Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Last time, they spent 800 years running towards each other.
This time, it only took an instant to fall into each other's embrace.

**The End**

"My gosh, their love is so awesome. Finally, they meet each other again after a year. Good for you guys!!! Long live HuaLian!!!"

A girl, sitting on the hospital bed, lifted both her arms in the air and started chanting her favorite line like reciting a mantra.

"HuaLian!"
"HuaLian!"
"HuaLian!"

Then, the door suddenly opened, revealing another young girl. She placed her hands on her hips, preparing to give a lecture.

"Xiuying, I know you're excited, but you need to calm down, or I'll call the doctor for you again."

The girl who was on the hospital bed, Xiuying, pouted.

"It can't be helped, Feiyu. I finally managed to finish the book, and it was just... Good!!! I can't describe it any other way than their love is just magnificent.

How I wish I can get a lover like Hua Cheng. The devotion, dedication, loyalty. Where can you find a man like that in this era? Not to forget Xie Lian too. He's just so precious, so soft, so kind, he makes me wanna protect him from everything.

Oh, but the duality just over the chart! His softness sometimes makes me forget that he is a martial god. He's strong and badass when he needs to be. Gosh, they are so compatible, complementing each other."

Her friend, Feiyu, just smiled softly at her while making her way to the bed and sitting on the chair next to it. She grinned.

"Well, aren't you glad that I recommended this masterpiece to you? Bow down to me, for I have helped you find something to be obsessed about," she proudly commanded.

Xiuying just looked at her weirdly.

"No. What are you? A god to be worshipped?"

Feiyu pouted at Xiuying, then both girls laughed. After a few seconds of laughter, they finally quieted down.

"So, how's your condition? Any better? You sure made me worried when you told me you suddenly vomited blood."

Xiuying just nonchalantly said, "Well, get used to it. It's a pretty normal occurrence. You've seen it happen many times before. I'm rather shocked that you're still not used to the sight yet."

Feiyu immediately retorted, "No matter how many times I've seen it, I'd rather not get used to it. Even though I know it's your illness—that you have a weak body constitution with weak lungs and respiratory problems—I just hope you can get better already."

She looked down, making a sad face.

Xiuying felt touched by the words and soon tried to soothe her.

"I'm sorry, but you know it won't be easy to get better. Even the doctors said that even if I have the chance, it'll be a very slow recovery. It will even take years."

"I don't care if it'll take years! I just want to see you get better. Even little by little is fine, as long as I can see the progress!"

Tears began flowing from Feiyu’s eyes.

Xiuying understood what Feiyu was going through. She was scared that her friend might go somewhere she couldn't reach, somewhere she couldn't follow.

She felt helpless, watching her friend get sad over her. While she was glad that Feiyu cared about her and wanted her to get better, she knew it would be hard.

But she didn’t want to see her cry, so Xiuying softly brought out her arms and wrapped them around Feiyu.

"Thanks for your thoughts. I'm sorry for saying that."

---

Xiuying was born as a healthy baby girl. She came from normal parents with a normal life.

But things took a turn when she started getting tired easily at the age of three. Her parents noticed her condition when she was playing with other kids at the park—she was the only one panting and catching her breath while the other kids seemed fine.

As a precaution, they took her to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor revealed that she was born with weak lungs, but for some reason, it only started showing symptoms when she turned three. Because of that, she needed to be careful not to do any extreme activities and always carry an inhaler.

But soon, her condition started getting worse.

When she was seven years old, her condition worsened to the point that she needed to visit the hospital frequently. Her asthma was easily triggered, and she needed constant surveillance. In the end, it was decided that she would be hospitalized.

Little did she know it was going to be her whole life.

At least, until now.

Time passed, and she was already seventeen. She had to admit—it was pretty boring going through the same cycle every day.

Wake up. Get interviewed by the nurse about her condition. Take medicine. More check-ups. Repeat the cycle again and again.

At least life wasn’t so boring after she met Feiyu.

---

She vividly remembered how they met.

Feiyu and Xiuying were neighbors, so their parents knew each other. When Feiyu's parents heard about Xiuying's condition, they decided to visit, bringing Feiyu along with them.

As soon as they met, Xiuying and Feiyu clicked, instantly becoming best friends.

Whenever Feiyu wasn't busy, or every day after school, without fail, she would visit Xiuying in the hospital. She would talk about her life, her school, and anything funny that happened.

She would also bring games to play with Xiuying so she wouldn’t get bored. She even brought some novels for her to read whenever she couldn't visit.

Most of all, Xiuying loved reading, so it was perfect. She had read quite a variety of genres, but her favorite was fantasy.

Recently, Feiyu got her hands on the rising novel , Heaven Official's Blessing. She introduced it to Xiuying and made her try it.

Xiuying read the novel and had fun with it. It was packed with emotions—kindness, evil, friendship, love. There was also loyalty, devotion, sacrifices, acceptance, happiness.

She learned a lot from it, as she didn't have the chance to explore the world.

So for her, it was enough.

---

"Alright, stop crying. You look hideous when you cry. Smile for me, will you?"

Instead of a smile, Feiyu just made a few funny faces instead. Again, they started laughing.

Feiyu looked at her watch and noticed it was getting late.

"Uh-oh. It's getting late. I’d better get going now, or my mom will get mad at me. I'll see you tomorrow. This time, I'll bring even more books for you to read."

Xiuying nodded, waving goodbye to her friend.

---

The Next Day

The next day came. Feiyu was walking excitedly towards Xiuying's ward when suddenly, all the hospital staff was panicking.

She wondered what was happening but soon realized—they were all rushing towards her friend’s ward!

She immediately ran as fast as she could, tears threatening to flow.

No, no, no, no. She can't. She can't.

She arrived at the ward, only to see Xiuying's parents talking with the doctor.

Both parents had shocked expressions.

Xiuying’s mother instantly fell to the ground as if she had lost all the strength in her legs.

The doctor patted the father’s shoulder while saying, "I'm sorry, sir. We've done the best we could. We hope you can stay strong for your daughter's sake."

That was all Feiyu needed to hear.

She could connect the dots.

Xiuying was dead.

She was gone, forever.

At least... she was finally free from this 'prison.'

Silent tears began to flow.

She tried to smile because she knew Xiuying wouldn’t want her to be sad.

But in the end, her heart betrayed her mind.

"Goodbye, Xiuying. It was nice knowing you.
I hope you'll have a better life in your next life.
I hope you'll be in a better world."

"Thank you for being my friend in this life.
Farewell, my best friend."

Chapter Text

[ ! ? # $ @ user02( )'!'$:!"@"(! ]

Hmm? What's that sound?

[ Initiating &€£%%_¥€......... ]

Ughh, shut up. Let me sleep.

[ Connecting host to the account : Yue Xiuying...... ]

Huh? My name? But my last name isn't Yue though..

[ Connection successful. Synchronizing host with account : Yue Xiuying ]
[ ........ ]
[ Synchronization successful ]

Commotions could be heard from the surrounding. The silent murmurs of the people around, the whispers and questions floating around. A crowd of those curious peoples seemed to have awoken the Xiuying who seemed to be the center of attention today. Slowly, Xiuying opens her eyes and begin to get up from the position she was in earlier.

My whole body hurts. It feels as if I've been sleeping in bad position for hundreds of years.
Huh, where am I? Who are these people? Why are they dressed like in ancient China? Is this a prank show? I don't see cameras though.

" Hello? "

!!!????
My voice? It's a bit different? Huh? This build.... Wait a minute, a man?!!! What the hell is going on here???!!! Why... this is certainly my body since I can feel my own touches, but I was definitely not a man???

The crowd that was surrounding Xiuying then begin to make way for someone. A beautiful, elegant lady with a calm demeanor walked towards Xiuying. At first she just stared at Xiuying with eyes of curiosity as well but it quickly disappears when she greeted her (wait do I have to change my pronouns to he/him since I'm a man???)

" Greetings Yue Xiuying. You seemed to be confused what's happening so I'll explain it to you. My name is Ling Wen, I am a Civil God. Which means, I'm handling all the paperwork. You've just successfully ascended as a god, and your position would be as a Fire Master as the heavens have acknowledged your capabilities to ascend. "

Ling Wen? That's weird, I've heard of that name before. If I wasn't mistaken, she was from.....

Then out of nowhere, a screen with text appeared in front of her. Alongside with the texts was a very cheerful, bright voice.

[ Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! Good things must be mentioned three times! The keyword : 'Have a better life in your next life' has been activated. Host is currently inside the world of Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's famous third book, Heaven Official's Blessing. Host currently has a mission of : ' have a better life in your next life ' . Please make sure the story change with more interesting plots ! Host also need to enjoy this life to the fullest! ]

Suddenly being bombarded with a sudden rush of shocking informations, Xiuying is out of words. Colour begin to fade from her face and before she knows it, her back touched the ground and the last thing she heard was screaming voices from the surroundings.

Few moments later, Xiuying slowly opened her eyes and realized that the environment has changed. She examined the new environment and it seems that this time, she's in a room. Maybe someone brought her here to rest when she fainted earlier?

" Oh god, I've read a lot of isekai stories but experiencing it yourself really gives off a shock."
She's feeling headache is coming and continued massaging her head but it doesn't work at all. So she decided to just leave it be and quickly solve the cause for her headache as soon as possible.

"Let's see, how should I call it? Uhh..... System? "

Instantly, a very cheerful voice responded.

[ Yes host? Is there any problem or anything you need to ask? ]

Oh sure there's a lot I want to ask you. " It seemed that it is still confusing to me so can you repeat what you said earlier before I fainted? " she asked the System.

[ Host is currently inside the world of the famous book, Heaven Official's Blessing, the famous third book from the well-known author, Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. In regards for the fulfillment of the keyword : ' Have a better life in your next life ' , which was activated by the hope of Host's friend, Feiyu, Host has the mission of living this life to the fullest. As long as Host doesn't interrupt important scenarios, Host are free to do anything to make sure the book is more interesting. Any creative improvement made by Host will be rewarded with points which can be used as transaction is our shop! Host will also receive certain missions from us but it won't be too frequent as to not disturb Host's experience with the characters. ]

So it was Feiyu huh... silly girl. Well, I guess it's better compared to dying from consuming expired yoghurt and cursing the story . At least I died in peace. But wait...

" What will happen if I changed some important plots? You think now that I'm in this story, I'm gonna let my babies suffer??!!! Hell no!!! "

[ In the events if Host refused to follow the rules set by the higher-ups, punishment will be carried out. ]

Hearing the word punishment just made Xiuying nervous. " What kind of punishment would that be? "

[ If Host is curious, Host is welcomed to violate it (^_^) ]

Xiuying is at a loss for words to make a comeback from that statement and decided to just leave the topic there. She then continued to observe her surrounding and slapped her cheeks with both hands. She can barely register anything at first since it was too sudden and she didn't have time to think at all. Now that she can properly think, she smiles eagerly. Who would've thought that after she died, she's been blessed to be in her favourite book of all time?!! She's excited to experience everything and she can see it with her own eyes! How lucky is she??!!!

Her attention immediately shifted to her body. She seems to be wearing a traditional male hanfu with white overalls. The inner robe is red. There's the lining of red at the hem of the sleeves of the outer robe. At her waist, a black fabric which she assumes it as belt encircling her body with fine, golden embroidery of leaves, with such careful artwork. The embroidery on her outer robe is a mixture of little bits of silver butterflies and maple leaves. Her long hair in the colour of brownish black with a clear brown colour for the hair ends. It's tied in a high ponytail with two braids, one on each of the side of the head, finished off with silver ribbon.

" As much as I want to say it's beautiful, I just have one thing to say. This colour scheme and embroidered patterns make me look like HuaLian son " , she stated. ' Might as well make me reborn as their child or something if they're gonna give me this kind of attire design . '

Talking about experiencing the story, a question popped into her mind. " So based on my experience of reading and understanding the isekai trope, currently I'm possessing someone's body. Is it ok for me to just be in this body for the rest of my life? What happened to the owner of this body? "

[ Host has no need to worry as this body is specially made for Host as soon as death came upon you. But to match with the story, Host get the male body. The System have decided to use Host's original name for this body at it was deemed as more easier to set it up with due to unexplainable reasons. Currently, Host has ascended as a god which is the Fire Master. ]

Hearing the answer, ' she ' or she supposed she can use ' he' since it's a male body now, understood something. " Ahhh... so that's why this body have my name? Since it's created specially for me to inhabit it. " Well, not like Xiuying ever cared about the gender. As long as he can witness HuaLian right in front of his eyes, it's nothing to be concerned of.

Now that all questions have been answered, Xiuying decided to start his adventure but then paused as he realized he has no idea where to go or more importantly, at which plot is he currently in?

" Hey System, where am I currently at and which plot? " , he asked.

[ Host is currently inside a resting room provided by the civil god, Ling Wen, and it is close with her office. Currently, it is at the time when the protagonist, Xie Lian, receives the mission of capturing the ghost bridegroom from Ling Wen. ]

" Oh sweet, I can meet my sweet little baby Xie Lian. System, lead the way! ", Xiuying commanded excitedly. he joyously followed the System's direction, heading towards location to meet his favourite character.

Finally arrived, he forgot to properly greet the two people in the room and mindlessly said, " Ling Wen! Thanks for bringing me h- - oh my, am I interrupting something? "

Hearing a voice from a sudden third party, the two instantly turned towards Xiuying. There was a moment of silence between the three but it was then broken by Ling Wen. " Ah, so you've awaken. Since the timing is good, let me introduce you. This person right here is His Royal Highness Of Xianle Kingdom, Xie Lian. A martial god. Your Highness, he is the newly ascended god, Yue Xiuying. He recently ascended as Fire Master. "
After she's done with the introduction, Xiuying positioned his hands forward and bow his head a little to greet Xie Lian. " It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. This one is called Yue Xiuying. I just recently ascended and hope to seek guidance from you. " , he ended it calmly while his mind is a total chaos.

' OMGOMGOMGOMG IT'S XIE LIAN IN THE FLESH. HE'S SO PRETTY AND PRECIOUS. OHHHHH.... '

[ Host, please calm down. Your heart rate is quite concerning right now. ]

' Who cares?! It's my idol, my favourite character is right in front of my eyes, how could I not be excited... Just shut up and let me have this moment will you? ' he replied. Ignoring System that's been spamming with sulking emojis, Xiuying slowly raises his head to look at Xie Lian but was caught by surprise when he is suddenly being hugged tightly by Xie Lian.

Ehhh???!!! What's happening???!!!

Xiuying was surprised by the sudden action and looked at Ling Wen as if asking for help but even Ling Wen that's usually calm seemed to be surprised as well. Xiuying didn't know what to do so he called out to him. " Your Highness, are you okay? " Xie Lian who heard his question immediately breaks the hug and just stared at Xiuying's face before laughing awkwardly. " Oh, ahaha. I'm sorry. I just thought you looked like someone that I knew. Before I know it, my body just moved on its' own. " Xiuying is really confused but decided to dismiss that matter. " It's fine. I'm not troubled at all. "

" So are you two done ?"

" Wah! You startled me Ling Wen. " Xie Lian said. He completely have forgotten that she was still there! He sheepishly turned to Xiuying who looked back at him in question while Ling Wen faked a cough to get back their attention. " It's really is a good timing, Lord Xiuying. Currently, His Highness is about to go down to the mortal realm for a mission in order to clear his debt with Heaven. He's alone so if you're not reluctant, I would ask for your help to accompany His Highness in this mission. Of course, reward will be provided. " Ling Wen explained.

Although Xiuying already known why Xie Lian owed some debt with Heaven, he need to pretend that he didn't know so it wouldn't seem suspicious. " Why would His Highness have debt? "

Xie Lian just laughed awkwardly. " Well apparently, when I ascended, I've caused some damage. It's a lot of damage so in order to clear the debt quickly, I decided to accept this mission. Of course, you don't have to follow me if you don't want to. I don't want to trouble you with this. "

Xiuying immediately shook his head. With eyes of excitement, he said, " None of that! I would be honoured to join. Truthfully, I just recently ascended few hours ago and still doesn't know how things works here so it's reassuring to be with you while familiarizing myself with these.... god stuff. "

Xie Lian chuckled. He then let out a small sigh and smiled. A smile with eyes that reflecting such softness when looking at Xiuying.

Brimming with energy of excitement of finally being able to experience the first arc of the story first hand, Xiuying mindlessly put out his hand towards Xie Lian. " Well then, let's go right now Your Highness. The case won't solve itself you know? " Xie Lian then put his hand on Xiuying's and laughed. " Ahaha, alright then. Let's go. "

As both of the gods begin walking out of the Palace Of Ling Wen, the goddess wished them luck. " Hope everything goes well Your Highness, Fire Master Yue Xiuying. Wishing you both all the heavenly blessings! "

The two stopped, turned their heads towards Ling Wen. Looking at each other with a smile, confidently replied at the same time, " May all taboos shattered! "

In the background, the system popped up with notification.

[ Mission : Finding the ghost bridegroom has been triggered . Investigate the case with the protagonist, Xie Lian. May Host bring excitement to the story! ]

Chapter Text

" Fire Master, are you alright? "

There is one man who's kneeling on the ground. Trying to catch some breath from screaming so loud, his throat has dried up. Who  might this man be? It's your one and only, Fire Master Yue Xiuying of course. Descending from heaven was a lot for him to take since they literally were just free falling to the ground. Somehow, both of them are fine but the sudden panic just took a lot out of him.

Hoarsely, he replied, " I'm... I'm fine. I just need to get used to this. It's my first time after all. " He said with a stiff smile. Worried for his companion, Xie Lian proposed an idea. " Why don't we take a break and have some tea? You were screaming loudly earlier, your throat must've hurt right? " While trying to stand while being supported by Xie Lian, Xiuying agreed and they walked until they passed by a group of women gossiping.

" Hey, did you hear? It seems there's another case happened on Mount Yujun. "

" Eh? Is it another missing bride? "

" When will this end... "

Xiuying heard them and thought that they must've reached the right location. He realized Xie Lian had stopped walking and they saw a tea shop with a name called ' Chance Encounter'.

' Surely, chance encounter indeed. This will be the place Hua Cheng sent his butterfly. '

Together, both of them entered the tea shop. Finally being able to sit just made Xiuying let out a sigh of relief. Xie Lian then ordered a pot of tea for them. Before leaving to prepare the tea, Xie Lian stopped the old man and asked him, " Excuse me, have you heard if anything weird has happened recently? " The old man instead of answering the question, he just quickly leaves while muttering, " See no evil, hear no evil. "

Xiuying who has been resting enough to catch some breath, spotted a silver butterfly fluttering at their table. " Your Highness, look. It's a butterfly. " Xie Lian turned to him asking what was wrong until he too saw it and continued to be mesmerized by it. Watching it fly away, following it to the window. But he was soon snapped out of it when he heard Xiuying screamed. He turned around and saw two new faces. His focus immediately changed when someone contacted him through communication array, leaving Xiuying to entertain their guests.

One of the newcomers, instead introducing themselves, looked at Xiuying and asked, " You? Are you Yue Xiuying? "

" Ah, Ling Wen must be the one to send you both here. Greetings, my name is Yue Xiuying. I'm the newly ascended Fire Master. Nice to meet you. " He held out his hand as to shake hands with them as a symbol of acquaintance but he was in fact being stared at as if they were seeing a ghost.

Xiuying waved his hand at their face, " Hello? Are you there? Are you two okay? " Startled by the action, the two immediately snapped back to reality.  Both of them seemed like they have a lot of questions but instead decided to just keep it to themselves.

' Huh, weird. Is this because they're suspecting me as someone suspicious? Well,  that makes sense since I don't even exist in this story to begin with. Must've been on guard with me then. Understandable. '

Xie Lian who seemed to be done with his business then returned to the table. At that time, tea has finally arrived as well. He took the cup and asked, " So, you two are? "

" Nan Feng. "

" Fu Yao. "

" I wasn't asking for your names but thanks for coming. " Xie Lian said with a smile. He then continued asking different question. " Could you please tell me which God are you both working for? "

" General Xuan Zhen. "

" General Nan Yang. "

Hearing their answers, Xie Lian immediately spit out the tea and coughed. Xiuying then gently patted his back in attempt of helping him. " Are you okay? " After calming down, Xie Lian said that he was fine .

" So..... it was the two generals who sent you here?! "

Nonchalantly as if it's a matter-of-fact, both of them replied, " General Nan Yang had no idea. "

" So it was with General Xuan Zhen. "

Hearing their answers, Xie Lian could only blink. " Then, do you know.... who I am? "

" You were the Crown Prince of Xianle Kingdom. "

" You're the conscience of men... the attention of the world. " Fu Yao said with his eye roll.

Xiuying who saw the iconic eye roll commented, " Did he just rolled his eyes? " Nan Feng, without wasting any second answered. " Yeah. Just kick him out. " Not wanting to lose, Fu Yao also replied, " Why, you should be kicked out. "

Just that one sentence was enough to make them start a glaring contest. Xiuying thought he could see lightning from both of their eyes. Nan Feng then slammed the table and both of them immediately get up from the chair and the glaring between them intensifies. Xiuying, instead of stopping them just cheered them to keep on fighting. " Yeah keep it going guys. While you're at it, you might as well kiss each other. "

Xie Lian on the other hand begins to panic. " Wait wait for a sec. Did you both actually come here on your own free will? Don't push yourselves too hard. Fire Master too, stop encouraging them. Help me here. "

The two junior officials, even though they are not on terms with each other, seemed in sync enough to answer the same answer.

" I. AM. WILLING!! "

Xiuying who has been watching their interactions laughed endearingly. Fu Yao and Nan Feng seemed as if surprised and.... is that a faint tint of red on their faces?

" What are you laughing for? " Fu Yao asked.

Xiuying, struggling to speak from laughing too much replied, " No, it's just that I love watching your interactions.  By the way, Your Highness, we should start discussing about the case. The faster we find the culprit, the faster this case will be solved.

' And the faster your future husband can meet you. Hehehehe..... ' was left unsaid.

" Ahh, right. " Xie Lian take out the scroll containing the details about their mission and laid it out on the table. " Let's get down to business then, shall we? "

.

.

.

" That's why you should mind your own business. You lend a hand to them and they bite the hand that feeds. So typical of you. "

The group of four is currently inside another building after the tea shop has been destroyed when they tried to solve a problem when a group of men were harassing Xiao Ying. Xie Lian who noticed that her dress was torn tried to take off his outer robe but instead getting a slap by the girl before running off. Currently they are waiting for the owner to finish counting the damage cost.

Xiuying tried to his best to prevent the slap from happening but somehow, it still happened.

[ This scenario cannot be changed by Host. ]

And why the hell I can't? I thought I only can't change some important storyline ! This plot isn't that significant enough! '

[ This scenario cannot be changed by Host. ]

So Xiuying has decided. Fuck the System. It's useless and hard to understand. Now he knows what Shen Yuan felt.

Using his sleeve as a replacement for handkerchief, Xiuying wiped Xie Lian's cheek gently as not to hurt it any further. " Does it hurt? It's getting red and.... oh, I can see the hand mark. But don't worry, it's fading. "

Xie Lian was stupefied by the sudden action of care by Xiuying. He was out of words before finally managed to find the words. " It's... it's okay. It doesn't hurt. I've endured much worse than this. This is nothing, hahaha...." He tried to joke but regretted it when he saw the look in Xiuying's eyes. He looked as if he's hurt by the words. His brain tried to find the words, maybe claim it as a joke but was cut off by Xiuying. " Is that so? But still, treasure yourself more. You're important. "

Xiuying knew what he meant by that. Of course, he has read the book so he knows what has happened, but it still hurts to hear that coming from Xie Lian's mouth. He wants Xie Lian to just attain the happiness quickly. And for that to happen, he need to find Xie Lian's husband quickly. It's the number one thing on his list right now. Yeah, that's right. Gotta do that.

" All right. The bill is settled. You're free to go. " The tea owner said after done calculating the total damage cost. Xie Lian who finally snapped out of it then asked the old man, " By the way, do you know where is the nearest temple for General Ming Guang? "

The old man replied, " Ming Guang Temple? We don't have that around here. However, we do have a Nan Yang Temple. It's only 5 miles from here. Turn right after you reached the city gate. "

And that's where they're headed. To the Nan Yang Temple it is.

When they reached the destination, night time has arrived. The sight of offerings on the altar greeted them and a large statue can easily be seen. In fact, it's hard not to see it. One thing that comes to Xiuying's mind was that... the statue really looked intimidating. To actually look at it with his own eyes is kind of... a whole new experience. He doesn't want to be rude so the opinion is kept to his own mind.

" That's weird. " Xie Lian mentions. "It is General Ming Guang who is in charge of the north, but only has temples for General Nan Yang. Though General Nan Yang is in charge of the southeast, he still got so many believers in the north "

Hearing that, Fu Yao smirked. " That's right. He's beloved by the people here. "

Xiuying knows what will happen. The fight will begin. But he's sure that just like earlier, even if he tries to prevent something even though it's just small details, it won't go his way. So he'll just wait for the fight to unfold itself. Might as well grab a popcorn to watch the fight but sadly, there's no popcorn in this era. Sighing, he decided to just continue looking around while still paying attention to the talk.

" I have a question, but I don't know... "

" If you don't know whether to ask or not to ask, then don't ask. " Nan Feng said.

Xie Lian corrected him, " Actually, I was about to say I don't know who to ask. "

With such excitement and a grin plastered on his face, Fu Yao asked, " Is it about the naming of Nan Yang Temple? "

Although he knew what's happening and where it's headed, Xiuying decided to just play along. " The naming? Does the naming has any special story to it? "

Fu Yao then explained, " Long long ago, General Nan Yang was called Duke Yang. However, a certain king has " Duke" misspelled. Instead of  "u", he accidentally used " i ". Hence, all Duke Yang Temples has changed the name into Dick Yang Temple. "

" The spelling has been corrected already! "

" So what? Up till now, aren't Nan Yang Temple's frequent visitors still women? A lot of them would blush while making wishes. Hahaha! " Fu Yao laughed.

Nan Feng has been clenching his fist in anger when hearing the laughter.

Sensing trouble, Xiuying immediately pulled Xie Lian by the shoulders away from the duo. Xie Lian looked at him in wonder. " We better get far away from them. I sense they're gonna start throwing around stuff in this temple. "

True enough, the war of throwing food has started. The junior officials are fighting like children, throwing things to each other while screaming to each other. Not any of them are willing to back down. The scrap collector and Fire Master could only watch them. Xie Lian managed to grab hold to a steam bun before attempting to eat it but stopped by Xiuying, " Your Highness, don't. It's dirty. "

Finally they both stopped fighting. " Yeah it's dusty. Why would you eat it! "

Finally had enough of them, Xie Lian let out a stern tone of voice. " STOP! Firstly, I am the His Highness that you two were talking about. I remained silent this whole time and didn't say anything at all. So don't use me against each other. Secondly, since you both are here to aid me and Fire Master Xiuying who should call the shots here? "

Silently, the two who's in the wrong answered, " It's Your Highness. "

However, Xie Lian doesn't seem to be satisfied with their answer. " I repeat, who should be the one to call the shots here? "

Finally understanding what he meant, they corrected themselves, " Your Highness and the Fire Master. " Xiuying immediately intercept it, " But I am also here to aid His Highness. I'm not in charge of this mission. " He looked at Xie Lian for some kind of confirmation but Xie Lian wasn't paying attention to him.

" That's correct. Move on to the third. If you really have to throw things, please just throw me. Don't throw away good food. It's a waste. "

Xiuying really doesn't know whether to laugh or to remain silent at this point. He thought that maybe it's his own way of making a joke but it's surely not funny coming from the protagonist himself.

Finally smiling, Xie Lian clapped his hands." All right, let's get down to business. Which one of you could lend me some mana? " Nan Feng asked  " What happened to yours? "

Without missing a beat, he answered, " I just don't have enough. "

Just then, a sudden sound of notification starts ringing Xiuying's head.

[ Mission : Lend the protagonist, Xie Lian, some mana. As a reward, Xie Lian's relationship with Host will deepen. Take this chance to befriend the protagonist!  ]

How am I supposed to know how to transfer mana to others???

[ That is something for Host to figure out by yourself. Good luck 👍 ]

Huh, might as well go along with the system. Seriously, I thought I'm free to do anything but I'm still being bossed around by the System!

Xiuying volunteered himself, " I can do that. But I apologize in advance, Your Highness. I don't really know how to transfer it. Would you be so kind to teach this inexperienced one? "

To Xiuying's surprise, Xie Lian didn't even question why he didn't know how to do it. He just smiled kindly and explained, " It's fine. Just hold out your hand and I'll hold out mine. Our hands will touch and the transfer will occur. "

Xiuying just nodded to his instructions. It's simple enough to follow. As soon as their hands touches, Xiuying can feel as if something has been sucked out of him. Perhaps that's his spiritual energy? It felt weird for the first few seconds but he could handle it once he got the hang of it. After the transfer was complete, Xie Lian informed them that he's gonna contact Ling Wen to ask for more informations.

While waiting for him, Xiuying just stared at his palm. He was just a human in his previous life. No magic, no whatsoever. Now that he's been reborn into the cultivation world, he actually have spiritual energy. It's hard to process the thought once he actually think about it. A wide smile begins to show on his face.

He can't wait to experience more of this world!

Chapter Text

After Xie Lian has talked with Ling Wen, the four heavenly officials finally gathered while sitting on the floor of the temple to discuss further on how to approach their current target, which is the ghost groom.

" According to Ling Wen, the ghost is a Wrath. We can't underestimate his power. We need to fix this as soon as possible or there will be more victims. Does any one of you have ideas you want to propose? " , Xie Lian asked as he just basically summarize up the information about the ghost groom.

Fu Yao turns out being the first to voice out his opinion. " Since the ghost is so interested in brides, why don't we just use a girl? " That idea was soon rejected as Xiuying spoke, " No, just like His Highness said, the ghost is a Wrath. In worst case, the girl might get hurt. So instead, I suggest that we dress up a man that is capable of protecting himself as the bride instead. " Xiuying can't hide the excitement in his voice but he can't help it. He's trying to make sure Xie Lian be the bride according to the plot.

Nan Feng although not against the idea seemed rather confused, " Well where can we find a man who's willing to be the bride? "

Xiuying who has been smiling nonstop during the whole discussion just faked a cough. " Gentlemen, I believe I have your answer... " he said while pointing to Xie Lian.

The attention immediately turned to Xie Lian who looked back at them in literal confusion . " Hmm? Is there anything on my face? "

The next day, as planned they begin to execute the idea. Two people can be seen waiting for Xie Lian to change into the bride dress but where is the fourth member of the group? He's nowhere to be seen in the vicinity of the temple.

The answer is simple, he is helping Xie Lian change his outfit while also changing his outfit as well. Why would he need to change when it's only Xie Lian who's going to be the bride? Actually, Xie Lian just suggested that Xiuying act as the maid for the bride. He said he doesn't want to be the only one in women attire. So Xiuying just followed along. And it's not because of a certain System that keeps spamming his head with notifications to accept Xie Lian's idea. Nope. No way. He's doing it willingly. Totally being honest there.

While changing, both of the actors are having a small talk between them. Not too loud to be heard by Nan Feng and Fuyao, but not too soft to make sure they can hear each other.

" Your Highness truly is a natural beauty."

Xiuying complimented Xie Lian. Although not the best work, Xiuying did his best to put on make up on the scrap god's face. Nothing too excessive but also not bad. He really tried his best to go for a natural look to enhance Xie Lian's natural beauty. He guess it all thanks to his friend in his precious life. Because of her, Xiuying still managed to learn how to put on make up even though he was constantly in the hospital. Now, it's the best time to make use of all those practices!

" You flatter me with your compliments, Fire Master. Also, you don't have to call me with that title. I'm no longer a crown prince. Right now, I'm just the poor, scrap-collector. "

Surprised with that sudden request, Xiuying asked " Eh, but the others called you like that so I just copied them. I thought you were fine with it since you didn't really say anything when others called you like that. "

" Well, they've been calling me like that since forever. But at least, I want you to stop calling me that. It makes us feel distant. "

" Then how should I call you? By your name? Xie Lian? "

" How about A-Lian instead? "

" Eh? Isn't it too soon? Are you sure? But we just met and it would be rude of me to just casually call you like that. "

" It's fine. I want you to call me that. Please Fire Master, I insist. "

Not seeing any room for arguments, Xiuying just nodded. Just at that moment, an idea came to him. " Then, you should stop calling me Fire Master too. I'm still a newbie and that title is too... How should I say... it's too stiff and long. It feels weird to keep being called with that title. "

Xie Lian raised his eyebrow at that. "Then how should I call you? "

" How about A-Xiu? If I have to call you A-Lian, then you can call me A-Xiu. It's only fair that way right? "

Xie Lian eyes immediately looked at Xiuying, his mouth slightly opened as if wanting to say something . Xiuying who saw this gestured with his hand for Xie Lian to say whatever that's in his mind but Xie Lian just closed them. In turn, he then smiled softly with kind eyes. " All right then. "

"A-Xiu. " He tried to call him.

"A-Lian."

Both laughed. To Xiuying, somehow calling Xie Lian as A-Lian felt like.... right. Even when Xie Lian called him A-Xiu, it also felt... right. He can't describe it in words but there's one thing that his heart knows.

He liked it very much.

.

.

.

After few hours that felt like forever, Xie Lian then walked out after he's done with the changing. Behind him, another person also in red follows him. The other two heavenly officials looked at Xie Lian, " Well, I won't say it's good but not bad either. You need to do something about the hair though. " Fu Yao said. Xie Lian smiled nervously hearing that comment. Xiuying then opened his mouth, " Well unfortunately I only know how to do basic makeup. I don't know anything about hairstyles."

With an exasperated tone, Xiuying complained, "I know we've gone through this but I still have to ask. Why I need to be the maid??? "

" Well, both of us don't want to cross dress and His Highness personally asked you to do it. I believe it's that simple. " Nan Feng answered.

Xiuying felt like he wanted to slap himself in the face but he doesn't want to ruin the makeup. He just tries to be more patient.

Suddenly, they heard someone knocked the door to the temple. Nervously, a young girl, Xiao Ying peeked from the door. Xie Lian remembered her, " You were... the girl from yesterday. Oh, don't get me wrong. We're both not a fan of cross-dressing! This is just to lure out the ghost groom! "

" Yup, though I don't really mind if you misunderstood the situation though." Xiuying mindlessly added.

This mindlessly action just made him receive stares from Fu Yao and Nan Feng. " What? " He asked them but they just looked away instead.

Xiao Ying explained that she came there to apologize since she misunderstood Xie Lian's intentions to help her yesterday and showed that she brought some food as a token of gratitude.

She silently stared at both Xie Lian and Xiuying up and down and suggested an idea. " Sirs, I know how to alter clothes . I also know how to style your hair. Why don't I help you both dress up as a bride?"

Listening to her made Xiuying caught up something that's weird in her words. " Wait, the only one who's acting as the bride is this daozhang here. I'm just the maid for the bride. "

Xiao Ying realized her mistake and apologize, " Oh, I'm sorry. Both of you looked so beautiful, so I thought you might also be the bride. "

Xiuying slightly blushed at the sudden compliment, frozen and at loss for words to reply. But he immediately come back to his senses, thanked her for the compliment and accepted her offer for help.

Several hours of preparation have passed, the group finally began to take action.

It was already dark when they finally crossing the rumoured forest. Carrying the bridal sedan were few men with such tough physique. Nan Feng at the sedan's right, Xiuying and Fu Yao at the left. Since the atmosphere around them was too quiet, Fu Yao tried to talk to the bride, " Milady, how does it feel to finally getting married? "

Sensing what he's trying to do, Xie Lian decided to just play along with the act, " It feels good but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed that something important is missing for the wedding procession. "

" I believe everything that were needed has already been prepared. What could be missing? " Nan Feng asked while keeping watch around.

Without missing a beat, Xie Lian answered, " Another two maids for the bride... "

Also decided to join the act, Xiuying played along. " But milady, your maid is here. You're not happy about me tagging you along for the wedding? " Xie Lian chuckled, " Well I thought you must be lonely to be the only maid here. I wanted to ask for more maids to follow along but... " Fu Yao cut him off, " Huh. Your family's too poor to hire more maids. You should be thankful enough that you can even have a maid for this procession. "

The sedan carriers including Xiuying laughed by the sudden role play. But the fun was cut short when Xie Lian let out a breath of shock. " What's wrong? " Fu Yao asked. But Xie Lian just shushed him to listen more to the mysterious voice." Have you heard giggles? "

All three of them denied. ' So the song is intended for me? ' , Xie Lian thought.

Unknown to them, not only Xie Lian but Xiuying too can hear the singing voice. He immediately contacted System.

System!

[ Does Host need any assistance? ]

I sure as hell need it. Why can I hear this song? I thought only Xie Lian that's acting as the bride can hear it?

[ AnsweringHost, it is not possible to provide an answer. An anomaly has been detected and immediate repair is undergoing as we speak. Maybe this is one of the effects from the repair. ]

.....

Xiuying was speechless. How could the system have any problem? It doesn't make any sense at all! Might as well say that he's trapped in a wife plot or something!

" I heard a voice. He is singing. I think this song is intended specifically for me. "

" What is the voice singing? " Fu Yao asked.

" Newlywed bride, newlywed bride. Newlywed bride on the red sedan." Xie Lian answered.

" Tears when crossing the mountain hills, smile not under the veil. " Xiuying continued instead.

The others were confused why would Xiuying know the song? They asked him but the only answer that he could give was, " I don't really know why. It could be that I'm too beautiful the voice thought I am the bride as well? " The answer didn't receive good response as both Nan Feng and Fu Yao looked as if they were tired with Xiuying's weird self complimenting act.

Xiuying felt like he wanted to find a hole and hide in it already! His attempt at covering it was so lame damn it!

But the thoughts flew over his head when he felt someone patted his head. He looked to his right side and saw it was Xie Lian. " Since you said earlier that you can also hear the song, you should come inside. "

Xiuying finds that is weird since this wasn't supposed to happen in the original story. He asked Xie Lian why and the answer that he received was only, " I don't want my only maid to be harrassed by the groom. At least if you're with me, I can protect you. "

Ah, damn protagonist. So kind.

"Protect me? I am happy with your invitation but I have to decline, Your Highness. I can protect myself just fine and -"

" Please A-Xiu. I insist. Let me protect you. Also, I've told you to not call me with that title right? "

Xie Lian's eyes looked as if he's begging him to accept the offer. So with no other choice and not wanting to feel guilty, he accepted, causing them to stop for a while to allow Xiuying to enter the sedan and sit beside Xie Lian. It was pretty cramped, but it's fine. " At least I don't have to walk anymore huh? " he joked. But no one seems to like it.

While the cold joke has been brushed off as if it didn't happen at all, both Nan Feng and Fu Yao readied their hands to pull their swords. " He is warning you not to smile? " Nan Feng asked. " It might be a trap. Perhaps something bad would happen if you cry. " Fu Yao added.

" No matter if I cry or laugh, what would be the worst case scenario? "

Xiuying answered, " You will be kidnapped? "

" That's right. I have something to say. "

" What is it? " Nan Feng asked .

" Ever since I got on this sedan, I've been smiling this whole time. "

As soon as Xie Lian finished those words, the surroundings began to feel eerie. The leaves swayed as the wind blows increasing the creepiness of the atmosphere. Soon after , glowing eyes could be seen in the dark and it's the wolves. The wolves howls as if calling for others to come as well.

This immediately made the bodyguards scared. " Wolves? There are wolves? How can there be wolves in Yujun Mountain? " one of them said.

The party were thrown into panic as the wolves begin their attack. All the bodyguards begin to protect themselves against the wolves, and the carriers have to abruptly let go of the sedan. This action caused Xiuying and Xie Lian who were in the sedan to lose balance along with the sedan.

Just as Xiuying's head about to hit the wall of the sedan, he felt something soft against his head. When he opened his eyes, he realized it was Xie Lian's hand cushioning the hit. Both of them stared at each other, shocked with the sudden closeness in the distance between them. But it was quickly broken off by Xie Lian. " Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"

Xiuying immediately snapped out of it and replied " Yes, I'm fine. Thank you A-Lian."

Xie Lian smiled at the confirmation, immediately he turns towards the curtains in the sedan and lifted it to assess the current situation of the outside.

' Oh gosh, is this what they call the power of the protagonist? His eyes are just too strong! How can Hua Cheng handle his husband??? How can he act cool in front of Xie Lian???!!! ' Xiuying internally screamed. But that immediately been put to a stop as soon as he heard Xie Lian's voice again.

" Nan Feng , Fu Yao, can you guys handle them? "

" It's just a bunch of beast. A piece of cake! " Fu Yao replied.

Xiuying, being the curious person he is, decided to copy Xie Lian's earlier action and tried to take a look at outside. He can see there's a lot of wolves. How can Fu Yao say it's a piece of cake? There's a lot of them! Soon after, he also see another type of monster coming from the deeper part of the mountain. It's the binnu!

His body suddenly frozen up at the sight of it. Although he has read about this part, seeing it with your own eyes is definitely something else. The arrival of the binnu shocked the others. " Ghost! "

The sedan once again got shook by the chaos. Xie Lian asked what happen but was instead being told to not go outside. Xie Lian turned his attention to Xiuying to check on him but immediately saw a hand slipping through the sedan and was trying to grab Xiuying's feet. Xiuying finally realizing what's going on just screamed his lungs out. He was so scared, he didn't know what to do other than scream out loud. He can't think. He can't hear anything. Not even the voices from the outside.

He was then saved by Xie Lian who immediately took care of it. Xiuying could only hear someone's voice from the outside though not much. " There's at least 100 of them! Dealing with them any longer will only tire us out! "

" Even just 10 of them is a handful already. 100? They'll become a headache soon. "

Just then Xiuying saw something. From the inside of Xie Lian's sleeve, a white rope-like cloth shone brightly. ' Oh, it's Ruoye.' Xiuying thought. " Go, kill them all. "

With one order from Xie Lian, the cloth begin to wrap itself around the ghost and killing it and all others outside the sedan with such swift move. This sudden appearance shocked the two heavenly officials that's been fighting earlier. " I thought with your mana gone, you can't wield spiritual weapon? " Feng Xin asked while trying to catch his breath.

However, Xie Lian nonchalantly replied ," Exception happens. Anyways, you guys need to go first. "

" What? "

" If you keep on surrounding the sedan, you will only attract more of those beasts. You can't kill all of them. Just retreat for now. I'll stay here to see the identity of the ghost groom. " Xie Lian explained.

" What about Fire Master? He needs to come with us too. You can't just-" Feng Xin's words were then immediately cut off by Xie Lian who answered without any hesitation. " I'll take care of him. You guys just go ahead. Now. "

Feng Xin wondered why would they do that but Fu Yao kept on insisting to just leave them be. Soon after, the group immediately left the scene, leaving the fake bride and the fake maid in the middle of the mountain.

Xiuying is still shaking from the fear of seeing the real ghosts. He didn't expect it to be that scary. He shouldn't be weak now, he shouldn't be easily scared like that! He knows all of this but he couldn't help the shaking.

Xie Lian saw how scared Xiuying was. Softly, as if not wanting to scare him any further, the crown prince wrapped his hands over Xiuying's body, placing his ear at his chest. " Shh... Calm down A-Xiu. It's okay, I'm here. I'm here. Just focus on the sound of my heart beat. Can you do that for me? " Xiuying who was actually surprised by that action slowly began to calm down. He began to focus on Xie Lian's heartbeat. So steady, so calming. He didn't know listening to people's heartbeat could be this calming.

They remained in that position for awhile until Xiuying has calmed down. With a smile, he looked up at Xie Lian, " I'm okay now A-Lian. Thank you, and I'm sorry for showing that kind of embarrassing side of me. I'm supposed to protect you and yet... "

But Xie Lian, being the kind soul he is, didn't mind at all. " It's okay A-Xiu. I've told you didn't I? I am here for you. I'll protect you. " Xiuying felt touched by that sentence but he decided he wants to be a bit mischievous. " Oh A-Lian, how romantic. But you shouldn't waste that line on me. Better save it for your future lover. I don't want anyone to be jealous."

Xie Lian immediately blushed. " A-Xiu! What are you saying?? I don't have a lover! "

'Well not for now... In the future you'll have a hot ghost king as a husband. '

The two keep on this act until suddenly the atmosphere become tense. From afar, sounds of clinking bells could be heard in the distance. Slowly, slowly the sound became louder and louder indicating something is approaching them. Xie Lian's face changed to serious while waiting for the stranger in question. The sound of the bell stopped, which means the mysterious guest is currently standing right in front of the sedan.

' WOOAAHHH IT'S HUA CHENG. I CAN SEE HUA CHENG. HOOUUUUUHHH. COME. COME AND TAKE YOUR BRIDE AWAY AHHHHH!!! ' , Xiuying internally screamed, or should we say fangirling?

[ Host, please calm down. Your heart rate is rising in quite a worrying rate. ]

He didn't pay any attention to the System. He only wants to see his favorite couple! Now, how should he handle the situation, or his excitement?

Chapter Text

Both Xie Lian and Xiuying stood still in their position, not knowing whether to make a move or not. Xie Lian looked at Xiuying as if asking for his opinion on what to do. Xiuying silently gestured him to take the mysterious man's hand. Xie Lian, although still having some doubt, decided to trust him and slowly put his hand on the mysterious man's hand, or already known as Hua Cheng by Xiuying , allowing himself to be guided by him to get off the sedan.

' Is this how parents feel when sending their daughter off to get married? ' Xiuying thought.

He's so excited finally being able to see Hua Cheng taking Xie Lian away! Oh how he's screaming his heart out internally seeing Hua Cheng being so gentle with Xie Lian.

He was so busy in his own world that he didn't realize a hand was extended to him. Xiuying was caught off guard. Didn't he already took Xie Lian away? Why would that same hand positioned as if the owner wants him put his hand on it? Xiuying wondered, what should he do? No matter how much time has passed, that hand is still patiently waiting for him to hold it.

‘I guess he wants me to take his hand?‘ he wondered.

Without wasting anymore time, Xiuying just put his hand on the ghost's hand. Surely enough, the action seems to be the correct answer as the man softly pulls Xiuying's hand, helping him to get off from the sedan, just like he did with Xie Lian earlier. As soon as he got off the sedan, he thanked him while slowly trying to pull his hand away in fear of possibly angering him in any way but the ghost doesn't seem to let him do so. Instead, he gently led him towards where Xie Lian was standing.

"A-Xiu!!!" Xie Lian called worriedly. He ran towards Xiuying, immediately checking him all over in fear of anything happening to him. " A-Lian, I'm fine. See? Nothing happened. " He tries to calm him down, but Xie Lian kept on checking everything until he's satisfied.

They soon averts their attention towards Hua Cheng who is currently extending his hand as if asking them to follow him. " Go on A-Lian. Your groom is waiting for you." Xiuying joked. But Xie Lian doesn't seem flustered at all. " If my groom is here, then I'll follow him, but not without my maid. I can't leave you here alone. It's dangerous."

" But you're the bride." Xiuying said.

" And you're my maid. " Xie lian argued.

Hua Cheng wasn't helping as well. He just stayed there, as if waiting for them to resolve the problem themselves.
So, after all the bickering ( was it even bickering?) , they ended up walking through the forest together, with Xiuying being in the middle, Xie Lian on his right while Hua Cheng being on his left.

'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON??? WHY AM I JOINING THEM???'

Alas, the story must go on. Xiuying can't help feeling like he's being the thirdwheel between the main couple. It's not his fault for following them right? They were the ones that insist him to come along after all. There were also no warning from the System, so this is probably okay, or is it?

No use in contemplating about this any further. He needs to stay focused to the situation on hand first.

Xiuying glanced slightly at Hua Cheng, trying to understand why would the infamous ghost king ask him to tag along? It's such a mystery that Hua Cheng is being a gentleman right now. Is it because Xie Lian is right here, so he's being in his best behavior? No, it can't be. There were lot of times where Hua Cheng would show hate for other peoples other than Xie Lian right in front of him. Is it because his existence itself is an anomaly to the story and is somehow causing some changes to the plot?

All the while he was having dilemma within himself, he was snapped out of it when he felt someone grabbed his waist, pulling him closer. It was Hua Cheng. Xiuying then realized that Hua Cheng is pulling out his umbrella, using it to cover the three of them from the bloody rain. It was such a wonder that all the three of them can fit under the umbrella.

How in the name of logic can all of them fit seriously???!!

He quickly looked at Xie Lian and realized that that Xie Lian was also looking at Hua Cheng. Though, the look in his eyes were hard to tell. All that he know is that Xie Lian is holding Xiuying’s hand too hard. He thought of telling him but soon decided that it's not important enough. It's just hand holding after all.

Not long after, they have finally reached their destination. There, Xiuying can see a sign above the building.

The Temple Of General Ming Guang.

' We've reached the place already? That was fast.' , Xiuying thought.

The moonlight shone down upon them, the surrounding bright amidst the wide space that they are standing on right now. He was so captivated with the brightness of the moon, until he was surprised when he felt a hand resting at his left cheek. It was Hua Cheng’s. The touch was so soft, it was as if he was being treasured. His eyes so gentle, as if admiring Xiuying's face.

Xiuying also has made a little discovery.

Somehow he can sense that deep into the ghost king's gentle eyes, there were also a tint of sadness. Why, why is he looking at him like that?

Immediately, Xie Lian stepped forward in attempt of attacking the ghost, but it was futile as Hua Cheng has dispersed into swarm of silver butterflies. Both them just froze in place, too dazed with what just happened. Xie Lian being the first to snap out of it. “ I wonder if he’s the rumoured ghost groom? But he didn’t try to do anything with us. Instead, he just showed us the way. What’s his motive by doing this? “

‘His motive is you , my dear. Always has been, always will be.’

That is what Xiuying wanted to say but decided to just keep it to himself. He only replied, “ I’m not sure either but he can’t be the ghost groom. I mean, he treated us nicely and all, can’t hate the guy .“

Xie Lian wanted to retort to that sentence but instead got his hand pulled away by Xiuying. “ Come on A-Lian, the case isn’t going to solve by itself you know? “ The scrap god could only let out a soft sigh while following his partner to the temple.

While heading towards the temple, the usual floating screen appears in front of Xiuying.

[ Mission : Solve the mystery behind the ghost groom case. All the luck to Host ]

‘System, there you are. I couldn’t reach you earlier.‘

[ Does Host miss System that much ? ^⁠_⁠^ ]

‘ Eww, stop that. Really, not funny. What I meant is that I had questions for you but I couldn’t reach you at all. What happened? ‘

[ Answering Host’s question, the information is not available. There was some connection problem from the higher-ups and the information is not available for further explanation.]

‘ So you do have higher-ups after all?’

[ It does not only limit to human society. ]

Well this is new. What is actually happening??

Xiuying tried so hard to crack the mystery behind all of these but then he gave up. Why? Because he just figured it out.

He’s not the protagonist, so why should he be bothered. He’s just an extra, he could possibly be a cannon fodder for the story. Better not to get involved too much. He’s satisfied with the conclusion that he came up then continues to walk towards the temple along with Xie Lian.

Immediately, right after entering the temple, the corpses of the missing brides can already be seen.  Lined up in two lines, facing each other. Both of them approaches the corpses and begin to start counting. “ It seems that all of the missing brides are here.” Xie Lian says.

He kept looking around, looking for any clue he could find. But nothing came up. The corpses were still intact, no signs of scars on their body. With such peaceful and serene expression, one could even think they were just sleeping.

The investigation soon came to a halt when they heard something approaching them. “ A-Lian , we gotta hide!” Xiuying exclaimed. “ Quick, pretend to be one of the brides. “

“ You hide here too.”

“ There’s no time . I’ll be fine “

Xiuying immediately scans the temple, looking for any spots that he can use for hiding. Luckily there’s a ceremonial table. He can use that. No further ado, he hides behind the table, both of the gods taking their position. Soon the entity enters the temple, the lines of corpses of bride being its’ attention. The ghost checks every single one of them before being attacked by Xie Lian. He used Rouye , ordering it to plunge ahead but it proved to be futile since the ghost quickly ran away, heading outside. Both Xiuying and Xie Lian gave chase. Surely enough, the ghost is nowhere to be seen.

“ Damn it, it got away after all. “ Xiuying said. It’s also dark making it even difficult to see the road without any source of light. Just then, they were greeted by group of men approaching them. “ Hey there misses, were both of you kidnapped by the ghost groom? Don’t be afraid, we’re here to rescue you. “ , the leader of the group said. Xiuying, without any intention of hiding his feeling, sighed. "Darn it, Xiao Pengtou is here already,” he exasperated.

“ Hey miss, are you okay? Why you look disappointed?” Xiao Pengtou asked.

Because I hate you dude

“ Nothing. You’re imagining things . “ Xiuying simply said.
How he wish this case can be solved quickly. He just want to make Xie Lian meet Hua Cheng again, is it too hard of a wish to ask for?

Chapter Text

Xiuying hated Xiao Pengtou. Don't get him wrong. He is all for characters that help to move the plot, but not Xiao Pengtou. His bossy and obnoxious attitude can't help to fix the opinion too. But for now he's fine, he guessed.

He's fine.

" You're a man??!!" Xiao Pengtou was shocked when he heard Xie Lian's voice asking about the situation. He blinked as the two of them stared at each other. With a torch in his hand, he raised it to Xie Lian to see better. He stared at him for a few moments then realization finally came to him, " You! You're the guy from earlier! Why are you dressing like a girl. You too! You guys like dressing up or what??!!"

" I'll repeat my question. Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?", Xie Lian asked him.

" Huh, why should I tell you? I still haven't gotten even with you for earlier!!!" Xiao Pengtou said. Xiuying could only sigh at the situation. " Look here dude, he's just asking a simple question that can be answered with a yes or no. Just answer the damn question already. "

" A-Xiu, language." Xie Lian reprimanded him. Is this really the time for him to really care about language now?

Just as Xiao Pengtou was about to argue more, he was stopped when a loud sound was heard.

All of them turned to see Nan Feng and Fu Yao standing beside a tree, with Fu Yao's hand held up against the tree releasing a small amount of spiritual energy in order to gain the attention. That finally made all of them shut up.

"Nan Feng, Fu Yao, what took you two so long to arrive? I swear I can't stand being here anymore!" Xiuying dramatically added. This just brings out Fu Yao's infamous eye-roll. " We finally caught up to you and the first thing that came out of your mouth is nonsense. "

" Hey! I thought we were already buddies!"

" Since when did we establish that fact?"

Okay, this is expected from him but it still hurts okay??!! Xiuying wanted to cry already!!!

Ignoring them, Xie Lian once again asked, " Have you seen anything suspicious?", this time with a smile. This left Xiao Pengtou and the gang no choice but to comply and began to tell their side of the story.

In the background, Nan Feng looked at Xiuying searching for something on his face. Fu Yao who saw this goes closer to him. " What are you looking at him for?", he asked in a whispering tone of voice.
" Have you noticed? " Nan Feng returns the question with a question.

" Noticed what?"

" Stop acting like you don't understand me. I know that you have the same thoughts as me when we saw Fire Master for the first time."

" Drop it. Just don't start it." Fu Yao wants to end the talk.

" See??!! I knew it. You did have the same thoughts as me. "

" There's just no way. Both you and I know better than anyone."

Nan Feng looks at Fu Yao in disbelief. He opened his mouth, wanting to reply but stopped halfway then closed his mouth. He knows he won't get what he wanted from Fu Yao. Deciding to end the talk there, he then walks up to where Xiuying and Xie Lian were standing with the group of men .

"So you saw and followed the ghost groom until here and then came across us ? " He heard Xie lian summing up the story from Xiao Pengtou. " Why? You don't believe us?"

" Dude, have your ears gone deaf? When did he say that he doesn't believe you? You're gonna catch these hands, I swear to god." Xiuying began to roll up his sleeves, walking closer to Xiao Pengtou. He was about to raise his fist when he felt as if being pulled back by someone by his clothes. Turning around, he saw it was Nan Feng. " Stop picking fights and stop swearing on yourself. You're a god yourself remember?"

Xiuying was dumbfounded and sheepishly nodded. " Oh yeah I forgot to ask. What happened on your side?"

" After separating ways with the two of you, we placed the sedan carriers somewhere safe and then went along this road. We haven't found anything fishy." Nan Feng reported.

Xie Lian thought for a while before asking the crowd. " I'm sorry for the trouble, but I hit the ghost groom earlier so he couldn't be far. I'm afraid that he's hiding amongst you".  The crowd was in disbelief. " That's impossible. We all know each other here. Check it yourself!"

"Nan Feng. " Just a simple order from Xie Lian, Nan Feng grabbed the torch then began to check them one by one but couldn't find anything out of usual. " Can it be that someone from there is possessed by the ghost?" Fu Yao suggested.

" Ling Wen mentioned that the ghost is a Wrath right? He might be able to transform his looks. If so, he might be disguising as one of them to hide well." Xiuying pointed out.

Just then a voice was heard calling out to someone, " Who's there?!". Xiao Pengtou grabbed a torch, running towards the source of the noise. He grabbed onto some, dragging the individual away from the hiding spot, revealing Xiao Ying. " So it was you, hideous brat!"

" I - I was following you because I'm concerned. That's all. " She defended herself.

"Did all of you come together with her?" , asked Fu Yao.

" Not that we're aware of."

" Did you see her?"

" No, I don't think so."

As the crowd we're starting to discuss about her, Xiao Ying wanting to save herself explained, " That's because I followed all of you quietly from behind. "

Xiao Pengtou, not satisfied accused her "Why did you follow us? You might be the ghost groom in disguise for all we know."  At this, she panicked. " No no, I'm the real Xiao Ying. Dear sirs, I'm the one who helped both of you with your hair and clothes. You still remember me right?"

The crowd slowly turned to Xiuying and Xie Lian, looking dumbfounded. They slowly back away as Xie Lian tries to approach them. They looked at him and Xiuying as if they were the world's most crazy being in the world and then laughed at them.

" This is all for the task. It's not a hobby of ours. Please believe me", Xie Lian explained. Xiuying then pats his shoulders, looking straight into his eyes. " A-Lian, if I've ever learned anything from  life, it is to stop arguing and just accept things as it is. Being in denial would only make matters worse than it already is."

Xie Lian was speechless. Xiuying's face looks as if he's already accepting things so quickly. " A-Xiu, while I am thankful for your positivity, please do something about it. So far, you're only making them think it's the truth. "

He looked up to Nan Feng and Fu Yao in hope of asking for help, but oh the betrayal. They back away from him.

" Do you have anything to say?"

" Not really."

At this point, Xie Lian just gave up.
" Listen A-Lian. Just embrace it instead of denying it." Xiuying said in hope of cheering him up.

" A-Xiu."

" Ok, I'll stop"

Just then, someone from Xiao Pengtou's group called out from the temple. " Hey! Come here. There are a lot of brides here. " Hearing this, Xiao Pengtou snickered, " Huh, I've seen it coming. You just wanted to fool us, take the credit and have the bounty reward all for yourself. Everyone, let's go. " All of the men rushed inside the temple to see the brides.

"A bunch of stupid men. Don't they have any sense of danger or something?" Xiuying complained but also went along with the others into the temple.

The group of gods were greeted with the sight of the corpses of brides being checked out by the group of men. Some were fascinated, some were shocked while some were looking at them with eyes of lust.

Seeing this sight, Xie Lian warned them.
" Please get out. This temple was poorly ventilated, permeated with toxic Death Qi from the corpses. It may be dangerous for you. It's best if you leave now ."

Alas, the warning went into one ear and out of the other. They continued to check the brides. " It's weird. These brides have been dead for several decades. How can they still remain in perfect condition?" One of them asked.

The leader just waved it off. " Who cares. Let's just carry all of them down the mountain. I bet their families would pay to get back these corpses."

They then begin to raise their hand, trying to take off the veils one by one. Seeing this, Xiuying finally remembered. ' Oh no, I forgot to warn them about the veils!!!'

" Hey stop taking the veils off! Those veils actually helped to block off the Death Qi and Yang Qi!!!" Xiuying tried to warn them. However, it was too late when they had already taken off the veils from the corpses. One had definitely made the crowd speechless. " Woah, this one is a looker." Xiao Pengtou said with eager. " Let me have just a little touch."

Xiao Ying, not able to let this go on any longer tried to stop him but was stopped by Xiuying. She looked at him looking for answers but all that she got was just a shake of his head, signalling her to drop the effort.

After all, people like him are not worth the time and energy to spend on.

" Who's there?!!" Xiao Pengtou suddenly yelled. The group started looking around, searching for the culprit that threw a rock at the leader. One of the men shouted, " There! He's wrapped in bandages. Maybe it's the ghost groom!" Immediately all of them gave chase to capture the culprit. Xiao Ying who looked worried immediately said, " No it's me ! I did it. Listen to me!" , but no one listened.

' Wait, this is the part where Lang Ying appears isn't it? Oh dear. The story has barely started yet I'm tired already'  Xiuying thought. Considering his previous life, this is his first time moving a lot.

All of the men including Xie Lian's group went outside in search of the culprit . They chased and chased until the reached in front of the forest. Only now Xiuying realizes, that the forest is full of the stench smell of blood. The smell is becoming too much for him, his head dizzy as he begins to lose balance. Luckily he was caught in time by Xie Lian.

" A-Xiu! What's the matter? What's wrong?!" Xie Lian asked in panic.

Xiuying looked at Xie Lian, his face showed worry for his partner. How Xiuying wants to comfort the protagonist but the words not coming out of his throat. He felt as if another thing is coming out instead.

Oh dear.

He's going to puke isn't he?

Please not right in front of the protagonist!!!

Nan Feng and Fu Yao who saw this immediately went closer, intended to help wherever they could.

Xiuying attempts to stop himself puking by putting his hand to his mouth covering. Xie Lian who saw this comforted him, " A-Xiu, don't. Let it out. It's okay, I'm here." Xiuying tried as hard as he can and relaxed when he felt the nausea has gone away . He pats Xie Lian's left arm. " I'm fine. Just felt nauseous because of the blood. "

Fu Yao scoffed, " Just because of the blood? Have you ever seen blood your whole life or what?" Xiuying just ignored the words and laughed away in order to not make the situation worse. Xie Lian, still in his worried mode could only pats Xiuying's back as to help him feel better.

" A-Xiu, it's okay. If you're not feeling well perhaps you need to go back first. We'll settle this case on our own. Nan Feng, can you bring him back?" Xie Lian suggested.

Just as Nan Feng moved closer to grab onto Xiuying, the latter immediately exclaimed," No no! I'm fine! I don't want to go back yet! Besides Ling Wen entrusted me to follow you along on this mission right? I want to follow through till the end. "

Xie Lian clearly shows a looked of hesitation but as he saw the determination in Xiuying's eyes, he could only sigh and shakes his head. " Fine, but you will stay close to me. Don't run off anywhere without notifying me. I can't watch over you if you're not by my side. Are we clear?"

" A-Lian, you're sounding like a parent. Relax, I know how to take care of myself. I am a god myself aren't I" He tried to convince him. But Xiuying saw Xie Lian eyes which were staring at him as if reprimanding him again. Not able to fight back, Xiuying agreed. " Fine, I'll comply. I'll stick close to you until you're sick of me. Satisfied?"

Nan Feng and Fu Yao who have been standing sighed at the poor joke while Xie Lian laughed. " Silly A-Xiu. I could never be sick of you. It is my sincere wish for you to stay close to me."

Badump

Badump

Badump

Xiuying felt his heart beats fast at those words. He puts his hand at his chest, where his heart is beating. He knows that he is here with the protagonist, but he really needs to control his heart and calm down.

He once again looks at Xie Lian.

He's going to die again if Xie Lian don't stop being so hot .

HUA CHENG, COME GET YOUR HUSBAND ALREADY! HE'S BAD FOR MY POOR LITTLE HEART!!!

Chapter Text

[ Hear ye, hear ye. Big news for everyone and everything that's living and maybe care to know. ]

" What a sick taste of tricks to have." Xiuying commented.

One of the men shouted, dragging a poor child to the group. Face covered with bandages, blood seeping through it. Xiuying, who still remembered the plot registered the child as Lang Ying.

Out of the sudden, Xiao Pengtou was hit by Rouye in a flash without warning. All of them were shocked. Xiuying looked at Xie Lian, is that anger? Xie Lian, the cutie patootie, the darling of the infamous Crimson Rain Sought Flower, angry out of nowhere?

" Stop harassing my partner. He's just trying to ease the situation. You are the one who's making a scene. "

Woah.

Woah.

What's going on?

[ Dear host, the anger level of the protagonist, Xie Lian is quite high. Please think of a way to calm him down. ]

He is what now?

[ In the event of failure, the mission will be deemed as failed and Host will return to the original world.]

But Xiuying has already died? What is this? Why is he having a Shen Yuan moment? He just wants to enjoy watching his favourite couple get together!!!

[ Failure in 3.... ]

HUH???

[ 2..... ]

' Who's saying anything about hugging his feet? I'm trying my best so that I can stay alive, stupid System!! '

Such is the life of a reincarnator. Tossed around at the whims of others for entertainment purposes.

[ Sorrows. Sorrows, prayers . ]

Anyway, back to the story.

Everyone went back to the temple, resting for a while after running away from the bloody forest.

" I am so sorry for earlier" . Xiao Ying apologized. She looked very thankful. Xiuying just dismissed it. "No it's okay. I did nothing. More like, my partner is the one who did most of it" . Looking down at Lang Ying, Xiuying asked, " Hello there, sorry for the sudden question but could you tell us what you know about the hanging corpses from earlier?" The boy, looks at Xiuying but does not give any answer. He just hid behind Xiao Ying silently.

" I have no idea what exactly happened but I'm sure that it has nothing to do with this boy" , Xiao Ying defended him. Xie Lian then begins to ask about how the girl knew about the boy and she tells her story.

After she's done, Xie Lian once again asks her, " Well then Miss Ying, apart from this temple, is there any other Ming Guang Temple that you know around here?"

" Well, actually there used to be some temples. But somehow, all of them caught in fire. People thought that General Ming Guang is not powerful enough to guard the place so they replaced him with General Nan Yang. " Xiao Ying explained.

' Well his ex lover was the one that burned all of them down after all. Wait, this means I can meet her. I can see what she looked like. ' Xiuying wondered. He has been curious how she looks like after reading her story so he's pretty much excited.

" Alright, I understand. Miss Ying, please stay put. Nan Feng, could you lend me some mana? I just borrowed some from A-Xiu and I don't want to tire him out with his condition."

What condition? He's not some sickly damsel in distress. But in some sense, he is a damsel?

Scratch that. He's here with the front seat of the show and he's going to stay.

" For what?", Nan Feng asked while lending him mana. " I'll tell you later. For now let's go inside the temple. A-Xiu. " The protagonist held out a hand, as if asking Xiuying to hold him. Xiuying looked at him in question as to why they needed to hold hands. Understanding the question behind the expression, he explains, " This way, I'll know that you're by my side. We don't know what kind of danger this place is currently in. Please, for the peace of my mind?"

Well, ever since he's in the story, there have been a lot of questionable events that were out of the normal plot that has been going on but Xiuying just decided that as long as he's with the protagonist, he'll be okay. There has been no warning from the System, and the protagonist has the plot armour so surely he'll be fine .

He sure hoped so .

Not bothering to argue, he nodded while holding Xie Lian's hand, walking to the temple together. Nan Feng who was blocked by the scared group of men were ignored along with the sound of him beating the hell out of them. They deserve that much.

" Why should we head back to the temple?" Ah, it seems Nan Feng managed to catch up. That was fast.

" To subdue the 18 dead brides."

" Weren't there supposed to be 17?"

" There used to be 17, but now it's 18."

" What?!"

" That's because one of them is the ghost groom!"

The three of them finally enter the temple with the sight of only the wedding veils. Where have the dead brides gone to?

" This is bad," said Xiuying. " Those useless group of trash. They actually took the brides after the warning we gave them? How stupid can a person be?!" Xiuying releasing the anger. How can he not be? He's trying to make sure everyone stays alive yet they are ignoring his efforts.

Ignoring him lashing out, Nan Feng asked, " Your Highness, I don't understand. How can there be one extra?" Xie Lian then explains, " We've asked the villagers to identify themselves, yet they claim that they know each other. You and Fu Yao have also searched the area and there were no trails of the ghost groom. "

Xiuying continued, " Try to think. The villagers suspected the bandaged boy as the ghost groom but Miss Ying said he's not. If he is not the ghost groom, then where on earth has the ghost groom gone to all this while?"

" Wait, you figured it out too? I didn't think your brain works normally" , Nan Feng was shocked with the revelation. Xiuying felt offended, " Hey! I'm not dumb. Who do you take me for?"

Finally understanding the situation,  Nan Feng ignored Xiuying and asked, " Wait. If that is true, then could it be...?"

Xie Lian nodded. " Instead of leaving, it could have been hiding here all along. Thinking back, what I chased after before was just a black fog. "

" When the ghost entered the temple, I went into hiding while A-Lian blended in with the brides. Likewise, when all of us came back here to check, it could have been hiding by blending in to deceive us." Xiuying explained. " Earlier, Miss Ying mentioned that except for this one, all the other Ming Guang Temple was caught in fire. If we think carefully, why would this one be the only one blocked off by magical formation? Usually, when fire is involved, wouldn't it be associated with hatred towards a certain someone?", he said, trying to drop just a little bit of a hint.

" So what you're saying is there is a message that it wanted to convey to that certain someone?" Nan Feng asked.

" Bingo. Now aren't you a smart one? " Xiuying praised while attempting to pat his head but it's futile as his hand was slapped away.

" But there is one more question that's left. " Xie Lian gently flicked Nan Feng's forehead as a silent admonition before continuing. " All the brides passing through this mountain were told not to smile. What kind of bride wouldn't smile on their wedding day? Unless, someone is jealous of the bride's happiness? "

Xiuying, sticking out his tongue playfully at Nan Feng before nodding at Xie Lian's deduction, " If we were to connect the dots with all the questions and clues available—jealousy, hatred, possessiveness. What would the obvious answer be?"

Nan Feng finally seems to understand, " Does it mean the ghost groom is not actually a ghost groom? It's actually a bitter, vindictive bride all along? "

Not far from where they were, a loud shouting voice echoed in the air. The three heavenly officials heard this and starts to run to the source.

" Like I said, a bunch of useless trash they are!!!"

Chapter Text

The sight that greeted them upon hearing the screams could be described as....chaotic? A mess? or mayhem? Xiuying doesn't know how to put the sight in front of his eyes into words. The only thing that he knows is the fact that he doesn't like this one bit at all.

" We have no time to lose. We have to save them first, only then can we deal with the ghost groom. " Xie Lian stretched out his arm, revealing Rouye. The white cloth then starts spiraling in the air, shining as to attract the attention of the brides. Slowly, the brides begin to be attracted, moving closer as if being pulled by Rouye. 

Just in that moment, a few of the men that were outside of the gate of the temple walked in. The brides, distracted by the noise turned their heads noticing the presence. This caused them to begin the attack on the men. " Nan Feng." Xie Lian ordered. Quickly understanding what the former crown prince wanted, Nan Feng heads towards them to rescue the unfortunate souls.

Now, what can our dear protagonist do in this situation?

' Wait a minute, I don't know how to fight!!! ' , Xiuying finally realizing the main problem. He tried calling out for the System for a few times, watching out for any of the brides that might come for him, luckily Xie Lian is handling them.

[ Was Host calling for System ? ]

' Yes I were!! Why were you late to response? Never mind that, I just realized that I don't know how to fight. Can you help me here? ' 

[ Answering Host's question, there is a mode available suitable for Host. It is called The Auto Battle Mode. ]

' Great! Then just activate the mode!!! '

[ In order to unlock the Auto Battle Mode, Host need to finish the Banyue Pass Arc first. Only then the Auto Battle Mode will be available for Host's disposal. ]

' Won't that mean I'll be useless until then? I would be dead by then already!!! ', Xiuying is panicking. How on earth can he defend himself? He doesn't know if he'll even survive the night!

[ Perhaps Host can think of other ways of surviving on your own. At the moment that Host has linked with current body, Host was instructed to bring excitement to the story. ]

Ahh... so that's how it's going to be. Yue Xiuying the current Fire Master, would end up being a sacrifice just for the sake of entertainment for others. Just who in the world is using his misery like some kind of entertainment anyway? At this rate, Xiuying is going to end up going bald due to the stress!

" A-Xiu, watch out! "

In an instant, one of the brides launched itself aiming for him with red eyes and sharp nails slowly nearing his face. As the sharp nails about to strike, he was pulled away just in time and carried away as both he and his savior landed safely on a roof. Lifting his face Xiuying realized as it was Xie Lian.

" Thank the Heavens I made it in time!" Xie Lian being thankful managing to save Xiuying in time. " What made you think so much that you were just standing there earlier?" Xie Lian asked him as he's certain that they are certain that they are safe for now.

Now Xiuying can't tell if his panicking mode from earlier was seen as spacing out, but it does make him not paying attention to his surroundings. To be fair, he is right in the middle of ghost brides raging out of control attacking whatever living. Even the scrap god has to look out for him even though he was busy handling them. But one thing thing that he does know is the fact that he missed the moments of Xie Lian showing off his martial arts skill as he evades the brides while putting on the veils on them.

He wanted to see that with his own eyes and yet he missed it because of the shocking news from the System. His day has been very great indeed!

Scrambling through his mind as he tried finding a believable enough reason when he finally remembered, " I was just thinking about this whole case. Earlier we came up with the true identity of the ghost groom which turns out to be actually a bride. "

" Yes, that's true. " Xie Lian nodded.

" But within this chaos and with the numbers of brides that we have, how can we know which one is the correct one? " Xiuying asking, trying to point out the real problem to Xie Lian. As if the gears in his head starts turning, Xie Lian instantly starts trying to contact someone through the Communication Array for a few tries however all of them didn't manage to get through. Managing to climb at the edge of the roof, two brides coming for them.

Noticing this, Xiuying called out, " A-Lian! "

At just one call of his name, Xie Lian immediately puts his hands under Xiuying's knees and back, carrying him princess style. " Forgive me for being abrupt but this is an emergency." Evading the brides, he jumped off the roof, causing them both to flip while on the air. Xiuying, not used to these kinds of stunts, closes his eyes while holding onto Xie Lian tighter, with his face buried into the protagonist's left shoulder. Finally landing safely on top of the other roof, Xie Lian tries again contacting through the Communication Array until he finally got a response. " Ling Wen! I finally got through to you!" Xie Lian said in relief. However the moment was broken by Xiuying, " While I am glad that you finally got through to her, please make it quick cause a lot of them are coming for us!!!"

" Right, just keep on focusing on holding onto me. I'll do the rest. " Xie Lian assured him. Just like that, Xie Lian kept on asking Ling Wen for all the information that he needed from Ling Wen while evading all of the brides' attacks, keeping a strong hold to Xiuying. 

Unexpectedly a black smoke came straight towards them in full speed. Xie Lian once again jumping to evade the attack, causing it hit the roof instead. As they landed on the ground, Xiuying heard Xie Lian calling out for Ling Wen. " Huh, Ling Wen? Are you there?" It seemed like the connection has once again cut off. " Why is the connection keep getting cut off?" Xie Lian voicing out his question out loud. 

The sound of a ringing bell along with the sound of footsteps was heard as a silhouette slowly coming out of the black fog. However, it was a very peculiar sound as its not balanced or how a normal footsteps would sound like. There's only one answer, and it is only a sound that someone with leg problem would sound like. The silhouette slowly coming out of the fog, revealing its figure as Xie Lian figuring out the identity. " If what I think is true, the one in front of me is you isn't it? Xuan Ji? "

The identity of the real culprit of the missing brides, Xuan Ji, smiled sinisterly. " Did he send you here for me? " 

For a moment. Xiuying's mind was blank. Although the one that they are facing right now is a ghost bride, a frightening one at that, she's not even bad in terms of appearance. The book did no justice to her! If even in death she can look that good, who ever can imagine how good she must've looked when she was alive! That Pei Ming have to be a blind and stupid for not appreciating her! Although her assertiveness is thing that he understands too.

" Where is he? Why he didn't come here in person?" Xuan Ji asked in disappointment. Not getting any answers, she begin to crawl over. " Why didn't he come here and visit me? My darling, I betrayed my country and left everything behind just for you. You made me into this and yet you won't look at me. Is your heart made out of stone?! ", she cried out her frustration.

A gust of wind came along, the windows of the temple forcefully opened by the wind. Xiuying had to keep holding on to Xie Lian for support. Xuan Ji's breath getting heavier. It's not that he doesn't understand her frustration. Imagine loving someone so deeply that you were willing to sacrifice anything, even to the point of betraying your own country. In the end, that same man won't even look at you the same way after all that you have abandoned. 

Who wouldn't be angry?

"General, listen-" Xie Lian tried to talk to her but she won't listen. " My darling won't come to me. Hahahaha!! " Maniacal laughter was heard. " In that case, everyone present shall die!" Both Xie Lian and Xiuying kept on calling out to her as she kept on attacking but the words are not coming through.

On the other side, a commotion caused by Xiao Pengtou and Xiao Ying bickering. The man was trying to pull the bandaged boy out of the magic circle while the girl was trying to stop it. Both of them kept on arguing with each other, not realizing that they have caught Xuan Ji's attention.

" You idiots! Stop arguing and get into the circle. Hurry!", Xiuying shouted. Despite not liking Xiao Pengtou's guts, it doesn't mean that he should leave him to die! 

He quickly ran to their direction leaving Xie Lian behind. Footsteps dashing ahead, a hand reaching forward. Step by step getting closer, until his body froze on its' own. A screen appears with a message.

[ An attempt of changing the plot has been detected. Warning Host not to disrupt the flow of the story. A precaution step has been carried out. ]

What?

Xuan Ji went past him, aiming straight for Xiao Pengtou with her hand holding his head. Not wasting time, his head was easily crushed with little to no effort at all.

Xiuying doesn't understand. Why? One time the System encourage him to make interesting changes. Now he can't do that? He thought it was just for major plots. Why?

Then he was made aware of one tiny yet important fact. Doesn't that mean that he won't be able to prevent Xiao Ying's death too? She is the one taking care of Lang Ying. If she stays alive, Lang Ying wouldn't leave this place. Xie Lian wouldn't be able to find out about the Human Face Disease, Lang Ying wouldn't be in Ghost City either. Then the plot further than that would be disrupted. Is that it? If so, for what use would he be in this world if he can't prevent anything?

For what does he exist in this world for?

What is his purpose?

Xuan Ji now stands before Xiuying, smiling. Quickly getting out of his stupor, he tried reaching out for her. " Stop this, they are innocent!" Xuan Ji laughed, " Innocent? My love for him was once an innocent one too, yet look what it has done to me. Have I not given everything I had? Yet he still won't come to see me", she laughed cynically. " If I can't meet him, none of you can!"

Pushed and pinned to the floor, Xiuying struggled in trying to stop her from choking him. Xie Lian seeing this immediately move but stopped when seeing Xiuying's eyes, asking him to wait. " For whom are you getting all pretty dolled up for? Is it for him? Are you seeing my darling Pei behind my back?! Unforgiveable!!!" Xuan Ji is beyond control. Xiuying clenched his teeth, refuting her. " What the hell? I've never even met him! Listen General Xuan Ji, I know that you're hurting. Deep inside, you are just trying to get his attention."

" Lies! You don't know how it feels like to be abandoned by love. Don't you dare claim that you get me. I've burned his temples, messed with his turf and yet he won't come to see me. Now that I've ended up like this, Is he too ashamed to see me?!!!" Xuan Ji not wanting to believe in anyone anymore. " You fought hard for your kingdom but during war you met the man that you thought would be the one for your life. Day by day, you keep falling for him and willing to even sacrifice your own country just for him. " As if shocked, the strength in her slowly going away. " You gave him all of you and yet he betrayed you, threw you away like used rag. I know, believe me. I know. " Xiuying observe Xuan Ji's changing expression.

" You are just lonely." The memories of being alone in the hospital day and night.

" You felt hurt and it was unfair that the world could have what you wanted but you're the only one suffering." The figure of a child, struggling to get up and walked to the window, panting but the view that greeted the child was children running around happily without a care in the world.

" You wanted what they have too." The lonely child cried as the fatigue from the treatment and the never ending loop of routine caught up in the child's mind. Cursing the world for the impartial treatment.

" But that should not be the reason for you to hurt others. They have done no wrong for you." As the strength from the hold of his neck completely gone, he slowly sits up caressing her hand in such gentle manner. " The world is unfair, that is true. However the world is big. There are things and people that will help you forget the pain even for just one moment." A girl, with the name Feiyu written on her name tag opens the door of the room with a wide smile, along with gifts and stories for the lonely child. " They are out there somewhere. You just have to find them." 

It seemed impossible at first but Xuan Ji managed to calm down and could only stare into Xiuying's eyes, looking for any hint of deceit but there were none. She muttered, " I- "

" Get off of him ! " Xiao Ying, holding a wooden stick ran towards them in attempt of rescue. All the effort earlier went into drain as Xuan Ji felt betrayed once more. " You lied! You were just trying to buy yourself some time! "

" No it wasn't! Don't do anything to her!", Xiuying pleaded. 

Letting out a shriek, the ghost bride attacked her with a flick of her hand rendering Xiao Ying's movement at once. Eyes wide, as if the time slows down, Xiuying could only watch as the girl fell to the ground. The girl who had helped him and Xie Lian to get ready from just few hours ago has gone limp. " No... "

" Liars, liars, LIARS! Everyone is a liar! From back when I was still alive and even in death everyone keep lying to me. Hahaha...HAHAHAHA!!!", Xuan Ji let out a hysterical laugh facing the sky. As loud as the laugh was heard, a silent tear flowed out of her eyes seen by nobody. Seeing this moment as a chance, Xie Lian used Rouye to tie her up immediately. The ghost continued laughing, not even an ounce of resistance from her. 

Xiuying quickly ran to where Xiao Ying was lying, with Lang Ying by her side. " I am sorry for my actions. ", battered breath, she tried to speak. She looked at the boy. " It seems like I can't give you food anymore. After this this, don't go stealing from others. Can you promise me that?" The boy didn't answer, only tears out of his eyes. " He can just come to my temple for food. I promise you to that. " Xie Lian came in. " Really? That would put my mind to....peace....", Xiao Ying expressed her thankfulness as light slowly slipping away from her eyes.

Xiuying, for the first time didn't know how or what to feel. A lot of things happened at once and he can barely process any of them. He could only cling to Xie Lian's sleeve, eyes staring down to the ground, not knowing why but he felt that he doesn't want anyone to see his face. All he could feel is just a soft side hug he needn't to look up to know who. 

All of the sudden, a bright light from the sky shone down to them. " What's happening?", asked Xie Lian. " Don't worry, they are reinforcements. ", appearing out of nowhere Nan Feng answered.

Standing in front of them is Pei Xiu, the descendant of the well-known General Pei Ming. He bowed, " Greetings Your Highness and Fire Master. I believe this is the first time we've met. Ling Wen mentioned that the affair of Mount Yujun had something to do with Ming Guang Palace, so I've come here for the matter. To tell you the truth, General Pei has other matters to attend to, so he's not here at the moment. "

Xie Lian was confused. " Eh? He's not the general?" Nan Feng explains how he is actually the subordinate and descendant of Pei Ming. He walked to where Xuan Ji is, " General Xuan Ji, you are to come with us for further actions." Rouye unwrapped itself, returning to Xie Lian as Xuan Ji kept staring to the ground lifelessly. " He used to cross half of the country overnight just to see me. Now, you said that he doesn't have the time to see me. He's attending to other matters. I knew it. Everyone is the same! Curse you Pei Ming! You used to give me sweet promises and now after all the time we spent together you left me with this bitter pain in my heart. HOW HEARTLESS CAN YOU BE!!!" , she sobbed.

" How will you deal with her?" , Xiuying asked. Pei Xiu answered that she'll be imprisoned under a mountain. Xie Lian stated that it won't be enough as her resentment towards Pei Ming is strong due to what he'd done to her.

Pei Xiu then told them the history between Pei Ming and Xuan Ji. About how they met, fell in love and had a relationship. How Xuan Ji herself betrayed her country just to keep his gaze on her.

How she broke her own legs to guilt him into taking care of her before bitterly taking her own life.

" To be honest, I don't know whose fault it was. " Pei Xiu said. " However I do know that if she would just let it go, they wouldn't end up like this " 

If only she just let it go?

Clenching his palms, Xiuying called out, " General Pei, Junior Pei or whatever I don't care. I have a question for you."

" What is it Fire Master?" Pei Xiu asked dismissing the names given to him.

" Just as you had claimed that you don't know who's fault it was, how can you be so sure that it's General Xuan Ji's fault?"

" I beg your pardon?", Pei Xiu asked, in slight shock.

" It's true that General Xuan Ji is at fault for keep on advancing herself for your General and it was also her fault for betraying her own country that she's supposed to protect just for a man. " Xiuying said as he looked at Xuan Ji. " But, I think that it is also his fault for making her believe that his love for her was true. I'm not saying that he should love her, but he could just treat her coldly right in the beginning."

One step forward.

" He could just ignore her. "

Another step. 

" I do understand maybe it's one of his tactics for war, but that doesn't actually mean he can treat her like a trash once he gets what he wanted. "

Another step.

" A-Xiu." Xie Lian called out .

" She was a human. A human that have a heart. "

Standing right before Pei Xiu, Xiuying stares right into his eyes. " Clearly, both of them are the problem. How can you just solely put it all on her shoulders just like that?"

" It is an obvious thing to do as he is my superior. Besides, you need to take into account that she had killed lots of people just because she's jealous and hungry for attention. I thought you were at least capable of having good judgement of people, Fire Master." Pei Xiu replied.

Right at that moment, Xiuying can feel his blood boiling. Sure yeah he had read the reasons and the whole story so he understands but that doesn't mean that he won't kill this junior Pei right there and then.

Just before he could attempt to do that, Nan Feng pulled him away, covering his mouth as he apologized to Pei Xiu. " He's like this the whole time so don't mind his words .

Not showing any interest, Pei Xiu ordered his men to take Xuan Ji back as she struggled but not succeeding.

" Wait!" Xiuying called out. " General Xuan Ji, I have something I have to say to you. " 

" What?! I don't want to listen to anyone anymore. I've had enough of you people." she refuses.

Not minding her words, Xiuying just stared at her eyes for a few moments. 

" I am sorry. I truly am. "

From struggling to being stunned, Xuan Ji felt like she couldn't believe it. She wants to fight but as she gaze at his face, she can feel the tightness in her heart slowly unclench itself.

Not having any words to reply, she just turned away and silently followed the heavenly officials.

Just like a bystander, Xiuying could only stand and watch as he filtered out the scolding that Nan Feng is giving him.

Chapter Text

" Nan Feng enough already, I can already feel like my ears are bleeding from your lecture. "

" I'll give you as many lectures as needed. How can you act like that in front of him?"

The case of the ghost groom has been solved successfully, but not without the cost of getting lectures from Nan Feng. Xiuying had enough of this already so he covered his ears in attempt of blocking out Nan Feng's voice but it only made him furious even more. 

" Fu Yao, help me. " Xiuying turned to Fu Yao who finally arrived with reinforcements to help with the clean up of corpses hanging on the trees.  " You're the one that caused the problem, solve it yourself" , Fu Yao responded flatly. " One more thing, how long are you two going to stay in those attires for? ", he asked while looking up and down at Xie Lian and Xiuying judging them.

Finally realizing it, Xie Lian gasped. "Wait, we were dressed like this while talking with General Pei Junior earlier? "  Nan Feng sighed, " Don't worry, he won't even think anything of you even if you were wearing something worse".  At that Xie Lian relieved, " Really?".  Nan Feng nodded and continued, " He just ascended in a hundred years or two. He was only in his twenties when promoted by General Pei. Honestly, he is just a pain in the neck just like his ancestor."

" Do you two know what he did before he was appointed?" Xiuying already knew but for the sake of the plot he just shakes his head along with Xie Lian. " What, did he do something awesome? " he asked. " No, it was massacre."  Fu Yao snickered, " Not all from the Upper Heaven are dependable. You just can't trust anyone no matter who they are." 

" There are some that can be trustworthy", Nan Feng refuted .

" Are you talking about your General?"

" Worry not, I wasn't talking about your General anyway. "

They both took out their swords, ready in battle stance. Xie Lian came in between to stop them from fighting as Xiuying stood at the side cheering them to keep on fighting. A pop up screen appeared to Xiuying. 

[ Congratulations for clearing the Ghost Groom Arc! The efforts that Host has put to make the story interesting has been acknowledge. Keep it up for more missions ! ]

That's it? No rewards for working so hard? What a cheapskate!

" Alright, alright stop fighting. We still have work to do. We still have to figure out what to do with the villagers".  Xie Lian announced. And so, they made the villagers promise not to steal the corpses and stop doing illicit businesses. They also need to pray and offer incense offerings for the dead corpses. After dealing with the villagers, they made sure to bury Xiao Ying properly bring the bandaged boy along. The problem of where he should go arises. " Where shall he go?", Fu Yao asked. Xie Lian was wondering about that as he saw the blood from the bandage. He approached the boy, kneeling as he asked, " Your head is injured, take off the bandage so that I can take a look at it".  Not refusing the request, the boy removed the bandage revealing what was hidden. 

The Human Face Disease.

Looking at it with his own eyes, Xiuying couldn't mutter anything.  He don't like it but somehow he can't look away. It was as if he was being drawn to it, called by it. He doesn't like it at all. The more that he stares at it, his head feels heavy, becoming painful as time passes. Somehow the voices that sounded so distant coming near as time passes until he saw something that he wasn't expecting to come.

" Help us!"

" No what is this??!!!"

" Please don't abandon us!"

"It hurts, it hurts!"

" I don't want to die!!!"

" DON'T LEAVE US!!!"

" Hey what's wrong with you?!", hearing a familiar voice, Xiuying opens his eyes to Fu Yao who were shaking him earlier, Xie Lian crouching in front of him with worried expression and Nan Feng standing at his side. He is currently sitting on the ground, sweating profusely and his breath heavy. 

What was that? He doesn't know any of the people that he saw earlier but they were reaching out to him. He couldn't even move his body as he wanted as if he was stuck. Their faces was also horrendous, with burn mark all over as if.....those were the Human Face Disease. Xiuying don't understand. At this part, Xie Lian was the one who supposed to be in panic attack. Instead it was him? Or could it be that this time he can see it because he is a reader, so to make the experience more easier to understand he can see the visions instead? Does that mean that he was shown Xie Lian's past with this disease? After all, most of the books with isekai tropes have that kind of setting, so does this mean he is having the same experience?

His head hurts the more he think about it. He gave up the idea of asking the System since he's pretty sure that his request would be denied anyway. How he wish this would end as soon as possible.

Remembering that his companions are still looking at him worriedly, he slowly looked up and smiled as best as he can. " Ah, it's okay. I guess I'm just tired from all the things that happened. After all the case was pretty much tiring for a newbie like me. Where's the boy anyway?"  Although the trio doesn't really buy it, they just played along thinking that Xiuying just doesn't want to talk about it.  Fu Yao, stands up and crosses his arms, " He ran away. Perhaps he was scared of the way that you were staring at him."  Xiuying felt offended at that remarks but hey, he was out of it while staring at the boy so he'll just take it.

" This whole thing is definitely suspicious. First we need to go back and report this matter to Ling Wen. We also need to track down the boy" , Xie Lian voice out his opinion. The four of them then returned to Heaven. Fu Yao and Nan Feng made excuses of needing to report back to their own respective Generals while Xiuying knows they were just afraid that their cover will be blown off. Only Xiuying and Xie Lian were left so they both heads to The Palace of Ling Wen with the view of stacks of scrolls high as the ceiling greets them. They told Ling Wen of the case and about the case as Ling Wen listened carefully. 

" The Human Face Disease. I see, it is indeed a major issue. Don't worry Your Highness, we'll do anything we can do to track down the boy. By the way Fire Master..." Xiuying perked up as he was called. " By the summary of the report, it seemed that you did quite well for your first time. It is definitely a praise worthy achievement. " Xie Lian smiled, nodding along in agreement, " Indeed, A-Xiu was very helpful. Did you know? Even with little clue, he managed to put together the pieces making the case go smoothly" , he praised. 

Xiuying was definitely blushing hard. To be praised with such fervor is one thing , but to be acknowledge by the protagonist himself is definitely next level! Ahhh....he cursed himself for simping on XIe Lian so hard. Now he knows how Hua Cheng must have felt .

Ling Wen nodded in understanding. " In that case Fire Master will be rewarded with merits as well. Ah, I almost forgot. Fire Master, the construction of your palace has just started so it might take a while. When it is finished I will contact you to inform you about it ".

A palace? He can get his own palace? " Is that true? I mean, I just started so it's too soon".  Ling Wen tells him that every Heavenly Official get their own palace upon ascension. Well isn't it great? He'll have his own palace to live in. Ling Wen stood up clearing the stacks of scrolls on the table. " We can continue it later on. It is time for the meeting. "

Ahhh.... the meeting eh? To be honest, Xiuying don't really like this part. Even just talking it was so time consuming that he almost skip it but didn't do it for the sake of the lore. But now he has to go? Well not physically go since that would do it via Communication Array. Wait, he don't know how to do it yet right? " Ah I'm sorry to ask but can one of you teach me how to use the Communication Array? I'm afraid that I don't know how to. Well, there's a lot but for now just this", he asked sheepishly. Ling Wen and Xie Lian looked at each other before chuckling. " It's okay A-Xiu. I'll teach you everything that you need to know. You just need to ask", Xie Lian said, with such soft eyes filled with kindness. Xiuying really don't think he can go through the whole story with his heart still intact but he'll try his best.

After the short learning session ended,  they finally joined the other gods in the array when they were in the middle of a heated discussion. Alerted with the arrival, the one with the tone of mocking greets them, " Late as usual Your Highness, I heard you made a new friend too. Is he here with you?" Xiuying doesn't really need to be a genius to guess that this voice belongs to General Xuan Zhen, Mu Qing. " Apparently the new one is a Fire Master? ", he asked. All the other heavenly officials gasped while some begin to talk in hushed voice with each other. Xiuying took this as a sign to introduce himself. " Greetings everyone. My name is Yue Xiuying, the newly appointed Fire Master that recently ascended. As a beginner myself, I hope to receive guidance from everyone as my seniors." 

" Fire Master is still new so it is understandable that he doesn't know. But you better not hang out around His Highness much", someone warned.

" True, not only he himself is unlucky but he also brings misfortune to others. "

" Perhaps Fire Master is already on his own way to doom, going on a mission with the misfortune god. Not to mention the first mission ever."

"What a pity to have encountered him of all people upon his ascension."

Xie Lian laughed nervously, used to people talking such way about him. His life has been full of obstacles, the misfortune throughout his life come and go one after another. Such gossip is just a small matter compared to what he has gone through. As a warm hand holding his, Xie Lian turned to his side, his new companion smiling at him with such eyes. The protagonist couldn't resist himself as he smiled along. 

" As the seniors have mentioned, I am still new and not quite knowledgeable regarding to matters in Heaven and the relationship between heavenly officials" Xiuying paused, taking in a deep breath. " However even this lowly one knows how to respect others", he smirked as he received gasps of not believing what he just said from the other gods.

" What is Fire Master trying to imply?", one of them asked. Arranging the words in his head, it's time to let out what he has been thinking. 

" To my knowledge, this mission has been announced by Ling Wen to all of you asking who is willing to take. However, no one seemed interested enough. In time of this problem, His Highness has just ascended for like, what, the third time? ... and yet he's willing to take it. Doesn't something about that have told us more than enough? " Xiuying said with a tone of mockery.

" That is because His Highness' ascension has caused destruction to Heaven upon his ascension. He have to take it in order to pay back his debt. This level of demon even we can do it! " one argued.

" Then you can just join him during the mission. If you are so 'busy'  as you might claim you can also just send out your junior officials as sign of support. The only support that we received was the junior officials from General Xuan Zhen and General Nan Yang. Pray tell, is your lack of action the measurement of power?" Xiuying asked, in attempt of challenging. 

" You! How dare you mock us! You are  lucky to even ascend to Heaven. Be grateful of the star that grants you the fortune for being in here. You are just a greenhorn compared to the years that we all have gained. Know your own place", another official gave out a warning. Not even fazed by the warning, Xiuying just smiled then laughed, making the others feel annoyed by the response. " I apologize for being rude. I didn't know that the more older you get, the more sensitive you become. Ahh... how I'm worried for my future self", Xiuying imitating the tone of a worried damsel.

" You-"

" This just further proves my statement. Gaining more years and experience does not improve the maturity of you old folks. I pity Ling Wen for having to deal with all of you, old geezers that can't do anything rather than putting the blame on others and whining on and on all year round. Well, I've had enough of you guys so I'll excuse myself. See you guys later, don't miss me too much okay?", Xiuying gave out a sound of flying kiss making the other gods to shudder in disgust. He laughed in contentment for the response.

" A-Xiu, you shouldn't do that. What if they hate you? It's not good to leave a bad impression on them", Xie Lian softly reprimanded. Xiuying just shrugged it off, " Come on A-Lian you heard it yourself. They are childish and I'm not going to entertain that kind of attitude. Looking down on people as if they are all mighty. Just because you're a god doesn't make you entitled to do as you want", he stated, crossing his arms.  Xie Lian could only sigh at that, " All right I understand. In that case I'll be the one to give the report about the case while you wait here. Just make sure you don't go anywhere far and don't touch anything you shouldn't. This is Ling Wen's palace after all", he reminded him. Xiuying nodded vigorously before heading to one of the mountains of scrolls, examining them one by one.

Might as well read something than staring at the ceiling.

 Time passes by and Xiuying is currently lying down on the floor with a scroll on his face. The activity of reading itself is fun, but not when all of it about accounts, the politics, all official stuff. The only type books that he used to read back in his previous life was just fantasy after all.

Groaning out of boredom, the scroll that was covering his face was lifted, revealing Ling Wen who lifted it, " As I am glad you didn't make this place a mess, please don't just use them like this".  Xiuying laughed sheepishly, " Is it done? How did it go?" Lending a hand to help him get up, Xie Lian answered, "  The matter of where to put General Xuan Ji is still in discussion while we just discovered a new kind of trouble. "

" Trouble? What trouble?"

Ling Wen sighed deeply at that. " Do you remember the mysterious groom that took both of us away from the sedan the other night?" Xie Lian tried to refresh his memories. Receiving a nod, he added, " Well it seems like we just met a Ghost King. "

" A Ghost King?" Xiuying asked, feigning ignorance. At this rate he might able to secure a job of being an actor. Ling Wen guided them back to her table, searching for a certain scroll while explaining, " The Ghost King refers to ghosts that emerged from The Kiln located near Mt. Tonglu". She finally managed to find the one she was looking for before turning to face them. " While Your Highness was still roaming the Mortal Realm...ah this is also before your ascension Fire Master. He is basically a pain in the neck for us for the trouble he had caused. I don't even think of talking about it now" , Ling Wen groaned when reminded back to the  workload she had to handle. 

" You've been through a lot", Xie Lian sympathize with her. She thanked him for the understanding before opening the scroll she had picked from before. " Now regarding to the debt that Your Highness owed, I suppose congratulations is in place. The debt has successfully has been cleared. " Xie Lian blinked in disbelief, " Impossible, how can a debt that huge be settled already?" 

Ling Wen circled the content in the scroll signifying the clearance of the debt. 

" Anyways it has been settled. You don't need to know the details. " At this Xiuying commented, " She's right A-Lian. Better not question it at all. The fact that it has been settled is a good thing. Isn't that great?" The scrap god still in disbelief as he can't do anything other than agreeing with that fact. One of his problems has been solved after all.  

" Anyway Your Highness, Lord Fire Master, have you two thought of what you want to do after this? Especially you Lord Fire Master. You have just ascended so you don't have any worshippers yet. Have you thought about how to approach that matter?" Ling Wen asked changing the subject to a more important one.

Well Xiuying be damned. He doesn't know anything, even the slightest of what he should do about worshippers. He forgot that he, is in fact, a god. He was too focused on watching the romance between the two main characters he forgot his position as of now. He really is a god now huh?

Xie Lian, while rubbing his nose anxiously answered, " Well I was just thinking about that. Despite already ascended three times, I don't have any temples, let alone worshippers. That is why..." he glanced slightly at Ling Wen. " Since I don't have anything to do, I might as well go the the Mortal Realm and build a temple dedicated to myself?" He raises his brow, as if he was asking for her opinion. 

Ling Wen couldn't process the thought properly, not able to say anything. Seeing this as a chance, Xiuying jumped along the topic. " Oh we can do that? Can I join you? Might as well do it with someone. This way you won't feel lonely", he suggested. Xie Lian smiled when he heard it and nodded.

Finally, or maybe still not out of it, Ling Wen muttered out , " What?..." 

" We might as well do it now! Let's go, let's go!" Xiuying pulled Xie Lian's hand excited but stopped when he felt a tug. Xie Lian glanced slightly at Ling Wen then back at him. " Before we leave, I have something to ask Ling Wen. Can you wait for me outside? It'll just be for a moment. "

Now doesn't that reeks suspicious? Well that just make Xiuying wants to join them but didn't Xie Lian just implied that he shouldn't listen? No matter how curious he was , he has a policy that he must follow through. That is ' never force people to tell you unless they are ready' .

He will wait until Xie Lian deemed him as trustworthy enough. Until then, he'll wait. No matter how long.

Nodding, Xiuying walked away not before joking how he'll die of loneliness if Xie Lian doesn't finish it up quickly. In return, the scrap god giggled and promised that he'll be as quick as he can.

At the sound of the door being shut, the atmosphere turned tense as both gods stared at each other. It seems like Ling Wen understood what he meant to ask. 

" Do you have to ask about it now Your Highness?" Not backing away, Xie Lian insisted, " Please Ling Wen. For the sake of keeping my mind at peace. I need to know" .

" How can you be so sure that I have the answer to your question?" Ling Wen said as she sit down.

" I know that you know . Please Ling Wen. I'm begging you. And this time, let it be the truth that I deserve".  Xie Lian begged, eyes that were so energetic turned into something that was seeking for light at the end of a dark tunnel.

They remained like that for few moments until Ling Wen finally gave in. 

" Okay, I understand. However, you must remain calm for the answer that I'm about to give you. This is both for your sake..." Ling Wen shut her eyes, took a deep breath and opens her eyes back, her face reflection adorned her table.

" ...and for his as well. "

Unknown to the two gods, a silvery butterfly silently perched at the corner of the room, as if waiting for something it was waiting for.

Chapter Text

" So this is heaven huh.... "

[ A lone figure stood alone outside of the Ling Wen Palace. Who else would it be if not our up and coming heavenly official, Lord Fire Master Yue Xiuying. But why is he alone? Where is his companion?]

" Would you stop that? You're acting as if you're narrating for some story. Well, I am actually in one though. " Xiuying leaned against the wall, arms crossed with the Heaven for his view. Quite magnificent with every building that's built with such beautiful design unique to each of its' own. The cost of construction must have been expensive.

[ System is just entertaining while accompanying Host. Just for fun. ]

" Say, aren't you lively ? You used to speak with such robotic tone but now you're just like a teenager. " Xiuying questioned. The change is pretty sudden even for him. Why this timing?

[ Host not going to listen to what they are talking about?]

" You want me to eavesdrop on them? No way I'll ever do that, " Xiuying refused. Some might find this to be weird but he was never the type to force his way in order to gain knowledge of something. He knows how to be respectful to something that others may want to keep as their secret. He'll wait for the other party to open up on their side. He is someone with a life motto that he'll bring to death after all. 

[ Host is boring. ]

" Say what you want, but I will not go against what I believe." Xiuying said, still holding on to it. Just as he was arguing with System, he saw Xie Lian getting out from the building. His face brightened up after waiting for almost half an hour. He raised his right hand to call for him then stopped halfway when he felt something is wrong. Xie Lian who was smiling earlier is somehow... looks empty? What happened? What did he and Ling Wen talked about that made him like that?

Xiuying didn't know what he should do but it was until Xie Lian looked his way, his eyes widened at the sight of Xiuying. He kept on doing that before slowly walking towards the Fire Master. His steps may be slow but not once has he ever look away from Xiuying. Step by step with each of them containing weight in just lifting them. Eventually Xie Lian reaches Xiuying, his hands slowly touching his cheeks, caressing him with shaky hands. " A-Lian? What's wrong? " Xiuying asked, still staring at him. As if he finally find the strength to speak, the protagonist muttered, " A-Xiu..."

" A-Lian. What happened?"

" A-Xiu..."

" A-Lian?"

Xiuying doesn't understand. Even he is very confused with this situation, he's not sure what to do. Before he could think, his body moved on its' own. Hands clasped with Xie Lian's own, he softly soothe him. " Yes A-Lian. A-Xiu is here. I am here", Xiuying tried to reassure him. He just can't leave him like that and that's the only thing that came to his mind. 

Xie Lian then hugged him as tightly as he can but not too tight to crush him. It was as if he was trying to hold him down, not wanting to let him go ever again. The man in question could only rub his back even though he has so many questions to ask. But he thought of just leaving it be. Now's not the right time to do it. His A-Lian is what matters the most as of now.

Xie Lian breaks off the hug first, once more looking at Xiuying's face before smiling. " I guess this is for the best. You are here with me and that's all that matters. "

Xiuying's curiosity was piqued by what he meant by that and wanted to ask but Xie Lian immediately changed the subject. " Anyways, I've told Ling Wen that I'll be going down to the Mortal Realm. Of course, I'll be bringing you along just like we discussed earlier. You might have to accompany me to search for some scraps though. You'll still be with me right? " he asked in a brighter tone than before. 

Well, as long as his favourite character is happy, nothing else matters right?

" Of course! You just have to be ready because I'll be clinging on to you wherever you go. I won't go anywhere without you!", Xiuying joked, giving the martial god a playful wink. Xie Lian laughed at that before nodding while pulling his hands to go on an adventure together.

.

.

.

And so the duo walked into a village, stumbling upon an abandoned house. It was pretty much run down, dust all over the place as the time that has passed. Both of them quickly got to work with trying to clean up the place as much as they can. Yet, the place still seemed empty. With a suggestion from Xie Lian, they went around the village asking the villagers for any scraps they could find. Although it was pretty tiring, Xiuying didn't mind at all. This is after all a new experience for him, walking around in long distance, greeting new people. 

Noon turned evening, they pretty much got a lot in spite of just starting so it went quite well. Xiuying complained how he was so tired he couldn't take another step anymore. Obliging the request, Xie Lian spotted an old man on an ox cart, waved at him to ask for a ride. The old man agreed and so they finally has a ride to return to the temple. 

" A-Lian, my feet hurts. I walked so much today I can barely feel them anymore", Xiuying groaned, lying on the paddy straws as he rest his body. Once the adrenaline is out, he can immediately feel the soreness and he doesn't like it at all. Xie Lian giggled at his companion's antics, " You've worked hard A-Xiu. We still have quite the distance to travel back to the temple so you can use this time to rest. Look! It's only been a day yet we got so much already", he said with eyes sparkling at their findings. The amount of scrolls that they have are rather quite impressive, not to mention the contents of the scrolls are not bad either. " We have anecdotes of ghosts, there are also some on gods as well", Xie Lian wanted to show some to Xiuying but the carriage was shaken as if it stumbled upon something. This surprised both of them, as a scroll was opened by the result of it. 

" Look A-Lian, there's one about you!" Xiuying exclaimed. He reads out the content, " The Crown Prince of the Xianle Kingdom ascended three times. He is the god of martial art, plague and scrap collecting..." as he reads more and more, his tone also changed in disbelief as he read the last two titles. 

How dare these peoples ridicule his baby protagonist?!

" How dare these people. Why make fun of other people? Don't they have anything better to do??", Xiuying fumed in anger while the one that was mentioned still smile as if it doesn't affect him at all. " Well, at least I am still a god in this one. As I know a saying that goes, 'all gods are equal, so are all living beings.' You don't need to mind them. " Xiuying sighed at him. He knows that Xie Lian is kind, but he hopes that he would care even just for a bit.

" Is that so? " a voice suddenly asked, surprising the two of them. It was the voice of a young youth, coming from the other side of the cart covered by the paddy straws. " People claim that they care about equality. But if it's achieved, will there still be gods?" Moving to see better, it was a good-looking young man eyes bright as the stars. He wore casual, maple-red clothes of high quality and had a loose, carefree ponytail. He smiled at both of them upon as their eyes met. 

HOLY MOLY THAT'S MOTHER FUDGING HUA CHENG!!! DAMN HE'S SO FINEEE!!! AND THAT SMILE??? 

How can he forget that this is where Hua Cheng meets with Xie Lian? It seems like the fatigue of walking around made him lose focus and his mind was not at its' place. If the young appearance of Hua Cheng as a young man is this handsome, can he handle it if he ever see Hua Cheng's real face? Xiuying can't imagine his reaction until that day would finally come. 

" I guess that makes sense too..." Xie Lian said, agreeing the youth's statement. " Shi Wudu, the Water Master, is in charge of water and wealth. How can a Water Master be also in charge for wealth?" Scooting deeper as he can into the cart, Xiuying continues to observe the exchange. 

" Since businessmen often ship goods by water, they'd go to Water Master Temple to pray and ask for his blessing before taking off. Gradually, the god was in charge of wealth", the young man in red answered. Observing the young man once more, Xie Lian nodded. " I see. You are quite knowledgeable for your age." 

" I just have too much time to kill."

" Then would you also happen to know about ghosts?"

" Which one would you like to know about? I don't mind telling you if I happen to know but I'm afraid that your friend might not be in the same space as we are", the youth said pointing to Xiuying. The martial god turned to see him spacing out while staring at the newcomer. " A-Xiu? Are you still here?", he waved his hand in front of Xiuying's face. The latter was snapped back to reality, sheepishly laughed while rubbing his head. " Ah, I'm sorry. It's just that you talked out of nowhere made me quite shocked actually. I didn't mean anything bad by it, I swear!" The youth just smiled at him, his gaze prolonged as he observed Xiuying's figure before turning back to Xie Lian. " Back to your question earlier, which ghost would you like to know?"

The cart crosses through the road beneath maple trees, sheltering them from the light of sunset as the shadow from the trees was cast upon their face. Xie Lian beckoned Xiuying to sit closer to him before asking the question. " The Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Hua Cheng. " 

Ahh... Xiuying can feel it. Although he only went through the first arc of the story, he already felt like it took forever for them to meet. To finally being able to see the Hua Cheng himself is an achievement for him, albeit through disguise. Just looking at the way they interact with each other is such an endearing sight to behold. With Xie Lian asking every question that he has with such enthusiasm, and Hua Cheng answering each one of them patiently without losing any momentum with those kind and loving eyes preserved only for his one and only god. Or is it just eye since he only has one right? Let it be, there's no need for logic when it comes to love.

" Does he have any weakness?" 

At that situation, Xiuying's attention was aroused. Darn it, he was too busy admiring the two of them he basically just blocked out the content of their earlier conversation.

" That would be his ashes. Bone ashes to be specific", the disguised youth answered." Whoever gets a ghost's ashes will get his support. Whoever destroys the ashes will also destroy the ghost", he explained, acting out as if he is blowing off the ashes from his hand. Feeling that it's okay to join in the conversation, Xiuying asked " But wouldn't that be an impossible feat to achieve? I heard from the rumours that he is very strong, considering that he is a Ghost King after all." The youth chuckled at the question. " That's not always the case. You see, there's a custom in the Ghost Realm that if a ghost has fully trust someone, that ghost will entrust the ashes willingly to that person. Very few ever tried this though. " 

" How daring and sincere the custom is!", Xie Lian added. " If the trust is abused and the ashes were destroyed by the entrusted person, it would definitely be a heartbreaking thing." At this, Xiuying admired the concern in Xie Lian's thoughts. Even to this day, his kindness doesn't falter, making him the person he is today. 

Agreeing with Xie Lian's thoughts, Xiuying voiced his own. " While I think it would be heartbreaking, I also think that the custom itself just highlights the pure trust between the two of them, quite romantic even. Imagine holding their life just within your hands, wouldn't that be an honour? They must have known the consequences for giving it away in the first place. Well, it can also be quite the responsible to uphold. Wouldn't you agree, young master?", Xiuying asked with an excited smile awaiting for his response. The youth in red, with eyes widened at the opinion offered a slow smile, lips curved upwards yet his eyes fixated to the cart instead once he saw his face," Yes, I guess you are right."

Huh? Why is he looking away? Has Xiuying offended him in anyway? Oh no! He'll end up being on his hit list!!! Xiuying doesn't want to die until his ship has sailed! He has to see it through!

" Oh, we've talked for a while yet we still don't know your name. My name is Xie Lian. This is my friend, his name is Yue Xiuying", Xie Lian introduced themselves. " My name? Since I'm the third child in my family, you can call me San Lang", he introduced himself. Taking in his name, Xie Lian asked, " It seems that you are heading to Puqi Village. Do you live there? ". The youth, now San Lang, refuted, " No, my family actually kicked me out after a fight. So now I am just travelling around."

Ah, surely he could have come up with other excuses. Making Xie Lian call him San Lang? What a smooth man, or should Xiuying call him ghost? Whatever. Now that he introduced himself as San Lang to both of them, should he call him as such as well? Xiuying doesn't want to impose himself with the name that was only for Xie Lian, but it's not like he can just call him Hua Cheng right? That would just reveal the fact that he already knew his identity. What should he do? Should he test it out?

Well, no pain no gain.

" San Lang " , he called out. He shut his eyes in fear of seeing San Lang's reaction. Will he be mad? Would he feel disgusted? Xiuying kept on waiting but he neither felt anything nor hear anything. Slowly, he opens his eyes to see San Lang as if astonished before slowly a smile crept up his face. " Yes?" he asked in response. Feeling relieved, Xiuying let out a deep breath he didn't realize that he was holding in. " Nothing, just wanted to try calling out your name", he said, in half truth. 

The trio spent the time talking to each other more before the cart bumped into something on the road, resulting in our dear main character to lose his balance. " No way, why is it me??!!", Xiuying shouted while falling out of the cart. In one quick motion, two hands caught each one of his hands, saving him just in time. In reflex, Xiuying hugged Xie Lian. " A-Lian, I was so scared!!! I thought I was going to fall. Huaaa...." Xie Lian rubbed Xiuying's head in attempt of reassuring him, just like what an adult would do with a child. " Ah, thank you too San Lang. I'm grateful for the help. " San Lang smiled in acknowledgement. " As long as you are okay" , he replied, his eyes filled with kindness? Sympathy? Xiuying couldn't put his finger on it but he just felt like something is not right. 

Just as he was pondering about it, San Lang changed the topic, " So what are the two of you doing right now? " Xie Lian answered, " We have built a temple in Puqi Village. It is open now. " Hearing the news, San Lang was amazed, " A temple? I love the idea. There must be a lot of chestnuts there. " This got Xiuying nodding. " True, there's a lot of them. If you'd like, you should come over and I'll treat you for some. "

" Really? Then I can't wait for that treat. By the way for whom is the temple dedicated to? "

" The Crown Prince of the Xianle Kingdom", Xiuying answered in eagerness. " You probably haven't heard about him", Xie Lian said, not expecting any recognition from the new companion. Just as he was about to answered, the cart stopped abruptly. When they asked what happened, the old man said he doesn't know why, his ox just won't move but instead backing away from something. 

' So we've reached this part huh', Xiuying thought.

To the far front of them, a group of ghosts can be seen. Ruoye encircling the cart making it invincible. The old man was knocked out of consciousness by Xie Lian as he might make a noise that will attract the ghosts. Xiuying was excited of the magic that was used to make them invincible as Xie Lian asked San Lang what day it is, which turns out to be the Ghost Festival day. Such luck that they have .

The ghosts slowly approaching their direction then hit by something they can't see. " What is this? Why I can't get through?", one of the ghosts asked. Another one tried to pass through but ended up with the same result. " I can't either. What the hell?"

" The hell with hell. We came from hell!"

That may just made Xiuying laughed a little. Just a bit, that's all.

After a few more attempts, the group of ghosts gave up and went through another direction, passing through the cart. Taking the rein of the cart, Xie Lian moved to the front and took over the cart making it move again. Both Xiuying and San Lang moved too, sitting by each of his sides. 

" That was so cool A-Lian. As expected from you." Xiuying praised. Xie Lian as humble as always refuses the praise claiming that it's nothing praiseworthy before asking San Lang's condition. " Are you okay?"

" No, I'm so afraid I couldn't move even an inch". Man, what a smooth liar he is. As expected from the famous Ghost King. " It's okay, don't be afraid. Stay behind me and nothing can hurt you two as long as I'm here" . 

Ah, such a reliable man Xie Lian is.

As the cart move along the road, a lot of little ball of light fall down around them, the scenery could be mistaken as snowfall. Xiuying marvel at the sight, taking in the breathtaking scenery as he keep on gazing them ignoring his other two companion. But the moment was soon come to a stop as a scream from the ghosts from earlier was heard. " Ghost down! Ghost down! The will-o'-the-wisps have been extinguished!"

" The road was blocked by something. Perhaps..."

" Could it be the monks or taoists messing with us?"

" Look, over there!"

Ah, is this where they're supposed to run?

"Hold on tight!". Xie Lian tightened his hold on the rein as the ox cart speed off running away from the ghosts with such speed that Xiuying has to hold the cart for balance where as San Lang looked like he's enjoying the situation for some reasons. They kept the speed but came to a halt when the road was divided into two different paths. Xie Lian took out a cup with a number of wooden sticks. Looking at this, Xiuying come closer to him. "What are you doing with those sticks?", he asked. Surprisingly San Lang answered instead. " During Ghost Festival, human roads and ghost roads would cross path. Once getting into the Ghost Realm, a human can hardly find their way back to the Mortal Realm". 

"Impressive San Lang! You are so knowledgeable", he praised. San Lang refuted, " I just read a lot, that's all". On the other hand, Xie Lian threw the first two sticks but it showed bad luck. The second try also showed the same result. The result made him devastated, the ghosts behind them starting to catch up to them. Xiuying pats his back in sympathy as San Lang offered himself to try for the third attempt. "Don't push yourself too hard", Xie Lian advised him in devastation. The youth in red then threw the last two sticks and what did he get? A good luck of course! He is the ghost king with good luck after all.

Xie Lian was very impressed with the luck that San Lang have but was interrupted by Xiuying, "A-Lian, I know it is impressive but they are getting closer and I don't want to be eaten by them!"

He immediately snapped out of it and immediately just go through one of the roads as their luck showed a good result. However the game of chase and run didn't last long as the road of their escape was blocked by the ghosts. All of this is just wasting time and energy and Xiuying has had enough of this. In irritation he scolded, " Hey ghosts! Stop chasing us already. We didn't do anything to you right?". These ghosts has interrupted the moments that Xiuying could have spent to watch the intimate moments of his favourite not-yet-but-will-be-an-item couple but these dead ghosts dare interrupt? No way he's letting it go!

" Did nothing? It was you who extinguished the will-o'-the-wisps right?", the ghost claimed.

" Not our fault! It's the will-o'-something that came into contact with us. We didn't have the intention to do anything at all!", Xiuying defended them. But the ghost doesn't seem to be satisfied with the answer, "You are clearly a taoist. Who else but a taoist would kill a ghost!"

" I just said that it wasn't us!", the Fire Master chided. " Are you deaf or what?"

" Not all ghosts are killed by taoists." Xie Lian added into the heated argument. Not believing in any of it, the ghosts laughed, " Liar, liar. Pants on fire!"

" If I am a liar, is my pants on fire or not? It's not right? So I'm not a liar you damned ghost!" Looking at the situation and the argument, no one can say whether it is a valid argument or a childish one. Xie Lian is out of words but San Lang definitely seems to be enjoying it as he let out a small chuckle. 

" Would it kill you to just listen to what I just said? Oh wait. I guess it did kill you considering that you are dead!" Xiuying rebuked. He definitely has lost all the patience he had in this argument. 

[Warning, Host is inciting their anger. Stop provoking them to progress with the story.] 

' Oh shut it will you?'

As per warning and calculated by the System, the ghosts are mad by the provocation and one of them took action of charging forward aiming for him. Sharp claws nearing, Xie Lian moved to protect Xiuying but the ghost just stopped so suddenly. They were trembling in fear but no one knows the reason. Utilizing this chance, Xiuying gave an eery smile, he lifted his hands attempting an imitation of drawing out his claws. With a small voice he said one simple word.

" Boo."

Voila, the ghosts ran away in the opposite direction while screaming in fear. Xiuying thought that it was thanks to his excellent skill of acting that scared them away so he let out a laugh of satisfaction saying how he succeeded in chasing those ghosts away. San Lang clapped his hand in amazement which can be seen as entertaining him by those with attentive eyes. Only Xie Lian was left in wonder at what just happened. He doubt it was truly due to his fellow god companion but he decided to just leave it at that.

The problem is solved. No matter how strange the process of achieving it, a win is a win after all.

The System could only sigh at the stupidity of the situation that just happened and it hopes the future events won't be as dumb as the situation that its' dear host just went through. 

Chapter Text

"What you did back there was really impressive. You were so intimidating, they ran off without a second thought."

"It's nothing special, hahaha..."

The trio had handled the ghost encounter surprisingly well. Xiuying was very much pleased to have played a part in driving thegroup of ghosts away. San Lang, as usual, couldn't stop offering compliments, while Xie Lian remained puzzled by both the situation and how it had ended. Still, what mattered most was that they had made it through safely.

The ox cart rumbled forward, leaving the haunted path behind and returning to their route toward Puqi Village. Along the way, the three chatted about various topics. Yet Xiuying couldn't help but notice that throughout the journey, his dear protagonist kept sneaking glances at the red-clad youth. Sharing a knowing look with Xie Lian, he prompted, "Have you ever gone to a fortune teller?" Xiuying asked San Lang casually.

San Lang shook his head, indicating no.

"Well, would you look at that..." Xiuying said with a grin. "For your information, my friend here can read someone's fortune just by looking at their palm. Want to give it a try?"

San Lang's expression said he clearly saw the mischief behind Xiuying's delighted eyes. Still, playing along, he nodded. "Sure, why not." He offered his right hand toward Xie Lian, who reached out but then paused, deciding instead to simply observe the hand rather than touch it.

As the Martial God examined the offered palm with curious eyes, Xiuying laid down on the pile of paddy straw. The fatigue from the day's adventure was finally catching up with him. He fought with all his might to stay awake. His eyelids heavy, his body heavier still, but sleep was quickly winning the battle. In the end, he surrendered and drifted off to the dreamscape, getting the rest he so badly needed.

Just before his eyes fully closed, he caught a final, blurry glimpse of the two looking at him. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but he felt a cold, gentle hand softly stroking his head, careful not to wake him. Half-asleep, and not fully in his right mind, he instinctively leaned into the touch. With their hushed voices like a lullaby in the background, he finally slipped into peaceful sleep.

Xie Lian and San Lang continued their conversation until the ox cart gradually came to a halt at their destination. As the vehicle stopped, San Lang jumped down with effortless grace, landing lightly on the ground.

"Thank you for the fortune-telling... and for the kind words," he said, offering a final glance toward Xiuying's sleeping figure. He turned to leave, but was halted by Xie Lian's voice.

"San Lang, where will you be staying tonight?"San Lang scratched the back of his head, a faintly awkward smile tugging at his lips. "Honestly, I haven't figured that out yet. I suppose... wherever the streets will have me."

Xie Lian, unsurprised by the answer, gave a small nod and suggested kindly, "Why not stay at the temple with us? It's a bit shabby, but not terrible. I hope you won't mind."

"Am I really allowed to?" San Lang asked, raising a brow with mild curiosity.

"Of course you are. I'm sure A-Xiu would say the same if he were awake."

San Lang took a step closer, his gaze locking with Xie Lian's, the corners of his mouth lifting in a knowing smile. The intensity of his stare caught Xie Lian slightly off guard. "San Lang?" he said softly. The youth in red said nothing in response. Instead, he turned and calmly collected all the luggage from the cart, walking ahead toward the temple without another word.

Xie Lian, suddenly remembering the old cart driver, quickly tapped the man's pressure points to rouse him awake. After a brief exchange, he asked the elder not to speak of the earlier encounter with the ghosts. Before parting ways with the old man, he carefully lifted Xiuying into his arms. His companion's peaceful expression in sleep tugged at something within him. Not having the heart to wake him up, Xie Lian simply carried him in silence, following San Lang toward the quiet shelter of the temple.

As Xie Lian stepped into the temple, he realized that San Lang had already laid out a makeshift mattress on the floor. He gave Xie Lian a gentle nod, wordlessly motioning him to place Xiuying down on it. With care and tenderness, Xie Lian lowered the sleeping god, doing his best not to disturb him. Once he was sure Xiuying wouldn't wake, a soft voice broke the stillness.

"Gege," San Lang murmured, "it feels like something is missing from your temple."

Xie Lian smiled faintly. The temple was bare, still bearing the silence of long abandonment. Yet he answered with calm curiosity, "Well, aside from followers, I think I've covered the essentials. What do you think is missing?"

Turning towards him, San Lang's expression was thoughtful. "What about a portrait of the god that this temple is dedicated to?". Realization then  dawned upon him as he let out a quiet laugh. Reaching down, he gently brushed a few strands of hair away from Xiuying's sleeping face. "I'll paint one tomorrow," he said softly. "I know how to paint too," San Lang offered in a heartbeat, in a tone full of confidence without any trace of waver in it. "Let me help you with it."

Xie Lian looked at him, touched by the offer. "Thank you... but I'm not sure that you know what the Crown Prince looks like."

San Lang looked down at the blank scroll of paper, a small smile playing at his lips. He once again didn't miss a beat in answering. "Of course I do. Didn't we talk about him back on the cart?"

Xie Lian blinked, a bit surprised. The response had come so easily to his ears, yet it reached deep into something tender. He felt a quiet warmth settle in his chest. San Lang moved to sit beside the makeshift bed, beside Xiuying who is fast asleep. He looked at him fondly. "He must be so tired," he said gently. "He's sleeping like a log." Xie Lian who is sitting on the other side, chuckled in agreement.

The two of them shared a few quiet moments together until a question broke the silence.

"So, what do you think of the Crown Prince of the Xianle Kingdom?" Xie Lian asked. San Lang remained silent for a moment before answering. "I think... he must be hated by the Heavenly Emperor Junwu."

"Why do you think so?"

"If he wasn't, he wouldn't have been banished from Heaven twice."

Xie Lian blinked at the response. It was actually honest and direct, spoken with the simplicity of a child's mind.

He removed his outer robe and draped it over Xiuying, covering his body from the cold air that seeped through the temple's wall full of cracks. He adjusted it as best as he could to ensure that his sleeping fellow god would stay comfortable, at the least throughout the night. "There are many things in this world that can't be explained purely by feeling of like or dislike," he said. "And those who commit offenses must be punished." He then proceeded to take off his shoes. "The Heavenly Emperor was simply carrying out his duties."

Feeling a gaze on him, Xie Lian turned to see San Lang staring at the bandages wrapped around his neck and legs. He quickly moved to cover them, a hint of panic in his movements.

"These are..."

San Lang said nothing. He lay down on his back, then turned to face the other direction. "Goodnight," he said.

Xie Lian couldn't figure out what to say in response. Instead, he simply stared at San Lang's back, unable to utter a single word. After casting one last glance at Xiuying, he blew out the candle and went to sleep facing the wall.

The next morning, the sleeping beauty, also known as Xiuying, woken up to the sound of chirping birds. Sitting upright, he blinked away the remnants of sleep, yawning and stretching his body. Now fully awake, he could feel that his body was well rested. His mind though is still not able to process properly that he almost panicked due to being in a different place from what he last remembered.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and scanned his surroundings until he recognized the temple. Letting out a sigh of relief, he looked up just as Xie Lian and San Lang walked in.

"Good morning, A-Xiu. How are you feeling? Are you alright?" Xie Lian asked, noticing he was finally awake from his slumber. "It must have been a nice sleep, considering that Xiu-ge slept for quite a while," San Lang added, standing beside Xie Lian.

Xiu-ge? Did the infamous Crimson Rain Sought Flower just call him Xiu-ge? He had to admit, it felt strange to be addressed that way by none other than Hua Cheng himself. Still, since he called Xie Lian as gege as how the story went, perhaps it was just meant in sentiment of respect? Xiuying, who is not Xie Lian got the respect from Hua Cheng? How weird.

To be honest, he kind of liked it too so why not just let it be?

"I'm sorry. I don't even remember how I fell asleep," Xiuying said, feeling a bit ashamed that he had shown such an unguarded side of himself.

Xie Lian, on the other hand, simply waved it off. "It's okay. It's partly my fault for dragging you along."

Feeling a little better, Xiuying suddenly caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. To his left, a striking painting of a figure hung on the wall. Curious, he stood up and walked over for a closer look. It was a portrait of the Crown Prince of the Xianle Kingdom, dressed in a splendid, colorful robe, striking a graceful pose with a sword in one hand and a single flower in the other.

It was truly a beautiful painting, otherworldly even.

"It's impressive, isn't it?" Xie Lian said, coming up behind him. "San Lang painted it."

Xiuying turned excitedly to San Lang. "Really? You're so talented, San Lang! I've never seen anyone who paints as beautifully as you do!" The praise came from the heart. Hua Cheng was said to be skilled in painting and carving. Honestly, he seemed capable of doing almost anything. Seeing the proof of his talent in person ignited Xiuying's admiration for him.

Just then, he noticed San Lang's ponytail tilted oddly to the side, giving him a slightly... questionable hairstyle.

"As far as I remember, your hair wasn't like that the last time I saw it," Xiuying said, unable to stifle a small laugh, despite trying to cover it up. He figured this must have happened after the scene where Xie Lian offered to tie up San Lang's hair to uncover his identity. Honestly, it didn't look bad. Kind of cute, even. But taken by surprise, Xiuying had to admit it looked a bit funny. Well, to him at least.

Xie Lian blushed slightly as San Lang recounted back how it happened. Unable to bear the embarrassment any longer, the martial god abruptly stormed outside. Both San Lang and Xiuying exchanged a glance then burst into laughter as they followed him out.

"A-Lian, what are you doing out here?" Xiuying asked in a teasing tone.

Flustered, Xie Lian fumbled for an excuse. He pulled a few talismans from his sleeve and began sticking them to the curtain acting as a door. "I'm just putting these up. Since we don't have a proper door, we can use these talismans to ward off evil spirits and ghosts."

San Lang, standing with his arms crossed, said nothing. He looked at the talismans for a moment, then suddenly turned and walked away.

"San Lang, where are you going?" Xiuying asked.

"I just need to step away for a little while," the youth in red replied simply.

The two Heavenly Officials watched as he walked through the temple gate and disappeared from view. Xie Lian took the opportunity to lean toward Xiuying and whisper, "Do you think the talismans made him uncomfortable?"

"Why would you think that?" Xiuying asked.

"To be honest, I've been testing him, trying to confirm his identity. Nothing has worked so far," Xie Lian admitted. "Either he's truly a mortal..."

"Or a high ranking ghost, capable of disguising himself to that extent?" Xiuying finished for him. Xie Lian nodded at that as to say yes to that. "Either way, he hasn't shown any hostility, so I don't think we need to be too concerned. Besides, what could he possibly want from us?", Xiuying stated as he raised an eyebrow and made a silly face, which made them both laugh before returning to their chores.

As time passed, the two Heavenly Officials took a break, sitting side by side in peaceful silence. The air was calm, without a trace of awkwardness. But that serenity was abruptly broken by a loud thud outside.

They rushed out to investigate only to find San Lang, holding a machete in one hand and... is that actually the trunk of a tree?

"San Lang?" Xiuying asked, clearly perplexed by the display of it.

"Stay there. I'm making something," San Lang replied.

Without further explanation, he got to work. His hands moved expertly, without the slightest hesitation. The two gods could only watch in awe until he finally finished. To their surprise, he had made a door for the temple's entrance.

True to his word, it really was something.

"Wouldn't a talisman be more effective on an actual door?" he asked casually. He wasn't wrong, but the suddenness of it all left them speechless. Still, they were too impressed to complain and immediately began testing the new door.

Leaving them to it, San Lang casually walked over and picked up a stack of hay. "Are you two planning to renovate this place? Let me help." Xie Lian was a bit hesitant on that offer, "Do you really not mind? You don't have to."

"He's right, San Lang. We don't want to trouble our guest," Xiuying added. But San Lang keep on insisting. "Think of it as repayment for letting me stay the night. Please, I insist."

Well, if he was offering, why even bother to stop him?

The three of them divided the tasks and got to work. San Lang and Xie Lian climbed onto the roof to fix the holes , while Xiuying busied himself sweeping away the dried leaves scattered around the temple grounds. Once the outside was tidied up, they moved on to the interior. Xie Lian and Xiuying mopped the dirty floors, while San Lang patched up holes in the walls with practiced ease.

As they worked, Xiuying couldn't help but notice the way the Martial God kept sneaking glances at the disguised Ghost King. Each time San Lang looked up and caught him staring at him, Xie Lian would pretend to be deeply focused on whatever task was at hand. The sight made Xiuying's heart warm. There was something quietly sweet about it. Still, he couldn't help but feel like a third wheel in this heartwarming scene.

Wanting to give them a little space to themselves, Xiuying walked over to the door under the pretense of getting some fresh air. But as he stepped outside, he was met with an unexpected sight. In front of him, a crowd of villagers had gathered in front of the temple. Among them, he spotted the old man from the previous night. The old man immediately pointed him out. "You! You were the divine priest from last night!"

He's the divine what now?

Before he could respond, the crowd surged forward, surrounding him with a flurry of excited questions.

"Where's the god from yesterday? You were together last night, isn't that right?"

"Are you really a priest?"

"Is the god truly capable of many things?"

Voices overlapped, pressing in from all sides. Xiuying stood frozen, unsure of what to say or where to begin. Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Xiu-ge, what's going on?" Xiuying turned to see both San Lang and Xie Lian standing at the temple entrance. Upon their appearance, the group of villagers then swarming him asking for blessings whether it be for wealth, gambling, children or for love.

Seizing the opportunity, Xiuying managed to slip away from the crowd of villagers, finally escaping their barrage of questions. From behind, he could hear San Lang chuckling, probably amused by the sight of him being mobbed. Or maybe it was something else. Who knew? Certainly not Xiuying.

The villagers soon made their way inside the temple, where they were immediately captivated by the magnificent painting of the Crown Prince of Xianle.

"Oh my, look at that! The figure in the painting is so handsome!" one of them gushed.
"He must be incredibly powerful," another added, nodding in reverence.

Before long, the group knelt and bowed in front of the altar, launching into spontaneous prayers.

"Please, God, bless me with children!"

"Grant me wealth!"

"Bless me with a wife!"

The trio watched from the side, amusement tugging at their lips. "The incense offerings keep coming," San Lang remarked, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. "Isn't this great? Gege, you've got believers now." Xiuying nodded. "That's right. Isn't that great for you, A-Lian?"

Xie Lian's voice was soft. "It used to be so quiet..." he murmured. "I'm just not used to having such a crowd. Maybe the good luck from the two of you has rubbed off on me." He turned to the other two, a smile finally reaching his eyes. "San Lang, A-Xiu, thank you. Truly..."

Ahh... how much more precious could the main protagonist possibly be?

"A-Lian, don't say it like that!" Xiuying cried out and impulsively threw his arms around him, rubbing their cheeks together. "You're going to make me cry!"

But in the next instant, the realization struck him. He was hugging Xie Lian right in front of his future husband!!! Panic rising, Xiuying pulled back abruptly and glanced at San Lang, nervously gauging his reaction.

To his surprise, San Lang wasn't angry or even jealous. He simply smiled.

"I'm glad... if that's truly how it is," he said softly, his voice laced with an unexpected melancholy. "If my luck could ever be of any use to you both, then I don't mind giving it all away."

Wait... what?

"Pardon?" Xiuying asked, caught off guard by the weight of those words. San Lang simply shrugged. "It's nothing you need to worry about." Before Xiuying could press him any further, a cry shattered the moment.

"Someone, please help!"

Everyone turned toward the gate, where a few men were supporting an elderly man, his body covered in sand, some of it spilling out from his robes.

"This man just appeared out of nowhere and he needs help! Can you please do something to help him?"

Just as the words left their lips, the old man collapsed, unconscious, sending ripples of panic through the gathered villagers.

"So... the second arc has finally started, huh?" Xiuying whispered to himself, excitement bubbling in his chest. But first things first, he rushed over to help lift the man. The case wouldn't begin until the man could speak, after all.

As the group carried him into the temple, a glowing screen quietly flickered into view behind them, hovering in the air.

[Mission: Solve the mystery behind Banyue Pass with the protagonist, Xie Lian, along with San Lang. May the Host bring new and exciting developments to the story!]

Chapter Text

All the villagers had departed after leaving the elderly man in the care of the temple. Taking on the responsibility, the trio gently moved him inside, laying him down to rest until he woke on his own.

They waited and waited until a faint groan broke the silence, drawing all eyes toward the makeshift bed. Under Xie Lian's quiet watch, the old man stirred. His eyes fluttered open, clouded with confusion, as if waking from a long and distant nightmare.

"He's awake," Xie Lian murmured, glancing at the other two. "W-Where... am I?" the old man rasped, voice dry like windblown sand. "You're safe," Xie Lian said gently. "The villagers found you, they said you arrived to this village looking so tired, almost losing consciousness."

As clarity returned to him, the old man's expression shifted from confusion to panic. He clutched Xie Lian's wrist tightly, his voice trembling. "I've... I've just escaped from that place! I can't go back, anywhere but that place. Please, Daozhang, you have to help me!" His grip was surprisingly strong for someone who had just regained consciousness.

In an instant, a sharp crack echoed through the temple. San Lang's hand had slammed down on the table, the sound cutting through the tension like a blade. Everyone turned at once.

' Ohhh... I can definitely smell something burning ', Xiuying thought wryly to himself, eyeing San Lang. Although his expression was carefully composed, Xiuying could see the storm brewing beneath the calm face.

' Yeah, I get it' ,he mused. 'If someone grabbed my beloved like that, I'd probably flip a table, too.'

Letting go of Xie Lian's wrist, the old man trembled in fear. Ever the kind soul, Xie Lian gently tried to calm him, coaxing the man into explaining what had brought him to this state. "Please calm down. My partner and I are the caretakers of this temple," Xie Lian said, gesturing to Xiuying when he mentioned the word partner.

"If you need any help, we'll see what we can do. You mentioned you didn't want to go back?" Xie Lian asked. "Back to where?"

The old man, slightly more composed after Xie Lian's reassurance, murmured, "The Banyue Pass. I just got out from there." Taking the initiative, Xiuying stepped closer, his voice casual. "What exactly happened there?" The old man looked down, sighing deeply. "So you really don't know about that place?"

That made Xie Lian pause. "All I know is that it's an oasis. The night scenery during a crescent moon is said to be breathtaking, hence the name."

"Oasis? Breathtaking?" The old man let out a bitter snort. "That might've been true 200 years ago. Now? It should be renamed Death Pass!"

"Let me guess," Xiuying chimed in, deadpan. "You went there with a group, something bad happened and now you're the only one left?" Startled, the old man blinked at him. "How... how did you know?"

Xiuying shrugged. "It's always like that. Some mysterious event happens, a group goes to check it out, everyone vanishes, and surprise, one survivor was left and lived to tell the tale." He crossed his arms. "It's a typical plot if you've read enough books."

He turned to San Lang when he heard a quiet chuckle. Realizing he was being stared at, San Lang waved a hand, as if to say not to mind him .

Still focused on the matter at hand, Xie Lian continued questioning the old man. "When exactly did Banyue Pass become Death Pass?" The man shook his head. "I'm not sure. But according to rumors, it started about 150 years ago, back when an evil Taoist took over the place."

"Hold on," San Lang interrupted, brows slightly raised. "You said you fled from Banyue Pass all the way to this village?" The old man nodded quickly. "That's right. I barely made it alive."

"Huh..." San Lang hummed.

Already knowing where this is going, Xiuying flashed him a knowing smile before turning to Xie Lian. Their eyes met, and in an unspoken exchange, Xie Lian gave a small nod. Reaching for a bowl of water that had been prepared before the man regained consciousness, Xie Lian offered it gently. "You must be thirsty after all that running. Here, have some water."

As expected, the old man hesitated.

Still trying to keep up the act, the old man accepted the bowl. He looked at the three of them, each wearing a polite, unsettling smile. With trembling hands, he raised the bowl to his lips but didn't drink. He was stopped mid-motion when Xie Lian reached out and held his wrist. He gave Xiuying another look, as if giving him a warning.

Xiuying, catching the cue, sighed dramatically and rose to his feet like someone forced to leave a good seat at the theater. He walked over to San Lang's side and plopped down beside him with exaggerated resignation.

Satisfied, Xie Lian turned his attention back to the old man. "Stop pretending. You can't drink, can you?"

Realizing his cover had been blown, the old man instantly grabbed a knife from his waist and swung it wildly at Xie Lian. The attempt was both futile and foolish. His opponent was, after all, a Martial God. With just two fingers, Xie Lian flicked the blade aside, easily disarming him.

The hand Xie Lian had grabbed earlier suddenly went limp, as if it had no bones at all, forcing the god to lose his grip. Taking advantage of the moment, the old man sprang to his feet, flipped mid-air, and made a break for the door.

He didn't get far.

A sharp crack followed,  pair of chopsticks stabbed into his leg mid-leap, courtesy of San Lang. The old man's body rippled unnaturally before collapsing to the ground in a pool of black liquid, his human form melting away like wax left out in the sun.

Xiuying let out a low whistle, impressed. "Nice work as always, guys."

He walked over, plucked the chopsticks from San Lang's hand, and with just an ounce of hesitation, used them to poke at the puppet's discarded clothes. What he uncovered was...bizarre. Black goo, tattered cloth, and an overall visual horror show.

"It was a puppet," Xie Lian said, eyes narrowing as he examined the mess. "No wonder it didn't have any internal organs."

"Do all puppets end up looking like this when destroyed?" Xiuying asked, nose wrinkled in disgust as he jabbed the goo again with the chopsticks. It squelched. He regretted it instantly. "Not necessarily," San Lang replied. "It's actually quite impressive. To create a puppet capable of behaving like a human being, the creator must be extremely skilled."

'Well, considering that the mastermind behind this is that guy... Yeah, makes sense.' Xiuying thought, but of course, kept that detail locked away in the vault of things he know but shouldn't say. Getting back into character, Xiuying assumed his role as the designated Clueless Clue-Giver. "Anyway, don't you two think this is a bit too suspicious? I mean, why go through the trouble of sending a puppet all the way here?"

As if something clicked, Xie Lian nodded. "You're right. Something is clearly wrong." 

Xie Lian thought of asking the matter to the heavenly officials or Ling Wen specifically through the Communication Array with Xiuying. However, considering what his fellow god did during the last meeting, maybe it's better if he handle it himself this time. Just in case he better ask first. 

Xie Lian gently pulled Xiuying to the side. "A-Xiu, I'm planning to ask around regarding this matter through the Communication Array. Do you want to join me in the array, or...?" Xiuying narrowed his eyes at that. "If I join, will those useless fossils be there?" Just the thought of those heavenly officials made his blood pressure spike. 

Xie Lian hesitated. "Well... probably. You can stay here with San Lang while I go outside. I don't want him to see how I do it..."

"Say no more," Xiuying agreed almost instantly, a little too eagerly. "Great! Off you go then. The faster you finish, the faster we can start investigating!" He shoved Xie Lian out the door like he was launching him into battle. Then, he turned around.

And froze.

There, sitting calmly in a chair like he wasn't  the literal Ghost King who could level a city with a snap, was San Lang. Still smiling. Still watching. That was when realization hit him like a truck that hit people, sending them to isekai genre.

He was alone. With Hua Cheng.

Hua. Freaking. Cheng.

Alone without Xie Lian.

[ Yue Xiuying doesn't know whether to laugh or cry ]

'Don't you dare use that on me, you stupid System!'

[  ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ ͡⁠°⁠ ͜⁠ʖ⁠ ͡⁠°⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ ]

Xiuying could feel a cold sweat prickling at the back of his neck. Maybe it was the nerves. Maybe it was from pressure. Maybe it was the sheer aura of being left alone with one of the most powerful beings in all the realms. Xiuying stood stiff as a scarecrow, staring blankly at the spot where Xie Lian had just been. Slowly, very slowly, he turned his head to the side, where San Lang was sitting calmly on the wooden chair, legs crossed, one elbow propped on the table.

Their eyes met.

San Lang smiled.

Xiuying did not.

He's smiling. Xiuying internally screeched. What is he plotting? Does he know I'm one awkward silence away from evaporating into steam?

He cleared his throat. Loudly.

"So. You come here often?" San Lang blinked at the random question. "To this place? Only when invited", he answered. "Right, right, of course," Xiuying nodded way too quickly. "Silly question. You know, they say silly questions are the root of enlightenment."

"Do they?" San Lang asked, clearly entertained by this whole exchange of words. "No. I do. Just now." Xiuying claimed. San Lang's eyes sparkled. "You seem nervous."

"I'm not," Xiuying replied immediately. "I'm perfectly relaxed. Loose. Chill as a...uh...cold dumpling."

"...Cold dumpling?"

"Yeah. You know. Firm on the outside, falling apart inside." Xiuying plopped into the seat across from him. "Totally fine." Xiuying crossed his arms and tried to look like a serious cultivator. This lasted all of five seconds before San Lang leaned slightly forward and said in a completely straight voice, "Are you sure you're not sweating through your robe?"

Xiuying made a noise that was somewhere between a scoff and a dying kettle. "Please. This is just... ambient moisture." San Lang tilted his head. "Is that what people call panic sweat now?"

"It's a rare cultivation symptom," Xiuying insisted. "Only happens to top-level practitioners." San Lang looked unreasonably pleased by that response. "You're very unique, Xiu-ge." The man in question was baffled, "You say that like I'm a creature no one has ever seen before."

"Aren't you?"

Xiuying froze, mouth open, then shut it again. San Lang didn't press the moment, instead letting the silence stretch a little longer, comfortable on his end, excruciating on Xiuying's. The Fire Master side-eyed him suspiciously. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"I am," San Lang said simply. "It's very... entertaining."

"Great to know you're amused by this humble one", Xiuying muttered under his breath. San Lang just smiled again clearly enjoying this moment and the exchange between them as if this were the most normal conversation in the world.

It was at that very moment, the door finally creaked open and Xie Lian stepped inside. The look on his face was unreadable possibly because he had just walked into the middle of Xiuying's spiritual meltdown.

Xiuying shot up from his seat like a startled cat. "Oh, hey, welcome back! How was the... outdoor... thing?"

"Mm," Xie Lian said carefully. "I was only gone for awhile."

"Felt like eternity," Xiuying muttered. Xie Lian was speechless by that statement. He wondered what had happened while he was away but then remembered the matter at hand. " San Lang, A-Xiu and I will be away for some time", he announced. He picked up a broom and sweep the floor. San Lang turned to Xie Lian with a small, relaxed smile. "Okay, gege. You don't mind taking me along, right?" Xiuying stood nearby, arms loosely crossed, gaze flicking over San Lang with mild curiosity. Here we go. 

Xie Lian looked thoughtful. "The journey is long, and the sandstorms are tough. Why do you want to go?" San Lang gave a light shrug. "Just curious, I guess. Don't you want to know who on earth is the Evil Taoist is?" Xiuying lowered his eyes slightly. Ah, there it is. The setup. He didn't react beyond a faint lift of his brow.

Xie Lian tilted his head. "You even know about this?" San Lang crossed his arms, calm and easy. "Banyue Pass wasn't always called that. Two hundred years ago, it was the center of the Banyue Kingdom." He didn't dramatize it. He just said it like someone stating a trivia fact in passing, eyes thoughtful but not trying to impress. Xiuying let out a quiet hum. "Interesting name evolution. Very tourist-friendly."

San Lang glanced at him with a ghost of a smile. Then he continued, "There's still leftover spiritual energy in the area. Unstable, probably. That's why they're calling it the Demonic Path."

"Ah yes, your typical haunted road trip destination," Xiuying deadpanned. Xie Lian looked at him, mildly amused. "You've heard about it too?" Xiuying shrugged, while his mind is looking for a cover story. "Bits here and there. You know, rumors, suspicious scrolls left lying around, dramatic sword cultivators whispering in the market. Nothing solid."

Xiuying kept his face blank, neutral, but inside he was already reviewing the plot beats like a mental checklist. Cursed location? Check. Mysterious info dump? Check. Me, pretending not to know exactly where this ends up? Double check.

Xie Lian nodded. "Still, we should investigate." Xiuying gave a lazy thumbs-up. "Sure." He muttered under his breath, "Honestly, how cursed does a place have to be before people just build a fence around it?" San Lang chuckled quietly but said nothing.

A knock echoed through the stillness. Curious, Xie Lian passed the broom to San Lang, who accepted it with an arched brow and a mild smile, Xie Lian moved toward the door and slid it open. Outside stood two familiar figures, both slightly winded, their shoulders squared and eyes sharp despite the long journey.

Who else would it be, if not Nan Feng and Fu Yao?

"Your Highness," Nan Feng greeted first, his tone clipped but steady. "You're going to Banyue Pass?" Xie Lian blinked. "How did you know?" Fu Yao snorted and stepped forward, arms crossed. "We heard you asking about it earlier in the Communication Array.  What are you heading there for? Got some business or something?"

Xie Lian offered a soft smile. "You could say that. Speaking of which, what are you two doing here?" He took a moment before finally figuring it out, sighing." Let me guess, you both volunteered, right?" Before either of them could respond, a familiar voice chirped from inside, "Oh, hi there! Long time no see? But I suppose it hasn't even been that long?" Nan Feng and Fu Yao looked past Xie Lian to see Xiuying, poking his head out from the side.

"You're still alive," Fu Yao said flatly. "Great to see you too, Fu Yao." Xiuying replied, deadpan. Really, and here he thought that they have become buddies from the Xuan Ji case. Fu Yao narrowed his eyes slightly, but didn't answer. 

Nan Feng, ever the more polite of the two, gave a curt nod in greeting. "Are you well?" Xiuying blinked at the unexpected civility. "Huh? Oh yeah. Still in one piece. Not cursed, possessed, or exploded as you can see."

Nan Feng's gaze flicked to the side again, this time landing on San Lang, who remained standing inside, relaxed and unreadable, leaning slightly on the broom Xie Lian had handed him earlier. The moment their eyes met, the air shifted.

Nan Feng stepped forward, subtly positioning himself between Xiuying and the crimson-clad youth. Fu Yao did the same on Xie Lian's side, arms still crossed but posture stiffening noticeably. "Who is he?" Nan Feng asked, eyes never leaving San Lang. "A friend," Xie Lian answered gently. "Is he human?" Fu Yao asked bluntly, his tone laced with suspicion.

There was a brief pause. San Lang smiled, small and lazy and didn't bother to answer. Xiuying winced. "Okay, maybe not the most convincing silence."

"He's not a threat," Xie Lian said, calm but firm. "He's been helping us."

"With what?" Fu Yao pressed. "Cleaning," Xiuying offered with a shrug. Nan Feng didn't move, but his brows lowered a fraction. "That doesn't answer anything."

"Okay, okay," Xiuying said, stepping around them and holding his hands up. "Let's just take a breath. No one's throwing punches and the guy's literally holding a broom."

Nan Feng and Fu Yao exchanged another glance, silent as always. Then, begrudgingly, they stepped inside but neither of them turned their backs on San Lang. "Fine," Fu Yao muttered. "But don't talk to him."

"Why not? You know him?"

"Not really."

"Then why are you acting so wary of him?" Xie Lian asked, his brow gently raised. Nan Feng and Fu Yao didn't respond at first, their eyes narrowed toward San Lang like trained guards sizing up a wild animal. Their shoulders were squared and slightly forward, the kind of stance you took when you didn't trust someone one bit.

San Lang, unfazed as always, tilted his head slightly. "Gege, are they the servants for you and Xiu-ge?" Xie Lian coughed. "To be more specific, they're more like our assistants." Fu Yao scoffed, arms crossed. "Servants, huh? You've got a lot of gall for someone just holding a broom."

"I was being polite," San Lang replied smoothly. "If I were being accurate, I'd say they were watchdogs."

Nan Feng took a step forward at that, but before the tension could snap any further, Xiuying, still perched lazily in the doorway, finally chimed in. "You three keep circling each other like roosters in a courtyard. Should I place bets or just hand out scorecards?"

That earned him a sharp side-eye from Fu Yao. Nan Feng exhaled through his nose, eyes flicking between Xiuying and San Lang. "You really trust this guy?"

"I don't know," Xiuying said casually, tilting his head toward San Lang. "He did sweep the floor earlier. That's got to count for something."

"That's your benchmark?" Fu Yao said, disbelieving. "Well, it's more effort than most people put in." Xiuying shrugged. "Besides, San Lang is not dangerous, not to us. Probably."

"Comforting," Nan Feng muttered under his breath. San Lang let out a soft laugh. Xie Lian sighed again, smiling faintly as if he was used to this exact brand of chaos. "Let's all settle down. No one's fighting anyone. We're all allies here."

Nan Feng didn't look convinced, but he leave it at that for now. "I'll draw the teleportation array", he stated as Xie Lian suggested him to draw it on the door. Fu Yao kept his stare locked on San Lang like he was still calculating odds.

Meanwhile, Xiuying crossed his arms and grinned. "Seriously, you two look ready to throw hands over a broom. Maybe San Lang should sweep the tension next." San Lang chuckled again, clearly enjoying the chaos. "It's okay. Maybe I look familiar to them, hence the reaction." Fu Yao scoffed. "Yeah, that's why I've mistaken you for someone I knew."

"What are the odds? You two look quite familiar to me as well," San Lang replied smoothly, amusement playing at the corners of his lips. Fu Yao, not interested in word games, swept his gaze across the temple's interior. His nose wrinkled slightly. "You two live in this slum?"

"I've always lived in places like this," Xie Lian said, unbothered. "It's not so bad."

Fu Yao frowned, then asked, "Where's the bed?" Xie Lian gestured towards it. This time, Fu Yao's expression shifted almost immediately. "You all shared one bed?" Xie Lian's expression was as if he was offended by that remark, " Is there anything wrong with that?'

"You two slept with him?" Fu Yao asked, scandalized. Xiuying raised an eyebrow. "You say that like it's the start of a scandal." Nan Feng looked visibly uncomfortable, as if he'd rather be fighting ghosts than be in this conversation.

San Lang added casually, "It wasn't bad. Cozy, even." Xiuying shot him a side glance. "You have a strange definition of cozy." He truly doesn't know what's going on inside his head. Has the ghost king gone crazy? 

 Xie Lian sighed with a small smile. "Let's not start a fight over bedding arrangements."

“I’m not fighting,” Xiuying said, arms crossed. “I’m just clarifying that I have no intention of either being involved in or accidentally signed up for a romance subplot.” His voice was steady, matter-of-fact. “I’m just here to witness the drama, not be part of it. I’ll be in the audience with popcorn.”

Fu Yao raised an eyebrow. “You think this is a joke?” 

Xiuying glanced at him. “Everything’s a joke if you squint hard enough.”

“I’m done,” Nan Feng announced abruptly, straightening from the array he’d just finished drawing. The glow brightened in response. Xiuying nearly sighed in relief. He muttered under his breath, “Thank the heavens. Another second in this stupid sitcom and I might’ve combusted.”

As expected, before they could use the array, Nan Feng and Fu Yao had already begun bickering over how the array turned out. In the middle, Xie Lian valiantly attempted to mediate, hands gently waving as if trying to herd two particularly fussy cats.

Xiuying watched the chaos for a few beats, then sighed through his nose.

This was his life now.

After finally breaking up the two martial gods, Xie Lian grabbed his conical bamboo hat and gave it a gentle tap onto his head. Then, turning to Xiuying, he rested a warm hand on his shoulder. “Are you ready?” Xie Lian asked, calm and steady. Xiuying met his gaze, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. “Ready whenever you are, A-Lian.”

Behind them, Fu Yao muttered something about the array still being misaligned, while Nan Feng threatened to redo the entire thing. San Lang stood leisurely with his hands behind his back, a knowing look in his eyes.

Xie Lian, unmoved by the noise, placed his right hand on the temple door’s worn handle. He inhaled deeply, the atmosphere quieting around them. Then, in a voice both light and resolute, herecited, “Wishing us all the heavenly blessings. May all taboos be shattered!”

With that, the door swung open, revealing the beginning of their journey to Banyue Pass, along with mysteries awaiting for them there.

Chapter Text

When the door was pushed open, it no longer revealed the humble hillside of Puqi Village. Instead, they stepped onto a wide, bustling city avenue. The sky painted in twilight hues, and the cool desert air brushed against their skin.

The group stepped out one by one. At Xiuying's turn, he stopped to look at the wonderful sight of the city that they are currently in. Xie Lian turned back, catching the way Xiuying's eyes glimmered with wonder under the fading light.

"A-Xiu",  Xie Lian called gently. "Are you all right?"

Xiuying blinked. "Yeah. Sorry. Just taking it in. It's... beautiful." Xie Lian could only smile hearing the answer, taking in the view as well.

San Lang followed behind, hands in his sleeves, casual and ever composed. He glanced around before pointing upward. "According to historical records, when the moon sinks and you follow the North Star, you'll reach the Kingdom of Banyue." He gestured toward the sky. "There's the North Star."

Xie Lian followed his gaze and smiled. "It's so bright."

"It is," San Lang said as he stepped up beside him. Nan Feng, who had been keeping watch near the alley entrance, turned suddenly. His brows furrowed sharply. "Why is he here too?" His voice was low, sharp with irritation.

Behind them, Xiuying blinked. He tilted his head over to see San Lang, who was already offering his best innocent expression. "The door looked interesting," San Lang offered with a shrug. "I thought I'd tag along."

"This isn't a stroll in a garden," Nan Feng said, his tone rising. "We're on a mission, not leading a parade!" Fu Yao scowled. "You shouldn't be here."

Before the words could escalate into a real argument, Xiuying stepped in between them. "Hey, let's not turn the middle of the night into a shouting contest," he said gently, smiling. "We've only just arrived. Maybe give the city a good first impression?"

Fu Yao crossed his arms. "It's not just about 'being fine.' It's about responsibility."

"And I agree," Xiuying replied easily, "but we're not solving anything by flaring tempers. How about we save our energy for the mystery at Banyue Pass? You know... potential ghosts, curses, things that actually dangerous?"

"Alright, enough," Xie Lian said, raising a hand for peace. "It's the middle of the night. Everyone in this town is asleep. We're guests here. Let's be respectful and quiet, and focus on why we came."

That got a pause. Even Nan Feng hesitated. After a moment, Fu Yao relented with a sigh and Nan Feng, while clearly not happy, stepped back and gave San Lang a pointed glare. He exhaled, clearly trying to let go of his frustration, and turned away with a muttered, "Let's just get moving" before walking ahead.

Xie Lian smiled at Xiuying, eyes gentle. "Thank you, A-Xiu." Xiuying brushed imaginary dust off his sleeve with exaggerated elegance. "You're welcome. Anybody would get tired with those two around so I understand."

The group began moving again, falling into a quiet rhythm beneath the starlit sky. As the cold wind whispered across the sand, the group fell into a quiet rhythm, the subtle tension among them slowly smoothing over, at least for now.

As the group kept on crossing through the desert. Night soon turned into day. Xiuying turned his eyes toward the sunlit dunes stretching before them. The desert felt quiet, along with the heat that it brings. The sky stretched wide overhead, brilliant and cloudless, and the sun beat down relentlessly.

Xiuying trudged along, the hem of his robe already gathering dust. He wiped his brow with his sleeve for the third time in a minute, squinting ahead. "Okay. I'm just going to say it. This heat? Arrest it." San Lang let out a soft chuckle from where he walked beside him. "You weren't expecting this?"

"I forgot that we'd be walking across it literally." he huffed. Though it's not like San Lang was doing any better than him with sweat running down his face. " Gege, can't they draw another array like earlier?" Fu Yao gave a loud scoff. "Did you think spiritual power grows on trees?"

Xie Lian glanced back at him with an amused expression, but answered patiently. " While the teleportation array allows us to travel faster, it is actually quite complicated. The further the location, the more spiritual energy that it consumes. Even with rest, Nan Feng won't fully recover for several hours", he explained gently. "And to preserve strength in case of a fight, we can't afford to use more than we need. I'd ask Fu Yao to do the same, but it would leave us vulnerable. We might need that power later."

Thinking back, Xiuying definitely remembered this part being explained in the novel, but he guessed that the heat made his thoughts flew out the window, making him forget this information.

The sun climbed steadily, and their shadows shrank beneath them. Though Xiuying grumbled every now and then, he kept walking, falling into step just beside Xie Lian. The martial god gave him a side glance. "You're doing well." Hearing the compliment, Xiuying flashed him a tired grin. "Well, I'm still standing. That's something."

"Sometimes," Xie Lian said gently, "that's everything."

The sun blazed overhead, unrelenting in the wide desert sky. Xiuying wiped the back of his neck with a faint grimace, his skin warm to the touch and sweat already soaking through the collar of his robes. His steps, though steady had grown heavier with the hours.

Without a word, Xie Lian reached up and removed his bamboo hat, turning towards him. "Here," he said gently, offering it. "I'll lend it to you."

Xiuying stopped walking for a beat, blinking up at him.

The hat. 

The bamboo hat.

In the novel, he remembered this moment. The hat would had gone to San Lang. A subtle, caring gesture. A quiet thread in the tapestry of their bond. A moment that, while small, felt significant. And now...

It was being handed to him.

"Oh, uh..." Xiuying forced a laugh, quick and casual. "That's sweet, but if I take that, I might disintegrate from guilt before the sun even gets a chance. Better you keep it, your complexion's practically sacred." He pushed it gently back into Xie Lian's hands, smiling wide as if it were nothing. Xie Lian gave him a soft look but didn't press. "Let me know if you need it, then." He placed the hat back on his own head and resumed walking, steps steady across the uneven terrain.

Xiuying trailed after him, his steps a little lighter but his smile faltering at the edges. The breeze didn't offer much relief. Hot, dry, and clinging but it wasn't the heat making his palms slightly damp. With a subtle glance to the side, he looked at San Lang.

Just to check.

San Lang was still walking a few steps behind them, his expression calm, unreadable as always. The crimson of his robes shimmered slightly in the light, like fire given form. His eyes met Xiuying's for a moment.

Then San Lang smiled. A warm, amused smile. Not forced, not cold, just... patient. Friendly.

Xiuying blinked. That wasn't what he expected. Wait. Wait a second. The Ghost King was smiling at him?

Him? The side character tagging along Xie Lian like a misplaced NPC? Xiuying's brain kicked into overdrive, alarms going off in the distance of his mind like warning bells.

He's smiling. He saw the hat thing. He didn't try to end me. I'm still here. Breathing. No blood. No soul ripped out.

He peeked sideways. San Lang wasn't saying anything, he just looked ahead again, serene as ever, the faint curve of his lips still lingering like mist under moonlight. Xiuying on the other hand was internally spiraling. He gasped, mentally, hand twitching toward his mouth in dramatic realization.

He trusts me.

Xiuying's eyes sparkled with the sudden clarity of a divine revelation. Yes. Yes! There was only one explanation for this miraculous development. One shining, glorious truth.

He had finally become his bestie.

That's right. San Lang trusted him now. Like, actual "you can hang out with my beloved gege and I won't disembowel you" level trust! The sacred bond had been forged. They were comrades. Buddies. Allies in the holy mission of keeping Xie Lian safe, loved, and emotionally fulfilled.

Never mind the heat. Never mind the chafing sand in his boots. He has a supportive Ghost King as his bestie. What more would a reincarnated background character like him could ask for?

Xie Lian glanced back as he remembered something that he wanted to ask. "San Lang, do you know anything more about the evil taoist?" San Lang looked at him and answered smoothly, "That would be the former state preceptor of the ancient Kingdom of Banyue, one of the infamous Dual Evil Masters."

"'Dual' meaning there's another one?" Xie Lian prompted. "Yes," San Lang replied. "The other was a cultivator named Fangxin from the Central Plains, but he had nothing to do with Banyue itself."

As San Lang's voice carried on, recounting the brutal military history of the Kingdom of Banyue, its downfall, and the lingering resentment of the fallen warriors that haunted the desert, Xiuying listened quietly at first. Then, gradually, his eyes drifted to the side as he began mentally cross-referencing what he was hearing.

Banyue was wiped out by the Central Plains army... State preceptor steeped in demonic arts... Oasis turned ghost-haunted pass...

He furrowed his brows. He zoned out while walking along with the group. He tries to make sure that he remembers the plot for this part, unsure if he can change anything. He doesn't know if there's anything that he can do to help but considering the fact that he was stopped by the System during the ghost groom arc...

He doesn't know what to do.

Just as he was in a dilemma, suddenly a sharp flare of light zipped through the air, passing him. Xiuying jerked upright, startled as the ball of spiritual energy exploded just behind San Lang who managed to evade by just moving slightly. Fu Yao lowered his hand, expression tight and cold.

 "Oops."Fu Yao said in a tone of mockery. " My hand just slipped."

"More like your attitude slipped," San Lang replied smoothly.

"Try saying that again, I dare you."

Before another bolt could fly, Xiuying leapt up with both hands in the air. "OKAY!  Everyone, calm down! No need to roast each other alive in the middle of the desert, we already have the sun doing that for us!"

Fu Yao huffed but didn't fire again. San Lang only smiled, completely unfazed. Xie Lian sighed and gently stepped between them. "We're wasting spiritual energy. Let's focus on the matter at hand."

"Look over there." Nan Feng pointed towards a small building amidst the desert. 

San Lang had gone ahead to inspect the structure for shelter, leaving the rest behind. Nan Feng stood with arms crossed, eyes narrowed in the direction the boy had disappeared. "You don't think that boy is at least somewhat odd?" Xie Lian didn't look away. "Of course I do." Nan Feng turned toward him, frowning. "You know he's dangerous but you still keep him by your side?"

Before Xie Lian could answer, Xiuying spoke up, voice calm but firm. "Being odd and being dangerous aren't the same thing. If that's the argument, then half the cultivators in the heavenly realm are 'dangerous'. Add the fact that a lot of them are obnoxious lot."

Fu Yao's gaze shifted to him, unimpressed. "You don't find it strange that he knows far more than he should and never seems surprised by anything?" Xiuying met his gaze evenly. "I do. But suspicion doesn't always equate to guilt. He haven't done anything to hurt us, let alone made a move to betray us or manipulate anyone. If anything, he is a good company for us this far." 

Fu Yao scowled. "That could've been to earn your trust." Xiuying didn't flinch. "And it could've been because it was the right thing to do. Until there's evidence of the former, I'll believe the latter. That's not naivety. That's fairness."

Nan Feng turned back to Xie Lian. "Still, I really doubt that he's just an ordinary wanderer."

Xie Lian takes the turn to speak, "I've already tested him. Multiple times. The results are inconclusive. If he's not a mortal, then there's only one other possibility."

Fu Yao scoffed. "A supreme."

"Even if he is... what of it? There's no rule that says power equals malice. If his intent were to harm, he's had countless chances. He hasn't taken any of them."  Xiuying's brow furrowed, but his voice remained composed. "Everyone has reasons for the things they hide. That doesn't automatically make them dangerous. Until he gives us a reason not to trust him, I won't assume the worst."

 Xie Lian nodded slowly. "Besides, do you think ghost kings are so idle that they'd spend their days following us around, sharing scraps and walking through deserts?"

Nan Feng and Fu Yao remained silent.

 Xie Lian continued, "If you feel the need to test him again, go ahead. But don't go too far. What if he truly is just a wandering youth? Both A-Xiu and I get along well with him. Don't push him away without cause."

The wind stirred again, kicking up a small veil of sand around their feet. In the distance, a figure in red called out to them, " Gege! Xiu-ge! Come here, it's nice and cool in here!" As the argument seemed to already been dropped, the rest of them heads towards the building from where San Lang was calling out to them. Xie Lian led the group inside, and they found a table to sit and settle at.

Xie Lian pulled a water bottle from his bag, unscrewed the cap and handed it to San Lang. "Do you want some?" San Lang accepted with a nod, drinking a few slow sips before handing it back. Xie Lian drank next, letting the cool water wash away the dryness in his throat.  When he finally lowered the bottle, a glint of moisture still clung to the corner of his mouth. He wiped it away with his sleeve. Then, casually, he turned to Xiuying and offered the bottle again. "Here. Want a drink?"

Xiuying blinked.

Once. Twice.

Wait. Hold on.

He stared at the bottle, then at Xie Lian, then at the bottle again.

That's... That's the same one San Lang just drank from. Right? And then Xie Lian. And now...me?

He took the bottle slowly, his fingers stiff, careful not to look directly at either of them. His heart did a weird little tap dance in his chest.

This feels... oddly intimate? No? Am I reading too much into it? I must be. Probably. Definitely.

He took a quick sip and then handed it back with both hands, like it was a precious heirloom he wasn't worthy to hold.

"Thanks, " he mumbled, pretending to be intensely focused on screwing the cap shut, even though it was already tight. Beside him, San Lang propped his chin in his hand, watching with quiet amusement but saying nothing. He didn't seem to mind one bit. In fact, his smile deepened ever so slightly. Xiuying caught the glance and swiftly averted his eyes, pretending the sand beside his foot was utterly fascinating.

"Is there more?" San Lang asked. Without any hesitation, Xie Lian held out the bottle to him again. Just as San Lang reached for it, another hand came between them. "Hold on," Fu Yao said, tone flat. He pulled his own water bottle from his pack and placed it on the table with a quiet thud. "Use mine."

Xiuying shifted his gaze toward the scene. He didn't say anything yet, but his eyes lit with subtle interest. He could already tell what this was. San Lang's smile didn't falter. "I can just share with them. It's not a problem."

Fu Yao countered immediately. "That one is almost empty. Mine's full. Help yourself." San Lang offered a polite shrug. "Then why don't you two drink first?"

Nan Feng and Fu Yao stiffened. "You're the guest," Fu Yao insisted, lips tight. San Lang mirrored the gesture with graceful indifference. "But it's yours. It would be rude of me to go first."

The tension at the makeshift table was sharp, like a blade just shy of cutting skin. The water bottle sat between them like a silent challenge, being nudged back and forth in a battle of barely concealed motives.

Xiuying finally pushed himself upright, brushing dust from his sleeve as he spoke. "I'm honestly impressed," he said, voice light, amused. "You've managed to make drinking water feel like a duel to the death." Fu Yao glanced his way, clearly annoyed. "If you're not going to contribute anything useful—"

"I am," Xiuying cut in smoothly. "I just prefer saying things when they matter." He glanced toward San Lang, who met his eyes for a moment, faintly smiling as if he were enjoying the show just as much. To be honest, even he is enjoying the scene. He didn't know that seeing it happens right in front of him would be this amusing.

The secret battle over the water bottle continued for several rounds. Back and forth it went, until finally, Fu Yao snapped and sneered, "You not accepting this water means you have a guilty conscience!" San Lang replied with a lazy smile, "You  refused to drink first. Who knows if you've poisoned the water? Maybe you're the one with the guilty conscience?"

Xiuying, seated next to Xie Lian, tilted his head and raised a brow at that. A classic deflection. San Lang: 1, Grumpy General: 0.

Fu Yao jabbed a finger toward Xie Lian. "You can very well ask him whether this water is poisoned!" San Lang turned to Xie Lian, his tone half-innocent, half-playful. "Is this water poisoned, gege?" Technically, it will only reveal one's true form, It won't hurt. Xie Lian replied slowly, carefully, "It's not poisoned, but..."

Xiuying watched as all three pairs of eyes now focused on San Lang. The tension in the air was so thick it could have been cut with a knife. San Lang chuckled. "If gege says it's okay, then I'll take a drink."

He tilted the bottle back and drank in one long, unbothered gulp. Then, with a little flourish, he shook the empty bottle and casually tossed it over his shoulder. It hit the ground behind him and shattered. "Tastes bad," he said. Xiuying blinked. Hearing that comment from San Lang made him curious how does the water actually tastes like.

Fu Yao's expression faltered for a split second. Then, recovering his composure, he sniffed, "It's only water. Doesn't it all taste the same?" San Lang reached for Xie Lian's water again, eyes gleaming. "Of course it's different. This one tastes much better."

Xie Lian couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips, and Xiuying had to stifle a laugh that nearly escaped through his nose.

Was that flirtation or brand loyalty? Either way, I admire the boldness.

Just when it seemed the tension had finally fizzled, Nan Feng suddenly stood up and dropped something onto the table with a loud metallic clang.  Xiuying jolted slightly, eyes widening as he spotted the item. A sword, heavy and ancient-looking, rested between them. "What are you doing?" Xie Lian asked, startled. "The road ahead is dangerous," Nan Feng said flatly. "This is my gift to our little buddy, for self-defense."

The sword's sheath was old and worn, the aura unmistakably spiritual. Xie Lian turned away with a groan, one hand on his forehead. "It's Hongjing," he muttered.

Xiuying straightened. He can't help feeling amazed as he lays his eyes upon the sword. San Lang, however, appeared intrigued. "Oh? Let me see." Sheath in one hand, hilt in the other, he pulled the blade free. Nan Feng and Fu Yao leaned in unconsciously.

Only about half of the blade had been drawn when San Lang laughed softly. "Gege, are your servants playing a joke on me?"

"Who's joking around with you?" Nan Feng snapped. San Lang, still smiling, slid the sword back into the sheath and tossed it lightly onto the table. "How can one defend oneself with a broken sword?"

Nan Feng's face froze. He snatched up the weapon, drew the blade and heard a clunk. In Nan Feng's hand was a sword with the blade broken eight centimeters down. "What the—" Nan Feng turned the sheath upside down. A scatter of bright metallic shards tumbled out with sharp little clinks.

Xiuying stared, stunned. He doesn't know whether to be impressed or afraid. Possibly both. Hongjing, the sacred sword, now lay in broken pieces. Not even drawn. Not even resisted. Just... shattered.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao both pointed at San Lang and cried, “You—!!”

San Lang snickered. He tossed one of the broken sword pieces in the air like a coin. “I’m sure you guys didn’t do this on purpose. Don’t worry about me, I don’t need protection.”

Across the table, Xiuying arched a brow, a smirk playing faintly on his lips. I thought it was about to go down,  he mused. Turns out I was front row for the evening’s entertainment.

He watched San Lang toy with the broken sword utterly unfazed while Nan Feng and Fu Yao stood frozen like they'd just been served a steaming plate of humiliation.

Xiuying leaned a little closer to Xie Lian and said under his breath, “Should we start selling tickets? I think this performance deserves a second act.” Xie Lian huffed a quiet laugh through his nose, more fond than amused.

Still, the tension remained thick. Xiuying could tell the bickering was about to begin again so he glanced toward the window. Just then, two shadows flashed swiftly across the sand beyond the inn.

Two silhouettes consist of one black and one white, moved like gliding clouds. The one in black was tall and confident, never glancing back. The other, dressed in white, her figure elegant and swift. As they passed the abandoned inn, the black figure didn’t look back once, but the white figure turned slightly and smiled.

Xiuying leaned forward slightly, intrigued. Mysterious strangers sweeping by in a sandstorm? Now we’re really getting into the plot.

Nan Feng rose instantly. “Who was that?” Xie Lian stood up too. “Don’t know, but they’re definitely not ordinary people.” After a moment’s deliberation, he said, “Let's go after them as well."

The five of them continued their trek, now against a blowing headwind. They walked for quite some time, the strong wind made them lose track of time. Xie Lian, holding his bamboo hat down, called out, “This sudden sandstorm feels strange!”

Even with so much sand blowing and thrashing about, somehow San Lang remained calm and collected, hands clasped behind him as he walked. His red tunic and black hair danced wildly in the wind, as if he hadn’t any care in the world. Xiuying could only wonder how he managed to look like he's in the middle of shooting a shampoo commercial despite the strong wind.

A few paces back, Xiuying trudged forward with his sleeves drawn close and a cloth pulled up over his nose. Despite the worsening conditions, his steps were steady. If I get buried in this sand, I hope someone at least gives me a dramatic backstory when they dig me out, he thought, letting out a small breath that might’ve been a chuckle quickly lost to the wind.

Just then, a powerful gust swept past them, shrieking like a furious spirit. Xie Lian’s bamboo hat lifted off his head and was nearly snatched away into the swirling chaos of the desert skies. But before it could fly too far, a blur of red moved beside him.

San Lang reacted instantly. His hand slicing through the wind like a blade and caught the hat with stunning precision. His movement was so quick, so smooth, it was as if he’d been expecting it all along. He casually returned the bamboo hat to Xie Lian, who blinked at him in surprise before softly thanking him.

Behind them, Xiuying nearly choked on a mouthful of sand not from the storm, but from how violently his inner heart had just combusted. Oh come on. The hat catch? Really? In the middle of a cursed sandstorm? Are you two trying to kill me with main character chemistry right now?

He watched the exchange with wide eyes, practically expecting the desert wind to glitter romantically around the pair. If this had been a scene in a drama, Xiuying was convinced it would have at least earned a slow-motion pan and a soft instrumental swell. It doesn't help that he is trying to hide the flustered grin that had somehow made its way to his lips.

He trudged on behind them, sighing deeply not from exhaustion, but from the sheer force of secondhand romantic tension.

As Xie Lian retied the hat onto his head, he warned again, “Be careful, everyone. This wind came out of nowhere, it’s not right. There may be evil within.”

“It’s just a little sandstorm, how evil can it be?” Fu Yao said, unimpressed. Xie Lian shook his head. “The wind is all right. It’s what the sand might carry that I’m worried about.” Fu Yao scoffed, arms crossed. “If there’s evil in this storm trying to stop us from advancing, then we must continue!”

Before Xie Lian could respond, San Lang suddenly burst out laughing. Fu Yao’s head snapped toward him with a glare. “What are you laughing at?”

San Lang folded his arms lazily, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Does being contradictory give you the satisfaction of feeling unique and independent?”

Fu Yao’s eyes darkened further, and Xie Lian raised a hand to intervene. “Stop right there, you two. If you’ve got things to say, say them later. It won’t be funny if the wind gets any stronger—”

“What? Think it’ll blow you away?” Fu Yao sneered.

“Yes, that may very well ha—”

But before Xie Lian could finish, an explosive gust tore through the group like a whip. Sand whipped across their faces and in the very next blink, Xiuying was no longer walking beside them.

“ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!” Xiuying screamed as his body was swept into the air like a dramatically offended kite. “I JUST GOT INVESTED IN THE SHIP AND NOW I’M THE ONE GETTING SHIPPED!”

His limbs flailed as he spun midair, his hair and robes a chaotic tangle in the wind. “THIS IS NOT THE CHARACTER ARC I SIGNED UP FOR!”

The group below watched in stunned silence.

“Was that… a twister?” Xie Lian said in disbelief.

“...He got snatched like a dumpling off a table,” Nan Feng muttered.

Xiuying was screaming. Not out of pride or flair—no, this was pure, undiluted panic.

The shrieking wind carried Xiuying higher, his figure spinning rapidly in the sand-filled sky like an angry ribbon on a cursed kite string. “NO, NO, NO—I’M TOO YOUNG TO BE TURNED INTO A HUMAN KITE!” his voice wailed from above.

“A-Xiu!”, that was the last thing that he could hear before the wind caried him higher and higher as the time passes. He flailed helplessly as the sandstorm spun him higher, body twisted in a swirl of robes, arms flapping wildly as he soared above the desert.

“HEY YOU GOT THE WRONG PERSON! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO GET THE OTHER ONE, NOT ME! ”

The clouds of sand thickened, obscuring everything. His heart pounded in his chest as panic gripped him harder than the wind. Just then, something white flashed in the chaos.

Before he could even comprehend it, a silken thread coiled around his ankle and yanked tight. Xiuying gasped as he was suddenly pulled through the storm, tumbling head over heels like a sack of laundry being reeled in by divine forces.

“WH-WHAT?! WHAT IS THIS?! RUOYE? PLEASE BE GENTLE!” Ruoye doesn't heed his request, instead it kept on pulling him making Xiuying let out another scream. Just when he thought it would go endless...

Whump.

He collided into something solid.

And soft.

“Ugh—hey, watch it,” a voice groaned.

Xiuying blinked. His face was pressed into someone’s shoulder.

San Lang’s shoulder.

“…You again?” Xiuying wheezed.

Then he looked down and saw Nan Feng.

And Fu Yao.

And Xie Lian.

All of them were entangled together, limbs awkwardly bound by Rouye’s elegant but overly enthusiastic knots. They dangled mid-air, a group bundle of flapping sleeves and confused limbs swinging like the world’s most confused piñata.

Xie Lian gave him a slightly dazed smile. “You're safe. That’s good.”

“I—what—how are you all up here too?!” Xiuying cried, breathless.

“The wind picked us up just after you did,” Nan Feng said grimly.

“Ruoye tried to keep everyone from getting flung to opposite directions,” Xie Lian explained, wriggling his fingers to direct the silk. “We’re… in a bit of a cluster.”

“A cluster?!” Xiuying sputtered. “We’re a tangled dumpling in the sky! What are we supposed to do now?!!”

Fu Yao, whose leg was twisted behind someone else’s back, gritted his teeth. “If your elbow jabs my ribs one more time, I will end you.”

“Take it up with the wind!” Xiuying shouted back. “I didn’t plan to fly into your spleen!”

San Lang chuckled lowly. “I’d say this is one of the more intimate near-death experiences I’ve had.”

“Shut up,” Nan Feng growled.

“Everyone just stay calm,” Xie Lian said, trying to sound collected despite his hair whipping into his eyes. Xie Lian seized Ruoye with his only available hand and said woefully, “Oh, Ruoye, all five of us are counting on you now. Please, absolutely do not grab the wrong thing again. Now go!”

Xiuying, still very much traumatized from his high-altitude twister experience, groaned out deep from his heart. "Please don’t let it grab me by the ankle again, I don’t want to be treated like a rag twice in one day…”

With heroic solemnity, Xie Lian released Ruoye once more into the roaring wind. It whipped away like a white serpent.

“Stop relying on that toy! Think of something else!” Nan Feng barked, still spitting out sand.

“It’s not a toy! It’s an emotional support silk!” Xiuying shouted with wide eyes despite being the victim just few seconds ago. “It saved our lives! Kind of. If you count being lassoed mid-air as ‘saving.’”

But just then, Xie Lian felt a sudden tug from Ruoye and lit up. “Wait! Give it one more chance! It’s caught something!”

“It better not be a random passerby!” Fu Yao growled. “Let the poor person go!”

“I am the poor person!” Xiuying yelled.

Xie Lian was also afraid of the same thing. He pulled cautiously, half expecting to see someone’s laundry or, gods forbid, a very confused farmer. But Ruoye remained taut and sturdy. “It’s not! It’s something solid, quite stable!” he said with relief. Then, firmly, he commanded, “Pull!” Ruoye, ever the faithful silk, shortened rapidly, tugging them all forward against the storm. 

Gradually, the world shifted. Through the raging yellow of the sandstorm, the blurry silhouette of something large and dark took shape. As they were reeled closer, it became clear.  The object was a massive, half-round boulder. Ruoye had latched onto it with impeccable taste.

Once they touched down, they scrambled around the backside for shelter. Xiuying tripped over his own sleeves and crashed straight into the rock, face-first.

Thud.

“Ow! Okay, I found it, no need to launch me into it…”

When the wind finally dulled behind the boulder, Xie Lian let out a long sigh. “Thank the heaven official’s blessings!”

Because there was a dark, jagged opening hidden in the stone’s back. It was just big enough for a person to crawl through bent at the waist. They crouched and ducked into the entrance one by one. The inside of the boulder was unexpectedly hollow and deep. Darkness loomed inside, but Xie Lian simply settled near the light, brushing the sand off Ruoye and carefully winding it back around his wrist with reverence.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao, however, looked like they had just been spit out by a sand demon. They were caked in sand, coated from their eyebrows to their boots. Fu Yao let out a sharp cough and pulled sand from his ear. “I hate everything.” Nan Feng peeled off his robe and shook it with vengeance. A mini dune hit the ground.

San Lang, ever unfazed, simply leaned back lazily, brushing a light dusting from his sleeves. Not a single hair out of place.

Xiuying, meanwhile, flopped dramatically to the ground like a dying hero, then paused, dug into his boot, and pulled out a whole handful of sand. "At this rate, I might lose my voice just from screaming in the air."

Xie Lian smiled gently as he reached out to adjust Xiuying’s disheveled collar. “You’re safe now.”

“Physically, yes,” Xiuying said, staring blankly at the cave wall. “Spiritually? No."

Chapter Text

Nan Feng wiped his face and started cursing while Xie Lian shook out his bamboo hat, a cascade of fine sand spilling down his front. "I didn't think you two would get pulled in as well. Why didn't you use the Thousand-Pound Weight spell?"

"We did! It was useless!" Nan Feng snapped, spitting grit from his mouth. "The north is General Pei Ming and Pei Xiu's turf, and the west belongs to Quan Yizhen. There isn't any Nan Yang temple within a hundred kilometers."

For the junior officials for the generals of the southeast and southwest, the limits of their power were suddenly evident. If only they were truly just junior officials and not the generals themselves. Xiuying almost rolled his eyes but halted the intention since it is already a certain someone's trademark. Better not be caught in the copyright issues.

"You two have worked very hard," Xie Lian said sympathetically. He took a moment, then turned to San Lang. "San Lang, that state preceptor of Banyue... is it a man or a woman?"

"Did I not mention earlier? She's a woman."

"Earlier when we were resting, didn't we see two figures pass by? Their steps were graceful and strange, definitely not those of a mortal."

Fu Yao looked doubtful. "It's not easy to identify whether they were a man or woman by the robes and they looked taller than the average woman. Are you sure you saw right?"

"I'm absolutely sure," Xie Lian said. "So I thought she might be the state preceptor of Banyue."

"It's possible," Nan Feng said. "But there was another black-clad figure traveling with her. Who could that be?"

"Hard to say, but that person was walking even faster than she was. Their strength is definitely no less than hers," Xie Lian said. "Could it have been the other evil state preceptor, Fangxin?" Fu Yao wondered aloud.

Before anyone could speculate further, Xiuying cut in flatly from where he was now upending his boot. "No, that name is already taken. By the way let me introduce you, this one's Fang, this one's Xin." He said while pointing his finger towards the few grains of sands by his feet.

There was a beat of stunned silence.

Fu Yao opened his mouth, paused, then closed it. Nan Feng squinted at Xiuying like he was trying to determine whether he was joking or he has already gone insane. "...What?" Fu Yao finally managed.

Xiuying gestured vaguely at his leg. "The one behind my knee is Pei. He's loyal to nothing and an inconvenience. The one in my other boot is clearly Mu Qing, because he's full of judgment and making everything harder."

"Don't drag Mu Qing into this," Xie Lian murmured, trying not to laugh. There was a long pause. Then, in a tone of someone who had just resigned from all logic, Nan Feng asked slowly, "...Is there any sand named Feng Xin?"

Xiuying looked genuinely thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. He flew into my mouth earlier and made me choke. Made my throat coarse and I'm sure not liking it." Nan Feng closed his eyes like he'd just taken psychic damage. "That... checks out." Fu Yao looked at the ceiling of the cave, as if giving up on something even he doesn't know what it is. Probably his sanity.

The wind outside the cave seemed to be dying down. Nan Feng approached the opening of their shelter, patting the rocky surface here and there inspecting it. He lowered his head with a furrowed brow. "Why would there be a hollow rock like this in the middle of a desert?" he asked, clearly suspicious.

Xie Lian, however, didn't appear surprised. "Hollowed boulders like these aren't unusual. The people of Banyue used to build shelters like these to hide from sandstorms, or even to pass the night while grazing livestock. Some weren't even carved since they were shaped by the wind itself." Nan Feng blinked. "Grazing? In a desert?" Xie Lian smiled patiently. "It wasn't all desert here two hundred years ago. There used to be an oasis."

From behind them, Xiuying, who was still smacking his boots upside down to shake out the last of the sand, chimed in, "An oasis turning into a wasteland? That's depressing. Imagine going to sleep under a fruit tree and waking up inside a gravel pit." Nan Feng gave him a flat look, but Xiuying only threw his hands up in mock surrender. "What? I was just voicing out my opinion. You want to judge the way I think as well?"

Fu Yao snorted from the side, arms crossed. "You think loudly."

"That's because the desert's too quiet," Xiuying shot back, brushing a stubborn clump of sand off his sleeve. "Someone has to provide some ambiance in here." San Lang can't help but feel amused. "I think it's refreshing. At least Xiu-ge doesn't pretend he's not suffering."

"Exactly," Xiuying said. "I'm just being honest. Take it or leave, that's your only choice I'm afraid." Xie Lian laughed despite himself.  "You're not wrong."

 Nan Feng sighed, rubbing his temple. "If this is what passing time with you is going to be like, I'll take the next sandstorm." Xiuying pointed at him with mock concern. "Careful, Nan Feng. That sandstorm out there might have heard you and decided to come back just for you."

As if on cue, a faint gust of wind whispered through the mouth of the shelter. Everyone paused. "...I take it back," Nan Feng muttered quickly. Xie Lian smiled, brushing off the last of the sand from his robes. "Let's try to look around. See if we can find anything."

They walked through the cave with a single light from the fire conjured by Nan Feng, not knowing what they will find or encounter. Walking for awhile, Xiuying feels as if they were being watched. Deep ahead the route, he swore he could make out a face. He tried squinting his eyes to see it better but ended up screaming at the same time as the mysterious face.

"GAHH!" Xiuying shrieked. In a panic, he latched onto whoever was the closest to him, which happened to be Fu Yao. He doesn't seem to be bothered by that reaction. Instead, he instinctively caught Xiuying before he could trip over himself, then sighed exasperated but steady. 

Nan Feng immediately took out his other hand and ignited it as well. He pressed both palms together and flames surged, casting bright light across the dark cave walls. The figure scrambled along the cave wall, trying to hide deeper in the shadows but the light grew too bright to conceal them. It was then that they saw others. There were a few people which made up a small group huddled together at the back of the cave, wide-eyed and shaking.

"It's just a person. No need to scream like the sky's falling." Fu Yao said. Xiuying can definitely sense the eye-rolling behind that tone. "Easy for you to say!" Xiuying clung tighter. "You didn't see the way that person skulked in the shadows!" Fu Yao let out a sigh, clearly tired of him. "You are overreacting. Let go of me already."

After a tense moment, an older man, perhaps in his fifties, stepped forward with trembling hands raised in a gesture of peace. "We-we're just a merchant caravan passing through. Ordinary merchants! The sandstorm was too fierce, so we took shelter here. Please don't hurt us!"

Nan Feng narrowed his eyes. "If you're just ordinary merchants, why were you hiding like criminals?"

Before the elder could answer, a teenage boy around seventeen burst out, "We weren't sneaking! You all came rushing in with glowing palms, fire in your hands! We thought you were patrolling Banyue soldiers!" The elder turned sharply. "Tian Sheng!" The boy shrank back, but the tension lingered.

Xie Lian stepped forward and offered a gentle smile. "We won't harm you. It's nothing but a misunderstanding. Let's all relax a bit so no need to be so nervous."

He glanced around at the still-tense faces before continuing. "We're not Banyue soldiers. I'm just a cultivator from a small shrine, and these are... friends from the same shrine. We know a few tricks, but nothing dangerous. You're ordinary merchants, we're ordinary cultivators. It's simply the same storm brought us all to the same shelter." His voice was soft and unhurried, an attempt of calming them down.

Then San Lang's voice cut through the space, "I think those merchants aren't as simple as they say they are." A few heads snapped up, blinking at him in confusion. "Don't at least half the travelers who go through Banyue Pass mysteriously vanish? And yet you all came here willingly?"

"That's not exactly true young man," the elder replied calmly. "Those rumors are mostly exaggerated. Many caravans have crossed without incident. As long as you find a good guide, you're fine," the elder explained. "So we found a local to lead us. Someone who knows the land well."

"Yeah!" Tian Sheng jumped in. "It's all thanks to A-Zhao-ge! If not for him, we'd be lost in a pit somewhere by now. He helped us dodge quicksand and brought us here when the storm hit!"

Xiuying, who had already calmed down from the jumpscare, quickly perked up again. Although he already know who the boy was referring to, he couldn't help but be curious. What would Pei Xiu's puppet look like? Will it resemble his true face at all?

"Is this A-Zhao with you right now?", Xie Lian asked. The elder nodded. "Yes. He's resting in the back."

Xiuying's head tilted, the mischievous glint in his eyes sharpening. "Resting, huh?" he murmured, as though the word itself was suspicious. Then, lips curling into a smile that promised absolutely nothing good, he clapped his hands once and declared, "Perfect. Let's go see if he can pass the vibe check."

He sauntered across the cave, light-footed and bright-eyed like a child approaching a suspiciously still animal. In the shadows, the so-called guide, A-Zhao sat alone with posture relaxed but unreadable, almost statue-like. His face was dimly lit, but when Xiuying got close enough to be seen clearly, there was a pause.

A tiny flicker in A-Zhao's expression, so faint it might have been imagined. Something tightened in his gaze the moment he saw Xiuying's face. It lasted no longer than a heartbeat before he blinked once, slowly, and it was gone. "...Who are you?"

Xiuying tilted his head, a glint of amusement already playing on his lips. "Me? I'm just a humble passerby. A windblown scrap of fabric on the desert floor. A speck of dust with opinions."

No reaction. Xiuying gave a dramatic sigh. "No appreciation for desert poetry. Tragic."

From the other side of the cave, Nan Feng muttered under his breath, "What... is he even saying." Fu Yao pinched the bridge of his nose. "Don't ask. Don't engage."

Meanwhile, Xiuying leaned a bit more closer, watching A-Zhao's unmoved expression with growing interest. "You don't talk much, huh? That's fine. Some of my best conversations are one-sided. I just thought I'd meet the man everyone's been praising. The hero of the sand."

Still, A-Zhao remained silent, his face neutral.

Xiuying grinned wider. Stoic type, huh? Let's see how long that lasts. "So, how did you manage to find cave?" Xiuying pressed, still grinning. "Did you sniff it out like a truffle pig of the desert? Or was it a vision thing? You know, the typical 'The spirits called to me... This cave shall be our refuge', type of medium?" He waved his hands around dramatically." Did you hear any voices?"

"No," A-Zhao replied, deadpan.

"Ah, the strong silent type," Xiuying mused, ignoring the biting chill in that tone. "So it's a talent. You just feel where safety is, huh? Do you dream about sandstorms? Ever get premonitions about falling into sinkholes?"

"...No," A-Zhao said, voice flat, void of hinting any emotion in it.

"Is it a secret technique, then?" Xiuying asked sweetly. "Passed down from a line of desert sages? Did your master raise you in the sand? Did he teach you how to navigate by the movement of lizards and the taste of dust in the air?"

A-Zhao stared at him like he was a madman. "...I can't tell if you're mocking me or just genuinely insane," A-Zhao muttered.

"Why not both?" Xiuying beamed. "Multitasking is a valuable skill." Xiuying leaned even closer, watching A-Zhao's still expression with the casual interest of someone examining a rare and potentially dangerous animal behind glass.

So stoic. So composed, Xiuying thought, amusement bubbling just under the surface.

In the background, Nan Feng groaned softly. "He's still going. Why is he still going?" Fu Yao was already several steps past resigned.

Indeed, Xiuying's eyes were glittering with mischief. After all, the System did say he should try to make the story interesting. How could he possibly refuse such a noble quest? If the universe hands him a cryptic encouragement to stir the pot, who is he to refuse? Xiuying is only a humble servant of plot progression. So why not have some fun while he can?

Xiuying tilted his head at A-Zhao with faux innocence. "So, A-Zhao, esteemed desert guide... what do you do for fun? Sand sculpting? Desert tea ceremonies? Raising scorpions with attachment issues?"

A-Zhao blinked at him, expression still unreadable. "...I think you're mistaking me for someone else."

Xiuying gasped theatrically. "Could it be... you're not A-Zhao? An imposter? A desert spirit who has taken his place? Quick, say something only the real A-Zhao would know!" A-Zhao opened his mouth then closed it. He stared at Xiuying for a beat longer then calmly said, "You're... strange."

Xiuying beamed. "Flattery! Finally!"

From the back San Lang let out a soft, muffled chuckle clearly enjoying the show. Xie Lian, still trying to maintain some level of decorum, covered his smile with his sleeve and whispered to San Lang, "Should we... intervene?" San Lang shook his head with a grin. "Too late. He's deeply committed already."

Xiuying had dropped to a crouch in front of A-Zhao and was now eyeing him like an interviewer about to ask the most controversial question of the hour. "So tell me, guide of mystery. If you were a cactus, what kind of cactus would you be? Don't worry, this is vital to team morale."

A-Zhao, impressively, gave no outward sign of distress. But Xiuying could swear the man's eye twitched ever so slightly.

Ah, Xiuying thought, victorious. A crack in the armor. Progress.

Before A-Zhao could respond, Xie Lian stepped forward, voice gentle and warm. "A-Xiu... let's not trouble him. He must be tired after guiding so many people through the storm." Xiuying turned, clearly not done but momentarily stalled. "Aw, but A-Lian, I was just getting to the fun part."

San Lang muffled a laugh into his hand. Nan Feng closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm going to meditate." Fu Yao walked to the opposite end of the cave without a word and sat down facing the wall.

Xie Lian smiled. "I know. But sometimes, fun can wait."

Xiuying pouted, feigning reluctance. "Fine, fine. I'll stop. Only because you asked nicely," as he stood up and gave a dramatic stretch. That finally coaxed a soft chuckle from Xie Lian. The sound was quiet, almost to himself, but warm nonetheless. He walked over at last, the corners of his robe brushing lightly against the ground, and settled onto a nearby rock with quiet grace.

As expected from the Crown Prince of Xianle.

All of them rested in complete silence after that, despite the one-sided chaos that just happened earlier. Finally noticing something, San Lang called out, "Gege."

"What is it?" Xie Lian turned his head.

"The rock you're sitting on has something carved into it", San Lang pointed towards the rock Xie Lian was sitting on.

Xie Lian stood up and looked down, only to realize the rock was actually a buried stele. After brushing off the top layer of dust and sand, faint characters were revealed.

Xiuying crouches beside him with wide, sparkling eyes. "What is it?" he asked eagerly, already brushing at the edges with his sleeve. "It looks ancient and cursed. I love it." Xie Lian leaned in and gave a small smile. "It's Banyue script."

Nan Feng snapped his fingers to produce a steady palm flame. Xie Lian leaned in closer to examine the stele. The carvings were faint, the characters shallow and jagged, like they'd been gouged in haste.

Fu Yao stepped forward and produced another palm torch making it brighter and easier to read. "You can actually read this?" he asked Xie Lian, skeptical. Xie Lian nodded. "Truth be told, I collected bits and pieces in Banyue long before the Evil Preceptor of Banyue became active."

Fu Yao scoffed. "Of course you did. Is there any region you haven't rummaged through?"

"I like to think of it as... spirited research," Xie Lian replied, unfazed. Suddenly, Xie Lian's eyes sharpened as he came across one word. "General."

"What?" Nan Feng and Fu Yao said in unison. Xiuying immediately perked up, turning to them with devious smile. "Oh? Why do you two sound so alarmed?"

Nan Feng gave him a flat look. "Nothing."

Such is the challenge of hiding one's identity. Just a single word could trigger the feat of their cover being blown. Xiuying snickered at the thought of that. Just then, San Lang who had been casually leaning nearby, remarked, "Tomb of the General."

Xie Lian blinked. He turned to San Lang, visibly impressed. "San Lang, you can read it too?" San Lang gave a half-shrug and a crooked smile. "Not much. I only know a few words... the interesting ones."

"Perfect! The ones you happen to know might be exactly the ones I've forgotten. Come here, let's take a look together."

Xie Lian lightly touched the carved characters with his fingers, murmuring the words under his breath. San Lang leaned in beside him, their heads nearly touching as they quietly studied the stele together. Line by line, they pieced the memorial text apart. First with curiosity, then with a deepening solemnity that slowly clouded their expressions.

Xiuying, who had been hanging around just behind them, tilted his head. "What does it say?" he asked, the innocence in his voice almost too perfect. "Is it about that general from earlier? A Banyue general?"

Xie Lian blinked, drawn out of his concentration, and turned slightly. "No... not quite. This stele is a memorial. It tells the story of a general, yes, but not from Banyue."

"A Central Plains general then?" Xiuying continued, blinking with wide-eyed interest as he leaned in beside them.  "Wait... then why's his story buried here?" San Lang answered easily, "The general in question was from the Central Plains, but... he was special. The stele calls him a 'general,' but truthfully, he was no more than a captain."

Xiuying gave a dramatic gasp. "Ooh, scandalous! So was he promoted later on? Secretly a war hero in disguise?" San Lang's lips curled faintly. "No. In fact, he was demoted. He started with a few hundred soldiers, which dwindled to seventy... then to fifty."

"Huh?" Xiuying blinked at San Lang, brows furrowed in faux confusion.

Xie Lian chuckled. "It's true. It happens more often than you think." He tilted his head slightly before continuing, "This captain kept getting demoted not because he was incompetent, but because he... got in the way."

Nan Feng narrowed his eyes. "Got in the way of what?"

"He stopped the fighting," San Lang replied. "He got between both sides not to kill, but to protect. When enemy soldiers tried to harm Central Plains civilians, he stopped them. And when his own side tried to slaughter the people of Banyue, he blocked that too. Every time he interfered, he was demoted."

Xiuying's gaze lingered on Xie Lian. His expression was unreadable, but his body had gone still, just a faint tension in his shoulders.

Soon the merchants gathered around, drawn in by the story. "I don't think that captain did anything wrong!" Tian Sheng piped up. "Isn't it good that he stopped civilians from being killed?"

"He's too soft-hearted for war," another muttered. "But still, he didn't do anything bad."

"Yeah, he saved lives, not ended them!"

Xie Lian smiled faintly at their commentary. Their words were kind, but they carried the distance of time, easy judgments made centuries removed from the blood and choices of the battlefield.

If only it had been seen that simply back then.

Sure enough, the flickering firelight caught Fu Yao's sharp profile as he spoke, voice cool and firm. "A soldier must carry out his duty. On the battlefield, mercy only brings ruin. If he couldn't follow orders, then he had no business leading troops. That kind of idealism only ends one way." He added flatly, "Men like that don't get remembered as heroes. They just die."

For a moment, no one spoke.

Before the air could tense further, Xiuying leaned back with a thoughtful hum. "Is it, though?"

Fu Yao glanced at him. "What are you on about now?"

There was a pause. Even San Lang turned slightly, eyes narrowed in interest.

"It's always funny to people, isn't it? Someone showing compassion where they're supposed to be ruthless. Someone choosing to protect instead of destroy. They say it's weakness, or naïveté." Xiuying tilted his head slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting. "But if you ask me... it takes a certain kind of strength to carry kindness through a battlefield."

Fu Yao didn't respond immediately, his gaze sharp.

Nan Feng shifted slightly beside him, but said nothing.

The silence was thick for a moment until Xiuying added with a cheeky grin, "Or maybe I'm just sentimental. Must be the desert air." He winked and turned back toward the stone stele, crouching down to get a better look at the script, fingertips lightly brushing across the worn carvings as if the story deserved gentler hands.

Behind him, Xie Lian's gaze lingered on his figure. It was quiet, thoughtful. And San Lang, amused as ever, merely chuckled under his breath. 

Just then, a piercing shriek shattered the quiet moment. "WHAT'S THIS?!" The sudden cry echoed against the stone walls like a crack of thunder, startling everyone. Xie Lian shot up, robes rustling as he turned. "What happened?!"

"Why is there a snake?!" someone cried out. The group instantly scattered in all directions, their earlier ease evaporating into panic. "How... how did this snake not make any noise?! We didn't even hear it coming!"

Nan Feng stepped forward, ready to take action. But before he could act, San Lang casually stepped in front of him, eyes calm and unreadable. With one swift movement, he reached out and caught the snake in his left hand. San Lang brought the creature closer to examine it. "Isn't it normal to see snakes in the desert?"

The snake didn't resist. It curled softly around San Lang's arm, like it had chosen to surrender. But from where Xiuying stood he could see its skin, thin as paper, stretched over its body like glass, red and black veins pulsating underneath. The end of its tail was segmented, hard, and sharp but it was not a snake's tail.

Something far worse.

Xie Lian seemed to realize the same thing in that moment. His voice was sharp. "Watch out for its tail!" Before the warning finished, the snake's long body tightened, and its tail snapped back in a vicious arc toward San Lang's ribs.

Xiuying flinched. His body instinctively shifted forward, like he might run but his legs refused to obey.

In that split second, San Lang caught the tail with his other hand, as easily as catching falling paper. Now holding both ends of the snake, he turned and smiled lightly at Xie Lian, then spared a brief glance toward Xiuying as if to silently reassure him.

Xie Lian finally lowered his hand. "I'm glad you weren't stung. As I thought, this is a Scorpion-tailed snake." Nan Feng and Fu Yao had moved closer, staring at the creature with visible unease. "Scorpion- tailed snake?"

"That's right," Xie Lian said. "It's a kind of venomous animal found only in Banyue. Body of a snake, tail of a scorpion, its' venom has the strength of both combined, and if bitten or stung..."

His words trailed off as he glanced back toward San Lang who was currently twisting the creature with absentminded curiosity. He was pulling the snake's long body in loops and stopped just short of tying it into a neat little bow. Basically, he's just toying with it.

Xie Lian blinked. "San Lang," he finally said, half helpless and half exasperated. "Stop playing with the poor thing. It's dangerous."

San Lang smiled brightly. "Don't worry, gege, it's nothing. This snake is the totem of the Banyue state preceptor. This is the chance to examine it!"

Xie Lian tilted his head. "The totem of the Banyue state preceptor?"

"That's right," San Lang said. "Apparently, it was because she could control these snakes that the people of Banyue believed in her powers and worshipped her like a deity."

At the mention of "control," Xie Lian's expression grew serious. Finally noticing something, his tone sharpened. "Everyone, leave this cave!"

The moment Xie Lian's warning rang out, the cave exploded into confusion.

From the cracks in the cave walls, seven or eight scorpion- tailed snakes silently slithered forth. They moved quick, cold, and soundless. Not a hiss, not a rustle. No warning. They didn't strike immediately, only coiled themselves watchfully, as if assessing their prey.

In a flash, Nan Feng and Fu Yao raised their hands, each conjuring a fireball. Flames burst toward the cluster of serpents, igniting a fierce explosion that sent waves of heat pulsing through the cave.

"Everyone out! Now!" Xie Lian shouted.

Panic surged. No one waited for a second command. Feet scrambled against stone as the group bolted for the exit. Xiuying, quick to act, was among the first to move, catching a stunned merchant by the arm and shoving him ahead with surprising strength. His movements were swift, steady, and alert, eyes scanning the shadows even as he kept pace.

San Lang stayed close, glancing over once as if to make sure Xiuying was still within reach then turned his attention forward, calmly guiding the others.

They burst into the open just as daylight spilled across the desert once more. The twister had passed, the skies were calm, and the wind had gentled to a whisper. With adrenaline still coursing through them, the group didn't stop, they kept running until they were far from the mouth of the cave and the dark things that had stirred within it.

Just as they thought they can take a break, a sharp cry tore through the air, slicing through everyone's lingering panic.

"Uncle Zheng!" Tian Sheng's voice cracked with fear.

Xiuying turned just in time to see the elder collapse to the ground. Xie Lian was already at the old man's side, swift and steady, kneeling down to examine him. Xiuying hovered nearby, heart thudding. His gaze swept over the elder's trembling hand then stopped.

The skin was flushed an angry red, swelling rapidly. Amid the blotchy purple bruises, puncture wounds marred his palm. So small... too easy to miss, Xiuying thought. He winced as he imagined how many others might have been stung without even realizing.

"Everyone!" Xie Lian called out, loud and clear, his voice cutting through the rising panic. "Check your bodies for any wounds or marks! If you find one, use a rope or cloth to stop the poison from spreading!"

Xiuying's fingers twitched at his side. He scanned his own arms quickly. Nothing. Not even a scratch. Still, the sight of that venom crawling visibly under old man Zheng's skin made his stomach twist. He stepped a little closer, watching as Xie Lian gently turned the arm over, tracing the angry red streaks that curled like tendrils up the elder's veins.

That poison... it's moving so fast, Xiuying thought, his chest tightening.  He clenched his fists. Powerless as he felt in that moment, he stayed alert. Watching. Listening. Ready to help however he could because someone had to.

A-Zhao however didn't hesitate. He tore a strip from his sleeve and tightly knotted it around old man Zheng's upper arm. Xiuying watched the swift, practiced motion with a flicker of admiration. No fumbling, no panic, just action.

Xie Lian was already moving, eyes calm but sharp. He met A-Zhao's effort with seamless coordination. Without needing a word, Nan Feng produced a small medicine vial and dropped a pill into Xie Lian's waiting palm. Xiuying knelt closer, watching as Xie Lian gently helped the elder swallow it.

"Uncle! Are you okay?" Tian Sheng's voice cracked as he knelt beside them, pale with fear. "A-Zhao-ge, Uncle won't die, right?" A-Zhao, however, didn't lie. He shook his head solemnly. "To be bitten by a scorpion-tailed snake means certain death within four hours."

A chill passed through Xiuying, despite the desert heat still clinging to his skin.

"Then...what do we do?!" Tian Sheng nearly shouted, frantic now. "He just took a pill, didn't he? That's the antidote, right?"

"No," Nan Feng answered bluntly. "That was only to delay the poison. He might have twenty-four hours, if that." His answer made the crowd spiraled into panic.

"Twenty-four hours?"

"That's all?"

"Then are we just supposed to wait for him to die?!"

The despair clawing at the group was thick enough to suffocate. Xiuying turned to the side just as San Lang approached at a leisurely pace, completely unbothered by the tension. "There is a way," San Lang said, voice calm but clear. Everyone turned to him like moths to flame. Xiuying's eyes lingered a second longer, his instincts prickling.

"Zhao-ge, if there's a way, why didn't you say so?" Tian Sheng gasped, sounding like he was halfway between scolding and pleading. But A-Zhao only shook his head.

San Lang gave a little laugh, the kind that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course it's not easy for him to say. How could he possibly tell you that the poisoned one can only be saved at the cost of everyone else's lives?"

"What...?" The question left Xie Lian, not in panic, but in a low, wary tone. San Lang's eyes flicked toward him. "Gege, do you know the story behind the scorpion-snake?"

Xiuying's breath hitched. Oh no... He already knew what San Lang was about to say. He knew  because he had read it. But now, seeing it happen before his very eyes? It made his skin crawl in a way no pages ever had. Because he is currently living in the world that he had read, and he is experiencing in first hand. With the world that needs help and he who is helpless in this situation.

How should he feel about this?

Just as he was still contemplating over his worth, he saw another snake approaching them. However, it was not aiming at Tian Sheng's neck but at San Lang's arm right next to it. But it never reached its target. Why? It's because before anyone could shout, before San Lang even looked up, Xiuying had already moved.

There was no thought, no planning, just the jolt of instinct, like lightning down his spine. One heartbeat he was standing, the next he was lunging forward, slamming his arm between the snake and San Lang.

He gritted his teeth, gasping as the needle-sharp tail of the scorpion-tailed snake buried itself in his wrist. Then San Lang's hand shot out, yanked the creature away immediately after realising what had happened.

The others hadn't even noticed. They were still gathered around Uncle Zheng, voices thick with worry, arguing over the story, the cure, the price of survival. Only Xie Lian turned then, as if sensing the shift in air.

"A-Xiu?" Xie Lian asked, concern already creeping into his tone. Xiuying staggered slightly, breath shallow, eyes burning. He could feel the venom, a cold fire spreading through his veins. But he forced a smile. "I'm fine," he rasped, holding his arm against his chest. "It... didn't go too deep."

Xie Lian had reached them by then too, eyes narrowing as he saw the wound. "That... A-Xiu, why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"I didn't want to interrupt all of you," Xiuying muttered, trying to downplay it even as a fresh wave of dizziness hit him. "Interrupt—?!" Xie Lian exhaled, already pulling out a cloth to bind the arm tightly, just above the swelling. "Nan Feng, another pill!"

Nan Feng wordlessly handed one over. As Xiuying swallowed it, he felt San Lang's fingers tighten slightly around his wrist not painfully, just enough to anchor him. "Everyone, stay alert as there might still be more snakes nearby..." Xie Lian warned.

Before he could finish, he noticed someone seizing another's wrist with force. He turned his head and found San Lang gripping Xiuying's arm tightly.

"San Lang?" Xie Lian asked, startled.

San Lang's face was tense, his usual carefree expression had vanished. In its' place was something cold and razor-sharp, his gaze fixed on Xiuying's reddening wrist. Xiuying winced. "San Lang... it's not that bad. Really, I'm fine."

But San Lang didn't respond. He moved with precision and urgency, snatching a dagger from the belt of one of the nearby merchants. Nan Feng saw what was happening and immediately lit a flame in his palm. San Lang held the dagger to the flame until its tip glowed, then knelt beside Xiuying again.

Without hesitation, he carved a clean cross over the mark. Xiuying's breath caught in his throat, but he didn't pull away. "You don't have to—" he tried to protest. "Hold still," San Lang said, voice low and firm.

Then he lowered his head and pressed his lips to the wound, drawing out the venom. Xiuying's body stiffened, his arm trembling from the sudden nearness, the pressure, and heat that had nothing to do with the venom in his blood.

Fu Yao approached with that ever-present scoff. “Seriously? You got yourself stung? For what? That snake probably wouldn’t have even touched anyone.”

Xiuying didn’t respond right away. He glanced down, jaw tight.“…I know,” he muttered, almost to himself. He felt the dull throb in his wrist and exhaled through his nose.

Why did I do that? He didn’t need help. So why...why did I jump in?

It wasn’t even rational. He didn’t think. He simply just moved. Like his body decided before his brain could catch up. A bitter chuckle rose in his throat, but he swallowed it down. 

You’re not a hero, Xiuying. You’re not brave. So what were you thinking? That you could protect him? Him?

His chest tightened with something he couldn’t name. “…I just didn’t want anything to happen to him. That's what friends do, right?”

Fu Yao raised a brow as he have a lot to say but stopped at that, letting out a sigh. "You're really not in pain?" Xiuying tried to shrug casually, though the tightness in his arm was still there. "It's not that bad. I'll live. Probably."

San Lang lifted his head then, his eyes unreadable. He wiped his mouth slowly with the back of his hand, then looked at Xiuying, gaze intense. "Don't say things like that," he said quietly.

Xiuying blinked, caught off guard by the seriousness in his tone. His cheeks grew warm out of nowhere. "...Okay," he murmured, softer this time.

After another short discussion, it was then decided that they will go to find the antidote for the venom. The merchants were worrid for their own safety with no one to protect them.  Xie Lian quickly reassured the group, "Don't worry. Just in case anything else appears while we're gone, Fu Yao will stay here to protect everyone."

Hearing that, the merchants exchanged glances and finally nodded. "All right, as long as A-Zhao is willing to go with you." Xie Lian turned to A-Zhao. "We're heading to the Banyue ruins in hopes of finding the antidote. Would you be willing to guide us there? If not, it's perfectly fine."

"I'll go," A-Zhao said, giving a quiet but firm nod. "The ruins aren't far. Keep heading in that direction and we'll reach them soon."

As they prepared to depart, Xiuying, despite the faint pallor on his face and the cloth still tied tightly around his wrist was the first to push himself up. "Let's go!"

"A-Xiu," Xie Lian said gently but firmly, stepping in front of him. "You should stay here. You were just stung." San Lang appeared at Xiuying's side in an instant. "Gege's right. You're still poisoned. Even if we find the antidote, it might not be safe for you to keep walking through the desert in this state."

Xiuying's eyes narrowed, lips twitching in that stubborn way he always had when someone tried to make decisions for him. "And what, lie down and wait around for the worst?" he said. "I'm not doing that."

"But—" Xie Lian started again.

"I'm not a fragile ceramic cup, okay?" Xiuying cut in. "If there's even a chance I can help, I'm going. Besides, what if you find the antidote and need someone to test it on?"

"That's not funny," Nan Feng said, brows furrowed. "I'm not trying to be funny," Xiuying replied. "I'm just not going to sit here and hope someone else fixes this."

Xie Lian sighed, his gaze caught between fondness and worry. "You're really not going to back down, are you?" Xiuying offered a faint but resolute smile. "Have I ever?"

San Lang looked at him for a long moment, then quietly moved to his side and adjusted the wrap on Xiuying's wrist with a sigh. "If you start getting worse, you tell us immediately."

"I will," Xiuying promised, softer now.

With that, the group set off on a journey to find the antidote. All of them moved except Xie Lian. His gaze quietly fixed on Xiuying, trailing after the way he moved full of unpredictable energy and teasing lightness, like a spark refusing to be caught as he walked along with others.

There was no visible shift in his expression, but his eyes held a certain softness, an almost tender quiet as if caught in a breeze that stirred more than just the air.

"A-Lian, don't tell me you're just going to stand there looking pretty?" Xiuying called out to him, half-joking, half-genuine, his voice laced with that familiar mischief.

The words tugged Xie Lian gently from whatever silence he had been wrapped in. His eyes blinked once, slow and steady, and the faintest breath left him like a sigh that never quite reached his lips.

He stepped forward, joining Xiuying without a word, the moment settling behind him like dust on old stone.