Born because of you

iao! Get your butt upstairs and get dressed!"Okay, okay, Xiao Qiao has always been raised at home. Isn't that because my father and I are two rough men who don't know how to take care of a child Or ma..."How would I know you were prepared! You didn't tell me in advance—and with this terrifying and eerie situation, how could I possibly sit still inside I definitely would have—"

"You'd definitely run to your senior brothers and sisters for cuddles, wouldn't you" Mu Wanchen frowned. "I still have to protect even them so you can stay honestly in the room."

This... This isn't gibberish, is it!

I was going to say something cheeky, but I held back—we don't know the situation yet. Let's just stay quiet for now and "argue" later when it's safe!

He pulled on my wrist and stood by the window, looking down. The white ghost that had rolled into the courtyard was gone, leaving only charred paper ash. Because there wasn't a breath of wind, the ashes lay still on the ground.

"What kind of magic is this I heard that monster pacing around my house, and then it just phased through the wall into the yard..."

"This isn't ordinary paper cutting, this is a zhazhi paper person... used when sending spirits." Mu Wanchen frowned slightly.

I pondered for a moment and asked, "You mean those paper figures like paper men and horses, golden boys and jade girls, that are burned and sent to the underworld"

Mu Wanchen nodded: "Raising gu and refining souls is something that witch doctors often do. It can be used for good or evil."

He pointed to the door of the room, then to the cushions on the tatami mat outside, the gaps in the sliding screens, the window frames, and even the top of the three-dimensional bathtub.

"I've placed talismans in these places. If you feel something is amiss, stay quietly in the room and don't go out or let anyone in. I'll be there soon." He instructed.

"Also, be sure to carry fire talismans for protection, paper effigies as substitutes, and needles for sealing spirits."

"Oh…" I nodded.

He raised his hand and wiped away the tears on my cheeks with his fingertips, sighing: “...I now understand what Master meant when he said that Mu Xiaoqiao was a worry.”

"Well, less worry for you then," I replied.

He let out a long sigh and nodded. "You're right, you care about your family, it's impossible for you to just sit idly by. It's human nature."

"Then what happened to my house Where did all my senior and junior brothers and sisters go Every room is empty, the whole house is silent, it's like a haunted house!" I exclaimed excitedly.

That kind of desperation to seek help, only to open the door and see a strangely empty and silent room, this mental torture is indescribable.

"Don't get startled, you'll stimulate the Female Gu and your stomach will hurt again," Mu Wanchen frowned, pulling me closer with one hand.

I pulled at his clothes, wiping my tears and snot onto them.

At times like these, a hug is more valuable than any words. I would burrow into it, not even wanting to lift my head, and let the world outside be whatever it may—ghosts, demons, vengeful spirits—I'd just be an ostrich for once.

Mu Wanchen didn't push me away. One hand held my shoulder, pressing me against him.

"Sometimes, sorcery is about fooling you, blurring the line between fantasy and reality, so it can control your mind." He said this as he pulled out a few talismans.

The azure flame quietly consumed the talisman. Halfway through, he flung the paper outward, and several wisps of eerie fire immediately ignited at the four corners of my courtyard.

The deathly silence that permeated the courtyard seemed to vanish like a canvas being unfurled. Mu Wanchen followed suit, dispelling the darkness outside my front and side doors with several large talismans.

“Doors are particularly significant in Feng Shui and magic… they are the entrance and exit for all creatures, spirits, and energies. Even if you can climb over walls, ‘doors’ and ‘windows’ themselves are the conduits of energy flow. If you notice something amiss outside your door or window, be immediately alert,” he patiently explained.

I nodded. "…So this time, who came at me again"

Mu Wanchen let out a soft sigh and shook his head. "Though it's said to be for you, in truth, it all stems from me."

There was a hint of guilt in his words. I muttered an answer, heavy with resentment, against his chest: “I’m not afraid, but what about my family How will they be affected…”

Mu Wanchen frowned slightly: "This is just a spatial illusion, the manipulator behind it isn't that powerful yet to take away all the living people in an entire house."

Uh Hearing him say this...

"Do you know who's behind this Isn't that old monster trying to get rid of me" I asked, looking up.

At this time, the black mist outside the courtyard and the house dissipated. Several lit areas in my courtyard were once again illuminated.

“It wasn't that old monster. If he had the chance, he would have taken you away long ago. How could he let you run around here leisurely”

Looking up at him from such close proximity, his eyes through the veil of silk flickered with an emotion I couldn't decipher.

I was inexplicably feeling a bit agitated. He turned his head and lowered his gaze, asking, "What's wrong"

“You… You can…”

"What"

"When you're with me, could you please not wear the mask" I looked up and asked, a little frustrated as I tugged at my hair. "Always wearing it makes it hard for me to guess your emotions. It's impossible to tell what you're feeling!"

"Why are you always covering your face like that! Do you plan on staying this way forever, not even letting me see your face I'm not curious about the dragon scale mark—I've even seen dragons before!"

I angrily vented my emotions onto him. He listened, slightly stunned, and after I was finished, he took a small step back before leaning in closer to my face.

"...You can take it off yourself, but..." he said in a low voice.

I immediately reached out and pulled the strap from behind his head. It felt like undressing a young girl, my heart was both nervous and anticipating.

I've only seen him once. After that, though I could see his eyes and gaze clearly up close through a thin veil, I always felt...like there was something in between us.

"But what" I whispered, taking down his mask.

His brows were as serene and far-reaching as mountain ranges, his eyes deep and profound like the night sky, with a hint of ethereal, almost hidden blue within their depths.

He closed his eyes slightly, and when I took the mask away, he tightened his arms around me.

His lips grazed his temple and earlobe.

After the tension and fear, embracing a warm and solid body, with a feeling of indifference to everything, just wanting to indulge in this atmosphere.

"You can take it whenever you want, but there's a price to pay." He whispered in my ear, his voice laced with lament.

"Mmm...what" His arm tightened around me, and I could only straighten my back to press closer, easing the pressure on my breath.

He tilted his head slightly and gently brushed my lips with his.

Before the kiss came, I vaguely heard his soft sigh.

"When will you be willing to get married, my little princess…" his arms!Mu Wanchen jumped down right after me, nervously looking at me with a tense grip."Did you fall" he asked, frowning."No... My father just got hit by me." I wiped the cold sweat from my head.M...