Chapter 518: Resentful Heart
A hand closed around Huis collar. Leaping upward, the reaper burst away from the mud and soared into the sky. The mud lurched inches past Huis toes, and then they surged up, leaving the town far behind. The mud crashed through.
Ah! Elder Sister is right. When you cant play dead, fleeing is the next best thing! Hui said, nodding vigorously.
The reaper snorted. She frowned at the mud. This resentment
Hui peered at the resentment as well. I wonder if Si Wang created the resentment on the mountain I crashed into the last time I came to the surface? Its odd that I ran into resentment twice in the Eastern Alliance in such a short timeframe, but never encountered it in my entire time in the Southern Sect Conference.
Or is resentment something that gathers in the Eastern Alliance? Does each cardinal sect have its own special kind of qi or other spiritual energy? I wonder if the Eastern and Northern regions have life qi or no, death qi? No both of those must exist everywhere that life and death exist. Maybe its rot qi thats unique? Ill keep an eye out and see if I can figure it out. The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
Si Wang scowled. How did you escape?
Elder Brother, you toppled your own barrier with the front edge of that wave of death qi, Hui explained gently.
Ah! Si Wangs eyes widened. A second later, he scowled. I planned that.
Did you? Did you, Elder Brother? Hui thought silently, pursing his lips ever so slightly.
Yes! Once the mud overwhelms the barrier, youll be buried deep beneath, and youll have no option but to become infected with the resentment! Si Wang declared, crossing his arms in an intimidating manner.
Hui tilted his head. Elder Brother
Dont point it out! I know! Si Wang snarled, frustrated with himself. He backed up. Count yourselves lucky! The next time you encounter me, I will not be so gentle!
Was Elder Brother gentle this time? Hui wondered. He cut his eyes at the reaper.
The reaper sighed. She drew her sword. Si Wang, give yourself up. Youve given up the rights and responsibilities of your role as a reaper, which makes you nothing more than another wandering ghost. Come quietly.
Over my dead body! Si Wang shouted.
Were all dead here, Hui pointed out, somewhat confused.
The mud underneath them settled over the town. It swirled slowly, oily patterns squirming on its surface. Abruptly, the mud began to boil.
Hui backed away. He tugged at the reapers sleeve. Elder Sister
Now is not the time. Si Wang, if you wont come quietly, then Ill bring you by force.
Si Wang cackled. He bared his hands as claws. His fingertips turned black, like iron. Try it!
Elder Brother, those who do not court death Hui interjected.
Another word, and you die, the reaper said.
Hui put his hands up. I surrender!
He glanced down at the boiling mud again. It spat and roiled, bubbles bursting on the surface. A chalky scent filled the air.
Never mind, its dangerous, its super dangerous! Talk to it? I must have been momentarily insane! Being dead has really made me let down my guard!
He grabbed onto the reapers arm, helping her upright in the air. Elder Sister, we should leave. We should go back to the Underworld!
The reaper scowled at the resentment demon. Yanking her arm free of Huis grasp, she gnashed her teeth, lifting her gaze to stare after the retreated ex-reaper. Si Wang! Ill stop you. One day, Ill bring you to your knees!
Yes! We should work together to destroy the demons. Next time. When were better equipped to face the resentment demons, Hui said, nodding vigorously.
Demons? The reaper turned, narrowing her eyes at Hui.
Hui waved his hand. Ah! Small cultivator was merely extrapolating! Elder Brother has had so long to wander the mortal world. Surely he has created more than one of these demons?
She squinted at him for another moment, then nodded shortly. Hmm.
The demon opened its mouth. It sucked in a breath. A fierce wind appeared, drawing Hui and the reaper toward the demons mouth.
Hui offered the reaper his hand again. Elder Sister, lets hurry! Before it roars, lets escape!
The reaper took his hand. She strode forward, and colors bled from the world. The resentment demons roar echoed around them, faint as a faded record. It, too, grew silent, and they stepped out into the bare stone of the Underworld.
Hui sighed, glancing over his shoulder. The Underworld stretched behind him, seemingly infinite, and yet clearly bounded by the distant walls. Thank goodness it cant follow us.
How did you know it was going to roar? the reaper asked quietly.
Eh? It was taking a breath. What else would it take a big breath for? Hui asked, tilting his head. Elder Sister, dont be so suspicious. Its a reasonable thing to assume. I mean, your suspicious are correct. I am the source of the resentment demons. But just because Ive made a few correct guesses, doesnt mean I know everything about it! Reasonable, its totally reasonable!
The reaper snorted. She turned away. Well have to report about this to Zhu Diyu.
Now? Hui asked.
She flicked her hand, summoning a scroll, and unrolled it. Blocks marked out portions of time on the scroll.
Ah! Its the legendary boss calendar! Usually only the companys secretary can access that! I mean its a rare and ancient artifact, befitting of the Lord of the Underworld! Hui thought, quickly correcting his chain of thought.
Scanning the calendar, the reaper shook her head. Hes taking the morning for secluded cultivation. We absolutely cannot interrupt him. Well visit him in the afternoon. Prepare yourself.
Hui cupped his fists, giving her a quick bow. Disciple hears and obeys!
She frowned at him. Youre not my disciple.
Ah thats true, Hui allowed. You simply gave such a boss-like order, that I couldnt help but respond
The reaper waved her hand. Ill fetch you in a few incense sticks worth of time. Until then, youre free.
Yes! Hui nodded and whirled, immediately hurrying back to his quarters. Time to head back to the surface!
The reaper watched him go. As he vanished around the corner, she shook her head. What a troublesome colleague