AUOF - 120

After dinner, Ji Hengyu went to wash the dishes, giving Sang Sang a chance to drag Sang Ning into the house.

Without outsiders around, she stopped pretending and looked up to question him: “Alright, tell me what you mean? We clearly agreed before, and you promised me. Why are you here?”

Her attitude was clear—she was completely siding with that pretty boy outside, almost turning her back on her own brother. This made Sang Ning feel both heartbroken and angry. “I agreed for you to live with him, but I didn’t agree for you to live such a hard life!”

Sang Ning had indeed backed down once.

However, ever since yesterday’s departure, he increasingly felt uneasy. His sister should be worshipped like the moon among stars, how could she lower herself for a mortal and live in such a filthy place?

Sang Ning couldn’t accept it, so he returned.

Sang Sang stubbornly argued back: “Where is it hard? I think it’s good.”

“Where isn’t it hard? Look at this house, this table, inside and out—it’s not fit for people to live in!”

Sang Sang retorted unhappily: “It’s better than where we used to live. Have you forgotten? We used to sleep in dog holes and eat dog food.”

With these words, Sang Ning fell into an unusual silence.

The siblings had fled for nearly a hundred years, fighting tigers for food and competing with beggars for clothes. During those times of hunger and cold, wearing tattered clothes and broken shoes, Sang Ning managed to keep his young sister alive.

Because they had endured endless humiliation and suffering, he vowed that no matter who or what happened, he would never let his sister suffer again.

Even if it cost him his life, he would take care of his sister for the rest of her life.

So when he saw her now, living a hard life like a mortal, he felt particularly unwilling and pitiful.

Sang Sang knew what her brother was thinking and wrapped her arms around him, slowly resting her head against his arm. “Back then, Brother didn’t abandon me; now, I won’t abandon my husband because of poverty. He carried me out of the fire, walked for a day and a night—a mortal, nearly sacrificing his life for me.”

When she woke up, Ji Hengyu, despite his broken body, still found water and food for her. It seemed he was afraid of frightening her; before passing out, he even found a secluded place and deliberately turned his back to her.

Sang Sang had never met anyone so strange, and driven by curiosity, she stayed.

Sang Sang didn’t know how to take care of people; all she could do was give him some water and crush some medicine to feed him.

Fortunately, his fate wasn’t over yet. Such rudimentary care allowed him to wake up.

After regaining consciousness and finding her still there, Ji Hengyu was surprised but didn’t ask anything.

Later, when they entered the city, Ji Hengyu sold a jade pendant from his body for money and gave it to her to find a place to stay. Originally, he thought she was alone and wanted to give her a way out.

Sang Sang hadn’t experienced love yet and didn’t understand the feeling, but she thought this person was quiet and reserved, with a cold demeanor, yet his actions were exceptionally kind.

Sang Sang didn’t take the money and continued to follow him on her own.

He said he had lost his memory, had no identity, and didn’t know where to go. He couldn’t take care of her and asked her to take the money and live in the city.

Sang Sang naturally refused. The more he wanted her to leave, the more she wanted to stay.

That mysterious fire left Ji Hengyu with some lingering ailments—he coughed during rainy days and often had fevers. Thus, they settled in the mountains, using herbs Sang Sang gathered to treat him.

Ji Hengyu felt like a burden and urged her to leave day and night, even making excuses to send her away while leaving alone. But no matter where Ji Hengyu went, Sang Sang always found him, as if fate destined them to be together.

Ji Hengyu couldn’t reclaim his identity and eventually gave up.

Sang Sang often heard people say that couples could grow old together. She liked Ji Hengyu and wanted to grow old with him, so she persisted in having him perform the marriage ceremony. He said that being married meant having a home, so they wandered aimlessly and finally decided to settle in Bamboo Creek Village, using the money from selling the jade pendant to buy a house.

Afterward, when she went to gather herbs on the mountain, he would copy books at home. When she went to sell herbs in town, she would also sell the copied books.

Ji Hengyu wasn’t in good health, but he could do many things—laundry, cooking, feeding chickens, raising geese, teaching her to read and write, telling her all kinds of stories.

She had a childlike nature, a bad temper, and often lacked patience, so their interactions mostly followed her lead. Used to living precariously, she now found this leisurely life quite pleasant.

She had been alone for thousands of years, and these few decades of marital life were but a fleeting moment for her, yet it was Ji Hengyu’s entire lifetime.

The more Sang Sang thought about it, the more she realized she couldn’t let go. Looking up at her brother with near pleading eyes, she asked: “Since I was little, no matter what I did, you always indulged me. Can you indulge me one more time?”

Sang Ning’s fingertips curved; he was the softest-hearted.

He sighed deeply and opened his arms to her: “Come here.”

Sang Sang hesitated for a moment, then walked over and buried herself in her brother’s embrace.

Sang Ning stroked her hair, his voice gentle: “If he wrongs you, I will search heaven and earth—I will—!”

Sang Sang stopped him, forbidding him to continue.

**

That night, Sang Ning temporarily stayed overnight.

Ji Hengyu washed her feet as usual, and this night was unusually quiet. After he turned off the light and got into bed, facing away from Sang Sang, she realized that the emotions she felt from him weren’t an illusion—Ji Hengyu was indeed sulking.

This was rare.

After all, Ji Hengyu had a good temper and hadn’t argued with her in six or seven years, let alone gotten angry.

Sang Sang blinked, secretly propping herself up to observe him.

Ji Hengyu’s eyes were tightly closed, seemingly asleep.

She poked his face with her finger.

Ji Hengyu didn’t react.

Sang Sang persistently pulled at the hair by his temples. Seeing that Ji Hengyu still ignored her, she simply bit his earlobe with her mouth, grinding her teeth back and forth.

The peculiar itching sensation instantly made Ji Hengyu open his eyes. With a long arm, he easily pulled her into his arms.

Seeing that he finally acknowledged her, Sang Sang was very happy: “Are you mad?” Sang Sang looked up at him and smiled.

Ji Hengyu shook his head. He was angry, but not at Sang Sang—it was at himself for harboring such evil thoughts.

Feeling guilty, he naturally couldn’t face her.

That was her brother, her only blood relative, and he had harbored murderous thoughts for his selfish desires.

Even a fleeting thought shouldn’t exist.

“Did my brother say something to you? Is that why you’re so uneasy?”

In the dimness, Sang Sang’s eyes were unusually clear, making Ji Hengyu’s heart soften.

Unable to resist his feelings, he carefully traced her delicate and charming eyebrows and eyes as if handling a treasure.

Sang Sang laughed and collapsed into his arms. “I’m not leaving with my brother. He already agreed to let me stay in Bamboo Creek Village, by your side.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Hengyu unexpectedly didn’t feel overly happy.

His identity couldn’t be revealed. For Sang Sang, who was mortal, there was an insurmountable gap between them. He wanted to selfishly have her for a lifetime, but he couldn’t let this precious gem be forever trapped in this remote place, struggling daily for survival.

“You’ve never mentioned having a brother.”

Sang Sang said: “We were young when we separated, thinking each other dead. Bringing it up only makes me sad, so I naturally didn’t want to tell others.”

Ji Hengyu’s expression suddenly changed, recalling the tragic deaths of his parents and younger sister in the raging fire.

The pain in his heart made it hard to breathe. He closed his eyes briefly, quickly shifting his thoughts and holding Sang Sang tighter. “Maybe… you should go back with your brother?”

His voice was low and deep, not sounding like a joke.

Sang Sang froze.

Ji Hengyu pursed his lips and clumsily formed his words: “I mean, you haven’t seen each other for years. Now that you’ve finally met, separating again would be cruel. Perhaps…”

Sang Sang grew angrier the more she listened, and before Ji Hengyu finished, she fiercely bit his lip, biting so hard that she broke the skin under his lip.

Ji Hengyu grunted and immediately dared not continue.

Sang Sang tasted the metallic tang of blood in her mouth. She wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth haphazardly. “What do you mean? Are you saying you don’t want to be with me anymore?” More than anger, her words carried a sense of grievance.

Ji Hengyu weakly explained: “...No, I don’t mean that.”

“Then why are you saying these things to upset me?”

Sang Sang was unhappy, and her hair strands became frizzy with anger.

Ji Hengyu helplessly sighed, “I just can’t bear to see you part ways like this. Besides, if you go back, I naturally will follow you.”

Sang Sang’s anger gradually subsided, and she tilted her head. “You’ll become part of my family?”

Ji Hengyu nodded: “Yes, I’ll become part of your family.”

Sang Sang immediately stopped being angry and started to find it amusing. “Really? Then my brother definitely won’t agree—he looks down on men who live off women.”

Seeing her smile happily, Ji Hengyu also showed a faint smile, pulling her back into his arms.

Sang Sang adored him endlessly, hugging his neck tightly and playfully, her hands mischievously wandering inside his clothes like fish swimming around.

Ji Hengyu thought his wife was incredibly energetic, with boundless strength.

Despite running around all day, she still wanted to engage in such activities at night. He couldn’t refuse and didn’t dare to be too reckless, so he had to please her thoroughly every time, enduring the rest himself.

Usually, he just let her be, but tonight, he couldn’t allow her to act up.

Just as the flames were about to ignite, Ji Hengyu grabbed her wrist: “We’ll be heard.”

The house wasn’t well soundproofed, and her brother slept next door. He already had prejudices against Ji Hengyu, and Ji Hengyu really didn’t want to earn a reputation for being frivolous.

Sang Sang whispered pleadingly, “I’ll be gentle.”

Ji Hengyu: “...”

Ji Hengyu: “The bed will creak.”

Sang Sang paused, glaring at him with a wilted expression.

A flicker passed through Ji Hengyu’s eyes, but he softened.

In Sang Sang’s puzzled gaze, he lifted her off the bed and pressed her against the cold wall.

Ji Hengyu hesitated, “Just once.” He lowered his eyes and spoke to Sang Sang.

Sang Sang’s face inexplicably reddened as she wrapped her arms around his neck and moved closer.

The two proceeded stealthily and carefully, restraining themselves for fear of making any sound that might be heard by Sang Ning on the other side. Due to this fear, it added a sense of thrill. Ji Hengyu rarely saw timidity on her face; now seeing her afraid yet enduring, he found it amusing. He deliberately provoked her to make her moan, and after receiving her accusing glance, he buried himself in her neck and laughed softly.

Fortunately, they didn’t go too far. After Sang Sang fell asleep, Ji Hengyu quietly got up and left.

He knew Sang Ning was following behind. Pretending not to notice, he picked a few more Spring Bright Herbs based on the points he remembered from last time, then returned to the small house.

Sang Ning silently watched Ji Hengyu’s back disappear.

He always felt something strange, an indescribable discomfort lingering in his heart. Tapping his fingers, he decided to stay alert.

**

The next day, when Sang Sang woke up, Sang Ning had already left.

She stared blankly at the several Spring Bright Herbs in the bamboo basket. Sang Ning wouldn’t do such a thing; even if he did, he would simply give her silver coins brutally. So...

She rushed to the kitchen to ask Ji Hengyu: “Did you pick these Spring Bright Herbs?”

“Hmm.” Ji Hengyu did not deny it.

Sang Sang scolded him, both happy and fearful, “The mountain has many pitfalls. Aren’t you afraid of trouble going alone?”

Ji Hengyu smiled, “I’m not really one who eats soft food. Selling these Spring Bright Herbs, plus our savings, should be enough to buy a shop in the city.” With that, Ji Hengyu brought out the freshly steamed egg custard, “Let’s eat.”

The egg custard was still steaming hot. She felt uneasy, “But...”

“I don’t want your brother to think I’m useless.” Ji Hengyu said, “I don’t have much else, but I can read some books, seen a couple of business books, and can run a small business.”

Sang Sang sniffed, “I’ve never thought you were useless.”

Ji Hengyu didn’t respond. After she finished eating and left with the bamboo basket on her back, he made a paper crane to follow her. This was a protective charm that could prevent any evil or wicked person from getting close to her. Every time she went out, Ji Hengyu would do this.

The courtyard was gently swept by the breeze, and the two trees planted there were lush and green.

Ji Hengyu knelt in front of the tea table, gazing distantly at the distant mountains, his eyes flickering slightly: “Come out.”

As soon as the words fell, a figure appeared before him.

This person wore a white and gold Daoist robe, with a silver jade plaque hanging from his waist, engraved with the character “Tian.” He respectfully bowed and called Ji Hengyu “Senior Brother” with great reverence.

Ji Hengyu’s expression remained calm, unreadable.

“We’ve received news that an elite guard team belonging to Tianze River is stationed at the foot of Changqing City. It seems that Ning Xiaoyao, a former guardian of the Demon Lord, is also here.”

At this, Ji Hengyu frowned.

“Oh, and Sister Situ is also coming down the mountain for training. She should be near Changqing Mountain.” After saying this, the junior disciple carefully observed Ji Hengyu’s expression, “If they find out that you are married to a mortal, perhaps...”

His voice was cold and somewhat unfeeling: “If you don’t say anything, no one will know.”

The junior disciple pursed his lips and remained indifferent.

“You keep an eye on things first. If there’s any movement, come find me.”

“Yes.”

The junior disciple turned and left. Ji Hengyu sipped his tea, his earlier relaxed demeanor gone.

**

The junior disciple had just left when a loud commotion came from outside the courtyard.

The fence gate was violently kicked open, followed by loud shouts—

“Is Lady Sang here? Let her come out!!”

“If she doesn’t come out, don’t blame us for searching inside!”

Ji Hengyu narrowed his eyes and went out to meet them.

In the courtyard, the leading man was fat and dressed in fine silk. In this remote village, his attire was top-notch. Four servants followed him, their presence overwhelming the small yard and attracting nearby idle villagers.

Everyone gathered to watch and immediately realized the situation was bad.

It just so happened to be Chen Fu, the son of the wealthy landlord family in Bamboo Creek Village.

Although the village was small, the Chen family was well-known.

Chen Fu’s uncle originally held a minor position in the capital. At first, he was just a small official, but after his daughter became a favored concubine in the palace, the Chen family rose rapidly, allowing this distant branch to benefit.

Almost all of the Chen family’s wealth was invested in land. The hundred acres of crops in Bamboo Creek Village belonged to them. Although they couldn’t compare to noble families in the city, they were quite wealthy.

As the saying goes, “Far from the emperor’s reach.” Away from the city, in this small village, the Chen family often bullied others with their power. Especially Chen Fu, who usually paraded around with his henchmen, oppressing men and women. Many families with children suffered under him, making him deeply hated by everyone.

Everyone sighed inwardly. The young couple had just moved here half a month ago and were already being targeted by Chen Fu. Given the beauty of the young lady, his intentions were obvious.

“My wife isn’t here. Is there something, Young Master Chen?”

Ji Hengyu stood alone among the bullies, tall but somewhat frail-looking. He neither bowed nor flinched, his eyes particularly cool and indifferent.

Chen Fu twirled two walnuts in his hand, lazily examining Ji Hengyu, and said, “Are those Spring Bright Herbs on the mountain picked by you?”

Ji Hengyu’s expression tightened, instantly understanding.

The village was small, and even the slightest disturbance could spread to every household. Sang Sang earning so much silver must have aroused envy, leading to the old landlord’s family.

Ji Hengyu’s gaze swept around, spotting a suspicious figure in the crowd.

Before coming, he had already investigated every household in the village and naturally remembered that the man was called Scabby, an idle scatterbrain who lived by stealing and petty thievery.

It must have been him who spread the word.

Concealing his emotions without a trace, Ji Hengyu asked calmly, “Is there a problem?”

“A problem?” Chen Fu rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward. He was shorter than Ji Hengyu by a head, looking like a swollen little potato standing in front of him. However, he tried to put on a show of authority, which only made him look more ridiculous.

Chen Fu placed his hands on his hips and raised his neck, “That mountain belongs to us! Your wife picking herbs without permission is theft!”

Ji Hengyu raised an eyebrow, “Do you have a deed?”

“A deed?” Chen Fu gestured to his servant, “Come, bring the deed.”

The servant respectfully handed over a piece of paper. Chen Fu waved it in front of him, “See? This is the deed.”

Indeed, the paper clearly stated the details in black and white. However...

“No official seal. This deed is invalid.” He said calmly, “According to current laws, forging a deed is a serious crime.”

“You dare talk about laws to me?” These words immediately enraged Chen Fu, “You ungrateful wretch! You refuse my offer? Men! Beat him!”

Four servants rushed forward. Ji Hengyu’s expression turned cold, ready to act, when suddenly a brick flew from behind and hit Chen Fu squarely on the back of his neck, creating a bloody hole. Blood flowed profusely, soaking his entire neck. Reflexively, Chen Fu touched the back of his neck, and the sight of his blood-soaked palm made him dizzy, causing him to scream shrilly.

Everyone gasped in shock and looked toward the source of the throw.

Sang Sang stood emotionlessly at the door, her usual sweet smile completely gone. Without anger, she exuded an authoritative air, her stern eyes forcing the surrounding people to scatter.

“Who! Who did this!”

Chen Fu, used to bullying others, had never imagined someone would dare hit him.

Turning back, he pointed tremblingly at Sang Sang, his teeth chattering in rage, “Y-you dare hit me?”

Sang Sang glanced around, picked up a pitchfork from the doorway, and charged at the five men.

She appeared to swing wildly without technique, but each strike contained tremendous force. Anyone unlucky enough to be hit would surely break a bone or two.

This ferocity frightened the onlookers, who retreated several steps.

“How dare you bully my husband! Who gave you the right to bully my husband!”

“Get out! All of you get out!”

Sang Sang was furious, beating and cursing simultaneously.

The group dared not approach, retreating while howling in pain. Their escape startled the geese in the pen, which flew up and pecked at their heads.

In an instant, the yard was filled with screams, fighting sounds, and the geese’s angry honks, creating chaos.

Ji Hengyu swallowed hard. Seeing this scene, he silently retracted the spell rolling on his fingertips and stepped back to avoid being caught in the fray.

With one pitchfork, Sang Sang chased the five men away, sending Chen Fu and his gang fleeing with their heads covered.

Chen Fu was still unwilling, pointing at Sang Sang threateningly, “You… you wait! I’ll deal with you later!”

After saying this, he saw Sang Sang wanting to chase after him. Frightened by the beating, Chen Fu screamed and fled quickly.

Sang Sang held the pitchfork, panting heavily.

When the group was far away, she dropped the pitchfork and worriedly threw herself into Ji Hengyu’s arms, checking him over, “Husband, are you hurt?”

Ji Hengyu shook his head, his gaze falling on Sang Sang with a hint of complexity.

His delicate and cute little wife... when did she become so formidable?

Sang Sang didn’t notice the doubt in his expression, sighing slightly with relief, “Good thing I came back early, otherwise they would have bullied you.” Thinking about Ji Hengyu almost being harmed, a flash of ruthlessness passed through her eyes.

Their affection was deep, leaving no room for outsiders to intervene.

Finally, a kind-hearted neighbor reminded them, “The Chen family is the overlord of Bamboo Creek Village. They obviously have confidence in using this excuse to cause trouble. Now that you’ve injured Chen Fu, the Chen family won’t let it go easily. Listen to Auntie, take advantage of the trouble not arriving yet and run quickly.”

The aunt felt pity for the young couple.

This young scholar had a handsome face, and the young lady was exceptionally beautiful. Though they didn’t interact much with the villagers, their love was evident to all. Now, facing a bully, it was truly unfortunate.

Sang Sang and Ji Hengyu exchanged glances, packed a few belongings, and handed over a tael of silver to Old Li, “Uncle, sell me your cart.”

She offered a generous amount. Old Li’s aged donkey wasn’t worth that much, but receiving the silver made him ecstatic, so he readily agreed.

Sang Sang pulled Ji Hengyu to Old Li’s place to fetch the cart, letting Ji Hengyu sit on it as they prepared to flee.

Unexpectedly, before they reached the village entrance, they were stopped by the Chen family.

From servants to henchmen, a total of twelve or thirteen people surrounded the cart. The old landlord stood in the middle, his expression fierce, “You beat my son and still want to run?”

Everyone held knives in their hands.

Sang Sang tightened her grip on the reins, her dark pupils swirling with red veins. The accumulated demonic energy in her chest was almost uncontrollable, seemingly stirring the surrounding airflow, causing the wind to intensify and rustle the leaves like mournful cries.

Meanwhile, Ji Hengyu sat in the back of the cart, his fingers moving, holding a bluish-white talisman between his fingers.