Chapter 54 - But My Heart Loves Him

They were in the village of the southern border waiting under the stars at night. His master stated they were called upon to rid the village of a nasty ghost. Normally his green haired master would complete these missions on his own, but ever since the Jade Emperor appeared before his master, the elder had taken his brothers and himself along.

"I see it," Ying Yue spoke up pointing at the direction of a female hiding by the small house.

"Looks like you win again, little brother," the brunette grinned and pulled out a thin white string.

He looked at the female ghost and through the string shot his spiritual energy, slithering to wrap around the transparent ankles. The ghost cried out when she felt the tightening around her skin. She tried to run, only to fall forward in fear. Pushing herself up, she felt the sharp tip of a blade pressed against her forehead and froze.

"You do not belong here," Xu Ling stated looking down his nose at her.

"I… I just…" She stuttered out with tears trailing down her cheeks.

"Please miss, tell us why you have not gone to reincarnate."

Her transparent white eyes felt warmth from the blonde, so she moved closer to him.

"You… you all can see me?" She questioned softly and the blonde nodded, "Then please, please help him. She is not good for him. Please!"

"Who?" Ying Yue questioned and the ghost told them the name of the man and woman.

"You want us to warn Lu Meng to not marry Fay Quin. That's the only reason you are still here?" The brunette questioned with a quirked brow.

"I will do as you ask once this happens, I promise."

"Okay, may you be at peace then," the blonde smiled at her and she smiled back.

She brought the three brothers to the house of Lu Meng's. She saw both him and his lover greet the brothers and let them in. She followed, passing the threshold of talisman thanks to the blessings of the blonde cultivator. Staring at the man as the young cultivator spoke of her wish, the furrowed brows of the young man creased his forehead.

"I do not know what you are speaking of," Lu Meng looked at his wife, "My wife and I have been married for a few years now. We do not know of anyone who would be angry with us."

"A few years?" The brunette frowned looking at the female ghost.

"A few years of delicious love," The ghost grinned and reached out quickly, aiming for the heart of the man, but felt her dark hair being pulled. Falling backwards in anger, her transparent eyes looked to see burning gold ones.

"Disgusting," the redhead spit out and tossed her to the side.

"You lied!" Ying Yue accused as his brothers and him stood before the couple, facing the ghost.

"Oh child, so very innocent and naïve," The ghost laughed as the small body of a female grew thinner and darker. She looked like a skinny tree blackened with soot.

She rushed forward, but the strings wrapped around her body stunted her. A growl escaped her mouth and the older of the young men slammed a talisman on her throat, stopping any voice from escaping. Struggling, she watched the youngest stood before her with such sadness in his eyes.

"May you find peace in the afterlife," Ying Yue whispered and slammed his hand onto the ghost's forehead. He watched as the silent scream erupted through the female ghost as the skin broke. Her body glowed in a bright light before it faded, leaving behind a wisp of black smoke.

"Well done Ah Yue," the brunette congratulated and turned to the couple who was still confused, "Do not worry. The ghost is now gone and you can live freely."

"Ah, we thank you cultivators," Lu Meng bowed along with Fay Quin.

After saying their goodbyes and blessing their home, Ying Yue and his brothers reported to their client-the one who called for their help. The elder thanked them and handed them a few gold coins and a bag of loquats. When they were finished, the three brothers returned to their master's side.

"You all did well," the green haired elder started fanning himself.

"Thank you master," They bowed and headed back to the inn they were staying at, but Ying Yue wondered if Wang Li had to go through this too. Would his lover know that ghost was lying? Would he be disappointed in him?

Frowning to himself, he walked over to his master.

"Master, I didn't know she was lying. I thought she was really worried about Lu Meng, but she just wanted to kill him. If my brothers weren't with me… He would've been hurt," he explained with his head hung low.

"Ying Yue, there will be times where you must make a decision that could cost the lives of innocents, but you must make it for the betterment of all."

He nodded as he thought about what his wise master said. Humming to himself, he glanced at the crescent moon and smiled.

"Master, can I take Wang Li with us next time?" He grinned at the elder.

"Wang Li?" The elder hummed as his brows punched.

"His lover, master," Han Mo smirked, "We should meet him first before we invite him to party with us."

"You will it's just…" Ying Yue tried for an excuse but his oldest brother spoke up.

"We embarrass you."

"Embarrass you?!" The brunette looked insulted with a hand on his heart.

"He is a man, is he not?" The green haired elder said slowly, "The best friend you had when you were young… it is him?"

Ying Yue felt his heart squeezing as if to rip itself apart. His big brother did not approve of his relationship, Han Mo thought it was funny, and his master… if his master wasn't on his side…

He clenched his hands into fists and hardened his eyes. He loves Wang Li and there was nothing they could say to make him feel anything less. Of course, he would like his family to be happy for him, but he would be okay, he believed that. Taking a deep breath, he looked straight at his master's warm eyes and spoke up.

"I have known Wang Li since I was ten. He is my best friend and I would do anything for him. Yes, he is a guy and so am I, but my heart loves him and I am hurt when I don't see him or speak to him. We are connected, master. I don't need… I don't need you to accept us but please be respectful to him."

The stars witnessed the first time Ying Yue, the curious and kind blonde grew up to be more than a child. The elder was worried, this was not written nor told to him the events that would play out. The blonde was to be with his brothers, warding evil away to bring peace and balance. There was nothing in the scriptures, prophecy, nor word from the Heavens about his infatuation with a man. Looking at those golden eyes burning with strength and passion, the elder found his lips curling at the ends.

"When will we meet this boy you love?"