Xue Ming didn’t expect Yu He to return at such a coincidental time, putting her in an extremely awkward situation. It was like a teenager secretly reading an adult book in their room and being suddenly caught. She was so scared that she didn’t know what to do with her hands.

With a flushed face, Xue Ming stubbornly said, “I haven’t even looked at it yet.”

Yu He didn’t react much. As soon as he entered, the white crane ran to his side, circling around his legs. With a casual wave of his hand, the white crane turned back into a small paper crane and flew out through the door crack.

Yu He slowly approached her and raised his hand to pick up the book.

Yu He’s hands were also beautiful. Even though his skin was porcelain white and his nails were dark, it didn’t hide the slender and well-proportioned fingers. When he flipped through the book, he even appeared somewhat elegant. His expression was very calm as he flipped through the pages, looking at them one by one. He didn’t seem to be reading an adult book but rather something serious like advanced mathematics.

Xue Ming felt nervous and quietly took two steps back to distance herself from him. She was about to say something to ease the awkward atmosphere when she saw Yu He close the book and casually place it back on the table, then walk towards the soft chair. He began to remove his robes, taking off his outer and inner garments one by one and tossing them onto the soft chair. Soon, his upper body was completely bare.

Xue Ming stood behind him, staring blankly, seeing Yu He undress for the first time. His back was broad, with substantial muscles that were not overly bulky but exuded immense strength. His skin was incredibly white, like kiln-fired porcelain, with strands of black hair draped over it, shining smoothly under the warm light. However, this beautiful porcelain-like back had three hideous claw marks on the left side of his spine, running from the middle of his back down to his left rib. The claw marks emitted a dense black aura and looked deep, but it was hard to tell if they were new or old wounds.

Xue Ming was shocked, not expecting Yu He to be injured!

From his demeanor, he seemed no different from before, and since this was the first time she had seen him undressed, she couldn’t tell if the wounds were from before or from his recent fight with the Hundred Crow Ghost King at the Rakshasa Ghost Market. However, these hideous wounds seemed to pose no problem for Yu He. He continued undressing without pause. Xue Ming didn’t dare to look any longer and hurriedly turned her body away, feeling puzzled. It was as if Yu He completely ignored her presence. Then she remembered the rumors from the ghost market about the Jade Face Ghost King having countless concubines, thinking that perhaps this lecher was used to undressing in front of others. When she was lost in thought, she heard the sound of the door opening behind her. She turned and saw Yu He, draped in a dark robe, leaving the room.

Xue Ming took a few steps to follow, peeking out to see that Yu He had already disappeared from the doorway, not knowing where he had gone. She found it strange that Yu He didn’t hold her accountable for intruding, nor did he make any advances. Could it be that he was too injured to have any interest? Was this a good thing or a bad thing?

Xue Ming sat down on the soft chair to think. If Yu He was weakened by his injuries, would he need more yang energy? What if he drained her completely in one go? But on the other hand, what if he didn’t have the strength to absorb yang energy anymore?

She had only seen the wounds on Yu He’s back. Was it possible that he was more severely injured elsewhere, rendering him permanently weakened, unable to use even the medicine given by the old man from Heaven and Earth, turning the once-flirtatious ghost king into a feeble one?

Xue Ming’s mind was filled with wild guesses, but she couldn’t come to a conclusion, which only made her thoughts more chaotic. She sighed and recalled the original “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.” In that book full of bizarre tales, it seemed people could die easily and return to life just as easily. Besides the story of Nie Xiaoqian, what impressed her most was the story of Lu Pan changing Zhu Erdan’s heart and his wife’s head. The immortals in the book didn’t seem to have absolute good or evil; Lu Pan agreed to change hearts and heads just for a drink. And now, these ghosts gathered here, harming countless people, yet no immortals came to intervene.

Xue Ming closed her eyes, and suddenly, the image of Chun Ye and Qiu Sheng standing in the courtyard, smiling and greeting her, appeared in her mind. The two young servants looked very young, around seventeen or eighteen. Chun Ye had a round face, while Qiu Sheng had sharp eyes. Both were very attentive to her. The two young servants have taken care of every meal and every wash since she entered the temple, treating her as an honored guest.

Xue Ming had previously thought that Ning Caichen, the story’s protagonist, would surely survive, so she was quite reassured about him. However, she never expected that the two young servants would be killed by Nie Xiaoqian and lose their lives so suddenly.

Xue Ming knew that in her current situation and state, she had no time to care for others, but she still couldn’t disregard the lives of those around her. If life and death could be controlled at will in this world, did that mean Chun Ye and Qiu Sheng could also be saved? Her mind was filled with chaotic thoughts as she slumped in the soft chair, suddenly wishing she could turn into a lump of thoughtless clay or even a Walmart shopping bag.

Just as she was lying there, she heard the door open again. Xue Ming sat up and saw Yu He walking in. He was draped in a dark robe, his jade crown removed, and his long hair tied into a ponytail with a red ribbon. The wet ends of his hair draped over his body, dripping water, and the crane tattoo on the side of his neck stood out like it had been inked. He seemed to have taken a bath, with damp marks all over his body and walked towards Xue Ming barefoot.

Seeing him approach, Xue Ming tried to stand up, but as soon as she lifted her butt, his hand pressed her shoulder down, making her sit back. Yu He leaned down, placing one arm on the side of her head, creating a cage with the soft chair, trapping Xue Ming within. His figure was much larger than Xue Ming’s, and this position completely enveloped her. His dark eyes fell on her, emitting an invisible pressure.

“Do you know what happened to the last person who trespassed here?” Yu He’s tone was casual, as if chatting with Xue Ming, but Xue Ming realized it wasn’t so simple. This ghost was very protective of his territory, perhaps not as peaceful as he appeared.

Xue Ming swallowed discreetly, thinking that he would settle accounts with her. She said, “Actually, your crane brought me here.”

Yu He asked, “So, do you also want me to turn you into a paper figure?”

“No, no, of course not,” Xue Ming quickly denied, changing her tone. “It’s getting dark, and I came to offer you yang energy. I wore a Yang Gathering Talisman today; I don’t know if it works.”

Yu He’s gaze fell, seeing the red string around her neck. After soaking in the hot spring, Xue Ming was dressed lightly, wearing only a crimson dudou underneath and a long robe. Although the collar was tightly closed, it couldn’t hide the red marks on her neck left from previous intimate moments. Some marks had faded, while others were fresh from yesterday, still bright red. She tilted her head, exposing her tender neck. The blood-red string was an extremely striking bright accent. Her round, grape-liked eyes looked at him with a hint of flattery. Yu He happened to like sweet and sour fruits, like grapes and oranges.

His fingers caressed and slid slowly over the red marks. The initially cold fingertips seemed to retain some of the heat of the hot spring, not as cold as before but a little itchy, causing Xue Ming to shrink her neck. The soft fingertips produced a little charm during the caress. Yu He took action without warning, holding Xue Ming’s armpits and picking her up. He turned around, letting Xue Ming fall on him while he sat on the soft chair, easily switching their positions.

Xue Ming momentarily lost her balance and slid from his waist to his legs. At the same time, she used her hands to support herself on his abdomen, letting her sit more securely.

Through the thin fabric, Xue Ming’s palms felt the warmth emanating from his body. His stomach wasn’t soft; his abs were very firm, hard to the touch, like the result of years spent in the gym.

At this moment, Xue Ming suddenly realized that this lecherous ghost had an excellent physique, even more outstanding than some male models in modern times. She wondered what he did when he was alive and who he was. Actually, she had wanted to ask Yu He before whether he had played with too many women in bed and finally died, which was why he retained his lustful nature after death. However, she did not dare to ask for fear that Yu He would get angry and kill her on the spot.

Yu He spread Xue Ming’s legs apart, put her in a straddle position, then put one hand on the back of her neck and pressed her towards him.

Xue Ming rarely didn’t struggle, with a hint of nervousness in her emotions. She curled her hands into fists subconsciously and was pressed down by Yu He’s force, and then pressed her lips against his. She was a little distracted and thought it would be great if the yang energy in her body could be displayed as a meter so that she could know how much yang energy she had and control how much Yu He sucked, and she wouldn’t always worry about her yang energy being sucked out. Soon, she could no longer be distracted. Yu He bit her lips, invaded with ease, and violently wrapped her tongue tip. The force of sucking followed, and Xue Ming felt her tongue begin to numb. She was more or less used to Yu He’s biting. At least his tongue looked much more normal, not as thin and long as Nie Xiaoqian’s lizard tongue. If it were a lizard’s tongue, let alone getting into her mouth, she would feel dizzy when it licked her face.

Xue Ming had something to ask for, so she was more active this time. Yu He only used the tip of his tongue to hook her twice, and she stuck out her tongue obediently and was brought into Yu He’s mouth. She felt the tip of his tongue slide across a row of neat teeth, adding to her warmth. Some of the sharper teeth would cause a slight pain, and Xue Ming licked it slightly, like a kitten.

Xue Ming didn’t know how to kiss before, but after crossing over, Yu pressed her down and bit her a few times, so she also learned a bit. She gently bit his lips and rubbed them. However, people are like this. Once they are involved, they will quickly become emotional. Xue Ming could not suppress the waves in her heart. Her heart became swollen as it beat rapidly, which gave birth to a strange emotion that made her instinctively want to ask Yu He for more. She felt comfortable for no reason.

Xue Ming had no experience, and she stepped into the void and fell into it. She was completely submerged in the tide of emotions. Her hands, which were initially held straight, began to soften, and her body collapsed.

Yu He gently opened his eyelids and saw Xue Ming with her eyes closed. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly. She licked him very carefully as if she was stealing food. The tiny mole on the tip of her nose was beautiful and vivid. Her palms were already full of sweat. She pressed on his abdomen and soaked his clothes. Her collar slightly opened when she leaned over, revealing the bellyband inside.

Xue Ming’s clothes were only tied with a belt. Although she tied it firmly, it could not last more than two seconds in Yu He’s hands. It was easily torn open, and the cold hand reached in and fell on her hot and soft body. She shivered from the cold and instinctively arched her back and curled up, but she felt the cool hand take the opportunity to wander to the back, stroking her smooth back up and down, causing goose bumps all over her body.

Yu He liked to pinch her because her body was soft. Although she was slender and had no extra fat, she could still be kneaded in various ways, and the heat bursting from her body was comfortable.

After being squeezed a few times, Xue Ming began to pant. She felt that her strength was rapidly draining away. Her arms gradually couldn’t support her, and she fell on him and kept muttering, “My yang energy, my yang energy…”

Yu He supported her waist, “What’s wrong with your yang energy?”

Xue Ming complained: “You absorb it too much.”

Yu He did not respond. He let go of his hand, allowing her to climb down and sit beside him to tidy up her loose clothes.

“Master Yu He, I have something to discuss with you,” Xue Ming said, fastening her belt and looking up to speak. The two ordinary people who entered the temple with me were killed by the evil spirits in the temple today. You are so powerful. Is there any way to save them?”

“How can the dead be saved?” Yu He asked slowly in return.

Xue Ming was not discouraged and pleaded, “Considering that I come to offer you my yang energy every day, even if it hasn’t been of much merit, it has been hard work. Please, be kind and show me a way.”

Yu He remained unmoved. “A few breaths of yang energy are not enough for me to snatch people from the hands of the King of Hell.”

Upon hearing this, Xue Ming knew there was a way. She immediately moved closer and coaxed, “Master Yu He, what do you want?”

This question was rhetorical, and Yu He did not expose it. His gaze slowly moved up from her feet, leisurely examining her like prey, finally stopping at her chest. He calmly asked in return, “What do you think?”

Xue Ming noticed a subtle change in his eyes, deep and unfathomable. Her heart trembled, and she bit her lip, recalling the two servants who often wandered around the courtyard, always finding something to do. The food and drink she received from them, this debt had to be repaid eventually.

Gathering her courage, Xue Ming stepped forward, grabbed Yu He’s hand, and let her fingers slip into his palm. Looking at him, she said, “I have another request. I hope Master Yu He can agree.”

Yu He said, “Speak.”

Xue Ming said, “Previously, I took many things from Heaven on Earth Shop. Among them was a bell. At that time, the old man told me this bell used to be spiritual. If the ashes of a ghost are sprinkled into it, there is a way to capture the soul. To be honest, I have made an enemy of an evil female ghost in the temple. She has been hating and chasing me to death these past two days. I know her name and where her bones are buried. Can you teach me how to use that bell?”

In the past, Xue Ming did not know that ashes and names were the fatal weaknesses of ghosts. She was pitifully chased in the temple, escaping everywhere, with hardly a peaceful night. But now it was different. Others might not know, but the original work clearly stated where Nie Xiaoqian’s bones were buried. So, she had a way to deal with Nie Xiaoqian, but she was still unclear about how to use the bell.

Yu He looked at her and did not immediately agree.

Xue Ming continued to reason with him, “The enmity between Nie Xiaoqian and me ultimately stems from the spell you cast on me, Master Yu He. Originally, I could have communicated peacefully with her. Since she was injured, she has been madly chasing me. I know that it is already kind of you to shelter me here. As for Nie Xiaoqian, you only need to teach me the method, and I will handle it myself.”

Yu He leaned closer, circled her ankle with his hand, and pulled her towards him, agreeing, “Alright.”

The girl was pinned on the soft chair, unable to move. The dudou she had worn had been pulled out and casually thrown on the ground. The outer robe was half off, the belt loosely tied, revealing a flat belly and white pants. Her long, ink-black hair was scattered, half hanging over the edge of the chair, half pressed under her. Only a few strands were wrapped around her white arms and shoulders, making her skin look fairer. Her face and neck were red, and when she tilted her head, she offered the side of her neck to the handsome man lying on top of her, letting him lick her earlobes and neck, leaving a string of ambiguous traces.

Yu He hugged Xue Ming’s waist and kissed her in bits and pieces, inexplicably containing a bit of cherishment. His mouth never stopped, leaving many teeth marks.

Xue Ming trembled violently, not only because of physical discomfort but also because of a lot of shyness in her heart. When she was bitten, she cried out a few times and then quickly put her hands on his shoulders to resist. But her arms had long been limp, and she had no strength to push Yu He away, more like stroking his shoulders.

The room was brightly lit, and the wall lamps provided lighting from all directions, illuminating Xue Ming’s sight. She saw Yu He’s eyes, which were immersed in lust, were very beautiful. He immensely enjoyed this kind of contact, so his calm and indifferent expression was slightly brightened. Sometimes, when he looked up and looked at her eyes, his overly handsome face would make Xue Ming feel numb on her back. She didn’t know if it was an illusion caused by the light and shadow, but she seemed to see a hint of redness on Yu He’s pale face.

Yu He came up and kissed her cheek and lips, then stood up, grabbed her arms and lifted her. The loose robe slipped from her back and hung on Xue Ming’s elbows, which could no longer provide any cover. Xue Ming had to use her arms to block it a little. Although it didn’t help much, it at least comforted her shame.

Yu He fiddled with her easily because they had made a deal before, and Xue Ming didn’t resist at all at this moment, like a well-behaved rag doll. After getting into position, Yu He sat on the soft chair. His dark outer robe opened wide, revealing his muscular chest and abdomen. She moved her eyes away in panic; her face was now covered with red clouds, her ears were dripping with blood, and a series of red marks from her neck added a plum blossom-like embellishment to her snow-white skin.

She was in the lower position, kneeling on the ground. Fortunately, there was a soft blanket, so she didn’t hit her kneecaps. Her hands were on Yu He’s left and right knees, and her eyes dodged randomly.

She didn’t move for a long time, and Yu He ran out of patience and said, “Shuanzi.”

Xue Ming was stunned, “What?”

Yu He said: “Isn’t it your nickname?”

Xue Ming suddenly remembered that she had mentioned it casually before and immediately regretted it because the name didn’t sound good.

Yu He seemed to have never called her by her name. He usually spoke very little, and even when he talked to her, he didn’t use her name, not even starting with “hey” or something like that.

Xue Ming didn’t want to be called “Shuanzi” and didn’t want to reveal her real name, so she said, “You can call me Mingming.”

“What is this?”

“My nickname.”

Yu He suddenly curled his lips slightly, his eyes filled with a smile, as if mocking her, “How many nicknames does Yan Chixia have?”

Xue Ming thought to herself: How would I know? Anyway, this is my only nickname.

“How long do you plan to sit there?” Yu He leaned back, indifferent. “A person’s soul stays near the body for the first three hours after death. After that, it starts to drift away. Before it fully forms, it can float to various places. Do you want to search for it bit by bit?”

Xue Ming knew Yu He was urging her to act quickly. Hearing how troublesome it was to search for a soul, she understood she couldn’t waste any time. She took a deep breath and knelt upright, reaching out towards him. It was her first time doing something like this, and she was so scared and nervous that her hands were shaking uncontrollably, like a Parkinson’s relapse.    

Xue Ming’s hand froze in mid-air, unable to move forward. She took several deep breaths but still couldn’t take the next step.    

Yu He observed her appearance, slowly raised his hand and grasped hers. His fingers felt like they were touching a scorching little stove, the intense heat emanating from Xue Ming’s body, flowing through her blood, spreading throughout her body, and extending to her fingertips.

Yu He squeezed her fingers, and the evenly black nails looked fashionable. He rubbed her palm, then wrapped his hand around the back of hers, guiding both of her hands to rest on his waist. She appeared visibly awkward and inexperienced, her dark eyes blinking nervously and frequently. Tiny beads of sweat formed on her forehead and the tip of her nose, making her complexion appear flushed and rosy.  

On the other hand, Yu He showed some patience in this regard, quietly watching her without urging. As she gradually became more familiar, Xue Ming tilted her head, her gaze falling elsewhere. Her face was so hot it could cook pancakes. Initially, her head was lowered, but at one point, it somehow ended up near his mouth, startling her into quickly turning away. Despite this, her jaw and neck became damp with sweat. Sometimes, it would bump into the Yang Gathering Talisman on her neck, the blood-red string soaked with moisture, leaving wet marks on her fair neck.    

It was still a peaceful, long night. The lotus pond swayed in the night breeze, carrying a delicate fragrance into the house. The light shone on them in the brightly lit room, casting intimate shadows. The interwoven sounds of their breathing broke the tranquility of the night. She was so exhausted that she was sweating, her black hair sticking to her shoulders and neck. Her grape-like eyes became wet, and sometimes, when she looked at Yu He, they inadvertently showed a plea for mercy. Whenever she rested her arm on Yu He’s leg, he would grab her arm and lift it up, not allowing her to stop.   

Xue Ming felt like her waist was about to break from exhaustion. She panted like an ox that had plowed the fields all day, even more tired than running three thousand miles. In the end, she was drenched in sweat, completely out of strength, lying down and refusing to move, complaining that her waist was about to break in two.  

Yu He grabbed her wrist, lifted her, and bit her lips, ending the long first half of the night on his own.

Covered in sweat and exhausted with a sore back, Xue Ming soaked in the hot spring, repeatedly scrubbing herself clean. After washing up, she eagerly climbed out to find Yu He. According to their previous agreement, Yu He would tell her how to rescue the two young servants. When she finished dressing and ran back to the room, she saw Yu He standing by the window. The window was wide open, and the fragrant wind blew in, dispersing the fishy smell in the room. The moonlight fell on him, draping his silhouette in magnificent silver light.