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Ghost Realm

I entered the Ghost Realm to save my sister's soul, but I only have twelve hours. Zi'ao said his magic power is only enough to sustain me for this long. Once the twelve hours are up and I don't return, everything will be up to fate.

"Remember, Yixi, your names are on these two red brocade pouches. Once you find Ruo'an, open them immediately. Don't make a mistake, otherwise even if you return to your souls, your spirits will enter each other's bodies. Remember this well." Zi'ao earnestly instructed me before parting, his words heavy with concern.

Looking at my sister's silent body lying on the bed, I felt a pang of sorrow. Then, looking at my own body lying on the bed, I nodded to Zi'ao, indicating that he could send me to the Ghost Realm. With a flash of white light, I was as if forcefully sucked into an abyss, involuntarily closing my eyes. Scenes from my past flashed through my mind.

My sister and I are not biological sisters. She found me on the roadside. My sister is no more than four years older than me, but she treats me like a sister and a mother, taking care of me with great tenderness. If she only has half a pancake left, she will always give me half of it. She is a single woman who raised me, a child with no relatives or friends, and she has suffered a lot. Even if it meant giving my life to save my sister, I would be willing to do it.

Zi'ao is our neighbor. He often comes to help my sister and me. He is refined and handsome, and although he is full of poetry and literature, he has no interest in taking the imperial examinations. He is interested in things like becoming an immortal and attaining enlightenment, and it is said that he has even studied under several reclusive masters. I used to think he was just making it all up, but today, when we were in danger, I realized that he has special abilities.

My sister was bitten by a poisonous snake while fetching water from the well, and died shortly after returning home. Zi'ao rushed over after hearing my wailing. He said that someone had to leave their body to go to the underworld to rescue my sister's soul before she could be brought back to life.

"But who in the world would be willing to take such a dangerous risk and disregard their own life?" Zi Ao sighed.

Without hesitation, I replied, "Of course! I'd give my life for my sister's life."

Zi'ao looked at me intently, asking again, "No regrets?"

"Absolutely not." I said firmly. Perhaps this is the only thing I can do for Sister Ruo'an. This life was given to me by her, and I would have no regrets even if I had to repay her.

I continued to fall, and I could hear the wind whistling past my ears. Upon closer listening, I realized it was a combination of countless laughs, cries, and shouts, seemingly far away, yet also as if they were right beside me, whispering in my heart.

Finally, I landed gently on the ground, unharmed. Before me was a stone tablet, somewhat damaged, but the two characters "Ghost Realm" were still clearly visible, each stroke distinct and unconnected, cold and hard, giving off an eerie chill. A white stone path led straight ahead into an empty space, stretching endlessly into the distance.

Wearing a white silk dress, I resolutely embarked on this uncertain path, for one purpose only: to rescue Sister Ruo'an's soul. The stone path was too long; I don't know how long I walked, growing increasingly anxious, fearing I would be late. Eventually, I simply lifted my silk dress and began to run in this deserted place. Before me stretched an endless, unseen white stone path. Was the ghost realm truly so vast that I couldn't even finish this path, let alone rescue my sister?

The road stretched endlessly, the space was always bright, but I couldn't see the sun, the moon, or the stars. I was almost in despair, but my only belief sustained me, and I kept running forward even while sobbing.

"You can't escape this illusion." A faint voice sounded beside me.

I stopped in my tracks in surprise, only to find a man in black sitting beside me, sitting with his knees drawn up, watching me leisurely as if I were enjoying a good show.

"Please, young master, help me!" I knelt down and begged desperately.

Most of those appearing in the ghost realm are undoubtedly ghosts. Zi'ao warned me that once I arrived in the ghost realm, I should try to avoid contact with other ghosts to avoid alarming the ghost officials and Yama. But I am currently in a predicament, and if I don't seek their help, I'm afraid my trip will have been in vain.

A hint of amusement flashed across the black-clad man's face. A slight upward smirk played on his lips as he casually drew his right index finger through the air, as if tearing a curtain. The previously empty space suddenly transformed into a bustling scene. A wide street, lined with shops on both sides, was teeming with people—no, it was more like a haunt of ghosts. The ghost realm wasn't so different from the human realm. Some ghosts were exceptional, some towering eight feet tall, others as short as rabbits, but most, aside from being paler, were no different from humans.

I was so surprised I could hardly speak. I blinked, then realized what was happening and remembered to thank the man beside me. But when I turned around, I found he had vanished without a trace. Standing in this ghostly marketplace, I suddenly remembered that Zi'ao hadn't told me how to find my sister. Did I have to ask everyone one by one?

The towering ghost, eight feet tall, approached me, its eyes wide and darting around. I felt a chill and cautiously dodged to the side. In my haste, I knocked over a nearby market stall, scattering goods everywhere. Now, all the ghosts' eyes were drawn to me—red eyes, white eyes, black eyes. I nearly fainted from fright.

"How could you be so careless?" The old man running the stall grabbed my arm, looking a bit angry.

I looked closer and was surprised: "Uncle Zhang?"

Uncle Zhang rubbed his eyes and finally recognized me: "Oh, little girl, it's you."

Uncle Zhang was our old neighbor. I often followed him around the streets and alleys. Uncle Zhang, who had no children, was kind to me and would give me little trinkets like needles and thread. A few years ago, Uncle Zhang passed away due to illness, and I cried a lot. I never expected to meet him in the ghost world.

Once the other ghosts realized we recognized each other, they went about their own business, and none of them paid any attention to me.

"Little girl, you're so young and you've already become a ghost? Did you do something terrible?" Uncle Zhang scolded me, half reproaching and half pitying me.

"Bad luck," I said dismissively, glancing around before deciding to ask Uncle Zhang for help: "Uncle Zhang, have you seen my sister? She just arrived yesterday."

"Your sister? Is that Ruo'an? Why is she here too? You sisters are quite close. If you can't be born on the same day, you'll die together." Uncle Zhang shook his head repeatedly.

I was getting anxious: "Uncle Zhang, you haven't seen my sister, so do you know where she might have gone?"

"They should be awaiting their fate in the First Palace, the Prince Guang's residence," Uncle Zhang said, pointing to the imposing mansion not far away.

The black plaque with large white characters reading "Prince Guang's Mansion" inspired awe. Ghostly guards stood watch at the entrance, their piercing gazes seemingly able to see right through one's soul. I paced back and forth at the gate, my heart burning with anxiety. With such tight security, how could I possibly get in?

Perhaps it was heaven's pity on me, for a group of ghosts, both male and female, approached from afar. Taking advantage of the guards' inattention, I mingled among them, keeping my head down and eyes lowered, thus evading their notice and successfully entering the Guangwang Palace. The group of souls was first brought before Guangwang, who had leopard eyes, a lion's nose, a thick beard, wore a square crown, and held a flute to his chest in his right hand. He sat high above, his imposing presence, though not stern, terrified the souls who were about to lose their minds.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [4]: "Bring the Book of Life and Death." King Qin Guang gave the order, and the judge beside him hurriedly presented the Book of Life and Death.

It turns out that all the good and evil in the world were revealed in that small booklet. The first man's soul had committed many evil deeds in his life and was sent to the Mirror of Retribution by the ghost messengers. Upon looking into it, the ghosts saw the good and bad in his heart and immediately sent him to the Second Court to suffer in prison. The second old man's merits and demerits were both equal, and he was sent to the Tenth Court for distribution, and was reincarnated into the human world, male into female, and female into male.

King Qin Guang acted with incredible speed, processing dozens of souls in a short time. Although I was near the back of the line, I had no chance to escape. It was almost my turn. My body was in the mortal realm, but not under the control of the Book of Life and Death. A careful check would reveal the truth. Thinking of this, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding.

"Next." King Qin Guang's cold voice rang out. I trembled, almost unable to stand, my mind blank. Was it my turn? What should I do? What should I do?

In the nick of time, a ghost messenger came to report: "King Chujiang requests an audience."

King Qin Guang frowned, his expression turning even more menacing. "His arrival is surely ill-intentioned. I am busy; tell him I will not see him."

The ghost messenger hesitated, trembling with fear, when a hearty laugh followed the newcomer: "King Qin Guang, you're so busy that you won't even see your humble servant? I'd like to come and see for myself."

I dared not look up, staring intently at the ground, my white dress trembling uncontrollably. If I hadn't been telling myself to be brave and not faint and attract attention, I probably would have collapsed to the ground long ago. It wasn't that I was afraid of death, but that I felt my death had some meaning. If I had saved Sister Ruo'an, all would have been fine, but things had come to this, how could I not be filled with shock and fear?

"King Chujiang, what are you saying? But I am currently judging these souls and I am afraid I will neglect you." King Qin Guang's tone immediately softened, a stark contrast to his attitude when he was dealing with those souls. It almost gave the impression that King Qin Guang was an extremely easy-going person.

"Then it seems I have come at the right time, Prince Guang. I have come today to ask for your help and plead for your life."

King Qin Guang's tone immediately became cautious: "That depends on which ghost you are seeking help from. Could it be some distant relative you have no connection with?"

"King Guang guessed right away, haha, you truly are my confidant." King Chujiang flattered me. I secretly curled my lip in disdain. What Ten Kings of the Ghost Realm? They're no different from those in the mortal world, flattering and fawning on each other, bending the law for personal gain. I didn't know this before, but today I've witnessed it firsthand.

"King Chujiang, you have far too many relatives. They come running here every few days. How am I supposed to explain this to the King of Hell?" King Qin Guang's words carried a hint of helplessness.

King Chujiang laughed heartily: "The King of Hell has no time to concern himself with so many things. We can decide for ourselves. King Guang, stop being so stubborn. Look at my shamelessness, why don't you do me another favor?"

"Judge, bring me the Book of Life and Death. Let me check which of King Chujiang's relatives this is."

"No need, it's her. Prince Guang told me to just take her away." A finger almost touched my face before I looked up in surprise. The owner of the finger was none other than the black-clad man who had just created the illusion for me, now smiling as he looked at me. I blinked, making sure I wasn't mistaken.

King Qin Guang looked at me suspiciously: "Her? King Jiang is sure it's her."

“Yes, yes, it’s her. Thank you, Prince Guang. I’ll take my leave now, so as not to disturb you while you’re on your business. I’ll invite you for drinks another day to express my gratitude.” The King of Chujiang winked at me from behind the King of Qin Guang’s back, making me swallow my questions and obediently follow him out of the Prince of Guang’s residence.

As soon as I stepped out of the gates of the Prince of Guang's mansion and into a place where the ghost guards couldn't see me, King Chujiang's smile vanished, and he calmly looked me up and down: "You've got some nerve, daring to sneak into the mansion of one of the Ten Kings of the Palace, Prince Qin Guang. Don't you really intend to take your life?"

I panicked. This King Chujiang had seen through my disguise at a glance. It turned out that I had already been exposed as soon as I entered the Ghost Realm. King Chujiang was no ordinary person after all. Was my plan going to fail? I couldn't save Sister Ruo'an and instead lost my own life. How could I accept that?

"I beg King Chujiang for mercy, I only ask that you spare my sister's life. Whether I live or die is of no concern to me. If it is a matter of life for life, then I, Yixi, am willing to exchange my life for my sister's. As long as my sister is safe, I, Yixi, will not care what happens to her." I knelt down with him and bluntly told him the truth, hoping that he would have a change of heart.

"You were willing to risk your life to save your sister; this act suits my taste. Tell me about your sister's life, and I'll see if I can help you." King Chujiang's words surprised and delighted me. It turns out there are good people in this ghost realm. I'd completely forgotten how I'd secretly criticized him back at King Guang's mansion. It seems I'm just as pragmatic; if it benefits me, King Chujiang instantly transforms into a savior.

I quickly gave my sister's name: "My sister's name is Lin Ruoan. She was bitten by a poisonous snake yesterday at noon and died from the poison."

King Chujiang pondered for a moment, "Then I'll have to go to King Guang's place to check the Book of Life and Death. However, I just asked him for a favor, and now I need his help again. This might annoy King Guang. If I offend him, it will be difficult to ask him for favors again. I should ask the judge privately when he's out of the palace." He frowned, "How long can you stay?"

"Twelve two-hour periods."

King Chujiang paced back and forth, clearly troubled: "It seems that the person who performed the ritual is not very powerful, only able to keep you here for such a short time. Do you know that the time in the ghost realm is different from that in the human realm? Do you know that there are only four hours left now?"

I was terrified. This was something Ao hadn't told me. I had assumed the time in the Ghost Realm was the same as in the Human Realm. Four hours—would that be enough to save my sister? I was at a loss and could only kneel down and beg, "King Chujiang, you are one of the Ten Kings of Hell, with boundless power. Please save my sister. Tell King Guang that I am willing to die in her place."

King Chujiang suddenly chuckled, shaking his head at my ignorance: "If everyone could be replaced, wouldn't the human and ghost realms be in chaos? What use would the Book of Life and Death be? However," he paused, his eyes darting around as if he had an idea, "are you really willing to replace your sister? You won't go back on your word?"

"No regrets."

"Alright, for your words alone, I'll risk offending King Guang and give it a try for you. If a mere woman like you has such courage, how could I, the dignified King Chujiang, be afraid?" King Chujiang instructed me, "You stay here. I'll go to King Guang's residence to request the Book of Life and Death. I'll be back in a moment."

I was filled with gratitude and could barely speak, only nodding repeatedly to show that I understood. Watching King Chujiang stride towards the Guangwang Mansion, I secretly thanked Heaven for its protection, which allowed me to successfully retrieve my sister's soul in the ghost realm.

Just as I was waiting with great anticipation, the ghosts that were originally crowded and bustling on the street suddenly retreated to both sides, making way for the middle road. A big ghost wearing a red robe, a winged hat, an iron face, and a bushy beard was walking towards me. A bat flew by his side. His appearance was very familiar to me. Suddenly I remembered that he was Zhong Kui, the ghost catcher in the painting.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [5]: Legend has it that Zhong Kui is impartial and incorruptible, and specializes in eliminating evil spirits. For some reason, I suddenly felt guilty and turned away, hoping that he would not look at me. But the more I thought about it, the less likely it was to happen. Zhong Kui stopped right next to me. I could clearly feel that his gaze was like lightning, as if it could pierce through everything. My legs trembled involuntarily.

"Are you new here?" Zhong Kui's voice was deep and resonant, tinged with doubt.

He's suspicious, that's for sure, otherwise why would he ask me such a question? King Chujiang could see through my origins, and Zhong Kui, who has seen all ghosts, must also possess such magical powers. He might capture me, or perhaps, as the legends say, swallow me whole. The more I thought about it, the more terrified I became.

"How dare you! Answer Master Zhong's question at once!" The bat beside Zhong Kui transformed into a little devil and stood in front of me, sternly rebuking me.

I tried to calm myself down and act nonchalant: "Yes, I'm new here." The little devil jumped around beside me, sniffing around as if I were a freshly served delicacy. I clenched my teeth to keep them from clattering together.

"Raise your head." Zhong Kui's words were stern but not harsh. I dared not disobey, and reluctantly raised my head. I saw Zhong Kui's pair of round eyes staring at me without blinking. My heart trembled, and I immediately lowered my head again.

"It's you. Come with me," Zhong Kui laughed and spoke.

In the end, all my efforts were in vain? King Chujiang, why haven't you come to my rescue yet? In this critical moment, for some reason, the first person I thought of was King Chujiang. Perhaps it's because I'm used to him saving me in times of crisis, or perhaps in this strange ghost realm, only he can save me.

"Master Zhong, I cannot go with you." After weighing the options, I finally suppressed my fear, mustered my courage, looked up at Zhong Kui, and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

two

“That’s right, Brother Zhong, she really can’t go with you.” King Chujiang finally appeared, and I breathed a sigh of relief, secretly grateful that he had arrived in time.

Zhong Kui nodded politely to him: "King Chujiang, how have you been? I was merely looking for a suitable maid for my younger sister, and seeing that this girl is quite nice, I thought I'd bring her back to the manor." So that's it. I thought he'd seen through my disguise; it turns out he was just choosing a maid for my sister. I'd always heard that Zhong Kui doted on his sister, and seeing him today, I know the rumors are true.

"That would be a blessing for this girl. Normally, ghosts and demons would never have the chance to enter Brother Zhong's residence, let alone escape the suffering of reincarnation. It's a pity that this girl can't leave for the time being. I still have important matters for her to do, so I'll have to trouble Brother Zhong to find someone else." It was unexpected that King Chujiang was so good at flattery, easily declining with just a few words.

Zhong Kui was quite straightforward and didn't hold it against him. After bidding farewell to King Chujiang, he left with his little devil.

After Chu Jiang Wang watched him walk away, he looked at me, sighed, and shook his head: "You really know how to cause trouble. I finally managed to appease King Qin Guang, check the Book of Life and Death, and then I had to deal with Zhong Kui for you. Are you perhaps a reincarnation of a troublemaker?"

I felt guilty and dared not answer, for what King Chujiang said was all true. If it weren't for him, how could I have stayed in this ghost realm until now? The trial of King Guang would be very difficult. Perhaps in a fit of anger, he would send me to the Mirror of Retribution like that villain. Thinking of this, I couldn't help but shudder.

Seeing my timid appearance, King Chujiang stopped complaining and told me the information he had gathered: "I just looked at the Book of Life and Death. It turns out your sister has been sent directly to the Tenth Court, King Zhuanlun. I'm worried..."

"What are you worried about?" I asked urgently.

"Forget it, let's go check the Forgotten Terrace first. If it's not there, then we'll trouble King Zhuanlun." He walked ahead, and I followed closely behind. But after a few steps, I fell behind. King Chujiang turned around several times to wait for me, and finally stopped and said, "Just use magic. At this rate, the time will be up very soon."

He reached out his hand. "Give me your hand." I froze, but thinking of my sister, I could only timidly place my hand in his palm. King Chujiang held it and told me to close my eyes. I could only hear the wind in my ears. After a moment, King Chujiang released my hand and told me to open my eyes.

At this moment, we are standing below the high platform, on which are inscribed the words "Forget Platform". Ghosts are lined up in a long row and slowly move forward. An old woman with gray hair and a wrinkled face is scooping water from a wooden bucket and pouring it into bowls, giving each ghost a bowl, no more and no less, while ghost messengers supervise.

"Meng Po," King Chujiang called out the old woman's name with an air of authority.

Hearing the call, Meng Po looked up and saw that it was King Chujiang. She hurriedly bowed and said, "King Chujiang has arrived. May I ask what this old woman can do for you?"

I was about to speak when King Chujiang gave me a look that stopped me. He cleared his throat and said, "I am here on behalf of King Zhuanlun to see if any woman named Lin Ruoan drank your soup today, Meng Po?"