[QT] The Villains Are All My Reserve Food - Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Ghost King 9

Su Tang clung to Xie Yu, his body trembling slightly, his face buried in the crook of Xie Yu’s neck. Tears soaked Xie Yu’s collar.

When Su Tang had been beating the ghost pretending to be Xie Yu, his anger had distracted him from his fear. But when the crimson Skeleton suddenly appeared, it was entirely different. The ghost radiated a bone-chilling Yin energy, its entire being steeped in malevolent intent and a thick, bloody stench, hinting at the countless lives it had claimed.

The ghost vine, wreathed in dark miasma, bound Su Tang and Yang Dong so tightly that their struggles were futile. When the Blood Skeleton approached, the sight of its crimson, terrifying frame up close sent shivers down Su Tang’s spine. And the Blood Skeleton still intended to skin them alive to make clothes.

Just hearing those horrifying words made Su Tang’s scalp tingle and his fingertips turn icy.

Enveloped by terror, Su Tang trembled uncontrollably. His thoughts kept returning to Xie Yu. If he died, he would never see Xie Yu again. He had only been in this world for a few days—he didn’t want to die.

Fortunately, Xie Yu had arrived just in time.

The ghost vine shattered, and Su Tang fell into Xie Yu’s arms, finally feeling safe.

Xie Yu swiftly dealt with the Blood Skeleton, cradling Su Tang and murmuring soothing words. Seeing how terrified he was, Xie Yu’s heart ached with pity. For a moment, he even regretted making the Skeleton vanish so easily; he should have tortured it properly.

As the Blood Skeleton’s ashes scattered in the wind, an ancient bronze key materialized on the ground. Its archaic shape and intricate carvings radiated an aura of mystery.

This was the Gate Key, the key players needed to clear the game and escape this place.

The Blood Skeleton had guarded the key, killing anyone who tried to take it. It slaughtered at will, even flaying its victims to make clothing.

But now, because it had nearly killed Su Tang, Xie Yu, consumed by rage, had simply erased it from existence.

The key so many had desperately sought lay carelessly on the ground, half-hidden in the tall grass.

Xie Yu paid it no attention. His eyes were fixed on Su Tang, who was silently weeping from fear. He stroked Su Tang’s back, soothing him like a frightened animal, then kissed his face, licking away the tears at the corner of his eyes.

His tenderness and patience were astonishing.

Yang Dong, standing nearby, was utterly stunned.

He had never been optimistic about Su Tang’s relationship with the Ghost King. He always felt the Ghost King was too dangerous. Su Tang possessed extraordinary strength, but against the Ghost King’s overwhelming Yin energy, what chance did he stand? He was like a fish on a chopping board, utterly at the Ghost King’s mercy.

Xie Yu was too powerful, a Ghost King, while Su Tang was merely human. The gap between them was vast—in personality, strength, lifespan, and every other aspect. Su Tang was bound to be at a disadvantage.

For now, Xie Yu seemed to adore Su Tang and treated him well. But who could predict the future? If Xie Yu ever lost his temper, it wouldn’t be mere human violence. The Ghost King’s power was terrifying; Su Tang could be annihilated in an instant.

Yet Su Tang had so easily decided to stay here, abandoning the search for the Gate Key and giving up on returning to the real world. Yang Dong thought it was utterly foolish.

Despite this, as Yang Dong watched them now, his feelings were complex. If he had to describe it, he’d say he was being force-fed so much dog food that he was about to burst.

If someone who didn’t know Su Tang and Xie Yu, someone unaware of their identities, were to witness this scene, they would undoubtedly find it utterly romantic and beautiful.

A tall, handsome man cradling a soft, adorable girl in his arms, whispering comforting words—it was clear he held her dear. They looked like a perfect match.

This only made Yang Dong, sitting alone in the graveyard, appear even more pitiful and miserable, desperate to find his own husband.

After coaxing Su Tang for a while and seeing that he was no longer so frightened, Xie Yu waved his hand, and the Gate Key teleported into his palm. Turning to Yang Dong, he said, “It’s already dawn. You won’t be able to get the key now. You should leave.”

Yang Dong glanced at the faint light breaking on the horizon and sighed. They had been toyed with by the ghosts’ magic in the Mass Grave, never even catching a glimpse of the key. Their progress was painfully slow.

If even the Ghost King said it was hopeless tonight, they had no choice but to leave the Mass Grave and return after midnight.

With that, Xie Yu turned and walked away, still holding Su Tang in his arms.

Before leaving, Xie Yu tossed the Gate Key to the red-clothed female ghost. She was combing her hair, her head cradled in her arms, when the key suddenly landed in her lap, startling her so badly she nearly dropped her own head.

When the ghost realized what it was, she was overjoyed.

Isn’t this the Gate Key all the players have been searching for? Now that it’s in my hands, they’ll come crawling to me. And when they do, I’ll kill every last one of those dog men!

The head in her lap lifted, revealing that the key had been thrown by the male player she had nearly killed earlier. But how could a player get the key and then throw it to a ghost? Has he lost his mind?!

The red-clothed female ghost examined Xie Yu more closely and finally noticed the lingering Yin energy radiating from him, a faint aura that carried the terrifying presence of the Ghost King.

The red-clothed female ghost was stunned to discover the Ghost King’s true form. And I even cursed him as a scumbag and a dog man, and tried to kill him! She couldn’t help but admire her own audacity.

Trembling with awe and excitement, she clutched the key tightly and knelt before Xie Yu, paying homage to the Ghost King. Yet the head in her arms kept its eyes fixed intently on Su Tang.

It was clear that the female ghost hadn’t given up on her desire to abduct the adorable young man and take him home.

Even though he was the Ghost King—powerful and formidable—he was still a man, a scumbag unworthy of being with such a lovely boy!

Xie Yu keenly sensed the intense covetousness in the female ghost’s eyes. He immediately pulled Su Tang closer, tightening his embrace. Simultaneously, a surge of dark energy shot toward the ghost, instantly severing both her arms and sending her head tumbling to the ground.

Then, Xie Yu turned and left without a backward glance.

The female ghost could only silently channel her faint Yin energy, gradually reattaching her severed limbs. Unlike humans, ghosts lack a fully corporeal form, being composed entirely of Yin energy. Thus, even if their limbs are severed, they can be reattached using Yin energy. However, a ghost’s Yin energy is finite; the less they have, the weaker they become. If their Yin energy dwindles too much, they risk complete annihilation.

Fortunately, the red-clothed female ghost still possessed a relatively strong reserve of Yin energy, more than enough to reattach both her arms.

As Xie Yu carried Tangtang out of the Mass Grave, the two Qiongqi, intelligent and obedient as ever, swooped down to retrieve their master.

The two Qiongqi crouched on the ground, waiting for Xie Yu to mount them before flying back to the Divine Temple.

Xie Yu settled onto the back of one Qiongqi, leaving the other feeling somewhat dejected, as if it were less valued by its master. Its eyes remained fixed on Su Tang, brimming with the unspoken hope that Su Tang would choose to ride it.

But Su Tang showed no reaction. Before he could, Xie Yu pressed Su Tang against his chest, shot a cold glance at the Qiongqi, and commanded, “Go.”

Almost as soon as the words left his lips, the two Qiongqi rose to their feet, spread their massive wings, and soared into the sky.

Their wings, when fully extended, seemed capable of blotting out the sun and moon.

Before long, they had returned to the Divine Temple.

The Qiongqi crouched low to allow Xie Yu to dismount. As they watched Xie Yu carry Su Tang’s limp form through the temple gates, the doors closed behind them, and the two Qiongqi transformed back into the stone statues guarding the temple entrance.

Xie Yu gently laid Tangtang on the couch and whispered, “Tangtang, would you like to take a bath? A good sleep will make you feel better.”

Su Tang’s face still bore faint tear tracks, the corners of his eyes red. After a few seconds of consideration, he nodded obediently in agreement.

Xie Yu immediately gestured for preparations to begin.

Su Tang, his head lowered, didn’t notice. When Xie Yu moved to carry him to the hot spring behind the Divine Temple, Su Tang looked up and saw the Skeleton standing nearby with their clothes. He startled, shuddering involuntarily, and instinctively clutched Xie Yu’s robes, burying his face in his chest like an ostrich, as if not seeing the ghost would make it disappear.

The Skeleton, holding their fresh clothes, noticed Su Tang’s fear. A hint of disappointment and hurt seemed to flicker in its dark, hollow eyes.

Tangtang doesn’t like me…

Waaah QAQ

This Skeleton ghost was the one whose head Su Tang had punched off in fright the first time he was grabbed. Ever since then, the Skeleton had developed a fondness for Su Tang.

Because Su Tang was the human favored by Lord Ghost King, and because he was so handsome, and because after being punched, the Ghost King would reward the Skeleton with a bit of Yin energy, the little ghost adored Su Tang. He even secretly wished Su Tang would punch his skull off a few more times.

But Su Tang was afraid of him and didn’t want to see him.

Heartbroken, the Skeleton retreated into its shell. It silently set down the clothes, lowered its head, and shuffled dejectedly out of the Divine Temple, shoulders slumped in despair.

Throughout this time, Su Tang kept his head lowered, too afraid to look up. It wasn’t until Xie Yu carried him into the hot spring and began to undress him that Su Tang snapped back to his senses, hastily insisting he could do it himself.

Xie Yu feigned disappointment. “I could help Tangtang,” he said. “Aren’t you feeling down? I’ll take care of everything for you.”

Su Tang’s ears flushed slightly as he shook his head. “I was just startled by the ghost,” he mumbled. “My hands are fine. I can wash myself. You… you should go out now.”

Xie Yu refused to budge, still holding Su Tang close. When Su Tang struggled, Xie Yu deliberately lowered his voice. “But if I leave, you’ll be all alone in this huge bath. Won’t Tangtang be scared?”

Su Tang froze, his mind instantly conjuring images of ghosts lurking in bathrooms. His attempts to push Xie Yu away abruptly transformed into a desperate clinging, as if he wanted to shrink into a tiny ball and hide in Xie Yu’s pocket.

Clutching Xie Yu’s lapels tightly, Su Tang lowered his head, trembling slightly, and pressed himself almost flush against Xie Yu’s chest, too afraid to move.

Realizing he had gone too far, a flicker of regret flashed in Xie Yu’s eyes. He placed a hand on Su Tang’s back, gently stroking it as he murmured, “It’s okay, Tangtang. Don’t be scared. The ghost won’t come here.”

But Su Tang’s mind was already flooded with images from horror movies. How could he dare to be alone? He clung to Xie Yu like a lifeline, whispering, “You’re not allowed to leave. You have to stand here and watch me shower.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Su Tang realized how awkward and strange they sounded.

His face flushed crimson, and he quickly corrected himself, “…You should shower with me!”

Though this was still a bit much, it was better than Xie Yu just watching from the side. That would be too embarrassing; he’d never be able to wash properly.

Xie Yu, of course, noticed Su Tang’s burning red ears and found them utterly adorable. He couldn’t resist reaching out to pinch one gently. They were scalding hot, radiating a comforting warmth.

Su Tang’s ears, already flushed with embarrassment, suddenly felt Xie Yu’s cool hand against them. He let out a soft, involuntary moan of pleasure, which only deepened his shame. As if jolted by electricity, he recoiled, covering his crimson ear with his hand. His eyes widened as he glared fiercely, “Don’t touch my ears!”

Xie Yu grinned mischievously, ignoring the warning. Instead of withdrawing his hand, he tightened his embrace, touching not only Su Tang’s ear but many other places as well…

Su Tang could only collapse limply into Xie Yu’s arms, gasping for breath. Now, not just his ears and face were flushed crimson, but his neck as well, and a single tear was forced from the corner of his reddened eye.

In the end, Su Tang didn’t have the strength to bathe himself. He had to let Xie Yu carry him into the warm bath. As soon as Su Tang realized the ghost’s mischievous intentions hadn’t waned, he tried to struggle free and sit to the side, but Xie Yu, who had anticipated this, pulled him back into his arms, pressing him even closer until there wasn’t a sliver of space between them.

Su Tang’s waist instantly tensed, arching into a seductive curve. His skin glowed with a faint flush, sparking endless fantasies.

He whimpered softly, burying his face in Xie Yu’s shoulder, his face burning crimson, his sobs pitiful.

When they finally finished bathing and emerged from the tub, Xie Yu carried Su Tang to the bed. He nestled into the soft blankets, curled up like a bright red, boiled shrimp, faint tear tracks still visible on his cheeks.

Seeing the marks on Su Tang’s body, Xie Yu realized he might have gone too far.

Sure enough, Su Tang was furious. He turned his back, sticking out his bottom, his entire posture radiating a sulky refusal to look at Xie Yu.

Xie Yu knew he was in the wrong. Su Tang had been so irresistibly adorable earlier that he had lost control.

He leaned down and pulled Su Tang into his arms, coaxing him softly, admitting his mistake and excessive behavior. But as he spoke, his tone shifted, and he found himself arguing that it wasn’t so bad after all. “This way, Tangtang won’t have time to think about other things, and he won’t be scared, right?”

Even if that’s true, does that excuse your behavior?!

Su Tang bristled, whirling around to glare at him before turning his back again. After a moment’s thought, he warily rolled to the far side of the bed, facing the wall with his rear, his eyes fixed vigilantly on the perverted ghost before him.

Xie Yu saw through his defensive posture, feeling both irritated and amused. “Does Tangtang think I’d do it again? Am I some kind of beast?”

Su Tang, his small face flushed crimson, shook his head solemnly. “You’re not.”

Xie Yu was about to nod in agreement—Exactly!

But Su Tang immediately added with earnest conviction, “You’re even worse than a beast.”

Xie Yu: “……”

For a moment, he was speechless.

Su Tang glared at him, his voice fierce. “Do you think I’m being unfair? Just think about what you did! I told you not to beep beep beep, but you kept beep beep beeping! Then you beep beep beeped even more, and by the end, even when I was beep beep beeping, you still beep beep beeped—”

After hearing this lengthy tirade, Xie Yu felt even more guilty. He reached out to hug Su Tang, hoping to coax him with apologies, but Su Tang slapped his hand away. “I’m angry,” he huffed, “you’re not allowed to touch me.”

What if I forget I’m angry after being hugged and coaxed?

To emphasize his anger, Su Tang drew a line down the middle of the blanket with his hand. “Xie Yu, you can’t cross this line,” he warned. “If you do, I’ll hit you. And I hit hard—even ghosts feel it. You should know that by now.”

Xie Yu pursed his lips, deliberately adopting a slightly aggrieved expression. Normally, Su Tang would rush to comfort him, but this was angry Su Tang—a Su Tang who wouldn’t give him the time of day!

“I’m going to sleep now,” Su Tang said stiffly. “Don’t talk to me.”

Xie Yu maintained his pitiful expression, trying to pull Su Tang into a hug. But each time he moved, Su Tang pushed him away. After three attempts, a red mark appeared on the back of Xie Yu’s hand—a testament to Su Tang’s wrath.

Su Tang curled up in the blanket and closed his eyes, feigning sleep.

Once Su Tang had drifted off, Xie Yu listened to his slow, even breathing. He gently moved closer and pulled Su Tang into his arms, his movements cautious as if afraid of waking him. It was as if he were cradling an irreplaceable treasure, terrified that even the slightest pressure might shatter it.

Only by holding Su Tang in his arms could Xie Yu fill the void in his heart and find peace. He gazed at the sleeping figure in his embrace, his eyes impossibly gentle, bearing no trace of the Ghost King he was supposed to be.

When he sensed Su Tang might awaken soon, Xie Yu gently released him, pretending nothing had happened.

Su Tang’s eyelashes fluttered slightly as he slowly opened his eyes, still half-asleep and groggy. He stared blankly at Xie Yu for a long moment before remembering he was supposed to be angry.

His expression immediately hardened, conveying, I’m still mad.

A nap won’t make me forget.

Xie Yu lowered his gaze, a faint shadow of sadness and disappointment crossing his face. He turned to get out of bed and dress, placing Su Tang’s clothes on the bed as well. “Tangtang, do you need any help?” he asked.

Su Tang’s limbs still felt a little sore, but he glanced at Xie Yu, shook his head, and quickly dressed himself.

Xie Yu let out an exaggerated sigh, feigning hurt.

Su Tang: “……”

Su Tang shot him a glance, his lips pressed into a tight line, his brow furrowed in thought, as if wrestling with some inner conflict.

Then, he sat on the bed and opened his arms toward Xie Yu.

Xie Yu, still feigning pitifulness, was taken aback and momentarily forgot to react.

Thinking he hadn’t understood, Su Tang’s ears flushed red as he awkwardly said, “I’m done being mad. Carry me to brush my teeth.”

Xie Yu couldn’t help but chuckle. His already handsome features became even more captivating with that smile, radiating a charm that could topple nations.

Su Tang’s face burned crimson as he lowered his head. Xie Yu scooped him up, cradling him like a child in the crook of his arm.

Su Tang’s blush deepened, feeling like a spoiled brat.

The walk to the bathroom was only a few steps, but he still stretched out his arms, wanting Xie Yu to carry him. He could have walked himself, but he needed an excuse to break the tension from their earlier argument.

Though it seemed a bit melodramatic, Su Tang couldn’t deny the sweet warmth that flooded his heart as he wrapped his arms around Xie Yu’s neck and rested his head on his shoulder. It felt like drinking an entire jar of honey—cloyingly sweet.

After brushing their teeth, they were surprised to find the table completely empty, with no food in sight.

Su Tang instinctively glanced at Xie Yu beside him.

Xie Yu smiled and said, “I had them set up a market with lots of delicious food. Would Tangtang like to try some?”

Su Tang nodded eagerly, like a chick pecking at grain.

Xie Yu extended his hand, his smile gentle. “Shall I carry Tangtang there?”

Su Tang’s face flushed crimson, and he shook his head vigorously.

So many people… ghosts… outside! Absolutely not! It’s too embarrassing!

Come to think of it, how many ghosts had seen Xie Yu carrying him back last night?

The thought made Su Tang’s embarrassment deepen.

Xie Yu, however, remained unfazed. As the Ghost King, he couldn’t care less about the opinions of lesser ghosts. He would do as he pleased, finding nothing shameful in his actions. When Su Tang refused, Xie Yu wore an expression of genuine regret.

After a few more attempts to persuade him failed, Xie Yu reluctantly took Su Tang’s hand and led him out into the street.

The market in the Ancient Town resembled scenes from historical dramas, yet it also blended in modern elements, creating a fusion of ancient and contemporary atmospheres.

Stretching down the street was a dazzling array of delicious snacks.

Jianbing guozi, shouzhuabing, grilled cold noodles, oden, wontons, crab shell pastries, pan-fried buns, spring rolls, donkey rolls, roujiamo, shrimp wontons, candied hawthorns… and so much more—too much to list!

The stall owners, both men and women, were incredibly enthusiastic, like the aunties in a university canteen, waving and calling out “Handsome young man! Beautiful young lady! Come and eat!”

Su Tang sampled a small portion from each stall, but the sheer variety quickly filled him up.

He patted his stomach, burped, and admitted defeat: “I can’t eat another bite. I’ve already eaten my next meal’s portion.”

Even so, he’d barely scratched the surface of what was available, a fact that left him deeply regretful.

Su Tang licked his lips, still craving more, his eyes lingering on the stalls he hadn’t yet visited.

Xie Yu noticed and chuckled, “If Tangtang likes it, we can have them hold a market every day. They have nothing else to do during the day anyway.”

Su Tang blinked, tempted by the idea, but daily snacking wouldn’t be healthy, and it would be too much trouble for the ghosts. He shook his head.

Xie Yu suggested, “Then let’s hold it every few days.”

Turning to the stall owners, he asked, “Do you want to have a market?”

The stall owners nodded vigorously, nearly shaking their heads off, desperately signaling their eagerness to hold a market.

They had all worked in this industry in their previous lives and genuinely enjoyed cooking. A bustling market would be ideal, but the Ghost King’s orders weighed heavily on them. His oppressive aura was overwhelming.

After observing for a while, Su Tang realized they weren’t unwilling to participate, just terrified of Xie Yu. He couldn’t help but chuckle.

Su Tang feared the ghosts, who in turn feared Xie Yu, yet Su Tang dared to throw tantrums at Xie Yu. In a way, Xie Yu was afraid of him. It was a truly amusing cycle.

Su Tang lowered his head, covering his mouth with his fist to stifle his laughter, and coughed lightly.

Just then, he noticed his hand had turned transparent. He could see the ground through his fingers.

Su Tang froze, blinked a few times, and looked again. His hand had returned to normal.

He even pinched the hand that had briefly turned transparent—it felt solid.

So… had he just imagined it?