Chapter 1037: Chapter 73: Return to Ginkgo Village

Xiao Jie clicked his tongue in amazement, while also seeming to gain some insight. Combining the “population cap” mechanism he just learned about, he suddenly understood that the “Six Paths of Reincarnation” in this world might not be the traditional religious concept but rather a rule-setting closer to the game world.

“Human path” is the template for players and major NPCs.

“Heavenly Dao” might correspond to a more advanced “Divine Realm” or “Heavenly Realm” faction, but it seems the version hasn’t been unlocked or has been closed.

“Asura Dao” might as well be reincarnating into elite monsters or even instance Bosses?

“Beast Dao” undoubtedly turns into various demons and beasts.

“Hungry Ghost Dao” very likely refers to undead monsters like zombies and skeletons scattered in the wild.

Thinking of this, Xiao Jie’s heart was filled with a sense of shock: this reincarnation mechanism is linked to the endless cycle of life of all NPCs, monsters, and factions in the entire game world? This is simply… constructing a self-circulating ecosystem!

“Immortal,” the Judge’s voice pulled him back to reality, “Have you decided? Confirming transfer to the human path?”

“Confirmed, just the human path.” Xiao Jie collected his thoughts and answered affirmatively.

He turned to the waiting crowd: “Everyone, please enter the pool. We will meet again in Ginkgo Village.”

Han Luo, An Ran, Jiu Jianxian, Xia Yi the Unrivaled, Wentian Wuji, and Bai Ze all stepped into the pool one by one. Before entering the water, An Ran turned back and looked at Xiao Jie deeply, then glanced at Ye Luo and I Want to Be Immortal, who were standing by the pool unable to reincarnate, and asked softly: “Aren’t those two… coming?”

“Those two have special circumstances and require other arrangements,” Xiao Jie explained warmly, “You go first, I will join you in Ginkgo Village shortly.”

“That’s what you said,” An Ran’s voice had a hint of reliance and reminder imperceptible to others, “Don’t break your promise.”

Xiao Jie nodded solemnly, “Certainly.”

The Judge pressed the rune again, and the vortex of the Rebirth Immortal Pool emerged, safely sending away everyone’s souls.

Meanwhile, in Ginkgo Village—

On a grassy slope near the village entrance, the air blurred for a moment, and the figure of a young girl wearing a simple linen dress and holding a thin wooden stick quietly appeared. She looked at the sheep grazing not far away, eyes a bit dazed, yet soon becoming clear and lively.

An Ran (Shepherdess): Level 1. Life Value 100.

Near the blacksmith shop, a boy with a bare torso and sweat all over appeared, scratching his head as he looked at the forge and anvil in front of him, instinctively clenching his fist.

Xia Yi the Unrivaled (ironsmith apprentice): Level 1. Life Value 120.

Beside the wooden fence where the village militia trained, a figure staggered and appeared. He instinctively reached to steady himself with a wooden spear standing nearby, eyes sharply scanning the surroundings.

Jiu Jianxian (Civilian Soldier Recruit): Level 1. Life Value 125.

Seeing everyone successfully reincarnate and appear safely in Ginkgo Village, Xiao Jie nodded slightly, relieved.

“Your Honor the Judge, where is His Majesty Yama now? I need to bid him farewell in person before heading to Ginkgo Village to settle my friends,” Xiao Jie asked, planning to set off to Gu Yun State after dealing with minor matters.

The Judge quickly bowed and replied, “No need for formalities, Immortal. Whatever you need, just instruct me. His Majesty is currently in the Palace of Darkness discussing military affairs with the generals, preparing for war, and might not be available. His Majesty has instructed, saying that the Immortal’s word is his bond, guaranteeing you will find support lest you wish to risk backlash from failing the mission. Hence, the timing of your move to seek aid in Gu Yun State is entirely at the Immortal’s discretion.”

Xiao Jie snickered inwardly. This Yama Qin Chuan indeed understands the “Cause and Effect” principle, calculatively ensuring that he will endeavor to seek assistance to avoid the backlash of failing the mission, showing great “magnanimity.” But this suits him just fine, saving him much empty politicking.

“Let it be so then,” Xiao Jie said no more, turning to Ye Luo and I Want to Be Immortal, “My two friends have special identities and cannot reincarnate, and need to stay temporarily in the Netherworld. Please, Your Honor the Judge, arrange for them to have a leisurely position in the Palace of Darkness or the Reincarnation Bureau, ensuring their safety and that they are not sent to any dangerous frontlines.”

“Rest assured, Immortal, small matters like this will be arranged perfectly by me, with no oversights!” said the Judge, patting his chest in reassurance.

Xiao Jie further advised Ye Luo and I Want to Be Immortal attentively, asking them to stay with peace of mind in the Netherworld, to utilize the environment to sense their own powers preliminarily, and promised that once matters here are settled, he will swiftly find suitable cultivation methods for them. After saying his goodbyes, Xiao Jie no longer delayed, his form flashing and breaking through the Yin-Yang Boundary, turning into a stream of clear light, heading straight to the Ginkgo Village in the mortal world.

…

The familiar village entrance, with the giant ginkgo tree still lush and leafy, casting a golden light on the ground. The air was filled with the fragrance of vegetation and the scent of soil, in stark contrast to the cold and lifeless peace of the Netherworld.

Xiao Jie’s figure quietly appeared not far from the village, his immortal presence faintly glowing, somewhat out of place with the simple village setting.

“Oh? There are new players again.” He noticed a few new players in coarse clothes clumsily trying to chop down trees near the village entrance.

Those newcomers quickly noticed Xiao Jie, and the moment their gaze landed on him, they froze as if under a spell, eyes wide with astonishment.

“What…the hell! What’s that?”

“A glowing NPC? No! This aura…is it an immortal?”

“Is the modeling this handsome? No! This feels…like a real immortal!”

They whispered among themselves, faces written with shock and disbelief, wanting to approach and converse, yet intimidated by the extraordinary aura emanating from him, hesitated to get close, only daring to watch from afar with eyes filled with reverence and curiosity.