The Yin-Yang Gavel

“The Yin-Yang Gavel?”

Bai Wanwan whispered the name of the cursed object to herself. It sounded impressive, but she had no idea what it actually did.

“Yes. It’s a cursed object we retrieved from a Cursed Domain resembling an ancient courthouse.”

“Its previous owner perished last week. By the time we arrived on the scene, the Yin-Yang Gavel was all we could find.”

Chu Annian’s voice was low, laced with a hint of sorrow. As she spoke, she couldn’t help but glance at the empty desk across from her.

“After a discussion, the organization decided to entrust it to you.”

Bai Wanwan was taken aback. They were just giving her something so valuable?

The General Administration for Special Incidents Investigation was certainly willing to spare no expense.

“Don’t underestimate it. The Yin-Yang Gavel is quite effective inside a Cursed Domain. Because it’s a judge’s gavel, all you need to do is strike it firmly to produce a sound. It will make the ghosts within a domain cower, even briefly paralyzing them.”

“Think of it as a crowd-control ability—something that can save your life in a critical moment.”

“But don’t expect to stun-lock a ghost by hammering it repeatedly. The gavel has its limits. Its first use is always the most potent; the effect diminishes with each subsequent use.”

Chu Annian sighed softly. Every piece of intelligence she was sharing had been paid for with blood and lives.

There was a time when the General Administration had considered it an exceptional cursed object. But after deploying it in the field multiple times, they discovered its primary use was merely for self-preservation.

When facing a high-level Cursed Domain, a second strike of the gavel might have no effect at all.

“The first time you use the Yin-Yang Gavel, it will stun any target for a few seconds, regardless of their power.”

“The organization is giving this to you in the hopes that you can use it when it counts—to save your own life.”

Chu Annian’s explanation gave Bai Wanwan a general understanding of the gavel’s function, though she knew she’d have to get her hands on it to draw any real conclusions.

In turn, Bai Wanwan relayed Shi Xiangning’s idea. Chu Annian’s interest was particularly piqued when she mentioned Shi Xiangning’s willingness to design escape rooms that mimicked Cursed Domains for the Administration’s agents to use for training.

“I understand. I’ll submit an application to my superiors. It’s an excellent idea, but are you sure that little ghost is willing to cooperate?”

That was Chu Annian’s primary concern. After all, Shi Xiangning had been the master of the Sewn-Lips Hospital, an extremely dangerous Cursed Domain. For her to suddenly turn around and help humans was bound to raise suspicions.

“Don’t worry, she’s practically sold herself to me. Besides, we have a deal. This is for her own good, too.”

Bai Wanwan glanced back at Shi Xiangning and Liu Hanzhi. The two little ghosts were still bickering over which of them was more foolish.

“Alright. I’ll have someone deliver the items to you.”

After a few more pleasantries, Chu Annian hung up.

Less than an hour later, a knock sounded at Bai Wanwan’s door. When she opened it, she found an exquisite combination briefcase resting on her doorstep, the courier already gone.

Bai Wanwan carried the briefcase inside and tried her birthday as the combination. It clicked open smoothly.

Inside lay a papercraft phone, carefully sealed in a waterproof bag, and a palm-sized judge’s gavel.

‘This must be the cursed object called the Yin-Yang Gavel…’

Bai Wanwan ignored the papercraft phone, instead lifting the gavel first.

It was an exquisite piece, heavy in her hand, and looked to be of considerable age.

Crafted from two types of wood—Red Sandalwood and Huanghuali Rosewood—they represented the gavel’s yin and yang faces, respectively.

If sold, it would likely fetch a high price. From a collector’s standpoint, it was a genuine treasure.

Chu Annian had said the Yin-Yang Gavel could subdue ghosts, which made Bai Wanwan eager to test it.

Her eyes drifted to the two little ghosts in the living room. Weren’t they the perfect test subjects?