Chapter Twelve: Past and Future (Part One)

After finishing his account in one breath, Chishang seemed to have set down a heavy burden and breathed a sigh of relief. He lay back down beside Hu Hai, quietly listening to Shi Jun's words.

Having heard Chishang’s statement, Shi Jun calmed his mind and silently reflected on the string of events that had just occurred—the things Chishang said were indeed true. The blue silhouette and the emerald green radiance he’d seen in his mind’s eye were most likely Chishang and his Golden-Eyed Jade Toad. Now, Shi Jun’s feelings toward the young man before him had clearly shifted, reminiscent of the time he had turned an enemy into a friend with Lan Po in the Underworld River. He could distinctly sense the fluctuations of Chishang’s emotions; though, perhaps because of Chishang’s strong will, he couldn’t fully perceive all of Chishang’s thoughts. Still, the sense of intimate connection that had inexplicably taken root in his heart was the best proof of the contract they had forged.

With this realization, Shi Jun finally relaxed completely. Looking at Liu Qing’s current state, though she had not fully recovered to her former self, she was clearly much improved. He let out a long breath and laughed, “As the saying goes, no discord, no concord. Though we stood on opposite sides, it’s a good thing that we’ve managed to lay down our arms today.”

Motuo, however, was still somewhat indignant. He kept his dagger pointed at Chishang and said, “I knew you were behind all this! Now that your sneak attack failed, you want to beg for mercy? That depends on whether I agree!”

Chishang paid him no mind. He opened his eyes and looked at Shi Jun, smiling. “My lord, your companion is really unfriendly—always brandishing weapons, how tiresome!”

Hearing this was like pouring oil on Motuo’s fire. His eyebrows nearly stood on end as he stomped his foot and shouted, “What? You dare call me a lackey? Let’s see if I don’t give you a proper lesson!” Still, he was wary of Chishang and, despite his bluster, dared not approach rashly.

Shi Jun hastened to explain to Chishang, “Old Mo here is a respected figure in the Demon Realm and a friend of mine. Since you’re no longer our enemy, at the very least, we should coexist peacefully.” He quickly changed the subject, “Old Mo, don’t you think Sister Liu looks different from before?”

Motuo, prompted by Shi Jun’s question, examined Liu Qing closely, then frowned. “You’re right, something’s off. Her body seems much more translucent than before. Hm! Maybe she hasn’t fully recovered yet.”

Chishang chuckled nonchalantly. “A great figure from the Demon Realm? You really are ignorant if you can’t even understand this.”

Motuo’s face grew even darker at this remark. He retorted loudly, “Calling me ignorant, are you? Then tell me—what’s going on here? If you can explain, I’ll concede. But if you can’t, you’d better stop meddling around here!”

Unperturbed, Chishang sat up and saluted Shi Jun. “My lord may not know, but Miss Liu is a newly departed spirit. She has never entered the Underworld nor absorbed its pure, cold energies, so her spirit has never truly taken form. Just now, calamity struck and her spirit began to dissipate. Though the power of the Scarlet Spirit Fruit allowed her to reconstitute her form, greatly enhancing her strength and cultivation, she has yet to undergo true transformation. It’s as if a three-year-old child were suddenly granted the strength of a giant—her body simply cannot adapt all at once, which is why she appears as she does now. However, if she learns the cultivation methods of the Underworld and masters the vast power within her, not only will her form become more solid, but, given the unique nature of her spirit, she may even gain special abilities like transformation or mimicry. This is truly a blessing in disguise for her!”

At these words, Shi Jun felt deeply relieved, and even Motuo had nothing more to say, grunting in reluctant acceptance.

By now, Liu Qing had gradually regained consciousness, and she was overjoyed at Chishang’s explanation. Her lingering in the mortal realm after death was due to unresolved matters. Though she had become companions with Shi Jun and Motuo, she had always been little more than a bystander, unable to help, much less fulfill her own wishes through her own strength. Now, fortune had smiled upon her, and she had met Chishang, someone well-versed in the cultivation of spirits. It was a rare and precious opportunity. If she could receive his guidance, her long-cherished wish might no longer be a distant dream. Struggling to her feet, she bowed to Chishang and said, “I’ve truly found a blessing in disguise this time, and I must thank you for your guidance. I hope you’ll instruct me further in the future.”

For some reason, though Chishang was defiant with Motuo, he was courteous to others. Seeing Liu Qing’s gesture, he quickly returned the salute. “Miss Liu, you’re too kind. As you are a friend of my lord, you’re also my companion. If you need anything, I will do my best to help.”

With the matter resolved so harmoniously, Shi Jun was overjoyed. He pulled Motuo over, laughing, “That’s more like it. We’re all friends now and should work together!”

Motuo, seeing this, could only nod in reluctant agreement, while Chishang and Liu Qing, of course, had no objections.

* * * * * * * *

With past grievances set aside, they finally returned to the main issue. This time, it was Chishang who, after a moment of reflection, broke the silence.

“My lord’s abilities have truly astonished me. But may I ask—what is your current status in the Underworld? How did you come by the Underworld Token? And why are you so eager to track down me and my brothers?” What mattered most to Chishang was Shi Jun’s background and what he intended to do with his other brothers, so he came straight to the point with a string of questions.

Shi Jun was about to answer when Motuo interjected, “You really don’t know who he is? Let me tell you—he’s the Underworld’s official Soul Hunter, personally chosen by the Emperor of the Underworld to capture wandering spirits and ghosts and send them back. You and your brothers escaped from the Token, so of course he has to bring you back. Why bother asking?”

“So, my lord means to capture all six of us and imprison us in the Token again?” Chishang, after hearing Motuo’s explanation, raised another question, fixing his gaze intently on Shi Jun as he awaited a reply.

Shi Jun immediately sensed the tension and resistance in Chishang’s heart and shook his head slightly. “You needn’t worry too much. It’s true that I am the Soul Hunter of the Underworld, and that you were inadvertently released from the Token by me. I do have a duty to find all the escapees, but how I handle things is another matter entirely.”

“Another matter? Do you dare defy the Emperor’s orders? If you don’t capture us and lock us away again in that dark, endless prison, how will you answer to the Emperor?” Chishang asked suspiciously.

Shi Jun was briefly taken aback. “Believe it or not, though I am the Soul Hunter, I have my own principles and standards. Capturing wandering souls is my duty, but how to deal with them—I will only decide after thoroughly understanding everything. Take Sister Liu here, for example. She still has unfinished business in the mortal world, so we haven’t forced her to return to the Underworld with us. That’s a clear example.”

Seeing Liu Qing nod slightly, Chishang’s expression shifted uncertainly for a long moment before he spoke in a low voice, “…For us, freedom is more precious than anything. If you insist on putting us back in the Token, that’s your right. But let me be clear: the six of us would rather be destroyed utterly, fighting to the bitter end, than submit to your wishes. Even if I can’t oppose you directly, I’ll do everything in my power to help my brothers resist you!” Though he had formed a heart-bond contract with Shi Jun—and with his abilities, even centuries of cultivation might not break it—when it came to the fate of himself and his sworn brothers, if Shi Jun’s decision could not win his sincere acceptance, then as he said, he would rather perish in resistance than sit and await his doom.