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墨書 Inktalez
Yama's Wedding
"You all saw it, right? This place is a village," Jun Ruo said as she led Xue and Yao Guang into the innermost room. Sitting at the head of the table, Jun Ruo faced Yao Guang and Xue.
"It seems like you are different from other bandits," Xue questioned.
Jun Ruo chuckled lightly at this remark. "Of course, we are different. I was born a bandit, but not everyone here is. They chose to stay willingly."
"Who would willingly want to become a bandit?" Yao Guang asked, unable to hold back his curiosity.
"Why wouldn't they? In this chaotic world, do you think it's better to be an ordinary commoner or to be here with us?" Jun Ruo replied dismissively.
Her words left Xue and Yao Guang in silence. Jun Ruo was not wrong; from what they had just seen, the people here indeed lived better than those outside. At least their faces radiated happiness, and the children appeared healthy and lively, unlike some of the pale and frail children they had encountered outside.
"I don't know why you wanted to come here, nor do I know your intentions. Since I am not as skilled as you, even if I don't let you in, you could enter if you wanted to. However, I must warn you: no matter what you intend to do, my bottom line is the villagers here. You can do anything and be my honored guest, but you cannot harm this Bandit Hideout. Otherwise, with my power, even if it means destruction for both sides." Jun Ruo changed her tone as she addressed Xue and Yao Guang.
" Xue will not," Xue stated firmly, expressing his stance. By revealing his name, he assured Jun Ruo of his intentions.
"That's good to hear. I would certainly like to befriend someone like you, Xue," Jun Ruo acknowledged Xue's sincerity. Although she still didn't know what these two were truly after, having them in her sight was better than letting them lurk in the shadows. As long as they posed no threat to the Bandit Hideout, she would let them be. Moreover, from her observations, the woman seemed not very skilled in martial arts while this man named Xue appeared to dote on his wife. If anything were to happen, she could capture his wife to control him. However, Jun Ruo hoped it wouldn't come to that; no one would want to offend such a skilled opponent, especially one who concealed their true abilities.
" Xue? What a funny name!" Back in the room that Jun Ruo had arranged for them, Yao Guang couldn't help but laugh at Xue's name; it was quite a mouthful.
"Yao Guang," Xue said helplessly as he looked at Yao Guang laughing at him.
"Alright, alright! Xue, are you satisfied now? Why did you insist on coming here?" Yao Guang asked seriously as he suppressed his laughter and shifted the topic.
"Yao Guang, you should know that they are all dead," Xue replied without answering Yao Guang's question but instead turned it back on him.
Yao Guang nodded upon hearing Xue's words. She was aware of this, although she couldn't understand why the dead could still be seen, and in such large numbers during the day. However, she was certain that since Xue and the others were ghosts, they were indeed ghosts.
Xue looked at Yao Guang and continued, "But they are very strange. It's not just that so many ghosts appeared in broad daylight; the fact that they can be directly seen by mortals is quite peculiar."
"Yao Guang, do you know that there exists a type of entity in this world called Chimeras and Specters?"
Yao Guang had heard of Chimeras and Specters; she understood them to be a kind of supernatural being. But what did this have to do with the Bandit Hideout?
Seeing the confusion on Yao Guang's face, Xue explained, "In ancient times, there were those with virtue. They sought treasures from afar, offering tribute to the nine provinces, casting bronze vessels as offerings to prepare for all things, making the people aware of divine treachery. Thus, when people entered rivers, marshes, mountains, and forests, they would not encounter Chimeras and Specters; none could meet them. They are able to assist both above and below, inheriting blessings."
"What does this mean?" Yao Guang asked.
"In simple terms, when a person dies, they become a ghost; when a ghost dies again, they transform into Chimeras and Specters, never to be reborn."
"What!" Upon hearing Xue's words, Yao Guang felt a chill run down her spine. Here were ghosts, but they were ghosts who had already died.
"Chimeras and Specters are different from ordinary ghosts. They are not controlled by the Underworld and can walk freely among mortals without any distinction. They forget that they have died and continue to repeat their actions from life until they remember their death, at which point they dissipate into the earth. So in a sense, they have achieved a form of immortality."
Xue's explanation finally made Yao Guang understand that everyone here was indeed a Chimera or Specter.
Xue continued, "I believe Jun Ruo and the others are among the Specters. These beings often dwell in mountains and forests; this place happens to be their habitat. Thus, they have forgotten that they are dead and continue to live as if they were alive."
"Then why did you come here?" Yao Guang asked in confusion. If that was the case and they didn't harm others, why not let them live out their lives in blissful ignorance?
"Wherever there are Chimeras and Specters, there are often rare treasures that may be useful for your soul." This was also why Xue wanted to take a look inside; he had previously seen the glow of treasures here but didn't know why it was less clear now that he was within.
It turned out he was still doing it for himself; his current state was truly a burden for Xue.
Xue sensed that Yao Guang's mood had suddenly dropped, realizing that Yao Guang must be feeling sad about what he had just said.
"Yao Guang, I am very happy to be able to do something for you."
This statement was not only meant to comfort Yao Guang; it had always been Xue's true feelings.
"Mm." Yao Guang understood Xue's intentions. Although he was reluctant to have Xue go through so much trouble for him, it would be pretentious not to feel touched. Xue certainly wouldn't want to see him like this, so it was better to graciously accept Xue's concern.
" Xue, the Head of the Family requests you and your wife to join the brothers in the hall for dinner."
A voice came from outside the door.
Xue and Yao Guang exchanged a glance. "We'll be there shortly," Xue responded to the person outside.
"Yao Guang, try not to show any unusual behavior. Let's go take a look first," Xue advised Yao Guang with concern.
"Mm."
The two tidied their clothes and stood up to head for the banquet.
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