FI CH75: Rampage

Solid bricks and tiles came crashing down from all directions!

Broken tiles flew, and floor tiles cracked.

The clansmen in the council hall were beaten black and blue. Yan Shu, both shocked and furious, could only manage a trembling “You—” with his cane before being knocked unconscious by a falling tile.

Amidst the crackling and popping sounds, miserable screams filled the air.

“Ah…!!!”

Yan Lao’er, his old wounds not yet healed, suffered new ones.

Elder Yan, holding his magical artifact, couldn’t dodge in time. In an instant, the hall was filled with the fallen.

The Ghost King glanced down coldly. “From now on, he has no connection with the clan. If any of you try any more tricks, I will not be lenient.”

With a flick of his sleeve, he turned and left—

A sinister wind swept past, overturning bricks, tiles, and earth all the way back to the rear village.

…

In the rear village, at the main table outside the hall.

The black and red figure landed in an instant. Yan Guanyue looked up in surprise, holding his wine cup. The Ghost King calmly took his hand. “From now on, you are you, and they are they.”

He was very natural. “Let’s go, to the bridal chamber.”

Yan Guanyue, “…”

His knuckles tightened slightly. “I… want to eat first.”

A look of regret appeared on the Ghost King’s face. “Alright.”

The two sat down at the table.

Yan Guanyue took a few bites from his bowl, then asked calmly, “What did you do to them?”

“I went and tore down the council hall. Those still gathered there at this time must be the main culprits who were causing trouble. They interfered with the marriage, breaching the contract first—”

The Ghost King thought for a moment. “Then I suppose I didn’t break the rules either.”

Lin Su turned his head again, gently caressing He Zhenling’s cheek. “Did you hear that? He didn’t break the rules.”

He Zhenling lowered his eyes and chuckled. “Aren’t I drunk? What would I have heard?”

“…” Lin Su withdrew his hand. “Aigh~”

Nima, Xiao He is really something else.

[Drunk.gif]

The banquet lasted until three in the morning.

Seeing that this group of ghosts on leave showed no signs of dispersing, Lin Su and the others decided to head back first.

Back in Yan Guanyue’s family room.

A dim yellow candle was lit by the window, casting flickering shadows. As it was a joyous occasion, Lin Su had borrowed Yan Guanyue’s old clothes to wear over his own. He was now standing by the bed, unbuttoning them.

A light “clang” sounded from behind as He Zhenling unfastened his Tang blade:

“Yan Guanyue is returning to the Ghost King’s domain, right?”

Lin Su hummed in agreement. “Once the ghost marriage is sealed, one can freely travel the underworld.”

“Mhm.” He Zhenling paused, then asked as if casually, “That… pup of yours, also has yin-yang eyes.”

Lin Su had just taken off his outer jacket and draped it aside. “Yes, Xiao Bai opened his yin-yang eyes when he was twelve.” He then remembered, “Ah, I was the one who initiated him back then.”

There was silence from behind for a few seconds.

The shadow on the wall flickered, and a hand suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind, pulling him. With a “thump,” he was pressed against a warm chest, and hot breath brushed past his ear:

“Is that so? No wonder he’s so reliant on you.”

“…”

Lin Su tilted his head back, almost brushing against the other’s chin. His heart pounded, and he lowered his eyes with feigned composure. “You… why are you so forward~”

He held the hand at his waist. “It’s a bit OOC.”

A chuckle came from above, full of insinuation. “Aren’t I ‘drunk’? Anything I do is reasonable.”

Lin Su met He Zhenling’s light-flecked eyes, unsure for a moment if he was truly drunk or just joking. After two seconds, one hand quietly reached for the button on his collar. “What are you going to do…”

The mischievous hand was quickly pulled away.

His collar loosened, and He Zhenling’s breath deepened. “Don’t mess around.”

His gaze returned to Lin Su’s face, studying it for a few breaths, then he suddenly let out a very light laugh. “I just think the atmosphere at the wedding banquet today was very good, and the bright red wedding clothes weren’t bad either.”

Lin Su’s eyelashes trembled, and he swallowed.

Meaning…

He avoided He Zhenling’s gaze and turned his head away as calmly as possible. “When I tried to get you to bow with me before, you got cold feet…”

The hand holding his tightened. “Cold feet?”

The next moment, warm breath enveloped him. Warm lips pressed against the area above his exposed collarbone, giving a light peck. Lin Su shivered instinctively! A faint blush visibly spread across his collarbone.

He Zhenling’s lips parted slightly, and he looked up. “…Who got cold feet?”

“…” Lin Su composed himself. “It cer-certainly wasn’t me.” The heartbeat from behind pounded against him. His gaze fell on the ambiguously lit bed, and he said demurely, “But we’re still at Guanyue’s house… it’s not very appropriate~”

There were a few seconds of silence from behind, and then the hold on him was released.

He Zhenling got up. “Alright, time to sleep.”

The enveloping warmth dispersed. Lin Su turned his head to meet the other’s desire-filled eyes and couldn’t help but say, “We’re sleeping already? You…”

A sharp gaze swept over him.

He Zhenling’s lips curved, his tone identical. “What else? ‘We’re still at Yan Guanyue’s house… it’s not appropriate,’ right?”

Lin Su, “…”

He tugged his collar slightly, got into bed, closed his eyes, and patted the mattress. “Aigh, I know you’re willing but powerless. Let’s sleep, let’s sleep.”

The bed beside him dipped, and the candlelight was suddenly extinguished.

“Heh…”

He Zhenling pulled up the covers. “You’re all talk.”

“=u= zzzZZ…”

When he woke up the next day, the sun was already high in the sky.

He Zhenling was sitting at the table, casually flipping through a book while waiting for him.

Lin Su climbed out of bed, took a cup to rinse his mouth. “Where are they? Gurgle gurgle…”

“They should all be in the main house.”

He acknowledged, washed up, and went over with the other.

As soon as he entered the main house, he saw it was packed with people.

Yan Guanyue and the Ghost King were both there, with Yan Tingyun beside them. Bai Jiang had probably woken up early and was now dozing off to the side, a flock of little chicks stepping and hopping all over him.

As he entered, he happened to see Yan Tingyun looking over cautiously:

“Brother, you’re… up so early. Aren’t you tired?”

Yan Guanyue’s gaze fell from behind his lenses. “…What are you thinking?”

Yan Tingyun: 0x0

The Ghost King sat upright. “It was too late yesterday. He was very reserved…”

Yan Guanyue immediately coughed to interrupt. He pursed his lips, and as he looked up, he happened to see Lin Su and the other entering. “Mr. Lin, Mr. He.”

Lin Su gave a small yawn. “Morning.”

Yan Guanyue looked at him for two seconds, their eyes meeting. His lashes drooped slightly, and then he stood up. “Mr. Lin, can we go out and talk?”

Lin Su paused, then nodded. “Alright.”

The two turned and walked towards the backyard.

The Ghost King’s gaze followed them, then turned to He Zhenling. “Are you going to follow?” He paused, then added, “If you go, I will go too.”

Bai Jiang opened his sleepy eyes. ?

“…” He Zhenling looked straight at him. “No, I’m not.”

The Ghost King sat back down with regret.

…

In the backyard, bright sunlight filled the ground.

Lin Su, with his hands in his sleeves, looked at the other.

Yan Guanyue gathered his thoughts and said, “When I returned to the village today, more than half of it was destroyed. The clansmen came to the house this morning to trouble Tingyun. The Ghost King set up a barrier, so they couldn’t get in.”

Lin Su nodded. “Is that so? What are your plans then?”

“I… don’t know. We can’t stay in the village anymore, and Tingyun can’t go to the ghost realm. What’s more, about the marriage…”

Yan Guanyue trailed off.

Lin Su looked at his expression. “Have your thoughts changed?”

Yan Guanyue paused for several seconds, then only asked, “Can it be dissolved?”

“You want to dissolve the marriage contract?”

“I…” Behind his lenses, a rare hint of conflict appeared. Yan Guanyue fell silent.

Lin Su smiled. “I respect your wishes.”

“If it’s dissolved, will there be any consequences?”

“If it’s by mutual consent, no.”

Yan Guanyue lowered his eyes. He had been an extremely rational person since he was young, both towards others and himself. Moreover, this ghost marriage, from the very beginning, he…

Lin Su, cuddling the Xuenima, said gently, “Marriage is a big deal. Think it over slowly. No rush.”

“…Alright.”

Yan Guanyue pushed up his glasses and looked up again. “Mr. Lin, the commission is considered resolved. Are you going back?”

Lin Su thought for a moment. “The most difficult part is resolved. I’ll leave the rest to Xiao Bai to wrap up. If there’s nothing else, He Zhenling and I will go back.”

“I see.”

After they finished talking, they returned to the house.

Just as Yan Guanyue sat back down at the table, a cup of hot tea was pushed towards him. The Ghost King said, “You were gone too long. I helped you pour a fresh cup of hot tea.”

He lowered his lashes. “Thank you. I can do it myself.”

The Ghost King seemed puzzled. “Why should you have to do it yourself after we’re married?”

“…”

Lin Su retracted his gaze in amazement.

He had just sat down at the other end when he saw He Zhenling leaning to the side, casting an inquisitive look his way.

He understood and pushed a teacup over. “Want some.”

“…” He Zhenling gave a half-smile, looking at him. “I was asking…”

Bai Jiang opportunely popped his head in. “It’s alright, Teacher, I’ll do it~” ^▽^

The next moment, an arm blocked him.

He Zhenling raised his hand and poured hot tea. “No need. It’s not advisable to drink strong tea in the morning.”

Bai Jiang, “…Haha, Big Bird Brother is so humorous.” ^^

Lin Su sipped his tea and patted the Xuenima with satisfaction: Nima, Xiao Bai also thinks He Zhenling is humorous.

The Xuenima closed its eyes: [The “humorous” he’s talking about probably translates to “heh heh”.]

As they were talking, there was another knock on the door.

“Tingyun, are you home?”

Yan Tingyun immediately got up to open the door.

She didn’t go out this time, just pulled the door open. A woman in a padded jacket stood outside, her hair in a bun.

Aunt Juan glanced into the house and was startled. “Whoa! So many people?”

Yan Guanyue said, “They are my guests.”

Aunt Juan didn’t think much of it and said hurriedly, “The village is gathering the clansmen. I’m afraid something is up. But didn’t Tingyun remind me this morning not to leave the house casually? So I didn’t go. I thought I should come and tell you.”

Yan Guanyue’s expression grew slightly solemn. “Did she say anything else?”

Aunt Juan shook her head. “Only that everyone is to go to the ancestral hall.”

Lin Su put down his cup and looked over. Looks like we can’t leave for now.

…

Inside the Yan Clan Ancestral Hall.

A dense crowd of people stood below.

Yan Shu sat in the seat of honor. He had been hit on the head yesterday and was unconscious for most of the night. His head was still wrapped in gauze, and he looked much weaker.

He scanned the crowd before him; eight or nine out of ten clansmen had come.

His body was already weak, and after yesterday’s incident, he had lost at least a few years of his life. Thinking of this, a fierce look appeared in Yan Shu’s eyes:

“I have gathered you here because of the evil ghost’s deeds, and Yan Guanyue’s betrayal of the clan.”

“The great fortune of the entire clan has been ruined by his hands!”

As he finished, whispers immediately broke out below.

Yan Shu rested his hand on the armrest again.

Elder Yan, beside him, received the signal, took a step forward and said, “Those present who are willing to revive our Yan clan and reclaim our great fortune, shall make a blood pact and swear an oath to the ancestral tablets.”

“Those who are unwilling may leave on their own and will no longer receive the clan’s support and protection.”

“…What!?”

The clansmen were instantly in an uproar, exchanging glances.

Those who had come here were originally supporters of the ghost marriage. Hearing this, none of them left.

Yan Shu looked around. “Very good.”

He took out a thin booklet. “This is a secret technique passed down from our ancestors. Make a blood oath now, and henceforth, the entire clan’s fortune will be shared.”

The clansmen whispered among themselves, “Isn’t that a good thing?”

Yan Shu said nothing. Although there had been precedents of backlash, he himself didn’t have long to live anyway, and he couldn’t let the clan’s great fortune be severed here.

The ghost marriage contract was sealed, so the most crucial step was in place.

If that Great Ghost dared to ruin his clan, it shouldn’t blame him for forcibly seizing its luck!

Before him, the clansmen had already stepped forward one by one.

Yan Shu looked at the complex runes in the booklet and ordered, “Blast open the Gui Mountain mine and draw the ghostly energy into the formation.”

“Yes!”

In Yan Guanyue’s old house.

Aunt Juan left after passing on the message.

The Ghost King had wanted to storm the ancestral hall again but was stopped by Lin Su. “Humans and ghosts should not clash lightly. If they set a trap and you bear the debt of a life, you will be taken away by the Guards of Impermanence.”

The Ghost King thought for a moment. “That won’t do. I am still a newlywed.”

Yan Guanyue, “…”

Lin Su said in a reassuring tone, “You two go back first. I’ll send… I’ll perform a divination and I’ll know.”

The Ghost King nodded and left with Yan Guanyue.

There was nothing else to do for now.

He Zhenling needed to handle messages from his corporation and the association, so he asked Yan Tingyun for her computer. Yan Tingyun stood up. “It might not be very smooth. Big Brother He, please make do.”

“A computer?” Bai Jiang mused. “My phone got wet. I could use it too.”

Lin Su, “To con… tact your colleagues for assistance?”

Bai Jiang smiled. “Ah, no. There are other ways to contact them. It’s that the chickens in my Ant Manor have been hungry for a few days. I need to go feed them.”

The group, “…”

Yan Tingyun: So feeding the chicks in her yard was a form of displacement!

He Zhenling walked out coolly. “No need to bring him. Let’s go.”

Bai Jiang cheerfully tucked his hands in his sleeves. “Tingyun, lend it to me~”

The house was empty, so Lin Su also went back to the bedroom.

He sat on the bed for a while, and a streak of light flew back. The Xuenima landed in his palm:

[Dad, I’m back!]

Lin Su looked down. “You were gone for so long. What did you find out?”

Xuenima: [They’re doing a blood oath, talking about some secret technique… but they didn’t say what it was specifically. But I followed the Yan clan leader back, secretly flipped through the booklet he was holding, and recorded the contents.]

It then transmitted the contents to Lin Su’s phone.

Lin Su opened his phone and flipped through it. A moment later, it dawned on him. “Isn’t this my bedtime reading?”

The Xuenima curiously climbed up: [What bedtime reading? How come I don’t ji you had bedtime reading?]

“The ‘reading’ I saw before I slept for 17 years.”

[…]

[○口○!!]

The Xuenima was so shocked it lost a couple tufts of fur: [You, you mean…]

Lin Su rubbed it soft with one hand, scrolling through his phone. “It should be. After all, this kind of large-scale luck-transferring thing is still quite rare. I didn’t expect it to have been passed down in this kind of ‘blind mountain’…”

[Then what do you plan to do?]

“Of course, put everything back in its place.”

He finished speaking and met the Xuenima’s alert, round eyes, comforting it: “Don’t worry. Back then, it was tens of thousands that were changed. The Yan village has at most a hundred or so people. It’s similar to changing the feng shui in Zhu Jian’s house.”

The Xuenima finally softened a little: [That’s true.]

Lin Su stood up. “Let’s go, let’s go take a look.”

…

Since a secret technique had been passed down, the corresponding formation probably existed from before.

Moving around in the front village was likely to be restricted.

Lin Su once again went up to the familiar pond.

He looked towards the front village from afar: The magnetic field hasn’t changed. It seems the formation hasn’t been activated yet.

If I can find it before then…

Boom!! A sudden explosive roar came.

—So soon?

Lin Su turned his head and saw the edge of the Ghost King’s domain being blasted open. Thick smoke billowed in front of Gui Mountain, and the suppressed ghostly energy below soared into the sky! It flowed continuously in one direction.

No need to search anymore.

Lin Su’s heart tightened. “It’s over there.”

The formation wasn’t set up in the village but in front of an adjacent mountain.

The surrounding trees and plants concealed the formation.

Only in front of an open space was the core of the formation exposed. When Lin Su arrived, there was no one around the core.

He patted his clothes. “A familiar scene.”

This kind of formation didn’t require anyone to be present; it borrowed luck through a form of contract. On one side, it utilized the marriage contract. On the other, the clansmen had probably made a new pact.

Dead energy turning into life, and the contractors sharing the great fortune.

Just as he was about to start, his phone suddenly vibrated.

Lin Su took it out and saw a message from He Zhenling: Where are you?

[Su-Can’t-Wake-Up-From-Sleep]: Formation core, come quick. [Heart]

After sending, the message was still trying to send.

The surrounding magnetic field interference was severe. He Zhenling’s message had probably been sent more than ten minutes ago.

He put his phone away. “There’s no time.”

With that, a bamboo brush appeared in his hand.

Facing the surging ghostly energy, a faint gold emerged in his eyes. He raised his hand, and with a stroke of the brush—

The airflow seemed to freeze for an instant.

The dense ghostly energy was cut off by a single stroke, then surged back towards the blasted-open Gui Mountain mine!

Countless trajectories pulled like golden threads.

The entire mountain forest was shaken, rustling loudly.

A moment later, Lin Su withdrew his brush.

His face was a little pale, and he bent over, propping himself up on his knees. The Xuenima held onto him: [How are you?]

“I’m fine.”

Lin Su stood up, regretfully. “It’s a pity Xiao He isn’t here =u=, when I get back I’ll bur…”

As he was speaking, he suddenly braced himself again.

The pouring psychic energy didn’t stop but was pulled by the surging backlash of ghostly energy, rushing together towards the Cave of Ten Thousand Ghosts beneath the Gui Mountain mine—

The Xuenima was greatly alarmed: […Wait, you’re not wearing your magical artifact!]

As soon as it finished, Lin Su collapsed with a thud.

The snow-white inner robe was lifted, revealing a section of pale neck. His fingertips fell limply.

His entire body’s psychic energy gushed out like a floodgate breaking open.

The Xuenima exploded: [Lin Su!!!]

Amidst the swaying trees, there was a sudden sound on the sandy ground.

The grass and trees were suddenly parted, and a figure descended.

Immediately after, an arm went through his back, scooping him up and gathering him into an embrace—

He Zhenling’s lips were tightly pressed together. He took out a crane feather silver ring and pierced it into Lin Su’s earlobe.

Author’s Note:

Su: Almost didn’t wake up from sleep. zzZZZ…

He: …I just looked away for one second.

*Couple accessories, get.

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