Chapter 114: A Life Fraught with Misfortune

“It’s good that there’s nothing wrong; it’s far better than discovering a problem,” Yi An said with a relieved expression. At this moment, he could only try to brush it off. He certainly couldn’t admit to her that he was the one who had knocked her unconscious earlier.

Shen Yuqin glanced at him sideways, puzzled. “But isn’t it only after finding the cause and eliminating it that one can truly be at ease?”

“If we can’t find it, then it simply isn’t there. In my opinion, Yuqin, you’ve probably just been overworking yourself lately. Why don’t you try resting for a few days first? If you still feel unwell afterward, we can look for a solution then,” Yi An advised gently.

“That’s all I can do,” Shen Yuqin nodded slightly. Just as Yi An said, if she kept insisting on searching, it would likely be a futile effort.

She looked up at the brightening sky outside. Now, she no longer felt like resting. After a brief moment of adjustment, she already felt much better. As a fierce ghost on the verge of the Yin Spirit realm, her soul was powerful; even slight injuries would quickly heal.

After a moment’s hesitation, Shen Yuqin turned to Yi An and said, “Yi Lang, the sky is clear and bright today. Why don’t we go out for a walk?”

“All right,” Yi An thought for a moment and did not refuse her suggestion. Spending time with her was a good opportunity to get used to his new identity as Yi Lang.

However, he couldn’t bear to harm this ill-fated woman again. Once this ordeal was over, he would naturally restore Shen Yuqin’s life to calmness, not simply walk away without care.

Well, he decided to take it one step at a time. It was too early to think about the future; after all, who could foresee what lay ahead?

Just as the two stepped out of the room, they bumped into Yan Chixia, who had been waiting for a long time.

Yan Chixia delivered the rehearsed lines: “Sister-in-law, it’s truly a relief that you’re all right. As the saying goes, the virtuous are favored by Heaven—this is certainly true.”

Now, Yan Chixia was Yi An’s sworn brother and, being a few years older, regarded as the elder brother.

Shen Yuqin smiled politely. “Thank you, elder brother, for your concern. As Yi Lang said, I probably fainted from overexertion.”

“These past days, that incident has truly drained me. Thankfully, elder brother and Yi Lang helped me; otherwise, I wouldn’t have known what to do,” Yi An added gratefully.

Upon hearing this, Yan Chixia’s fury flared instantly. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law. If that Luo dares to come near, I will make sure he never returns!”

The reason Shen Yuqin had kept to herself wasn’t just her personality but also a deliberate effort to avoid trouble. Though the Ghost City appeared peaceful, beneath the surface it was turbulent. Wherever living beings exist, there is conflict; even this seemingly idyllic ghost city was no exception.

But she had underestimated matters; not long ago, trouble had indeed found her.

Within the city, a powerful noble named Luo had long dominated. His power rivaled that of the city lord and a few commanding officers; only a handful of clans could stand against him.

Luo Kui had few interests but was notoriously lecherous. In life, he was a corrupt official with numerous wives and concubines, amassing vast wealth. After death, unwilling to let all vanish, he had somehow learned of the Ghost City’s existence.

He brought his fortune and life to settle there. Though not strong personally, he was cunning and ruthless. First, he used his wealth to recruit experts to serve him, then successively absorbed other factions, securing a foothold in the city. Over years, Luo Kui thrived.

A short time ago, Luo Kui somehow learned of Shen Yuqin. Upon their first meeting, he was utterly captivated and determined to take her as his own. However, he did not intend to force her, fearing it would offend the beauty. Only by winning her heart completely could he prove his wisdom and strength.

Thus, in the following days, Luo Kui launched a relentless campaign to court Shen Yuqin.

Unfortunately, Shen Yuqin naturally disliked someone like Luo Kui and rejected him firmly.

Yet Luo Kui refused to give up, escalating from persistent pestering to angry wrath, tormenting Shen Yuqin endlessly.

Because of this, Yi An’s explanation was flawless, providing a perfect opening for their plan. The subsequent arrangements naturally fell into place.

Due to Luo Kui’s threat, Yan Chixia could stay with Yi An under the pretext of protection, which was entirely reasonable.

“Thank you for your concern, elder brother,” Shen Yuqin expressed her gratitude.

“You’re welcome, sister-in-law. We’re family; no need for formalities. It is only right,” Yan Chixia smiled kindly.

“Elder brother, the weather is lovely today. Why don’t you join us for a walk?” Shen Yuqin invited.

“No, no. I won’t disturb you two,” Yan Chixia waved his hand, then looked at Yi An with a knowing smile.

“Otherwise, Yi brother will blame me soon enough.”

Yi An was speechless.

If not for Shen Yuqin’s presence, Yi An truly wanted to ask, “If others don’t understand our relationship, don’t you?”

Though he knew Yan Chixia was teasing, he felt a bit awkward.

Shen Yuqin merely smiled gently. Watching Yi An’s embarrassed expression, she found him especially endearing.

Perhaps this was what lovers meant by “beauty in the eye of the beholder.”

...

After leaving the house, Yi An and Shen Yuqin encountered their elderly neighbor. Even from several paces away, Yi An sensed a strong aura of sinister energy emanating from the old woman.

His eyes narrowed. This woman was far from kind-hearted. There was no reason needed—just a primal sense of aversion compelled him to keep his distance.

As Yi An prepared to leave with Shen Yuqin, the old woman approached with a smile and asked, “Yuqin, who is this?”

“It’s Lady Wang, my fiancé, Yi An,” Shen Yuqin replied.

“To have caught Yuqin’s favor, you must be quite remarkable, Yi Gongzi,” Lady Wang said with surprise, glancing at Yi An skeptically. She wondered where he had suddenly appeared from; if he truly was Shen Yuqin’s fiancé, it was strange she knew nothing of him.

“He lives in the northern part of the city and is often busy, so he rarely comes by,” Shen Yuqin explained.

“I see. Then I’ll offer my congratulations in advance. When the big day comes, be sure to invite me for a celebratory drink,” Lady Wang said, pausing briefly before resuming her previous friendly demeanor.

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