The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 118: Master Falls for It Sometimes Too

Mo Ran had a shadow.

He… wasn't actually dead?

A myriad of details flashed through his mind like lightning, and if Rong Jiu still had a physical body, he would have been chilled to the bone by this revelation, then felt a surge of adrenaline rush to his head, leaving him in a state of confusion.

Rong Jiu stood stiffly for a moment. How one reacted to significant events was often closely tied to their usual environment. For example, some people were naturally skittish, easily frightened by any change in circumstances. Then there were those like Xue Meng, a proud and confident son of heaven, who remained calm and collected in most situations, unbothered by ordinary occurrences.

For someone like Rong Jiu, who had spent his entire life mired in the mud, his past hardships had trained him to prioritize his own safety in times of crisis. If he determined that there was no personal threat, his next thought would be how he could gain some advantage from the situation.

He quickly realized that Mo Ran was a living human who had infiltrated the Realm of Ghosts, and this was incredibly advantageous for him.

All he needed to do was reveal Mo Ran's identity, and that alone would be a monumental achievement, surely earning him a rank or office in the Underworld. Then, he could hold his head high and bask in newfound prestige, his spirit soaring with pride. What did it matter if he had lived as a man who catered to others' desires? Given the chance, even in death he could rise meteorically through the ranks, making his existence as a man truly worthwhile.

This is truly a pie that has fallen from the sky.

What need does he have to undergo reincarnation? He could immediately live the most comfortable life, completely turn the tables, wash away past humiliations, and start anew.

His peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, shimmering with fragments of light. Rong Jiu could almost see himself being promoted and seated in a bamboo litter draped with green silk, just like the ghost realm officials, calmly passing through the realm of demons and spirits.

The more Rong Jiu thought about it, the more pleased he became. But then he realized that with his frail and powerless state, it would be nearly impossible to sneak away from Mo Ran to report the secret. He needed to find a way to keep Mo Ran occupied...

An idea struck him, and his gaze fell on Chu Wanning, dressed in his golden-red festive attire.

"Lord Chu."

Rong Jiu sat down beside Chu Wanning, propping his cheek up in his hand as he greeted him.

But Chu Wanning was absorbed in probing the barrier, remaining silent with his icy-cold eyes closed, his eyelashes seemingly coated in frost.

"Haven't you found anything yet?" Rong Jiu ventured to ask.

After waiting for a moment and seeing that Chu Wanning still ignored him but didn't chase him away, Rong Jiu started chatting on his own, speaking casually before whispering, "Actually, Lord Chu, there's something I didn't tell you just now. I was afraid that if I did, you might look down on me and refuse to show me any pity, leaving me alone."

Chu Wanning's dark brows were knitted tightly together. Although he didn't speak, a flame seemed to smolder in the creases of his forehead, though he was currently suppressing it, holding back from unleashing it.

But how could this flicker of fire escape Rong Jiu's watchful eyes?

Rong Jiu's soft voice, delicate and weak, spoke up gently, "I was just outside, thinking carefully, and I realized it was wrong to lie to Lord Mo. I feel guilty, so I came here to admit my mistake..."

His opening line was indeed coincidental, coinciding with Mo Ran's desire to "admit his mistake."

Chu Wanning wasn't initially as disgusted, but upon hearing Rong Jiu's words, he finally opened his eyes, though not looking at Rong Jiu, and coldly asked, "Which restaurant did you work at in your previous life?"

Rong Jiu was taken aback, "Lord... Mo knows?"

He instinctively glanced in Mo Ran's direction, inwardly realizing that something was amiss. The man surnamed Mo didn't plan on hiding the truth from Chu Wanning; he had confessed first. Would his additional fuel still ignite a flame now?

"I and Lord Mo..."

Before he could finish, Chu Wanning interrupted, "I asked which restaurant you worked at in your previous life."

Rong Jiu bit his lip, "The Immortal Peach Pavilion in Purple Bamboo Town."

"Ah, the Immortal Peach Pavilion," Chu Wanning repeated, sneering before falling silent again, his expression turning grim.

Rong Jiu stole several glances at him, pressing his lips together before cautiously asking, "Lord Chu, you won't look down on me, will you?"

Chu Wanning: "..."

Rong Jiu spoke up, sighing wistfully, "I've had a hard life, weak and sold to a brothel since I was young. If I had a choice, why wouldn't I want to be like Lord Mo, valiant and heroic, slaying demons and villains?"

"But one's soul and character don't change with reincarnation," Chu Wanning said coolly. "Sorry, but we're not on the same path."

Despite Chu Wanning's rejection, Rong Jiu's smile didn't falter. He lowered his head and said, "I know I can't compare to Lord Mo. It's just a wishful thought. People like us, if we don't give ourselves some hope, some fantasy, we probably wouldn't last a year or two in the brothel before wanting to end our lives."

Seeing that Chu Wanning remained indifferent, Rong Jiu glanced at Mo Ran out of the corner of his eye, assuming he couldn't hear their conversation. Then, he softly sighed, "After all, the clients who come to places like this are often crude and ruthless, treating us no better than animals. Back then, being able to serve someone like Lord Mo was considered a coveted job."

Chu Wanning still didn't say a word, but the veins on the back of his hand against the wall seemed to bulge, as if he had spiritual energy, he might have punched five holes into it.

He held back for a moment but couldn't resist. In a barely audible whisper, he said, "What's so coveted about it?"

A hint of affection appeared on Rong Jiu's captivating face, just enough to be noticeable.

"Lord Mo is a good person. Although he made a mistake in the end, taking my money, I suppose I must not have served him well enough before. He usually has a reasonable nature and an amiable disposition."

Chu Wanning maintained a cold expression, listening silently.

"In our establishment, all those who have attended to him speak fondly of him. Many courtesans look forward to his return."

"…Does he visit often?"

Rong Jiu feigned a bitter smile. "How often would you consider that? With Lord Mo asking, I'm not sure myself."

"Well, then tell me how frequently he visits, who he seeks out, and when was his last visit." Chu Wanning's thin lips, sharp as blades, sliced through the air with each question, casting icy glares that could claim Mo Ran's life.

Rong Jiu pretended not to see the frosty glint in Chu Wanning's eyes and added fuel to the fire. "I didn't keep track of how often he came, but in a month, there were always ten or so days when we'd catch a glimpse of him. As for whom he sought… it wasn't consistent. Ah, but those are matters of the past. Lord Chu, please don't hold it against him anymore…"

"I asked when was his last visit," Chu Wanning's face was as cold as ice, "answer."

In truth, ever since Mo Ran's rebirth, he had never visited Rong Jiu again, nor had he returned to any brothels.

But seeing Chu Wanning's expression, Rong Jiu knew he couldn't give an honest answer. Pretending ignorance, he fanned the flames further. "I… can't quite say for sure, but until my death, Lord Mo's figure could occasionally be seen in the establishment… it shouldn't have been too long ago."

With that, Chu Wanning abruptly stood, his slender fingers retracting as his wide sleeves fell back into place.

In the hazy night, he trembled slightly, his eyes ablaze with scorching sparks.

Rong Jiu secretly rejoiced, inwardly musing that this naive Celestial Emperor was indeed easy to deceive. As someone who had frequented the realm of amorous pleasures as a courtesan, he was well-versed in reading others' emotions. With just one well-placed word, he was certain that an upright person like Chu Wanning would fall right into his trap.

Yet, Rong Jiu's face wore a premeditated look of panic as he hurriedly said, "Lord Chu, what's the matter? Did I say something wrong? N-Now that it's all in the past, please don't blame Lord Mo anymore... H-He's not an evil person..."

"Is it any of your concern whether he's a villain or not?" Chu Wanning trembled with anger, his voice sharp and stern. "How dare you interfere when I discipline my disciple?!"

"Lord Chu, Immortal..."

Chu Wanning paid him no heed at all; his eyes smoldered with an icy disdain that yet sparked with fierce anger. He briskly pushed aside Rong Jiu, who obstructed his path, and strode purposefully towards the warehouse entrance. With a swift grasp, he seized Mo Ran's collar, hauling him upright.

Mo Ran was startled and quickly turned back. "Shifu?"

Chu Wanning withdrew his hand as if it had touched something filthy by brushing against the collar of Mo Ran's robe. He stared at Mo Ran's face like a crouching leopard ready to pounce, low growls escaping his lips. For a long moment, he was too enraged to utter a single word.

What else could he say?

Despite the punishment on the Platform of Virtue and Vice, Mo Ran had not awakened to his mistakes. He had clearly acknowledged his fault and put on an obedient act in front of him...

Who would have thought that he would secretly visit places like Peach Basking Hall or Sleeve Cutting Pavilion to summon male courtesans?!

Unaware of the deceit played upon him, Mo Ran saw anger and disgust etched across Chu Wanning's features, and if he weren't mistaken, there was even a suppressed grief beneath it all.

"Mo Weiyu," Chu Wanning's voice was hoarse, his eyelashes fluttering as he spoke after a long moment, "How much of what you said was true, and how much was false?"

The words were like a boulder crashing into the sea, creating towering waves.

Mo Ran jolted back, taking two steps away while shaking his head, staring at him in confusion.

This wasn't right...

This wasn't right...

These were the words Chu Wanning had spoken in his previous life when he had been utterly disappointed in Mo Ran.

Why would he say them again for no apparent reason?

Unaware of the situation, Mo Ran grew anxious and attempted to speak, only to be interrupted by Chu Wanning's fierce gaze, which seemed to ignite his own eyes with its intensity.

He rasped, "How long do you plan on lying to me?!"

Confusion swirled in Mo Ran's mind.

Lie? What lie? What did Chu Wanning know?

With a sordid past he couldn't bear to reveal, Mo Ran didn't immediately suspect Rong Jiu's mischief upon seeing Chu Wanning's terrifying expression. Chu Wanning advanced, while Mo Weiyu retreated, until his back was pressed against the wall.

Chu Wanning halted, gazing at Mo Ran's face with a touch of despair. Mo Ran could hear the quiver in his master's voice.

"What do you want me to go back for? To continue being deceived, angered, and manipulated by you?... I thought you had turned over a new leaf, Mo Ran – I believed you were capable of learning, that you had improved! I thought I could teach you..."

He slowly closed his eyes, then whispered after a moment.

"An uncarved block is of no use."

"Master—"

"Scram."

Silence.

"Did you not hear me say 'scram'?!" Chu Wanning's eyes snapped open, filled with icy coldness. "Mo Weiyu, you've utterly disappointed me. How can I pretend to know nothing and return to the mortal world with you?"

Mo Ran's heart ached, but he disregarded his master's anger, grabbing his wrist beneath the wide sleeves and shaking his head. His eyes reddened with tears. "Master, please don't be angry. Tell me what happened, okay? If I did something wrong again, I'll change, alright? Please don't send me away..."

Change... Mo Ran had said he would change back then. Had he truly changed? If not for Rong Jiu, would he have known about these messy affairs?

It was said that love could cloud one's judgment. Chu Wanning was usually the calmest of individuals, but his fiery temperament made him impulsive when it came to emotions. Combined with the strained relationship between Rong Jiu and Mo Ran, and Rong Jiu's convincing performance, he had been deceived into believing their lies.

Mo Ran's grip held Chu Wanning in place, preventing him from leaving. In a fit of rage, he raised his hand, attempting to summon his celestial sword, Tianwen. But how could he summon it now?

His rage shook him to the core; if he were still alive, he would have surely spat out blood.

Suddenly, a dazzling red light illuminated the area as Mo Ran summoned See Ghosts, passing the sword to Chu Wanning. He knelt before his master, but kept a tight hold on Chu Wanning's wrist, afraid that he might leave at any moment. Mo Ran spoke, "Master, I know I've done many things to upset you and make you sad... But everything I've said since arriving in the Ghost Realm has been true."

He lifted his head, choking back tears as he gazed at Chu Wanning. "All of it came from my heart. I didn't lie to you..."

Chu Wanning clenched his fists, rage burning in his heart, yet he also felt immense pain. Mo Ran's grip on him was so strong, his hands trembling uncontrollably, nearly despairing, yet stubbornly refusing to let go. His anguish seemed to pierce deep into Chu Wanning's soul; how could he not feel it?

Mo Ran said, "If Master is unhappy, if you're unwilling to forgive me, then hit me, scold me – anything. If you truly don't want to see me again... if you think I'm... if you think I'm... of poor character, difficult to mold..."

Here, he suddenly choked up.

Mo Ran lowered his head and knelt before Chu Wanning.

"If Master really doesn't want... to have me anymore..."

He didn't want Chu Wanning to see him cry, but his shoulders couldn't stop shaking. Tears fell, dropping onto the ground and silently spreading.

"I'll leave... the Peak of Life and Death... never... never appear before you again... but please... please..."

Kneeling there, his forehead almost touching the muddy ground, the hand holding Chu Wanning's wrist clung tightly, obstinately refusing to release its grip.

"Please, don't go."

"..."

"Master..."

Chu Wanning closed his eyes.

"You promised me that you would come back with me. Please, don't leave..."

His heart ached and felt sour, even though it was just a remnant soul. Why did it feel like being cut by a blade or burned by flames?

Chu Wanning abruptly opened his eyes, filled with fury. "I promised you? What about your promises to me? You admitted your mistakes on the Platform of Good and Evil, and you knelt in the Azure Heaven Hall, saying you wouldn't do it again—why can't you keep your word?! Mo Weiyu, do you really think I'll never find out, that I'll never punish you?!"

"…!" Mo Ran was startled but confused. He looked up, his moist eyes wide. "What?"

Before he could finish, a ghostly red light flashed, swiftly whipping Mo Ran's cheek. Instantly, sparks flew and blood splattered, dripping onto the wall and floor.

Chu Wanning was genuinely furious, his anger choking him.

He didn't hold back any strength as he lashed out with the vine whip. A grotesque cut appeared on Mo Ran's face, blood continuously dripping down.

But he was oblivious to the pain, gripping Chu Wanning's hand and staring wide-eyed as he pressed on with his questions. "What is this Platform of Good and Evil? What is the Azure Heaven Hall?... I... What have I hidden from you? Deceived you about?"

His barrage of queries only fueled Chu Wanning's rage further, making him dizzy with anger. He tried to shake off Mo Ran but found himself unable to do so.

Mo Ran suddenly sensed something amiss. He turned his head sharply and looked into the warehouse---

Rong Jiu, taking advantage of the heated argument between the two, had slipped away quietly while their attention was entirely focused on each other, vanishing without a trace!

A sudden realization dawned upon Mo Ran, and his expression changed drastically. "...Shifu, we've fallen for his trap! Come with me quickly! It won't be safe here for long. Hurry!"

Saying this, he dragged Chu Wanning along and bolted for the exit. After only a few steps, they saw Rong Jiu leading a squad of ghost soldiers in their direction. He kept shouting, "Over here! The living person, with a remnant soul… They're both here!"

Mo Ran was livid. "Why didn't you kill him?!"

With no time to explain further, Mo Ran held onto Chu Wanning's hand tightly, navigating through the palace walls and alleys. The pursuit grew more intense as the sound of gongs and whistles echoed throughout the imperial compound. Chu Wanning looked back to see four or five torchlights converging from different main alleys, like fiery snakes hissing as they slithered towards them in a deadly ambush.

Rong Jiu's face shone with excitement. His once weak and bullied body, now driven by an insatiable hunger, chased after Chu Wanning and Mo Ran like a starving jackal pursuing its prey. Elated by his role in their discovery, he displayed a bold and heroic spirit.

"Capture them—grab that living intruder into the Ghost Realm!"

Halfway through his escape, his arm was suddenly twisted behind his back. Rong Jiu turned around in anger, only to see the captain of the guards who had previously detained him. His heart sank, but he still managed to say through gritted teeth, "What are you catching me for! Aren't you supposed to be chasing after the others?"

"The others fled without permission. Didn't you try to run away without permission too?" The guard captain squinted at him with ill intentions.

Rong Jiu was taken aback. "I... I ran because I wanted to catch someone for the Fourth Prince. It was me who found the living person... It was me who realized Mo Weiyu wasn't a ghost. Don't even think about taking credit for my discovery in front of the Fourth Prince!"

The guard captain was initially taken aback but soon understood the situation, bursting into laughter. "You discovered it first? You have merit? Hahaha, you think I want to steal your credit?"

That raucous laughter suddenly twisted into a scowl.

"I think you're going crazy from wanting to stand out! That living person was spotted by the Fourth Prince himself! Otherwise, do you really think the Fourth Prince would seal off the entire palace with barriers just to stop a common ghost? Ha, you want to take credit? I think you're blind, trying to compete with the Fourth Prince!"

Rong Jiu was shaken to his core, stumbling and falling to the ground. A horde of ghostly soldiers surged past, pursuing Mo Ran and Chu Wanning's retreating figures. Rong Jiu's lips trembled uncontrollably as he muttered, "He already knew? The Ghost King... saw it himself? I... I wasn't the first? No, no merit? I..."

The scene of luxurious welcome that had once unfolded before him seemed to crash down, crushed beneath the relentless tide of ghostly soldiers. Rong Jiu stood there, dazed for a moment before suddenly going into a frenzy. He struggled to lunge forward, his figure frail yet determined, like a humble mayfly refusing to accept its fate or a moth drawn to its death by the flame.

His life had never been easy, with only a bed, men, and wealthy patrons constantly coming and going.

In a tiny, sunless room, scented incense burned in golden figurines, making it difficult to distinguish dawn from dusk – that was his entire existence.

It was too dark, with night that seemed to have no end. He yearned for tomorrow, willing to sacrifice his dignity, body, reputation, kindness, and conscience – the few possessions he had – for that sliver of hope.

To grasp a ray of light, he embraced the flames alone.

"Wait! Wait for me! Lord Chu, save me!"

"Seize him! He's fleeing on his own accord. Bring him to the Fourth Prince for interrogation!"

"No – please don't!" Rong Jiu's bloodless fingers dug desperately into the ground. His hair tangled amidst the struggle, and his once-beautiful face appeared eerily ghastly under the bleak moonlight. His eyes bulged as he screamed wildly, "No! Lord Chu, save me!" Then, in a fit of hysteria, he cried out, "I found them first! I found the living person! It was me! You can't treat me like this! Without me, you'd never have found them both! You all want to snatch my rewards, my credit!'

He was dragged away, his frenzied screams soon drowned out by the stomping footsteps...

Author's Note: Tomorrow, we'll venture into the Ghost Realm! ^_^

Regarding Rong Jiu, I won't write an ending for him. With no beacon in his desperate situation and lacking an opportunity to turn towards goodness, let's leave it at that. For those who feel sorry for him, you can imagine Rong Jiu's interactions with the Fourth Ghost King after being dragged away 23333.

Shall we add a little extra scene today?

Ghost Soldier A: Your Majesty! We caught a rogue one who deserted on their own! Here they are for you to deal with!

Four Ghost Kings: Gobble, gobble, gobble (hunched over, enjoying a simple yet delicious meal of lard and soy sauce rice).

Ghost Soldier A: Your Majesty, please stop eating. You'll get plump...

Four Ghost Kings: Hiccup!! (angrily smashes the bowl) Plump? What nonsense! This king is called sturdy! Mighty! Do you understand that?

Rong Jiu: (I don't want to be dispersed, I want to advance and get rich, sob sob) ...In my opinion, Your Majesty isn't sturdy or mighty enough. How much do you weigh? To be truly sturdy and mighty, your arms should be like legs and your legs like your waist. Why not eat a bit more, Your Majesty?

System Prompt: Player Rong Jiu has "discovered the correct way to flatter the Orange Tabby Four Ghost Kings."