Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu
Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/
Chapter 113: Exhortation
Ghost Mansion, Eastern Courtyard, the Heavenly Realm.
With its waterside pavilions, terraces, towers, and fragrant flowers, the architecture was stunningly beautiful, as if a pleasant breeze graced the face. If not for the swirling dark aura and the oppressive low clouds, Xu Wang might have mistaken it for a dwelling of immortals.
The Starving Ghost had said this place was rich in ghost energy. Xu Wang couldn’t judge for himself but was a bit curious, so he asked the Starving Ghost vaguely, “How does it feel?”
At this moment, they were following the Heavenly Realm’s steward to meet the boss.
The Starving Ghost sneakily glanced at the steward walking ahead, ensuring there was no scolding for whispering, then cautiously revealed a smile, silly yet blissful. “Good.”
Xu Wang inexplicably felt better too. “Still hungry?”
“The hunger is always there. That’s how I died, so I can’t change that. But…” The Starving Ghost patted his belly. “After absorbing enough ghost energy, it doesn’t make noise anymore. Hear that?”
Xu Wang chuckled. “If it doesn’t make noise, how can I hear it?”
The Starving Ghost actually thought about it for a while before nodding. “Right.”
Xu Wang had never seen anyone this naïve. Even the usually silent Wu Sheng couldn’t help but smile.
However, judging from the Starving Ghost’s stomach no longer rumbling, the Ghost Spring releasing ghost energy must be here, but its exact location remained unknown.
As Xu Wang pondered, they arrived at the Wutian Pavilion.
This three-story building was located at the deepest and highest point of the Eastern Courtyard.
The Heavenly Realm’s steward asked them to wait outside and went in to report.
After the steward entered the pavilion, Xu Wang shared his thoughts with Wu Sheng and the Starving Ghost. “This boss is funny, dividing his territory into the Underworld, Human Realm, and Heavenly Realm, but the place he lives in is called the Wutian Pavilion*.”
*Clarity: [Wu] (无) means nothing, none, be without + [tian] (天) means sky, heaven. So combined, it’s on the line of “No Heaven”, which is a bit ironic considering he resides in the Heavenly Realm.
Wu Sheng, expecting a significant tactical discussion, was speechless and turned Xu Wang’s head back towards the pavilion. “Instead of thinking about these nonsensical things, better focus your thoughts on ‘Where is the Ghost Spring*.'”
*He says this in English.
Xu Wang: “……”
Although he knew his advisor was trying to avoid revealing their mission and chose a mix of Chinese and English, it still felt like taking unfair advantage, or rather, taking advantage of ghosts!
Unsurprisingly, the Starving Ghost was confused. “What are you talking about?”
Before Xu Wang could fabricate a lie, Wu Sheng unexpectedly provided an explanation first. “Local dialect.”
The Starving Ghost grew more curious. “Then what did you just say? Instead of thinking about these nonsensical things, better focus your thoughts on?”
Wu Sheng said, “Me.”
Starving Ghost, “Huh?”
Wu Sheng: “Better focus your thoughts on me.”
Starving Ghost: “A single word takes that long to say?”
Wu Sheng: “Yes.”
Xu Wang: “……”
Not wanting to deal with Wu Sheng’s creative responses, Captain Xu Wang silently looked at the dark clouds, which slowly transformed into the faces of Qian Ai and Kuang Jinxin.
He wondered how his two companions were doing now…
Ghost Mansion, Eastern Courtyard, the Underworld, residence of the Dream Ghost.
Inside the house, a thin man with disheveled hair curled up on the bed, shivering. His eyes were tightly closed, muttering incoherently, and his pillow was soaked with sweat and tears.
Despite his obvious suffering, he refused to wake up, as if imprisoned on the bed, eternally trapped in a nightmare.
Outside the window, two figures observed in secret.
The trembling ghost was more pitiful than frightening, but a chilling sensation seeped through the window crack, penetrating their clothes and pores, invoking a deep, instinctual fear.
Kuang Jinxin: “Qian Ge, don’t be afraid.”
Qian Ai: “I’m not scared.”
Kuang Jinxin: “You’re stepping on my foot, and your foot keeps trembling on mine.”
Qian Ai: “……”
Kuang Jinxin: “When I was little, I always thought there were ghosts. I was scared every night. My grandma told me that humans are three parts afraid of ghosts, but ghosts are seven parts afraid of humans. It’s more scared of you than you are of it.”
Qian Ai: “My grandma told me ghosts eat disobedient children.”
Kuang Jinxin: “……”
Qian Ai: “If you want to laugh, just laugh. Don’t hold it in.”
Whether the grandchild is as dear as the grandma, it was hard to say.
Suddenly, a faint light flashed beneath the Dream Ghost!
Qian Ai and Kuang Jinxin tensed, watching intently.
The light flickered again, partly obscured by the Dream Ghost’s body, with only a glimpse visible, not very clear.
It was undoubtedly the badge.
But to get it, they would have to lift the Dream Ghost.
The two companions instinctively clenched their fists, mentally urging the Dream Ghost to turn over and reveal the light.
Unfortunately, the Dream Ghost didn’t cooperate.
They waited for a long time, but the Dream Ghost remained curled up in the same spot, as if the bed only had that small area for him to use. Despite ample space around, he showed no intention of changing positions or moving.
“If it comes to it, we’ll have to wake him up,” Qian Ai said. “Best if he gets off the bed, then your severed hand can go straight for the badge.”
Humans can’t go on the Dream Ghost’s bed, but a severed hand should be okay.
Kuang Jinxin thought the same. “Qian Ge, I’ll distract the Dream Ghost, then I’ll let the severed hand grab the badge from the bed. You’ll cover me from a hiding spot, and if something goes wrong, you’ll back me up.”
“Come on, I can’t let you go in front.” Qian Ai, though afraid, would never let a kid take his place. He’d rather fight the ghost himself. “I’ll lure the Dream Ghost away from the bed. Once he leaves, you take charge of the severed hand getting the badge.”
Determined, Qian Ai’s gaze firmed up.
“Remember, only the severed hand can go.” Qian Ai, already at the door, turned back to emphasize with lip movements. “You absolutely must not get on his bed.”
“Got it.” Kuang Jinxin, standing at a hidden spot by the window, nodded solemnly. “Be careful too, Qian Ge.”
In front of the Wutian Pavilion, the Heavenly Realm.
The steward returned, but the message he brought was unexpected. “The boss isn’t here. I’ll take you to your temporary accommodation.”
Xu Wang and Wu Sheng had been strategizing all the way, brainstorming ways to first deceive the boss and then find an opportunity to search for the Ghost Spring. They hadn’t expected such a stroke of luck.
The steward led them to a separate courtyard not far from the Wutian Pavilion, where they were told to settle down for now. They were informed that once the boss returned, they would be taken to see him. Before leaving, the steward reiterated sternly that they were not to wander around.
The exact words were: “The Heavenly Realm is a vital area of the Eastern Courtyard. It’s not a place for you to roam. Stay put in your rooms.”
Such words were frustrating for both humans and ghosts. As soon as the steward left, the two men and a ghost were eager to explore.
However, Xu Wang and Wu Sheng’s eagerness had a clear goal—finding the Ghost Spring. The Starving Ghost’s enthusiasm was purely due to the excitement of the moment, following along with them.
Xu Wang caught a glimpse of the expectant look on the Starving Ghost’s face and felt a pang of guilt that he had been suppressing.
The Starving Ghost wanted to play with his two friends.
But his two friends were plotting how to destroy the Eastern Courtyard and obliterate all its ghosts, including him.
Taking a deep breath, Xu Wang stepped back inside, found a chair, and sat down. “Xiao Hungry, have you ever thought about leaving the Eastern Courtyard?”
The sudden shift from eager readiness to a serious conversation caught Wu Sheng’s attention, but he remained silent.
The Starving Ghost, drawn in by Xu Wang’s question, replied, “Leave the Eastern Courtyard? Why?”
Because staying would mean death!
Xu Wang clenched his teeth and took several deep breaths to keep his voice steady and natural. “I know you just entered the Heavenly Realm and are looking forward to a bright future. But think about it, what’s so good about the Eastern Courtyard? The steward agreed to let us into the Heavenly Realm because we’re supposed to fight for the boss. We might be obliterated tomorrow; it’s so dangerous.”
The Starving Ghost looked puzzled. “Then why did you guys fight so hard to get into the Heavenly Realm?”
This unexpectedly astute counter-question stumped Xu Wang.
“Of course, we have our reasons,” Wu Sheng said calmly. “But definitely not to fight for the boss.”
This was almost the truth, just not very specific.
Surprised by Wu Sheng’s honesty, Xu Wang realized his own prepared response was almost identical. Had he spoken two seconds later, those words would have come from his own mouth.
Not wanting to deceive the Starving Ghost—they both felt the same way.
The Starving Ghost paused, not in shock or surprise, but simply gazing at them thoughtfully.
After a while, he finally spoke, his voice low and serious. “I don’t want to leave the Eastern Courtyard.”
Now it was Xu Wang and Wu Sheng’s turn to be taken aback.
He didn’t question their purpose but returned to the previous topic.
Xu Wang understood that the Starving Ghost’s words effectively rejected the suggestion to “leave the Eastern Courtyard.”
“I know you just entered the Heavenly Realm and are looking forward to a bright future. But I’m not trying to discourage you; fighting for the boss is a one-way street to destruction.” Xu Wang tried to reason, never having been so earnest in persuading anyone. “You said you liked the Eastern Courtyard because it’s peaceful, but once you meet the boss, there will be no more peaceful days.”
The Starving Ghost crouched, hugging his belly and looking down, seemingly in thought or feeling wronged.
“It’s not about leaving the Eastern Courtyard for the Western Courtyard,” Xu Wang continued, thinking he was hesitating. “You can leave this mansion entirely. The outside world is vast, with lots of fun and interesting things and plenty of peaceful and comfortable places.”
“I came here from the outside.” The Starving Ghost stared at the ground, speaking faintly. “I died out there. The world is vast, but I was bullied wherever I drifted. I was hungrier and more miserable than when I was alive…”
“After arriving here, I finally stopped drifting and settled down.” He looked up at Wu Sheng and Xu Wang. “I consider this place my home.”
Even the usually eloquent Xu Wang and the quick-witted Wu Sheng were at a loss for words.
They could persuade him to leave danger, but how could they convince him to leave his home?
Their “good intentions” lacked a solid foundation from the start.
The Starving Ghost remained crouched, gazing at them. After a long, silent exchange, he suddenly asked, “What exactly are you looking for?”
Xu Wang and Wu Sheng were startled.
“You’ve been looking around all the way. I didn’t think much of it at first,” the Starving Ghost grumbled, though not really angry. “Now that you say you’re not here to fight for the boss, you must be looking for something, right?”
Xu Wang looked at Wu Sheng, who gave a slight nod.
“The Ghost Spring.” Xu Wang whispered, “We want to find the Ghost Spring.”
The Starving Ghost tilted his head in confusion. “Just follow the ghost energy.”
Xu Wang fell silent for a few seconds, then looked up. “We can’t smell the ghost energy.”
“You’re also not a ghost?” The Starving Ghost’s voice was very low, but his astonishment was evident.
“Also?” Wu Sheng noticed something amiss.
The Starving Ghost sighed, looking at him. “I know you’re not a ghost.” He turned to Xu Wang. “But you too? How is that possible? When they tested for ghost energy in the Underworld, you clearly had it.”
“Wait.” Xu Wang needed to organize his thoughts. “How do you know he isn’t?”
The Starving Ghost blinked. “When they tested for ghost energy, he had none. If it weren’t for me helping him, he would have been exposed.”
Xu Wang: “You helped him?!”
Wu Sheng: “You helped me?!”
Both speaking in unison, then looking at each other—
Wu Sheng: “I thought you used the [Ghost Behind]. Didn’t you say you’d handle it?”
Xu Wang: “I did say that, but before I could act, you passed. I thought you used some stationery.”
Wu Sheng: “……”
Xu Wang: “……”
Their misunderstandings formed a perfect circle, missing the correct answer. When would they ever be cured of this…
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