FI CH74: Rampage!

After sending the WeiXin message, Lin Su went back into the house.

Yan Tingyun glanced behind him. “Huh, has Ghost Brother left?”

Lin Su nodded. “He went back.”

He Zhenling looked over at him. “What did you talk about this time?”

“About the wedding banquet.” Lin Su stood beside him and said comfortingly, “Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged everything.”

He Zhenling’s eyes suddenly lowered, alert. “…What have you arranged?”

“The pageantry.”

“?”

His lips moved, just as he was about to say something, Bai Jiang popped up holding a nest of lively little chicks, smiling brightly. “What, is it going to be lively tomorrow? Can we go too?”

Lin Su said lovingly, “Of course.”

Bai Jiang turned his head. “Tingyun, you should come too.” ^▽^

Yan Tingyun, “…”

What’s going on? I should… be, on the bride’s side of the family, right? She opened her mouth and nodded with a complicated expression. “…Of course.”

Bai Jiang: “Haha~”

He Zhenling took a deep breath and swallowed his words after a long moment. Forget it.

…

The auspicious time was at midnight on the third day of the new year.

The wedding hall for the ceremony was set up at the village entrance, at the boundary between the village and the back mountain. It would take a considerable amount of time to get there, so the bride’s procession had to set out before midnight.

Four large tables were set up in the open space behind the village.

A ghost marriage ceremony was a mix of red and white. The village had also symbolically prepared a feast for the living.

An altar table stood in the hall, adorned with red and yellow silk ribbons.

No one had arrived yet, and it was still quiet all around.

Candles burned on the altar table, the light around it dim and faint. Three figures stood vaguely in the gloom.

Bai Jiang, with his snow-white sleeves gathered, said cheerfully, “So Tingyun is coming with the wedding procession.”

Lin Su stared at the feast tables outside and swallowed. “Mhm.”

He Zhenling glanced over. “Bear with it. We can eat after midnight.”

Bai Jiang turned his head with a smile. “Speaking of which, are we just going to swagger over and sit down to eat later? I’m not going to end up in the water again, am I? Ahaha~*”

“Don’t worry, you won’t.”

Just as Lin Su was about to say something, he heard a commotion outside. Led by a single drum, a single horn, and a single suona, the sound of music broke the silence of the night, approaching from a distance.

He cut himself off. “They’re here.”

Outside, the night was thick.

The fog seemed to spread down from the mountain, enveloping the entire Yan village. Two rows of lanterns illuminated a large red bridal sedan chair, swaying as it broke through the fog.

The sedan chair stopped in front of the open space.

Yan Lao’er stood at the front of the procession and shouted, “Lower the sedan!” The sedan chair was set down. He stared intently at Yan Tingyun, who was following beside it. Yan Tingyun pursed her lips, then raised a hand to lift the curtain.

A bright red hemline fell, a veil covering the face.

Yan Tingyun called out softly, “Brother.”

Yan Guanyue took the hand she offered. His fingertips were slightly cool. He squeezed her hand reassuringly. Just as he stood firm, a low warning came from Yan Lao’er beside him:

“You know what to do. Don’t even think about causing trouble. Otherwise, the first to suffer will be you and your sister.”

Yan Guanyue said nothing and tugged on Yan Tingyun’s hand. The latter led him step by step towards the hall. Beneath the veil, a patch of dark ground was visible.

His fingertips tightened as he prayed: …Mr. Lin.

He stepped into the hall.

Outside, Yan Lao’er watched the person enter the house, feeling slightly relieved. He turned to his clansmen and said, “Alright, we’ll just guard here. Let the two siblings go in…”

The next moment, all the surrounding lanterns went out at once!

Yan Lao’er was stunned. The clansmen also turned their heads in alarm. A sinister wind suddenly blew past, and the surrounding trees rustled, like flickering ghost shadows in the dark night.

Before they could react, with a “swoosh,” a ball of ghost fire lit up. Immediately after, countless balls of ghost fire lit up one after another. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…

From the village entrance to the back mountain, they were ensnared in a net of them, spreading all over the mountains and fields—

A wave of sinister ghostly energy swept over.

It was as if all the ghosts of the underworld were here. The clansmen instantly trembled all over, crying out in alarm:

“…It’s, it’s ghosts… There are ghosts everywhere!!”

Yan Lao’er roared, “…Don’t be afraid!”

Just as he finished speaking, the bridal sedan chair beside him was hit by something with a “clang”! and tilted. The ghostly energy surged, and the ghost fires from all directions rushed over—

The clansmen carrying the sedan screamed and covered their heads, crouching on the ground.

In an instant, screams erupted everywhere, and chaos ensued.

…

In the hall, Lin Su looked out.

The open space outside was already crowded with ghostly figures, and more ghosts were still rushing over, scrambling to get here. Some were carrying gifts, and some were even carrying bowls—

“Jie jie jie, there’s a big pork knuckle!”

“Move, move, move… I called this table first!”

“Ouch, who pushed me?”

In the hustle and bustle, someone stepped on a clansman’s foot, eliciting a miserable scream. “Ah…!” The ghost next to him was startled and, with a turn, knocked over the chopsticks on the table. Clatter!

“What are you doing, scaring a living ghost!”

Two familiar figures, one black and one white, were also mixed in.

“Ah! It’s so lively~~~~”

“Old Bai, look at this underworld banquet line, it stretches all the way to the mountain. What a grand display.”

White Impermanence excitedly stuck out his tongue and called out: “Alright, no shouting! We are an organized and disciplined…”

A few steps away, Yan Lao’er happened to let out a loud shout:

“What’s all the panic! It’s just ghosts receiving the bride…”

White Impermanence whipped his head around and flung out a chain with a “whoosh.” Crack! It struck Yan Lao’er right in the face. “Urgh!” Yan Lao’er was sent staggering, and a bruised, purplish mark appeared on his face.

White Impermanence retracted his hand. “I just said no shouting.”

The ghosts: “…”

Yan Lao’er was knocked to the ground. The clansmen were instantly more terrified. “Lao, Lao’er!”

“Even Yan Lao’er was—”

“Let’s go, let’s go quickly… leaving Yan Guanyue here should be enough, right!”

Outside was a mess. Inside the hall.

Yan Tingyun could only see a multitude of ghost fires, and the clansmen seemed to be going crazy one after another. She pulled tightly on Yan Guanyue’s hand in fear:

“Brother, what is this…!?”

Yan Guanyue couldn’t see what was happening.

He frowned slightly and was about to lift his veil when his hand was pressed down by a cool one.

A hoarse voice sounded, “…You must not.”

The moment their fingers touched, a clamor of noisy, lively ghost sounds suddenly flooded his ears. Yan Guanyue was stunned. From under the lifted corner of his veil, he saw the hem of a black and red robe.

“You…”

Just as he spoke, two more hems, one black and one white, appeared in his line of sight.

The Black and White Guards of Impermanence, carrying gifts, came closer and sized them up:

“Did you two get plastic surgery?”

The Ghost King, “…”

Yan Guanyue, “?”

Lin Su appeared from the side and back, kindly. “We two are over here.”

Black and White turned their heads: …!!

Lin Su had a benevolent gaze, while He Zhenling gave a cold glare. As the two stood before them, the Black and White Guards took two seconds to react, then exclaimed in shock, “This isn’t your wedding banquet?”

The Ghost King greeted them in a hoarse voice, “Lord Wuchang.”

White Impermanence turned to look him over. “The Ghost King of Gui Mountain.”

Yan Guanyue’s fingertips trembled.

The Ghost King, “It is I.”

“Never mind, it’s all the same~” The Black and White Guards handed over their gift. “Happy wedding!”

The Ghost King said thanks and accepted it.

White Impermanence suddenly looked at Yan Guanyue again, his gaze falling on his feet. “You have something bad on you.” He then covered his mouth and stared at Lin Su. “…Oh dear, am I allowed to say that?”

Xuenima sighed: [He’s becoming more and more dramatic.]

Lin Su let out a soft sigh and looked at Yan Guanyue. Yan Guanyue seemed to sense it. “You can.”

The clansmen outside had mostly fled.

He bent down as he spoke. “The clan forced me to tie this on. It might suppress the Ghost… King’s, ghostly energy.” Just as he bent over, the Ghost King suddenly stepped sideways to block him. “I’ll do it.”

With that, he lifted the hem of his robe and, without any hesitation, tore off the golden rhombus mirror tied to his ankle.

White Impermanence also had no qualms. “Give it to me.”

He took it and casually stuffed it away, then looked around with great interest. “Which table do we sit at?”

The Ghost King gestured. “The main table. Please, take a seat.”

The Black and White Guards ran off gleefully. “Hahahahaha! There’s stewed mountain chicken at the main table!”

…

The two figures went to claim their seats.

Just as Lin Su retracted his gaze, he heard a “heh…” from beside him. He turned and met He Zhenling’s lowered gaze. “What did you say to them?”

He, “…”

He Zhenling lowered his voice, looking at him with knowing scrutiny. “You didn’t, by any chance, say this was our wedding banquet, did you?”

Lin Su said with a straight face, “How could I? I said it was a wedding banquet with ‘us’ present.”

He Zhenling, “…”

He looked at Lin Su and let out a suggestive, huffed laugh.

Lin Su quietly averted his gaze. “Nima, he’s laughing hotly again.”

[404.]

“.”

As they were talking, a snow-white figure appeared in front.

Bai Jiang had righted the paper offerings that had been knocked over by the sinister wind and was now reminding them with a smile, “The auspicious time is almost here.”

Lin Su looked at Yan Guanyue.

Under the veil, Yan Guanyue’s lips moved slightly.

The next moment, his hand was taken by the Ghost King. “Let’s go. Those troublemakers have been driven back.”

“…”

Yan Guanyue, “?”

He was silent for two seconds, then spoke. “…The ‘troublemakers’ you mentioned, are you referring to?”

The Ghost King, “Naturally, the clansmen who wanted to ruin our marriage.”

Yan Guanyue, “…Then who are those outside?”

“They are esteemed guests from all over.” The Ghost King tried to be gentle. “The wedding banquet is grander than I imagined. You don’t need to be nervous. I will guide you.”

Yan Guanyue’s lips moved again. After a moment, “Mm.”

The ceremony had already begun above.

A ghost marriage ceremony was simpler than a regular one. Yan Tingyun also accompanied them, dazed.

Lin Su took a seat at the main table. “I told you, with the Ghost King’s mentality, he can succeed in anything.”

The Xuenima lay on the edge of the table: [So this marriage is a done deal?]

Lin Su didn’t answer, just picked up a small piece of pork knuckle with his chopsticks and stuffed it into its little mouth. “Eat.”

Xuenima: [O)3(O]

After bowing to the parents’ ancestral tablets and tying the red string, and after offering incense and kowtowing, they exchanged cups of wine.

Soon, the ceremony was complete.

Yan Guanyue wasn’t one for many formalities. After the bows, he directly lifted his veil and came down with the Ghost King to toast the guests.

They didn’t need to worry about the banquet line that stretched to the mountaintop; that string of ghosts was having a blast on their own.

The Ghost King led Yan Guanyue past the main table.

After a round of toasts, the basic ceremony was complete. The Ghost King put down his wine cup and turned to ask, “Do you want to eat something, or shall we go straight to the bridal chamber?”

Yan Guanyue suddenly choked. “Cough!”

Bai Jiang smilingly pulled away a blushing Yan Tingyun.

The Black and White Guards, as if a keyword had been triggered, subconsciously looked towards He Zhenling and Lin Su.

He Zhenling returned their gaze and let out a cold laugh.

Lin Su, cuddling the ear-covered Xuenima, turned his head seriously. “Ahem, they’re discussing serious business over there.”

Yan Guanyue regained his rational expression.

His thin lips pursed slightly. “You should know that this ghost marriage of ours involves many… complex factors.”

There was silence for a few seconds.

Just as Yan Guanyue was about to speak again, he heard the Ghost King say, “I understand. You mean, after I’ve cleared away these impurities, we can then consummate our marriage in peace.”

Yan Guanyue, “………”

He, “No, I’m…”

The Ghost King considered, “However, a ghost marriage is bound by a contract. I don’t know if this counts as breaking the rules.” He paused, looking at the table full of underworld officials and divine officers—

The whole table of ghosts looked in unison at He Zhenling.

Lin Su turned his head and gently cupped his handsome face. “You’re drunk. You didn’t hear anything.”

“…” He Zhenling couldn’t help but laugh. “…Heh.”

The Ghost King assessed the situation. “I understand. Thank you.” He then said to Yan Guanyue, “Wait for me.”

With that, a sinister wind blew towards the village center.

…

In the Yan village.

Although it was the middle of the night, it was still brightly lit.

The terrified clansmen were all gathered in the council hall.

The white-haired Elder Yan and the clan leader, Yan Shu, were in the upper seats. Below was Yan Lao’er, his injuries looking gruesome.

Elder Yan’s face was grave. “I’ve never heard of such a thing happening in a ghost marriage. That Great Ghost… is probably more powerful than we imagined.”

Yan Lao’er clutched his wound. “Those little tricks we played, if they’re discovered…”

Yan Shu said grimly, “So what? It was Yan Guanyue who was unwilling to marry. We’ll just push the blame onto him.” He leaned on his cane and coughed a couple more times. “A so-called ghost marriage is inherently about each party getting what they need.”

Everyone felt a little relieved. True.

To put it bluntly, marrying a ghost was offering a living person as a sacrifice to the ghost in exchange for luck and protection.

The marriage was already sealed. Surely it wouldn’t…

Just as they were thinking, there was a sudden “bang”!

A great sinister wind blew, and the doors and windows of the council hall were all forced open. Before they could react, a black and red ghostly figure was hovering before them, its ghostly energy soaring.

The clansmen were instantly pale with fright:

“—It’s that Great Ghost!!”

Elder Yan held a magical artifact in front of him and shouted in alarm, “What do you want!?”

The Ghost King’s long hair flew about as he looked down. “I’ve come to settle the score.”

Yan Shu frowned and said to the figure above, “If you want to settle a score, you should look for your dishonest fiancé. He’s the one who most wanted to break off the marriage. And according to the rules, the person has already been offered. The ghost is not to harm the village again.”

The Ghost King didn’t believe a word of it. “Nonsense. He adores me.”

The clansmen, “?”

“What’s more…” the figure above said, and with a sudden flick of its long robes, the soaring ghostly energy instantly shattered the doors and windows. The tiles of the entire hall were mercilessly ripped off—

Clatter! A rain of tiles came crashing down.

The Ghost King looked down from above, his eyes cold:

“Going back on your word is going back on your word. Do I still need to look at your faces?”

Author’s Note:

Ghost King: I have backup. Rampage

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