Ch 95: The Cannon Fodder Won’t Play Along Anymore [QT]

Originally, the group following Elder Yu was extremely tense.
But as they trailed behind him, listening to this learned old man rambling on with his scholarly observations, they somehow, miraculously, calmed down.

The master of the mansion hidden in the shadows seemed to have no malice toward them. Their passage was peaceful as they walked through a corridor decorated with flowers and birds, arriving at a courtyard filled with exotic blossoms.

The master of the house was already there, waiting for them.

Elder Yu stepped forward first, then suddenly froze, gazing carefully at Mu Xing.

That gaze—lingering, fervent—as though looking upon a peerless treasure, or a beloved lover.

Even Mu Xing, whose will was steady as stone, felt a trace of discomfort at being stared at by an old man several generations older than him.

Before he could speak, the gentle, refined elder blurted nervously, “M-may I take a picture with you?”

Like an ordinary fan meeting his idol.

Mu Xing: “…”

The reaction was unexpected, but he had to admit—he rather liked this elder’s attitude, even found him somewhat endearing.

So he cooperated, standing beside him. Elder Yu dashed to his side without a hint of fear, beaming and even making a V-sign.

Seeing that he was approachable, Elder Yu grew even more excited.

“Please sit,” Mu Xing invited.

He said, “I’d like to make a trade with you. Ask me whatever questions you want—I’ll answer what I can. In return, I want you to investigate something for me.”

“No problem!” Elder Yu said loudly, like a schoolboy eager to impress his teacher.

Mu Xing didn’t immediately say what he needed, instead gesturing for them to go ahead with their questions.

Elder Yu’s first question shot out like a bullet: “May I ask your honored identity? Your surname, your age?”

Mu Xing: “As you can see, I once died. My spirit lingered in the mortal world. My past name I have forgotten. Now, I call myself Mu Xing.”

Forgotten name and identity? Elder Yu was a little disappointed.

But Mu Xing’s cooperation made him excited all over again.

He pressed on: “Are you the master of this residence? The garden design—I noticed it hides the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams. Was that deliberate?”

“Could you write a piece of calligraphy for us? To see handwriting from a thousand years ago would be of great scholarly value.”

“Is this garden exactly as it was when you lived here?”

“Have you only forgotten your identity, or all things connected to it?”

“…”

Though Elder Yu looked old, his spirit was vigorous. His words rattled out like gunfire, one question after another.

He still had more, but one of the researchers tugged his sleeve, reminding him not to lose himself and to remember their mission.

Elder Yu: “…”

Reluctantly, he stopped, coughed, and switched questions. “Have you truly been dead for a thousand years? How have you managed to sustain your spirit for so long, especially retaining such clarity of mind? It’s truly incredible.”

Mu Xing thought the old man was rather cute—though that fiery gaze, as if wanting to peel back his skin to examine his insides, was a bit overwhelming.

Still, he felt no malice from him. Though the enthusiasm was hard to digest, Mu Xing answered patiently.

He said, “Though I’ve lost my memory, I can sense that I once lived here for a very long time. I’m deeply familiar with every tree and blade of grass. I vaguely remember that I died, my parents wept, and many people knelt around me.”

He didn’t pick up a brush yet, but did answer a few more of Elder Yu’s questions.

As for certain matters they wanted to know, he shook his head. “I know why the dead become what you call spirits. But I don’t know what happened to me. I only just awoke myself.”

Looking at the man who had reminded Elder Yu earlier, Mu Xing smiled. “What you wish to know may be tied to what I’d like your help with. Please investigate my identity. Perhaps, through that, I can find the answer.”

“Of course, if you’re hoping to find so-called immortality from me, let me tell you right now: it doesn’t exist.”

Mu Xing glanced at the man’s face, speaking lightly. “The dead, continuing to exist in another way—you humans like to think too beautifully of it.”

But judging from that man’s expression, he knew they wouldn’t give up so easily.

So he summoned the spirits that had not yet dispersed.

When they appeared, the entire team—especially Elder Yu—lit up with excitement.

Though Mu Xing suspected their reasons differed.

Because Elder Yu had already pulled the hanging ghost aside, pointing at her jade earrings. She was delighted—showing off her jewelry was her favorite pastime. The two chatted happily.

The others were filled with curiosity and anticipation at these spirits, so lifelike. That one man Mu Xing had taken special note of earlier stared at them with eyes burning hot, practically glowing.

Mu Xing smiled at him. “Sir, you seem very interested in them?”

The man turned, meeting his gaze. Though his tone was courteous, his air of superiority was impossible to hide. “Yes, young master. Imagine it—after death, to live again in this form. Retaining one’s dignity and memories, without the suffering of life or disease. How marvelous, how miraculous!”

“Is that so? I find your imagination marvelous and miraculous as well.” Mu Xing beckoned the nearest spirit—a bespectacled modern man. “Come here. This gentleman is very interested in us. I think you should let him experience what it’s like to ‘live’ as a spirit after death.”

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