Journey Through Realms: Fulfilling Last Wishes

Chapter 12: The Innocent Little Lotus of the Demon Sect

“Why are you carrying her like that? Is something wrong with her legs?” Asked the guard at the city gate, eyeing Shen Yu and An Ran suspiciously as they walked in with Shen Yu carrying her in his arms in front of a crowd.

“Greetings, officer. My wife and I planned to come into the city early this morning to buy some winter clothes, but she overslept and missed the village cart. We had to walk all the way here. My wife, being a bit delicate, couldn’t make it halfway and insisted I carry her. I tried to refuse, but when I scolded her, she nearly cried. What could I do? She’s my hard-won wife, so I had no choice but to give in.” Shen Yu explained smoothly, flashing a knowing look at the guard, as if to say, You understand, right?

“Ah, I get it. It’s not easy being a husband. But brother, you must have some serious stamina to carry her all this way. Most people wouldn’t be able to manage that,” the guard remarked, shaking his head in admiration.

“Oh, it’s nothing really. I may look skinny, but I’ve got some strength,” Shen Yu replied modestly, even tossing An Ran up slightly as he spoke. An Ran, startled, clung even tighter to Shen Yu, swallowing back the words she’d been about to say.

“Yeah, I can tell,” the guard said, stepping aside to let them through.

There was no need to keep holding up a man with such impressive strength. Shen Yu thanked the guard with a nod and carried An Ran into the city. Meanwhile, the onlookers in the line behind them were left stunned.

They had seen men dote on their wives before, but this was something else. Carrying her the entire way to town? That level of affection was almost unimaginable. Some even shot Shen Yu sympathetic looks, thinking how hard it must be to have a wife that pampered.

Ignoring the crowd’s reactions, Shen Yu held An Ran as they moved further into the town.

“Ran Ran, are you alright? You seemed tired earlier. Now you’re just standing there, not moving. Do you want me to carry you inside? Or should I carry you on my back this time?” Shen Yu asked, puzzled as they reached the inn’s entrance.

Still flustered from the embarrassing scene at the gate, An Ran quickly shook her head.

“No, no! I can walk. Let’s just go inside.”

If he carries me on his back now, I’ll never live it down. Everyone in town will remember me as the girl who was carried everywhere! She thought, recalling the judgmental stares she’d received earlier.

“Alright, follow me then,” Shen Yu said, extending his hand for her to take.

“Okay, Shen Yu. I’m starving! Let’s find a place to stay quickly so we can get something to eat,” An Ran said sweetly, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the door.

Inside, the tavern was relatively quiet. Only two attendants were working, and a few customers sat around having their breakfast.

“Welcome! What can I get for you two? Our food is the best in town—once you try it, you’ll definitely come back for more!” The tavern attendant said enthusiastically as they entered.

The best in town? Great! Looks like we’ve found a good place, An Ran thought eagerly, ready to order.

“We’re not here to eat. We need a room,” Shen Yu interrupted, pulling An Ran back before she could step forward to order.

“A room? This is a tavern, not an inn. We don’t have guest rooms,” the attendant replied, looking momentarily confused.

Wait, what? Why would he ask for a room if they don’t have any? An Ran wondered, looking up at Shen Yu, thinking he must have misunderstood something.

“Shen Yu, since they don’t have rooms, maybe we can just eat here first and find a place to stay afterward. It makes sense to fill up before searching for lodging, don’t you think?” An Ran suggested kindly, eager to sit down and eat.

However, before she could continue, Shen Yu slightly lifted the edge of his robe, and his tone turned cold as he spoke to the attendant.

“Oh, I see… right away, sir. I must have misspoken earlier. We do have rooms available in the back. Please, follow me,” the attendant quickly corrected himself, becoming much more respectful.

What just happened? How could he forget if they had rooms? I was even trying to help cover for him, and now it seems like my kindness was wasted, An Ran thought, feeling bewildered by the sudden change.

“Lead the way,” Shen Yu said calmly, showing no surprise at the attendant’s change in attitude.

“Ran Ran, come on. See? A place like this would definitely have rooms. The attendant was just careless. Let’s go,” Shen Yu said, taking her hand and guiding her along behind the attendant.

“But I’m really hungry, Shen Yu! Can’t we eat first?” An Ran whined softly, still focused on the food.

An Ran reluctantly followed Shen Yu but couldn’t resist trying to sound pitiful and spoiled.

“I know Ran Ran must be hungry. I’ll tell them to start preparing the food now, so it’ll be ready by the time we’re done settling in. How does that sound?” Shen Yu gently patted her head, explaining in a soft tone.

“Okay, let’s hurry then! I want lotus seed porridge, big meat buns, and some braised beef! Don’t forget to order them for me, Shen Yu,” An Ran said, instantly perking up.

Shen Yu is so clever, she thought, always thinking ahead.

“Ran Ran, slow down. You were just complaining about being too hungry to walk, and now you’re pulling me ahead like nothing happened,” Shen Yu said with a resigned smile as he let her drag him towards the courtyard.

The backyard was simple but pleasant. In the middle stood an ancient tree, with a stone table and six stone stools beneath it. Three small rooms were lined up at the back, and a large water jar sat in one corner of the yard. Apart from that, it was mostly empty.

“Master, this is the place,” the tavern attendant said respectfully as he opened the door to the rightmost room for Shen Yu.

“Hmm. Prepare some hot water,” Shen Yu ordered without looking back, his tone neutral.

“Yes, sir,” the attendant replied and hurried away.

An Ran, still puzzled by the attendant’s sudden deference, turned to Shen Yu in surprise. “Master? Shen Yu, are you the owner of this tavern?”

No wonder the service here seemed odd! she thought. This place must be raking in a lot of money, and he still wanted to joke about selling me? What a greedy guy!

Shen Yu chuckled at her confusion.

“Ran Ran, didn’t you notice the sign when we came in? This tavern belongs to our sect, not to me personally.”

“Oh… I didn’t notice the sign,” An Ran admitted, slightly embarrassed. “Good thing you did, Shen Yu, or we’d still be wandering around looking for a place to stay,” she added, trying to butter him up.

Shen Yu smiled at her attempt to praise him. “Ran Ran, take a seat. I’ll go arrange for your food now.”

After they entered the room, Shen Yu wiped down the stone chair and table with his sleeve for An Ran to sit.

“Okay, Shen Yu, go quickly! I’ll be good and wait here,” An Ran said eagerly, nodding as she sat down. She really was starving, and the thought of food made her even more impatient.

Seeing her settle down, Shen Yu left the room.

As soon as the door closed, An Ran immediately called out to her system, “225, come out! I need to talk to you!”

“What is it now? I’ve already told you, I don’t have painkillers for you, so playing the sympathy card won’t work,” 225 responded, sounding as annoyed as ever.

“It’s not about painkillers this time! I need you to check on Shen Yu—something feels off about him,” An Ran said, rolling her eyes.

How is it still hung up on that? She thought.

“Shen Yu? Why? From what I can see, he got you out of the manor safely. What’s the problem?” 225 asked, clearly confused by her sudden request.

“Well… how do I explain this…”

An Ran hesitated, unsure of how to describe the strange behavior and tone Shen Yu had been using with her. Should she mention how he joked about selling her off? Or the way he seemed a little too comfortable teasing her?

“You’re being all hesitant now. Is there something embarrassing about this?” 225 prodded, sensing An Ran’s discomfort.

“It’s nothing like that! I just suspect that Shen Yu might be a transmigrator or someone who’s been reborn,” An Ran finally admitted, trying to sound firm.

“Why would you think that? Did something happen?” 225 asked, curious about her theory.

“That’s none of your business. Just check if he’s really the same person or not. His personality is completely different from the profile I had on him,” An Ran insisted, avoiding details.

“Alright, I’ll check. But it would be faster if you told me what happened yesterday,” 225 persisted, clearly wanting to hear more.

“Hurry up! Shen Yu just stepped out, but he’ll be back soon, and I won’t be able to contact you then!” An Ran snapped impatiently.

As if I’d tell a stingy system that wouldn’t even give me painkillers. It’s already bad enough that it has a gossiping streak, An Ran thought.

Just as she was mulling over her discovery of the system’s gossip-loving nature, there was a knock at the door, followed by the attendant’s voice—”Miss, the hot water is ready. You can come wash up now.”

“Oh, alright. I’m coming,” An Ran replied as she stood up and opened the door. But when she looked around, she saw no water.

What? Am I supposed to wash up without water? Is this some kind of joke? She thought, frowning.

“Miss, please follow me. The hot water is prepared in the western bathhouse,” the attendant quickly explained, noticing her confusion.

I’d better be careful—this girl is clearly close to the Master, and serving her well might earn me a hefty tip, he thought.

“Got it. I’ll go by myself. You can leave now,” An Ran said, dismissing him with a nod.

Wow, a private bathhouse just for me? This tavern really is top-tier, An Ran thought to herself. After everything that happened yesterday, I definitely need a long soak to recover.

The bathhouse wasn’t far, just a short walk away. An Ran pushed open the door and stepped inside.