Chapter 35 : Fight Tonight

Jiang Shiqiu genuinely couldn’t bear to see her suffer and did not agree to help restore her memory.

Of course, this was only a temporary refusal.

Ji Yu did not press the issue. She knew that her body had been greatly damaged this time, and she needed time to recover. It would be best to plan for the future after she had regained her strength.

After the old Chen patriarch and his companions left, darkness had already fallen.

Ji Yu sat by the window, gazing at the city of Qingyu enveloped in the night. The city was still adorned with numerous lanterns, creating a splendid, almost perpetual twilight scene.

These lanterns had been hung for the old Chen patriarch’s birthday.

Despite the lights still burning, the streets were nearly empty. The citizens had all closed their doors early, and the previous hustle and bustle had faded into quietude.

“My wife.”

Jiang Shiqiu walked over and, seeing her hair loose and damp, took a clean handkerchief to gently wipe it for her.

He looked at her disapprovingly and said, “My wife, it’s windy at night. Don’t sit here and catch a chill.”

Ji Yu looked up at him, her eyes bright and clear, reflecting the moonlight with a soft glow. The moonlight streaming through the window cast a delicate sheen on her, making her appear especially serene and lovely.

“Jiang Shiqiu,” she said softly, “the reason that Shang Yunxiao’s attempt to bring forth the demons failed was not only because I was still young and my body could not withstand their power but also because I had a marriage contract with you, which provided me with your protection.”

Her gaze remained fixed on his face, unwavering.

Jiang Shiqiu’s actions of wiping her hair did not falter, and his expression remained unchanged.

Ji Yu continued, “If it weren’t for the marriage contract with you, I probably would have died back then.” She moved her fingers slightly. “Isn’t that so?”

At that time, she was just a frail child. Even without memories, the lingering pain in her soul hinted at the danger. Surviving such circumstances was almost like a divine blessing.

Of course, it was not divine intervention but rather protection from a demonic force from the underworld.

Under the moonlight, her delicate features and sparkling eyes, as clear as water, looked at him with persistence.

Jiang Shiqiu finally set down the handkerchief. He leaned in and kissed her upturned face, saying, “Yes!”

He finally admitted it.

Ji Yu felt a sense of emptiness rise in her heart upon hearing his confirmation. She sat there in a daze.

Jiang Shiqiu extended his arms and held her close, contentedly embracing her.

He said, “Actually, I’m very glad.”

He was glad for the marriage contract, which might not fit the world’s norms but connected them, intertwining their fates that would otherwise remain separate.

Ji Yu leaned silently against him.

A person’s destiny is predetermined at birth and cannot be changed.

She was born with a ghostly fate, chosen as a vessel by demons. A curse was placed upon her by the demons as a mark.

To save her and to suppress the curse, her grandmother had used some method to arrange a marriage contract with a powerful being from the underworld, using its power to protect her.

This marriage contract was both a protection and a check for her.

Even if demons were to descend into the world, this marriage contract would prevent their smooth arrival and obstruct them.

Ji Yu closed her eyes slightly.

Her grandmother must have considered this difficult decision carefully.

The old lady could not bear to see her granddaughter become a vessel for demons and die an untimely death.

Even more so, due to the curse, Ji Yu’s body had grown increasingly frail. If the world discovered she was a vessel for demons, it would be dangerous for her. To prevent demons from descending through her body and bringing calamity to the world, killing her would be the best solution.

Ji Yu began to understand why her grandmother had been reluctant to tell her these things.

Her grandmother cared for her deeply, wanting her to bear as little burden as possible and to live a happy and peaceful life.

If Jiang Shiqiu had not appeared at Yanyue Villa, Ji Yu might never have discovered these harsh truths until the end of her life.

Seeing her silent, Jiang Shiqiu felt a deep, uncomfortable sensation rising within him.

“Ji Yu,” he gently caressed her hair, “You are yourself, not a vessel for demons. No one in this world can turn you into a vessel!”

His tone was especially resolute.

Ji Yu curved her lips into a faint smile and softly replied, as if believing his words.

At that moment, a night breeze blew in through the window.

Qingyu City was a seaside city, and the sea breeze at night was always more intense than during the day. Jiang Shiqiu, fearing she might catch a cold, carried her back to bed.

“Ji Yu.”

As she lay in bed, Ji Yu heard him call her name. She turned to look at him and met his dark, glossy eyes, which seemed as if they were lurking deep within the underworld.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt an inexplicable reluctance to meet his gaze.

Jiang Shiqiu moved closer to her, their faces nearly touching, as if he wanted to whisper something.

“My wife.” He held her hand under the covers, his eyes intensely focused on her. “You haven’t forgotten the promise you made to me last night at the Chen family, have you?”

Ji Yu: “……”

“Have you forgotten?” He looked at her skeptically. “Should I remind you?”

Ji Yu, struggling, said, “No need, I remember.”

Jiang Shiqiu’s face lit up with a smile, though it held an intimidating edge in the dimly lit room. “Then when do you plan to fulfill your promise?”

Ji Yu, remaining composed, shifted further into the bed, only to find him slithering closer like a snake.

She remained silent for a moment, then raised her hand to block his chest and said, “Later. I’m not feeling well right now…”

Even resorting to the excuse of not feeling well showed just how anxious she was.

Previously, she would have simply said “I’m fine” or “It’s nothing,” even if she truly was unwell, and would force herself to look unaffected.

Jiang Shiqiu immediately sat up and said, “Then I’ll send someone to fetch a doctor…”

“Better not,” Ji Yu stopped him, “It’s already dark, and it would be troublesome to disturb someone now.”

Unfortunately, Jiang Shiqiu had no such traditional virtues as avoiding disturbing others in the middle of the night; he felt justified in his actions.

Ji Yu, clinging to his sleeve, was no longer calm, feeling helpless and embarrassed as she muttered, “…… I feel better now, no need to see a doctor.”

He turned to look at her, and those demonic eyes seemed to reveal a hint of ferocity, yet his words were gentle: “My wife, you don’t need to put on a brave face. If you’re truly uncomfortable, we should call a doctor.” Then he added, “You’re right, it’s indeed a disturbance in the middle of the night and a waste of time. I’ll start learning the art of traditional medicine tomorrow. If you’re unwell in the future, I can attend to you.”

Ji Yu:……

So, did she really have to fulfill this promise tonight?

—

The next morning, Ji Yu opened her eyes, staring blankly at the canopy above her bed, relishing the rare opportunity to stay in bed.

A long, white hand lifted the curtain, and bright light flooded in, revealing the man at the bed’s edge his dark hair, crimson lips, and fiery red clothing made him look like an otherworldly beauty.

At that moment, the beautiful man’s expression was gentle, but his black, lustrous eyes seemed to hint at a disturbing desire, as if some craving had been unleashed overnight.

Ji Yu did not dare to meet his gaze and turned her face away, asking in a muffled voice, “What time is it?”

“It’s still early.”

Jiang Shiqiu said as he extended his arm to lift her from the bed.

Her body was soft, weakly nestled against him, and she had no strength.

Ji Yu looked at the sky and realized it was indeed the hour of the si. She couldn’t help but sigh.

It was already 10:00, how could it be early? how could it be considered early? Even when she was ill, she wouldn’t wake up this late.

Jiang Shiqiu said with confidence, “My wife worked hard for half the night yesterday, so she should sleep a little longer today.”

Ji Yu’s lips twitched slightly. Who was responsible for her working hard all night? They had clearly agreed not to overdo things.

What was even more unbelievable was that he thought the time was too short, and that it wasn’t excessive at all.

“I still have many positions I want to try with my wife.” He leaned down and pressed his soft cheek against hers, looking regretful. “It’s a pity that your body is too delicate, so I had to shorten the time…”

Ji Yu stared blankly, not knowing how to appropriately respond.

What was with this expression of wanting to continue tonight?

Fortunately, soon there were visitors arriving, sparing her from having to dwell on these matters.

Today’s guests included not only Zuo Lingshuang, Xu Xiujue, and Pei Yang from the Pei family but also other demon hunters from various factions.

They had come to bid farewell to Jiang Shiqiu, as they would soon be leaving Qingyu City.

With the Chen family having caused such a major incident and with so many casualties, they were indeed very angry. However, since the Demon Division had already begun investigating the Chen family, they believed that the authorities would soon provide an explanation to the world. There was no need for them to stay behind and guard.

They were more interested in returning early to discuss how to gain benefits from the Chen family with their elders.

Once the court took action, it would be their turn to divide the Chen family’s assets.

This was unlike the Ji family. Back then, the Ji family suffered because of the corpse demons in the Longquan Tomb, and to protect the people, most of their disciples had died in battle.

The court praised the Ji family, and even though the Ji family had declined, no one dared to act against the Ji family’s principles.

But the Chen family was different. The Chen family had brought ruin upon themselves, and what Shang Yunxiao did was enough to push them into an abyss of no return.

What a great opportunity to weaken the Chen family and strengthen themselves. No one would be foolish enough to refuse such a rare chance.

Everyone was calculating in their minds, eager to return and report the Chen family’s situation to their elders.

The sooner they returned, the sooner they could make plans.

Jiang Shiqiu, irritated, did not want to deal with them and did not want them to disturb Ji Yu’s rest. He arranged for the visitors to be received in the inn’s hall and went downstairs to meet them.

Ji Yu did not accompany him to meet the guests. Since she was still recovering, she could avoid meeting them.

Zuo Lingshuang, Xu Xiujue, and Pei Yang could go upstairs to find Ji Yu, and Jiang Shiqiu did not stop them.

The people who saw this said nothing, they understood the varying degrees of closeness in relationships. Seeing Jiang Shiqiu stationed there, no one dared to ask to see the Ji family’s young master.

Zuo Lingshuang and the others had also come to bid farewell to Ji Yu.

“Cousin, I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Pei Yang held Ji Yu’s hand, reluctant to part, “I don’t know when we’ll meet again. I’ll definitely miss you so much.”

Ji Yu smiled, “I’ll miss you too.”

Pei Yang looked at her, noticing her smile still on her face, but thinking about the words she had heard from her brothers and sisters last night, she couldn’t help but feel depressed.

Ji Yu’s gaze shifted slightly, clearly noticing the unspoken words on the faces of the three.

She smiled gently, “Thank you for coming to see me. You really don’t need to worry. I’m fine.”

“How can we not worry?” Pei Yang’s eyes reddened, and tears almost fell. “Clearly, they meant to harm you. Everyone heard it…”

As she spoke, tears indeed began to fall.

Ji Yu quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, then looked up at Zuo Lingshuang and Xu Xiujue, who also appeared worried and troubled.

She felt a touch in her heart, her gaze growing even more tender.

“Thank you,” she said sincerely once more.

Xu Xiujue could no longer hold back and asked with a furrowed brow, “Junior Sister Ji, does Lord Jiang have any countermeasures?”

Although Shang Yunxiao had not explicitly mentioned the “vessel,” there were few fools in this world. Many were elite disciples from prestigious families with extensive libraries, and their knowledge was broad. It didn’t take long for them to piece together the truth.

When they realized this truth, everyone was in disbelief.

In fact, coming here today to bid farewell had included a desire to see Ji Yu, but with Jiang Shiqiu overseeing things, no one dared to express their thoughts openly.

Xu Xiujue had never imagined that Ji Yu was chosen as a vessel by demons.

No wonder her body was so frail, no wonder she rarely trained outside, no wonder the Ji family protected her so fiercely…

If the world knew of this, to prevent the risk of demons descending, they would choose to kill her to eliminate future troubles.

It wouldn’t be a problem if only a few thought this way, but what if countless people thought the same?

The majority of people are selfish and fear for their own lives, and would not hesitate to have those who pose a threat to them eliminated.

Zuo Lingshuang also looked at Ji Yu. Even though she knew Ji Yu was a vessel chosen by demons, she had no desire to avoid her and hoped she could be safe.

She did not believe that killing Ji Yu would eliminate future threats. If not Ji Yu, there would be others.

But why should Ji Yu’s right to live be taken away? It was not her choice to become a vessel.

Facing the three pairs of expectant eyes, Ji Yu slowly shook her head. As their faces showed disappointment, she gently said, “You don’t need to worry. I’m not going to die anytime soon.”

“But…” Zuo Lingshuang furrowed her brows, “I’m afraid the court will soon come looking for you.”

Xu Xiujue’s jaw tightened. This was also his concern.

Although Jiang Shiqiu was indeed very powerful, he was still just one person and could not be perfect.

If the court truly wanted to take action against Ji Yu, they would not need to confront Jiang Shiqiu. After all, Ji Yu still had the Ji family behind her. It was impossible for her to truly abandon the Ji family. She would likely be willing to face the threat willingly.

“Cousin…” Pei Yang’s eyes were filled with tears.

Ji Yu continued to wipe her tears, smiling, “Yangyang, don’t cry. When I have time in the future, I will visit you at Yufuyai. I promise I will stay well and live on!”

Pei Yang could no longer hold back and cried in her embrace.

Xu Xiujue and Zuo Lingshuang also thought she was comforting them, feeling a mix of emotions they couldn’t express.

Just as the four of them were caught up in concern for Ji Yu, Jiang Shiqiu returned.

Seeing the expressions of the three, he was somewhat surprised and asked, “My wife, what’s wrong with them? Why is Pei Yang crying like this?”

He narrowed his eyes, staring at the girl crying in his wife’s arms. Although she was a girl, she was too close to his wife, and he didn’t like that.

Pei Yang wiped her tears, still sad, and pouted without speaking.

Zuo Lingshuang and Xu Xiujue also slightly adjusted their expressions, feeling uneasy in front of Jiang Shiqiu.

Ji Yu smiled, “It’s nothing much. They’re just worried about me.”

“There’s nothing to worry about!” Jiang Shiqiu sat beside her and held her hand in front of them. “I can protect my wife. No one can harm her!”

The three looked at each other in silence.

As they watched the three leave, Jiang Shiqiu said unhappily, “My wife, they don’t believe in me!”

Ji Yu replied, “It’s only natural for them to think that way.”

Who would have thought that the man beside her was not an ordinary person but a powerful being from the Underworld? So they didn’t believe that if the court wanted to act against her, he could really protect her.

Jiang Shiqiu snorted, “Foolish and ignorant mortals. They will understand one day.”

This statement was quite awkward, making one want to dig a hole to hide in.

Ji Yu shifted her feet, keeping her expression unchanged, and said warmly, “You’re right, it really is like that!”

Hearing this, Jiang Shiqiu was finally satisfied.