Fortune Across the World

Chapter 84: Ghostly Flames Reveal a Corpse, Mystery Unfolds (Part One)

At the academy, ghost stories were the talk of every meal. Some claimed to hear cries at night, others swore they saw ghostly figures. Savvy attendants capitalized on the fear, selling talismans, dog tooth necklaces, and peach wood charms to ward off evil. Initially banned by the academy, the sales resumed when investigations stalled, and even the imperial envoy started believing in the hauntings. With the search efforts diminishing, the academy's market began selling ghost-repelling items. The envoy went so far as to invite renowned exorcists and Taoist priests from famous temples to perform rituals, and soldiers pasted talismans on every building and student's door. To an outsider, the academy now resembled a temple rather than a place of learning.

Despite the chaos, the academy's classes continued as usual. The past few days were overcast, with no sunlight, yet the air was stiflingly hot. Perhaps due to the widespread anxiety, Ding Qiyu felt an inexplicable unease. She skipped her law class with Lu Weiming to practice the Unpredictable Sword technique with her master. Afterward, estimating that Weixi's etiquette class would soon end, she decided to meet her, sensing the sky was dimming. Though Weixi had two skilled female guards, Qiyu couldn't shake her worry. She sheathed the Unpredictable Sword as a dagger at her waist and set off to find Weixi.

Due to the ghost rumors, the court dispatched several ritual officials to the academy. Making use of their presence, the academy organized etiquette classes for the female students, taught by these respected officials. Thus, Weixi and her peers attended classes at the northern academy for third-year students, requiring them to pass through the main square, a considerable distance.

Hurrying to not miss them, Qiyu finally reached the square, where she saw groups of female students returning. Spotting Weixi, she rushed over, panting, "Weixi! Phew, I made it." With many people around, she opted for the familiar "Weixi" to avoid embarrassing her.

Caught off guard while conversing with Qu Ruocheng, Weixi was both surprised and delighted by Qiyu's sudden appearance, "Qiyu? What brings you here?"

A bit embarrassed, Qiyu explained, "Uh... the academy's been uneasy lately, and you had to walk so far for class, I got worried, so I came to meet you."

Hearing Qiyu's caring words, nearby noblewomen couldn't help but feel envious of Weixi. Though Qiyu's background wasn't prestigious, her looks, talent, and dedication to her beloved, even risking her life, made her an ideal match any girl would dream of.

Qu Ruocheng didn't shy away from teasing, half-jokingly, half-admiringly, "Wow, Young Master Ding truly dotes on Sister Weixi."

Feeling her cheeks warm, Weixi softly protested to Qiyu, "I'm with everyone; there's no danger..." Yet, her heart brimmed with sweetness.

Seeing her discomfort, Qiyu quickly said, "Oh, you don't have to mind me, just keep chatting. Pretend I'm not here." She retreated a few steps behind them, demonstrating her intention not to intrude on their conversation.

Watching Qiyu's slightly forlorn retreat, Weixi felt a pang of tenderness, wanting to speak but was pulled into conversation by Qu Ruocheng, "Sister Weixi, does Uncle Lu know about you two?" Left with no choice, Weixi continued chatting with Qu Ruocheng.

On the crowd's edge, Yun Yi had noticed Qiyu, feeling a flash of joy that quickly faded. Though she hadn't heard their exchange, seeing Qiyu's tender gaze fixed on Weixi, Yun Yi felt a touch of loneliness. Qiyu had come for Miss Lu; his eyes were only for her. She should be content with the friendship she had with Qiyu, without yearning for more.