The following morning unfolded exactly as hectically as planned, with the group speeding through the countryside as time pressed on. Yun Guang, Pei Sijing, and even Bai Jiu—who had offered to reach out to the Kunlun monks on Ying Lei's behalf since he was one of their own—were all immersed in a flurry of phone calls, chasing elusive answers.
Yichen joined their efforts, taking advantage of a quick break when they parked the vans alongside a dusty road for some food. Beneath the pitiless summer sun, where no spirits dared to strike, he stepped away from the group to find some privacy for a call with his brother. The moment the line connected, Yichen spoke without hesitation.
"Ge, I still miss you..." It was a heartfelt admission that drew an amused laugh from Yixuan on the other end.
"You really haven't changed, Didi," Yixuan replied warmly. "But it's not like you to call so soon after we last spoke. Did something happen back home? You're not doing anything reckless while Father and I are away, are you?" he added, his instincts as sharp and discerning as ever. Yichen cleared his throat, getting straight to the point.
"Do you remember Captain Pei's younger brother, Siheng?"
"Of course," Yixuan answered without hesitation. "He's a bit of a wild card but ultimately a decent guy. Why? Did something happen to him?" There was a pause from Yichen's side.
"Captain Pei got a call from the police in Guilin," Yichen eventually disclosed. "Her brother's gone missing with his entire team of ghost hunters in the mountains there. From what we know, those mountains are cursed, and authorities haven't been able to do much to find them. We're on our way there now, but we've come across some... troubling things along the way. I need you to know about them. Are you near your computer?"
Yixuan, already sensing the gravity of the situation, replied quickly. "I am. I was actually researching the Takao Mountains just now—my computer's on."
"Good," Yichen said, sounding relieved. "I'm sending you a file. Take a look—it will explain everything and show you why this is beyond normal."
Moments later, Yixuan opened the file that had arrived: images of aged, yellowed notebook pages filled with neat calligraphy and talisman drawings. As his eyes scanned the contents and took in their disturbing implications, a sinking weight settled in his chest. Something incredibly sinister was unfolding, and it was possible it was far worse than either brother had anticipated.
"Where did you come across this? Didi, what are you getting yourself into? This could be extremely dangerous if it turns out to be true. If you're in that town, leave immediately. Don't stay there, and definitely don't start investigating this without proper support from home. The elders need to know about all of this." Yixuan's concern was heartfelt, but Yichen still had much more to share, and he wasn't holding back.
For Yixuan, each revelation felt like a blow, one after another. The possible involvement of the Chongwu Agency in something deeply sinister; Pei Siheng trapped within a sealed mansion; a cursed forest in their way and the great demon Zhu Yan's inexplicable soul bond with his brother. Prolonged astral projections from his brother, soul projection from Zhu Yan, more demons disguising themselves as ghosts, Yichen's mysterious retrocognition with his past life, their forgotten family legacy, a past filled with real demons, Bing Yi—and on top of it all, his own unsettling experience last night, eerily mirroring what his brother experienced with Zhu Yan. It was an overwhelming deluge of truths, almost too much to process.
"Ge, there's no need to worry about me. Yun Guang has already handed the information from the notebook over to the elders. They'll handle the investigation while we stay focused on our journey to rescue Pei Siheng. But promise me one thing—keep everything about Zhu Yan a secret, at least for now. It's not that I don't trust the elders, but if they know, they'll insist I return. That's not an option for me, no matter what. Siheng is counting on us, and uncovering more about Zhu Yan is crucial. I can't shake the feeling that he holds the key to understanding everything that went wrong in this world."
"Just be cautious of traps along the way. We can't be sure how deeply the Chongwu Agency has extended its influence in Japan or whether they're using those talismans there as well. And stay vigilant for real demons—they're incredibly powerful and can conceal themselves in plain sight. If a place feels unusually off, it could mean one of them is lurking nearby." It struck Yixuan as strangely ironic that Yichen had just voiced the very concerns already running through his mind.
"Didi, you want me to be careful, yet you willingly dive into troubled waters yourself. You warn me to be wary of demons, yet you place your trust in one. I understand Yun Guang is formidable, and the two of you complement each other's power, but still..."
"Ge, it isn't just Yun Guang by my side. The rest of my team stands with me, and you know none among them lack skill or wit. As for Zhu Yan, he bears no ill intent toward us—at least not until we reach the mountains. When that moment comes, I will remain vigilant in dealing with him. This journey isn't solely about saving a friend; it holds greater significance for all of humanity. Will you retreat under such a heavy burden?" Of course, he wouldn't, and Yixuan released a quiet sigh, silently praying for his precious Didi's safety.
"I understand why you're doing this, Didi, I truly do. But as your elder brother, I will always worry for you, no matter the extent of your power. I won't try to change your mind—you are as resolute as the wind—but please, be careful. We will return home as soon as possible and do everything we can to help you find answers. Just promise me... don't do anything too reckless." Yixuan's voice carried a mixture of urgency and sincerity as he sought reassurance. Yichen responded with a warm smile.
"I'll do my best not to cause Yun Guang a heart attack as my guardian, but I can't promise I won't take risks, if that's what it takes to protect my people in an emergency. But don't worry—it'll only be a last resort." That was as close to a promise as Yichen could give his brother, and Yixuan knew he had to accept it.
"Alright then, Didi. Have it your way. But remember—if anything happens to you, your Ge will carry that pain for the rest of his life." He said this with gravity, hoping to temper any reckless instincts his younger brother might harbor.
"I know, Ge. I'll protect myself and my team. You too—stay safe and come back soon. I'll be waiting when you return home." With calm resolve, Yichen sought to ease his brother's concerns, even as they prepared to walk separate but deeply intertwined paths.
The call ended, leaving Yichen feeling slightly relieved. He hated keeping secrets from his brother, so being honest with him always felt like a weight lifted. Afterward, they shared a meal and resumed their journey, stopping next at a larger, more bustling town—thankfully free of eerie doll-like ghosts this time.
With heightened awareness, they paid closer attention to the protective talismans around the town. Fortunately, nothing strange or charged with ominous energy was found. This town appeared to be perfectly ordinary, displaying none of the sinister signs they'd encountered before. As part of their investigation, they questioned the locals about Qinghe Town. However, no one seemed to have definitive answers about what had transpired there.
Theories among the residents ran wild: some claimed Qinghe had been overrun by hauntings, driving its inhabitants away; others told tales of a vengeful ghost wiping out the entire town. There were even whispers of an evacuation under mysterious circumstances. Whatever the truth might be, no one seemed eager to confirm it—or investigate further—since reaching the area had reportedly become perilous. When they asked if agents from the Chongwu Agency had passed through, they were reassured to learn that other agencies had approached instead. It was a small comfort.
After refueling the vans and picking up additional supplies for the road ahead, they set off once more. This time, Yichen took a spot in the back seat, leaning his head on Yun Guang's lap. That was to prepare himself to connect with Zhu Yan on the astral plane, hoping he could shed light on their unresolved questions. Just in case complications arose during the process, Yun Guang was ready to intervene swiftly and pull him back, ensuring Yichen didn't linger in the spiritual realm longer than necessary.
"Ah, Xiao Zhuo, it seems you missed me and came back sooner than expected. How delightful! But don't forget your recovery—just a few hours of rest won't be enough to get you back to full strength, no matter how confident you feel. Still, I can't complain about seeing you again. Your presence is always a pleasure." This was how Zhu Yan greeted him, though it no longer surprised him—he was starting to understand him better now. Zhu Yan was a playful troublemaker, a mischievous demon who seemed to enjoy engaging in the art of teasing, with a particular talent for flirtation.
"You claim I arrived earlier than expected, but truthfully, whether in the past or present, if you did encounter me, you'll notice that I never leave matters unresolved longer than necessary. The fact that you came to my team's aid, regardless of the reason, naturally compels me to express my gratitude as soon as possible. Besides, there are a few questions I'd like you to answer honestly." Yichen's boldness wasn't new to Zhu Yan either, who responded with a charming smile. That smile, radiant and effortlessly captivating, caused Yichen's heart to skip a beat without him even realizing it—so strikingly beautiful it was, just like everything else about him.
"Certainly, Xiao Zhuo. Whatever you request of me, I will do my utmost to fulfill it. That said, I must caution you now—though you see me here in the astral plane, and though I can project my soul for brief periods, my real body remains sealed elsewhere. Due to the nature of that seal, there are some questions I may be incapable of answering, even if I want to. For those matters, you will need to seek the answers on your own, as I am powerless to assist." Zhu Yan felt a deep frustration at the cruel hand fate had dealt him. Despite countless attempts, he had been unable to break free from his confinement.
"Alright, I understand the details of your imprisonment are off-limits, but what about your claim of sharing a past life with me? Can you elaborate on that?" Yichen's question caught Zhu Yan off guard.
"Xiao Zhuo, of all the things I thought you might ask, this wasn't even on my list. I figured you dismissed my claim as a mere ploy to trick you into setting me free. So, why the curiosity now?" Zhu Yan responded, his tone a mix of intrigue and incredulity.
"I had a strange dream about you while I was unconscious. I just want to figure out how much of it was mere illusion and how much could actually be real," Yichen replied carefully. What he chose not to reveal was the truth—that he hadn't simply dreamed it. He had lived their shared past as if it were happening all over again.
"I can answer your questions, but will you trust what I say?
"Would you deliberately deceive me?" Yichen replied.
"Of course not."
"Then go ahead and answer them. You've got nothing to lose, and who knows, I might just believe you this time."
"I see, go ahead and ask," Zhu Yan replied as he stepped closer to Yichen.
"Did my past self ever call you for help? Like, during the first few months of us knowing each other?" Yichen questioned, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in his tone.
"You did," Zhu Yan confirmed with a small nod. "I still find it strange that you called my name that time—a demon was chasing you in the forest. You'd taken on a demon hunting mission alone, even though we were supposed to be paired together, likely because you weren't thrilled about working with me. You were so stubborn back then—constantly trying to complete missions solo if it meant avoiding me. That particular day, you shouted my name, and I stepped in to put the demon to sleep. Of course, we didn't kill the demons we hunted in those times... we relocated them. Of course, we didn't kill the demons we hunted in those times... we relocated them. If I recall correctly, the only reason you called for me was because you had hit your head hard and were feeling a little... how do you describe it? Out of it for a few minutes. That is, until you snapped back to your usual 'I don't trust you' normal self." He smirked slightly as he recounted the memory.
"It was amusing, though—carrying you for the first time without hearing you complain about it. As Zhu Yan spoke, his words validated something profound for Yichen. To him, it wasn't just a memory shared by someone else; it felt like confirmation that what he had lived had truly happened, proof that his soul had somehow traveled back into his own past.
"That's close enough to what I dreamt. So, that was an isolated incident, right? I mean, I didn't act strangely like that ever again, did I?" Zhu Yan narrowed his eyes, stepping closer with a hint of intensity.
"Why do you ask? How many dreams were swirling in your head last night? Xiao Zhuo, you know you're a terrible liar, don't you?" Zhu Yan's fingers grazed Yichen's cheek lightly, causing him to flush and instinctively step back.
"I'm just curious," Yichen muttered, trying to dismiss Zhu Yan's remark.
"You certainly are. But no, it wasn't an isolated case. There were a few times when you behaved oddly, and they always occurred after you were seriously injured. One incident stood out the most—it was so unlike you that I couldn't help but question whether I was truly speaking to you. My suspicions grew, so I tested you with a series of questions only the two of us could possibly know the answers to. You answered them perfectly, of course, so I decided to drop the matter." Yet Yichen was left wondering how often his soul would wander back into fragments of his past.
"Would you care to elaborate on that one?" he asked, his words quite insistent.
"I'd rather keep that one private," Zhu Yan replied calmly. "Perhaps someday—when you trust me more—I'll share it with you."
"Why do you need my trust just to tell me anything? It's not like I'm asking for your deepest secrets." Or was that exactly what he was asking? Yichen found himself wondering if there were indeed secrets lying hidden between the two of them.
"Ah, Xiao Zhuo," Zhu Yan began, his tone carrying a weight that hinted at something long buried.
"You'd be surprised by the things from our past that I must withhold from you. Not because I don't want to tell you, but because you're not ready to hear the answers yet. You'd likely deny them, just as you did that one time. And denying the truth wouldn't help either of us—not now, not where we stand right now. Do you have another question?" Yichen frowned, his mind racing.
"Did something terrible happen back then? During that time, when I was a demon hunter and worked alongside you? Was there some disaster—maybe even a calamity—so great it erased part of our history?" Zhu Yan froze for a moment. The question hung in the air as he clenched his jaw, with the answer barely crossing Zhu Yan's mind. Yet the consequences were devastating for him.
To Yichen, at first, it seemed like Zhu Yan might answer, but his body suddenly spasmed as if gripped by an unseen hand. The seal on Zhu Yan flared to life without warning, and his entire being was consumed by excruciating agony. He stumbled forward, clutching his chest, his breath catching as if invisible blades were carving into his heart.
Zhu Yan was no stranger to pain, but the seal was meant to torment him, as much spiritually as physically. The punishment of the seal was agonizing, even if it lasted for a few seconds. His lips locked tight, refusing to move save for the blood that forced its way out. The ancient black symbol burned itself into his forehead—a cursed brand in glowing defiance of his attempt to recall forbidden truths.
"Zhu Yan!" Yichen cried in alarm, rushing forward. His horror deepened as he beheld Zhu Yan's despair: crumpled in agony, mouth sealed by an invisible force, the black light of the symbol casting an ominous glow across his forehead.
When Zhu Yan began coughing up blood, fear spiked through Yichen like a lance. Without hesitation, he knelt beside him and caught him before he collapsed further onto the darkened surface of the astral plane.
"Hey! Are you alright?" Yichen's voice was laced with urgency and concern as he pressed his hand over Zhu Yan's chest, channeling his spiritual energy to soothe whatever internal damage had been inflicted.
Zhu Yan grimaced but managed to wave him off weakly, slowly steadying himself despite his visible pain. "Don't worry… I'll be fine," he rasped, though his voice was hoarse and strained. "But as you've seen… that question… I can't answer." Those words struck a chord deeper than Yichen cared to admit.
The sight of the seal and its violent punishment spoke louder than anything Zhu Yan might have said. This wasn't faked; his seal was real and, in a way, even in silence, it was proof that something monumental and shrouded in darkness had occurred in their shared past. Something so grave that even Yichen's own family had erased it from the annals of their history.
Finding the answer to that question was crucial to understanding everything that had gone wrong in the past. However, he had seen enough suffering to change his approach to questioning Zhu Yan. It seemed too harsh, and—even if Zhu Yan was technically a demon—he couldn't bear to see him in pain. In truth, he disliked seeing him hurt.
So far, Zhu Yan had never harmed him. On the contrary, he had helped him a great deal and merely teased him occasionally, which was hardly a punishable offense.
"Would it be better if you returned to your body? Can you heal yourself in the mansion?" Yichen asked quietly, holding him close.
"Your spiritual power has a soothing effect, and it's much better when a handsome man holds you like you're precious than sitting alone in a cold, cursed place tending to your wounds," Zhu Yan replied, and Yichen sighed.
"I should have known... Seriously, Zhu Yan, this is not a joke," Yichen said, looking into his deep red eyes.
"I'm being serious when I say it helps... please stay for a few minutes, then go back before Yun Guang pulls you away and teases you instead," Yichen huffed.
"I swear, you two are the bane of my existence..." he whispered, yet his grip on Zhu Yan remained steady. Zhu Yan chuckled softly.
"Maybe someday you won't mind my jokes as much and might even welcome them..." Zhu Yan said with sadness, closing his eyes and resting his head on Yichen's chest.
"You can always dream of that," Yichen replied, though he sensed that Zhu Yan's words were more of a warning, something that unsettled him in more than one way.
AN: So things are starting to fall into place. Next is Li Lun/Yixuan's turn. Until next time, please take care.