Chapter 294

Chapter 294: The Transit Station of the Nether Realm

The Messenger of the Underworld arrived swiftly this time, appearing beside them almost the moment the Soul Beast notified him. It took less than three seconds, let alone three months.

"Noble Lady, have you finally decided to seek my master?" He grinned his usual eerie smile, eyes gleaming. "I’ll open the Passage to the Nether Realm now."

Without waiting for You You’s reply, he waved his hand. Darkness enveloped them instantly, and a gap opened beneath their feet. They felt weightless for a moment before landing in a new realm.

You You’s first impression was silence—as if the World had been muted, erasing even the chirps of insects or birds. The temperature plunged, icy currents brushing against their skin.

She glanced around but saw only gray emptiness. Faint golden roads crisscrossed the ground, stretching endlessly.

"Is this… the Nether Realm?" she asked.

"Correct." The Messenger gestured at the roads. "These are the Yellow Springs. Wait while I locate the path leading to the Demon Realm."

He crouched, pressing a palm to the ground to sense the route.

You You noticed faint figures drifting along the golden paths—souls, unlike the ghosts of the Mortal Realm. These lacked consciousness, floating silently.

"Soul Beast, what are these?" she whispered.

"Undead beings," it answered. "The Yellow Springs cleanse their mortal ties, restoring their soul essence. When reincarnation comes, they’ll move on."

"Oh." Now she understood their mindless drifting.

Wait—

"If these roads erase mortal marks, are we safe here?"

"Safe," the Soul Beast assured. "You’re Living Beings."

The Messenger stood, pointing right. "This way."

"Wait!" Yuan Papa interrupted, casting a protective spell around Feng Rong and You You. "The Nether Realm’s dark energy is potent. Caution is wise."

The chill vanished as warmth returned. You You thanked him, following the Messenger.

The Nether Realm was bizarre. Beyond the golden ribbons of roads—some floating sideways or overhead—there was nothing. Yet walking them felt like solid ground, gravity shifting unpredictably.

The Messenger moved rapidly. Whether through spellcasting or speed, the scenery blurred past. Soon they reached the path’s end, facing a void of pure Black.

"Cross this Nether River to reach the Demon Realm," the Messenger said eagerly. "Divine Masters, the seal on your Palms will guide you."

"River?" You You squinted at the emptiness.

"It connects souls across Six Realms. Living Beings can’t see it, but walk through." The Messenger waved his hand, branding their Palms with black marks.

"Nether Seals," he explained. "Trigger them to return via the nearest Yellow Spring after finding the Yin volume or my master."

"Any time limits or conditions?" You You pressed.

"None!" He thumped his chest. "By the Nether King’s name, I guarantee their safety!"

*Mentioning him makes me less confident,* she thought.

"Demonic Energy lies ahead," Feng Rong confirmed.

You You steeled herself. "Let’s go."

They stepped into the Black. The Soul Beast lurched forward but was yanked back by the Messenger.

"Not yet, little one."

"Why? I belong—"

"Annoy him now, and he might discard you."

The Soul Beast sulked but stayed.

To their eyes, the Black wasn’t empty. A golden river of soul power flowed, parting around the trio as they walked.

The Messenger stared, puzzled.

*Why does the river avoid all three? The Noble Lady’s power shouldn’t shield the others…*