down from generation to generation by Mr. Konoha, does that mean that his ancestors have been to that place? Or was the island originally a resident before it moved out? Although teacher Konoha didn't make it clear, I think it should be like this.

Finally, I focused on drawing the lines at the bottom. I found another wax oil lamp, hoping to use more light to see what is on it. "The evil spirit ... is sealed in ... that lake ... the multiplier ... the power of the chain ... is limited ... the power of the son ... is equivalent to ... holding a ceremony ... for safety." Because it was too incomplete, I finally tried my best to get these ungrammatical words out. But I have felt something, that is, the evil thing in this painting, just like the strange man I saw when Mr. Konoha fell that day. Why do you feel this way? What do these things imply, and what unknown secrets are hidden behind them? Perhaps this is an illusion caused by the natural curiosity of a folklore scholar? But anyway, I want to make it clear. Then I asked the fishermen who lived nearby about "legendary islands and unknown villages", hoping to get more clues. But they seem unwilling to mention anything related to it, and even accuse me of not caring about such things. In desperation, I can only visit Mr. Konoha again, hoping to make things completely clear. It seems that I have fallen into the whirlpool of this event.

The next day, I came to Mr. Konoha's bookstore, but the door was locked. I tapped on the door. "Mr. Konoha, are you at home?" But I shouted for a long time and no one paid attention to me. "He's gone", a deep voice came in my ear: I don't know when a middle-aged woman appeared behind me. "Hey, what do you mean, it's gone? Has Mr. Konoha moved? " . I asked doubtfully. "No, he is no longer in this world," the woman continued to whisper. How come? I saw him talking to him a few days ago. "Yes, he died yesterday. He has no relatives. Our neighbors found out when they were looking for him. What a pity! " Then the man turned and left. "Mr Konoha ..." This feeling was so sudden that I almost didn't react. After that, I stood quietly in front of the bookstore for a long time, thinking of this good friend who accompanied me for many years. I can only find another fisherman friend I have been looking for. His name is Akihara Nishimura, which is my only hope. Please help me this time, I have no other choice. "pale Hu Jun ... it's not that I don't help you, but it's already a taboo between us fishermen, because many companions have been killed! I don't want anyone to be killed again. " Nishimura put her hand on my shoulder, her tone as firm as before. "I understand your feelings, but this is a very rare opportunity for a scholar who studies folklore, so please again." I strengthened my faith and tried to convince Nishimura. "Canghujun, it seems that you are leaving." Nishimura bowed his head and said this sentence. Yes, I know it's hard for you, but I've made up my mind. "Are you? I see. " Nishimura finally agreed to my request. He told me that he had built a temporary shelter on an island, close to the legendary island. He also told me the danger of this voyage, which prepared me.

Soon after, we packed our bags and chose a sunny day. Before going out to sea, I went to the temple to pray for this trip, hoping it would be smooth sailing. We didn't tell anyone about the voyage. When he arrived at the dock, Nishimura's youngest son brought him a blessing sachet. Nishimura stroked his son's thin forehead and whispered, "Go home, dad will come back smoothly, and then go to the market to see the lanterns." "well! This is an agreement. " The child nodded gently with a happy smile on his face. In fact, in Nishimura and my heart, we all know the danger of this voyage, and we may not come back.

Nishimura raised the sail of his small ship. I sat in the cabin, as if waiting for something that might happen soon. I couldn't help but lift the cloth from the window of the ship and look at the farther and farther pier. The ship finally left our familiar place. I took my notebook out of my bag and began to write notes on our trip:

Notes on Folklore after a Long Night (1)

Today is1October 13. It's a sunny day. Our ship has left the port and is heading for a mysterious place, which is more accurate than mystery. "That's an island deep in the sea. From the mouth of some fishermen lucky enough to see distant islands, they know that there will be a fire on the island at night. After the light passes through the forest, you can vaguely see the house built on it. However, once you get close to it, you are in danger of being swept away by the sudden waves. Those who are swept away will have nowhere to go and will never come back. Therefore, no one has ever known the true face of the island, and it is not clear whether there are people on the island. " This is a taboo among fishermen in coastal villages. Although it is dangerous, I still have a strong feeling that "we will find something there". This voyage is very important to me. Perhaps it has a very special significance for every folklore scholar. I hope to see that place soon.

We drifted on the sea with the ship, and it was already evening when Nishimura returned to the cabin. "Nishimura Jun, it's really hard for you." "Ha ha, nothing. I have lived at sea for decades and I am used to it. " Speaking of it, Nishimura's face really doesn't feel the slightest fatigue. I smiled. "Canghujun, come, we seldom get together, please accompany me to have a few more drinks." Then Nishimura took out some beef jerky and dried fish from a box in the cabin, and took the water wine prepared before and poured it into my cup. "Well, although I drink carelessly, it's rare for everyone to be so happy. Fill it up. " We were all in high spirits that night and drank until late at night. "You know, Mr. Canghu, I sailed with my father when I was very young. It was a very unforgettable day. " Nishimura tells a lot of things that happened since childhood. He talked and drank, and filled me with wine from time to time. My head feels a little heavy, but I still try to listen to what he said to me. After that, I don't know how long it took us to fall asleep ...

When I woke up the next day, my head was still groggy. I tried to wake myself up by touching my forehead. I looked around, leaving only the empty plates and glasses left last night, and Nishimura was gone. I came to the deck of the bow, and I don't know when he was already rowing hard. "Nishimura Jun really deserves to be a fisherman, so I can't. My head is still dizzy until now. " "Ha, ha, ha, actually, I started drinking when I was a kid sailing with my father," Nishimura laughed as he rowed. "Ha ha, is it? Sure enough, Mr. Nishimura's drinking capacity may already be like this endless sea. " Then I went back to the cabin and took out the book reincarnation ceremony given by Mr. Konoha from the package. The things described in the book fascinate me. "Some persistent hearts will guide innocent creatures, and their lives will be entangled. This is the beginning of the reincarnation ceremony." Suddenly, my premonition of the unknown is even stronger, and I can even feel that there will be something related to such a ceremony in that mysterious place. Did I feel this way after seeing the painting, or was it just my sensitive and budding idea? It seems that all this can only be confirmed in that mysterious place.

"I opened my mouth hard and couldn't feel the air. Breathing becomes difficult. I am surrounded by children's bones, and the number is amazing, even all over the bottom of the lake. " ..... Happy ... Happy ... I woke up from my dream and could clearly hear my shortness of breath. Is this a dream? But that feeling is so real that I can't tell which one belongs to the real dream when I wake up. Wandering at sea for a few days, my heart was even more desolate, and then I had that dream, "Will I die because of this?" I have been asking myself the same question over and over again these days. But as long as you can contribute to your favorite folk customs, it may not matter. It seems that from this moment on, I feel that my soul begins to belong to me.

"We will arrive at the place you mentioned in one day, but we will set up a shelter on an island to rest and be better prepared before we leave," Nishimura told me. Soon after, our ship landed on a nearby island. We got our luggage and got off the ship. There are some trees and a wooden house on the island, which is what Xicunkou calls a refuge. After entering the room, he lit the wax oil lamp. After sitting down, he looked at the lamp quietly, which made me feel the warmth I hadn't seen for a long time, and my mood was much calmer. It seems that this place is not only a place to avoid the wind and waves, but also a haven for my tired mind after a long voyage at sea. I looked at Xishu, who was packing things, and blurted out, "Xishujun, are you afraid that you may not be able to go back this time?" . West Shu seemed to think it was a little sudden and hesitated for a moment. "It turns out that Cang is also worried, but life is precious, but for people like me who live by the sea, the sea is a part of my life. If one day I will return to its embrace, it may be a good thing, and I believe my wife and children can understand it. " "Are you? ..... "After listening to Nishimura's story, I felt a lot. I have been silent, and many things have come to my mind. ...

It's late at night. I haven't slept yet. I got up slowly, not wanting to make a sound. I looked at the sleeping Nishimura and couldn't say anything: Nishimura Jun, I can't get you into trouble because of my own wishes. You still have a family. It's the same as me. I will work hard for the folk cause, even if I will eventually go to the point of no return. I don't want you to get involved in this whirlpool to help me. I carried my bag out of the hut and pushed the spare boat out of the sea. I walked in the direction that Nishimura said before.

Chapter III Legendary Islands and Unknown Villages

I rowed all night and drifted all the way on this moonless night. I forgot my fatigue, and there was only one thought in my heart, that is, finding the legendary island. I paddled back and forth silently. I don't know how long it took. Suddenly I feel that my eyes are surrounded by a gray-white object, which is fog and getting bigger and bigger. My vision is gradually blurred, but I seem to feel the light ahead. Just when I wanted to identify it carefully, my ship began to shake violently, and the sea slammed against the side of the ship, forming a huge whirlpool in an attempt to swallow me up. I tried to paddle in the opposite direction, trying to escape from the whirlpool, but it was too late, and my boat was getting closer and closer to the eye of the whirlpool. ...

To be continued.

More information can be found in our forum: Zero Peer Power Alliance Forum-Ghost Mouth.