Harmonious Coexistence

Inside the room, the man whom Gu Lan had knocked unconscious sat up slowly, propping himself on his hands. His voice was clear and alert, lacking the grogginess one would expect upon waking, indicating that he hadn't been knocked out at all.

As a result of the man's awakening, the lantern that had already been extinguished inside the room once again flickered to life. The firelight danced in the man's eyes, the compassion gradually fading as the flames consumed it. He gazed at Gu Lan calmly and sighed gently, his tone remaining gentle.

"Gu Lan, you're not a lost traveler. You're a dead person, and you're in cahoots with the ghosts here, aren't you? But none of this matters. I had initially wanted to let you go."

As he spoke, the man attempted to stand, but his legs lacked strength. He rotated his right wrist, conjuring a paper talisman in his hand. He spoke softly.

"To think you're collaborating with him, intentionally injuring me. Then I..."