By the River of Oblivion, just as Shen Xin had Xiao Ai activate the ‘Heart-Wrenching Pain’ card, two eerie voices fell upon her ears, “Who dares trespass the River of Oblivion?”
Shen Xin looked over and saw two black figures appearing on the river’s surface, staring at her with ill intent.
Their features weren’t unpleasant, except for their extremely pale faces, as if coated with thick powder, making them quite eerie.
They were the ghost guards who protected the River of Oblivion.
This was Shen Xin’s first time encountering ghosts.
However, thanks to the original host’s memories and Divine Sense, her acceptance of such things was now extremely high.
So after only a moment of surprise, she regained her composure, adopting the lofty demeanor of a High God, slightly lifting her chin. “Shen Xin of the Cloud Sea Realm, here to seek an audience with the God of the Underworld.”
Though the ghost guards hadn’t seen Shen Xin before, they could sense the divine power surrounding her. Upon hearing “Cloud Sea Realm,” they quickly bowed their heads, speaking respectfully, “We pay our respects to the High God.”
After speaking, one of the ghost guards looked up, flattering as he smiled, “This humble one will now ferry you across the River of Oblivion.”
Shen Xin curved her lips, “Thank you.”
The Netherworld was considered the most mysterious of the Six Realms, because whether human, demon, immortal, or even Demon, after death, as long as their soul remained intact, they would cross the River of Oblivion to enter the Netherworld.
Of course, only after death could one enter.
Aside from a few highly skilled immortals, demons, and spirits, anyone who overestimated their abilities and trespassed the River of Oblivion would be devoured by it.
The River of Oblivion was the only path to the Netherworld.
Shen Xin stood on a bamboo raft, which the ghost guards had conjured from who-knows-where, drifting down the River of Oblivion towards the Netherworld.
The River of Oblivion was different from what she had imagined.
The water was clear, allowing one to see the bottom at a glance. There were no snakes or insects at the riverbed; instead, it seemed paved with sparkling pearls, glittering with starlight, truly as beautiful as the Milky Way.
She raised her eyebrows in surprise, then asked the ferrying ghost guard, “Is the God of the Underworld currently in the Netherworld?”
The ghost guard chuckled, “This humble one is of low status; how could I know the whereabouts of the God of the Underworld?”
Shen Xin nodded and said no more.
She had asked this to see if news of the God of the Underworld’s fall had spread. It seemed no one knew yet?
It was at this moment that Shen Xin suddenly heard Qin Weiji’s voice, gritting her name through his teeth, “Shen Yaoyao—”
Shen Xin was startled and quickly looked around, but didn’t see Qin Weiji.
Just as she was puzzled, Qin Weiji’s voice sounded again, filled with obvious anger, “Shen Yaoyao, what exactly have you done to me?”
Xiao Ai hurriedly reminded her, “The jade pendant at your waist—that’s your and Qin Weiji’s Marriage Jade. Through it, you can always know each other’s whereabouts and use it to communicate.”
Shen Xin suddenly understood, “A phone.”
She picked up the jade pendant, but before she could examine it closely, she heard that icy voice again, clearly having lost all patience, “Shen Yaoyao, speak!”
Even the ferrying ghost guard couldn’t help but glance over, thinking to himself, Who dares speak to a High God like that?
But Shen Xin only chuckled secretly, putting on an act as she spoke, “Husband, I’ve been gone for less than half an hour, and you already miss me?”
“What have you done to me?”
“What do you mean, what have I done?”
“Don’t play dumb!”
Qin Weiji clearly took a deep breath, as if trying to relieve something, then continued, “My heart feels as if it’s being cut by a knife right now. Do you dare say it’s not your doing?”
“Ah?”
Shen Xin looked surprised, then blinked and smiled shyly, “Husband, why are you like this? I know you miss me, but you don’t have to say it so intensely. Phrases like ‘heart-wrenching pain’ sound so embarrassing and cheesy.”
She covered her mouth, afraid she might laugh out loud.
“Shen… Yao… Yao—”
The three syllables were nearly gritted out between clenched teeth, but Shen Xin merely responded with an “Oh,” “I’m here, husband. I miss you too, husband.”
Her light, soft reply made Qin Weiji suddenly feel as if he had thrown a punch into a cloud—utterly powerless.
He had tried countless methods but still couldn’t alleviate the pain in his heart. Instead, it grew increasingly severe, and his corruption index rose along with it.
Yet, he could find no cause—no poison, no gu, no invasion of Demonic Energy, no curse of dark arts.
Even his career-focused assistant was at a loss, unable to pinpoint the reason.
All Qin Weiji knew was that as the heartache intensified, Shen Xin’s image in his mind grew clearer and clearer.
Her every smile, her every word, haunted him like a demonic nightmare.
A terrifying thought surged within him: he missed her, wanted to see her, wanted her by his side, not a step away.
Qin Weiji felt he might be going mad.
Otherwise, why would he entertain such absurd thoughts? Why would he miss her to the brink of Demonization?
The only explanation he could conceive was that Shen Xin had done something to him!
Yet, Shen Xin was a master at feigning innocence, and threats had no effect on her.
His career assistant couldn’t help but offer advice, 【Divine Lord, why not try being a little gentler?】
Qin Weiji clenched his jaw, eyes shut tight, saying nothing.
He should have long been beyond such mortal traits as sweat, yet now his forehead was drenched, beads dripping down his temples.
Veins bulged on his forehead, his knuckles turned white as he gripped the Marriage Jade, and the veins on the back of his hand stood out prominently.
He never knew that such a pain existed in the Six Realms—one he could not endure.
Agony beyond bearing!
But to be gentle with Shen Xin?
Why should he!
He, the exalted Divine Lord of the divine realm…
【Divine Lord, a true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm. Sometimes, using a bit of charm isn’t such a big deal. If she can tempt you, can’t you turn the tables and tempt her?】
【Since you can’t do without her now, why not make good use of it? Wait until she falls in love with you and lifts whatever dark art this is. Once the demonic nature within you is completely purged, you can ruthlessly cast her aside. Wouldn’t that be more satisfying?】
Qin Weiji, “…What you say does have some merit.”
He refused to believe that, with his looks, if he took the initiative to seduce Shen Xin, she wouldn’t be swayed.
Once she fell for him, he would see if she could still pretend to be so nonchalant.
When that time came, he would repay her a hundredfold for the pain and humiliation he endured today!
Perhaps because he had been silent for too long, Shen Xin grew curious, “Husband, are you still alive?”
Qin Weiji, “…”
The resolve to be gentle he had mustered moments ago vanished in an instant. Gritting his teeth, he replied, “Don’t worry, I’m still alive.”
“Oh.”
Shen Xin nodded, then pursed her lips to suppress a chuckle before casually sitting cross-legged.
Lazily gazing at the ‘stars’ in the River of Oblivion, she inexplicably found the place rather tranquil and peaceful, evoking a sense of leisurely idleness.
She asked Qin Weiji, “You sought me out just to tell me you missed me so much your heart aches?”
Qin Weiji fell silent again on his end. Shen Xin’s smile deepened, but she didn’t press him.
After a moment of quiet, she heard Qin Weiji take several deep breaths before he finally spoke again.
Only this time, his voice no longer carried the gritted-teeth fury from before. Instead, it was soft, hoarse from pain, as he called by her ear, “Yao Yao~”
Somehow carrying a trace of… eerie tenderness.
Shen Xin’s hand trembled, nearly dropping the Marriage Jade into the River of Oblivion.
Him speaking softly was one thing, the eerie tenderness another.
But him calling her… Yao Yao?
Wasn’t this intimacy far too bizarre?
Was this really Qin Weiji?
It made Shen Xin’s hair stand on end.
Yet what came next chilled her even more. While she was still stunned, Qin Weiji called out again softly, “Yao Yao~”
His voice was faint and hoarse, helpless and fragile, carrying a pitiful note of grievance as he whispered coquettishly by her ear, “It really hurts…”
Shen Xin rubbed her arms, goosebumps rising all over.
She even wondered if Qin Weiji had become delirious from the pain—how else could he possibly speak to her like this?
But nonetheless, Shen Xin’s heart trembled slightly at his soft, vulnerable words.
She felt somewhat sorry for him.
She could even imagine how he must look now—certainly pale from pain, fragile like a snowman that would shatter at a touch.
Shen Xin felt inexplicably guilty. She bit her lip, her voice softening as her fingers unconsciously twisted her skirt. “Then… then what should we do?”
He breathed lightly and said slowly, “Come back.”
Shen Xin hesitated. “That won’t do. I’m already on the River of Oblivion, about to enter the Netherworld soon.”
Thinking of this, she suddenly smiled again and said, “Why don’t you come here instead? You come find me. After all, it would only take you a moment to reach the Netherworld.”
She never actually wanted to become the God of the Underworld herself—ultimately, it was all to lure Qin Weiji down.
From the Netherworld to the Demon Realm, the atmospheres of both realms could accelerate Qin Weiji’s corruption, helping her complete her mission faster.
The card Xiao Ai gave her was just to make things smoother. Having come this far, she couldn’t let it all go to waste now.
No sooner had she finished speaking than her expression suddenly changed. She sprang to her feet, staring at the expanse of bloody crimson spreading in the distance. “What is that?”
Qin Weiji sounded puzzled. “What’s wrong?”
Shen Xin didn’t answer, only stared intently ahead.
That bloody crimson spread out, its range growing larger. In just those few breaths, it nearly dyed the entire sky and earth in bloody hues.
That was the end of the River of Oblivion, where the Netherworld lay.
The sky of the Netherworld was originally gloomy gray, but now stained with bloody crimson, it appeared even more somber.
Shen Xin could even make out what seemed like numerous figures struggling within that bloody crimson, as if caught in some whirlpool, unable to break free.
Simultaneously, Shen Xin noticed that the River of Oblivion, which had been beautifully sparkling just moments before, had turned turbid. It was as if someone had poured dark crimson ink into the river, slowly dyeing the waters a dull, dark red.
This was now the River of Oblivion Shen Xin had read about in countless legends.
Bloody waters churned, insects and snakes entwined.
The glittering objects at the river bottom revealed their true nature—not pearls, but trapped malevolent spirits struggling and wailing as they were gnawed by worms and snakes.
Instantly, all tranquility and peace were shattered.
Shen Xin’s vision was filled with the color of blood, her ears overwhelmed by cries and screams.
The ghost official was clearly terrified, trembling as he stammered, “Yin… Yin Fiend energy?”
“Yin Fiend energy?”
Shen Xin frowned, “What is that?”
Before the ghost official could explain, Qin Weiji’s stern voice came through the Marriage Jade, “Yin Fiend energy is the malevolent aura of resentful spirits and evil ghosts suppressed by the Netherworld.”
Shen Xin pondered this—so it was just some resentful spirits and evil ghosts?
Qin Weiji sneered coldly, “It seems news of the God of the Underworld’s fall has leaked. Someone couldn’t wait to open the Gates of Hell and release the Yin Fiend energy.”
Wherever the Yin Fiend passed, it could devour all living beings and even souls, preventing them from ever reincarnating.
Clearly, the Netherworld was now in chaos.
Qin Weiji’s voice turned sharp and cold again, “Shen Yaoyao, return immediately.”
Shen Xin fell silent for a moment, “If I return now, would that make me a deserter?”
She lowered her gaze, watching the malevolent spirits at the bottom of the River of Oblivion that seemed about to break free from the worms and snakes, and curved her lips into a faint smile. “Qin Weiji, don’t underestimate me so much.”
With that, she cut off the communication through the Marriage Jade before Qin Weiji could respond, tucking the jade back at her waist.
The ghost official had shrunk into a trembling ball. The bamboo raft had stopped on the River of Oblivion, pulled by an inexplicable force trying to drag it under.
Shen Xin recalled Qin Weiji’s words and the original host’s memories of the Six Realms.
If the Gates of Hell were opened and the Yin Fiend resentful spirits released, the malevolent spirits in the River of Oblivion would naturally break free.
They would escape the river, even leave the Netherworld to wreak havoc elsewhere.
The bamboo raft beneath Shen Xin swayed several times as the pulling force from the resentful spirits grew stronger.
The ghost official was now wailing loudly, clinging desperately to the raft to avoid falling in.
Xiao Ai also panicked, 【Host, what should we do?】
Shen Xin remained calm, “You’re a Love Brain. Then tell me, how can you make a man who looks down on you come to admire you and fall for you faster?”
She raised her hand, and a short sandalwood Wooden Flute appeared in her palm—the original host’s life-bound Magical Artifact.
Shen Xin sighed while looking at the flute, “For the sake of all beings in the Six Realms, I fear neither life nor death, even if it means my soul scatters to nothing.”
Xiao Ai marveled, 【…Hero!】
Shen Xin spun lightly and leaped up, hovering above the River of Oblivion.
Her black hair flew wildly, her red dress flapping loudly. She closed her eyes and began playing the Wooden Flute.
This was the second time since arriving in this world that she unleashed her full power.
And her life-bound Wooden Flute could help her maximize her divine power.
The melodious flute notes, carrying pacifying divine power, flowed from her lips and the flute.
Wherever the sound reached, a pale golden light instantly covered the bloody red, suppressing it completely and gradually devouring it until it dissipated.
The Netherworld was in chaos. Countless evil ghosts and resentful spirits poured out from the unsealed Gates of Hell, yet no one could contact the God of the Underworld.
Just as ghost officials, earth immortals, newly arrived souls in the underworld, and those awaiting reincarnation were being swallowed by the Yin Fiend with no hope of salvation, a gentle yet suppressing flute melody drifted over.
With the sound of the flute, the Yin Fiends that had been raging moments ago instantly quieted down, completely purified and devoured without even a struggle.
The Netherworld’s earth immortals and ghost guards, who had been battling the Yin Fiends, couldn’t help but turn their gazes toward the source of the flute music.
Above the River of Oblivion, a woman with black hair and a red dress stood poised against the wind, playing the wooden flute. Pale golden divine power rippled out from around her, spreading across the entire River of Oblivion and the whole Netherworld.
Even the denizens of the Netherworld felt an unprecedented sense of peace, so lazily content that they hardly wanted to move, almost wishing to lie down and rest right there.
Yan Jun, however, recognized her—wasn’t this the most useless High God from the divine realm?
Seeing that the Yin Fiends had calmed and the Gates of Hell were resealed, he hurried forward.
But before he could take more than a couple of steps, the woman who had been standing against the wind suddenly stiffened, then plummeted from the sky as if drained of strength, on the verge of falling into the River of Oblivion.
Yan Jun and the other ghost guards and earth immortals grew frantic. Just then, a silver-white figure appeared out of nowhere, catching the falling woman mid-air and pulling her tightly into his embrace.
Qin Weiji looked down at Shen Xin in his arms—her face deathly pale, blood staining the corner of her lips—his amber eyes clouded with dark energy.
Yet Shen Xin smiled up at him brightly. “I knew you wouldn’t just stand by and watch me die.”
Then, as if seeking praise, she cooed flirtatiously, “Husband, aren’t I amazing?”
Qin Weiji held her soft form, yet he felt the urge to strangle her.
“Shen—”
Before he could spit out her name through gritted teeth, Shen Xin wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face against his chest and murmuring in a pitiful, muffled voice, “Don’t scold me… I’m so tired… and it hurts.”
She closed her eyes, her breathing growing faint as she whispered delicately, “I just wanted to show you… I’m not as useless as you think.”
For reasons even Qin Weiji couldn’t explain, the fury that had been building inside him since his heart began aching inexplicably slowly faded away with her simple words.
Gazing down at the woman in his arms, nearly unconscious from overexertion of divine power, he fell silent for a moment before tilting her chin up.
Leaning down, his thin lips brushed her forehead as a soft silver light enveloped her.
“If you know you’re tired and in pain, then behave from now on.”
Pressing his forehead to hers, his voice gentle, he murmured, “Yao Yao… stop thinking about running off. Stay obediently by my side.”