Courtyard House: Time Traveler Not Yet a Ghost

In April 1941, spring arrived late and was gloomy in North China. The sky was leaden gray, and the clouds hung low, as if they were about to squeeze out a cold rain. The wind blew from the direction of the Taihang Mountains, carrying dust and the lingering chill, sweeping across the towering city walls and low alleys of Beiping.

At nine o'clock in the morning, inside the imposing building that was converted from a former Qing Dynasty prince's palace, the atmosphere was as heavy as the sea before a storm.

In the largest conference room on the second floor, long conference tables were filled with officers of general rank. At the head of the table sat Lieutenant General Yukio Kasahara, Chief of Staff of the North China Area Army. His face was ashen, and his narrow eyes, hidden behind spectacles, sharply scanned the attendees. To his right sat Major General Takuro Matsui, the newly appointed head of the Beiping Special Service Agency. To his left sat a special advisor recently transferred from Nanjing, a gaunt-faced old man in a black kimono—Fujiwara Genshin, from an ancient Japanese family of Onmyōdō (the Way of Yin and Yang).

The air was filled with the scent of premium tobacco, but it couldn't mask the chill that crept into everyone's hearts.

"Gentlemen," Kasahara Yukio's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a cold, hard quality like the friction of metal, "At 5:40 this morning, routine communications from the direction of the 23rd Independent Mixed Regiment of the Fengtai Garrison were interrupted. At 6:00, the dispatched communications soldiers and reconnaissance teams discovered the anomaly about three kilometers from the camp."

He paused for a moment. The conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The only sound was the ticking of the second hand on the wall clock, which seemed particularly jarring at that moment.

"At 7:20, the advance reconnaissance team arrived at the outer perimeter of the military camp." Kasahara Yukio picked up a thin telegram from the table. The handwriting on it was slightly messy due to the haste. "The report is as follows: Twelve men at the outer perimeter sentry post of the military camp, all dead. The manner of death... is peculiar. No external injuries, faces contorted in terror, and some with minor bleeding from their seven orifices."

Matsui Takuro's brow furrowed. He came from an intelligence background and had seen all sorts of deaths, but descriptions like "no external injuries, terrified and distorted" were often associated with poisoning or some kind of psychological attack.

Kasahara Yukio continued reading: "Inside the military camp, on the parade ground and main passageways, a large number of soldiers' bodies were found, initially estimated to be over three hundred. The causes of death were mixed, including gunshot wounds, knife wounds, and many deaths without external injuries, similar to those of the outer sentries. It is noteworthy that," he raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "that most of the weapons, ammunition, food supplies, and other provisions within the camp were scattered on the spot, untouched. The regimental command post was intact, and equipment such as radios were not damaged, but there were signs that classified documents had been rummaged through."

"At 8:15, the reconnaissance detachment ventured into part of the barracks." Kasahara Yukio's voice grew even lower. "Inside the barracks... the situation is even more bizarre. Most of the soldiers died in their sleep, with no obvious external injuries, and their expressions were extremely terrified. Some of the corpses were in unnatural convulsive postures. Preliminary assessment suggests that the entire 23rd Independent Mixed Regiment, nearly 1,200 officers and soldiers, may have all perished."

The phrase "all men perished" struck everyone in the meeting room like a shard of ice. A fully equipped mixed regiment, wiped out almost silently overnight in the suburbs of Beiping? How could this be?!

"Baka!" a hot-tempered brigade commander couldn't help but mutter a curse. "Was it a surprise attack by the main force of the Chinese army? Or Soviet paratroopers?!"

"None of those," Kasahara Yukio coldly denied. "There are no signs of large-scale battle at the scene, no shell craters, no remnants of fierce gunfights. The barbed wire and fortifications around the military camp are basically intact. If it were a main force of the Chinese army or paratroopers attacking, they would have moved those mountains of weapons and ammunition without doing so."

He put down the telegram, placed his hands on the table, and leaned forward slightly: "What's even more disturbing is the follow-up report. In the reconnaissance unit, three soldiers suddenly went insane after approaching the center of the camp, talking nonsense, attacking their comrades, and then died suddenly. The accompanying medic examined them and reported that the cause of death was suspected to be 'a ruptured blood vessel in the brain due to a severe mental shock.'"

Psychological shock? Sudden death?

A series of suppressed gasps filled the conference room. The officers exchanged glances, some with surprise and doubt, others with deep unease. This had gone beyond the scope of conventional military operations.

"Lord Fujiwara," Kasahara Yukio turned to the black-robed elder who had been resting with his eyes closed, his tone unusually respectful, "what are your thoughts?"

Fujiwara Genshin slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were peculiar; the pupils were lighter than normal, almost grayish-white, and when he looked at people, it seemed unfocused, yet it was as if he could see into the most hidden corners of people's hearts. He did not answer immediately, but instead extended his withered, bird-claw-like fingers and gently tapped the table, making a soft "tap, tap" sound.

"Yin energy." He spoke, his voice hoarse and dry, like two pieces of frosted glass rubbing together. "A dense, impenetrable yin energy, death energy, and... resentment energy. The report said the soldiers died in horrific manner, bleeding from all seven orifices, convulsing after death, and those who approached them went insane... This was not the work of humankind."

His greyish-white eyes darted around as he looked at Kasahara Yukio: "General Kasahara, many people died there, and they died... with great resentment and pain. Their souls have not found peace; they have become like earthbound spirits, haunting that land. Those who come after them, if their minds are not strong and their yang energy is insufficient, will be corrupted."

"A bound spirit? A vengeful ghost?" Matsui Takuro frowned even more deeply. He had received a modern military education and instinctively rejected such supernatural explanations, but the facts before him defied common sense. "Lord Fujiwara, do you mean that a Chinese shaman or practitioner used some kind of evil magic?"

"Evil magic? Perhaps." Fujiwara Genshin remained noncommittal. "China is a vast and resource-rich land, and extraordinary people and eccentrics have existed since ancient times. Maoshan, Longhushan, Gezaoshan... these famous Taoist sects mostly live in seclusion, but it's hard to guarantee that no disciples are out and about. Or perhaps some unorthodox practitioners who cultivate evil arts and control ghosts." He paused, a cold glint flashing in his gray eyes. "But to wipe out a regiment almost silently overnight and create such a large-scale field of vengeful spirits... the caster is no ordinary person. At least, not someone I alone could easily handle."

These words sent a chill down the spines of all the officers present. Some of them had witnessed Fujiwara Genshin's abilities firsthand. Last year, during a sweep in Shanxi, a small squad had stumbled into a supposedly haunted tomb, and the entire unit had gone mad, engaging in self-harm. It was this very Fujiwara who intervened, using incantations and ritual implements to dispel the "unclean spirit." Even he had found it difficult to handle…

"Therefore, this is not merely a military incident, but more likely an extraordinary attack targeting the Imperial army." Kasahara Yukio summarized Fujiwara Genshin's words, his gaze becoming incredibly sharp. "The purpose may not only be to inflict casualties, but also to provoke, to intimidate, and to attempt to undermine our army's morale and create panic through such unconventional means!"

Matsui Takuro continued, "Furthermore, the other side deliberately left behind a large amount of supplies. This is very unusual. If they were attackers, it would be common sense for them to move or destroy the supplies. Leaving them behind means either they didn't have time, or... it was intentional. Like bait, or perhaps they were demonstrating some kind of power—look, I don't even care about your stuff."

This analysis made the atmosphere in the meeting room even more tense. A powerful, mysterious, unpredictable, and malicious enemy was more troublesome than the openly armed Chinese army.

"This must be dealt with immediately!" Yukio Kasahara said decisively. "First, completely block the news! The Fengtai incident must not be leaked! Everyone who knows anything must be silenced! The official statement should be that a serious series of explosions occurred during a troop redeployment exercise!"

"Second, immediately send troops to take over the Fengtai military camp area! Conduct a comprehensive search, cleanup, and...purification!" He glanced at Fujiwara Genshin when he said "purification."

Fujiwara Genshin nodded slightly: "We need manpower. The vengeful spirit field has been formed, and ordinary soldiers who stay there for a long time will surely suffer. We need to send those with cultivation to accompany us, set up barriers, perform rituals to guide the souls of the dead, and dispel the yin energy."

"Third," Kasahara Yukio slammed his fingers on the table, "we must find out who did it! Matsui-kun, your Special Higher Police, investigate with all your might! In Beiping, all known and suspected Chinese practitioners, charlatans, antique dealers, herbal medicine shops... anyone who might be connected to this kind of incident, put them all under surveillance! Dig three feet into the ground, we must find this rat!"

"Yes, sir!" Matsui Takuro solemnly obeyed.

"As for the troops sent to Fengtai..." Kasahara Yukio pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the troop deployment map on the table, "110th Division, 163rd Regiment."

The 110th Division was one of the elite Class A divisions of the Japanese Army in North China. Its 163rd Regiment was known for its tough style and strict discipline. The regimental commander, Colonel Sato Shoichiro, was a typical Imperial soldier: rigid, strict, and extremely efficient.

"Order the 163rd Regiment to immediately prepare for maximum combat readiness and proceed to Fengtai! The mission is: to completely seal off the military camp and the surrounding five-kilometer area; to clean up the site and collect the remains of Imperial soldiers; to recover all remaining weapons, equipment, and supplies; to cooperate with Lord Fujiwara and his assistants in conducting a 'special purification' operation; and simultaneously, to conduct a thorough search of the area, looking for any suspicious traces and clues!" Kasahara Yukio's orders were clear and ruthless. "Tell Colonel Sato that he may be facing more than just Chinese soldiers; he may be dealing with something far more sinister. Be cautious, but also resolute! If necessary, use all means, including heavy weapons!"

"Hai!" The staff officer in charge of relaying the order immediately made a note of it.

"Lord Fujiwara," Kasahara Yukio turned to the old man again, "please gather your men immediately. How many do you need?"

Fujiwara Genshin's withered fingers twirled a string of black prayer beads on his wrist as he pondered, "The area of ​​vengeful spirits is quite large. We need to set up the 'Four Symbols Demon-Sealing Array' to temporarily imprison the yin energy before performing the ritual. We'll need at least four assistants with some cultivation to guard the four directions. I will preside over the central one. In addition, we'll need ten accompanying monks or priests who know basic purification mantras to assist in the cleansing."

"Alright," Kasahara Yukio immediately agreed. "You can select the personnel from various temples and shrines in Beiping, as well as from the military personnel. I'll have Matsui-kun fully cooperate. Make sure to depart as soon as possible!"

"Furthermore," a glint of light flashed in Fujiwara Genshin's ashen eyes, "General, if the other party is indeed a cultivator, and deliberately left supplies as 'marks' or 'bait'... then he or they are likely still observing in secret, and may even... reappear."

The meeting room fell silent once again.

Kasahara Yukio's expression grew even more grim: "You mean, this might be a trap?"

"It's not impossible." Fujiwara Genshin's voice was calm, yet carried a chilling undertone. "For some practitioners of evil arts, a large number of deaths and vengeful spirits are a kind of 'resource' in themselves. They may be waiting for more 'prey' to gather."

This speculation sent chills down the spines of all the officers.

"Then let them come!" A fierce glint flashed in Kasahara Yukio's eyes. "The 163rd Regiment is not to be trifled with! Lord Fujiwara, if they dare to show themselves, could you at least stop them?"

Fujiwara Genshin remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "If he comes in his true form, with the combined strength of myself and my four assistants, we can set up an array and have a fifty percent chance of trapping or severely injuring him. But if he only uses remote means such as spirits or shikigami to harass us... then it's hard to say."

"Fifty percent...that's enough!" Kasahara Yukio gritted his teeth. "Sato's regiment will cooperate with you! Even if we can't stop him, we'll make him pay! Send the order to Colonel Sato, allowing him to bring the division's directly subordinate artillery detachment! If necessary, use artillery fire to cover suspicious areas! I don't care if he's a man or a ghost, he'll be reduced to ashes before the Empire's artillery!"

The orders, like cold chains, were swiftly relayed from headquarters.

At 3 p.m., in the western suburbs of Beiping, at the garrison of the 163rd Regiment of the 110th Division.

Regimental Commander Colonel Shoichiro Sato stood on the parade ground, watching the rapidly assembling troops. He was tall, with a ramrod-straight back, a standard mustache, and eyes as sharp as a knife. He had just received an urgent order directly from the Army Group Headquarters, the contents of which both shocked and excited him, a feeling of being entrusted with a great responsibility.

A squadron mysteriously wiped out? Extraordinary power? A field of vengeful spirits?

As an Imperial soldier who firmly believed in the Bushido spirit and the superiority of the Yamato race, Sato had always scoffed at talk of gods and ghosts. He considered it nothing more than the ignorant superstitions of the Chinese and the excuses the weak used to justify their defeats. But the order came from the Chief of Staff of the Army Group, its wording stern and unquestionable, even mentioning "special advisors" and "purification." This forced him to take this bizarre mission seriously.

"Gentlemen!" Sato's booming voice echoed across the parade ground through the tin megaphone, "We have received a difficult but glorious mission! The garrison in Fengtai has been attacked by a despicable and unscrupulous enemy! Now, we are needed to reclaim lost territory, rally our compatriots, uncover the truth, and deter the villains!"

He did not elaborate on what the enemy's "ruthless methods" specifically meant, but only emphasized the difficulty of the mission and the glory of the empire.

"The glory of the 163rd Regiment is forged with an iron will and the blood of our enemies! No matter what kind of enemy you face, no matter what kind of strangeness you encounter, remember, you are the Empire's most elite warriors! Your bayonets can pierce the chest of any enemy! Your bullets can annihilate any ghost that dares to challenge you!"

"All personnel! Check equipment and ensure sufficient ammunition! Artillery detachments, carry four Type 92 infantry guns and ammunition! Depart precisely one hour from now!"

"Hai! Long live His Majesty the Emperor!" The deafening response echoed throughout the camp.

Meanwhile, in several temples and Japanese military units within Beiping (Beijing), four "assistants" and ten "support personnel" designated by Fujiwara Genshin also received urgent orders. These four assistants included a warrior monk from Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei in Kyoto, a priest from the Ise Grand Shrine system, and a scion of a family specializing in Yin-Yang arts. They were usually scattered in various locations, and their faces showed solemnity and confusion at this urgent summons.

When they learned about the mission, their reactions varied. Some were eager to try, seeing it as an opportunity to accumulate "merit" and "cultivation"; others frowned, sensing the enormous risks lurking behind the mission.

As dusk fell, a large procession set off from different directions toward Fengtai.

Ahead lay the lead mechanized reconnaissance company of the 163rd Regiment, trucks and sidecar motorcycles kicking up clouds of dust. In the middle was the main force of the regiment, infantrymen carrying rifles, marching silently in a long, winding column. Behind them followed artillery and supply trains pulled by mules and horses. Near the vehicles housing the regimental command post, several black sedans bearing distinctive flags stood out, carrying Fujiwara Gennobu and his "professionals."

Sato Shoichiro sat in the command vehicle, his face grim as he watched the scenery rushing past the window. He stroked the hilt of his command sword at his waist, silently vowing: whatever evil things lurk in Fengtai, he would crush them completely with the iron hooves of his regiment! The majesty of the Empire cannot be desecrated!

Ahead of them, the Fengtai military camp, shrouded in death and eeriness, gradually revealed its blurry and sinister outline in the twilight. There, it seemed, lay an invisible, gigantic maw, waiting to deliver new prey.