Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 55: Farewell Before Departure

When Fang Xiu opened his eyes again, he saw brilliant sunlight.

He was curled up inside Bai Shuangying’s true body, like a soft-bodied creature that couldn’t live without water.

From the chest up, Bai Shuangying still maintained a humanoid form. He leaned against one end of the bathtub, his long black hair fanned out and resting on the smooth white porcelain edge. He was focused on Fang Xiu, his face as expressionless as ever.

“I slept the whole night?” Fang Xiu asked in surprise.

Crap. He had said he’d help Cheng Songyun catch the ghost. She didn’t force herself to stay up just because he looked too pitiful… right?

“Cheng Songyun’s karma has been resolved. Tonight, we can use the karmic thread to navigate,” Bai Shuangying said.

He raised a finger and infused that thread of karma into Fang Xiu’s mind.

Just like with each E dispelled, Fang Xiu instantly grasped the entire story of Cheng Songyun killing her husband.

Fang Xiu was quiet for a while. “Cheng Jie figured things out. Looks like she won’t be afraid of the ‘ghost’ anymore. As they say, if you have a clear conscience, you don’t have to be afraid of ghosts knocking on your door.”

He accepted Cheng Songyun’s story calmly, showing no particular emotion.

Bai Shuangying had been ready to inwardly mock the complexity of human emotions, but this Fang Xiu left him a little unsettled.

“You don’t seem surprised,” he said.

Fang Xiu rubbed his shoulder. “You know what the scariest thing about humans is?”

Bai Shuangying: “?”

“People change.” Fang Xiu said, “Some lies weren’t lies to begin with. At the time, whether it was love or a promise, they were sincere.”

“For the one who didn’t change, that’s even more terrifying than being deceived. If it were just deception, they could hate the liar and at most blame themselves for being foolish.”

“But if it’s not… they begin to doubt everything; their perception of the world, whether they did something wrong. Then comes a long, drawn-out pain.”

Fang Xiu looked at the sunlit forest. “Sometimes, even truth can turn into a lie. That’s how strange humans are.”

Bai Shuangying considered this. “You seem very used to such things.”

“That’s elementary-level deception class.” Fang Xiu winked at him.

Bai Shuangying was shocked. “Humans have deception classes now?”

“Nope. Gotcha.”

“……”

Fang Xiu laughed unreservedly at Bai Shuangying’s straight face. Then, out of habit, he tried to get up, only to remember he no longer had his left leg. He slipped and fell back into the tub.

The moment he left Bai Shuangying’s body, pain flared again at his wound. His lips quickly lost all color, and fine beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

Bai Shuangying said, “If you destroy the Huanxi E in time tonight, you won’t face the taboo a third time…”

“Bai Shuangying.” Fang Xiu interrupted his ghost.

He awkwardly climbed out of the bathtub and struggled to sit at the bedside.

“What?”

Fang Xiu’s tone was serious. “I’m grateful you helped Cheng Jie condense the karmic thread. But next time, I want you to inform me beforehand. I really, really hate losing control of a situation.”

Bai Shuangying was unconcerned. “Or else?”

“Hmm, I guess you don’t care whether I’m sincere. So let me put it practically.”

Fang Xiu turned his head. Through sweat-damp bangs, his black eyes shone.

“After the first ritual, you’ve become more and more proactive. There’s no fresh soul to eat in this taboo, but you’re even more eager than during the second ritual.”

“That tells me you want something from me. Not just Underworld rewards or tasty souls. Something else… something more important.”

Those black eyes glinted, not like gemstones, but like the edge of a blade.

“Bai Shuangying, I hope we can continue being ‘friends’ and communicate properly about everything.”

“Otherwise, whatever you want from me, I guarantee you won’t get it.”

So troublesome, Bai Shuangying thought. He really wasn’t used to coordinating with others when he wanted to do something.

But fine. There was no need to ruin his greater plan over something this minor. Their goals were aligned for now. If it’s a hassle, so be it.

Still, Fang Xiu’s eyes just now looked familiar. Bai Shuangying had the feeling he’d seen them somewhere before. That gaze was defiant, but he didn’t hate it.

“I’ll tell you next time,” Bai Shuangying said.

Fang Xiu grinned brightly. “Mm!”

His eyes were filled with happiness. He always looked at Bai Shuangying like that.

Bai Shuangying couldn’t understand it.

These past days, Bai Shuangying had thought that some attentive care would fully bind Fang Xiu to him.

And it had worked. Fang Xiu was noticeably closer to him. Bai Shuangying could tell.

But through the negotiation just now, he also realized: Fang Xiu didn’t for a second believe that an evil spirit would feel anything for him, not even the most basic camaraderie.

Fang Xiu knew he had ulterior motives. The human’s clarity left Bai Shuangying speechless.

…Since you understand everything, why do you still look at me like that?

…Is that emotion meant to deceive me?

…What are you really thinking?

While Bai Shuangying was still trying to work it out, Fang Xiu had already secured the corpse leg prosthetic and was getting ready to receive guests.

……

Cheng Songyun’s eyes were swollen like peaches. She had clearly cried all night. But something in her had changed, like a leaf that had drifted in the air for too long and finally landed.

Guan He had also managed to sleep through the night. His dark circles had lightened and he looked refreshed.

When the two saw Fang Xiu, they were just about to speak when they were startled by the sight of the corpse leg.

It was completely bloodless, with rough, cracked skin in a sickly wax-yellow hue. It was also covered in curly leg hair, completely out of place on Fang Xiu.

“I have no choice. There’s no proper prosthetic,” Fang Xiu said from the bed, trying to suppress his pained breathing.

Next came the mushroom trio.

They were much more candid. The moment Xiao Tian saw the corpse leg, she screamed and nearly fell over. Song Zheng and Xiao Li recoiled at once, squeezing their double chins.

“Xiao Li, Xiao Li come on!” Xiao Tian shouted as she shoved him forward.

Xiao Li reluctantly stepped up, pulling a peach pit from his pocket and tossing it to the floor.

In the next instant, the pit expanded wildly, turning into a carved miniature boat.

What had seemed like a simple seed revealed itself to be an intricately crafted peachwood boat, complete with carved rowers and passengers. The closest boatman looked around in confusion.

“Why is there no water here again? Ahhh, what are you doing?!”

Xiao Li stepped forward and grabbed the boatman’s paddle.

The boatman couldn’t match Xiao Li’s strengthened strength and stomped in fury. “Pirate! Pirate!”

Before he could shout more, Xiao Li shrank the boat and stuffed it back into his pocket.

Even inside the pocket, the pit continued to thump and emit tiny angry curses.

Xiao Li laughed awkwardly. “It’s made of peachwood. We usually bring it out to repel evil spirits. The people inside are just a bit hot-tempered, that’s all.”

The paddle, still full-sized, was handed to Fang Xiu. “Can you use this?”

“Won’t the boat be missing a paddle?” Fang Xiu asked curiously.

“The boatman will make another one. I don’t know where he gets them from. I even snatched his hat once,” said Veteran Pirate Xiao Li.

Fang Xiu understood. “Maybe it’s supernatural craftsmanship.”

Seeing Fang Xiu put away the hairy corpse leg, Xiao Tian finally exhaled.

She patted her chest and looked around. “Hey, where’s that handsome guy in white?”

Fang Xiu: “?”

Song Zheng looked embarrassed. “Xiao Tian!”

Xiao Tian mumbled, “I just saw that super-gross dead hairy leg, and I wanted to cleanse my eyes. That face not being out in the open feels like a waste…”

Fang Xiu nodded approvingly. “You’ve got taste.”

Xiao Tian: “Right?”

Song Zheng closed his eyes. “…You could look at me or Xiao Li too.”

Xiao Tian glanced at them both and politely hummed twice. “Let’s get to business.”

She grabbed a can from Fang Xiu’s prepared breakfast and turned serious.

“I watched A’Qing and Jia Xu yesterday. Jia Xu used the ‘Luck Borrowing Die’ again.”

Guan He was shocked. “Is he crazy?”

Xiao Tian clicked her tongue. “No, Uncle Hou told him to ‘make an impression’. He gathered a bunch of down-and-out folks to watch Jia Xu demonstrate the magic prop.”

“Uncle Hou even publicly said he’d never force Jia Xu to use the die. Anyone who wants to borrow its power has to go through Jia Xu personally.”

“Then what’s the point of showing off?” Guan He didn’t get it.

Cheng Songyun cleared her throat, her voice still hoarse. “Now everyone knows there’s a ‘guaranteed win’ method here. More people will ask Uncle Hou for chips. If they win, great; if they lose, there’s Jia Xu’s die as backup.”

Xiao Tian rolled her eyes. “That ‘backup’ is shaky. After using the die, Jia Xu had terrible luck. He lost several times in a row.”

Fang Xiu paused mid-paddle practice.

Xiao Tian continued, “Though he only gambled three or four times—some poker game I don’t understand. I couldn’t tell if it was bad luck or not. If we’re talking unlucky, A’Qing used to be way worse…”

She sighed as if mourning A’Qing’s misfortunes.

“…Uncle Hou’s starting to target us. His people have been following me and Xiao Tian, asking where Song Ge went. I stuck to our story, that you guys were stubborn and hired Song Ge to explore that ‘Emergency Exit’,” Xiao Li said, glancing nervously at Fang Xiu.

Fang Xiu showed no emotion. “And?”

“I heard from Song Ge that the Emergency Exit is full of illusions. It’s really tricky. Some have tried before, and most were scared out. A few even died in there.”

Xiao Li scratched his head. “If you still plan to go today, Song Ge might…”

“Don’t worry. We’re not taking Song Zheng today.” Fang Xiu glanced at Cheng Songyun.

Guan He perked up. “You found a way, Fang Ge? Then tonight…”

Fang Xiu: “You’re not coming either.”

Guan He: “…”

Guan He: “…Huh?”

“Uncle Hou isn’t easy to deal with. Even though it’s only the second night, I need more smokescreens.” Fang Xiu calmly explained, “Tonight, Song Zheng goes to the casino as usual. Act natural. If anyone asks, tell them the Emergency Exit is dangerous. We got separated early on and you think the whole plan is unreliable.”

Song Zheng was honest. “That’s actually accurate.”

“Xiao Guan, you go to the casino too and cash in your blood debt.”

“Jia Xu and the others will come running to check on you. Pretend to waver, like you’ve lost hope following me. But no matter what Jia Xu says, don’t gamble.”

Guan He understood.

A minor abandoning the group to cash out would make anyone think Fang Xiu was in a terrible state.

“Uh, I don’t mind cashing it in. But five hours of just sitting there is kinda weird…”

Fang Xiu turned to Song Zheng. “Here’s the important part. I’m counting on you. Xiao Guan is in your hands.”

“Guan He, once you cash in your 1,000 chips, immediately lend them to Xiao Tian. A’Qing knew she has enhanced luck. Uncle Hou’s side won’t suspect anything for now.”

Xiao Tian pointed at herself, confused. “Me? Lend them to me for what?”

“…To challenge someone and apply a little luck leverage.”

Through the pain, Fang Xiu grinned.

“Let’s turn the casino upside down.”

……

By noon, the room had cleared out.

Fang Xiu polished the peachwood paddle Xiao Li gave him and adjusted his temporary prosthetic.

Really, he still needed a hook hand and a skull eyepatch, he thought, trying to joke to himself.

Bai Shuangying leaned on the edge of the tub watching him with an unreadable expression unreadable, but the ghost and the mountain view outside the window complemented each other perfectly. It was picturesque.

Knock knock.

Just as Fang Xiu was savoring the peace, someone knocked on the door.

He froze, then slowly stood. “Who is it?”

“It’s Mei Lan.” A soft voice replied.

Fang Xiu opened the door. As expected, Mei Lan stood outside, holding a bamboo bowl in both hands, looking nervous.

Her gaze lingered long on his injuries, and there was a trace of pity on her face.

“The water in this Nectar Bowl can purify curses,” she said softly. “May I come in and pour some for you? I don’t know if it’ll help…”

Fang Xiu silently stepped aside. Mei Lan entered with her head down. She looked out at the mountain scenery for a long time before saying again, “It’s really beautiful.”

She didn’t have Jia Xu’s arrogance. She looked exhausted and irritated, with dark circles under her eyes.

“I thought you wouldn’t come,” Fang Xiu said lightly. “Or maybe… you’re here to spy for Jia Xu?”

Mei Lan: “I just wanted to trade for another can of yellow peaches.”

A few seconds later, she seemed to gather her courage.

“Actually, I don’t want to follow Jia Xu anymore.”

Fang Xiu raised an eyebrow.

Mei Lan lowered her head.

“‘Water Stealth’ isn’t useful here, and I’m not that smart. If I stay with you, I’ll just drag you down. I know this sounds like an excuse, but it’s really how I feel.”

As she spoke, she laid out 35 chips in front of Fang Xiu.

“These past two days, I only played even-odd bets, one at a time. Please believe me. I really don’t want to stay here.”

“You don’t trust me, I understand. I’m not asking to know your plans. I just want to say, if there’s anything I can do…”

Fang Xiu: “Then give me all your chips. If things go badly tonight, I’ll return them before midnight.”

Third Taboo: You must always hold a chip. Lose it, and die.

Mei Lan turned pale. “……”

Handing over all her chips was as good as handing over her life. If Fang Xiu didn’t return them, she’d have to borrow from Jia Xu or Uncle Hou, and they’d surely demand something in return.

Fang Xiu quietly watched her.

Finally, Mei Lan clenched her teeth and handed over all her chips.

“I believe you,” she said nervously.

“I don’t believe you, and I don’t need your trust either.” Fang Xiu took the chips without hesitation. “…But I will win.”

Mei Lan pressed her lips together and said nothing more.

She filled a glass vase with Nectar Water, then left with a can of yellow peaches.

Bai Shuangying, who had been watching. “My body is more effective than Nectar Water.”

Fang Xiu was drinking. Hearing this, he nearly choked through his nose.

“Please say ‘true body’. Your true body, thank you.”

“She’s trying to win your favor. Be careful.” Bai Shuangying ignored the correction and continued.

Clack. Fang Xiu set down his empty can.

“Actually, I’m more concerned about something else. How did Mei Lan know the Bone-Cleaving Blade was cursed?”

Fang Xiu touched the burning edge of his wound and looked toward the closed door.

“Maybe… we really do have a Taoist priest among us.”

Several hours later, night fell for the third time.

The lobby was bustling as usual.

Near the “Emergency Exit”, only Fang Xiu, leaning on his peachwood prosthetic, and the petite Cheng Songyun stood quietly in the shadows, which was completely out of place in the cheerful scene.

As expected, Jia Xu pushed through the respectful crowd and made his way to them.

“Come on, don’t be stubborn. Just one round tonight. I’ll take you. At least get your leg back. You look ridiculous like this!”

The crowd behind Jia Xu had all witnessed the power of the Luck Borrowing Die, and murmurs of envy rippled through them.

Fang Xiu stared at him for a while. “Is it safe following you? I heard your luck was a little off last night.”

Jia Xu’s expression shifted, then turned boisterous. “It was nothing. It’s just a normal unlucky streak.”

“Somebody even researched this. This casino is totally fair! I just hit a statistical outlier…”

“A casino formed from the obsessions of gamblers is, of course, fair.”

Fang Xiu looked at the gaudy sign for Huanxi World.

“But you should know…what’s most terrifying to gamblers is a completely fair casino.”

Knowing there’s no cheating, gamblers only spiral further, because they’re convinced they can still win.

Jia Xu wasn’t listening. His attention was elsewhere.

“You said obsession? I called that on day one. Those three taboos are basically pushing people to win.”

“The obsession that created the Huanxi E is obviously ‘I want to win.’ It’s not hard to guess.”

He spoke with pride, full of “I figured it out first” smugness. He reached out to Fang Xiu like he was pulling him from the mud.

Fang Xiu didn’t move or respond. He leaned against the wall, his whole body trembling faintly from pain.

“Come on, Fang Xiu. I know it’s hard to admit you picked the wrong path.”

“It sucks to admit failure. But you won’t survive another taboo. Come with me.”

Fang Xiu shook his head and didn’t take the hand.

“Goodbye, Jia Xu,” he said softly.

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The author has something to say:

Xiao Fang is at it again. Cue the suona funeral band.jpg

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A little off-topic ramble~

In the last chapter, someone questioned, “How could someone so kind turn into scum just because of gambling?” It felt too extreme, hard to believe.

I used to think that too.

Our country’s anti-drug awareness is very strong. No one finds it strange when “a social elite becomes trash after taking drugs.”, so they subconsciously think the harm of gambling isn’t that great.

But when it comes to gambling, people subconsciously underestimate the harm.

Maybe it’s because online gambling ads and esports betting are everywhere, and casual card games are common.

Some stories even glamorize gamblers, so people don’t grasp how damaging gambling really is.

So many think:

“Rich and smart people wouldn’t get addicted.”

“Gambling isn’t that easy to access.”

“It won’t change a person’s nature.”

“Once the debts are paid, life can start over.”

It’s precisely this belief that leads to tragedy when encountering a real gambler.

The comments have mentioned it many times, so let me formally recommend:

Please check out [Jie She]—a site with real-life gambling addiction stories.

My fictional tales are nothing. Real-life gambling addicts are even scarier, even more absurd.

There’s a reason sex, drugs, and gambling are always listed together. _(:3 」∠)

And above all, may you never meet a gambler, and may you never gamble yourself!

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