lua_script.sh

 location /sumdemo {
     set $diff ''; # we have to predefine the $diff variable here

     set_by_lua $sum '
         local a = 32
         local b = 56

         ngx.var.diff = a - b;  -- write to $diff directly
         return a + b;          -- return the $sum value normally
     ';

     echo "sum = $sum, diff = $diff";
 }