Chapter 293

Chapter 293: Let’s Find the Nether King

“Wait!” The Messenger of the Underworld stubbornly pressed on, “It’s just a small addition to your journey. Aren’t you already seeking ways to heal those injured disciples, Noble Lady?”

You You froze, eyeing him suspiciously. “How do you know this?”

What troubled her most after recent events wasn’t the Feng Clan or the demon tribes, but the disciples who still hadn’t awakened after guarding the seal. Despite Yuan Qi’s treatments, they remained unconscious.

“The Nether Realm has missed several souls meant for collection. Of course I’d notice,” the Messenger answered, his attempt at a reassuring smile twisting into something ghastly.

“Souls meant for collection?” You You’s voice sharpened as she thought of the gravely injured disciples. “They still cling to life. How dare you claim them as clients?”

“Now, now, Noble Lady,” the Messenger droned, “they’re mere mortals, not immortals or deities. Without a miracle, they’ll inevitably join my realm sooner or later.”

You You’s chest tightened. She glanced at Yuan Qi, who nodded grimly—the disciples’ injuries were indeed dire.

“Do you have a way to save them?” she demanded.

“No!” he replied instantly.

You You: “…”

(_)

_Then why bring it up?!_

“I ferry wandering souls, not mend the living. At best, I can guide them into ghost cultivation after death,” the Messenger stated matter-of-factly.

“…” _So you can’t help but still poach my people?_

“Life and death are immutable… for most.” The Messenger’s tone shifted slyly. “But my master is the exception! Two options exist: find the Nether King—he could revive even bones turned to ash—or…” He shoved the items back into her hands. “Gather the last two Yin volumes to complete the set.”

_Complete the Yin volumes._ You You stared at the three artifacts. The remaining two were called…

_Work Duty?_

The name alone made her want to quit.

“You’re certain the complete Yin volumes can restore my disciples?” she pressed.

“Absolutely not!”

You You: “…”

Feng Rong: “…”

Yuan Qi: “…”

_Slam!_

(#=皿=)_-___-_

_What’s the point then?!_

You You nearly hurled the volumes at his smug face. _Being acquaintances won’t save you from a beating!_

“Patience, Noble Lady!” The Messenger raised placating hands. “While the volumes can’t heal, they’ll lead you to the Nether King! As his creations, they’ll sense his location. Once found, he’ll handle the rest.”

“…” _So we’re back to square one?!_

After steadying her breathing, You You growled, “We don’t know where the last volumes—or the Nether King—are!”

“The Demon Realm,” the Messenger declared.

“Demon Realm?!” all three exclaimed.

“Indeed. Though I’ve not collected souls there since the Nether King vanished, reincarnation remains stable. He—or the Yin volumes—must be maintaining it from within.”

“And how,” You You snapped, “do you expect us to breach the seal we just fortified?!”

“The Nether Realm connects all Six Realms through the Yellow Springs,” he said conspiratorially. “I know… backdoor routes.”

“…” _That shady tone—you’d risk anything for a vacation, huh?_

“The Demon Realm’s dangers mean nothing to you!” The Messenger thumped his chest as if personally embarking on the quest. “With three volumes, you’ll sense the others instantly there.”

Exchanging weary glances, the trio dismissed him without commitment.

“Do contact me once decided!” the Messenger called over his shoulder. “I’ll be waiting!”

You You: “…”

_Time to discuss employee work ethic with the Nether King._

In the following days, You You exhausted every healing method—even summoning Yu Hao—but the disciples’ vitality refused to return. Their mortal bodies couldn’t withstand divine or immortal energies, unlike the hardy Feng Clan’s divine forms.

Defeated, You You contacted the Messenger again. The Demon Realm awaited.