Chapter 16: The Ritual

When Can He woke the next morning, he found himself still tightly held in Qi Jiangyuan’s arms, unable to move.

“Awake?”

He had barely shifted when Qi Jiangyuan immediately noticed.

Can He jerked his head up, his face full of displeasure.

The first thing that met his eyes was Qi Jiangyuan’s neck, so close it was almost touching his nose, and the very prominent bite mark on his skin—something Can He had angrily left there last night while gnawing on him. The two of them had ended up brawling on the bed, and with his spiritual power depleted, Can He had unsurprisingly lost, pinned beneath Qi Jiangyuan and forced to agree to a few terms.

He would continue “treating” Qi Jiangyuan’s illness, and in return, Qi Jiangyuan would keep helping him improve his cultivation.

In addition, once the trouble with the Yuehua Sect was resolved, Qi Jiangyuan had to accompany him back to the Longevity Ruins to live long-term.

After all, Wujian Prison was too cold—Little Radish couldn’t get used to it.

But this new “treatment” method…

Can He’s cheeks were burning, his mind a complete mess. He didn’t know what to say, so he simply struggled to sit up and get dressed.

Qi Jiangyuan finally loosened his grip a little, but didn’t get up. He leaned lazily against the headboard, watching Can He with unhurried interest, his gaze tracing every inch of the boy’s body exposed to the cool morning air—from the slender neck, to the delicate shoulders and back, down to the supple waist…

He’d explored all of it, inch by inch, the night before.

Can He felt like Qi Jiangyuan’s gaze was licking across his skin. He hurriedly grabbed his scattered clothes and fumbled to put them on.

As he dressed, he glared at Qi Jiangyuan, the corners of his eyes still tinged red. “Don’t look!”

Qi Jiangyuan obligingly replied, “Alright, I won’t look.”

But his eyes never left Can He for a second.

Once Can He was dressed, he sat on the edge of the bed, cheeks puffed out in a sulky pout. Qi Jiangyuan raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Didn’t your cultivation improve much? Is this treatment method not effective?”

Only then did Can He remember to check his spiritual power. It was indeed much fuller, the increase clearly more significant than what he usually got from simply sleeping.

The invisible green sprout atop Little Radish’s head gave a little wiggle—he was a bit pleased.

Then he remembered last night’s new “treatment,” and the sprout wilted instantly.

He whipped his head around and growled through clenched teeth, “Do you think I’m an idiot?”

Treating… treating an illness didn’t require stripping naked and cuddling together!

What exactly was Qi Jiangyuan trying to pull?!

No—why had he even agreed to it last night?!

Can He felt like his mind had split in two. One half was furiously cursing Qi Jiangyuan for being devious and taking advantage of him, while the other half was harshly blaming himself.

The two thoughts clashed violently in his head, tangled in a hopeless knot.

In the end, all his anger landed squarely on Qi Jiangyuan.

Little Radish glared and unceremoniously held out his hand. “Where’s my Lightning-struck Wood?”

“Hm? Didn’t you say it was a gift for me?” Qi Jiangyuan admired his pouty expression, but eventually took the Lightning-struck Wood out from his Sumeru Space and handed it over.

Can He hugged the heavy log to his chest and instantly changed his tune. “I take it back. I’m not giving it to you anymore!”

He stared Qi Jiangyuan down and declared, word by word, “And I don’t want to talk to you for the entire day!”

With that, Can He stormed out of the bedchamber, hugging the Lightning-struck Wood, not looking back once.

…

Can He wandered aimlessly through Wujian Prison, the heavy Lightning-struck Wood in his arms, hoping the walk would help clear his frustration.

From a distance, Xie Suoyan spotted the angry little radish roaming about. His tongue tightened with unease, and he instinctively tried to slip away unnoticed—only to be called out.

“Xie Suoyan!”

Xie Suoyan hesitated for a moment, then turned back with a forced smile and floated over. “What can I do for you, Little Highness?”

“Are your injuries better?”

“Much better.”

Can He visibly relaxed at that. He pulled a folded slip of paper from his sleeve and stuffed it into Xie Suoyan’s hand. “I still need these things. Can you help me find them?”

Xie Suoyan opened the note and saw a list: one sandalwood box, a pair of plain white lanterns, a pot of premium green tea, and a Soul-Calming Talisman.

None of the items were rare, but the combination… felt oddly familiar, like it hinted at something he couldn’t quite place.

He carefully tucked the note away. “These are easy to get. Don’t worry, Little Highness—I’ll have them ready for you this afternoon.”

Can He gave him a smile, dimples blooming at the corners of his mouth, dazzlingly sweet. “Thank you.”

Xie Suoyan was momentarily stunned by that radiant smile.

Hiss… the little radish Little Highness is actually being quite polite today.

“Little Highness, you’re too kind.” Xie Suoyan carefully observed Can He’s expression and cautiously asked, “I noticed a shadow between your brows—are you troubled by something?”

Can He instantly puffed up with anger again. “It’s that Qi Jiangyuan, of course!”

Xie Suoyan let out a soft “Ah,” suddenly understanding.

So it was still about His Highness. He even dropped the honorific and called him by name.

“He’s nothing but a lying ghost! Not a single honest word comes out of his mouth. Half-truths, half-lies—you can’t tell what’s real! How did you people put up with him for so many years?” Can He kicked at a small stone by his foot in frustration.

Xie Suoyan chose his words with care. “His Highness faking illness to deceive others… there were reasons behind it. It was a last resort. I imagine His Highness didn’t want to—”

“So what if he faked being sick!” Can He’s voice rose again. “I don’t care how he lies to other people! But how could he lie to me? And… and…”

He stammered on that “and” for a while, but when he thought of last night’s tangled mess—things far too embarrassing to speak of—his cheeks flushed bright red, and he couldn’t get the rest of the words out.

Xie Suoyan was completely lost, but followed along to comfort him. “Yes, yes, that was wrong of His Highness. He shouldn’t have done it, not to you, Little Highness.”

“Exactly!” Can He, feeling like he’d found an ally, grew even more confident. “Let him keep lying then! I’m mad. I’m going back to the Longevity Ruins right now. Forget the treatment—he can do whatever he wants!”

It had already escalated to the point where he wanted to return to the Longevity Ruins?

Xie Suoyan’s eyes flew wide open. He frantically waved his hands. “Little Highness, don’t be rash! Everything can be talked through. You can explain things to His Highness properly.”

Afraid Can He might really storm off, leaving him with no way to answer to His Highness, Xie Suoyan quickly changed the subject. “Let’s not rush back to the Longevity Ruins just yet. Didn’t you ask me to help you find something? I’ll have it for you very soon… Oh, right—Little Highness, what exactly are you using these items for?”

Can He replied, “To treat Qi Jiangyuan’s illness, of course.”

Xie Suoyan: Oh. 🙂

Well then. He’d worried for nothing.

Good thing he always believed in mending fences, not breaking them.

Xie Suoyan took a deep breath. Seeing Can He still clutching that large piece of wood tightly, he asked, “Where are you headed, Little Highness? Why don’t I carry that wood for you?”

“Then you have to keep your tongue tucked in—don’t let it touch anything.” Can He handed him the wood. “This is for His Highness.”

Xie Suoyan: …

Xie Suoyan said, “Alright.”

He obediently tied a knot in his own long tongue to make sure it wouldn’t brush against the precious lightning-struck wood, then carefully picked it up. Today, Can He planned to go to the Library Pavilion to craft a spirit tablet for Qi Jiangyuan.

As soon as they entered the Library Pavilion, Can He spotted Qi Jiangyuan sitting there. He immediately let out a huff and deliberately turned his face away.

His whole body screamed, “I’m upset. Come coax me.”

Qi Jiangyuan was clearly waiting for him. Beside him sat a steaming bowl of almond milk porridge. “You stormed off this morning without breakfast. Come fill your belly first.”

Off to the side, the Ghost Master watched His Highness break yet another Library Pavilion rule for Can He. His face turned even greener than usual.

Can He dragged his feet over and plopped down hard beside Qi Jiangyuan, his actions full of protest. “I don’t want to eat.”

“Really?” Qi Jiangyuan had already set out a bowl and spoon for him. “The milk used for today’s porridge was freshly delivered to Wujian Prison. It’s very fresh, and the porridge is thick and rich. Just try a bite?”

Can He snuck a glance at the bowl of almond milk porridge, reached out to touch the side of the bowl, then quickly pulled his hand back. “Too hot. I don’t want it.”

A smile flickered in Qi Jiangyuan’s eyes. He said nothing, just picked up the bowl and patiently used his own body heat to cool it to the perfect temperature. Then he gently scooped up a spoonful and brought it to Can He’s lips.

Xie Suoyan watched as the furious Can He from moments ago now sat obediently in Qi Jiangyuan’s arms, sipping porridge spoonful by spoonful.

Not a trace of his earlier temper remained.

“Fine, I forgive you,” Can He said after finishing the entire bowl. “But I’m very busy today. I have things to do, so I don’t have time for you.”

Qi Jiangyuan handed him a sound-transmitting jade slip engraved with Yuehua Sect’s sigils. “Listen to this first.”

Can He took it and held it to his ear. Inside came the voice of the Yuehua Sect Master, uncharacteristically humble. In short, they would send the Sweet Spring to the Ghost Realm in a few days, hoping to exchange it for Shi Shouzhuo. He asked the Ghost King to show mercy so both sides could compromise.

After listening, Can He tossed the jade slip back at Qi Jiangyuan in disgust. “A few days just to send water? If the Sweet Spring doesn’t get here soon, all my juices will dry up.”

“And so much nonsense too! ‘Take a step back’? I had no grudge with the Yuehua Sect to begin with, but that Shi Shouzhuo tried to kill me along with the rest of them.”

Qi Jiangyuan said calmly, “Thirty thousand years ago, he also said ‘take a step back.'”

Can He looked at Qi Jiangyuan thoughtfully, their eyes meeting.

Qi Jiangyuan gave a slight nod. “I understand. For now, let’s keep this to ourselves.”

Can He immediately raised a hand to cover his mouth, leaving only his eyes visible. “Got it. My lips are sealed.”

For some reason, doing something sneaky with Qi Jiangyuan suddenly felt kind of fun.

Xie Suoyan looked completely baffled, having no clue what His Highness and the Little Highness were cryptically conspiring about.

With the Yuehua Sect matter settled, Can He turned to his real task. Last time had been far too rushed, so this time he was determined to handle everything himself and make it flawless.

His handwriting was atrocious, like a dog scratching at paper. So Little Radish spent half a day rummaging through ancient calligraphy manuals in the Library Pavilion before finally choosing a style that was simple, solemn, and dignified. Holding his breath, he picked up a brush, soaked it in ink, and slowly traced the words “Spirit Tablet of Qi Jiangyuan, Beloved Friend” onto the wood.

Just as he began carving, Can He’s gaze fell on the words “Beloved Friend,” and his hand hesitated.

He frowned, struggling internally for a long time.

In the end, he carefully wiped away the words “Beloved Friend,” leaving a meaningful blank space above the name, then continued carving the rest of the inscription.

Once the spirit tablet was finished, Can He handed it to Qi Jiangyuan.

The moment Qi Jiangyuan took it, his eyes swept over the blank space above his name and lingered there for a moment.

He didn’t ask anything, just smiled lightly. “This one looks a lot more proper than the last.”

Seeing he didn’t question the blank space, Can He unconsciously let out a breath of relief. “I really prepared this time. I even copied the ritual procedure several times over to make sure I wouldn’t mess it up.”

Like a child showing off a treasure, Little Radish handed over the ritual steps he had transcribed.

Qi Jiangyuan glanced at the paper, looking puzzled. “Where did you copy this from?”

“From one of the books all the way in the back of the Library Pavilion,” Can He said, trying hard to recall. “I forgot which one exactly…”

The paper read: On the night of the full moon, the ritual must be held in a quiet courtyard. The officiant must wear plain white robes¹ and light a pair of white lanterns, silently reciting the name of the deceased.

Then, a lock of hair² from both the officiant and the deceased must be cut and placed into a box made of aloeswood…

The more Qi Jiangyuan read, the deeper his frown became. “This ritual… doesn’t look like a typical soul-settling ceremony.”

“Other ghosts don’t even need Lightning-struck Wood. You’re just high-maintenance,” Can He said dismissively. “Unless… could this be some kind of dark ritual someone snuck in to trick me?”

Qi Jiangyuan studied it a while longer.

The ritual didn’t require exchanging heart’s blood or fingertip blood, so it couldn’t be called truly sinister.

Still, to be safe, he said, “I don’t think we need to go through such a complicated ritual. It might be pointless again.”

Can He insisted, “No way. I already had Xie Suoyan start preparing. We can’t waste it. Like I said before, let’s just try it. What if it works?”

The boy tilted his face up to look at him. “It’s all to help cure you. So what if it’s a weird ritual?”

His tone softened. “Besides, what do I have to be afraid of? If we’re talking about the most Yin and most dangerous thing in this world, who could possibly top you? You’ll protect me, won’t you?”

Qi Jiangyuan pretended not to hear the subtle teasing in his words, but he clearly enjoyed the reliance. “Of course. But if you feel anything strange during the ritual, you must stop immediately.”

…

On the night of the full moon, cold silver light bathed the courtyard—this was when the Yin Qi was at its peak.

Can He had changed into a plain, thin white robe. Barefoot, his slender feet stepped directly onto the cool ground. He lit the pair of white lanterns, their hazy glow barely pushing back the darkness, casting his already pale skin into an almost translucent sheen. His figure looked even more ethereal and otherworldly.

The courtyard was packed with silent onlookers.

Countless ghostly figures of all shapes and sizes gathered quietly in the shadows. On the only chair sat Qi Jiangyuan, his dark robes blending almost completely into the night.

Can He’s expression was focused, mind clear and undistracted, as he followed the ritual steps he had copied, beginning by lighting a special incense.

His pale fingers pinched the incense stick. A faint spark flared, and a wisp of blue smoke curled upward.

The smoke spread silently across the courtyard. Ghosts touched by it seemed to have the resentment tangled in their Soul Bodies gently soothed. Their twisted faces gradually relaxed into peace.

Qi Jiangyuan paid no attention to the incense. His gaze swept past Can He, catching sight of the nape of his neck exposed beneath his hair—so pale it dazzled the eyes, stirring an urge to bite.

Can He remained completely unaware.

He picked up the small scissors he had prepared, carefully lifted a lock of his own jet-black hair and snipped it off. Then, with solemn care, he placed it into the wooden box alongside Qi Jiangyuan’s hair.

Xie Suoyan’s eyes froze the moment he saw this ritual.

Even the many silent ghosts around him began to stir faintly.

“This ritual feels… off.”

“Yeah, I think so too. It looks suspiciously like…”

“Shh, quiet. Don’t disturb the Little Highness.”

Can He lifted the teapot and poured clear tea into two cups—one for himself, one for Qi Jiangyuan. He drank his own first, then picked up Qi Jiangyuan’s cup and slowly poured the tea onto the ground.

The water traced a perfect circle.

Finally, the young man placed both hands over the wooden box, closed his eyes, and murmured in a soft, clear voice:

“The mountains and rivers lie silent—may you rest in peace, forever by my side.”

The words stirred an uproar. The whispering among the ghosts instantly grew louder.

Countless eyes snapped toward Can He and Qi Jiangyuan.

Qi Jiangyuan was momentarily stunned. A quiet laugh slipped from his throat as he looked up at the completely oblivious Can He.

Xie Suoyan suddenly raised a hand and smacked himself on the forehead with a sharp crack.

This was bad.

The ritual did originate from ancient times, but after millions of years of evolution, the modern version bore little resemblance to the original.

No wonder none of the Ghost Cultivators present had recognized it at first.

And yet, no matter how the ritual changed over time, that final phrase remained unchanged—eternal and unshakable.

Startled by the sudden wave of whispers, Can He opened his clear eyes in confusion. He looked around at the Ghost Cultivators, all wearing different expressions, and asked softly, “What’s wrong? Did I do something incorrectly?”

What’s wrong?! The problem is—this isn’t a spirit tablet offering ritual at all!

Xie Suoyan stared at his innocent, clueless face and said with difficulty, “Little Highness, this… this is the ancient Ghost Cultivator wedding ritual!”

Can He: …………?

Author’s Note:

All the ghosts: [???][Scared][Throwing flowers]

Radish-Ginseng: [I’m begging you][I’m begging you][Scared]

Ghost Bro: [Yellow heart][Yellow heart][Yellow heart][Yellow heart][Yellow heart][Yellow heart]

Translator’s Notes