Chapter 77: Four Ghosts (Part 6)

Xie Yuzhen looked at Xu Qianyu with complex emotions in his dark eyes, took out a talisman paper from his robe, and placed it in her palm. His cool fingertips brushed against her hand as if he wanted to say something. Suddenly, he pulled off the silver lock hanging around his neck, and his true body fled.

In the next moment, Guo Heng’s figure appeared, causing the surrounding temperature to drop noticeably.
Shen Suwei, after confirming Xu Qianyu’s safety, turned to see Guo Yi lying unconscious on the ground. His eyes shifted slightly as he dispelled the demonic energy around him. The holy maiden reacted quickly and crouched down beside him, saying, “I can heal his injuries.”
Shen Suwei placed a celestial pill in Guo Yi’s mouth, then stored him inside a mustard seed gold orb. Turning back, he glanced at the holy maiden.
At that glance, Lu You held her breath slightly.

Since failing the mission in the first timeline, she hadn’t seen Shen Suwei for over a decade.
Her third senior brother was extraordinarily beautiful and ethereal, but his temperament was too cold and unapproachable.
Even though she knew that in the end, he would fight the Demon King for her, every time she saw him before successfully progressing with him, she felt a bit uneasy. His gaze seemed as sharp as a blade, as if he saw through all worldly matters, effortlessly distancing people from him.

However, remembering their interactions in the inner sect from her previous life, Lu You felt a bit more confident. She knew Shen Suwei admired upright and diligent disciples. Seeing him here now and observing her actions, she wanted to make an impression, so she started talking about her experience breaking the formation.
In Guo Heng’s identity, Shen Suwei maintained a cold and restrained demeanor, listening quietly. “Was it the holy maiden who broke the Spirit Gathering Array?”
The holy maiden replied shyly, “Yes, I noticed something unusual here. Just by setting foot in this place, I wanted to give it a try. I didn’t expect it to break so easily.”
Shen Suwei didn’t respond.
He had actually already broken the Spirit Gathering Array earlier, and after some time, the lower layers would naturally collapse on their own. Lu You’s assumption that she had broken the formation herself was understandable.

As the two of them talked, Xu Qianyu leaned against the wall, watching coldly, clearly displeased.
Lu You had not yet entered the inner sect, but she already attracted those around Xu Qianyu like a magnet. Would things in this life repeat as they had before?
She had thought she had broken free from fate’s control, but now, feeling competitive, she was once again frustrated and restless, a sense of helplessness welling up within her.

Sensing her emotions, the system quickly tried to console her: “Xiao Qian, you need to have confidence! From my experience reading romance novels, you’re more diligent than most supporting characters, so you’re bound to turn things around!”
Xu Qianyu nudged a stone on the ground with her toe, turning her head, ready to leave on her own.

But Shen Suwei seemed to have eyes on the back of his head, and he grabbed her wrist.
Xu Qianyu struggled but couldn’t break free. Zhao Mingtang was small in stature, so with a slight tug, Shen Suwei pulled her back like a kite being reeled in, asking, “Where’s the last paper doll?”

Upon saying those words, Lu You felt a heaviness settle in her heart.
Guo Heng spoke to her in a straightforward manner, yet his tone softened when speaking to Zhao Mingtang, addressing her informally, displaying an air of familiarity. Observing him taking Zhao Mingtang’s hand left Lu You puzzled—wasn’t Zhao Mingtang Guo Yi’s wife? How could the two of them interact so intimately?
Who exactly was Zhao Mingtang, and how had she managed to connect with such influential figures?

Xu Qianyu said, “I ate it.”
Shen Suwei paused, “Ate it?”

As the two conversed, there was a subtle tension between them. Xu Qianyu used her spiritual power to turn her wrist, while Shen Suwei, not yet done speaking, wasn’t about to let her go first. He slid his hand down to hers, locking fingers within her sleeve.

The moment Shen Suwei’s slightly cool fingers clasped hers, a cold sweat broke out on Xu Qianyu’s back, like a cat caught by its tail. She stopped moving, saying, “When he possessed me, I used my consciousness to swallow him.” Then she added in a small voice, “I’m hungry. Can we go back?”
Their relationship was delicate, and this was the first time they had shown such intimacy in front of others. Xu Qianyu found herself flustered, realizing that although her brother was playing along, she was the one feeling embarrassed.
Shen Suwei thought for a moment and replied, “Alright, let’s get something to eat,” and bid farewell to the holy maiden.
The holy maiden offered eagerly, “I know a place that serves light food. It’s fate that we met today—why don’t I treat you both to a meal?”
Zhao Mingtang’s status gave her an advantage in seeking favor with the observer. Realizing that Shen Shixiong already held Zhao Mingtang in high regard while she herself had made no progress, the holy maiden grew anxious, hoping to earn more goodwill.

“Another day, certainly,” Shen Suwei declined politely but firmly, unwilling to complicate things. “Today isn’t convenient.”
The holy maiden was highly respected; everyone showed her courtesy. Lu You stood there in surprise, stunned by Shen Suwei’s outright refusal.

*
Xu Binglailai was pleased with Shen Suwei’s approach: Xu Qianyu had been possessed three times by wandering spirits. Although unharmed, the incidents had weakened her body.
Human food, rich in yang energy, could replenish her strength. This was a simple, effective method, showing Shen Suwei’s thoughtful care.
Shen Suwei hosted a banquet at the Guo residence. “What would you like to eat?”
“Anything’s fine.” Xu Qianyu was fully absorbed in counting her remaining talismans. “As long as it’s not light food.”
Shen Suwei could tell, from the way her hands stayed busy and the lingering tone in her voice, that she was holding a grudge over the holy maiden’s words. The two had some past conflicts, including competing for the Soul-Locking Chain. Without commenting, he picked up the menu and began marking items.

Xu Qianyu carefully stored her talismans, feeling a bit more at ease upon seeing that there were plenty left. She glanced up, “Brother, I want chilled lotus seeds in syrup.”
Shen Suwei replied, “Cold foods are off limits.”
Since her goal was to replenish Yang energy, warm, cooked foods were better suited.
Denied, Xu Qianyu’s face darkened again.

But as dish after dish arrived at the table like a flowing stream, Xu Qianyu was pleasantly surprised. The meals at the Guo residence were usually rich, but today’s dishes, ordered from outside, were even more lavish, with twelve dishes, nearly rivaling the feasts she once had at the Shui residence.
There were tender crystal pork knuckles, jade shrimp, delicate tofu, copper pot lamb rolls, and duck in sauce, along with various pastries—all her favorites, each perfectly suited to her tastes.
Seeing a white, adorably shaped dessert on the table, Xu Qianyu picked up a jade chopstick and popped a green-leafed bunny dumpling into her mouth.

Inside was a plump shrimp with juicy bamboo shoots—a gourmet treat. Xu Qianyu then scooped a bowl of rice wine dumplings, savoring every bite, feeling utterly content. “How did you know what I liked?”
These were items she had written down on paper herself. Shen Suwei, having hosted her before, naturally remembered her preferences. However, he didn’t answer and, at her insistent request, accompanied her in tasting some of the dishes.

He also brought a bottle of sweet osmanthus wine—a celestial brew that Xu Qianyu enjoyed.
Guo Heng, being a Daoist, drank tea instead of wine. Xu Qianyu poured tea for Shen Suwei and, for fun, performed a lotus blooming trick, dropping two petals from the chrysanthemum on the table into his tea, and handed it to him with bright eyes.
As Shen Suwei accepted it, Xu Qianyu mischievously used a “remote switch” spell to swap her wine with his tea, waiting for his reaction.
Shen Suwei raised the cup, noticing the liquid, paused, then drank it without changing expression, finishing the entire cup.
“Brother, don’t you abstain?” Xu Qianyu chuckled. “You’ve broken your path.”
Shen Suwei said coolly, “I drank tea, so how did I break my path?”
Xu Qianyu watched, noting that while his lips turned a deeper shade, he showed no other reaction. Had she chanted the wrong spell? She sniffed her own cup.
Meanwhile, Shen Suwei, concealed within his sleeve, used his own “remote switch” spell, discarding the tea and refilling her cup with wine.

Xu Qianyu detected the scent of wine in her cup. So, the spell hadn’t worked after all.
Shen Suwei encouraged, “You’ve already poured it; drink up.”
Xu Qianyu reluctantly finished a cup of wine.
She had been sipping delicately before, but now, finishing a cup in one go, the alcohol hit her, leaving her light-headed.
Unwilling to back down, she lifted the teapot again and said, “Brother, let me toast you again.”
She poured, then switched the tea with wine again using her magic, determined to catch him off guard.

Shen Suwei gazed at the cup, swirling the wine, and drank it in silence.
Xu Qianyu watched intently but he showed no reaction, leaving her slightly disappointed, “So, is it still tea?”
Shen Suwei held back a smile. “What are you talking about?”
Realizing she’d slipped, Xu Qianyu quickly recited the spell in her head. She’d only used it once before, to trick Ruan Zhuqing, and perhaps she’d remembered it wrong.
Shen Suwei tapped his empty cup against hers, the sound reminding her, “Drink.”
Xu Qianyu picked up her wine cup, swapping tea with wine yet again, but Shen Suwei stealthily returned it back.

She took a sip, finding it was once again sweet wine. Frustrated, she nearly slammed the cup on the table, but not wanting to lose face, she downed it. She then thought of a similar spell and decided to try it as she stood up to pour Shen Suwei more tea.

This time, she had really chosen the wrong path.
Shen Suwei looked at the tea, which had been replaced with wine as she wished. He drank, then filled her cup again with sweet osmanthus wine.
Xu Qianyu glanced at the wine cup, sulking as she pushed it away. “I can’t drink anymore.”
“Drink it,” Shen Suwei said calmly.
Wine warmed the body, working even better than food.
Xu Qianyu grew frustrated, snapping, “I said I can’t drink anymore!”

It wasn’t that she truly couldn’t drink more; she was just nervous after last time. She’d gotten drunk and yelled at Xu Binglai, only to have water poured all over her, which left a lingering fear.
She was afraid of losing control and causing a scene again—it would be too embarrassing.
Shen Suwei picked up the menu, catching a glimpse of her secretly pouring the wine under the table, but he didn’t call her out. “Is there anything else you want to eat? I’ll order it for you.”
Xu Qianyu’s cheeks flushed as she felt a wave of heat. Fanning herself, she wanted something cool to ease the warmth. “Milk snow ice.”

“Cold food is not allowed.”

“Why not?”

“You’re inherently yin-natured, and you’ve even absorbed a ghost,” Shen Suwei explained. “It’s best to eat things that will replenish your yang energy.”
Xu Qianyu thought for a moment, finding no argument, and dared not joke about cultivation matters. She silently spooned a bowl of sweet dumplings, letting them cool.
She picked up a slice of lamb, swishing it in the spicy hot pot. She hadn’t had spicy food in a long time, and now each bite felt spicier than the last. The half-cooled dumpling soup felt scalding in comparison, and it brought tears to her eyes.
She had to blow on it, taking small sips, looking somewhat pitiful.

Just then, a chill breeze seemed to brush over her face.
Startled, Xu Qianyu looked up, seeing Shen Suwei glance at her bowl. “It’s cooled now.”
Xu Qianyu took a sip; it was indeed sweet and refreshing, easing the spiciness. She had a thought: perhaps cold food wasn’t entirely forbidden; there seemed to be some leeway.
She took a few pieces of white jade melon, grapes, hawthorn, and apricots from the fruit plate, carefully arranging them in her bowl and adding a bit of sweet wine before pushing it toward Shen Suwei.
Shen Suwei saw her expectant gaze and understood her little scheme. She wanted him to chill the fruit wine bowl for her, but he pretended not to understand and pushed it back.
Unyielding, Xu Qianyu pushed it over again.
Shen Suwei returned it once more.
She pushed it a third time. Shen Suwei said, “If you push it over again, I’ll eat it myself.”

Xu Qianyu immediately retrieved the bowl. After all, she didn’t have a water-based spiritual root.
Just as she was about to scoop it up, she noticed a thin layer of ice had formed over the wine.
Quickly, she scooped it into her mouth, and the thin ice melted instantly. Though it disappeared almost as soon as she tasted it, she was satisfied from having bitten into something cold and smiled. “Thank you, big brother.”

Her smile was bright, but Shen Suwei pretended not to hear her, turning his gaze away.
After finishing that bowl, Xu Qianyu felt slightly tipsy. She picked up the pot, intending to pour more wine, but as she shook it, her mind buzzed.
The wine pot was empty.
She had only drunk three or four cups, and it wasn’t enough for her to finish it so quickly on her own.
Unless… the three cups she had poured for Shen Suwei earlier really were wine, not tea, as he had claimed.
She suddenly looked at Shen Suwei.

The wine cups they used were large glass goblets, and he had downed three of them. Apparently, it had an effect after all: his lips looked redder than usual, and his dark eyes softened with a glimmer, like misty moonlight reflecting emotions.
The cold, stoic exterior seemed to have melted, revealing something warm beneath, allowing her to see him clearly.
Yet he remained as composed as ever, looking back at her without a hint of embarrassment, seemingly unafraid of breaking his cultivation path or of her discovering he was toying with her.
She felt something strange stirring inside, averting her gaze as she picked at a piece of stuffed duck. But even so, she couldn’t taste the flavor.
She thought to herself that surely one who sought enlightenment would have a clear mind, free of muddled, fleeting thoughts. Perhaps she had just drunk too much, her thoughts wandering, leading to a mistaken impression.

She tried hard to think straight, but her thoughts were tangled, and she couldn’t untangle them.
By the time she finished eating, it was already late. Seeing her flushed cheeks and unfocused gaze, Shen Suwei said, “Guo Yi’s body has just been cleared of evil energy and still needs rest. You can sleep here tonight, and I’ll sleep in the outer room.”
Xu Qianyu agreed.
Being drunk, she didn’t notice whose room was whose.

Shen Suwei had sent a servant to Guo Yi’s place, bringing over all the little jars and bottles that Zhao Mingtang used, like combing water and snow lotion, and placing them on the desk. So she assumed this was her room.
Xu Qianyu began undoing her hair, but halfway through, she noticed that Guo Heng’s room didn’t have a mirror. She was dissatisfied with combing her hair in front of the wooden window, unable to see herself. Dipping a bit of snow cream on her cheeks, she walked over to Shen Suwei and lifted her face.
Shen Suwei understood this as a request for help.

In the past, when they were “sisters,” she would often make such requests when she was tired or annoyed.
But now that they were different genders, it wasn’t appropriate for him to touch her, so he stepped back.
Seeing him avoid her, Xu Qianyu grew even more displeased. She stepped forward again, tilting her face up. “Help me apply it.”
Shen Suwei took her hand, pressing it gently against her cheek. “Do it yourself.”

Xu Qianyu shook off his hand, annoyed. “How bold of you to avoid work and even dare to boss me around.”
She chased him all the way to a corner of the pavilion. Halfheartedly, Shen Suwei reached out and applied a bit of cream to her face. “There, now you can do the rest yourself.”
Before he could finish, Xu Qianyu suddenly threw herself into his arms, pushing him back two steps until he hit the screen. As he tried to free himself, she wrapped her arms around his waist, refusing to let go.

A servant passing by caught sight of this, trembling with fear, his face drained of color. When Shen Suwei waved him away, he fled the room, not forgetting to close the door.
Looking down, Shen Suwei saw Xu Qianyu muttering incoherently, sometimes calling for her mother, sometimes for her sister.

Though she was at the ninth level of foundation establishment, her nascent soul was starting to form, making her senses even sharper and able to detect spiritual essences. Even when unconscious, her instincts remained remarkably sharp.

She only felt that the person before her had a slender, firm waist. It felt somewhat hard to the touch, unlike the softness she remembered, but the familiar scent was still comforting, and so she held on tightly.
Shen Suwei patiently untangled her arms as if unwinding vines, but her grip was unyielding. Loosening one side only made her cling tighter on the other. After a while, unable to make any progress, he couldn’t help but laugh in frustration.

It was like a brief flash of fireworks across his face, quickly hidden in the darkness.
He gently lifted her chin and, surprisingly, felt a faint hint of nervousness.
Pressed against the wall by Xu Qianyu, with nowhere else to go, he maintained the awkward posture, quietly applying the snow cream to her face.

Xu Qianyu felt a slight cool touch on her cheek. His movements were cautious and unfamiliar, but she could sense his patience and sincerity, which pleased her. When he finished, she thanked him, lifted the canopy, and went to sleep.