Chapter 4: A Formidable Radish

“You should understand,” Can He said righteously, though it was unclear where his confidence came from. “I’m a radish with principles. Anything beyond treating your illness will cost extra.”

Qi Jiangyuan let out a low chuckle. “Principled, are you.”

Somehow, Can He could hear a note of exasperated amusement in that laugh.

Little Radish flared up. “What, you think you can sleep with me for free?”

As if the world worked like that!

“It’s just treatment. Don’t overthink it,” Qi Jiangyuan said, unwilling to argue further. “I’ll be waiting for you in the bedchamber.”

With that, he handed Can He over to Xie Suoyan, who had been waiting nearby.

As the Ghost King’s figure disappeared, Can He’s shoulders slumped. He patted his chest and said to Xie Suoyan, “Terrifying. How do you all work under him every day without dying from fright?”

Xie Suoyan stuck out his tongue, his face pale as a sheet.

Can He blinked. “…Sorry, I keep forgetting you’re already dead.”

Can He had nearly been scared into becoming a radish ghost by Qi Jiangyuan, and Xie Suoyan looked like he might be scared into ashes by the two of them.

Following the prince’s orders, Xie Suoyan led the dirt-covered Can He to the bath.

Steam curled up from the hot water in the pool, and a clean set of clothes was neatly folded by the side.

Little Radish eyed the hot water, then looked suspiciously at Xie Suoyan.

Xie Suoyan closed his eyes and explained, “It’s not the water I use to rinse my tongue.”

After a pause, he added, “And His Highness doesn’t have a habit of drinking your bathwater either.”

Resources were scarce in the Ghost Realm. Just as Can He was about to show his disdain, Qi Jiangyuan pulled out his Sumeru Space¹ and sent a ghost to fetch clean water.

Xie Suoyan truly couldn’t understand what made this ordinary radish so favored. His cultivation was weak, his medicinal value low. Aside from having a very pretty face, the only other merit was that he probably tasted good in soup…

Upon learning the water was clean, Can He finally perked up.

Once Xie Suoyan left, the boy eagerly slid into the bath.

Splash—

Water flew everywhere.

Before long, a plump, glossy white radish floated to the surface, drifting lazily in the warm water.

Huh?

It was water from the Longevity Ruins.

Sensing the familiar aura, Can He completely relaxed, soaking contentedly.

But he deliberately lingered, trying to delay his trip to the bedchamber. Even after a long soak, he still didn’t get out.

Only when he felt like he was about to be boiled alive did Little Radish reluctantly shift back into human form and slowly climb out of the bath.

The clothes prepared were the typical black of the Ghost Realm, incredibly soft, with subtle patterns embroidered in gold thread at the cuffs. Surprisingly stylish.

Can He picked them up and examined them closely, delight flashing in his eyes.

He’d lived so long, yet had never worn such luxurious, comfortable fabric!

Unable to resist, the boy rubbed his cheek against the soft clothes.

But as soon as he put them on, he realized the material was far too thin.

His damp hair clung to him, water dripping down and quickly soaking through the fabric until it stuck uncomfortably to his skin.

His cultivation was hanging by a thread…

Frowning, Can He hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly used a tiny bit of Spiritual Power to carefully dry his long hair.

Outside, Xie Suoyan was already calling for him.

Can He didn’t have time to fuss. He gathered his clothes, picked up a lantern, and followed him toward Qi Jiangyuan’s bedchamber.

Wujian Prison was truly freezing.

Can He shivered violently, white breath puffing from his lips. The cold wind seeped in from every direction, making him tremble nonstop.

Fortunately, the journey wasn’t long. Before too long, they arrived at the bedchamber doors.

Xie Suoyan stopped there, motioning for Can He to go in alone.

Inside was slightly warmer than outside. Several braziers had been set out in advance, driving away some of the chill.

Qi Jiangyuan had instructed that he would be waiting on the bed.

Little Radish fumbled around inside for a while before finally locating the bed—but there was no ghost in sight.

He said he’d be waiting here. Where was he?

The bed was piled with thick, fluffy cushions that looked incredibly warm and inviting.

Can He glanced around, then couldn’t resist reaching out to give it a sneaky pat.

So soft.

Since Qi Jiangyuan wasn’t here… it wouldn’t hurt to lie down for a bit, right?

Like a little thief, Little Radish crept over to the bed, kicked off his shoes and socks, and climbed on.

Wrapped in the covers, the last trace of cold vanished from his body. Can He buried himself in the bedding, rolled around contentedly, and settled in to wait obediently for Qi Jiangyuan’s return.

Half-asleep, he heard the door creak open.

The hard-won warmth in the room was swept away again as a powerful spectral presence approached, bringing a wave of chill.

Qi Jiangyuan walked to the bed and lifted the covers—

Inside lay a peacefully sleeping radish.

“Comfortable?” came a low voice.

Caught sneaking a nap, Can He jolted with a shiver, instantly reverting to his human form and answering obediently, “I-I thought it felt pretty nice.”

They said the manner of death determined a ghost’s appearance, yet Qi Jiangyuan looked no different from the living—sharp-browed, cold-eyed, his entire presence exuding a chilling aura.

But right now, Can He found him more terrifying than ever.

Qi Jiangyuan sat at the edge of the bed, his voice calm. “Come here.”

Only then did Little Radish dare to move, inching slowly toward him.

The moment he got close, the cold seeped straight into his bones.

Can He’s teeth chattered from the chill. “Your Highness, aren’t you cold?”

Qi Jiangyuan looked at him impassively.

That icy aura was radiating from the ghost right in front of him.

Can He’s limbs were stiff with fear. All he wanted was to finish the task and crawl back into the earth for a nice, cozy nap. So he braced himself and got straight to the point. “How does Your Highness plan to treat it?”

Qi Jiangyuan replied, “Didn’t I already give you the answer?”

The answer… was to stew him, fry him, and eat him.

Little Radish’s face went pale in an instant.

What kind of ghost—good or bad—would want to eat ginseng?!

“Can’t…” Can He’s voice trembled, eyes reddening, “can’t we try something else?”

Qi Jiangyuan lowered his gaze, eyes lingering on the slender ankle peeking out from beneath Can He’s black robe. A vivid red string was tied around it, swaying distractingly.

But after a moment, he looked away.

“You’re the healer, and you’re asking me how to treat it?”

Can He blinked. That… actually made sense.

He asked timidly, “Then what illness does Your Highness have?”

This time, Qi Jiangyuan said nothing.

Can He could practically see the doubt in his eyes—doubt that a so-called doctor couldn’t even diagnose him.

Can He was inwardly wailing. He was a plant spirit, not a medical cultivator from the Human Realm. He didn’t even qualify as a quack.

Afraid Qi Jiangyuan might get annoyed and eat him, Can He forced himself to say, “Why don’t I check Your Highness’s pulse?”

“You know how to take a pulse?” Qi Jiangyuan raised an eyebrow and extended his hand.

Of course Can He didn’t. He’d have to wing it and make something up.

He quietly placed his fingers on Qi Jiangyuan’s wrist.

Just as he’d expected, the man’s body was icy cold. If the ghost realm weren’t perpetually dark and seasonless, Qi Jiangyuan could probably freeze up some sweet drinks for him in the summer.

Can He pretended to examine him for a while—then suddenly froze in shock.

Why couldn’t he feel a pulse at all?!

Qi Jiangyuan tilted his head slightly. “Well?”

“Let me check again, just a bit longer…” Can He stalled in a panic.

After a while, there was still nothing beneath his fingertips.

Can He’s lips trembled. “Your Highness, y-you might be dying. I can’t feel your pulse at all…”

Qi Jiangyuan’s lips curved. “I’m already dead. How could I have a pulse?”

Can He: …

Oh. Right. Qi Jiangyuan had been dead for ages.

Mortified by the blunder, Can He’s face flushed red. He didn’t even dare look up at Qi Jiangyuan.

He might not know much, but he at least remembered the basics—look, listen, ask, and feel². If he couldn’t feel anything, maybe he could still figure something out from the other three.

So Can He studied Qi Jiangyuan’s complexion…

Yep. Looked like he’d been dead for thirty thousand years.

Little Radish’s head was completely empty—none of his knowledge was any help.

He couldn’t help mumbling softly, “Your Highness, are you really sick?”

“What do you think?”

That again.

Can He gritted his teeth. “I think you’ve got something wrong with your brain.”

And your mouth too!

What was a mouth for, if not for speaking clearly?!

He had to guess everything—how was he supposed to guess right?!

Can He snapped, “Are you just bored in the ghost realm and dragged me back here to mess with me?”

Qi Jiangyuan chuckled. “If that’s what you think, then so be it.”

Can He was so mad he wanted to bite him.

“I am sick,” Qi Jiangyuan finally said, as if he’d dredged up a reason from some dusty corner. “All cultivation across the realms is in pursuit of immortality. True immortals are undying, eternal, with limitless lifespans. So rather than say I’m ill…”

The end is near. That phrase flashed through Can He’s mind.

He eyed Qi Jiangyuan suspiciously. “Really?”

Little Radish knew another phrase too—full of ghostly nonsense.

“Believe it or not,” Qi Jiangyuan said.

The path to immortality was arduous. In ten thousand years, those who truly ascended were as rare as phoenix feathers.

Most cultivators had a lifespan limit. When their time came, their Dao would collapse and their bodies perish.

But death wasn’t the end. The soul would return to the cycle of reincarnation—unless, like Qi Jiangyuan, one harbored such deep resentment that they became a Ghost Cultivator³, lingering in the world even after death.

No wonder mortals fear ghosts—anyone who becomes a Ghost Cultivator is far from ordinary.

The solution, however, is simple.

If you don’t want to die, cultivate diligently and ascend as soon as possible.

But clearly, Qi Jiangyuan had no hope of ascending. All he could do was wait for oblivion.

Can He chose, for now, to believe this explanation.

If Qi Jiangyuan didn’t have much time left, then the only option was to find a way to extend his ghostly lifespan. And ginseng was known for its powerful life-extending properties. Even Can He, when bored, would sometimes gnaw on a few roots from his own kind.

So in the end, wasn’t this just an excuse to eat him?

He had no choice but to soften his tone and negotiate with the ruthless Ghost King. “Your Highness, you see, your situation is indeed rather unique. How about I go look through some ancient texts tomorrow and try to find a safer method?”

As long as he didn’t get eaten, he was willing to do anything!

As he spoke, Can He stood up, ready to make a run for it.

But Qi Jiangyuan had already seen through his intentions. With a long arm, he easily wrapped it around Can He’s waist and pulled the little radish back with ease.

Can He found himself landing straight into his embrace.

“We’ll talk about ancient texts tomorrow.”

Qi Jiangyuan tightened his grip around his waist. “Tonight, you don’t need to do anything else. Just sleep with me.”

Can He froze. “Huh? Didn’t we agree there’d be no bed service⁴?!”

Qi Jiangyuan corrected him. “It’s not bed service.”

He had gone to great lengths to scour the Longevity Ruins—clearly, he was after something.

And on the way back, he just so happened to run into this little radish.

A radish with barely any Spiritual Power.

He looked plain and unremarkable, but the moment he got close, the Yin Qi⁵ within Qi Jiangyuan began to surge uncontrollably.

Somehow, Qi Jiangyuan could sense a deep, inseparable connection between them.

Even this faint link was enough to ease the torment of his Yin Qi backlash. If they got even closer…

Can He met the man’s gaze and instantly realized he’d misunderstood.

So it was the quiet kind of “sleep,” not the kind that involved movement.

All Qi Jiangyuan’s fault—why say something so misleading?

Regardless of what kind of sleeping it was, Can He wasn’t thrilled. “Fine, fine, but your body’s too cold. I won’t sleep well. If I get frozen all night, what you’ll see in the morning might just be a frostbitten dead ginseng.”

Qi Jiangyuan reminded him, “Don’t forget, you’re here to treat an illness, not to enjoy a vacation in the Ghost Realm.”

Faced with Qi Jiangyuan’s expression that practically screamed “I’m going to eat you,” Can He shrank back and resigned himself to his fate. He lay down and pulled the blanket over himself.

Qi Jiangyuan lay down beside him and pulled him into his arms.

The cold seeped in immediately. Can He was forced to press against his chest, where there was no heartbeat, not even the rise and fall of breath—a constant reminder that he was being held by something dead.

Even so, the little radish couldn’t stay still. He kept squirming, trying to find a more comfortable position.

His hair brushed against Qi Jiangyuan’s jaw, and his hand accidentally grazed the man’s waist and abdomen.

Qi Jiangyuan’s voice came low and hoarse. “Lie still.”

The little radish froze instantly.

“I’m really sorry,” Can He whispered. “I’ve never slept on a bed before.”

He usually just buried himself in the dirt to sleep.

Qi Jiangyuan choked on that and had to swallow his reaction. “It’s fine. You don’t have to keep apologizing to me.”

But Can He lifted his head from his chest, eyeing him warily. “You’re looking down on me for being a dirt-dwelling ginseng, aren’t you?”

When had he ever shown the slightest disdain? Qi Jiangyuan was nearly driven to helplessness by this radish. “I’m not.”

Whether he was or not, Can He immediately muttered back under his breath, “Stupid ghost.”

Qi Jiangyuan: …

But Qi Jiangyuan’s body was truly freezing. Can He curled up, unable to fall asleep, and couldn’t help but miss that sunlit nest in the Longevity Ruins.

The boy sighed softly and tried to negotiate. “Your Highness, maybe you could try warming yourself up a bit? Otherwise, I really can’t sleep.”

Qi Jiangyuan kept his eyes closed, his tone unreadable. “Isn’t figuring out how to warm me up your job?”

If he could warm himself, there’d be no need to drag Can He back here.

There he went again, using words to trap him!

Fuming, Can He had no choice but to try channeling the last remnants of his Spiritual Power, carefully transferring warmth into Qi Jiangyuan’s body.

Even the last of his cultivation was passed over.

At this rate, who knew how many years it would take to recover to full strength and make a clean getaway?

But as his Spiritual Power slowly entered Qi Jiangyuan’s body, something strange happened.

Instead of dissipating as expected, the Spiritual Power didn’t fade. In fact, it seemed to trigger something—an even purer, more abundant flow of Spiritual Power surged from within Qi Jiangyuan, following Can He’s spiritual pathways and gently flowing back into him.

What is this?

Can He looked up in shock, his nose brushing against Qi Jiangyuan’s cool chin.

He could clearly feel that the man’s once cold and rigid embrace was slowly growing warm, even his face was gaining color.

What made Can He’s heart pound wildly was that he could actually hear Qi Jiangyuan’s faint breathing!

Did I really just bring a dead man back to life?!

Translator’s Notes