Chapter Seven: The Register of Departed Souls (Part One)

The two individuals who emerged were none other than the rash Rakshasa and a middle-aged man of average build, his complexion sallow and withered.

“Hey, I waited inside for ages! Why didn’t you come in? Fighting is such fun—how could you leave me out?” Rakshasa burst out, storming at Shi Jun without distinguishing friend from foe.

“You’re one to talk!” Hu Hai shouted back, exasperated. “You just barged in without even saying hello to these four guard dogs! And as for this fellow—he attacked us out of nowhere. I had no choice but to show them a thing or two!” With that, he pointed smugly at the bedraggled, defeated Variant Guang Linzi, as if it were he who had rendered the man powerless.

The middle-aged man who had followed Rakshasa out saw Shi Jun and the others and quickly approached, bowing deeply to Hu Hai. “My lord, I didn’t expect we would meet again so soon.”

Hu Hai recognized him at once—wasn’t this the official he’d just seen in the Warden’s Department of the Purgatory of Burning Hearts? As he recalled, this man’s horsemanship was unmatched, his skill overshadowing all the ghosts. He hesitated, then ventured, “You’re… you’re Mistree, aren’t you?”

“Your memory is excellent, my lord, to recall even my humble name.” Mistree’s face lit up with joy. “It was my failure of discipline that led my subordinates to offend you. I will see to it they are properly chastised!” With that, he ordered the limp guards dragged back inside.

“What lord is he supposed to be?” Rakshasa interjected, wide-eyed, pointing at Shi Jun. “He’s the real Ghostcatcher Lord, you know!”

Mistree was taken aback, glancing from Shi Jun, who was directing Lan Po to keep Duan Yue bound, to Hu Hai, uncertain how to react.

Shi Jun, seeing his confusion, quickly signaled Lan Po to withdraw, his eyes flickering as he fabricated, “That may be, but this gentleman’s status is no less than mine. For certain reasons, it must remain confidential—so… haha, you understand?” He thought to himself, “I certainly can’t reveal Hu Hai’s identity, but it’s not deception. He and I are as close as brothers—his standing in the human world is the same as mine, just a student.”

Hu Hai caught on instantly, nodding gravely with an air of mystery, smiling slightly but saying nothing.

Mistree remained confused. But since the young lady Rakshasa herself had named this man Ghostcatcher Lord, there must be a reason, so he bowed to Shi Jun and pointed to Duan Yue, who was still panting, “My lord, this is Vice General Duan Yue of the Thunder Court under the Warden’s Department. There must have been some misunderstanding just now. Please do not take it to heart.” Mistree was indeed in a bind—though Duan Yue’s rank was below his, they were not in the same department. Now Duan Yue had offended this important figure, but from his own position, Mistree could say little. He shot Duan Yue a look, hoping he would take the hint and apologize to the Ghostcatcher.

Duan Yue, battered and breathless from Lan Po’s assault, had at first hoped Mistree would back him up. But seeing him now bowing and apologizing, he realized he had provoked a group of big shots. Still, he remained a little defiant, grunted quietly, and gave Shi Jun a reluctant bow before leaving awkwardly.

Mistree was embarrassed, but not knowing what else to say, he hastily invited the group into the Soul-Pacifying Office.

* * * * *

No sooner had they entered the main hall than Modo couldn’t help but ask, “Hey, why did your people attack us the moment we arrived, without even asking questions?”

Mistree had already sensed from Modo’s aura that he was from the Demon Realm. He thought, “Isn’t that your fault?” But kept a calm face, glancing at Shi Jun with a faint smile. “May I ask this gentleman’s name?”

Shi Jun already knew Modo’s background from Hu Hai. Though not well acquainted, they had come together, so he answered without hesitation, “This is my friend, Modo.”

“Oh?” Mistree mused, “Brother Modo must be from the Demon Realm, then?”

“Yes!” Modo nodded vigorously, confessing without reservation, “I’m here to undergo my tribulation.”

To be honest, Mistree had never before encountered a demon brazenly parading about the Underworld. Now, hearing him declare so openly his purpose for coming, he thought, “Either this guy is a simpleton or has someone powerful backing him. Since he’s with the Ghostcatcher, he must be relying on that connection. But the Underworld has always been hostile to outsiders seeking to seize treasures or undergo tribulations. Surely the Ghostcatcher knows this? Or is there some special reason…”

Pondering this, Mistree smiled at Shi Jun. “So it’s all been a misunderstanding. General Duan Yue and my subordinates must have sensed demonic energy from Brother Modo and, not knowing he was your friend, acted rashly. A colossal misunderstanding, truly!”

Shi Jun felt a chill—so that’s why Variant Guang Linzi had attacked so fiercely. Still, Modo and Hu Hai seemed genuine, and Modo was guileless. There was no harm in befriending him, and if any trouble arose, he would bear it himself. Having made up his mind, Shi Jun grinned, “Since it’s just a misunderstanding, let’s put it behind us.”

* * * * *

As host and guests exchanged pleasantries, the so-called Duan Yue returned. He had gone back to the Warden’s Department, intending to find support, but upon hearing from Inspector Leji of the Security Court just who this Ghostcatcher Lord was, realized he had made a grave mistake. With no other option, his superior sent him back to apologize to Shi Jun.

Shi Jun waved him off with a smile, “It’s all been explained. General, you were only doing your duty—no need to dwell on it and risk alienating one another, eh? Haha!” This was Shi Jun’s wisdom—here in unfamiliar territory, another friend was better than another enemy.

Duan Yue was deeply moved, his opinion of this capable and broad-minded newcomer rising considerably. He quickly retrieved the treasure he’d confiscated from Modo during the scuffle—the Blazing Pearl—and presented it with both hands, grinning sheepishly. “My lord, your magnanimity is a model for our Underworld. I return this artifact to its rightful owner, and I hope our friend here bears no grudge!” He bowed deeply to Modo as he spoke.

Modo, having been rather indignant, now saw his treasure returned and an apology offered, and could not press further. Still somewhat dissatisfied, he took back the Blazing Pearl, polishing it with his sleeve and muttering, “A pity. With your rough handling, it’ll take me years to restore it again.”

Shi Jun was never one to overstep. Since his side bore some responsibility for the earlier fight, he rounded things off with a laugh, “General, you flatter me. As they say, a good fight breeds friendship. My friends and I have great respect for your abilities. Let’s call the misunderstanding settled.”

Mistree, seeing that the Ghostcatcher bore no grudge and not wanting to embarrass Duan Yue further, added, “Exactly! General Duan Yue and my lord are colleagues—such a trifle is nothing between friends!” He laughed awkwardly.

Duan Yue, proud by nature, had only come to apologize under orders. Now, seeing the Ghostcatcher unbothered while the demon (whom Duan Yue still doubted) showed him no regard, he felt rather disgruntled. He bowed once more to Shi Jun. “My lord, your generosity is admirable!” Then, glaring at Modo, he added, “But if anyone is still unsatisfied, they are welcome to challenge me again—I will gladly oblige!” With that, he strode out in a huff.

* * * * *

As Duan Yue stormed off, Mistree cursed him inwardly. “He’s only making things difficult for me! If the Ghostcatcher takes offense, I’m doomed. That Duan Yue is too brash—next time I see his superior, I must file a complaint!” But for now, it was up to him to salvage the situation, so he forced a cheerful tone. “My lord, you’ve come a long way—how may I be of service?”