Chapter Thirty-Five: The Gui Residence

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As the tide of ghosts erupted, the surrounding spirits plunged into a frenzy, howling hoarsely at each other, devouring one another, their eyes filled with bloodlust and slaughter. Some ghosts, though wounded and battered from the cacophony, still managed to bite off each other's arms and legs, gnawing relentlessly until the bitter end.

Without a second thought, Ruby seized Chu Yocai and Shangguan Wanru, dragging them with lightning speed toward the spot where they had first arrived. When they were barely ten meters from their original position, Ruby suddenly halted, raising her voice, "Three meters ahead on my right, a malevolent ghost lies in ambush!"

Almost simultaneously, she added, "Twenty meters to the left behind us, another fierce ghost is approaching!"

Chu Yocai hesitated no longer. With the fish-scale blade in hand and his mastery of swordplay infused with the ancient Dragon Crocodile technique, he swung fiercely to his left. Shangguan Wanru, her sharp blade gleaming, poised herself to strike from behind.

With a flash of steel, Chu Yocai clearly felt his blade cleave through something—something shattered—but Ruby's expression shifted in alarm. "No, that's not right! This malevolent ghost has pulled a newborn spirit in front as a shield! Be careful—"

Before Ruby could finish, Chu Yocai felt a surge of chilling energy invade his body, a coldness so intense it threatened to scatter him like dust in the wind.

Overwhelmed by discomfort, Chu Yocai felt nausea rise. The sinister energy grew stronger, stampeding within him like a herd of wild bulls. His body grew heavy, increasingly out of his control.

Were it not for the ten strands of Ruby's Thousand Threads of Blood—emitting waves of protective blood energy to slow the ghost's assault—Chu Yocai might have been obliterated in that instant.

"It's a possession by a fierce ghost!" Ruby shouted, letting Shangguan Wanru grasp her shoulder while she freed her hand, biting her finger and spitting a mouthful of blood onto Chu Yocai.

The blood splashed generously onto his shoulder, and immediately Chu Yocai heard a mournful cry from the ghost. A one-armed specter leapt from his body, soaring into the air, glaring furiously at Ruby, threatening to attack.

Chu Yocai finally regained his senses.

"Retreat! We can't stand our ground!" Shangguan Wanru commanded decisively.

The three fled desperately forward.

But at that very moment, the winds around them intensified, a hurricane rising from nowhere, sweeping them up and tossing them into the air.

Though only ten meters separated them from the blood talisman Ruby had crafted, it felt as impassable as an abyss.

They felt dizzy, their bodies utterly beyond control, uncertain how long they were carried by the storm before crashing into a patch of grass.

From there, they could faintly see the distant Fortress of Ghosts, still shrouded in shadows and murderous energy.

Yet where they landed was serene, a vista of vibrant green—a world apart.

"Where are we?" Chu Yocai asked, stunned.

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Ruby shook her head. "I don't know. They say the ghost tide comes once a year, but no one knows when it starts or ends. It lasts at least half an hour. We can only wait here. If the tide doesn’t recede after half an hour, we’ll have no choice but to fight our way back."

Her eyes reddened as she turned to Chu Yocai. "I'm sorry, Brother Chu. It’s my fault we’re in danger."

Chu Yocai smiled gently. "We share hardships together. Now is the time for unity, not self-reproach."

Ruby nodded vigorously.

Suddenly, Shangguan Wanru’s expression sharpened as she gazed into the distance, as if she had heard something.

Chu Yocai soon heard footsteps as well. Before long, a man dressed in splendid official robes approached from afar, his face lighting up with joy upon seeing Chu Yocai.

Chu Yocai was taken aback.

The man came up to him, bowing respectfully. "My master wishes to invite you, sir."

Chu Yocai asked, "Who is your master?"

The man did not answer but said, "He is nearby. Please, sir, come with me."

"You came specifically for me? You know who I am?" Chu Yocai inquired. The man’s demeanor was amiable and respectful, showing no hostility, but Chu Yocai wanted to clarify.

"Our master saw the ghost tide appear and harnessed the hurricane to bring you here, hoping to meet you," the man replied, his expression reverent at the mention of his master.

Chu Yocai, Shangguan Wanru, and Ruby exchanged puzzled glances. They never expected someone would use the hurricane to bring them here—what could their purpose be?

Chu Yocai hesitated no longer and followed the official. Shangguan Wanru and Ruby, seeing no danger, released each other's hands and trailed behind.

Soon they reached a palace wall, and after rounding a corner, they found themselves amid pavilions and towers, layered and endless.

The group wound their way through corridors, and Chu Yocai felt as if there were thousands of doors here, surrounded by swarming palace maids and female officials, bustling to and fro.

All these women greeted Chu Yocai with respectful bows.

"How can such a place exist in the land of ghosts?" Chu Yocai’s curiosity deepened. He glanced at Ruby, who was equally perplexed.

At last, they arrived at a grand hall adorned with dragons and phoenixes.

A nobleman stepped out of the main doors. Spotting Chu Yocai, his eyes brightened as he said with ceremony, "Our king has heard of your arrival in the ghost realm and greatly admires you. He eagerly wishes to meet you and has prepared a feast in your honor. Please, sir, enter."

Chu Yocai was even more astonished. "Is your king an old acquaintance of mine?"

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The nobleman whispered, "Follow me into the hall, sir, and all will be revealed."

Just then, two female officials appeared, carrying long banners to lead Chu Yocai and his companions inside. After passing through several doors, Chu Yocai glimpsed a king seated on a throne, his face gentle and amiable, though Chu Yocai did not recognize him.

Above the hall, the words "Osmanthus Palace" were inscribed. Within, a banquet was underway. A scholar sat in the seat of honor on the left, and the dishes presented were rare and sumptuous. Officials filled the other seats.

When Chu Yocai entered, the king stepped down to greet him.

After the formal exchange of courtesies, Chu Yocai introduced himself, but the king showed no recognition, leaving Chu Yocai bewildered: The king clearly did not know him, so why invite him here?

For some reason, Chu Yocai found the scene strangely familiar, as if he had seen it before.

He was seated at the place of honor on the right, with Yun Cui-xian and Ruby behind him to the left.

Once settled, Chu Yocai bowed to the king. "May I ask why Your Majesty has summoned me?"

The king smiled. "To meet you all is proof of a deep fate. Please enjoy the feast—there is no need to question." He gestured to the scholar beside him. "This is Mr. Dou Xu, whose family has long been upright and respected."

Dou Xu rose, bowing to Chu Yocai. "I am Dou Xu. The king’s praise embarrasses me. By chance, I entered the ghost realm and was carried here by the hurricane, now honored by your hospitality, though I feel uneasy."

Chu Yocai smiled and returned the gesture. "I am Chu Yocai. Greetings, Brother Dou. My situation is much the same as yours, and I am equally puzzled." For some reason, the name Dou Xu felt very familiar.

At that moment, Shangguan Wanru’s voice sounded in Chu Yocai’s ear, clearly a whispered transmission: "Dou Xu is a renowned scholar in Yan Prefecture. Though his family is poor, he is an elegant gentleman of the city, though said to be somewhat timid."

Chu Yocai nodded slightly to Shangguan Wanru, indicating he understood.

After several rounds of wine, music began from below the hall. The hall was suddenly filled with the sound of pipes and singing—not the clash of drums, but the soft, delicate notes of strings and flutes.

When the music paused, the king announced, "I have just thought of an upper verse for a couplet. I invite you all to match it with the lower verse. The upper line is: ‘Talents ascend to Osmanthus Palace.’" Although he addressed the hall, his gaze settled on Chu Yocai and Dou Xu.

Hearing this, Chu Yocai felt as if struck by lightning.

"This is the famous upper line! So this is Osmanthus Palace! And Dou Xu, Princess Lotus! These are characters from the tales of Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio!"

While the officials pondered, Chu Yocai answered almost reflexively, "A gentleman loves the lotus flower."