Chapter 7: You’re Such a Good Ghost¹

Beneath his fingertips was the delicate, almost fragile skin of Little Radish’s neck. Qi Jiangyuan’s grip tightened slightly, but he could feel the steady thrum of a pulse beneath the surface.

Just a bit more force, and this vibrant life would come to an abrupt end, reduced to a lifeless thing like himself.

Qi Jiangyuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed. In the end, he didn’t apply pressure. He withdrew his hand. “No.”

He’d been dead for thirty thousand years, and he had never encountered such a novel form of threat.

“I want you to read it to me!” Can He started to whine, squirming restlessly in his arms. “Are you trying to offend me, a medical ginseng spirit? Be careful or I won’t treat your illness anymore!”

Qi Jiangyuan’s tone was unusually firm. “No.”

Can He wouldn’t give up. “Your Highness—”

“Stop acting cute,” Qi Jiangyuan cut him off, his gaze flicking to the book in Can He’s hands. A strange look flashed in his eyes.

Then he let out a soft chuckle. “You want me to read this one?”

Can He nodded eagerly. “Mhm!”

Seeing Qi Jiangyuan agree, the little radish nestled contentedly into his arms, finding a comfortable spot to curl up.

“Hurry up and read!” the radish urged.

Qi Jiangyuan took the book, opened it, and began reading in a completely flat tone: “The man curled his fingers slightly, gently gripping the youth’s jaw and forcing him to lift his head.”

Can He sensed something was off: ?

Qi Jiangyuan continued, his voice as expressionless as if reciting a cultivation mantra: “‘What’s this?’ the man laughed. ‘You took the strongest aphrodisiac, ran off—were you hoping another man would pick you up and…’”

He paused subtly before finishing the sentence: “‘…screw you all night?’”

Can He: !!!

The little radish’s face turned beet red in an instant, burning hot as he snatched the book from Qi Jiangyuan’s hands and flipped through a few pages in a panic.

It was filled with indecent, explicit content—someone had carefully wrapped it in a proper-looking cover and slipped it into the Wujian Prison’s library.

That damn Ghost Master!

He was always going on about “corrupting morals,” yet this kind of book just needed a new cover to sneak in.

Qi Jiangyuan watched his flustered reaction with great interest. “So this is how you treat patients?”

“I—I didn’t look closely just now. I grabbed the wrong one,” Can He mumbled, his voice barely louder than a mosquito’s hum. The blush on his face spread all the way to his ears. “I’ll go get another.”

The thoroughly embarrassed little radish scrambled off Qi Jiangyuan and quickly called Xie Suoyan in to help him find a different book.

Back at the bookshelf, Can He had learned his lesson. Before picking anything, he carefully flipped through to make sure the contents were proper before pulling it out.

He returned to the main hall with a new stack of books in his arms. Xie Suoyan was told to wait nearby in case he was needed.

He silently shrank back into the shadows, pretending to be invisible, and then watched as Can He, clutching a book, skillfully climbed back into Qi Jiangyuan’s lap.

Xie Suoyan quietly averted his gaze: …

Might as well knock out the Ghost Master and move a bed in here.

What even was this? A radish concubine?

This time, Can He didn’t dare ask Qi Jiangyuan to read to him again. He obediently read on his own.

The book seemed to be a detailed guide for Ghost Cultivators on how to refine Yin Qi—completely incompatible with Can He’s path as a plant spirit. The content was also dry and dull.

He read half-heartedly, just skimming through it.

After finishing one with nothing useful gained, he reached for the next.

And so it went, over and over, until the entire afternoon slipped by.

There were simply too many books in the library. Trying to find a specific clue was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Curled comfortably in Qi Jiangyuan’s lap, the little radish started to feel drowsy.

As expected, reading always made him sleepy.

Since it wasn’t anything urgent, Can He snuggled in obediently, rubbing lightly against Qi Jiangyuan’s chest as his breathing gradually slowed and deepened.

Qi Jiangyuan clearly felt the little head resting against his chest grow heavier—Little Radish had fallen soundly asleep.

Xie Suoyan, ever tactful, stepped forward, intending to lend a hand, but paused when he saw Qi Jiangyuan’s gaze fall gently on the sleeping radish. His fingers brushed softly over the fringe on Can He’s forehead.

Soul Threads gently wrapped around the little radish.

Qi Jiangyuan set the book beside him, one arm supporting Can He’s knees, the other around his back, carefully adjusting his posture to hold him closer.

Xie Suoyan went numb, pretending he hadn’t seen a thing. He even tied his own tongue in knots to avoid making a single sound, terrified that if he so much as breathed wrong, Qi Jiangyuan would turn his Soul Threads on him.

No wonder he wasn’t allowed to leave.

Turns out he was here to stand guard while this old ghost cuddled his tender little radish!

Just imagining that the entire Ghost Realm would have to coddle this radish and call him a ginseng in the future made Xie Suoyan’s expression twist involuntarily.

Still, there was no need for Qi Jiangyuan to issue any orders. After witnessing Can He fight the Ghost Master today, the ghost cultivators of Wujian Prison—concerned for their own artifacts—would no longer dare provoke him on purpose.

Can He’s spiritual power flowed slowly between their pressed bodies, as if a long-lost part of him was quietly being replenished.

Seeing that Little Radish still hadn’t woken up, Qi Jiangyuan remained motionless as well, sitting in silent meditation.

Xie Suoyan looked up at the rift in the sky gradually dimming and realized night was falling.

The Ghost Realm was already cold and gloomy year-round, but after nightfall, the chill became bone-deep. He took the initiative to fetch Qi Jiangyuan’s cloak and ordered the other Ghost Attendants to bring in a brazier.

Ghostly shadows flickered in the candlelight. Xie Suoyan presented the cloak, which Qi Jiangyuan took and draped over Can He.

Just as the cloak settled over him, Little Radish’s lashes trembled. He rolled over and continued sleeping soundly.

All the ghosts kept their eyes on their noses, their noses on their hearts², and said nothing.

…

He’d slept too long, and instead of feeling refreshed, Can He was even groggier. He let out a huge yawn and slowly woke up, meeting Qi Jiangyuan’s gaze.

His mind still foggy, Can He stared blankly for a moment before realizing he was still nestled in Qi Jiangyuan’s arms.

“Sorry, sorry…” Can He instinctively scrambled off him.

After treating Qi Jiangyuan all afternoon, he really had worked hard.

He checked the spiritual power within his body—good, recovery was going quite well.

Turning his head, he caught Xie Suoyan giving him a strange look and frowned slightly.

Following the gaze downward, he saw that Qi Jiangyuan’s robes had been rumpled all over by him.

Can He reached out and clumsily tried to smooth the wrinkles. “Sorry, really sorry.”

Why didn’t Qi Jiangyuan wake him up and send him to the sleeping quarters?

Did he really just hold him like that all afternoon?

Qi Jiangyuan said nothing, watching silently as Can He patted and smoothed his clothes.

“Hiss.” Can He suddenly froze, feeling a slight sting somewhere on his body.

“What was that? Something hard kept poking me.” As he spoke, he lifted his robe to look.

Sure enough, there was a faint red mark on his lower back.

Qi Jiangyuan looked at the mark, wondering how this radish had been raised to be so delicate—just a light bump left a mark.

He reached out and pulled Can He’s robe back down. “Probably my belt pressing against you.”

“Oh.” Can He responded dazedly, then said as if it were only natural, “Then next time, remember to take off your clothes before holding me to sleep.”

It was really uncomfortable otherwise.

Xie Suoyan covered his face. This conversation—he really couldn’t take it anymore.

In Wujian Prison, Can He’s main duty was to treat Qi Jiangyuan.

After sleeping in the library, he’d have to move to the bed to continue sleeping.

Qi Jiangyuan instructed the Ghost Attendants to prepare braziers in the sleeping quarters, so it wouldn’t be cold when they returned—Little Radish might not be able to handle it.

Little Radish stretched lazily, then suddenly looked up at Qi Jiangyuan. “Your Highness.”

Qi Jiangyuan knew he was about to make another request. “Speak.”

“Actually, I’m a little hungry.” Can He rubbed his belly. “Is there anything to eat in Wujian Prison?”

At this stage of cultivation, neither spirits nor ghosts needed to eat.

But Can He found not being able to eat unbearably painful—he often had to indulge his cravings.

Hearing this request, Xie Suoyan also looked at Qi Jiangyuan with anticipation.

Ghost cultivators were driven by desire.

Food, lust, wealth—these were all ways to stimulate themselves. Under previous Ghost Kings, Wujian Prison was practically the most indulgent place under the heavens. Any desire could be fulfilled, and even living souls would fall into depravity here.

But Qi Jiangyuan had been a cultivator from a great sect in life and brought his ascetic lifestyle with him. Wujian Prison had since become lifeless and dull, forcing other ghost cultivators to go to the Ghost Market for entertainment.

If Wujian Prison had a cook, at least they wouldn’t have to travel so far just to eat.

At present, there was neither a cook nor ingredients in Wujian Prison.

Qi Jiangyuan thought for a moment and said, “Give me a few days. I’ll send someone to find one.”

Can He’s eyes lit up instantly. “Okay!”

Qi Jiangyuan looked at him, unable to look away. “Any dietary restrictions?”

Like… radish.

Little Radish shook his head. “I’m easy to feed. I eat everything.”

Qi Jiangyuan smiled, repeating with meaning, “Very easy to feed.”

News that His Highness was looking for a cook spread through Wujian Prison like wildfire.

The ghost cultivators below were all fired up, determined to find a master chef skilled in every cuisine.

Can He’s life in Wujian Prison became more routine—basically, being held by Qi Jiangyuan and sleeping in various places.

They called it “treatment”—what a noble excuse.

The Ghost Cultivators of Wujian Prison were clearly far more respectful toward him now. Whenever they saw him, they would greet him with a deferential “Little Highness.”

With time on his hands, he wandered through every corner of Wujian Prison, hoping to find a way out.

Unfortunately, the place was surrounded by that black water capable of devouring living beings. The only exit was the bridge of white bones.

Although nothing had happened the last time he dipped his hand into the water, Can He still had no desire to wade through it.

That water was just too filthy. Little Radish found it utterly disgusting.

If he wanted to leave, he’d have to take a boat. But without knowing the right direction, he might end up lost in the Ghost Realm.

After a few days of searching, Can He gave up on the idea of sneaking back to the Longevity Ruins.

He decided to stick to the original plan—stay by Qi Jiangyuan’s side and recover his cultivation first. Otherwise, even if he escaped, he’d just get dragged back, or worse, his soul would still end up in the Ghost Realm after death.

By the time Can He had explored nearly every inch of Wujian Prison, the Ghost Cultivators finally brought back a suitable cook, who quickly prepared a table full of steaming hot dishes.

Since arriving in the Ghost Realm, this was the first time Can He had encountered anything warm besides himself and a charcoal brazier. He nearly burst into tears.

To spare him the sight of other ghosts and keep him from losing his appetite, only Qi Jiangyuan and Xie Suoyan stayed with him.

Can He immediately picked up a piece of meat and popped it into his mouth. The rich sauce coated the tender meat—one bite and he was in heaven.

Cheeks puffed out, the boy chewed furiously, eating so fast and hungrily it was like he’d been starved.

“Slow down.” Qi Jiangyuan handed him a cup of tea to help him pace himself. Then he picked up a cloth, gently pinched Little Radish’s chin, and wiped his mouth.

After finishing the tea, Can He went back to eating for quite a while. When he finally paused to rest, he noticed that both Qi Jiangyuan and Xie Suoyan were just watching him eat. Their chopsticks had stilled. “You’re not eating?”

Xie Suoyan glanced at Qi Jiangyuan.

Qi Jiangyuan said, “Go ahead.”

With permission granted, Xie Suoyan lit up with joy. But instead of sitting down to eat right away, he left the room.

Moments later, he returned with a pile of items.

Can He kept chewing as he watched Xie Suoyan slowly set everything up. To his surprise, the man pulled out an incense burner and a spirit tablet³, placing them right on the table.

Then, from his sleeves, he rummaged around and produced a palm-sized little object. When Can He looked closely, he saw it was a chubby little horse, made of who-knows-what, and incredibly cute.

The name on the spirit tablet—was Xie Suoyan’s own.

Little Radish was so shocked he dropped his chopsticks.

Xie Suoyan took a bit of each dish and placed it into his bowl. Then he arranged the incense burner and spirit tablet, lit the incense with ghostly fire, and bowed to himself a few times.

The moment he stuck the incense into the burner, identical food appeared beside his hand.

Only then did Xie Suoyan start eating in earnest.

As for the original food in his bowl, it instantly lost its heat and turned cold.

Why was eating such a complicated ordeal?

Eyes wide, Can He sneakily picked up some of the cold food and popped it into his mouth—only to immediately turn and spit it out with a loud “ptooey ptooey.”

It was bland as water, completely devoid of any flavor.

Qi Jiangyuan explained, “Food also has yin and yang⁴. You’re still alive. If the cook prepares everything purely the ghost way, it’ll harm your body. For Ghost Cultivators who want to taste food from the living world, the process is inevitably complex.”

Can He’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Ah, so that’s how it works.”

He lowered his head even more, cheeks puffed out as he shoveled rice into his mouth with his chopsticks, chewing with relish.

Qi Jiangyuan’s gaze lingered on him. Even the way he ate was oddly captivating, and he found himself momentarily entranced.

In a daze, Can He picked up a juicy piece of meat and held it to Qi Jiangyuan’s lips.

Little Radish tilted his head. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

Gone was the usual whining, tantrums, or melodramatic antics. His voice was soft and gentle.

Qi Jiangyuan shifted his gaze to the piece of meat. “No need. You eat it.”

Xie Suoyan, still shoveling food into his mouth, added, “His Highness can’t eat.”

Can He retracted his chopsticks. “Can’t eat?”

The Ghost King was just one step away from immortality. Could it be that at this stage, he also had to follow some ascetic rules—no indulgence, no food?

That was just too miserable. How was that any different from the cultivators in the Human Realm?

Can He’s eyes filled with sympathy. “That’s so sad.”

Qi Jiangyuan said slowly, “I began fasting at thirteen. I’m used to it.”

Little Radish immediately lowered his head and started counting on his fingers. He started fasting at thirteen, and he was twenty-five when he died. Add on his years as a ghost…

That meant he hadn’t eaten anything in over thirty thousand years?!

Can He found himself feeling even sorrier for him.

The meal instantly lost its flavor. Eating was supposed to be a joyful thing, yet there were ghosts who couldn’t enjoy it.

He really was too kindhearted and soft. Even felt sympathy for the Ghost King.

Qi Jiangyuan tapped his fingertip lightly against the table, his gaze never leaving Can He. He was long used to not needing food, but watching this Little Radish eat had become the most entertaining thing at the moment.

But gradually, Can He’s movements slowed as he picked at his rice, barely lifting his chopsticks anymore.

Qi Jiangyuan paused. “Why are you eating so slowly? Not to your taste?”

Can He shook his head. “No, I’m just really full.”

He really had eaten a bit too much. After craving food for days, he was finally satisfied all at once.

“Thank you.”

Qi Jiangyuan blinked, only then realizing Can He was thanking him.

Whether it was out of pity or something else, Little Radish looked utterly sincere. “You’re a really good ghost.”

The air around Qi Jiangyuan froze for a beat, his gaze locked on Can He’s face, and for a moment, he even forgot to look away.

Author’s Note:

Radish: Ding, Good Ghost Card.

Translator’s Notes