Three Corpse Whisper

I was born in a rural village, and since I was little, I've heard the elders say a phrase: "The coffin nail, driven seven inches, ends the family line." This phrase meant that coffin nails shouldn't be driven in completely; a section must be left outside. Otherwise, it would bring misfortune to the descendants. Especially the nails used to seal a coffin—they absolutely must not be driven seven inches deep into the coffin board, or it would mean the end of the family line. I always thought this was just superstitious talk from the old folks. That is, until the day my grandfather passed away. Then I realized this phrase hid a terrifying secret. My grandfather was a famous carpenter in the village, renowned near and far for his skill, particularly in making coffins. Whenever someone died, they would ask my grandfather to make the coffin. The year Grandfather died, I had just graduated from university and found a job in the city. I received a call from home and rushed back overnight. When I got home, Grandfather was already dressed in his burial clothes, lying in the casket made of cypress wood that he had crafted with his own hands. His face looked peaceful, as if he were just asleep. Looking at his body, my heart ached, and I couldn't hold back my tears. According to our local customs, the deceased must lie in state for three days so relatives and friends can pay their respects. The funeral and burial would take place on the afternoon of the third day. Those three days of lying in state passed without incident. On the afternoon of the funeral, friends and relatives all came to see Grandfather off. Presiding over the ceremony was Zhang Hazi from the village, also a carpenter and my grandfather's apprentice. Zhang Hazi checked the time, then shouted, "Close the coffin!" Several strong men stepped forward and placed the lid on the coffin. Then Zhang Hazi took out seven coffin nails. These seven nails were called "Descendant Nails," said to bless the descendants with prosperity. Zhang Hazi positioned the seven nails at specific points on the coffin. As he hammered each one in, he chanted: "The first seal, blessings from the Heavenly Officials; the second seal, peace in the Netherworld; the third seal, longevity for the living; the fourth seal, the lurking white evil hidden away; the fifth seal, prosperity for descendants; the sixth seal, misfortunes kept afar; the seventh seal, seals the sound, severs the echo." With each line, a nail was driven in. The first six nails went in smoothly. But when it came to the seventh nail, something strange happened. The seventh nail, the final one, was to be driven into the foot of the coffin. Zhang Hazi raised his mallet, ready to strike, when suddenly, a loud THUMP came from inside the coffin! It sounded like something was hitting the lid from the inside! Everyone present was startled by the noise and stepped back nervously. Zhang Hazi froze too, mallet held high, unsure what to do. My heart sank. Grandfather had been dead for three days; how could his body still move? Could it be… zombie resurrection?