Travel through the heavens

Ning Caichen shook his head slightly, a hint of embarrassment on his face: "Thank you for your kindness, Second Brother, but I am hired to collect debts and the deadline is a bit tight. I really dare not stay any longer. Now that I see that you are well, Second Brother, I will take my leave."

"We brothers have been separated for many days. Now that we have just met, are you about to leave in such a hurry?"

Fang Muye frowned slightly, feigning displeasure, his tone carrying concern for his younger brother and an unquestionable tone: "Collecting debts is important, but there's no rush. Besides, you haven't even met your sister-in-law yet, which would be impolite. At least rest for one night, and you can leave tomorrow."

His expression turned serious, and he continued, "Moreover, I have heard that Guobei County is located in a remote area, with deep mountains and dense forests and few people. In recent years, it has been quite unsettled, with travelers and merchants often disappearing inexplicably. Caichen, you are going there alone, unfamiliar with the place and without any martial arts skills. I am afraid there will be risks."

Ning Caichen sighed softly, a hint of helplessness showing on his handsome face: "What you said, Second Brother, I have heard about in Qinghua County. Otherwise, this job would not have fallen to me. However, I have been entrusted with this task and must do my duty. Part of the payment has already been advanced, so how can I break my promise because of fear of difficulties? But rest assured, Second Brother, I will be extra careful and return as soon as possible."

Fang Muye pondered for a moment, then resolutely said, "Alright then, since you insist on going, I'll go with you. I've been quite free lately and was thinking of going out for a walk. If we brothers go together, we can look after each other."

The story of "A Chinese Ghost Story" begins with Ning Caichen going to Guobei County to collect debts and spending the night at Lanruo Temple.

Fang Muye is now in this world, and since he happened to be there, he naturally didn't want to miss it.

What's more, Ning Caichen was his nominal cousin, who traveled a long way to visit him and even brought snacks from his hometown. This simple and sincere kinship was truly touching.

For both emotional and rational reasons, he could not let him venture into that dangerous place alone, even if he escaped unharmed.

Ning Caichen was greatly alarmed upon hearing this and waved his hands repeatedly: "How could this be! Second Brother is newly married, how could you possibly go through all that trouble for your younger brother? Absolutely not! Besides, regarding your sister-in-law's situation... it was already inappropriate for me to visit her so abruptly, and if I were to trouble you to travel further, what would your sister-in-law think? I am truly terrified and would absolutely not dare to agree!"

"It doesn't matter."

Fang Muye smiled and said, "Your sister-in-law is very understanding and reasonable. She would never blame you for such a trivial matter. I will explain it to her after she returns home. Caichen, don't worry about it. This matter is settled."

Ning Caichen was deeply moved by Fang Muye's resolute attitude, earnest words, and the protective concern in his speech.

He opened his mouth, wanting to refuse again, but when he met Shang Muye's gentle yet firm eyes, he swallowed all his words: "In that case... I'll have to trouble you, Second Brother."

The two chatted about everyday things since they last met. Just then, footsteps came from outside the door; it was Gu Yueqing returning home.

She walked into the front hall, looked at Fang Muye, and a faint smile naturally appeared on her lips: "Hearing that guests had come to the house, I rushed back as soon as I finished my official business."

Fang Muye stood up and said with a smile, "Yueqing, you've come back just in time. This is my third uncle's cousin, Ning Caichen. Caichen, this is your sister-in-law, Gu Yueqing."

Ning Caichen had already stood up with Fang Muye. After hearing Fang Muye's introduction, he quickly straightened his clothes, took two steps forward, and bowed respectfully: "Your younger brother Ning Caichen greets sister-in-law. I apologize for the intrusion and hope that you will forgive me."

He was genuinely uneasy, after all, his cousin Ning Zizhan had married into the family, and his sister-in-law, whom he was meeting for the first time, was a high-ranking garrison general. He was afraid he might leave a bad impression and make things difficult for his cousin.

Gu Yueqing offered a slight gesture of support, her voice gentle: "Cousin, there's no need for such formality. Since we're family, there's no need to disturb us. Please have a seat."

Her demeanor was graceful and poised, displaying both the poise of a hostess and the perfect amount of warmth, making Ning Caichen feel as if he were basking in a spring breeze.

The three sat down again, and Fang Muye briefly explained to Gu Yueqing Ning Caichen's intention to go to Guobei County to collect debts, as well as his plan to accompany him.

After listening, Gu Yueqing first looked at Ning Caichen and said slowly, "Guobei County is located on the border of Jinlin Prefecture. It has indeed been quite unsafe in recent years. The files of the Zhenfu Division record several unsolved cases of merchants and travelers from Anping Prefecture disappearing in Guobei County. It is indeed not advisable for my cousin to go there alone."

She turned to look at Fang Muye, her eyes shining brightly: "Since my husband intends to come along, that's good. With my husband by my side, he can definitely protect my cousin."

She knew that Fang Muye's strength was unfathomable. He could even kill the infamous demon Lord Yin Lie of Black Wind Mountain with a wave of his hand. There were probably not many people in the world who could threaten him. Since he was going to accompany and take care of his cousin, she would not stop him. On the contrary, she supported him.

Ning Caichen was even more grateful to see that his sister-in-law, whom he was meeting for the first time, not only showed no resentment but also expressed concern and even agreed to his second brother accompanying him on his long journey. He quickly stood up again to thank her.

But he was puzzled. Judging from his sister-in-law's tone, she seemed to trust his second brother completely, believing that his presence would ensure their safety. But his second brother was just a scholar, just like him.

Gu Yueqing continued, "It's hundreds of miles to Guobei County. We need to be well prepared for this long journey. Tomorrow I'll have the household prepare two good horses, as well as dry rations, water, rain gear, tinder, and other necessities. Also, I'll have someone make a copy of the map of Guobei County and the route from the Zhenfu Division and send it to you later. My husband can take it with him so he can refer to the route."

Once everything was arranged, Gu Yueqing instructed the steward to prepare a banquet to welcome Ning Caichen back.

The banquet dishes were not extravagant, but they were exquisite and delicious.

The atmosphere at the dinner was harmonious. Gu Yueqing spoke in a friendly manner, and Ning Caichen's initial restraint gradually dissipated. He relaxed and occasionally told interesting stories about his hometown and recalled some amusing anecdotes about his second brother. It was quite a pleasant time.

That night, in the bedroom.

Gu Yueqing helped Fang Muye pack his clothes for tomorrow's trip and said softly, "Husband, your journey is long and arduous, and I don't know how many days it will take. Please take good care of yourself while you are away from home."

Fang Muye walked up to her, gently took her hand, and said softly, "Don't worry, my wife. You know I'm capable. It's just a long trip, nothing serious."

Gu Yueqing looked up at Fang Muye, her eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. She nodded and instructed, "I know of my husband's abilities, but there is one thing you must remember: after we arrive in Guobei County, you must not go to a place called Lanruo Temple."

Fang Muye's heart skipped a beat, but his face showed a mixture of surprise and confusion as he asked, "Why is that?"

Gu Yueqing's expression was solemn as she slowly said, "According to the investigation by the Jinlin Prefecture Zhenfu Division, a thousand-year-old tree demon with extremely profound Taoist cultivation resides in Lanruo Temple. She calls herself 'Grandma' and has gathered many female ghosts under her command. She specializes in luring and killing passersby, sucking their yang energy and blood essence, and harming their lives."

Upon hearing this, Fang Muye frowned slightly: "Since the Jinlin Prefecture's Zhenfu Division knew that there was a tree demon harming lives in Lanruo Temple, why did they allow it to commit such evil deeds?"

Gu Yueqing sighed softly, a hint of helplessness appearing on her face—an expression rarely seen on her. "My husband, you may not know this, but guarding a region and eliminating evil spirits is indeed the duty of the Zhenfu Division. However, the court is currently weak, and the Zhenfu Division's power is far less than before. That tree demon possesses a thousand years of profound cultivation and is not easy to deal with. The Zhenfu Division of Jinlin Prefecture alone is indeed insufficient. At least the elite forces of several prefectures need to be gathered to defeat it. But how easy is it to mobilize troops across prefectures and coordinate with all parties?"

She paused for a moment, then continued, "Fortunately, the tree demon only resides in Lanruo Temple. As long as passersby do not approach it, there is basically no problem. Therefore, the Jinlin Prefecture Zhenfu Division has taken a step back and has already posted prominent notices in many places in Guobei County and surrounding major transportation routes, sternly warning passersby that they must not approach Lanruo Temple."

At this point, Gu Yueqing raised her eyes and gazed deeply at Fang Muye. Her beautiful face was filled with worry, and her voice was soft, yet with a hint of pleading: "Husband, I know that your cultivation is profound and you may not be afraid of that tree demon, but a wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. Your purpose in this trip is to accompany Caichen to collect debts. It is best to return safely. I hope that you will not venture into such a dangerous place out of curiosity or other reasons."

Fang Muye felt a surge of warmth in his heart as he looked at the undisguised concern in Gu Yueqing's eyes.

He reached out and gently pulled her into his arms, feeling her unconditional trust and reliance, and said softly, "Don't worry, my wife, I've remembered what you said, and I'll be back as soon as possible."

The candlelight crackled softly, casting long shadows of the two embracing figures on the wall.