Chapter 6: The Uninvited Guest

Shen Xunqing woke just as the sky began to pale. A tickle in his throat turned into an irrepressible urge to cough. Glancing at the sleeping Yan Yunqing, he quickly turned away, shielding his mouth as he coughed softly.

As the Ghost Monarch, Shen Xunqing had once possessed an immortal, indestructible physical form forged by absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and consuming other spirits. Yet, having entered the mortal realm a few times, this was the first instance he truly felt the weight of birth, aging, illness, and death.

He did not need to see his own reflection to know he must look wretchedly haggard. A hand, carrying a faint warmth, gently patted his back. Helpless, Shen Xunqing turned around and said, "Did I wake you?"

In truth, Yan Yunqing had opened his eyes long before Shen Xunqing woke. Sensing the shift in the other’s breathing, he had instinctively feigned sleep. There was no particular reason; he simply lacked the aptitude for handling such situations.

Unlike the bureaucratic duties of the Underworld, where he could swiftly find the most efficient solutions, dealing with people was different. The human heart was fickle and difficult to fathom. Moreover, he had seldom interacted with others in the Underworld, and meeting someone like the person beside him was a first.

Yan Yunqing’s performance was quite convincing, at least to the current Shen Xunqing. After waiting a while and hearing the suppressed coughs, he felt a dull ache in his heart—an unpleasant sensation. He didn't understand why this person, who clearly held a high, pampered station in life, would choose to endure these mortal tribulations just to follow him. It truly wasn't worth it.

His hand hesitated for a moment before patting Shen Xunqing’s back with extreme caution. As his fingers touched the man, he couldn't help but frown; the body was dangerously thin. He feared that even a slightly heavy touch might send this person to his grave. It was a far cry from the spirited, vigorous man he had first met in this life. How had he grown so frail in such a short time?

Yan Yunqing tried to search his memory, only to find a sudden gap. Given that their current bodies were spent and withered, he figured his own condition likely had something to do with it.

Shen Xunqing turned, his face pale and wan, eyes filled with worry and resignation—worry that he had disturbed Yan’s rest.

"If you hadn't followed me, you wouldn't have to endure these things. We both would have been fine." The words of concern that welled up in Yan Yunqing’s throat came out as the same cold sentiment once again.

Shen Xunqing was momentarily stunned, then let out a soft laugh. He was now much shorter than Yan Yunqing, but as he looked up, he did not appear at a disadvantage. He leaned forward and bit down on Yan’s chin.

The sudden sting of pain left Yan Yunqing dazed; he clearly hadn't expected such an action. Considering Shen’s physical state, he did not pull away, allowing the bite. Shen Xunqing had intended to bite hard, but seeing Yan’s dazed expression, his heart softened. He eased his grip, leaving only a faint mark before letting go.

It was a day of rest for the officials, so Shen Xunqing did not need to attend court. Deciding to indulge in a rare moment of laziness, he ignored Yan’s earlier words and draped an arm around him, intending to go back to sleep.

When Shen Xunqing opened his eyes again, the sun was high. He rose reluctantly with Yan Yunqing, and after breakfast, they retired to the study. Not wanting to deal with trivial matters, he merely wished to spend a quiet moment with Yan.

Yan Yunqing sat to the side, silently reading a book. Shen Xunqing, losing interest in his own reading, stared straight at him. He wondered, having visited the Underworld so many times, why had he never encountered this young King Yan?

The reason was simple: as a child, Yan Yunqing rarely left his quarters, as he had much to learn as the heir to the Underworld. Furthermore, Shen Xunqing never lingered in the Underworld unless necessary, and even then, he only met with the old King Yan, rarely venturing elsewhere.

Shen Xunqing’s hope for a solitary day was dashed when his servant, Black Slave, appeared at the door. "Master, someone is here to see you. They claim to have already spoken with you."

Spoken with me? Shen Xunqing paused, then suddenly recalled. "Show them in."

As the servant retreated, Yan Yunqing set down his book. "Is something the matter?"

Shen Xunqing shook his head. "Nothing, just trivial mortal affairs. None of it is as important as you." The natural way he said it left Yan Yunqing at a loss for words. Shen glanced over and caught a glimpse of a faint, reddened flush on the tips of Yan’s ears.

Yan Yunqing remained silent, picking up his book to continue reading.

Outside the study, footsteps approached, followed by a voice: "What a magnificent estate you have, Prince. Zuo Buyu has come with a friend to impose upon you; I hope you don't mind?"

Shen Xunqing thought to himself: *Whether I mind or not, you’re already here, so why the pretense?* As they rounded the corner, Zuo Buyu led a handsome young man into the room.

"I am, of course, welcoming," Shen Xunqing said with a smile. "Please, Zuo, come in."

After Zuo Buyu was settled, he noticed Yan Yunqing reading nearby but said nothing. Shen Xunqing asked, "Zuo, who is this you’ve brought with you?"

Zuo Buyu didn't beat around the bush. "This is the Fifth Prince, Yan Ziqing."

Yan Ziqing spoke up at the right moment: "Greetings, Prince."

Watching this, Shen Xunqing understood the situation immediately. "Since you are guests, let us sit and talk. So, Zuo, this is the person you wished to introduce to me?" He looked at them directly. "Since we are being blunt, let's speak plainly. What is it you need my help with?"

Zuo Buyu glanced at Yan Yunqing, who remained unperturbed by his book, and decided not to provoke anyone who was clearly important to Shen.

"To be frank," Zuo Buyu said with a faint smile, "I wish to ask for your assistance in helping the Fifth Prince ascend the throne."

Yan Ziqing stiffened, clearly surprised by Zuo’s directness. He looked at Shen Xunqing with some trepidation, but Shen’s expression remained calm, as if they were merely chatting about the weather rather than the succession of the throne.

Shen Xunqing tapped his desk three times. "If I help him," he said softly, "what do I stand to gain?"