Chapter 17: No One Will Step Into My Courtyard Today

Although Youmi had only been with Shen Shilang for a few days, regular meals and care had transformed it into an imposing figure, resembling a brown wolf as it stood beside him.

Shen Shilang stood calmly next to the wolfdog, a slight frown creasing his brow. His cold gaze swept over the crowd outside the gate, emanating an aura of pressure that made even Madam Wei feel her throat tighten. He seemed like a god of slaughter standing before them.

Gently patting Youmi’s head, Shen Shilang said softly, “Stay here and don’t move.”

“Woof… woof…” Youmi whimpered quietly, wagging its tail as it obediently sat down.

Shen Shilang descended the steps and positioned himself at the courtyard entrance, effectively barring the crowd from entering.

“Madam Wei,” he said, glancing at the group, “What brings you all here?”

“There are ghosts in your place!” Wei Jianming declared loudly. “We’ve brought a Taoist priest to exorcise them!”

Shen Shilang’s brow furrowed deeper. In the past, he would have scoffed at such claims, allowing them to proceed as they wished. However, thoughts of Su Jinshi now made him uneasy. Her existence had forced him to reconsider his disbelief in the supernatural.

Though he regarded the priests from Baiyun Temple as frauds, he couldn’t risk taking chances. Su Jinshi seemed to be a weak ghost, only able to converse with him for half an hour each day. What if this priest actually posed a threat to her?

“There are no ghosts here,” Shen Shilang stated firmly.

“Whether there are or not, let the priest determine!” Wei Jianming insisted.

“Today, no one is stepping into my courtyard,” Shen Shilang declared coldly.

“You’re living in our family’s courtyard. What right do you have to keep us out?” Wei Ruyan scoffed.

“If anyone attempts an exorcism here today, don’t blame me for being impolite,” Shen Shilang’s tone was resolute, a stark contrast to his usual mild and easily manipulated demeanor.

“Hahaha! What could you possibly do to us?” Wei Jianming laughed mockingly, completely disregarding Shen Shilang’s warning. He ordered his men, “Charge in! If he dares to obstruct you, beat him! Don’t hold back!”

Madam Wei frowned slightly and spoke to Shen Shilang, “It’s just an exorcism, Shen Shilang. If there really are ghosts, driving them away would protect you from harm. If not, we can all be at ease. Rest assured, we won’t disturb your courtyard.”

“I’ve said it before, no one will exorcise ghosts here,” Shen Shilang reiterated coldly. “If you want to exorcise, go elsewhere. Do as you please, but not here.”

“Mother, why waste words with him?” Wei Jianming shouted. “His obstruction proves he must be hiding something!”

“Exactly, Mother!” Wei Ruyan chimed in. “Every time we encounter ghosts, it’s related to him somehow. Either near his courtyard or when he’s around. Now he’s resisting like this; he must be feeling guilty.”

Usually so meek and submissive, enduring beatings without resistance, Shen Shilang now stood firm, clearly unwilling to let them in to perform the exorcism.

“Seize him!” Wei Jianming commanded. “We will exorcise this ghost today, no matter what!”

At this point, Madam Wei remained silent, her suspicions about Shen Shilang growing. It was just an exorcism; why would he resist so strongly?

The servants, following orders, charged forward with their sticks raised. However, before a foot could touch the ground inside the courtyard, Shen Shilang kicked them back out.

“While I’m here, no one is entering!” Shen Shilang’s voice was icy, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd outside.

He noticed that Su Jinshi hadn’t reacted at all. Usually, in such situations, she would handle things without him needing to intervene. But now, with the Taoist priest present, Su Jinshi likely feared revealing herself, worried he might possess genuine abilities.

It was wise to be cautious, but Shen Shilang felt uneasy about Su Jinshi’s absence. He hoped she was hiding far away, safe from any potential harm the priest might inflict.

“You’ve grown surprisingly bold today,” Wei Jianming stared at Shen Shilang in disbelief. The usually submissive Shen Shilang had shown unexpected strength, managing to kick a person away with considerable force.

“You’ve been hiding your skills well!” Wei Jianming gritted his teeth, realizing Shen Shilang had been concealing his abilities all along.

“What are you all waiting for? Attack together!” Wei Jianming ordered angrily. “You outnumber him; surely you can overpower one person!”

Hearing the command, the servants charged at Shen Shilang, waving their sticks. The narrow courtyard entrance forced them to enter in pairs, which Shen Shilang used to his advantage, kicking them out one by one.

“Drag him out!” Wei Jianming shouted, but they couldn’t even touch Shen Shilang’s clothing.

“Call for reinforcements!” Wei Ruyan yelled. “Get everyone from the mansion. I refuse to believe we can’t take down one Shen Shilang!”

When had Shen Shilang’s martial skills become so formidable?

“Enough!” Madam Wei interjected sternly. “What kind of chaotic scene is this?”

She turned to the Taoist priest, asking, “Can the exorcism be performed elsewhere within the mansion?”

“Of course, as long as it’s not too far away,” the Taoist priest replied. “Any location within the Wei family mansion is fine.”

“Then let’s go elsewhere,” Madam Wei decided coldly. “Shen Shilang is just preventing people from entering his courtyard. We can exorcise in another location.”

“Agreed,” the Taoist priest nodded, following Madam Wei as she left.

Shen Shilang’s expression changed. He quickly returned to the courtyard and called out softly, “Jinshi, Jinshi!”

There was no response.

“Jinshi, if you’re here, give me a sign,” he pleaded urgently.

Still no answer.

Taking a deep breath, his face flushing red, Shen Shilang said, “Jinshi, you always wanted to take off my pants, right? If… if you’re here, I’ll… I’ll let you see.”

Feeling utterly embarrassed, Shen Shilang realized there was still no response. He knew Su Jinshi well; if she had heard such an offer, she would have reacted immediately. Her silence confirmed she truly wasn’t present.

Could it be that the Taoist had already harmed Su Jinshi on their way here?

Shen Shilang’s face paled. He turned to Youmi and instructed, “Youmi, this time I won’t be here. Don’t let anyone in.”

“Woof!” Youmi barked in acknowledgment.

Shen Shilang then hurriedly rushed out of the courtyard.