Chapter 183: No Way Back on This Journey (33)
When the official in charge saw Yan Shixun walking back along the road, he hung up the phone from the on-site person in charge who had called to explain the situation and walked over with a smile.
“Mr. Yan, your timely intervention was just what we needed.”
The official expressed his sincere gratitude, saying, “The situation at Binhai University has been fully assessed. Aside from a few students who were frightened and need psychological counseling, and two who suffered minor abrasions, there have been no serious injuries or deaths.”
“If it weren’t for Mr. Yan stopping the flow of the ghostly aura to Binhai University in time, in such a densely populated area like the university campus, we can only imagine how serious the consequences might have been.”
The official, still shaken by the good news of everyone’s safety, reached out to shake Yan Shixun’s hand energetically, almost in a wild display of gratitude. “Thank you, truly, thank you so much.”
Yan Shixun wasn’t fond of being too close to others, but seeing the official so excited, he didn’t say anything that would dampen the mood. He simply smiled, genuinely responding,
“No casualties is the best outcome, but it wasn’t just my effort. It’s the result of everyone working together.”
Yan Shixun was also infected by the official’s good mood and smiled lightly, saying, “Thanks to all the colleagues who have worked tirelessly to protect lives. The Taoists from Haiyun Temple and the special departments have all worked hard.”
Although it was part of the official’s duties, receiving recognition—especially from someone he respected—naturally made him feel even better.
The official grinned, his eyes narrowing in a smile, as the tension and anxiety from the previous night disappeared.
At that moment, looking at Yan Shixun, who remained calm and unperturbed, the official couldn’t help but reflect.
He accomplished his task and didn’t take credit for it—this is Yan Shixun.
Despite the fact that his achievements far surpassed those of his fellow exorcists, despite the fact that he had saved countless lives in a situation that had seemed impossible to survive, a feat that could have earned him all the worldly glory and made all exorcists look up to him, Yan Shixun rejected it all.
It was as though he cared only about life and the consequences themselves; everything beyond that was meaningless.
And it was precisely this attitude that made him even more admirable and worthy of respect.
The official couldn’t find the words to describe his excitement—it was almost like a second life after narrowly escaping death.
Just last night, the Binhai City authorities had been alerted. The leadership of Binhai University had nervously gathered in front of screens, the entire area around the university had been urgently evacuated, and all roads leading to the university were blocked off… The authorities had been prepared for the worst.
Even those heading to the scene hadn’t expected to make it back alive.
The Taoists from Haiyun Temple had, from the start, been prepared to sacrifice themselves, expecting only to return with their bodies.
But in this dire situation, a sliver of hope had broken through the darkness.
—Yan Shixun.
Last night, thousands had seen the light that blazed from Binhai University’s campus, like the sun burning through the entire night.
It was spectacular and shocking, causing many to hold their breath and look up, still stunned long after the event.
The Taoists from Haiyun Temple had watched with their own eyes as the ghostly aura was swept away, and life had been restored.
Some even felt a moment of enlightenment about the Great Dao.
Everyone believed that, even decades later, they would never forget that night—the night when ghosts paraded across Binhai University, and the golden sun fell to earth.
It was a soul-stirring shock.
The official’s emotions had been on a roller coaster.
He had been leading and directing all the special department personnel, gathering all the information. Just moments ago, he had heard that Binhai University was safe, but then he found out that the fog on the road was breaking, and Taoist Ma had just finished explaining that the ghostly world had collapsed, making way for rescue efforts. Before he had even fully relaxed, someone shouted about the underworld soldiers borrowing the road.
It had felt like a roller coaster ride.
The official said—if someone had recorded his heart rate at that moment, it would have shown what it really meant to be on a roller coaster.
Even now, he still couldn’t quite believe it. He felt like something else could happen at any moment. He couldn’t trust that the crisis was truly over.
Fortunately, Yan Shixun, having noticed the official’s complicated and excited mental state, didn’t refuse to let the official express his emotions. Instead, he guided him to talk about the arrangements for the night, allowing him to release all the pressure and fear that had been building up.
Because he was the backbone, the one who directed everyone, the official couldn’t show any signs of worry or uncertainty, or else it might shake everyone else.
All the anxiety and fear the official had been feeling were now deeply buried in his heart. He wasn’t sure if his decisions would lead to bad consequences, or if he’d be able to save the lives in time. The overwhelming pressure had nearly crushed him.
But now, with Yan Shixun’s guidance, the official had gone through all the arrangements for the night and was slowly beginning to calm down.
Once he regained his composure, the official looked at Yan Shixun’s knowing smile and finally understood his intention. He couldn’t help but smile back, filled with gratitude.
“And this person…?”
The official asked, finally relaxing and noticing a gaze falling on the hand he was shaking with Yan Shixun.
He looked up, puzzled, only to discover that there was actually someone standing beside Yan Shixun.
The man had a tall build, handsome features, and a presence so powerful that he was absolutely the kind of person one would never overlook.
Yet what puzzled the official in charge was that he had absolutely no recollection of such a figure.
But that didn’t make sense!
Once he became aware of this, the official was startled.
Because his work often involved dealing with unusual incidents, he was typically very mindful of people who were clearly different from the average person at a glance.
But this man…
The official stared at Ye Li several times, and though it felt like he had seen that face somewhere before in a vague and hazy way, he also instinctively felt that this man ought to be someone who stayed close to Yan Shixun.
But… who exactly was he?
It was like words written on a chalkboard, wiped away with a single sweep until only faint outlines remained—just enough to vaguely recall the shape, but not enough to leave any clear memory.
Still holding Yan Shixun’s hand, the official furrowed his brow in thought as he gazed at Ye Li, momentarily spacing out.
Ye Li’s eyes, devoid of warmth, dropped to the hand that was holding Yan Shixun’s, and a deep, shadowy light gradually surfaced in his gaze.
Feline creatures were far too wary. A hunter who wanted to embrace such a big cat had to tread carefully, terrified that a single misstep would cause the cat to bolt. So, he held back the impulse within him, not even daring to give it a proper pet.
And yet, someone else could touch his big cat without hesitation or concern…
The official gave a sudden shiver. Did the temperature drop? Why is it so cold? That’s strange… the sun’s out, isn’t it? Why does it feel like midnight just rolled in?
“He’s my personal assistant,”
Yan Shixun, unaware that the official was struggling with his blurred impression of Ye Li, simply assumed his confusion stemmed from not being familiar with Ye Li.
So, Yan Shixun took the initiative to introduce him, saying, “His surname’s Ye. His temper’s not the best, so don’t take it personally.”
Upon hearing Yan Shixun confirm his identity—no, even defend him—Ye Li withdrew his previously frigid gaze and turned to look at him, a gentle smile emerging in his eyes.
Personal…
Ye Li silently mouthed the word, rolling it between his lips and teeth with a tenderness that bordered on affection. A warm joy surged in his heart.
So, Shixun had acknowledged his identity after all.
Now, he had a title too. It meant he was one step closer to Shixun.
That soft smile eased the sharpness of Ye Li’s striking brows and eyes, transforming the overwhelming aura around him into something as calm and flowing as spring water—no longer carrying the terrifying intensity it had moments ago.
But Yan Shixun’s thoughts were running on a completely different track from Ye Li’s.
He was merely reminding the official not to treat Ye Li too casually.
Even though Yan Shixun didn’t know exactly why Ye Li treated him so well, he remained cautious. After all, Ye Li was the only divine being he had ever seen still active in the mortal world—and not just any divine being, but one associated with death itself. He commanded an elite army of underworld soldiers capable of slaying Yin officials. Any one of those traits alone would’ve been enough for Yan Shixun to treat him with serious caution.
Had it not been for the time they spent together before today—before he saw with his own eyes those one hundred thousand underworld soldiers—Yan Shixun would’ve been far more alarmed. Despite Ye Li’s ominous aura and unfathomable depth, Yan Shixun had seen no real malice in him. In fact, Ye Li’s attitude toward him was strangely intimate, which gradually softened the edges of Yan Shixun’s wariness.
Had this been a few months ago, and he encountered Ye Li without knowing anything about him, he absolutely would’ve engaged in a fight, no hesitation.
Even now, although he had begun to accept that Ye Li bore no ill will toward him—or toward other living beings—he still couldn’t guarantee Ye Li’s attitude toward others would be just as harmless.
Yan Shixun hadn’t missed the signs. Whether it was Lu Xingxing, Zhang Wubing, or even the fearless Jing Xiaobao, all of them were clearly terrified of Ye Li.
Lu Xingxing still hadn’t dared to change the way he addressed Ye Li since their encounter at the Jing Estate. He even tried softening Ye Li’s impression of him by calling him Master Aunt. In Yan Shixun’s eyes, that was proof enough.
—Proof that Ye Li didn’t treat others the same way he treated him.
Aside from their very first meeting at Wild Wolf Peak—when Ye Li had for some reason triggered a strong sense of dislike and apprehension—Ye Li had never shown him a cold face. No matter what Yan Shixun said or asked, he always seemed to be smiling.
In front of Yan Shixun, Ye Li was a man with a good temper.
But only in front of him.
Yan Shixun had gradually come to understand that. So for the sake of the official’s safety—and to avoid angering a god and bringing disaster—he figured it was best to give a warning ahead of time.
After all, offending a divine being was never something mortals could afford to treat lightly.
The official blinked in confusion as he listened to Yan Shixun’s introduction, feeling like something wasn’t quite right.
He vaguely remembered this man being the assistant director working with Zhang Wubing?
Wait… now that he thought about it, that didn’t seem right either. Then where had he seen this man before?
The more he tried to remember, the more his head hurt—as if long needles were stabbing straight into his brain. It was an unbearable, piercing sensation.
It felt like the heavens themselves were sending him a message from deep within his soul: Fate must not be unraveled. Do not recklessly invite disaster.
The moment that thought crossed his mind, the next second brought a wave of peace. The official’s inner turmoil instantly dissipated.
All the questions that had plagued him faded from his mind like smoke. Every impression he might have had was wiped away by an invisible hand. In this moment, this was truly his first time meeting Yan Shixun’s personal assistant.
“Mr. Ye? It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The official naturally reached out his hand, smiling as he tried to shake hands with Ye Li.
“Honestly, I’ve thought for a while now that Mr. Yan could really use an assistant.”
The official in charge smiled as he said, “We’ve worked with many masters and Taoists from special departments before, and every one of them has had a disciple or assistant to handle their affairs—except for Mr. Yan. You’re always on your own.”
“After all, Mr. Yan’s time is valuable. Many minor matters can be delegated to others; there’s no need for you to personally handle everything. Honestly, if Mr. Yan hadn’t taken the initiative to say you already had a personal assistant, I had been planning to ask if you wanted us to assign one for you.”
“These past few major supernatural incidents were all resolved thanks to Mr. Yan’s help. After so many times, you’re basically no different from one of us in the special department. Matters like these should really be our responsibility to think about.”
The official smiled broadly, completely unaware that the expression on Ye Li’s face, which had just softened, was turning dark again.
Because Yan Shixun was standing right there, Ye Li, even if unwilling to interact with strangers, had originally planned to force himself to reach out for Yan Shixun’s sake. He didn’t want his exorcist to experience awkwardness in human social settings.
But now…
Ye Li stared coldly at the official, his gaze dangerous.
They wanted someone else to get close to Shixun? As a personal assistant?
Would it be like before—living in the same courtyard as Shixun, handing him towels when he forgot them during a bath, blow-drying his hair because he didn’t like using hair dryers, fingers combing through Shixun’s wet hair, gently massaging his scalp?
And seeing him half-asleep in the morning, when his robe slipped open to reveal smooth, toned muscles, the elegant lines running from collarbone to abs…
That kind of personal assistant?
Just imagining another stranger getting all the benefits he had painstakingly earned made Ye Li’s expression turn frighteningly dark.
“Uh…”
The official hesitated, curling his fingers awkwardly as he withdrew his hand.
He didn’t know why, but Mr. Ye didn’t seem very happy?
Had he said something wrong just now?
The official felt like he was stumbling a bit.
Still, he couldn’t help but feel impressed. The saying “birds of a feather flock together” seemed to ring true. Just by looking at Mr. Ye’s icy demeanor, he could tell the man was a master in his own right—possibly just as powerful as Mr. Yan!
Thinking this way, the official perked up again.
What did that mean? It meant their special department just gained another potential asset! A good thing.
Bad temper? So what? He had met people with far stranger personalities!
Compared to some eccentric masters he’d encountered, Mr. Ye’s temperament was already quite mild.
Any powerful master—didn’t they all have a bit of an attitude?
Take, for instance, that famous master from the capital who used to have close ties with the Jing family—he literally looked down his nose at everyone when he walked.
Want to hire that master? Good luck. Get in line behind a dozen others, and you’d be lucky to get a turn in ten years.
The official had gotten used to it by now.
After all, this was a technical field. No real expert was going to be humble. If someone had the ability to solve supernatural problems, they had every right to be proud. As long as the job got done and everyone was safe, that was what mattered.
In the official’s view, Yan Shixun was the true outlier in this field.
Though he seemed difficult to approach—sharp enough to cut, never soft-spoken, and unlike other masters who pretended to be kind and magnanimous—he always carried an air of disinterest, laziness, and indifference. Yet it was precisely Yan Shixun who was the gentlest among them.
His gentleness hid beneath his cold exterior.
The official saw it clearly. Even though Yan Shixun said he didn’t form karmic ties with people and charged money for help, he had never once refused to protect a life. Even when something had nothing to do with him, if he came across it, he’d take the responsibility and carry it himself.
Just like with Jiang Yanran from the Family Tomb Village.
Without Yan Shixun, the various factions wouldn’t have joined forces to break into that closed-off, backward village, uprooting the corruption within.
And Jiang Yanran wouldn’t have received the justice she yearned for, even after death.
With Yang Binsheng and others watching, and both eyewitnesses and physical evidence in place, the diary Yan Shixun found played a vital role in the case’s resolution.
The justice Jiang Yanran had been obsessed with even after death was finally returned to her.
Her soul could finally rest in peace, smiling.
If it had been anyone else, not only would they have likely missed the evidence Jiang Yanran left behind, but even if they had found it, they probably wouldn’t have bothered.
Everyone focused on their own turf. Why should a master go out of their way to help a stranger’s ghost?
Especially when it meant going up against an entire clan?
Most masters, upon understanding the situation, would run faster than a rabbit.
No matter how friendly they acted before, in the end, it was about self-preservation—looking out for themselves, and sometimes even being outright selfish.
Only Yan Shixun was different.
Cold in demeanor and ruthless in action, he was still gentle enough to give a wrongly-killed ghost the justice she longed for, and to send her home.
He said it was all transactional: money for help, karma cleared. But all the money he received, he donated—to the Wild Wolf Peak green restoration plan, to the parents of a doctor who had died unexpectedly, to those in need.
Yan Shixun never thought he was doing anything worthy of praise. To him, it was just business as usual.
But the official and many others in the department had all taken note.
When the abbot at Haiyun Temple heard of it, he even sighed, asking his fellow Taoists in confusion whether it was Haiyun Temple that had strayed from its original purpose in recent years.
Friendly masters and smiling tricksters filled the homes of the rich, scamming them for wealth, while conning people on the streets.
But the one who said little turned out to be the most gentle.
The official even thought, just for a moment, to thank Zhang Wubing for his “ghost-attracting” constitution. If not for this rich third-generation’s dream of becoming a director, he wouldn’t have met someone like Mr. Yan.
“What’s Mr. Ye’s contact information? Let’s exchange contact details.”
As he thought about all this, the official looked at Ye Li with even more enthusiasm.
Ye Li: “…”
Were all living people this persistent?
Because Yan Shixun was beside him, he had no choice but to reply, “I don’t have a phone.”
The official’s eyes lit up even more.
Oh! Oh! Oh! So he didn’t like electronics either—just like Mr. Yan! Maybe he really was some hidden hermit that Mr. Yan had invited to help, and didn’t want to reveal his true identity, which is why he was introduced as a personal assistant.
He knew it! This presence—he was clearly no mere errand boy or assistant!
“Understood, understood. That was presumptuous of me. Here’s my business card, Mr. Ye. If you ever need anything, feel free to reach out.”
The official eagerly introduced the special department: “Mr. Yan works with us here too. If you’re interested, Mr. Ye, you could learn more about what we do. You might even find it appealing.”
“How great! Talented people gathering together—the world will surely be a safer place.”
With so many good things happening at once, the official beamed with joy, deeply satisfied.
It was fine if Mr. Ye didn’t join—the important thing was Mr. Yan was here, and if Ye was his assistant, he’d tag along anyway. Same result.
What a fruitful day!
Others from the special department also came over with smiles, checking in on Yan Shixun, thanking him for resolving the crisis so swiftly, and asking if he was hurt.
Some of them noticed the smug expression on the official’s face and couldn’t help wondering about Ye Li’s identity.
Although it was odd—they couldn’t see Ye Li’s face clearly, as if looking through frosted glass—every time they turned away, they immediately forgot all about him, their curiosity vanishing along with their memory. Soon, they all went back to their own tasks.
Only Taoist Ma walked over with a complicated look in his eyes.
“Junior Brother Yan…” Taoist Ma’s gaze drifted between Yan Shixun and Ye Li, unable to get any words out for a long time.
He kept hesitating, starting to speak but stopping halfway, fumbling over his words.
Yan Shixun: “???”
He looked at Taoist Ma, a little exasperated. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”
What was this—playing charades?
After struggling for a long time, Taoist Ma finally managed to say one sentence: “Congratulations.”
Yan Shixun: “…What?”
What was with these Taoists today? One weirder than the next?
Taoist Ma had heard from Taoist Wang that Yan Shixun was in a relationship.
He had originally come over to help, but as soon as he saw Taoist Wang, the man grabbed him and accused, “Aren’t you on good terms with Taoist Song? Why didn’t you help Junior Brother Yan? What kind of senior brother are you?”
Taoist Ma: “?? What are you even talking about? Does Junior Brother Yan need my help?”
If anything, he should be the one relying on Junior Brother Yan!
But the moment Taoist Wang heard that, his expression grew even more disapproving.
“Have you never heard that no matter how capable a young person is, they still hope to receive support from their family when they’re in a relationship? Junior Brother Yan may be impressive, but that’s no reason for you to overlook him.”
Taoist Wang pounded his chest in anguish. “Look at this, just look! Because of your negligence, Brother Yan even has to be so cautious just to be in a relationship. It’s heartbreaking to watch! And you call yourself a senior brother? If I were your master, I would’ve beaten you up already!”
Taoist Ma was horrified. “Wake up! You’re not my master! There’s no such what-if! If my actual master heard you, you would be the first to get beaten.”
“…But wait…”
Only then did Taoist Ma finally realize what he had heard. “Junior Brother Yan? In a relationship???”
He was utterly confused.
In his memory, Yan Shixun wasn’t the type to get into relationships. And judging by Taoist Wang’s reaction, not only was this real, it hadn’t just started recently either.
Taoist Wang looked so distressed that Taoist Ma couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt himself. He wondered if he had really been so caught up in work that he’d completely overlooked Junior Brother Yan’s personal life.
With that doubt lingering in his mind, Taoist Ma mulled over the matter all the way back while escorting Lu Xingxing and the others.
“Why don’t you ask my Master Aunt?”
After hearing Taoist Ma’s question, Lu Xingxing responded casually, “My Master Aunt is amazing. From now on, if anyone dares to mess with me when I’m out, ha, we’ll see who dares!”
Hadn’t people always said, “Hit the young one and the older will come after you”? Now that he had this backing, he felt even more confident going out. He wasn’t afraid of being ambushed anymore.
—His master uncle and master aunt would help him ambush them right back!
Lu Xingxing puffed out his chest with pride, looking unbearably smug and asking for a beating.
Well, Song Ci’s fists certainly felt ready.
But when Taoist Ma heard this, his expression could only be described as pure shock.
“Master Aunt??!!”
So surprised was he that his voice cracked several times and eventually broke completely, like his entire worldview had just collapsed.
“You little brat! You’ve already started calling someone Master Aunt Since when?!”
Because Taoist Ma was close friends with Taoist Song Yi, he had basically watched Lu Xingxing grow up. He knew full well how stubborn this kid was—stubborn like a mule—and never one to easily concede to others.
Didn’t Lu Xingxing, when he first heard about Yan Shixun, even want to challenge him to a duel just to prove he was stronger?
—Though in the end, he was beaten so thoroughly and repeatedly that now he had nothing but respect for Yan Shixun and had completely lost his fighting spirit.
And now this same Lu Xingxing had accepted Yan Shixun’s partner and changed how he addressed them?
Then how long had this relationship been going on?
Taoist Ma was stunned.
And he seriously began to reflect—had he really been this dense? How had he not noticed anything?
“Oh, it was when we were at the Jing Estate that I started calling them that.”
Lu Xingxing said, scratching his head carelessly. “Aren’t they basically married? Since Yan Shixun is my Master Uncle, then that person has to be my Master Aunt.”
He was referring to the couple from the Jing family—Jing Bin and his wife.
But what Taoist Ma heard was: Yan Shixun and his lover.
For a moment, Taoist Ma felt completely disoriented.
Meanwhile, standing beside them was Lan Ze, who had followed along but wasn’t so quick to believe everything he heard.
Because he himself had someone he deeply loved, he knew the look of someone in love.
And from what he saw, Yan Shixun didn’t look like someone who was in love at all.
On the contrary, the tall, intimidating man beside Yan Shixun—the one who made Lan Ze nervous—he looked like the one deeply in love. He was constantly watching Yan Shixun with a focused, unwavering gaze, as if his eyes couldn’t bear to look away.
But Yan Shixun, on the other hand, seemed entirely unaware of it.
Lan Ze couldn’t help but feel confused. He really couldn’t figure out what was going on between those two.
Cheng Jing turned to the side and caught sight of his beloved, who was tilting his head in confusion, deep in thought. The sight of that little movement made his heart melt from the cuteness.
It was like cotton candy—soft and sweet—melting into a warm puddle that flowed gently through his chest.
What comforted him most was that, after surviving all the horrifying disasters, he was still able to be with the one he loved.
Cheng Jing couldn’t bring himself to look away, afraid that in the very next second, Lan Ze would vanish like a bubble into the air.
At the same time, Cheng Jing also felt nervous. He didn’t know how those Taoists would treat Lan Ze.
He had watched movies and read Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, and in his impression, Taoists would always solemnly say, “Humans and ghosts walk different paths,” and then forcibly send the ghost away.
But he didn’t want to part with Lan Ze at all.
Even though Mr. Yan had made a promise to Lan Ze, Cheng Jing still worried, wishing the road could be just a little longer—preferably never reaching the moment when they’d have to face a Taoist.
But eventually, they still walked over to the official in charge.
Yan Shixun had no idea what Taoist Ma was doing, but he still decisively spoke up and rejected him: “Don’t give me a wedding gift. I don’t need it, thanks.”
One Taoist like Taoist Wang was more than enough!
Taoist Ma: “…Ah.”
So it was true—Junior Brother Yan really thought he had realized it too late, didn’t he?
Sigh, as expected, Fellow Taoist Wang had been right. He should’ve paid more attention to Junior Brother Yan’s family situation.
Thinking this, Taoist Ma turned his gaze toward Ye Li beside him, feeling both guilty and gratified as he gave him a nod of acknowledgment.
Taoist Ma: I’m leaving my junior brother in your care now! Please look after him well!
Ye Li understood what Taoist Ma was thinking. He merely smiled without explaining that this was all a misunderstanding.
Instead, he confidently occupied the role of “Yan Shixun’s lover” right in front of Yan Shixun’s close friends and relatives.
Haiyun Temple really is amazing.
Ye Li thought cheerfully.
After returning everyone from the production team that they had found scattered around, the Taoists quickly left again to continue their busy work.
Taoist Ma, after greeting the “lover of Junior Brother Yan,” dove straight back into action and disappeared into the mountain forest.
Since Binhai University also needed Taoists to dispel evil energy and clean up the lingering malicious spirits, Haiyun Temple didn’t have enough people to spare. The nine Taoists on site were running ragged across the vast stretches of road and forest, flying over with barely a foot touching the dried grass to save time.
This scene left the nearby investigation team stunned, eyes wide and fixed.
“W-Weren’t we told there were no ghosts?”
A team member pointed a trembling finger at the Taoist who had just leaped into the treetop. “W-What was that?”
Previously, the rescue team had kept them safely inside the vehicles, afraid they might be frightened by the ghosts. So this was the first time they were seeing the Taoists in action after getting out.
One of the members, holding a phone, also let out an exclamation: “Someone posted a video on a short video platform last night—there was a Taoist who literally jumped off an overpass!”
“That thing’s at least ten meters high!”
The official in charge twitched his ears and quickly strode over to them.
He politely borrowed the phone from one of the team members and took a look…
Taoist Song Yi, carrying a peachwood sword, leapt solemnly off a jammed overpass bridge, drawing gasps from the surrounding drivers.
Many people reflexively and frantically reached out, trying to stop the “jumper.”
Some even got out of their cars and rushed to the edge of the bridge, urgently pulling out their phones to call for help.
But then, as the camera panned across, it caught Taoist Song Yi landing lightly on the ground. After a few nimble steps, he leapt onto the pedestrian path and vanished into the night.
The video’s voiceover was the trembling voice of the person filming: “Could this be the long-lost art of lightness skills!?”
Official in charge: “…………”
Taoist Song Yi!!!! I know you’re in a hurry to save people, but can’t you at least consider the consequences?!
Thank goodness Taoist Li was still in meditation and didn’t know about this. Otherwise, Taoist Song would definitely be thrown together with Lu Xingxing to relearn everything from scratch!
The official in charge had just one thought in his mind: Birds of a feather flock together. Taoist Song and Lu Xingxing—both are nothing but headaches!!
His expression twisted for a moment, but he quickly composed himself and looked at the team member.
“There are no such things as ghosts.”
The official smiled warmly. “Your job is to believe in science. Everything else is our responsibility.”
The team member hesitantly pointed at the silhouette of the departing Taoist. “But…”
The official cut him off firmly: “That was kung fu.”
The team member suddenly understood: “So it really exists!”
But when he tried to play the video again, it was already labeled as “Dangerous stunt—do not imitate if you’re not a professional,” and after refreshing, the video disappeared entirely.
On social media, Binhai City’s official account had just posted a message:
@PeacefulBinhai: Heavy traffic today—please drive safely. @HaiyunTemple
We received reports from the public that sword-flying violates traffic laws within city limits. Please report to the authorities within three days for handling.
Attached was a blurry screenshot that looked like it had lost thirty years’ worth of resolution.
It was exactly the same shot taken from the short video.
It showed Taoist Song Yi mid-air jumping off the bridge, while another Taoist in the driver’s seat of a car behind him was stretching his hand out the window, seemingly trying to stop him.
The comment section immediately exploded in laughter:
“Wait, so it’s only illegal in the city? What about the suburbs?”
“Is sword-flying actually real? I thought that only existed in movies.”
“Speaking of which, I really did see several Taoists around Binhai University yesterday. Was it some kind of group outing?”
“Could there have been ghosts there? My relatives live nearby, and yesterday they all evacuated to a five-star hotel with cars picking them up—so jealous. I want to see ghosts too.”
“Relax, the admin’s just joking. No need to take it seriously.”
“If you want to fly a sword, you need to apply for a flight route in advance to avoid collisions with other sword flyers. Irregular sword-flying causes tears in your loved ones’ eyes. [meme face]”
“Goose goose goose goose goose—suddenly these Taoists feel so down-to-earth.”
But back on Binhai University campus, a Taoist who had just gotten a call from the disciplinary officer was nearly in tears.
“Taoist Song!!!!”
He shouted in despair: “If my driver’s license gets all its points deducted because of you, I’ll have to retake the test next year!”
Taoist Song Yi, knowing he was in the wrong, rubbed his nose awkwardly and gave a fake cough. “Retaking it doesn’t take that long. I can help you finish the work you’ll miss from driving school.”
“You still dare to talk?!”
The Taoist cried out in grief, “Just because you drove the car into a wall while learning, that driving school later doubled its price for Haiyun Temple! They even made a special note to warn anyone from Haiyun Temple not to take off during driving lessons. No one else gets treated like that!”
Taoist Song Yi: “Ahem…”
Getting a driver’s license… was far harder than learning kung fu.
The Taoist inwardly cried: QAQ I don’t want to learn to drive. I shouldn’t have driven Fellow Taoist Song yesterday!
The official in charge didn’t know that Taoist Song Yi had already received his “punishment” ahead of schedule. While on the phone, he casually reminded the public opinion team to keep an eye on sensitive topics related to Binhai University.
Just then, someone on the other side called him over to look at something, so he smiled and nodded at Yan Shixun and the others, then walked away.
Because of this, the members of the investigation team finally saw the figure who had been blocked earlier by the official and Taoist Ma.
The young man stood quietly, holding the hand of the person beside him, their fingers tightly intertwined. A gentle smile rested on his handsome face.
Clean and pure, as if untouched by any suffering or despair.
But that face… gradually overlapped with the photos the investigation team had reviewed.
And the heavy stench of blood in the small house… the scattered pieces of flesh and pools of fresh blood…
The team members fell into a daze.
After a long silence, someone asked, “Is that… Lan Ze?”
“But Lan Ze… is already dead.”
A rusty, blunt knife slicing through flesh, breaking bones bit by bit. Repeated torture and pain. The dim little room became the last thing seen before death.
The team members who had followed the case closely, knowing every detail, all showed expressions of unbearable sorrow.
Even imagining themselves as the university student in that room, awaiting the final blow, they found it suffocating—too painful to breathe.
One team member, who often immersed themselves in crime scene reconstruction, had tried placing themselves in Lan Ze’s position during the reenactment. But they had cried out and opened their eyes within minutes, terror in their gaze.
Even seasoned investigators couldn’t bear the slow agony of being carved by a blunt blade, not knowing when death would come.
The physical and psychological torment was beyond what any ordinary person could withstand.
That was why the team felt an even deeper fury toward the perpetrator—and compassion for the young man who had died in his prime.
“I heard he was a brilliant scholar. What a tragedy.”
No one could help but sigh. Their rage only made them more determined to catch the suspect, and that fire had fueled their relentless pursuit, following the vehicle all the way here.
The image of Lan Ze smiling in the photo had etched itself into their minds, so when they saw the young man now, they recognized him instantly.
But… did ghosts really exist in this world?
Someone suddenly thought—they had never wished more than now that ghosts were real. That the young man standing before them truly was Lan Ze.
That the suspect’s car accident… was Lan Ze’s doing.
A life for a life.
Lan Ze didn’t notice the gaze of the investigators beside him.
All his attention was on Yan Shixun.
“Mr. Yan,” Lan Ze hesitantly spoke. “The Yin path has vanished. I…”
Yan Shixun smiled gently. “You’re free.”
“Those Yin officials from last night have already turned against the Netherworld. But since reincarnation is still functioning normally, it means there are still loyal Yin officials. They will come for you, take you to the underworld, and you’ll enter the cycle of rebirth again.”
Yan Shixun tried to comfort the uneasy Lan Ze. “Though you made mistakes, they were within the bounds of karmic law. The underworld will not judge you. You’ll have a second chance at life. Don’t worry.”
But unexpectedly, Lan Ze’s expression turned panicked and pale after hearing this.
“No!”
He cried out in alarm.
Seeing Yan Shixun’s surprised expression, Lan Ze hurried to regain his composure, forcing down the tremor in his voice. “I don’t want to reincarnate.”
“Mr. Yan, please don’t send me away.”
His handsome face was almost pleading.
Yan Shixun frowned slightly. “If you’re worried about your parents, rest assured—I’ll contact the community. They’ll take care of them, and an anonymous donation will be made, enough for them to live a happy, peaceful retirement…”
“No, it’s not that.”
Lan Ze’s voice shook violently. It came out broken, barely audible.
He opened his mouth, as if trying to explain.
But when he saw Yan Shixun’s frowning face, a wave of despair surged in his already restless heart.
Could he really… still be with Cheng Jing?
Were the living and the dead ultimately destined to walk different paths?
Cheng Jing reached out and grasped Lan Ze’s hand.
Their fingers intertwined tightly, inseparable.
Yan Shixun’s gaze dropped to their clasped hands, his brows knitting as he blinked in hesitation.
Something… felt off?
“Mr. Yan.”
Cheng Jing smiled at his beloved, soothing Lan Ze gently.
Previously so anxious, Cheng Jing was now the calm one.
He had made up his mind—no matter what the outcome, he would not be separated from Lan Ze.
If Lan Ze lived, he would accompany him in chasing dreams and climbing to the summit of academia.
If Lan Ze died… then he would follow him to the Yellow Springs.
Together in heaven or hell, never apart.
With that in mind, Cheng Jing felt serene. He smiled at Yan Shixun and said, “Thank you, Mr. Yan, for helping Lan Ze. You didn’t just save him—you saved me too.”
“But if Lan Ze truly has no way to remain, we won’t force it.”
Cheng Jing took a deep breath and calmly said, “I’ll die with Lan Ze.”
“My only request is—after I take my own life, please bury me with Lan Ze. Mix our ashes together, united in life and death, never to be separated again.”
Yan Shixun’s eyes slowly widened. His handsome face was full of disbelief, and for a moment, he didn’t understand what Cheng Jing had said.
Lan Ze also suddenly looked up, stunned, staring at Cheng Jing.
But Cheng Jing only smiled back.
“To be with you—that is the human world.”
“Anything else is hell.”
Lan Ze’s mind went blank. He murmured softly, “Cheng Jing… why would you…”
He choked up, unable to finish, his eyes brimming with crimson tears.
A vengeful ghost… wept.
Yan Shixun was overwhelmed with indescribable shock.
He hadn’t expected… that the story of Ziqi’s death and Boya smashing his zither in sorrow would reappear in this era that had long forgotten deep, passionate emotions.
And it happened… right in front of him.
Yan Shixun’s heartstrings trembled.
Just then, a shout came from nearby.
“There it is! Over here!”
“They found the crashed car! The suspect from the missing person case is here!”
After the rescue team cried out, the investigation team immediately rushed toward the scene.
Cheng Jing and Lan Ze looked up at the sound.
Cheng Jing instinctively stepped forward, wanting to rush over and take revenge on the one who had killed his lover.
But Lan Ze tugged at his sleeve.
“Don’t… don’t look…”
His handsome face was full of panic and pleading. “It’s ugly.”
His corpse… was also in that car.
If the rescue team had found the vehicle, they had found him too.
He feared Cheng Jing would be frightened by his terrifying skeletal remains—by the blood-soaked horror of his death.
He didn’t want his lover to remember him that way.
Cheng Jing froze for a moment, then realized what Lan Ze was afraid of.
He sighed and pulled his lover into an embrace, gently lowering his head and planting a soft kiss in Lan Ze’s hair.
“Lan Ze… I love you, no matter how you look, no matter if you are alive or dead.”
“Only you.”
“Just you.”
Cheng Jing’s eyes were filled with deep sorrow and hatred. He held his trembling lover tightly, wanting to give him warmth and strength.
“Don’t be afraid, Lan Ze. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side. Life or death, this world or the next—none of it will separate us.”
He sighed, already choked with emotion. “I love you, Lan Ze—from life to death.”
Blood-tinged tears fell from Lan Ze’s eyes, soaking into Cheng Jing’s clothes.
Standing beside them, Yan Shixun was nearly frozen, stunned as if turned to stone.
He felt like his brain was a short-circuited chip, and even his cheeks began to heat up.
Was… was this what Boya and Ziqi were like???
Yan Shixun was overwhelmed by confusion and awe.
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