Chapter Thirteen: The Three Rules (Part Two)

"I've thought it over. I can agree to be this so-called Underworld Enforcer, but I have a few conditions. If you can accept them, I can take up the post right away." Shi Jun got straight to the point as soon as he spoke.

"Let's hear them. If we have the authority, it shouldn't be a problem," Chiyang replied, noncommittal.

"I have three demands. First, under no circumstances should anyone around me be implicated because of this. If you can't guarantee that, then there's nothing more to discuss." This was Shi Jun's main prerequisite; he had no intention of letting his family and friends get dragged into something uncontrollable just because of his decision today.

"Don't worry! We never intended to act openly, so we definitely won't go out of our way to involve ordinary people," Chiyang assured him, putting particular emphasis on the words "go out of our way".

"Alright." Shi Jun thought, as long as they didn't actively cause trouble for others, it should be fine. And chances were, ordinary people wouldn't have the means to trouble them anyway. He paused, then continued, "Second, I reserve the right to withdraw at any time, and you cannot force me to join again."

"How could that be? How can an Underworld Enforcer just quit whenever he wants?" Little Mischief immediately protested, wagging her tail and shaking her head in disapproval.

Chiyang's reaction was less intense. She motioned for Little Mischief to quiet down, then tried her best to speak gently. "That... isn't for us to decide. But we can promise you this: if you wish to quit in the future, we can relay your decision to Lord Yama." She gave a wry smile. "That's really the limit of what we can do. You should know, if we do this, we'll also be punished by Lord Yama. But to show our sincerity, I'm willing to do what little I can!"

Shi Jun found it difficult to refuse after she'd put it that way, so he nodded reluctantly. "Then let's amend that point: I'll only work for your Underworld in my spare time. I can't give up my studies just to be an Enforcer."

"That's fine," Chiyang agreed, then added, "How you manage your time is up to you, but you must ensure you complete the tasks assigned by the Underworld on time."

This didn't bother Shi Jun. University courses were generally flexible, and he didn't have any particularly time-consuming hobbies or jobs, so time shouldn't be a problem—as long as he didn't neglect his studies.

"Good. Now for my final demand: I want the freedom to come and go from the Underworld at will." In truth, this was the condition Shi Jun cared about most. The real reason he agreed to become an Enforcer so quickly was mainly for this.

"That, to be honest, isn't so easily done. You're still just a mortal after all—" Hearing this, Shi Jun tensed, but Chiyang quickly continued, "But I can find a way for you..."

"That's good enough. We have a deal!" Shi Jun couldn't help but chime in, a note of delight in his voice.

"I can guarantee these conditions. However," Chiyang's tone shifted, "you must also go through a trial set by the Underworld."

"A trial?" Shi Jun was momentarily stunned. These people had pestered him endlessly to become this Enforcer, and now, just as he finally agreed, they suddenly came up with some trial. What exactly did they want? If he failed the trial, did that mean he wouldn't have to be an Enforcer? That would be a joke.

"Yes, a trial," Chiyang replied, as if reading his mind. "But this trial isn't to see if you're fit to be an Enforcer—it's to determine whether you can pass your probationary period."

"Probationary period?" Another new term, and Shi Jun was quite surprised.

"Only by passing the probation can you officially become an Underworld Enforcer and receive a formal rank conferred by the Underworld. And only after you are officially appointed can I find a way to let you come and go from the Underworld as you wish," Chiyang continued, unaware that she had just touched Shi Jun's sore spot.

It seemed being an Underworld Enforcer was no easy thing, Shi Jun thought, then casually asked, "So... what does this trial involve?"

"It's quite simple. Within a month, you must, under your own power, discover and subdue a wandering spirit. During this period, Little Mischief and I cannot help you in any way, except to offer some common sense advice."

"You must be kidding, that's..."

Chiyang made it sound easy, but Shi Jun knew just how difficult it would be. With his current abilities, trying to catch a ghost alone was practically suicide. Was he supposed to walk up to a wandering spirit and introduce himself: Hello, I’m Shi Jun, an Underworld Enforcer. I’m here to arrest you and take you back to the Underworld. You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say may be used as evidence in court—wasn't that just asking to get himself killed?

Seeing Shi Jun's troubled expression, Chiyang softened, unable to resist giving him a few more hints. "Don't worry! Didn't I say before? There's a reason the Underworld chose you as an Enforcer—they wouldn't send you to die for nothing. Once you unlock your innate abilities under the right conditions, those minor demons and spirits won't be able to touch you. You are..." She hesitated a little at the end, leaving her sentence unfinished.

"Alright, I'll accept the trial," Shi Jun replied, even though he knew Chiyang was still hiding something from him. He had to admit, though, there was some logic in her words, so he agreed readily.

"Good! Then the trial begins tomorrow. Little Mischief will give you further instructions when the time comes." Chiyang seemed very pleased.

And so the negotiations concluded. The three chatted idly for a while longer before bidding each other goodnight and going to rest.

* * * * * * * *

Early the next morning, the moment Shi Jun opened his eyes he saw Little Mischief’s cheery apple-like face right in front of him, which startled him into sitting up. He looked around but saw no sign of Chiyang.

"Huh? Where’s that wicked woman?" Truthfully, Shi Jun no longer felt any real dislike for Chiyang, but old habits die hard.

"Lord Enforcer, you’re calling Sister Chiyang a wicked woman again! That’s so mean, she’ll be upset!" Little Mischief still looked like a little kid and was munching enthusiastically on a peach she’d somehow procured.

"Don’t be nosy. You haven’t answered my question yet," Shi Jun said, quickly changing the subject.

"Sister Chiyang said she has meetings to attend for the next few days, so she told me to stay with you."

"Meetings... for several days?" Shi Jun’s eyes nearly popped out. He thought, so the Underworld is just like the human world, holding endless conferences for no reason. Judging by this, Chiyang must hold a pretty high rank in the Underworld; after all, in the human world, only important people are in meetings all the time.

"Have you thought about where to look for clues next, Lord Enforcer?" Little Mischief couldn’t understand what Shi Jun was thinking and just continued on her own train of thought.

"Nope," Shi Jun answered without hesitation.

"Sister Chiyang told me to remind you, Lord Enforcer, that you can start by looking around you—like at school..." Little Mischief trailed after Shi Jun, chattering away.

Of course! How could I have missed it? Campus covers a large area and is full of people—a perfect haunt for wandering souls. It seemed Chiyang really was looking out for him. Shi Jun was just reflecting on this as he reached the bathroom door, only to find Little Mischief had followed him in. Suddenly realizing that Little Mischief was technically the opposite sex, he yelped, "Who let you in? Out!"

His mother, Qin Xiaoya, had just come back from buying groceries and paused in surprise at his shout.

Shi Jun broke into a cold sweat, quickly faked a yawn, and forced a laugh. "Still not awake. Eyes are playing tricks on me..."

* * * * * * * *

"Little Mischief, you should head back now," Shi Jun whispered to the little shadow trailing behind him on the way to school.

"Why? No one else can see me." Little Mischief skipped along, looking around curiously, not sparing Shi Jun a glance.

"Look," Shi Jun explained patiently, "didn’t Chiyang say you can’t help me during my probation? Just standing by and watching isn’t much fun, is it? Besides, I haven’t even found a wandering spirit yet. Once I do, we can talk about it then."

"That makes sense," Little Mischief nodded, then immediately shook her head like a rattle-drum. "But I’m not going back! I finally have a chance to go out and play, and with Sister Chiyang gone, I’m so happy! If I go back, they’ll make me practice again—it’s hard work, not fun at all, and I get punished all the time. I’m not going!" She pouted and tilted her head, looking absolutely determined, though her eyes were glued to a new McDonald's that had just opened nearby.

Shi Jun was taken aback... Were children in the Underworld really this pitiful? It seemed Little Mischief, like elementary school kids in the human world, needed to have her workload reduced.

Suddenly, Little Mischief tugged on Shi Jun’s sleeve, pleading, "Lord Enforcer, that place looks so fun! There are so many toys. Take me, please!"

McDonald's truly was a paradise for children—even a little Underworld imp like Little Mischief couldn’t walk past without stopping. Shi Jun couldn't help but laugh, and an idea struck him.

"I can take you to play, and even buy you some toys. But afterwards, you’ll have to go find somewhere else to amuse yourself for a while—and we won’t tell Chiyang, okay? It’ll be our secret!" Shi Jun did his best to sound like he was coaxing a child.

Little Mischief was clearly tempted. Her big eyes sparkled as she bit her lip and let out two sly laughs, glanced around, then stuck out her pinky. "Pinky swear!"

So pinky swears were a thing in the Underworld too? Amused by her cuteness, Shi Jun solemnly hooked his finger around hers.

"Crazy!" A plump middle-aged woman gave Shi Jun a look of disgust and skirted around him.

Shi Jun snapped to attention—he suddenly realized that, to others, his gesture of holding out a finger looked rather odd. He quickly stood up, pretended nothing had happened, and casually wandered into McDonald's...