Chapter 105: Life Exchange (1 / 2)

Yuan Beitang's words nearly scared me to death—marry a cat?!This wasn't a joke. That black cat was actually dressed in red wedding robes, its fur freshly groomed and gleaming, and its pale yellow eyes calmly scanning me up and down. It wasn't just looking at me—it was judging me.

Jiang Shiyu was completely confused. "What's going on? Why a black cat? Why the funeral hall?"

But I was beginning to get it.I took a few steps toward the bedroom. Where the bed used to be, there was now a large wooden chest. Aside from that anomaly, the room was decorated like a wedding chamber.

A chill ran through me, but also a dawning understanding.I stepped back into the living room. Jiang Shiyu was still pestering Yuan Beitang for an explanation.

Yuan gently stroked the black cat's back and said,"Roosters are pure yang. This black cat is pure yin. Since you're a yin-constitution person, I'll let the cat go to the underworld in your place."

Jiang Shiyu was still confused and wanted to ask more, but I tugged her sleeve.

I knew what he meant.

In folk belief, roosters are sacred—they herald the sun and repel evil. Roosters are often used in ceremonies, both red and white (weddings and funerals), and sometimes even to substitute for male spirits in rituals.

But the ultimate yin creature—is the black cat. Cats are spiritual by nature. Legends say they can pass between worlds.

Jiang Shiyu's mother wiped her tears and said,"Child, just listen to the master. If anything happened to you… how would your father and I go on?"

Jiang Shiyu nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Mom. I just didn't understand earlier. But now… I remember everything. When I went out with Dabaobao today, everything came back."

At that, her mother broke down and hugged her tightly.

Yuan Beitang came over and nudged me with his elbow. "Ran into them, didn't you?"

"How'd you know?" I asked.

He pointed at my shoulder. "You're injured. I have some medicine—use it later."

That only deepened my awe for the man. My injury was spiritual, with no physical signs, yet he noticed it instantly. This guy was beyond seasoned—he was formidable.

Then he explained: he had set up the funeral hall to fool the Yin officials, to make them think Jiang Shiyu was already dead. But it wouldn't end there. He warned me:

"Tonight, the Underworld will send someone. Guaranteed."

He handed me a Celestial Master Token and said,"Once the wedding's over, we've got more business to handle."

I understood.The black cat might temporarily replace Jiang Shiyu in the underworld, but the moment it reached Fengdu City, the disguise would fail. This wouldn't end easily.

Yuan gathered everyone in front of the wooden chest. He said:

"Shiyu, you'll lie in here. Tie your finger to the cat's with red string, then cover the box with a red cloth. And don't make a sound."

Jiang Shiyu nodded, worriedly glancing at me."Dabao, be careful."

I nodded back. From Yuan's tone, I knew this wasn't going to be simple.After all, this wasn't just any girl we were hiding—she was a companion to Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Then Yuan gave specific instructions:

"Mother, watch the oil lamp. Father, burn spirit money. You must keep it burning until dawn. If it goes out… you'll never see your daughter again."

He handed a willow-branch whip to Jiang Shiyu's father."If the Yin officials manage to drag her into Fengdu, they'll realize the trick. They'll get angry and take revenge on you both. This lamp is your daughter's soul light. Even if you have to risk your life, don't let any ghosts break it."

Her father clenched his teeth and swore he'd protect the lamp, even if it killed him.The air grew tense and solemn.

I turned to Yuan and asked,"Master Yuan, what about me? I'm not just here to bow and leave, right?"

"You've got work to do too," he said, pointing toward the bedroom."But first… go get married. Time's running out."

Jiang Shiyu looked at me hesitantly.I thought she was scared, so I tried to comfort her.

"Don't worry. You'll be okay."

"No… that's not it." She shook her head repeatedly. That puzzled me.

Then she pointed at the cat and said helplessly:"You're marrying her. What am I supposed to do?"

...

I slapped my own forehead.

"Come on, really? Just lie down and take a nap. Tomorrow everything will be fine. It's a cat, not a real wife—what are you jealous of?"

"I'm not jealous! Shameless jerk."She huffed and climbed into the box, tying the red string carefully.

I shrugged and turned to face my "bride.""Let's go, wife. Time to get married."

The black cat rolled its eyes—yes, rolled its eyes—like a human.

I forced a smile."What, I'm not good enough for you?"

Then I went to clean up and changed into a traditional groom's outfit—an ancient-style red robe like a local landlord.

Yuan Beitang said solemnly from behind:

"It's time."