Fortune Across the World

Chapter 85: Ghostly Flames Reveal a Corpse, Mystery Unfolds (Part Two)

Ding Qiyu's warm smile and gentle reassurance eased Yun Yi's fear and worry considerably. Realizing her embarrassing position, she quickly released her grip, but with people crowded behind her, she couldn't retreat and stood there, head lowered, face flushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and shyness.

Observing Qiyu's comforting words to Yun Yi, Lu Weixi couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Her fingers tightened around her chest as she lowered her gaze. Qiyu, noticing Weixi was still in her embrace, patted her shoulder softly, "Wei... Weixi, it's okay, don't worry. I'll be back soon."

Weixi, hearing this, pouted slightly. She felt both upset and worried but knew she couldn't stop Qiyu. Reluctantly, she stepped back, allowing space for Qiyu to leave.

"Stay here, don't wander off. I'll be right back," Qiyu instructed, squeezing through the crowd, drawing her Unpredictable Sword to its full length, and cautiously approaching the eerie flames.

"Wait, take this lamp!" Weixi called, grabbing a lantern from the terrified Qing'er and handing it to Qiyu.

Taking the lantern, Qiyu had barely taken a few steps when the ghostly flames flickered out, as if the cunning spirits had sensed her approach and vanished, prompting another round of screams from the girls. Some couldn't bear to look, others clung to each other in tears, afraid to be left alone and vulnerable to the ghosts.

"Qiyu!" Weixi called again, her worry evident. Yun Yi clutched her handkerchief tightly, her clothes damp with sweat from fear.

"It's alright! The flames just went out; don't be afraid!" Qiyu reassured, though her own heart raced. The closer she got, the more apprehensive she became. The sky was dark, and with the flames extinguished, a pungent smell filled the air, making even the rational side of her uneasy.

Stopping, Qiyu took a deep breath, holding up her sword and lantern, muttering to herself, "I know Xie Bian, I shouldn't be afraid of you little ghosts!" Bolstering her courage, she waited for the smoke from the flames to dissipate before stepping forward to the spot where the ghostly lights had appeared. Probing the ground with her sword, she found disturbed soil, not immediately visible unless specifically checked due to the ghost lights.

Frowning with a sense of foreboding, Qiyu placed the lantern down. Reluctant to damage her sword blade, she sheathed it and began digging with her hands. The further she dug, the heavier her heart grew, realizing the soil had been deliberately disturbed. After several digs, a piece of pale blue embroidered fabric emerged from the earth, causing Qiyu's eyes to widen. She unearthed a bit more and uncovered a decaying piece of flesh, recoiling in horror as she recognized it as a rotting arm, with white bones exposed in places. The stench hit her full force, making her scalp tingle with dread. She stood, retreating a few steps, overwhelmed by nausea and fear.

Seeing Qiyu's intense reaction, Weixi called out, "Qiyu? What's wrong?" She stepped forward, but was held back by Qing'er and Qu Ruocheng. Yun Yi, though more worried than scared, knew she was just a "friend" in the presence of Qiyu's true love and could do nothing.

Steadying herself, Qiyu quelled her urge to vomit, turning to scan the girls in pale blue jackets. Confirming her suspicion, she announced to the crowd, "Quick, notify the imperial envoy. Miss Wu... has been found!"

Her words hit like a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone into silence, followed by a surge of panic.

"What did you say?" Zhao Tianran pushed through the crowd. If she was found in the earth, then she was dead, wasn't she?! Unwilling to believe Qiyu, she rushed forward, intent on disproving her words.