CH 28

Several days passed quickly inside Ying Qianqiu’s world and they finally arrived at their destination. It was a magnificent palace built on top of Cangshan mountain that towered into the clouds above, simultaneously beautiful and dangerous.

After they entered Cangshan palace, Ji Ning didn’t see Ying Qianqiu as much. He seemed to be very busy and didn’t have any time to spare. On the other hand, Yun Dao still seemed to have nothing to do and often came to accompany Ji Ning. 

“…Which is why we went to see the city lord of Tiandu city. The lord intends to cooperate with us to bring down the last three branches of the twelve aristocratic clans.”

Yun Dao ate a piece of spiritual fruit as she spoke, “He knows that those three clans are about to die. As long as he’s not stupid, he should know who to align with, uh…”

Having said this, she tilted her head to look at the boy. Seeing that he looked confused, she stopped explaining, “Forget it, I won’t explain. It must be boring to you and you probably don’t understand.”

Ji Ning blinked cutely and gave her a little smile. Playing the character of an innocent beast cub, he pretended not to understand. 

There was no need for him to interfere. The cooperation between Ying Qianqiu and the city lord of Tiandu city occurred even in the plot of the original novel. Together, they destroyed the three remaining families of the original twelve and had a friendly relationship so Ji Ning knew he was a reliable man and that there were no hidden traps.

Over the last few days, Ji Ning had happily pretended to be a child. Aside from circulating his qi through Qin Ruwang each day, there was no need for him to do anything. The only time when Ji Ning had to keep his wits about him was when Ying Qianqiu would visit in his spare time.

Judging from the current situation, his identity was fairly safe. Now and then Ying Qianqiu would give him subtle tests, which suggested that although he still doubted him, he wasn’t certain that he was really Ji Ning.

With his power seal unblocked, he had the power to survive through most dangerous situations, he just had to be careful moving forward.

“Okay, it’s almost time for you to rest.”

Yun Dao finished the last spiritual fruit, clapped her hands and stood up, saying to Ji Ning, “Come on, continue cultivating your profound qi.”

Ji Ning nodded and, following the girl’s instructions, closed his eyes and meditated, trying his best to absorb the faint wisps of qi inside the air into his body.

In fact, he had already formed his spiritual core and had cultivated to a level much higher than Yun Dao. His skill meant that he could completely suppress his profound qi. Even if Yun Dao probed his qi, it would appear as if he had never cultivated before. Therefore, Yun Dao assumed he had no foundation at all, and was patiently teaching him from the beginning. 

As he had already formed his core and knew the typical timeline of cultivation advances, Ji Ning deliberately adjusted his learning to appear very fast, without being unbelievable. Although Yun Dao was surprised by his talent, she did not doubt it.

He did this firstly so he could get his hands on Yun Dao’s corpse refining texts as soon as possible, to purify the death aura from Qin Ruwang. Secondly, after cultivating to a certain level, he could transform into a teenager’s body without causing suspicion, as he still found it a little difficult to adjust to using the body of a small child.

After several days of absorbing the qi around him and eating Huaxing pills, Ji Ning was finally able to transform into a teenager. He fixed his appearance so he looked different from his original appearance and changed the sound of his voice.

Looking down at his slender fingers, he was very satisfied. After all, a child’s hand was too soft and small to even hold chopsticks. 

“Very good…”

Yun Dao circled around the teenaged Ji Ning and praised his appearance.

The youth was dressed in white clothes, with a slender waist and well proportioned limbs. His soft black hair fell to his waist and his skin was creamy and smooth. Even wearing his half mask, it was obvious he was an extremely beautiful young man.

It was a shame that Xue Tuan still refused to take off the mask… 

She rubbed her chin and suddenly wondered if the boy’s sense of aesthetics was crooked. Although he was very good looking he was convinced that he looked ugly.

Yun Dao decided she would have to correct this in the future, but for now she had more important things to do. She clapped her hands together happily and said, “Since you’ve reached this point in your cultivation, we can start refining Qin Ruwang.”

She summoned the maids and told them to inform Ying Qianqiu.

Yun Dao knew the boy was an immature snow beast cub who didn’t know how to read or write, let alone understand a cultivation method, so for the past few days she had been working on a picture book for him. She had badgered Ying Qianqiu with various questions and felt confident the snow beast would be able to refine the murderous corpse. If he could refine it, it would be a great help to them in the future. 

This was their first attempt at corpse refining. Although the steps weren’t complicated and Yun Dao was fully prepared, she couldn’t stop the uneasy feeling that this corpse was different to an ordinary one. Therefore, she begged Ying Qianqiu to be part of the session in order to help prevent any accidents.

She had already informed Ying Qianqiu that she intended to begin their first attempt today.

Ying Qianqiu arrived not long after the maid left and sat down to watch. His eyes lingered on the teen for a few seconds before he turned to Yun Dao and nodded, indicating she should start.

“Come over here, Yingxue, I’ll show you how to refine it.” 

Yun Dao beckoned Ji Ning over to teach him some basic formulas and hand movements.

The corpse refining method itself wasn’t complicated. As long as you moved your qi through your hands, pressed your fingertips to the life gates of the corpse and circulated your qi through the corpse, replacing the death aura with spiritual force, you could refine the corpse.

Naturally this was only the most basic technique, but with the teen’s current cultivation, this was all he was capable of. Yun Dao was worried that his profound qi was too weak to cut through the gate of life and travel through the whole body. Therefore, after further research she found an alternative method.

She just hoped he would accept it… 

Yun Dao muttered to herself in her heart and said out loud to Ji Ning, “Just now I said that the qi should enter through Qin Ruwang’s gate of life, but your qi won’t be enough so you will have to use a different method.”

As she said this, she pointed to Qin Ruwang’s pale lips, “By connecting your mouths, you can move your qi inside him using breathing techniques.” She was afraid the youth wouldn’t understand, so she explained in a simpler way, “You exchange the profound qi through kissing-”

“No.”

Before Ji Ning could answer, Ying Qianqiu, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up. He swept his cold eyes across the girl, who shuddered, feeling an abrupt sense of danger. 

“Ktfgf lr cb gfmbgv bo atlr wfatbv lc atf afzar. P ofjg lo sbe fzqfglwfca gjrtis, atfgf klii yf ecfzqfmafv mbcrfdefcmfr.”

Ktf rlinfg tjlgfv vfwbc rqbxf mjrejiis jr tf rafqqfv obgkjgv jcv ugjyyfv Al Rlcu’r kglra. C qegf jcv qbkfgoei fcfgus oibbvfv lcrlvf tlw, fctjcmlcu tlr qgbobecv dl.

“P klii tfiq sbe,” tf ibbxfv vbkc ja Al Rlcu, “Tbe mjc ags gfolclcu tlw.”

“Thank you Qianqiu.” 

Ji Ning combined Ying Quianqiu’s qi with his own strength, pushing it through Qin Ruwang’s gate of life, and refining his death aura.

The powerful qi entered him until a glimmer of light shone in Qin Ruwang’s dark pupils. Once the refining was over, he turned to Ji Ning and lowered his head, “Thank you, master.”

His autonomy had visibly improved, Ji Ning smiled in pleasure but suddenly felt Ying Qianqiu’s hand tighten around his wrist.

“Qianqiu?” 

Ji Ning looked at him, puzzled. Ying Qianqiu released his hand and said, “If you want to refine the murderous corpse, ask someone to inform me. If I have nothing else to do, I will come. Do not use the breath refining method.”

After saying this he looked at Yun Dao again. Yun Dao was keenly aware he seemed to be annoyed and wanted to sneak away but was pinned to the spot by his icy voice.

“Stop.”

Yun Dao froze. Although she didn’t know how she had provoked Ying Qianqiu, her survival instincts made her show a flattering smile as she said timidly, “Qianqiu…” 

“Go to Gongfa pavilion and copy the book of cultivation for three days.” said Ying Qianqiu, “I will teach Yingxue myself in future.”

“But-”

“You may leave.” The silver haired demon ignored Yun Dao’s tragic expression with ann indifferent face.

“I see…” 

The girl was so depressed that even her ears drooped down as she somberly left the palace.

Ji Ning was a little confused. He didn’t understand why Ying Qianqiu had suddenly punished Yun Dao. He was secretly guessing what the reason was, when Ying Qianqiu said, “It’s dangerous to make random alterations to volatile techniques. She should remember this lesson.”

So pitiful…

Ji Ning silently apologised to Yun Dao in his heart, after all, she was punished because of him. But if this matter was really dangerous, it would be right for her to remember it in future. 

But, what had Qianqiu said just now? He wanted to personally teach him?

Slightly startled, his head turned towards Ying Qianqiu, who nodded at him, “Tomorrow morning, come find me. I will teach you the correct method.”

Facing his direct gaze, Ji Ning felt an overwhelming pressure. If he was with Ying Qianqiu every day, it was much more likely his identity would be seen through.

But he had no reason not to agree. No matter how bitter he felt in his heart, he smiled and answered cheerfully, “Okay, thank you Qianqiu!” 

The next day, Ji Ning brought Qin Ruwang to Ying Qianqiu.

Perhaps it was because they had just returned to Cangshan, but Ying Qianqiu had a lot of work piled up. It had kept him extremely busy and out of sight, but now that his affairs had been cleanly handled, Ying Qianqiu was able to spend all day with Ji Ning, teaching him basic exercises.

Ji Ning wasn’t sure what speed he should cultivate at. Unlike the young Yun Dao, Ying Qianqiu had a formidable cultivation base and a sharp eye. Ji Ning was worried he would realise he had cultivated before.

Fortunately the day passed and Ying Qianqiu didn’t question anything, just casually praised Ji Ning for his talent. 

After their practice, Ji Ning thought he was free but just as he was about to leave, a maid walked in and respectfully said to Ying Qianqiu, “Honoured lord, the medicinal bath is ready.”

Ying Qianqiu nodded and glanced towards Ji Ning, “Follow me.”

Ji Ning followed behind Ying Qianqiu to a serene place outside the palace. The area was strung with lanterns that flickered with dim light, and a large pool of warm spring water lay in the clearing’s centre, emitting clouds of steam.

In addition to the faint smell of sulphur from the hot spring, the air carried the bitter scent of medicinal herbs. Looking at the surface of the water, Ji Ning could see various species of herbs floating in it. 

Ying Qianqiu walked to the edge of the hot spring, pointed to the water and said to Ji Ning, “This is a bone fortifying medicinal bath. It will help strengthen your body and spiritual core. Go into the water and soak for half an hour.”

Ji Ning nodded obediently. He knew that when cultivating your profound qi, you also had to exercise your bones and muscles, otherwise your body wouldn’t be able to bear the influx of power.

Yet he had no intention of taking his clothes off in front of Qin Ruwang and Ying Qianqiu. After eating the Huaxing pills, he was no longer able to change into his cub form at will, so he simply kept the white clothes he was wearing on and walked directly into the hot spring.

Ying Qianqiu didn’t make any comments, just remained by the side of the water. Qin Ruwang initially tried to follow the young man into the hot springs, but was stopped by Ji Ning. Instead, the corpse remained close to the edge of the water, as if to guard him. 

He felt a little dizzy…

The hot spring water was steamy, and in the heavy warm air, Ji Ning’s face soon flushed with heat. Water droplets condensed across his mask and underneath the metal, a thin sweat broke out along his forehead, leaving him a little dizzy. He leant his head weakly against the shore.

Ying Qianqiu saw that he couldn’t bear the combination of the heat of the spring water and the strength of the powerful medicine but didn’t tell him to stop, waiting until the half hour was up. Finally, once the time had passed, he leant down and stretched his hand out to Ji Ning, “Come up.”

Ji Ning grasped his hand and staggered to the shore. His thin clothes were soaked through, clinging to the slender lines of his body. Droplets of water dripped from his neck all the way down to the hem of his clothes. 

He felt unbalanced, static blurring his vision as his body pitched forward. But he was suddenly caught in a warm and strong embrace. In addition to the medicinal fragrance, Ji Ning breathed in a cool snow-like aura that came from Ying Qianqiu’s body.

“I’m sorry…”

Seeing that he was caught by Ying Qianqiu, Ji Ning apologised in a daze. Vaguely aware that Ying Qianqiu’s beautiful silver hair had already been soaked by his wet figure, he couldn’t help feeling a little ashamed and tried his best to get up.

But his back was firmly held as Ying Qianqiu hugged him closer in his arms. Instead of letting him move away, he tightened his hold. 

Inside the clouds of mist, his handsome face looked ethereal. His deep, dark eyes stared silently at the boy in his arms, eyelashes slightly drooped.

“…Qianqiu?”

Ji Ning touched his arm, a little slow to react, and looked up into his eyes.

Ying Qianqiu didn’t answer, raising his hand to caress Ji Ning’s cheek. His fingertips brushed the cold mask, as if in the next second he would gently remove it- 

A pale hand suddenly moved to block Ying Qianqu’s movements, pulling Ji Ning away into its arms.

Qin Ruwang hugged Ji Ning into his chest and looked at Ying Qianqiu expressionlessly, “He doesn’t want to show his face.”

“…”

Ying Qianqiu slowly dropped his hand without saying a word. 

“I’m sorry Qianqiu, I’ll go back first.”

Qin Ruwang’s sudden icy temperature helped clear Ji Ning’s head. He smiled at Ying Qianqiu as Qin Ruwang guided him out.

The silver haired man didn’t stop them from leaving, he just watched the boy’s retreating back, his fingers twitching mournfully.

In fact, he was already aware the face underneath that mask was not the one he wanted to see. Ying Qianqiu could tell his appearance had been altered by some means and was not his real face. 

He was just too overwhelmed about having the man he thought about night and day actually in his arms.

Over the past few days he had tried his best to keep a normal appearance, pretending that he was still uncertain over the young man’s identity. He had even feigned giving the boy tests, to prevent him from realising he already knew he was his Xiaoxiao.

He can’t afford to fail.

It’s just… he didn’t know how long he could endure. 

Qin Ruwang helped Ji Ning back to the palace where they lived. On the way they passed many servants who seemed to want to help, but were afraid of the murderous corpse. Qin Ruwang’s intimidating expression frightened them, so they simply moved out of the way with their heads lowered.

Along the way, Ji Ning recovered to the point where he could walk on his own, he patted the back of Qin Ruwang’s hand to indicate that he could walk by himself. Unexpectedly, Qin Ruwang just glanced down at him before lifting him up into a princess carry, holding him close to his chest.

“Ruwang?”

Surprised by the sudden shift in weight, Ji Ning clutched his arms around Qin Ruwang’s neck. 

“You’re tired, I’ll take you back.”

Qin Ruwang carried Ji Ning all the way back to the palace and carefully placed him onto a soft bed. He touched the hem of Ji Ning’s soaked shirt, “Can I help you change your clothes?”

“No need,” Ji Ning pushed Qin Ruwang’s hand away and shook his head, “I’ll do it myself.”

He used a spell from a different world to quickly dry his wet clothes and hair, planning to take a bath later. 

Qin Ruwang silently watched his actions, then asked in a low voice, “Master, are you closer to him or closer to me?”

“…” Ji Ning looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to ask a question like that.

Was he… jealous?

It seemed Qin Ruwang was recovering much faster than he thought. 

Seeing that he didn’t answer, Qin Ruwang didn’t continue to push him. He leaned forward and removed Ji Ning’s mask, stroking his cheek, “I want to see master’s real face.”

Ji Ning hesitated for a moment. He made certain there was no one watching from outside, before complying with Qin Ruwang’s request, removing the illusion to show his true appearance.

Qin Ruwang stared at his elegant face, the corners of his lips curling before he broke into a bright smile.

“I won’t hurt you.” 

With a wicked grin, he pressed a gentle kiss against Ji Ning’s lips and whispered.

“Please can master use breathing techniques to refine me.”

Ji Ning was dazed from the kiss, but before he could refuse, Qin Ruwang stroked his shoulders and gently pressed him into the sofa, demanding his profound qi through an icy kiss.

Ji Ning absently thought to himself. 

Wasn’t he recovering too fast…?

When most of the profound qi had been drained from his body, Qin Ruwang finally let Ji Ning go and apologised for his rudeness.

If he was really sorry, this wouldn’t have happened.

Ji Ning eyed the young monarch who had bowed his head to him and thought for a while. In the end he said nothing. After taking a bath, he flopped down on his bed.. 

Before falling asleep, he absently recalled how Yun Dao had mentioned drawbacks that came from corpse refining. Absorbing large quantities of death aura from a corpse could lead to sleep paralysis or nightmares. Ji Ning wasn’t worried, but didn’t want to dream of anything too scary.

Once he fell asleep, he was no longer aware that he was dreaming, but he still dreamed of bad things.

The dark night sky, the empty streets with the heavy drizzle of rain. The dark, empty shops lining both sides of the room. Only a single glass window revealing a dim light, with jingling wind chimes causing random bursts of melodies.

…Why was this place so familiar? 

Suspiciously, Ji Ning raised a hand to block the rain in front of him, and walked towards the only lit store. Outside the shop, he noticed an old sign above it, labelling itself as a grocery store.

The door was unlocked and the gramophone placed in the corner of the shop played a gentle, ethereal song. It sounded like a warning, as if stepping through the door would leave you lost forever inside.

Ji Ning took a single step backwards, a bad premonition in his heart, but the shop seemed to have an alluring power. Unable to stop himself, he found himself entering the store.

Under the vague orange light, he could see a young man in a white shirt standing behind the counter. His head was lowered, hiding his face, and he held a silver spoon in between slender fingers, stirring steaming coffee around a mug. He hummed an indistinct but melodic tune, tapping his fingers along to the sound. 

Hearing footsteps, he raised his head, revealing a handsome face that smiled at him with deep affection, “You’re here.”

It was Huo Wuling.

Seeing him without warning, even in a dream, Ji Ning felt a chill spread across his body as he suddenly recalled the last time he saw this place.

Back inside Gu Chen’s world, he had seen Huo Wuling inside a mirror and was dragged inside this wretched space. On that occasion he had also met Huo Wuling inside this grocery store, where the ghost nearly killed him to drag him back to his world. 

“Ningning, why are you so afraid of me?”

Huo Wuling rested his face on his hand, tilted his head, then suddenly laughed. Ji Ning bolted from the store, rushing onto the street, but as if he had run into something, a burst of pain spread across his forehead, waking him up from the dream.

“Hah…ah…ah”

He opened his eyes to see a curtain in front of him. Ji Ning panted, sitting up in his bed in shock. 

The sun hadn’t yet risen, so Ji Ning lit a candle. He was relieved to see that everything looked the same as before and there was nothing unusual in the room.

It was just a nightmare?

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and deeply felt the horror of corpse refining. The nightmare had felt so realistic.

After calming down for a bit, Ji Ning had the sudden feeling that something was wrong. Qin Ruwang wasn’t by his side. Qin Ruwang always stayed with him when he was sleeping. 

“Ruwang?”

He lifted the quilt up and stepped onto the cold ground with his bare feet. He checked the palace carefully but there was really no sign of Qin Ruwang.

“Are you looking for me?”

Ji Ning jumped at the sound of the soft laugh behind him. Looking back, he saw Huo Wuling lying across his bed, supporting his head with one hand and waving him over with the other. Smiling he said, 

“Good evening Ningning.”

Qin Ruwang and his princess carry have my entire heart.

Return of the sexy ghost!!