He Feng was pursuing a Long-Tongued Ghost that had driven many people to hang themselves in suicide. The ghost carried extremely heavy malevolent energy and was quite cunning. Since He Feng was unfamiliar with this area and was acting out of urgency, he had been chasing for several days but kept failing to capture it.

This ghost loved to hide among crowds. He Feng and his subordinate ghost officers devised a plan to block it from eight directions, forcing it into a sparsely populated forest.

The Long-Tongued Ghost thrashed about wildly, its tongue like a gray-green heavy whip, sending several minor ghost officers flying. He Feng rarely got close enough, but seized the opportunity to release his white whip, entangling the ghost’s tongue. With its vital point restrained, the Long-Tongued Ghost made choking sounds and curses, its speed slowing down.

Just as He Feng was about to tighten the white whip, it suddenly became violent and disobedient, lashing wildly through the air. With his power sealed, He Feng couldn’t suppress it momentarily. The Long-Tongued Ghost took advantage of his backlash, broke free from the white whip, and struck with a palm, sending He Feng flying several meters.

The Long-Tongued Ghost laughed mockingly with satisfaction, “Ha, I’ve long heard that the Patrol Envoy was formidable, but now it seems you’re nothing special.”

He Feng couldn’t spare attention for its taunts. The white whip in his hand was uncontrollably wrapping tightly around his own arm. Seeing the Long-Tongued Ghost swinging its tongue to strike again, he roared angrily at the white whip: “Rebel!”

The white whip slowly loosened its grip on him, but He Feng didn’t have time to deploy the whip. That long tongue, wrapped with scattered leaves, lashed toward him.

He raised his hand, intending to block with the white whip. Unexpectedly, a black shadow flashed by, and a black whip bound the Long-Tongued Ghost tightly, tongue and body together.

Pei Yi landed in front of He Feng with arms crossed, mocking him: “Surname He, aren’t you embarrassed? Getting beaten up like this by such trash?”

He Feng got to his feet.

Pei Yi patted him, suddenly sensing something unusual. He pressed both hands on He Feng’s shoulders, his expression grave: “Why are there two Soul-Calming Nails?” His brow furrowed deeper, “No, three!”

He Feng pushed his hands away.

Pei Yi crossed his arms, looking at him with displeasure: “I haven’t heard of you committing any crimes. What evil did you secretly create? What’s going on?”

“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask.”

Pei Yi grabbed him: “I’m going to ask anyway.” He moved in front of He Feng: “I heard you found your old lover? Is it because of her?”

“Don’t block the way.”

Pei Yi glared at him domineeringly, suddenly reaching toward his eyepatch: “The Ghost Spider didn’t drain you dry? You still dare to fall in love?”

He Feng dodged away, gripping his wrist: “Cut the nonsense.” He kicked the Long-Tongued Ghost on the ground: “Put away your thing and have them take it away.”

“Should this count as your achievement or mine?”

“Yours.”

Pei Yi happily retracted the black whip and had the ghost officers bind and take it away. He followed behind He Feng, muttering: “I think there’s definitely something wrong with your brain, tormenting yourself so hard for a woman.” He rubbed the area where his own Soul-Calming Nail was located: “Even now, thinking about that kind of pain scares me. Worthy of being a Whip Master—two weren’t enough, had to add a third.”

“Keep babbling and I’ll tear your mouth off.”

“You’d have to be able to beat me first.” As he spoke, Pei Yi kicked toward He Feng’s rear: “I’m not afraid of you anymore!”

“…”

“Come on, let’s fight! See whether your white whip is stronger or my black whip is better.”

He Feng had had enough of this chatterbox and was about to lose his temper when he suddenly sensed another powerful ghostly aura spreading around them. He had no mind to fight with Pei Yi or engage in verbal sparring, disappearing in a flash: “Work’s here.”

Pei Yi chased after him: “Let’s bet on whose this one is! Wait for me!”

Although He Feng’s power was suppressed, his speed remained as fast as ever, even leaving Pei Yi far behind.

The malevolent ghost was surrounded by black energy. Bound by the white whip and unable to move, it suddenly cursed: “He Feng! Let me go, damn it!” After speaking, the black energy dispersed, and the evil ghost revealed its human form.

He Feng saw his face clearly and immediately withdrew the white whip: “How is it you?”

This evil ghost had delicate, handsome features: “Now you know why they sent you here.”

He Feng looked at him incredulously: “You didn’t go to reincarnation. Why have you been causing trouble here?”

“What trouble? I just ate a few ghosts. Do you believe the officials’ words? What crime they pin on me is entirely up to their mouths.” He raised an eyebrow with a wicked smile: “Almost forgot, you’re also eating government rice now, Lord Patrol Envoy, the red favorite of Shiyi Dian.”

Pei Yi landed, hearing their conversation: “What? You two know each other?”

He Feng said to him: “Leave this one to me. You go first.”

Pei Yi had known He Feng for decades. Seeing his expression, he knew things weren’t simple: “Alright, alright, I’ll leave it to you.” With that, he disappeared.

He Feng looked at the evil ghost: “You killed people.”

“Do they even count as people?” The evil ghost leaned lazily against the tree behind him, arms crossed as he looked at He Feng: “A bunch of beasts, descendants of beasts—they all deserve to die.”

He Feng was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: “That’s in the past.”

“Past? I haven’t moved on.” The evil ghost sneered, looking at him sideways: “Seems you really have let go.” Seeing He Feng remain silent, he continued with cold mockery: “Lord He is magnanimous, able to let go of even the hatred of destroyed country, ruined family, and stolen love.” He snorted lightly: “This blood feud—you can let it go, but I cannot.”

After speaking, the evil ghost disappeared again.

“Xue Dingqing!”

“Since we were friends, I won’t fight you. Leave quickly.”

“Stop right there!”

…

“Very beautiful.”

The woman wore a kimono, facing the mirror. The man adjusted her obi from behind, his hand sliding from her shoulder, lingering on her neck for a moment, finally settling on her chin, gently lifting it up: “Mother will surely be pleased to see this.”

Takada Shi kicked her heel. Ji Tong woke from her dream with a start, her body jerking violently. She turned to look at Takada Shi in the back seat: “What are you doing?”

“I’m reading.” He looked innocent: “What’s wrong?”

Ji Tong looked at his smiling face and didn’t pursue the matter further.

Just as she turned back around, a man surrounded by black energy sat in front of her. Ji Tong couldn’t see his features clearly and shot to her feet. The chair made a loud crash, and the whole class looked at her.

Gan Ting was secretly texting with Zhao Shen and was so startled he nearly dropped his phone: “You scared me to death.”

Ji Tong steadied her breathing, sat back down, kept her head low, not daring to look forward, and fumbled for a talisman from her pencil case to clutch in her palm.

She began to panic, thinking: It’s this ghost again. It neither shows itself nor torments me, just hiding around. What exactly does it want?

Gan Ting saw her clenched fist and pale face, concerned: “What’s wrong with you? You’re sweating so much. Are you feeling unwell? Should I go with you to the infirmary?”

Ji Tong wiped the sweat from her forehead: “No need.”

Takada Shi behind her suddenly began reciting poetry:

“Deft clouds play tricks, flying stars spread hate,

Silver Han stretches distant in the dark.

When golden wind and jade dew meet,

It surpasses countless encounters in the mortal world.”

Ji Tong had no mood to listen to whatever he was reciting. She thought again of the dream scene just now. She still couldn’t remember the later events of her past life. Today these vague fragments suddenly appeared—could it be a sign that her memories were about to awaken again? Why did He Feng keep refusing to tell her about what happened afterward? Who was that man in the dream?

“Tender feelings like water, beautiful time like a dream,

How can one bear to look back at the magpie bridge path?

If two hearts are long lasting,

Why need they be together day and night?”

Ji Tong scratched her head, messing up her hair.

Suddenly, a hand reached over and patted her back. Startled, her shoulder jumped, but she didn’t dare turn around.

“Ji Tong.” Takada Shi called her name.

Only then did she turn around, seeing Takada Shi holding a handful of candy, smiling: “This is my favorite candy, brought from my hometown. Please try some.”

“Thank you, I don’t like sweet things.”

“It’s not very sweet.” He held out his hand, staring at her intently: “Try it.”

Ji Tong had no choice but to take one: “Thank you.”

“Want candy?” He turned to ask Gan Ting.

Gan Ting nodded and casually grabbed a few: “Sure, thanks.”

Takada Shi said nothing and put the remaining pieces back in his pocket.

…

Saturday, Ji Tong spent the whole day at home working on practice problems. After dinner, her grandmother pulled her outside for a walk.

Shortly after she left, someone knocked on the door.

Zhou Xin was clearing the table, holding a plate in one hand while opening the door with the other: “How did you come back so quickly?” She looked at the unfamiliar boy standing outside and was stunned: “Who are you looking for?”

Takada Shi stood respectfully, bowing slightly to her: “Hello, I’m Ji Tong’s classmate. I came to give her study materials.” Takada Shi raised his hand, presenting a book.

Zhou Xin’s first thought was that mysterious little boyfriend. She excitedly opened the door wide: “Come in quickly and sit down. Tong Tong just went out. I’ll call her to come back.”

“Sorry to disturb you.” Takada Shi stepped through the door: “Should I change shoes?”

“No need, no need.” Zhou Xin put the plate in her hand into the sink, then came out to greet him: “Sit down, sit down.”

Takada Shi looked around and didn’t sit down.

Zhou Xin wiped her hands and took a water cup to pour water: “Have you eaten dinner? We just finished eating too.”

“I’ve eaten. You don’t need to trouble yourself.”

Zhou Xin ignored his words and came over with hot water: “It’s so cold, you must be frozen. Drink some hot water to warm up.”

“Thank you.” Takada Shi, holding the book, took the water cup and stood upright: “I’ll put the book in her room.”

“Good, that room there.” Zhou Xin pointed inside with one hand while dialing with the other, but the ringtone sounded from the bedroom: “She didn’t bring her phone. She went out for a walk and should be back soon. Sit for a while. It’s messy out here since Auntie hasn’t tidied up. Let me cut you some fruit first.”

Takada Shi didn’t refuse, nodded, and went to Ji Tong’s bedroom.

He first stood at the doorway observing for a few seconds, then walked in and placed the book on her desk.

Ji Tong’s desk was messy, with practice problems and draft paper piled everywhere. Takada Shi smiled and murmured to himself: “Still the same as before.”

After a while, Zhou Xin came in with a fruit plate: “Auntie doesn’t know what you like to eat, so I washed a bit of all the fruit we have at home. Sit and wait slowly, no rush.”

Takada Shi solemnly accepted it: “Thank you, you’ve troubled yourself.”

“No trouble at all.” Zhou Xin didn’t know what to chat about with him: “What’s your name?”

“Just call me Little Gao.”

“Little Gao.” Zhou Xin nodded: “Where do you live?”

“Nanchuan Nanyuan.”

“That’s right next door, so close.” Zhou Xin was delighted inside: “So you usually go to and from school together, right?”

“Sometimes we go together.”

Zhou Xin didn’t press the matter, afraid the little boy would be shy, and didn’t feel comfortable asking too much: “You sit first. Auntie hasn’t finished cleaning the kitchen yet. Just call me if you need anything.”

“Alright.”

Ten minutes later, Ji Tong and her grandmother returned.

Zhou Xin whispered in her ear: “Quite handsome.”

“What’s quite handsome?”

“Your little boyfriend.” Zhou Xin raised her eyebrows toward her room: “He came to bring you something and is waiting inside. Go quickly.”

Ji Tong was completely confused and quickly walked into the bedroom, only to see Takada Shi sitting at her desk, flipping through a book: “How did you come here?”

Takada Shi turned around, closed the book, and picked up the workbook he’d brought: “I came to bring you a book.”

Ji Tong walked closer to look: “I wondered where I couldn’t find this. How did it end up with you?”

“I don’t know either.” Takada Shi’s gaze was gentle: “Maybe I took the wrong one.”

Ji Tong looked at the tidy desk: “You organized this for me?”

“I moved things around a little. You don’t mind, do you?”

Ji Tong didn’t answer: “How did you know my house was here?”

“I asked the ghosts on the street.”

“…”

“You like reading this type of book?” He pointed to the crime novel on the desk.

“Just reading for fun.” Having a strange man in her room made Ji Tong uncomfortable all over: “If there’s nothing else, you should head home. Thank you for making the special trip.”

“Alright.” Takada Shi didn’t move. He looked up at Ji Tong and suddenly smiled: “But you need to let me out first.”

Ji Tong immediately stepped back like she’d been electrocuted, making way for him.

Takada Shi stood up: “Then I’ll head home first. See you tomorrow, rest early.”

“Mm.”

Ji Tong saw him to the door. Takada Shi said goodbye to the two family members and went downstairs.

Ji Tong closed the door and walked toward the bedroom. Zhou Xin followed her while eating a banana: “Why didn’t you walk him downstairs? This little boyfriend of yours is nice. I think he’s acceptable.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Still won’t admit it.”

“Really not.” Ji Tong put the book in her drawer: “He’s a transfer student who just joined our class recently. He’s Japanese.”

“Japanese?” Zhou Xin was so shocked she forgot to swallow her banana: “Really? His Chinese is so good? I couldn’t tell at all. Why would a Japanese person come to China for high school? And to our small city.”

“I don’t know.” Ji Tong handed the fruit plate to Zhou Xin: “Take this away.”

“You eat it.”

“I won’t eat it. He already ate from it.” Ji Tong pushed her out: “I need to study.”

Zhou Xin refused to leave: “You haven’t explained clearly yet. So who is your boyfriend?”

“I won’t tell you. Go away.”

Ji Tong closed the door, came back to sit down, and looked at the tidy desk. Suddenly feeling extremely disgusted, she swept her hand across it, messing it up again.

A ring rolled out.

It was Takada Shi’s. Ji Tong remembered it clearly.

She picked it up to examine it. The ring looked somewhat old, with a large black stone on top that reflected her face.

Her gaze was inexplicably drawn to it, unable to look away. Suddenly the gemstone flashed with black light. She snapped back to her senses, blinked hard, and dropped the ring.

What kind of strange thing is this? So weird.

…