A wise man does not fight what is before him; it's best not to provoke this person for now.
We'll settle the score later, after we leave!
The white-robed ghost official standing nearby remained silent, clearly agreeing with his partner's thoughts.
Being alive is more important than anything!
Although Yu Daochen knew what the two ghosts were thinking, he didn't say much.
After all, he was the one with the stronger fist and wasn't truly afraid of them making any underhanded moves behind his back.
Inside the room, Yu Yijun, held by Feng Ru, heard no further commotion outside and closed her eyes to sleep again.
Outside the villa, Yu Daochen looked at the two ghost officials, cupped his hands in a salute, and said with a smile, "My apologies for the offense just now. I hope the two ghost officials will forgive me."
Seeing Yu Daochen's exceptionally good attitude, the two ghost officials were slightly surprised.
The black-robed ghost official reacted first, waving his hand and smiling, "This fellow Daoist need not be so polite."
This young man was much stronger than them, yet he still showed them, two ghosts, ample respect.
Since he was offering them a way down, they had to take it.
Seeing that the two ghosts were easy to talk to, Yu Daochen inquired, "May I ask why the two esteemed ghost officials have come this time?"
The black-robed ghost official replied, "The woman in the room has reached the end of her lifespan. We two ghosts are here to escort her soul back to the underworld."
Upon hearing this, Yu Daochen's brow furrowed.
He knew these two were here to take Feng Ru's soul, but it didn't make sense.
According to the赊刀人 (She Dao Ren), after his sister defied fate, she should have lived until she was twenty-seven.
But now, his sister was only twenty-six, with a full year of life remaining.
Why the sudden change?
Yu Daochen, with a smile on his face, began to explain, "Esteemed ghost officials, the person inside is my elder sister. I hope you two can take a closer look and see if there has been a mistake."
The black and white ghost officials exchanged glances, then simultaneously looked at Yu Daochen.
The white-robed ghost official shook his head and affirmed, "Impossible. The lists distributed from above rarely have errors. Even if there were a mistake, we wouldn't know. Upon returning to the underworld, officials will conduct a thorough review."
"This..."
Yu Daochen appeared somewhat troubled.
The black-robed ghost official beside him pinched his partner's lower back fiercely.
The white-robed ghost official yelped in pain, looking resentfully at his companion.
The black-robed ghost official shot him an annoyed glance, then turned back to Yu Daochen and said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist, I've already checked. The name on the list is indeed your sister's. As for whether it's a mistake, honestly, I don't know. If there's an error, it would only be from the people above. However, I can help you inquire carefully once we return to the underworld."
Yu Daochen remained silent, but he already had his answer.
Since they hadn't made a mistake in identifying the person, the only possibility was that his sister had reached the end of her lifespan.
But why would this be the case?
Could it be... that my arrival has altered Feng Ru's original fate?
Seeing Yu Daochen's silence, the black-robed ghost official sensed trouble.
Judging by his demeanor, it seemed unlikely they would be able to escort the woman away today.
As expected, Yu Daochen cupped his hands in a salute and slowly said, "Esteemed ghost officials, could you grant me some time today?"
Upon hearing this, the black and white ghost officials exchanged glances, then looked somewhat troubled.
If it were in the past, they might have granted him a few days as a favor.
But Feng Ru's lifespan had already exceeded seven days. If they didn't escort her soul back soon, their official hats would truly be in jeopardy.
The black-robed ghost official spoke truthfully, "Fellow Daoist, let me be frank. Your sister's lifespan actually expired more than seven days ago. We truly dare not grant you any more time, and we hope for your understanding."
Hearing this, Yu Daochen's expression turned grim.
This black-robed ghost official was indeed smooth-talking, and his words were likely not a fabrication.
"I understand your predicament, esteemed ghost officials, but she is my elder sister after all. I hope you can be accommodating."
Yu Daochen took out a wooden token from his pocket and continued, "Of course, I won't put you two in a difficult position."
Looking at the token in Yu Daochen's hand, the two ghost officials immediately recognized it.
This was General Huo's token!
Seeing that they recognized it, Yu Daochen added, "I am an old acquaintance of General Huo, and I also know Lord Seven and Lord Eight. Please convey to Lord Seven and Lord Eight that they should allow Feng Ru's soul to remain for a few more days."
Upon hearing this, the black-robed ghost official's face broke into a smile. He immediately nodded and said, "Since Fellow Daoist knows General Huo, this matter is much easier to handle. I will personally speak to Lord Seven when we return to the underworld."
Although he wasn't sure if this fellow truly knew Lord Seven and Lord Eight, his being an acquaintance of General Huo was undeniable.
After all, General Huo's token was not given away lightly.
Seeing the black-robed ghost official agree, Yu Daochen cupped his hands in a salute and thanked them, "Thank you, esteemed ghost officials, for your understanding. I will burn more spirit money for you two tomorrow."
"Alright."
The white-robed ghost official nodded in agreement.
But in the next second, his companion slapped him on the back of the head.
The white-robed ghost official looked wronged and bewildered.
Why am I being hit again? You usually accept everything.
What's going on today?
The black-robed ghost official offered no explanation, instead looking at Yu Daochen, waving his hand and smiling, "Fellow Daoist is a friend of General Huo. Helping you with a small matter is only right."
Yu Daochen understood why the black-robed ghost official refused the money.
They were afraid he would cause trouble for them.
Although they weren't under Old Huo's jurisdiction, it would only take a word from him to ruin them.
However, matters that could be solved with money were not matters at all.
Yu Daochen immediately smiled and said, "Ghost officials' income is not high; they rely on extra income. This matter of mine is rather special. Besides Lord Seven, I hope you two will not mention this to anyone. You must accept this money."
In truth, this was just to reassure them to accept the money.
As for whether they would tell others, well... did they dare?
Hearing this, the black-robed ghost official nodded and said with a smile, "Then we shall trouble Fellow Daoist for the expense. We will accept it shamelessly."
Indeed, dealing with intelligent people was pleasant.
His intentions were understood, and the matter was handled perfectly.
Who wouldn't want to deal with such a person?
"Leave this matter to me. We won't disturb you further."
The black-robed ghost official cupped his hands and prepared to leave.
Yu Daochen bowed in salute, "Then I'll trouble the two ghost officials to be a little more diligent."
"Mm."
The two ghosts nodded, then transformed into wisps of smoke and drifted away.
Watching the two ghost officials depart, Yu Daochen finally let out a long sigh of relief.
He would still inform Lord Seven and Lord Eight about this matter later and prepare a table of offerings.
After all, accepting favors meant reciprocating. If you asked for help, you had to show sincerity.
Then, he would burn some spirit money for the two ghost officials.
With that, the matter would be basically settled.