Chapter 7, "Laughing by the Door"... Shall we begin the explanation here?

As dusk fell, a chill spread through the town.

Jiang Geyun squinted at the signboard that read "Wuweilou" and could vaguely see that the cloth was originally bright red, but had turned dark red over time, and the black characters on it had also become gray.

Pei Xueyi also noticed the restaurant's worn-out signboard, and with a suspicious look, she turned to Xie Jiming and asked, "Is this place still in business?"

Unable to give a definite answer, Xie Jiming spread his hands helplessly and said, "It's not right to force our way into a house, so we can only come here and take a look first."

Pei Xuexiao led the way, carefully observing the tightly closed doors of Wuweilou. Only after confirming that there were no hidden traps did she reach out and knock on the door.

Before long, someone actually came to open the door.

The person who opened the door looked listless. Upon seeing the four unfamiliar faces, a look of surprise flashed across his already lackluster face. After hesitating for a moment, he...

Perhaps out of consideration for Xie, Pei, and the other two wearing dark blue official robes, he eventually opened the door, giving the four of them some space.

Led by Pei Xuexiao, the group entered the Five Flavors Restaurant together.

What I saw was the typical small-town restaurant, nothing special, with outdated decorations and displays, as if it had been closed to customers for a long time.

As Jiang Geyun passed the person who opened the door, she nodded to him.

The person who opened the door saw the undisguised black shackle mark around her neck and took a few steps back in fear.

Seeing his actions, Jiang Geyun realized that she looked even stranger than the other person, so she quietly moved away from the person who opened the door and went around to Pei Xueyi's back.

Pei Xueyi was completely unaware. When she saw her coming over, she withdrew her gaze from the restaurant lobby and smiled as she took her arm.

Pei Xuexiao bowed slightly to the person who opened the door and asked on behalf of everyone, "Innkeeper, we would like to ask for lodging for the night."

The person who opened the door looked conflicted upon hearing this. After a moment, he waved his hand and said, "No, no, we've been closed for a long time, and the town won't accept outsiders. You'd better leave as soon as possible."

Pei Xuexiao asked, "Does no one in town receive outside guests?"

Pei Xueyi, who was standing to the side, heard this and her eyes lit up: "Is there some kind of taboo here?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Geyun couldn't help but think to herself, "My friend is too good at talking."

Sure enough, the person who opened the door looked even more tense.

Just as he was about to say something in anger, a middle-aged man suddenly came down from upstairs.

The man's face bore a resemblance to the person who opened the door, but he was much older.

The middle-aged man probably noticed the commotion downstairs and came to check on the situation. Seeing that the person who opened the door was agitated, he came down to stop him.

He stood in front of the person who opened the door and tried to smooth things over for the four people, saying, "My son doesn't know how to treat guests properly, he has offended us greatly!"

Before any argument even started, the other side backed down.

You can't fight cotton.

"Right?" Jiang Geyun thought uncertainly. "It seems a bit hard to say under this worldview."

Pei Xuexiao didn't say anything more, but nodded slightly and said, "We don't want to make things difficult for you two, but it's getting late and we'd like to find a place to stay."

He had barely finished explaining his intentions when the middle-aged man opposite him burst into laughter, saying, "I see, what's so difficult about that? The town doesn't receive outsiders..."

At this point, Pei Xueyi asked, "Is there any difficulty?"

She must be having a great time as the Night Watcher, Jiang Geyun thought to herself, looking at her silently.

The middle-aged man, upon hearing this, was not annoyed, and said with a smile:

"We've indeed stopped doing business, but that's not a bad thing. We've just earned enough for retirement and are too lazy to work anymore. Ever since the official road was opened, our town has made a fortune. Every household can enjoy their lives in peace and no longer need to do business. Hahahaha!"

"Don't worry, everyone. The town doesn't accept outsiders, but Yunling Manor on the mountain does. Moreover, the manor owner is kind-hearted and doesn't charge a penny. He just wants to make a good connection, so it's perfect for you to stay there."

Has everyone in the town become rich?

Thinking of the people displaced by demolition, Jiang Geyun choked up. "Yes, hahaha, who says this is unreasonable? This is perfectly reasonable."

Jiang Geyun's indifferent gaze swept past the middle-aged man bowing in front of her and then fell on the person who opened the door.

He seemed to want to stop the crowd, but his father held him down, his expression hesitant and pained.

Before the two men noticed her gaze, she turned to look at Xie, Pei, and the other two.

Just as Pei Xuexiao was about to say something, Xie Jiming, who was usually silent, unusually took the initiative and said, "In that case, let's go up the mountain and take a look."

Pei Xueyi became even more curious after receiving the middle-aged man's answer. She stood on tiptoe, looking left and right, seemingly wanting to call the person who opened the door out for a chat.

Seeing this, Pei Xuexiao grabbed her sister and said to the shopkeeper, "Thank you."

The four turned to leave, and Jiang Geyun was suddenly burned by the shackles.

She paused briefly, touched her neck, and fell behind the three.

Once the shackles were no longer causing trouble, she turned and nodded goodbye to the two people in the shop.

The shop was dark, with no lights on.

The middle-aged man's smile was exactly the same as when he had spoken before, even the curve of his lips seemed unchanged, like one of those motionless statues in a small temple by the door. Behind the middle-aged man, the person who opened the door was completely hidden in his shadow, and his face could no longer be seen.

Jiang Geyun lowered her hand from her neck, calmly turned around, and followed the three of them out of Wuweilou.

*

The mountain was not high, but it was quite large. The four of them thought they would have to travel until late at night, but before it got completely dark, they saw the main gate of Yunling Manor.

The villa was brightly lit, and from a distance, it looked like a dazzling string of pearls encircling the green hills.

There was no one on duty outside the gate; only two lanterns hung forlornly, making the night outside seem even darker.

Xie Jiming took the initiative to go up and knock on the door.

The vermilion gate remained silent, the sound of the door knocker striking the wooden door echoing in the stillness.

A moment later, someone answered the door, and through the door, one could faintly hear the sound of the latch and lock clashing together.

The person peered out through the half-open vermilion door.

The light was bright, and the pink color of the girl's clothes was clearly visible when she opened the door.

Her peach-pink dress paired with an emerald green belt at the waist would normally appear somewhat gaudy, but the girl's fair skin and silver-plated face, like a figure in a painting, actually brought out a touch of elegance.

The girl looked the four of them over one by one, then, without moving, remained peering out from behind the door and asked, "Who are you all?"

Xie Jiming quickly cupped his hands in greeting and explained his purpose.

"Is that so?" The girl covered her mouth and smiled, saying, "You all really escaped death."

Pei Xueyi got excited and squeezed forward to ask, "What do you mean by that?"

The girl in pink said, "A few days ago, a huge fire broke out at the foot of the mountain. The town was burned to the ground long ago. There's no way anyone could be alive."

...

*

Holding a lantern, Yao Ji led the group deeper into the manor.

The corridors meandered, and as far as the eye could see, there were flowers, plants, and trees, all lush and beautifully arranged.

After nightfall, the landscaping should have been obscured, but lanterns were hung not only in the corridors but also in the garden outside, creating a dazzling display that seemed to be trying to squeeze into one's eyes.

Yao Ji, who was introducing the manor to everyone, noticed Jiang Geyun's gaze. Since Jiang Geyun didn't ask any questions, Yao Ji, who seemed to be paying special attention to her, covered her mouth with her sleeve and smiled:

"Is the guest wondering why lanterns are set up in an empty garden?"

"The owner of the manor said that viewing flowers under lamplight has a special charm, so candles were burned throughout the manor all night. Moreover, the flowers are delicate, so they can also see their reflections in the water late at night."

Jiang Geyun had no intention of arguing with Yao Ji about "You're not a flower, how do you know flowers like this?" and simply smiled.

Upon hearing this explanation, Xie Jiming was deeply impressed: "With such ingenious ideas, the Master of the Manor is truly a remarkable person!"

Hearing the praise for the manor lord, Yao Ji smiled again: "...Is that so? Yao Ji will convey the guest's praise to the manor lord."

Just then, from not far away, came the sound of something being dragged, "whoosh—", "whoosh—".

The atmosphere instantly became tense, and everyone paused for a moment.

Yao Ji remained expressionless, clapped her hands with a smile, and continued, "It just so happens that there are still two guests at the banquet tonight. Tonight is truly a rare and lively occasion!"

Jiang Geyun blinked, thinking of Xie Jiming's earlier agreement.

According to the system's introduction, Xie Jiming is not someone who pursues elegance.

Recalling how Xie Jiming had intentionally pushed everyone up the mountain back in town, Jiang Geyun silently asked herself: [System?]

While in the town at the foot of the mountain, Jiang Geyun had tried calling the system, but it seemed like the signal was bad and the response was very slow. Now that she had entered Yunling Manor, it was working much better.

As soon as Jiang Geyun tentatively asked her question, the system responded: [Does the host have another question?]

Jiang Geyun asked, "Is it you?"

The system, a habitual liar, feigns ignorance: [The system did not understand the host's question.]

Jiang Geyun continued, "I was just wondering whether the original plot led the male lead here, or if you were pulling the strings behind the scenes. If you answer that way, I'll put this on your shoulders."

The system asked curiously: [Why did you say "led them here"? Didn't Miss Yao Ji say that the real death was down the mountain?]

Jiang Geyun paused for a few seconds, then said with some disbelief, "[...Should we start the explanation from here?]"

The system, in high spirits, asked: "Host, what do you think?"

Jiang Geyun replied simply: "Based on Pei Xuexiao's assessment, the fog down the mountain is normal; he wouldn't lie or make a mistake on such a matter. As for the middle-aged man, he was probably just trying to get rid of trouble, not wanting to openly offend someone in official robes and lead us to our deaths… There are many more details, but in short, the most likely thing to be eliminated by a fire is this Yunling Manor."

The system didn't offer any specific response to Jiang Geyun's answer. After a few mechanical chuckles, it said: [Congratulations, host! Your travel time can be greatly reduced!]

[Thanks to the host's previous inquiry with the Night Grim Reaper, the system discovered such a useful method as borrowing a passage through the netherworld!]

[Based on the original novel "Xuan Du Zhao Ye," the clever system has brought forward the minor instances the male protagonist will encounter later, allowing him to reach the capital city much faster. Aren't you happy, host?]

[Ding dong, there's more good news! Time flows more slowly at Yunling Manor, so even staying a few more days will be faster than traveling directly!]

Jiang Geyun finally understood why Pei Xuexiao had such a solemn expression after she entered the room.

The dungeon is being moved up? Does Xie Jiming have the ability to conquer this small dungeon now?

Well, no matter what, the protagonist certainly won't die.

But she's really in danger!

Why was she so unlucky to be bound to such a system that was all about quick gains and had a bunch of negative side effects?!

Jiang Geyun sighed inwardly.

Along the way, various gardens are filled with lush flowers and plants, with peonies, peonies, camellias, and crape myrtles blooming in profusion, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

After realizing that this place was not a good place, I felt that even the wind had become colder, and the flowers and plants seemed to be able to devour people, beautiful to the point of being ferocious.

Pei Xuexiao remained vigilant throughout the journey. Although Jiang Geyun's sigh was subtle, he still noticed it.

He stared at Jiang Geyun for a moment, then mouthed something to her. Jiang Geyun deciphered it and realized he meant, "Don't worry."

"rest assured"?

Hmm... If the bronze mirror can communicate with the Xuandu Bureau, can it directly ask for help?

Thinking of this, Jiang Geyun felt a little relieved.

Yao Ji's gaze swept over everyone, lingering on Jiang Geyun for a moment before she said, "This is the Plum Garden, but the plum blossoms haven't bloomed yet, so it's not open for the time being. Once we get to the Plum Garden, we'll be almost at the banquet hall, so please don't rush."

Jiang Geyun glanced up and swept her eyes over the white walls, black tiles, tightly closed wooden door, and simple brass lock.

Previously, when passing by those brightly lit gardens, she had thought to herself that candlelight was unnecessary.

Seeing the plum garden now without any light, the black branches traced spiderweb-like cracks in the night sky, giving one the creeps at first glance, yet also making one appreciate the beauty of candlelight.

Even if this is a strange place, it's better to be a little brighter than to be completely dark!

Finally, we arrived at our destination.

The lights were brighter, almost like a modern night market, but the carved railings and jade steps were magnificent and luxurious, lacking any of the lively atmosphere of a night market.

Yao Ji handed the lantern in her hand to the attendant beside her, lifted the pearl and jade curtain, and turned halfway around, saying, "The master of the manor is waiting. Please come in."

As Jiang Geyun stepped across the threshold, she was about to look up and observe the manor lord seated in the main seat, but a glimpse of someone out of the corner of her eye made her stop in her tracks—

It turned out to be Cheng Xi.

The young man was still dressed in blue, sitting upright, gentle and elegant. It was the first time Jiang Geyun had paid attention to his profile, and she realized that when he wasn't smiling, he seemed somewhat... indifferent.

Is it just my imagination?

Noticing the noise at the door, the girl in the seat next to Cheng Xi had already turned around, but he paused for a moment before turning to the group.

His gaze happened to meet that of Jiang Geyun, who was looking at him.

Both of them were taken aback, and then Cheng Xi smiled.