"Actually, from the very beginning, I felt something was off. Even though I couldn't remember things, I felt like an outsider. I watched my own life from a distance, like a cold observer. It wasn't until I remembered you, and then discovered all that medical knowledge in my head through herbs, that things became interesting. That’s why time passed so quickly."
Zhu Yanyi didn’t know what kind of person Yan Aohan was, but because he was etched into her bones, she had never felt attracted to any other man before meeting him.
"I see," Yan Aohan smiled lightly. Although he had briefly resented Xie Jifan’s interference, seeing Zhu Yanyi’s deep affection for him made it all worthwhile. Perhaps because of this, the last six hours felt much easier to bear.
Zhu Yanyi smiled. "Well, I’m lucky to have had such a strange experience. Next time I meet Brother Xie, I’ll at least give her some fruit."
"Give him more? I already gave him five boxes," Yan Aohan said quickly.
"It’s fine. If I give more, maybe I’ll get something even better in return," Zhu Yanyi said with a grin.
"That makes sense," Yan Aohan agreed.
The two shared a smile and continued toward the Underworld.
"There are many paths to the Underworld. Whether from the Immortal Realm, the Human Realm, the Demon Realm, or the Buddhist and Daoist realms, everyone who dies eventually ends up here. So, the Underworld’s duty is very important," Yan Aohan explained slowly.
"I remember when I first met you, you said I could become a Soul Cultivator. If I had chosen that path back then, what would you have done?" Zhu Yanyi asked curiously, looking at Yan Aohan.
"If you wanted to be a Soul Cultivator, you would be. I would just give you more resources so you could achieve a Golden Body sooner," Yan Aohan said without hesitation.
To Yan Aohan, his wife’s choice didn’t matter. As long as they were together in the end, it didn’t matter if Zhu Yanyi was human or a soul. Besides, as the Venerable Yanluo, he could ensure she had cultivation methods even as a soul. He would have agreed to anything she chose. In fact, he had hoped she would become a Soul Cultivator, but she had ultimately chosen reincarnation.
Zhu Yanyi understood her heart and sighed deeply, touched. "Those years must have been tiring for you."
Finding a missing person is hard. Finding someone who has been gone for several lifetimes is even harder. Yan Aohan had done it.
"It’s good now. I really enjoy our current life," Yan Aohan said seriously. "Maybe it was tiring before, but from now on, I don’t feel tired at all."
Zhu Yanyi listened with a smile and agreed. "Yes, let’s work hard together. No, actually, you don’t need to work hard. You’re already a True God. I will work hard to catch up to you soon."
"No need to catch up. I’ve always been right here," Yan Aohan said with a playful smile.
"You knew what I meant, but you deliberately twisted my words. Aren’t you embarrassed?" Zhu Yanyi laughed and scolded her lightly.
"In front of my wife, I can say anything without shame," Yan Aohan replied cheerfully.
Chatting and laughing, Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan arrived at a place. It was vast and empty, but the air pressure was heavy. Ordinary people wouldn’t come here because they couldn’t withstand the pressure.
Yan Aohan waved his hand slightly, and a tunnel appeared. He guided the flying vehicle inside, and the tunnel closed behind them.
The tunnel was silver-gray. As they entered, Zhu Yanyi first felt a cool sensation, followed by an indescribable aura. It was different from spiritual energy, yet it gave her a sense of vitality.
"Are you cold?" Yan Aohan asked with concern.
"Not cold, just cool. And the air feels strange. It’s not spiritual energy, but it makes my body feel more comfortable," Zhu Yanyi said honestly.
"This is Hell Qi," Yan Aohan smiled. "Short for Earth Qi, but it’s different from the 'grounded' Earth Qi people talk about. This Hell Qi nourishes soul bodies."
Yan Aohan continued, "When a soul leaves a dead body, it suffers some damage, even if the person died of old age. So, they usually have no consciousness when they arrive here, because consciousness consumes soul power. The Hell Qi repairs their souls while they are unconscious, making their souls whole again. This ensures they won’t be born as idiots after reincarnation."
"I remember when I came here before, my consciousness was very clear," Zhu Yanyi said. She remembered being very aware last time.
"That’s because your karmic merit and power of faith protected your soul, preventing the loss of soul power. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been so clear-headed," Yan Aohan explained.
"Ordinary people don’t take this path, and ordinary souls don’t either. This is the special Nether Road. The Hell Qi here is denser, so the temperature is very low. If an ordinary soul came here, they would freeze and scatter before their soul power could be repaired."
Zhu Yanyi nodded, understanding. She wasn’t worried about herself. With Yan Aohan here, she knew she wouldn’t be hurt.
Yan Aohan continued, "I brought you this way because I was confident I could protect you. Besides, now that the Black Emperor has given you the Jade Body Seed, there’s no need to worry at all."
Yan Aohan hadn’t worried before, trusting his own abilities. Now, with the Black Emperor’s help, he was even more certain the Nether Road wouldn’t harm Zhu Yanyi.
"Okay," Zhu Yanyi nodded and looked around. "It’s very plain on both sides, with no plants. It seems this Nether Road is truly quiet, with no sign of life."
"The Nether Road is ninety-nine li long, representing the hardships everyone must face in life. But after going through eighty-one tribulations, one may get a better opportunity. However, since ordinary people rarely come here, few get the opportunities on the Nether Road," Yan Aohan smiled slightly.
Zhu Yanyi said "Oh," then pointed ahead. "Is that an opportunity over there?"
Indeed, a ghostly soul was floating ahead, seemingly unaware, just walking forward.
Yan Aohan looked and laughed. "Interesting. It’s been many years since I saw a ghost enter this Nether Road. I didn’t expect to meet one today. Let’s go take a look."