Chapter 235: Shadow Puppets and Lamplight (1)
Although the southern region had hoped to use the “Heart-Pounding Journey of Ninety-Nine Days” show to promote Longevity Village, their plan ultimately failed.
What they hadn’t expected, however, was that the efforts to help the show’s production team find the families of those who had died in Nanming Mountain actually ended up showcasing the region’s natural beauty. This in turn boosted tourism in the southern region.
The announcement about Longevity Village was that a pyramid scheme organization had been hiding in the deep mountains. To prove this was not just a rumor and to make the entire process transparent, the area was thoroughly cleansed. Once all the remains and coffins were removed, and after confirmation by the masters that no evil spirits remained, the task was handed over to the local officials and the production team for further handling.
The ruins of the small wooden cottages left behind in Longevity Village, the remnants of everyday life, and personal items clearly from outside the mountain, became solid evidence supporting the findings.
Nan Tian, along with the director team, returned to Nanming Mountain. Under the live broadcast, the audience clearly saw the village’s ruins and the authentic natural scenery of Nanming Mountain.
Without the influence of Ritual Master, Nanming Mountain was gradually returning to its natural state, beginning to regain the life it once had.
The river trembled, the peaks stood tall and strange, and the greenery was vibrant.
What attracted even more attention were the remains of hanging coffins on the mountain walls.
When asked about this, the production team had already coordinated with special departments and openly stated, “This is indeed a burial custom unique to the nearby villages of Nanming Mountain.”
“Once all the matters of Nanming Mountain are properly settled, the site will be cleaned up and reopened to the public as a regular tourist attraction. If you’re interested, you can visit it in the future. It’s a wonderful place for a cultural tour.”
The production team worked hard to promote the southern region, and Nan Tian smiled, adding, “I grew up here. Nanming Mountain is where I was born and raised.”
There was a sense of nostalgia in Nan Tian’s eyes, a fondness he hadn’t realized he carried. His handsome face broke into a sincere and happy smile, reminiscent of the child he once was, clinging to Grandma Nan and playing.
When he spoke of Nanming Mountain, his tone softened. He happily shared childhood stories with the audience, occasionally explaining local customs and offering cultural insights that captivated the viewers.
“I didn’t expect that after I left Nanming Mountain, bad people would come and destroy the beauty here. But it’s not too late; once everything is cleaned up, it will return to its former state.”
The staff from the southern region had not realized that Nan Tian was actually a child of Nanming Mountain, with such deep affection for the place. They couldn’t help but ask him more questions.
Nan Tian smiled and nodded, saying, “When I retire, I’ll probably return to Nanming Mountain. I want to live here and fulfill the wishes my grandmother couldn’t.”
Many viewers watched Nan Tian closely, and it was clear that his visit to Nanming Mountain was not for show. He genuinely wanted to help, working alongside the staff in a practical manner, just like everyone else.
As a result, their perception of Nan Tian improved greatly.
In just a few days, Nan Tian’s social media following skyrocketed, nearly catching up to An Nanyuan’s fanbase.
This led to other entertainment companies marveling at the sudden rise of a third-tier celebrity to second-tier status, both envious of Nan Tian’s good fortune and eager to pitch for participation in the next season’s recording.
Nan Tian’s agent and team were thrilled, busy with negotiations and inundated with business offers.
They knew that with Nan Tian’s current popularity and increasing fanbase, he was just one iconic project away from firmly establishing himself as a top-tier celebrity.
However, Nan Tian no longer cared about that.
If it had been in the past, he would have been excited to see his career rise. But now, he had a more important mission.
— To continue guarding Nanming Mountain, which his grandmother had protected with her life.
As for the empty accolades and the slander from rival companies, Nan Tian simply smiled when he heard about it from his agent. He didn’t let it bother him.
The world was vast, and Nanming Mountain stood tall. Why waste his life and time on trivial matters?
His agent had brought up work opportunities, but Nan Tian just shook his head and replied with a smile, “My focus is on Nanming Mountain now. I’ll finish all my work and gradually retire from the industry to settle back here.”
“I was lucky to have survived, but I can’t just forget about Nanming Mountain. Now, I’m the only one left in Nan Village. The sins of my people, I don’t want to say they have nothing to do with me.”
“The harm that Nan Village has done to Nanming Mountain, the unfinished business my Grandma Nan had, I think it’s time for me to put an end to all of this.”
When Nan Tian spoke these words, his eyebrows were slightly lowered, a smile on his face, his expression calm, so serene that his agent almost thought he was looking at a Buddha statue.
“Then…”
The agent hesitated for a moment before asking, “The contract for the next episode of filming has already been sent over. Don’t you want to sign it?”
Nan Tian: “!! Of course, I’ll sign!”
“If it weren’t for joining this show, I probably would never have had the chance to return to Nanming Mountain, nor would I have been able to meet Grandma Nan in my dreams.”
Nan Tian smiled and said, “Brother Yan and Director Zhang are my benefactors. Even if I retire later, as long as Brother Yan and Director Zhang need me, I will definitely agree without hesitation. Besides…”
As soon as he mentioned Yan Shixun, Nan Tian remembered the question he had asked An Nanyuan before.
Before taking on this show, Nan Tian was just a third-tier star, the kind of person whose face you felt like you had seen, but didn’t really recognize.
This job was the best opportunity Nan Tian could find; the pay was good, the director was friendly, and there were no excessive demands.
He had no choice but to take it.
What’s more, after filming just one episode, Nan Tian saw his career make real progress. People who had previously ignored him began to pay attention, and in addition to magazines and interviews, his commercial offers also started to rise. From being coldly indifferent to warmly approaching him.
Nan Tian had stayed in the show because of his career, forcing himself to face the ghosts and spirits that he had once been afraid of.
At that time, An Nanyuan was already a popular idol with millions of fans, with a bright future ahead.
But An Nanyuan had rejected all the seemingly better opportunities and wholeheartedly joined this show, treating Yan Shixun just like a fan chasing after a star.
Nan Tian had asked An Nanyuan out of curiosity why he chose not to choose other paths and even risked offending the company, seemingly ruining his career, to stay in the show.
At that time, An Nanyuan smiled and told Nan Tian, “I used to think the world was small, that there was only one road to take.”
“Until I rebelled against the company and joined this show, met Brother Yan, and followed him to see an unprecedented world, I realized that the world is vast.”
The feeling An Nanyuan once had, Nan Tian was now experiencing for himself.
After stepping out of that small circle, he gained a broader perspective. Even his heart and vision opened up, and his breath became smoother and more pleasant.
Every day, instead of waking up worried about his career, dreading the thought of facing work, he was now eager to get up and go outside, excited for what he had to do today, and filled with so much energy that he couldn’t wait to work non-stop for 24 hours.
Nan Tian had once thought that no one could be that full of energy, that no one would like work.
But after joining the show and traveling far and wide with Yan Shixun, he realized that it was because, in the past, he hadn’t found something he truly wanted to do.
For passion and ideals, one really could burn themselves up.
Especially after returning to Nanming Mountain with the director team, Nan Tian seemed to have an endless supply of strength. To protect Nanming Mountain, to preserve the beautiful memories he shared with Grandma Nan, he was willing to risk his life.
Just like Grandma Nan’s choice once.
The agent, seeing Nan Tian’s current state, couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional.
Even though he had worked in the industry for many years, he had become numb to emotions, and now only saw interests. However, the bright light in Nan Tian’s eyes still shook him.
When other celebrities mention wanting to leave their promising careers, their agents usually aren’t happy, feeling it’s a huge loss of money and a blow to their own interests.
But when Nan Tian said he wanted to quit, hearing his reasons moved his agent deeply. The agent felt a surge of emotions, wanting to help Nan Tian achieve his goal.
The audience watching the livestream before the show also noticed Nan Tian’s transformation.
The young man’s smile was bright and full of life, not a trace of gloom. His eyes sparkled with energy, as if he had endless vitality and his heart was filled with sunshine and drive.
Just watching someone like him was enough to make the audience feel their energy.
[I hadn’t noticed this guest before, but it turns out this show really does have hidden gems. One after another, they’re so captivating.]
[My Nan Tian, I’m so happy for you! After all these years, you’ve finally made it! You used to say you wanted more people to notice you, and now you’ve done it! You’re amazing!]
[Originally, I had a terrible mood after failing my final exams, but seeing Nan Tian suddenly made me feel like it’s not a big deal. There’s still hope. The struggle isn’t over.]
[When I look at Nan Tian, I can’t help but smile along with him.]
[I used to dislike Nan Tian, thinking he was too career-driven and acted like a diva. But now, watching him, he feels like the warmth of the winter sun shining into my bedroom. I really like him now.]
Some of Nan Tian’s original fans noticed his dramatic change.
The livestream wasn’t always held outdoors, and there were times when they were indoors, with windows facing the street or even directly across from an intersection.
In the past, Nan Tian would have been terrified, his pupils would shrink, and his whole body would tremble. He would demand to leave the room, away from any street or intersection.
But this time, Nan Tian never made such a request.
His fear had turned into nostalgia and longing. Sometimes, during breaks, Nan Tian would look out the window at the intersection, lost in thought, and then smile.
What’s more, Nan Tian, who used to always lock the door quickly when inside a room to feel safe—almost as if there were ghostly creatures after him—had now broken that habit. Even with the door wide open, he didn’t feel scared.
Fans noticed this change, and some were curious: [Has Nan Tian gone through something? He doesn’t seem afraid anymore.]
[He used to be really scared of ghosts, right? Even a joke would make him anxious. I used to wonder why he chose to join the “Heart-Pounding Journey of Ninety-Nine Days, Ghostly Terror” show. Now I see, has he gotten used to being scared?]
But some people who didn’t like Nan Tian dug up old stories about his diva behavior and used his current calmness as a comparison, claiming that his previous fears of ghosts were just a way to cover up his arrogance.
However, such voices were quickly shut down.
It wasn’t just Nan Tian’s fans, but even many viewers of the show—some who were just following the livestream to see the search for people in Nanming Mountain—came to his defense.
[Nan Tian is definitely in a better state now, but I think he’s not just unafraid of ghosts anymore. It feels like he’s even looking forward to their appearance.]
[I understand this. After my mom passed, I kept hoping she would come back to see me. If she couldn’t visit me in my dreams, I’d even be okay if she came back as a ghost. Unfortunately, no matter how much I thought about her, cried until my eyes swelled, she never came back.]
[I’ve experienced something like that too. In my culture, we scatter rice on the ground during the seventh night after a death. If the deceased comes back, they’ll leave footprints in the rice, letting us know where they’ve gone. My grandmother’s footprints led to my bed and then to the kitchen. My family said she was worried I’d be hungry and wanted to make me breakfast. After that, even though I used to be scared of ghosts, I’ve never been afraid again.]
[It seems like Nan Tian’s grandmother passed away when he was very young. Maybe he feels the same way?]
[Maybe. Didn’t he say his hometown is in Nanming Mountain? Maybe his grandmother’s spirit is still there, waiting to make him a meal when he returns.]
[Sigh, forget about the diva talk. It’s just childhood trauma. The shadow that accompanied Nan Tian all these years was finally covered by his love for his grandmother.]
[Looking at it this way, Nanming Mountain really does seem like a beautiful place. I want to visit.]
[Hold on, though. Even though I want to go too, there are still staff members at Nanming Mountain handling the issues with the pyramid scheme, right? It would only cause trouble if we go now.]
[You can travel to other places in the southern regions! The special feature there is the abundance of mountains and rivers. There are a thousand places as beautiful as Nanming Mountain in the southern regions!]
[Wow! Really? I’m so tempted! It’s been so long since I’ve seen such beautiful landscapes. A vacation there would be amazing.]
[Let’s go! Count me in.]
[Now I’m hooked on the southern region. I’ve already started searching for travel guides for the area, haha.]
The viewers’ guesses were nearly spot on. When the agent saw this, he initially wanted to do something, maybe guide positive comments about Nan Tian.
But in the end, he just slowly set down his tablet and sat silently in the studio the entire day, finally sighing and doing nothing.
Nan Tian’s feelings for his grandmother had far surpassed these matters.
No matter what the team did or didn’t do, Nan Tian no longer cared.
However, the most exciting news for Nan Tian’s team was the invitation from the official tourism office of the southern region for him to become their tourism ambassador.
The southern region’s officials had noticed Nan Tian’s efforts and attitude. They were aware that the tourism industry had been influenced by Nan Tian and the show, which brought a positive impact to the area.
The flowers you try to plant with care refuse to bloom, but the willows you plant unintentionally grow into a shady grove.
The Longevity Village initiative had failed, but it led to the flourishing of the entire southern region’s tourism industry.
Since Nan Tian was from Nanming Mountain and a local of the southern region, they decided to offer him the opportunity to represent his hometown as their tourism ambassador.
Nan Tian, finding it beneficial to the development of his hometown, happily accepted the collaboration without pay.
On his social media accounts, every post was about praising the southern region, sharing travel spots in the area.
People who didn’t know better might have thought he was a travel influencer.
Even Nan Tian’s fans were taken aback, not realizing how dedicated he had become.
Online celebrity Lu Xingxing, after seeing this, happily shared the news with Yan Shixun.
“This time, Nan Tian is really happy. I’ve never seen him this enthusiastic. I always thought he had that personality, but it turns out he just hadn’t found his passion before.”
Lu Xingxing eagerly said to the person on the other end of the phone, “I’m so excited, I want to go back to Nanming Mountain with Nan Tian and help out.”
Yan Shixun snorted, “Does Taoist Song Yi allow that?”
Mentioning his master, Lu Xingxing immediately deflated.
“Don’t bring up my master, we’re still good friends,” Lu Xingxing said, covering his face in frustration.
Originally, Taoist Song Yi didn’t come to Nanming Mountain this time because his injury hadn’t healed, which made Lu Xingxing think he had escaped punishment. He was relieved that this time, he wouldn’t be scolded by his master.
If his master had seen his behavior in Nanming Mountain, he would have criticized him and called him useless.
Lu Xingxing felt very wronged.
Although his relationship with his master was very harmonious—at least, that was how Lu Xingxing saw it—he was just a beginner disciple. In the past, he would have been treated like a novice servant, carrying his master’s things around, unable to even mention his master’s name outside.
Taoist Song Yi had a true successor, someone who was serious and hardworking like him, and had graduated as a master early. As a beginner disciple, Lu Xingxing wasn’t that important.
Because of this, for many years, Taoist Song Yi had left Lu Xingxing to his own devices.
Even though he was dissatisfied with Lu Xingxing’s inconsistent efforts, Taoist Song Yi would only occasionally scold him when he was busy, expressing his disappointment.
It wasn’t until this show began, and considering Lu Xingxing’s more widely known identity as an independent musician, that Taoist Song Yi had him come back and participate in the show, taking on the role of monitoring the show initially.
After all, it didn’t seem out of place for an independent musician to participate in a variety show. People wouldn’t suspect the show of being haunted just because Lu Xingxing was a Taoist; they would just think he was participating as a musician, not as a Taoist.
If it had been another Taoist, that would have been too obvious, almost like shouting to everyone, “Yes, there’s something wrong with this show; I’m here to exorcise the ghosts.”
—Although the audience had started to get used to the unique atmosphere of this show, they still needed to maintain a certain level of propriety.
What the audience guessed and what the official explanation was, could be very different.
But even Lu Xingxing hadn’t expected that his cheerful and outgoing personality, which allowed him to make friends with everyone, would make him stand out.
As a result, Taoist Song Yi began to take more interest in him.
When Taoist Song Yi saw Lu Xingxing chasing after Yan Shixun, calling him Master Uncle, Taoist Song Yi secretly nodded, thinking that Lu Xingxing was a good kid who respected his teacher.
However, when he saw Lu Xingxing clumsily failing to even memorize a talisman, he was so angry that he nearly exploded. He thought, “This disciple really embarrassed me. Even Junior Brother Yan could barely tolerate it.”
Lu Xingxing successfully reignited Song Yi’s desire to properly train a disciple.
So, Taoist Song Yi’s attitude shifted from “occasionally scolding Lu Xingxing” to “daily beating him, marking the first of many sessions.”
—If Lu Xingxing knew the reason behind this, who knows, he might cry.
But no matter if he knew or not, ever since returning from Nanming Mountain to Haiyun Temple, Lu Xingxing had been relentlessly beaten every day by Taoist Song Yi.
The sound of crying, whining, and acting spoiled echoed throughout the entire Haiyun Temple.
Some curious tourists even asked the young temple attendant at the entrance if this was the famous, irregular special performance of Haiyun Temple.
The young attendant, with a cold expression: Oh, if you came earlier, you could have witnessed the scene where the three generations of ancestors and disciples are chasing each other across the mountain. That’s what truly leaves a shocking impression.
Lu Xingxing was strictly managed by Taoist Song Yi. The two of them spent their days teaching in the backyard, so outsiders could not see them.
Taoist Wang had even specifically come over to scold Taoist Song Yi.
Taoist Song Yi, who was unfairly scolded, had a bewildered expression and said, “I didn’t say anything bad about Junior Brother Yan. If he were to get married, I would definitely support him.”
After all, Yan Shixun was a disciple of Hermit Chengyun, and the only one left alive with the cursed “Evil Spirit Bone Transformation.”
Even if Yan Shixun claimed he would fly in the sky and pick the sun, Taoist Song Yi wouldn’t find it strange at all.
“You may not have said anything, but isn’t that exactly what made Junior Brother Yan think no one supports him? Isn’t your mouth only for eating? You can’t even say a word of encouragement? How is he supposed to feel supported if you don’t say anything?”
Taoist Wang grew even angrier. “You don’t even know that Junior Brother Yan is getting married?”
Taoist Song Yi: ”???”
Had he been so isolated during his recovery that he hadn’t heard about Yan Shixun’s wedding? When did that happen?
Taoist Song Yi, full of confusion, even asked the other Taoists to see if they knew anything about it.
In the end, Taoist Yangxu, stroking his beard, pondered for a moment before saying, “Yes, Fellow Taoist Yan got married.”
Taoist Song Yi was shocked. “Ah—?”
Other Taoists who happened to pass by nodded, confirming, “Yes, I’ve heard. Fellow Taoist Yan married a young, talented exorcist. They’ve been living together for quite some time now.”
Another Taoist, suddenly realizing, said, “Oh! I remember now! The last time I went to Fellow Taoist Yan’s house, I did see someone else there. So that person is Fellow Taoist Yan’s spouse? Oh my, how rude of me, I should have greeted them and offered my blessings!”
He then turned to Taoist Song Yi and asked, “Aren’t you and Fellow Taoist Yan brothers? Didn’t the Old Taoist, who had such a close relationship with Hermit Chengyun, tell you multiple times to look after Fellow Taoist Yan? How could you not know such a big thing?”
Taoist Song Yi was so stunned his eyes nearly popped out, and it took him a long time to regain his senses.
After a long pause, he said, embarrassed, “I neglected this, and I didn’t even know when Junior Brother Yan got married.”
Taoist Wang was filled with righteous anger and scolded every Taoist who expressed shock upon hearing about “Yan Shixun’s marriage.” He complained that because Haiyun Temple had been so indifferent to Yan Shixun, even ignoring his personal and emotional life, Yan Shixun had felt unsupported and refused to return to the temple.
After Taoist Wang returned from Nanjing Mountain, within days, everyone at Haiyun Temple knew about “Yan Shixun’s marriage.”
Lan Ze, who lived at Haiyun Temple, nodded in agreement and said, “Yes, the gentleman by Mr. Yan’s side has long held deep feelings for him. It makes perfect sense that they are together.”
Lan Ze then curiously asked the Taoists, “Can’t people get married at Haiyun Temple? It seems like everyone here is single.”
The Taoists: “…………”
That struck a nerve.
Although, in theory, Haiyun Temple wasn’t like the Quanzhen Sect, where marriage was forbidden, it was allowed.
However, most of the Taoists at Haiyun Temple focused their time and energy on their practice, completely neglecting personal matters like relationships.
Moreover, since their elders and teachers had never married, they never developed that kind of awareness.
Over time, this indifference had led to singleness becoming a tradition, and no one at the temple had married.
The absurdity even led people outside the temple to believe that the Taoists at Haiyun Temple were forbidden from marrying.
The Taoists helplessly tried to explain.
But thanks to Lan Ze’s testimony, the Taoists had their doubts erased.
What was initially met with skepticism towards Taoist Wang’s words quickly turned into belief.
It made the Taoists begin to feel guilty and reflect on whether they had indeed been too indifferent toward Yan Shixun.
Taoist Wang angrily said, “Now that you know, shouldn’t you make up for it? Even if Junior Brother Yan didn’t acknowledge his connection to Haiyun Temple, he is still Hermit Chengyun’s only disciple and Taoist Li’s nephew. Your cold attitude has been too hurtful!”
“Junior Brother Yan has suffered so much over the years, all because of your indifference. Just look at how such a good kid is now too afraid to tell you he’s in a relationship or got married. This shows just how excessive your behavior has been these years.”
Taoist Wang was heartbroken: “My poor Junior Brother Yan!”
The Taoists: Ah… am I really that bad?
The Taoists were filled with self-doubt and guilt.
Even the abbot was stunned when he heard the news and specifically called the official in charge to confirm.
“Ah? Mr. Yan is married? His spouse is the assistant who’s been with him all this time?”
The official in charge unconsciously raised his voice, shocked, his nostrils flaring in surprise.
Unlike the Taoists at Haiyun Temple, who had different duties and hadn’t necessarily met Yan Shixun, the official often saw Yan Shixun and had become good friends with him, outside of official business.
He never expected that he wouldn’t hear about the wedding from Yan Shixun himself.
Instead, he heard it from the head of the abbot of Haiyun Temple.
This made the official in charge feel a bit guilty, reflecting on whether he had been so focused on work that he had overlooked such an important matter.
After hearing the abbot’s worried recounting of what Taoist Wang had said, that “if you don’t know, it means you don’t care or support,” the official cleared his throat nervously.
“Well, I, of course, knew about it.”
The official tried to hold his composure, saying, “They’ve been living together for a long time. The ghost that caused such a ruckus in the concession district also lives with them. When I visited last time, I even saw Mr. Yan teaching that child how to memorize lessons.”
Nearby, the rescue team members exchanged glances, surprised by what they had just heard.
Team member: Mr. Yan and that assistant are married?
Team member: And they have a child?
Team member: Wow, it seems like being a master is really different. Their family situation is nothing like ours.
Upon hearing the official’s words, the abbot nodded, now convinced by Taoist Wang’s explanation.
After hanging up the phone, the abbot pondered deeply, trying to recall the appearance of Yan Shixun’s partner.
But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t picture the face of Yan Shixun’s lover.
He vaguely remembered that there had always been a tall, slender young man standing by Yan Shixun’s side, inseparable.
So, that was his partner? No wonder.
The abbot stroked his chin, suddenly understanding.
“Abbot?” A fellow Taoist, puzzled by the head’s complex and thoughtful expression, couldn’t help but ask.
He received an unexpected response.
“Fellow Taoist Yan even has a child? And they’re a ghost with an Evil Spirit Bone Transformation?”
The Taoist exclaimed, “A family with two Evil Spirit Bone Transformation and three exorcists? Wow, this is something Haiyun Temple has never seen before.”
By the time Lu Xingxing heard the rumors spreading around Haiyun Temple, he was so shocked that he had to rub his ears, thinking he might have heard wrong due to too much earwax.
“What? Brother Yan got married? And has a child?”
Lu Xingxing hesitated, “Although looking at how master aunt acts, it’s clear he won’t let Brother Yan go, but a child… Are they talking about Jing Xiaobao?”
Shocked at the partial truth that he had uncovered, Lu Xingxing stood frozen in place: “Jing Xiaobao, wasn’t he the leader of the fierce ghosts? I think he’s now a small official in the underworld. When did he become Brother Yan’s child?”
Most importantly, if Jing Xiaobao is now part of Brother Yan’s family, doesn’t that make him a peer?
Unacceptable!!
Lu Xingxing had happily been thinking of himself as Jing Xiaobao’s uncle, but now he was adamantly refusing to accept that a three-year-old child could be on the same level as him. He was determined to raise his status!
Since the location for the next recording had to be decided, Zhang Wubing had also returned to Binhai City to discuss a few backup options with Yan Shixun.
However, he didn’t expect that, as soon as he heard the sound from Yan Shixun’s phone, he would hear such absurd news.
Zhang Wubing was shocked.
He quickly stopped trying to explain anything to Lu Xingxing and angrily shouted, “That’s right! Brother Yan is MY father, what does Jing Xiaobao have to do with it!”
He absolutely could not allow Jing Xiaobao any opportunity to rise above!
Zhang Wubing had a strong feeling that if he allowed Jing Xiaobao to remain by Yan Shixun’s side unchecked, the next time he came back, that small courtyard might be completely occupied by Jing Xiaobao, leaving him with no place.
How could he tolerate having his precious position taken away? Absolutely not!!!
In a state of panic over being replaced, Zhang Wubing instinctively grabbed onto Yan Shixun’s arm, refusing to let go, his eyes vigilantly watching Jing Xiaobao.
Jing Xiaobao, who was being stared at for no reason: “…………”
Yan Shixun, who was listening to the conversation between Lu Xingxing and Zhang Wubing: “…………”
He stood in his own courtyard, both angry and amused.
“张小病，你改名叫张为什么有那个大病得了。”
“Zhang Xiaobing, you should change your name to Zhang ‘Why did you get that serious illness.'”
Yan Shixun sneered, grabbing Zhang Wubing and tossing him aside before taking the phone back and asking Lu Xingxing, “You mean, the whole Haiyun Temple is talking about me getting married and having a child?”
Isn’t that too ridiculous?
The only one who knew the whole truth, Yan Shixun, found the rumors utterly absurd.
If people really believed this, then his partner would be the Lord of Fengdu, his pets would be a ghost summoner like Zhang Wubing, a newly crowned evil King of Hell, and a husky from Haiyun Temple?
What a mess, what nonsense is this!
When Yan Shixun lowered his voice, his tone sharp and unrestrained, the powerful aura he exuded was something Lu Xingxing could never withstand.
Lu Xingxing instantly fell silent.
It was as if he were a husky scared of getting beaten, and his loud howl suddenly stopped.
In a place where no one could see, his fluffy, beautiful tail drooped down, tightly wedged between his legs.
“…Yes?”
Lu Xingxing hesitated and quietly said, “Everyone in the temple is saying that Brother Yan, you are the light of Haiyun Temple.”
Yan Shixun: “?”
What was that?
“Because in a hundred years, you are the first to break Haiyun Temple’s tradition of being single.”
Lu Xingxing said honestly, “The temple has had five generations of Taoists, and they’ve all remained single. Now, people are starting to forget that actually, Taoists in Haiyun Temple can get married.”
“Many senior Taoists say that they want to protect your and Master Aunt’s love…”
Even through the phone, Lu Xingxing could feel the deep, oppressive air from Yan Shixun on the other side. So, his voice grew quieter and quieter until he couldn’t help but hang up the phone and escape quickly.
— Of course, he had to run!
His survival instinct warned him that if he kept talking, Brother Yan might end up hitting him.
Also, based on Lu Xingxing’s observations of both Yan Shixun and Ye Li, he knew that in the relationship between him and Yan Shixun, Master Aunt would definitely favor Yan Shixun for no reason.
If Yan Shixun beat him, Ye Li would only be concerned about whether Yan Shixun’s hand hurt and wouldn’t even spare him a glance.
Lu Xingxing: Sigh, I’m the nephew that isn’t loved by both his uncle and aunt.
Listening to the sound of the call ending, Yan Shixun clenched his palm tightly, almost wanting to crush the phone as if it were Lu Xingxing himself.
Yan Shixun laughed in anger.
He never imagined that things would escalate into such a ridiculous situation. He didn’t know where things went wrong, or who spread such rumors.
As Yan Shixun tried to sort through the situation and find the culprit, Ye Li raised his hand, resting his head, sitting in a chair behind the window, his eyes never blinking as he observed Yan Shixun’s lively expression, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips.
His long black hair fell from his shoulders, gently curling and draping around him, smooth and cool like water.
He exuded a somewhat lazy, homely vibe.
The once-dreaded Lord of Fengdu, who made all ghost deities tremble in fear, now had a softened and calm aura, carrying the warmth of the human world, no longer the cold, aloof deity from above.
Ye Li had heard the conversation from the small courtyard outside and understood that the “culprit” was probably Taoist Wang from Haiyun Temple.
However, he wasn’t planning on clearing things up.
Wasn’t this just fine? Anyway, it was only a matter of time. Taoist Wang wasn’t wrong—he had just spoken a little too early.
Ye Li was quite pleased with Haiyun Temple.
However, he didn’t dare to say this to Yan Shixun.
In this trap woven from softness and warmth, the cautious large feline continued to keep its guard up, only daring to gently tap the edge with its paw, not yet fully stepping in.
At this moment, any suspicious sound would cause the alert cat to turn away.
It wouldn’t fall into his arms.
Ye Li had already patiently waited for a long time and wasn’t in a rush.
No matter what, he would always be by Yan Shixun’s side. No one could steal his treasure from him.
No one could take away the one Yan Shixun loved in front of a ghost deity.
Unless that person wanted to witness the earth-shattering wrath of the ghost deity.
The winter air was cool and biting, but the sunlight shone warmly down, enveloping the entire courtyard.
Ye Li lowered his eyelids slightly, watching Yan Shixun’s tall, slender figure, his gaze sliding down from head to toe.
Yan Shixun suddenly felt a chill on his back, a sensation that lingered even under the sun.
He turned around in confusion and found himself facing Ye Li’s smiling eyes.
Ye Li waved at Yan Shixun with a smile, his thin lips mouthing a question silently: Shixun, want to take a nap?
Yan Shixun’s anger abruptly stopped.
He quietly recalled the night a couple of days ago, when he had mistakenly entered the wrong room after returning home. When he woke up in the morning, he found that he had ended up sleeping in the same bed as Ye Li.
His ears turned bright red, feeling hot like a little sun under the strands of hair that fell across his face.
Yan Shixun pursed his lips, averted his gaze, and no longer looked at Ye Li.
Jing Xiaobao blinked his big eyes, suddenly realizing what was going on.
Only Zhang Wubing was still foolishly clinging to Yan Shixun, trying to salvage his obedient image in front of his “father.”
Jing Xiaobao shot Zhang Wubing a disdainful look: If you can’t even read Yan Yan’s mood, what can you even do?
Zhang Wubing immediately flared up, but with Yan Shixun right there, he could only hold his anger in.
So he ended up puffing himself up like a pufferfish.
Jing Xiaobao was even more disgusted: Luckily, the King of Hell isn’t Zhang Wubing. No wonder Yan Yan didn’t toss him into hell. If he did, someone this dumb wouldn’t leave a single bone shard.
However, the next second, Yan Shixun’s voice rang out: “Xiao Bao, why are you in a daze? Have you finished your memorization?”
Jing Xiaobao instinctively retracted his neck and immediately buried himself in the book.
Jing Xiaobao: QAQ Why does Lu Xingxing get to have so much fun outside? Why do I have to memorize scriptures here? Am I not the King of Hell? Which King of Hell looks this embarrassing? Boohoo.
Zhang Wubing sympathetically glanced at Jing Xiaobao, relieved that he didn’t have to memorize anything.
But he was too early in celebrating.
“Da Bing, don’t you need to choose the next recording location?”
Yan Shixun crossed his arms and coldly sneered: “If you don’t need to, then get out.”
Zhang Wubing instantly shrank into a ball: “I’ll choose, I’ll choose. I’ll do it now.”
As Zhang Wubing began listing various alternatives, Yan Shixun instinctively turned his head and looked toward the window.
Ye Li had his eyes closed, resting with one hand supporting his head, taking a brief nap under the sunlight.
The sunlight bathed his handsome face, softening the originally stern expression. The light and shadow scattered, creating a scene like a finely painted masterpiece that made it hard to look away.
Yan Shixun paused for a moment, then, realizing that Ye Li had already fallen asleep, he finally felt at ease. He fixed his gaze on Ye Li, seriously studying the contours of his face.
“Brother Yan, Brother Yan?”
Zhang Wubing’s voice pulled Yan Shixun out of his wandering thoughts, and he snapped back to reality.
“Brother Yan, what are you thinking? Which location do you think is good?” Zhang Wubing asked, puzzled.
Yan Shixun blinked, only realizing that he hadn’t been paying attention to anything Zhang Wubing had just said. His focus had been entirely on Ye Li, something he hadn’t even been aware of.
“Can you repeat that?”
Yan Shixun calmly turned around, his expression as usual, not revealing anything unusual, so Zhang Wubing couldn’t detect anything out of the ordinary.
Zhang Wubing was confused but obediently repeated himself.
Just as Yan Shixun turned back, Ye Li’s lips curled up slightly.
The corners of his eyes and brows were filled with a warm smile.
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