TSFLIP Chapter 564

After hearing what You’er said, a chill ran down Fengguang’s spine. Her hair stood on end. If You’er hadn’t shown up that day, she might have been dragged into the water and become a scapegoat!

Si Jia, however, was far calmer. In his usual detached tone, he asked, “Why are you helping us?”

Logically speaking, if they died, You’er should be the one set free.

“I’m not helping you. I’m helping Sister Fengguang!” You’er looked up at her and said earnestly, “Sister Fengguang, if I’d lived to grow up, I’d be fifteen this year. Old enough to marry you.”

Fengguang: “…Marry me?”

“Yep! It was love at first sight,” You’er replied with all seriousness. “Sister Fengguang, in our next life, will you marry me?”

That was it. A sweet-faced little boy saying something so innocent and sincere—how was she supposed to resist? She barely managed to suppress the urge to squeal like a doting aunt. Heart full of warmth, she said, “Okay, in the next life then…”

But before she could finish, Si Jia cut in coldly, “Can the people of this town even reincarnate without finding a scapegoat first?”

If they couldn’t reincarnate, how could there even be a next life?

You’er shot him a fierce glare, but given his age and size, he couldn’t do much against someone older and taller than him.

“Ahem… anyway, maybe we should get back to the serious stuff,” Fengguang interjected, sensing the mood had turned weird and needing to break the silence.

You’er pressed his lips together, clearly reluctant, then said, “Sister Fengguang, before my mother and the others notice, I’ll take you out of here. I know the way.”

Fengguang glanced at Si Jia’s impassive face before turning to You’er. “Thank you, You’er. Please lead the way for us.”

It was daytime, and most of the townspeople only became active at night. Though the ghosts here weren’t afraid of sunlight, the world still followed the rhythm of day and night. Just like humans moved by day, for the dead, nighttime was their version of day.

So for You’er, moving around during the day was like humans staying up all night. Even the innkeeper, no matter how late he worked on the accounts, still needed rest. Taking advantage of the lull while he returned to his room to sleep, the three of them quietly slipped out of the inn.

Fengguang and Si Jia followed You’er through the streets, and before they knew it, they were approaching a wooded area. By the time they realized it, they were already standing on a shaded forest path.

You’er said, “The roads in this town never disappeared—they just can’t be seen by the living. If you keep walking this way, you’ll be able to leave. Sister Fengguang, I can’t go any farther with you. If I step outside the town, the mayor will sense it.”

The mayor—he was the same carriage driver who had brought Fengguang and Si Jia here.

Fengguang thanked him sincerely. “Thank you, You’er.”

“Sister Fengguang, once you leave, just don’t forget about me, okay?”

“Don’t worry,” she said with a smile, “I won’t forget you.”

Si Jia said coolly, “It’s getting late.”

Getting late, meaning it was almost time for the ghosts to come out.

Fengguang understood. She waved at You’er, “Then I’ll go now. I believe you’ll all find peace someday.”

“Mhm…” Though reluctant, You’er forced a smile. “Sister Fengguang, I’ll remember you forever.”

Si Jia said again, “Let’s go.”

Fengguang gave You’er one last look, then turned and walked with Si Jia toward the end of the forest path. As they walked, the trees thinned out. After they passed through a sudden mist, a fierce gust of wind and sand swept over them.

Fengguang turned back. The shaded path was gone. All she could see now was endless yellow sand. She stood frozen for a long moment, then tugged on Si Jia’s hand and asked, “Where… where are we?”

He answered indifferently, “The desert.”

A desert—one full of hidden dangers.