Chapter 6

One of the most astonishing aspects to him was that she would actually blush when she was shy or angry. It is said that the reason living beings blush is due to blood flow, so how could a ghost, lacking any bloodline, possibly blush? Among the countless ghosts he had encountered, she was the only one who could blush.

Daoist said: "Why must there be such an action? You have the opportunity to see another world, yet you can only be a bystander. Humans and ghosts follow different paths; I advise you to refrain from associating with spirits in the future."

Daoist said: "In this world, ghosts are not distinguished by good or evil; there are only those whose obsessions remain unfulfilled. The poor Daoist does not take their lives, but rather drives away their resentment, eliminates their karmic obstacles, and helps them to be reborn as humans as soon as possible."

"Like jade..." Shao Jiyan repeated, smiling, "It's a very beautiful name"

Shao Jiyan assumed that the Taoist had granted his request, and hurriedly said: "Thank you, Daoist, for your kindness. However, she has just been injured by an evil spirit and is in a deep coma. I kindly ask the Daoist to show some compassion and save her, so that I may speak with her once more."

Like jade, her heart raced twice, and her face turned completely red with embarrassment as she retorted, "Who is paired with you!"

Shao Jiyan could not help but chuckle inwardly, and feigned seriousness as he said: "How could it be so easy? The Daoist said that in this world, there is no distinction between good and evil among ghosts; there is only the depth of their obsessions. No matter what kind of ghost it is, he will collect them all without fail"

A Daoist with a somewhat ethereal demeanor held a gourd in one hand and pinched a talisman in the other, murmuring incantations as he recited something, before promptly affixing it to the mouth of the gourd

Just as the Taoist was about to speak, he noticed the gourd in his hand trembling slightly, and the talisman affixed to it also appeared to be loosening.

With a loud shout, Shao Jiyan felt a flash of golden light. Upon opening his eyes, he saw two puffs of white mist pass before him, swiftly flying to the door and directly diving into a small gourd.

Ru Yu hurriedly said: "I don't know! I'm just afraid that you really have been harmed by her, and that's why I rushed over without thinking too much." After saying this, she pouted and muttered, "It's not my fault... It's just that you are so lecherous... such a shameless person..."

Shao Jiyan said: "Is there still any doubt? I have worn my lips thin, saying all kinds of good words, and I almost knelt down to him. Only then did he reluctantly relent. You should thank me, for I am your savior"

Shao Jiyan, feeling anxious, carefully examined her body but found no visible wounds. However, he could not touch her as if she were alive to check her temperature or feel her breath. It was even impossible to find a doctor to treat her, and he could not even lift her to the bed for her to rest. In despair, he could only sit cross-legged on the ground beside her, hoping that she would wake up quickly before dawn.

Like jade, she nodded

When Ru Yu was asked her name by the man, she couldn't help but blush, shyly murmuring, "My name is Ru Yu..."

Shao Jiyan pondered for a moment and said: "In that case... may I ask the Daoist priest to allow me to see my friend for a moment, so that I can express my gratitude for her life-saving grace"

Shao Jiyan said: "By the way, speaking of which, how did you suddenly appear tonight? How did you know that the evil spirit was coming tonight?"

The Taoist said: "Rest assured, benefactor, the evil spirits have been subdued"

Shao Jiyan could only sigh helplessly: "You truly have a kind heart, but you are using the wrong method. Since she hates her husband for betraying her, then last night’s situation could be seen as me being unfaithful to you as well, and it would be even more reason for her to want to kill me"

The Taoist shook his head, letting out a sigh that seemed to be both a smile and not a smile, and said: "You, a scholar, have only ever seen Taoists exorcising ghosts; have you ever seen anyone treating a ghost's injuries? Furthermore... this woman is no ordinary spirit; she is protected by a true deity, and soon enough, she will be fine." After saying this, without waiting for Shao Jiyan to respond, he turned and gracefully left.

Shao Jiyan said: "What? Am I not even worthy to be a friend of the elder sister?"

Shao Jiyan thought to himself, no wonder she asked him at that time whether he was married, and then said to Ruyu: "So you came to impersonate my wife?"

Ah?! Ru Yu's expression changed, as if that long shadow could turn back at any moment to seize her.

Moreover, she is not only able to touch him, but also remains unharmed even when tainted by the essence of his vitality. He initially thought it was merely a false rumor, but now it seems that this old saying may not be untrue. The question lies with that seductress.

Shao Jiyan found it amusing and thought to himself, how could you not know my name after peeking at me several times? Looking at Ru Yu's shy demeanor like that of a young girl, he did not want to expose her, so he put on a pose and respectfully cupped his hands, saying: "I am Shao Jiyan, pleased to make your acquaintance"

Ru Yu continued: "It is because of this experience that she harbors resentment towards scholars like you. However, I have heard from my seniors that she was well aware of the hardships of being a wife, having had her husband taken from her in life. Therefore, she seldom harms any married man."

Ru Yu snorted, "Who is your elder sister! You keep calling me elder sister, how do you know that I am older than you!"

Shao Jiyan could not help but chuckle softly. As he turned around the bend, he glared and said, "Why should I thank you! It was I who arrived just in time to rescue you from that evil spirit, so you should be thanking me! If it weren't for saving you, how could I have come here and encountered that so-called Taoist! It is only right for you to plead for me!"

As if feeling wronged, Yu said: "I am only 20! You are a full four years older than me, how can you call me 'big sister'!"

Shao Jiyan took a couple of steps forward, only to see the Taoist moving as if the wind was at his feet. In just a moment, he had already traveled a great distance and quickly vanished into the night. Shao felt somewhat puzzled, not understanding the meaning of the Taoist's words. What did he mean by not being an ordinary ghost? What did he mean by having a true deity protecting him? ... If the seductive woman in the room was not a ghost, could it be ... ? ... Could she actually be a celestial being?

Shao Jiyan chuckled, deliberately teasing her: "Sister was twenty in her lifetime, and now as a ghost, who knows how many years have passed. By calculation, she is still older than me, so my calling her 'sister' may not be inappropriate. Moreover, it is possible that sister has been deceased for several decades, so calling you 'aunt' or even 'grandmother' would not be excessive!"

Shao Jiyan clicked his tongue, secretly thinking that he had indeed misspoken this time, and instead, she had taken the opportunity to speak up.

Shao Jiyan smiled and said, "Yes, yes, the grace of my elder sister saving my life cannot be repaid, how about I dedicate myself in return?"

Shao Jiyan was unwilling to offend the esteemed figure before him, but recalling how Ru Yu had just risked her life to save him, he felt a sense of reluctance. Moreover, had it not been for her rescue, he would not have been taken by this Taoist priest. Thus, he persistently requested the priest to allow Ru Yu to come out for a brief meeting, so that he could express his gratitude.

Daoist said: "Exorcising demons and capturing ghosts is indeed the duty of my disciples. This ghost nearly harmed my inept disciple a few days ago. Today, I have come specifically to subdue this ghost. Fortunately, I have saved you, which is also part of your destiny. You need not worry."

Shao Jiyan came to his senses and looked into the room, but he could not see the beautiful woman and the jade-like figure; it was only then that he thought those two wisps of white mist might have been the two of them.

As Yu listened to others praise her, her heart became increasingly joyful and bashful, and for a moment, she did not know what to say, so she casually replied, "Then what is your name?"

Shao Jiyan could no longer hold back his laughter, while Ru Yu became puzzled again, tilting her head and murmuring, "Is it... reversed?"

Yuyu also asked: "How old are you this year?"

Shao Jiyan was taken aback and thought to himself with a smile that she was indeed concerned about this

Shao Jiyan pondered as he turned back into the room to check on Ruyu. He found her still unconscious on the ground, just as before, which inevitably caused him further distress. He thought to himself that the Taoist had only said she would be fine, but he did not know how many hours it would take. What if she did not recover before dawn? Wouldn't the sunlight cause her soul to scatter?

After sitting for more than half an hour, Ru Yu finally woke up. She lay on the ground, initially looking around in a daze, and then suddenly seemed to awaken as she sprang up, anxiously asking: "Has she left? Left?"

It is evident that she is indeed not an ordinary ghost

As Yu Dao said: "I heard from my sisters that she was coming this way. I suspect you certainly won't listen to me and will stay here to wait for death. Although you are said to be heartless, foul-mouthed, and despicable, after all, you have a life, don't you? I reluctantly came to save you. I first inquired with my seniors, and this woman is also a pitiful one. Her husband went to the capital to take the imperial examination, and after passing, he married the daughter of a high official. She fell ill from the shock upon hearing this and died. Her soul could not find peace and drifted to the capital to seek her husband. After much hardship, she finally found him, but that man deceived her with a few words and brought her to this residence. He also invited a Taoist priest to perform a ritual to scatter her three souls and seven spirits, fearing that she would entangle him again, and thus bound her original spirit in this house, while he took his new bride out of the capital to assume his post. Since then, this woman has lost her soul and cannot be reborn; her original spirit is unable to leave this place. Even after many years of cultivation, she can only wander a few miles outside the capital at most. It is truly very pitiful."

Ru Yu felt as if she had narrowly escaped a calamity, and she joyfully chuckled, repeatedly saying: "Yes, yes, thank you, you are my benefactor!"

Shao Jiyan laughed heartily and said, "Elder sister saved my life, and since she does not cherish my willingness to dedicate myself, surely she would not mind being friends with me."

Upon hearing this, Ruyue not only did not show any signs of relief, but instead wore a face of terror, stammering, "Can... can... can the Taoist... see me?!"

Shao Jiyan let out a sigh, thinking to himself that there was no such immortal as her; perhaps she was some kind of ghostly master instead, but then he shook his head again, feeling that it did not quite fit either

Do not harm lives

As Yu took the upper hand for the first time, she happily spun around in place

Really?" Ruyue was overjoyed

However, that Taoist must not be speaking nonsense. Moreover, he did not even allow her to see his face despite her sincere request, yet now he readily releases her, which must have some reason behind it. Upon further reflection, although that woman is foolish and lacks any outstanding qualities, she does possess some uniqueness.

Shao Jiyan could not help but feel awkward and ashamed. However, upon reflection, since she had already seen him in such a compromising position, there was no need to pretend to be refined in front of her. He revealed a carefree demeanor and teased, "I am lewd, you are lustful; let us not speak ill of each other, we are just a perfect match."

As if jade said: "Pah! I was injured while trying to save you, and you still have the audacity to speak! I came to advise you a few days ago, but you refused to listen. Now you see the consequences! If I had arrived just a moment later, hm, who knows what would have happened to you now!"

Shao Jiyan lightly coughed and said: "You may thank me, for I have interceded with that Daoist priest on your behalf, and he has agreed to let you off this time"

Shao Jiyan clasped his hands and said: "Daoist, your capture of this ghost is indeed a great service in eliminating evil. I, as a latecomer, not only thank you on my own behalf but also on behalf of those who may be tormented and persecuted by this ghost in the future." After saying this, he bowed several times to the Daoist and continued, "I have but one request of you, Daoist. The one who entered your treasure is not an evil ghost; she can be considered a friend of mine. If it were not for her timely rescue, I fear I would have already fallen victim to the evil ghost. I hope, Daoist, that you will show mercy and release her."

The Taoist furrowed his brow and murmured, "So that's how it is..."

With a blush on her jade-like face, she exclaimed: "Pah! Who needs a lewd fellow like you!"

Shao Jiyan furrowed his brows, pondering that the evil spirit's words to him seemed not entirely false. Reflecting on her truly tragic experiences, he realized that her husband was indeed cruel and heartless, which made it no wonder that she harbored such deep hatred for men. Furthermore, considering that the Taoist had taken her away to assist her in reincarnation, it could be regarded as her fortune.

As Yu's face turned red with anger, she quickly rolled her eyes and huffed, "Fine, then you can call me 'grandma.' If you call me 'grandma,' I will comply."

As Yu did not respond, instead, she pouted her small mouth, appearing rather displeased

Shao Jiyan, still shaken, hurriedly got up and expressed his gratitude, saying: "Thank you very much for saving my life, I do not know your esteemed title, but I will surely remember it in my heart."

Shaojiyan said: "Twenty-four."

Shao Jiyan smiled and said: "Enough, enough, it was indeed my mistake. I apologize to the young lady. May I ask for your esteemed name?"

Shao Jiyan smiled and said: "I was just about to talk about you. I thought you were highly skilled for coming to save people, but I didn't expect you to be the one who fell first."

Shao Jiyan did not understand his intention, but he saw the Taoist priest unveil the talisman, open the mouth of the gourd, and with a gentle twist of his hand, a cloud of white mist floated out, gradually taking the shape of a person lying on the ground. Shao Jiyan focused his gaze, and it was indeed a figure resembling jade, yet still in a state of unconsciousness.

Ruyue completely ignored his teasing and timidly said, "Then... how did he let me go? Why didn't he take me along?" After thinking for a moment, she patted her chest and murmured to herself, "That's it, he must have known that I am a kind and obedient ghost, which is why he showed me mercy... Hmm..."

Shao Jiyan found her frightened and timid appearance amusing, and said with a smile: "Of course, with such a significant goal, how could anyone not notice it?"

Shao Jiyan breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her spirited demeanor and simply said: "Don't look for her anymore; a Taoist priest of great renown came here just now and took her away."