CHAPTER 1024: CHAPTER 65: "SIGH——

His mind was in turmoil, yet when King Yan took his seat, he did not immediately seek assistance. Instead, he enthusiastically persuaded Han Luo to drink and eat, as if he were simply hosting an ordinary banquet to entertain esteemed guests. Xiao Jie, being an Immortal with keen Spiritual Sense, did not fear any tricks in the food and drink, so he indulged himself.

He picked up a slice as thin as a cicada’s wing of "Netherworld Spirit Rhinoceros Meat" and placed it in his mouth. The texture was extraordinarily tender, melting instantly, as a cool yet overwhelming surge of Spiritual Energy spread through his body, invigorating his Spirit. He then tasted the "Nine Nether Cold Lotus Soup," a broth ice-cold to the bone but exceedingly smooth, leaving a peculiar sweetness and fragrance in his throat that seemed to cleanse the soul.

He raised the "Thousand-year-old Soul Saliva Brew" and gently sipped it. The liquid was thick and initially scalding, like fire burning the throat, but quickly transformed into a warm and soft flow sinking into the Dantian, nourishing the Immortal Yuan. Meanwhile, an indescribably rich fragrance rushed toward the top of his head, intoxicated and dizzy, almost as if his soul were about to drift away, but firmly anchored by his Immortal Body, an extraordinary experience. These Netherworld delicacies and drinks offered flavors and textures utterly different from the Yang World yet an unforgettable extreme delight.

Without knowing when, after several rounds of exchanging cups, King Yan still did not mention the real business, instead chatting merrily, inquiring about the customs of the Nine States, the current developments in Gu Yun State in the Immortal Realm, speaking with humor and affable manner, without any airs of an Emperor nor any sense of distance. Ignorant of the internal affairs, one might truly believe Xiao Jie and this King Yan were old friends.

"Immortal Venerable, having come from afar to my Netherworld, if there are any troublesome trifles, please do speak freely!" King Yan Qin Chuan patted his chest, speaking with utmost sincerity, "I, Qin Chuan, as the host of the Netherworld, dare not claim omnipotence but fulfilling some duties owing to hospitality, helping the Immortal Venerable out of trouble, is only fitting! Please do not stand on ceremony with me!"

Xiao Jie secretly sighed. The more polite the other party was, the more this confirmed his suspicions were absolutely correct! They definitely had a request and with great ambition! But the counterpart was deeply calculating and likely had already guessed his evasive intentions, thus employing such clever tactics of "seeming welcome but actually refusal," "retreating to advance," subtly dragging him down with "friendship" and "hospitality." Once he asked for their help, it meant he owed them a major favor, and their subsequent demands would be logical.

But now, he could not leave his teammates unsaved. If he did not ask now, it would be overly awkward and more passive to bring it up after the banquet ended. He could only nod and seize the moment to respond.

"King Yan’s graciousness indeed leaves me sweating. A humble person of the wilderness, receiving such hospitality from the host of a realm, leaves my heart in turmoil. However..." He turned the conversation, "I came to the Netherworld with a significant mission. Since King Yan is so bold and righteous, I shall not be sentimental anymore."

"Oh? What is the matter with the Immortal Venerable? Speak freely!" King Yan put down his wine cup, showing earnest intent to listen.

"I have several old friends, unfortunately deceased half a month ago, and their souls presumably wandered to the Netherworld. I wonder if I could find their souls and offer some aid, to resolve a concern, facilitating my pursuit of the Dao."

"Hahaha! What an earth-shattering matter I’ve thought of!" Upon hearing this, King Yan Qin Chuan laughed heartily, "Such a small matter is nothing to worry about! Immortal Venerable might not know, it used to be common for old acquaintances from the Immortal Realm to request similar matters, and to me, it’s merely a matter of course, an absolutely manageable small affair! Immortal Venerable, just report the names and origins of your friends, and I will immediately arrange personnel to check their whereabouts at the ’Reincarnation Mirror’!"

Xiao Jie wasted no words and reported the names of his deceased teammates one by one: "Ye Luo, An Ran, I Want to Be Immortal, Wentian Wuji... oh, and also Han Luo, I Want to Seal the Sky, Ting Yu..." Upon reaching this point, his mind suddenly stirred, this was a rare chance, why not...

"I wonder if finding them is troublesome, there are some... well, casual acquaintances also encountered trouble on the same day. If it’s convenient—"

"It’s not troublesome! Absolutely not!" King Yan waved his big hand, filled with emotion, "I command the Netherworld, holding part of the Reincarnation powers; any living soul drifting in the Netherworld, as long as they have names, can be searched! Whether alive or dead, their whereabouts known, merely a glance in front of the Reincarnation Mirror! Let alone ten or eight, even thirty to fifty or a hundred or two hundred, it’s not difficult! Immortal Venerable, just speak them all!"

Xiao Jie thought to himself, then I will be unreserved! At once, he reported the names of those "Cannon Fodder Group" players who perished when besieging Red Dust Taoist.

These names were recorded by him in a notebook earlier, and ever since becoming an Immortal, his memory had reached the degree of never forgetting after seeing, now clearly recalling these names and speaking them one by one.

Finally, he simply mentioned several players he had teamed up with in the past, like "Red Sugar Steamed Bun," "Mr. Ramen," "I Don’t Eat Beef," and so on.

King Yan listened with a smile, seemingly happier the more requests Xiao Jie made, promptly beckoning, and a Ghost Official responsible for taking notes naturally came forward, holding the Judge’s Pen and Life and Death Book, transcribing the names Xiao Jie reported one by one. Once Xiao Jie finished, King Yan whispered a few words in the Ghost Official’s ear, seemingly ordering priority handling and expedited processing. The Ghost Official bowed to accept the orders, then turned and swiftly departed.

"Immortal Venerable, rest assured! I’ve already arranged it to check with the utmost speed! As long as their souls have not reincarnated, we will certainly find their whereabouts. The investigation will take some time, so let’s enjoy ourselves here as we await good news!"

After speaking, he clapped his hands. Instantly, the sound of silk and bamboo started again, a group of Ghost Girls, lightly clad, with graceful forms and charming faces floated into the hall, dancing to the music.

These Ghost Girls had skin white as snow yet as fine as jade, eyes deep as if containing an entire silent night sky, lips crimson like blood, carrying a touch of poignant beauty. They wore semi-transparent black or dark red gauze dresses, skirts fluttering, hinting at slender ankles, their dance graceful yet carrying a touch of ghostly lightness and ethereality, possessing Oriental classical charm while exuding Gothic mystery and cold allure.

Their dance, eerie and enticing, accompanied by haunting distant Netherworld music, showcased a unique mood in this Palace of Darkness.

Xiao Jie looked on with some interest, savoring the Soul Saliva Brew, while appreciating the Ghost Girl’s dance. He thought to himself: I must say, though this is the Netherworld, a place of rest for the departed, this Yama Emperor does live a rather indulgent and carefree life.

"Yama, this place is indeed enjoyable, something to envy," Xiao Jie casually complimented.

When Yama heard this, his hearty smile suddenly froze, and a moment later, an extremely genuine expression of seriousness appeared on his face. Without warning, he heaved a heavy sigh, filled with worry and helplessness: "Sigh——!"

It’s over! It’s coming! Xiao Jie’s heart skipped a beat; sure enough, they were waiting for him here!

He decided not to cooperate and acted as if he hadn’t heard the sigh, seemingly entranced by the Ghost Girl’s dance. He lifted his cup and took a sip.

Just as he set down the cup and before he could pick up his chopsticks, he heard Yama let out an even heavier sigh, more laden with concern for the country and its people, the volume raised slightly: "Sigh——!!"

This second sigh nearly made Xiao Jie choke. He quickly coughed twice to hide his embarrassment and, as if he were extremely hungry, hastily grabbed a piece of grilled meat that emitted a tempting aroma, not knowing which kind of beast’s tendon it was, and took a big bite, eating voraciously, chewing with great force and making a noticeable noise.

Yama, Qin Chuan, watched beside him. Seeing Xiao Jie’s "lack of appreciation," his smile almost faltered, his mouth twitched, and his expression seemed to darken a bit. Then, suddenly, he raised his hand dramatically!

In an instant, the music stopped abruptly! The dancing Ghost Girl froze in place! Those civil servants, Generals, Ghost Generals and Judges who were previously engaged in quiet conversation and persuading others to drink and eat suddenly fell silent, sitting upright in complete stillness!

The vast and magnificent Reincarnation Holy Hall instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop, utterly silent! Only Xiao Jie’s "crunch crunch" of chewing his food echoed, jarringly...

Xiao Jie’s chewing motion slowly stiffened, and he mentally sighed, knowing he couldn’t avoid it. He slowly turned his head to see Yama, Qin Chuan, staring at him with an extremely complex expression, a mix of gravity, helplessness, and expectation, and then, as if using every ounce of strength, he let out a third and most prolonged, most sorrowful sigh, as if carrying the rise and fall of the entire Netherworld:

"Sigh————————!!!"

Accepting his fate, Xiao Jie put down the meat in his hand, sighed helplessly, and asked, "Emperor... why do you keep sighing? Have you encountered some difficulty?"

Hearing Xiao Jie finally respond, Yama Qin Chuan’s heavy expression melted away like snow in the sun, although he still maintained the pretense of gravity. A twinkle of a successful scheme flashed in the depths of his eyes. He raised his hand, and the previously frozen sound of music, singing, dancing, and conversation immediately resumed, restoring the previous lively atmosphere, as if the eerie silence had never happened.

Then, he sighed heavily (this time it sounded much more "sincere"): "Sigh! Originally, I shouldn’t burden the Immortal Venerable with such mundane matters. However, since the Immortal Venerable is so eager to know, I will have to speak candidly.

The Immortal Venerable isn’t aware! Just now, hearing the Immortal Venerable envy me for my enjoyment here, I was moved, hence the loss of composure and the long sigh! I’m afraid... I’m afraid this peaceful scene before us, we may never be able to enjoy it again, unable to partake in its blessings!"

Since he was already caught in the trap, Xiao Jie no longer feigned ignorance and followed up: "Why does Yama say this? Could it be... the Netherworld is facing some great trouble?"

"Exactly!!!" Yama Qin Chuan slapped his thigh suddenly, raising his voice by eight degrees, as if he had finally found someone to confide in, showing an excited expression of "Immortal Venerable, you truly see through everything," "Indeed, it is a tremendous trouble! Originally, Qin Chuan felt embarrassed to speak of it and didn’t want to trouble the Immortal Venerable with such concerns, but alas... since the Immortal Venerable shows such concern and inquiry, I cannot hide it any longer!"

Xiao Jie inwardly rolled his eyes and ranted silently: "Damn it... did I want to know?! Wasn’t it you who went through great lengths with sighing and silence to force me to ask?!"

But under the circumstances, obliged to follow social etiquette, he had to play along.

He donned a concerned expression, "If Yama has any difficulties, feel free to share. Perhaps—this little Immortal could help ease them somewhat."

Finally, Yama Qin Chuan ceased all pretenses, leaning forward slightly, lowering his voice, and said something groundbreaking...