Chapter 524: A Salaryman in the Underworld

Chapter 524: A Salaryman in the Underworld

The reaper led the way, but this time, Hui walked abreast with her, fully aware of their destination. Back to Zhu Diyus court. Weve been by twice in such short succession does the reaper always visit this often, or is it only since I arrived that shes been so active?

Hui straightened his robes, dusting them down self-consciously. Elder Sister, remind me again. What are we reporting to Zhu Diyu about?

She stared at him, dead-eyed. Do you not remember?

No, no. I just want to make sure were on the same page, Hui said, nodding.

Si Wang summoned that resentment demon. We must let Zhu Diyu know that hes active again, and that hes found this new way to tamper with the natural passage of souls, the reaper declared.

Yes, yes. Si Wang is the one tampering, and certainly not this small cultivator. Hui tucked his hands behind his back and peered at the reaper from the corner of his eyes. Elder Sister, is it natural for resentment to build up like that?

She shook her head. All the more reason why we must inform Zhu Diyu of what has happened.

No, I dont mean the demon. I mean resentment, building up in the mortal world. Is it supposed to happen like that? Hui asked, tilting his head.

The reaper sighed. Its something that has always happened since ancient times. Ghouls and ghosts are an unavoidable part of the Underworlds operation. Although

Although?

Recently, more resentment has been building up. Were understaffed, with only one reaper, and with Heaven in disarray, the Underworld has become unstable as you should well know, the reaper said, shooting a look at Hui.

Hui swallowed. Have I been found out? Or rather, how has Elder Sister not noticed? Could it be that she knows, and shes warning me to stop before it becomes a real problem?

I cant. I cant, Elder Sister! Stopping means giving up on my children. And I could never do that. Over my dead bodyoull have to drag me to hellyouthat that is, it isnt happening!

Smoothing his collar, Hui nodded. I have noticed, Elder Sister. The realm is surprisingly shaky. I thought the Underworld would have a much stabler foundation.

It did, once. But as the Heavens suffer, so does the Underworld. The three realms are tied together, and no one of them can escape the others plight. More than anything, the Heavens must be rallied back into their proper shape. The reaper scowled.

But theres nothing we in the Underworld can do, Hui guessed.

She shook her head. They ignore us. They ignore the mortal realm. The Heavens have vanished into themselves, and no one can communicate with them anymore.

Mmm, thats true, Hui said. Even Master only managed it once, with great difficulty. Although given that its Master Im not sure hed communicate, even if he could! Hed expect me to simply comprehend what the problem was, without any extraneous hints!

Hui coughed. Going back to the resentment, though is there any way for us to clear it away?

A long time ago when the Heavens were functional, and the Underworld wasnt crumbling, it was our, the reapers, job to handle excess resentment. Now, though we dont have enough time to handle resentment. Its all we can do to reap troublesome souls before they can sow resentment to try to stave off future problems.

The reaper rolled her eyes. Naturally, you can smile. Its just that your smile is suspicious.

Can Elder Sister please elaborate? How is my smile suspicious? Hui asked, tilting his head.

Taking a deep breath, the reaper put a hand against her forehead. She took a slow breath in, and slowly let it out, then glared at Hui. Stop talking. Were almost there.

Hui saluted sharply. As Elder Sister wishes! I almost forgot about Elder Sisters terrifying feet! Small cultivator values his life afterlife! I have no desire to be stepped upon!

They reached Zhu Diyus court. As usual, Zhu Diyu slumped in his throne, his eyes half shut, but unlike the usual slow progression of souls, hundreds of souls streamed past, hurtling through the proceedings and into the cycle of reincarnation.

Huis eyes widened. He darted his gaze toward the reaper. Is this okay?

The reaper didnt react. Walking under the mass of flying souls, she walked toward Zhu Diyu.

I guess I guess this is normal? Is this normal? Should it be normal? It doesnt feel right With one last glance at the souls, Hui followed the reaper toward Zhu Diyus throne.

Zhu Diyu yawned, sitting up slightly as they approached. A faint glimmer of interest shone in his eyes. He nodded. For you to come to me like this did something happen?

Er before that, please forgive this small cultivator, but is it normal for these souls to rush through like this? Hui asked, unable to hold back his curiosity.

Zhu Diyu glanced up, as though hed only just noticed the souls overhead. He nodded. Most souls can be left to the realms automatic processes. I dont need to personally intervene with the majority of souls. Only those with resentment, great virtuous or evil deeds, or a strong attachment to life must be personally processed by myself. You simply joined us during one of those relatively rare periods where I personally ran the entire proceedings.

Realm? So the Underworld is a secretahem! Hui carefully schooled his face into a neutral expression. No, no. This world is composed of three realms. Theyve called the Underworld a realm before, as they should. Theres no need to get so excited. In any case, if I wanted to destroy the Underworld, I could, secret realm or not. Its more impressive that it hasnt crumbled under its own weight yet.

Should I bring that up to Zhu Diyu? It seems dangerous, but

Internally, Hui shook his head. And lose my route to the mortal realm? No, no! Besides, Im being careful. The Underworld is damaged, but it shouldnt collapse on its own just yet, not even with me going through it. Im being very careful and using existing holes, after all! No, no, this small cultivator would never do something so dangerous as damage the Underworld intentionally!

That, and I definitely dont want to let Zhu Diyu know that I know what the outer structure of the Underworld looks like. Thatll raise a few questions, a few questions I dont want to answer!

Dont drift off, the reaper muttered, nudging Hui.

Hui jolted awake. He nodded thankfully at the reaper. A beat later, his eyes widened, just a little bit. He glanced at the reaper out of the corner of his eyes. Ah? Elder Sister bothered to wake me up despite her cold interior, could it be? Does Elder Sister perhaps care about me, after all?

No, no, Elder Sister! This small cultivator is a married man! Ah, but if you insist, I suppose I could ask Bai Xue and Li Xiang to allow me to open the harem once more?

Zhu Diyu raised his eyebrows silently. A small smile played over his lips. Mamian never acted like this around the previous second reaper. Excellent! My matchmaking prowess is unparalleled!

The reaper narrowed her eyes, glancing from Hui to Zhu Diyu. She pursed her lips. I feel like a great deal of useless thoughts are being thought right now.