Chapter 33 Ghost Market (Part Two) The Immortals Can Really Talk
The golden hairpin and the Nuo mask landed steadily on the ground in front of Di Ting, and only then did it slightly restrain its aura. "I will trust you for now, but you must report to me when you are active in the mortal world, and you are not allowed to leave my sight unless there is something wrong."
Hearing this, Jiang Yuzhi stood up, quietly moved her numb legs, leaned down and whispered in Diting's ear, "We don't have any extra rooms for them to live in."
Di Ting said, "Aren't the yard and kitchen empty? When it rains, they can stay in the kitchen; when it's hot, they can stay in the yard. There's no need to provide them with bedding. Just find some straw and spread it on the ground. They can stay if they want, or they can go back to heaven if they don't."
Sui Gu's smile froze. "Lord Di Ting..." Putting aside the fact that the two of them combined couldn't beat Di Ting, sleeping in a pile of straw was too shabby. But if they went back as soon as they descended to the mortal realm, who knows how the Jade Emperor would punish them.
The Green Sprout God has the least shortage of faith in the Heavenly Court. Gods can only maintain a long lifespan with faith. If they can live without faith, they will certainly not live as well, and their magical power will not be sufficient.
Unlike these minor gods who follow the rules of heaven and earth and rely on faith for their existence, the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother, who are appointed by the Heavenly Dao to manage all the gods, do not rely on faith for survival. However, having faith is better than not having it. Faith enhances their magical power and makes those gods feel more at ease.
In recent centuries, several powerful new gods have arrived in Heaven, bringing with them abundant faith, which has likely made the Jade Emperor feel threatened.
He created a pool of faith, claiming it was for the benefit of the other minor gods. Every seven days, the gods had to contribute one-third of their faith into the pool, which he would then distribute equally among them.
No god knew the total amount of faith that had to be handed over each year, and for the time being no one could defeat the Jade Emperor. Some minor gods had indeed benefited greatly, so no deity raised any objections.
Sui Gu was quite dissatisfied. She had many beliefs and often used to help Fang Xiangshi with a portion of her income, which she was happy to do. Now she was being asked to give it away to others for no reason. Heaven knows how much that old man embezzled each time.
Just then, the Jade Emperor asked her to descend to the mortal realm to handle some business, and she didn't have time to hand over the faith, so of course she would delay as long as possible.
Fang Xiangshi himself could live in a bad place, but he couldn't stand Sui Gu sleeping in a pile of straw. He couldn't hold back any longer and thought he might as well take back the magic weapon and run away with Ahe.
As soon as Fang Xiangshi stuck out his butt, Sui Gu knew what he was about to say. Even though immortals didn't have such worldly needs, she sighed inwardly, thinking it was better to avoid trouble. She grabbed Fang Xiangshi's arm, ready to agree.
Bai Yan coughed lightly and slowly walked to Jiang Yuzhi's side, making his presence known. "Yuzhi, there are too many people living in the shop now. We can't all be crammed together. What will we do when my two elder brothers and Uncle Yan come? I have a house in Jingmingfang. Why don't we all move there together?"
The clear, spring-like sound went straight into the ears of the people present.
Sui Gu's eyes lit up. "No wonder this young master was chosen by the Map of the State," she said, but before she could finish, she saw that Bai Yan's expression hadn't changed at all, and even seemed to be turning cold. Sui Gu tentatively changed the subject, "Was he chosen by Miss Jiang?"
Even Fang Xiangshi, with his blockheaded mind, could clearly see that the generous young nobleman opposite him unconsciously raised the corners of his mouth, only to suppress it again.
Sui Gu: "How lovable he is! He is a role model for men all over the world!"
Upon hearing this, Fang Xiangshi became unhappy, but Sui Gu quickly suppressed his anger by holding his hand.
Jiang Yuzhi: "Fairy, please be careful with your words. I haven't agreed yet."
Bai Yan's words make sense, but if she does this, she will owe Bai Yan too much, and if she adds He Ji's share, she will probably never be able to repay it.
Bai Yan: "Are there any other concerns?"
Jiang Yuzhi: "Won't this be too much trouble for you? You've already helped me so much."
A fleeting look of disappointment crossed Bai Yan's eyes, hidden in the night. "Yu Zhi saved my life. I'm afraid I can never repay her kindness except by giving myself to her. Or is it that Yu Zhi dislikes me..."
His voice trailed off, his eyelashes trembled as if trying to hide something, but he finally raised his eyes and looked straight at her—those dark eyes that always looked at her with a smile were now somewhat moist, like a puppy abandoned in an alley.
"...Never mind." Bai Yan received no response, so he stubbornly turned his head away and stopped looking at her.
Here we go again. Jiang Yuzhi can't stand him like this. He's so fake, yet she can't help but feel sorry for him.
Having many lice doesn't bother you with bites, and having a lot of debt doesn't bother you with worries.
"No, we'll move tomorrow." Jiang Yuzhi grabbed Bai Yan's warm hand.
The cold touch made Bai Yan freeze. He didn't dare turn around for fear that his wife would find out and burst out laughing. He forced himself to remain calm and said, "No need to force yourself."
Jiang Yuzhi: "No, I won't force you."
Di Ting looked down on Bai Yan's behavior and secretly cursed him for being cunning.
Sui Gu covered Fang Xiangshi's eyes, afraid he would see, but it was too late. The cold and indifferent god of war had a look of sudden realization on his face.
Di Ting: "Alright, what kind of talk is this? It's almost dawn. From now on, you are not allowed to leave my sight."
Di Ting transformed back into its ordinary canine form, picked up the Nuo mask and golden hairpin from the ground, tilted its head back, and successfully tucked them into its thick chest fur.
Sui Gu said, "Thank you, sir, and also Miss Jiang and Young Master Jiang." After saying that, she pinched Fang Xiangshi's arm hard.
The taciturn and ruthless god finally managed to utter a "thank you."
The ghost market has almost completely closed up shop.
Jiang Yuzhi was actually quite disappointed; she didn't get to see much tonight.
Bai Yan, who was always watching his wife, noticed her regret. "There will be more tomorrow night, shall we come again then?"
"OK."
Upon reaching the entrance of the Ghost Market Street, Zhong Yuxiu, who should have been in her shop, was still there, holding Xiao Jin, whose ears were swollen from fright.
The man in black grabbed Zhong Yuxiu's wrist and turned his back to them.
Zhong Yuxiu and Xiao Jin looked like they had seen a savior, but one of them couldn't break free from the man's hand, and the other couldn't break free from the woman's frightened embrace.
Jiang Yuzhi thought someone had been cornered by a lecherous man.
Bai Yan was also puzzled. He had clearly ordered the imperial guards to escort the person back, so how could they have been intercepted?
The human and the ghost quickly stepped forward.
Zhong Yuxiu suddenly remembered that this person in front of her might be someone her friends couldn't afford to offend, so she whispered in a voice that everyone could hear, "Yuzhi, run! I... I can handle this myself."
Unfortunately, it was too late.
Jiang Yuzhi had already seen the face of the man in black.
Jiang Yuzhi: "Why is it you again?"
Xiao Ji: "Why is it you again?"
Bai Yan: "Uncle?"
Surprised, Xiao Ji unconsciously loosened his grip, and Zhong Yuxiu broke free instantly, darting behind Jiang Yuzhi.
The late-arriving Di Ting and the two immortals also recognized Xiao Ji.
Zhong Yuxiu shrank back, "Yuzhi, do you know him?"
Jiang Yuzhi: "Yes, don't be afraid, he's not a bad person."
Zhong Yuxiu knew, of course, that the other person wasn't a bad person, but she herself had done something wrong!
Bai Yan: "Uncle, what are you doing here? Have you finished your official business?"
Xiao Ji: "Hehehehehe, what, you're allowed to relax, but I'm not? Hand her over to me, I'll ask her questions and then let her go."
No wonder the Imperial Guards didn't send Zhong Yuxiu back; it seems her superior's superior intercepted her. Bai Yan looked at Zhong Yuxiu, who was trembling behind Jiang Yuzhi. His wife was very protective of her.
Bai Yan: "Is Uncle's behavior tantamount to abducting a woman?"
Xiao Ji: "You..."
Sui Gu naturally sided with the benefactor who provided them with accommodation and offered her help, saying, "Oh, there's an important person here too, how lively!"
Xiao Ji's brows furrowed even more deeply. "What are you all doing here?"
Sui Gu: "No need for you to worry, sir. No matter how much we try, we won't make things difficult for a young lady on the street late at night."
Xiao Ji wanted to explain, but seemed hesitant to speak, appearing as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself. "I have a reason."
Bai Yan: "Uncle, why don't you tell us so everyone can hear it?"
Xiao Ji: "No! I won't hurt her."
Bai Yan: "Then we can't hand her over to you."
Faced with his nephew's rejection and even a suspicious look in his eyes, Xiao Ji tried to soften his voice, hoping to coax the young lady out on her own. "Zhong Yuxiu, I have no ill intentions and will not put you in jail. You need to explain yourself clearly to me, and then I will not look for you again. You know my identity; my word is law."
Zhong Yuxiu: "I...I haven't thought it through yet. Could you let me think about it some more..."
Xiao Ji: "You!"
Bai Yan: "Alright, Uncle, if you keep doing this, I'm going to tell my mother."
Jiang Yuzhi hugged Zhong Yuxiu, "I suppose Uncle Yan would be happy to see you make a fool of yourself."
Sui Gu: "Hahaha, my colleagues haven't had any fun in a long time."
Xiao Ji's handsome face darkened even more.
Unexpectedly, the dignified Judge Lu could be humiliated by a young woman. Di Ting suppressed his laughter, already planning to take some time to go back to the underworld and have a good chat with the Black and White Impermanence.
The sky turned white.
The first group of people heading out to work were already heading out, and occasionally the sound of doors opening could be heard.
"We can't argue in the street anymore," Xiao Ji said, feeling extremely frustrated. "Fine, Zhong Yuxiu, you'd better stay behind them all the time."
After uttering these words, Xiao Ji strode away, with several imperial guards following closely behind.
Zhong Yuxiu breathed a sigh of relief and almost collapsed to the ground, but was fortunately supported by Jiang Yuzhi.
Little Jin was terrified. That was Judge Lu, whom every ghost in the underworld would avoid. His resentful aura and oppressive presence almost scared the soul out of its body.
Who would have thought that the usually gentle young lady would suddenly have such a strong grip? If it weren't a ghost, the cat would have been scratched several times.
Xiao Jin put aside past grievances, jumped out of Zhong Yuxiu's embrace, and nuzzled against Di Ting's front legs in a fawning manner.
Di Ting generously let it lean against it, and even hummed a couple of times in pride.
Zhong Yuxiu's emotions only calmed down after everyone returned to the backyard of the funeral clothing shop.
The two immortals, mindful of their own business, didn't wander off and followed Di Ting to the kitchen, where Xiao Jin was also present.
Zhi'er was instructed by Jiang Yuzhi to make some food for Bai Yan. Di Ting, being greedy, also wanted some.
Bai Yan didn't go to rest. He felt that his body was getting better and better, and he was full of energy even though he hadn't slept all night.
Seeing that his expression was normal, Jiang Yuzhi did not force him to rest, and let Bai Yan comfort Zhong Yuxiu with her in the bedroom.
After taking two sips of calming crystal orchid tea, Zhong Yuxiu's wildly beating heart gradually returned to normal.
Zhong Yuxiu wrung her hands together for a long time before finally speaking, "Yuzhi, I really didn't do anything illegal or disorderly. Are you close to him? Could you, could you please plead for me?"
Jiang Yuzhi was genuinely curious. Xiao Ji was never one to be unable to distinguish right from wrong, so what could have caused him such distress?
Bai Yan: "Could you tell us if this is appropriate? Uncle looks intimidating, but he's actually very easy to talk to."
Zhong Yuxiu: "Ah, he's your uncle, then you're the princess's son!"
Bai Yan: "Hmm... So what is it? If it's your uncle's fault, the Princess's residence will protect you."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Yuxiu made up her mind and took a deep breath.
-----------------------
Author's note: Bai Yan: There happens to be a small house next to the Bai family mansion in Jingmingfang. I just wanted to help my wife, and I have absolutely no ulterior motives.
Di Ting: You'd better be.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
