『Detected new location: [UNDERWORLD]』
『Evaluation: ???』
『Reward: ???』
The system was still operational.
In his past life, Bai Hu used the Divine Eye System and would see these notifications whenever he arrived at a new place.
Depending on the importance or value of a location, the system would evaluate the current place.
Sometimes, there were even "rewards" for doing certain things in various locations.
What intrigued Bai Hu was the function of 『Teleportation』.
In his previous life, after mastering the Teleportation Divine Power, through the system he could go to almost any place he had visited before.
So, this Underworld—would he be able to return in the future?
What would happen if he returned while still being alive?
He didn't think he could survive there as a living person.
『Connecting...』
After the location notification, the system displayed that it was connecting. This often happened when there was too much "traffic."Whenever he arrived at a new location, or something special happened, the system would absorb all the information around him to display it immediately whenever the owner wished.
He encountered this situation only a handful of times in his previous life.
One such moment was when he ascended, when his soul connected with all living beings.
That's right, "all living beings." An uncountable number. That's what could prevent the system from operating immediately.
And it made sense. This was the Underworld. It didn't only contain the beings from his world, but countless other worlds as well.
Previously, the connection display lasted a few seconds. But this time, it might be interrupted for a long duration.
『Connecting...』
『Note: Information that the system displays to the host before the "Connecting" interface is turned off are old data and not updated immediately. Please review carefully before accepting any information.』
『Comprehending Divine Power!』
『Underworld Eye!』
One of Bai Hu's eyes suddenly flared with a blue flame and then extinguished.
Previously, the True Eye System, once mastered, existed in his right eye. It bore a golden hue with a distinctive mark etched upon it.Now, Bai Hu's left eye turned purple, carrying a different mark.
"Information about the True Eye of the Underworld."
『 [Underworld Eye]
After entering the Underworld, one's vision of it will change based on their soul. It is shaped according to one's sins, desires, and cultivation. Some might see the Underworld as the happiest place and call it Paradise. Others may see it as the most terrifying place. Everything one sees is not truly seen. 』
At this moment, after the information the system transmitted, Bai Hu's senses began to return.
He was overwhelmed.
His eyes, overly sensitive to light, had to shut almost immediately. It was uncertain how long they had been closed.
His ears were highly sensitive to every sound, as if they had endured a long period of absolute silence.
His tongue felt numb, and every inch of his skin felt like it was being pricked by needles.
All his senses seemed to be awakening, screaming.
It took a moment for Bai Hu to gather himself.
Now the scenery around him became clear.
Could it be described as... beautiful? The Underworld was indeed beautiful. According to his aesthetic, that is.
Beneath his feet, there seemed to be a layer of misty white smoke as if he were standing on clouds. There were trees with golden leaves. The sky was an endless blue expanse.
On the ground, clusters of grass emitted a shimmering purple glow. Countless lakes reflected that clear blue sky.
Suddenly, a female voice emerged from behind Bai Hu.
"It's quite surprising. To what extent must you cultivate to be able to see the Underworld like this?"
Bai Hu turned around to see a woman as beautiful as a fairy, dressed in layers of thin white garments overlapped one another, cinched with a golden belt, like a scene from a painting. A pink silk ribbon floated gently around her, and she was looking at Bai Hu.
"You... why are you here?" Bai Hu seemed unable to believe his eyes. His eyes appeared almost on the verge of tears.
"Stop."
The beauty raised her hand in greeting.
"It doesn't matter who you see me as or whose voice you hear."
"I am not that person."
With a wave of her hand, the fairy's attire transformed into a mystical black and purple, adorned with countless sparkling stars.
"Black suits me better."
"I am the guide to the Underworld. My appearance depends on what you believe and how your soul perceives. I don't need to explain further since you have the system. Everything you see in the Underworld isn't its true form."
The beauty continued to gaze at the celestial surroundings. She gently sat down, elegantly plucking a purple blade of grass before admiring her current face reflected in the nearby water.
"But as I said at the start, it's truly surprising. You see the Underworld as a celestial realm. A distinguished guest is indeed different from ordinary people."
Bai Hu continued to stare intently at the lady. This was the visage of the person he loved the most in the world.
And the one who made him lose the meaning of life.
He remained silent, simply gazing. It had been so long since he last saw that appearance.
The beauty then stood up and extended her hand towards Bai Hu.
"Come. Follow me."
"I will take you to meet the Kings of Hell."
This hand.
Even this hand was as gentle as that person's.
In an instant, the surroundings darkened. The sky turned to night. The ground became barren.
The lady looked around, slightly startled.
"Oh dear! Seeing this form makes you troubled, doesn't it? Let me guess, your beloved, right?"
"The landscape changes according to your soul. And this beauty doesn't seem like an eternal enemy, does she?"
She wrapped a black, translucent layer of silk around her face, concealing most of it.
"Is this better for you?" The fairy giggled as she held Bai Hu's hand and led him away.
Bai Hu followed, secretly using the System to observe her.
『 Guide of the Underworld. Possesses the ability to assimilate with the Underworld Eye of the individual being guided. Can see what the individual sees.
Often refers to themself as Ma Fe. Male & Female. Can transform into either male or female depending on who enters the Underworld. Quite nonsensical, really. 』
They even comment on people's names.
『New location: 11th King of Hell Palace』
The name is somewhat intriguing.
In front of the two stood an incredibly large palace. Only the gate was visible, as the walls on either side stretched endlessly. No name was displayed above.
Bai Hu glanced at Ma Fe.
"Is there an 11th King of Hell?"
"There used to be. But that was a very long time ago. Nowadays, the world only acknowledges the Ten Kings of Hell. This place is reserved for special individuals like you for judgment."
Ma Fe replied with a smile while continuing to walk into the palace.
Bai Hu vaguely understood. This was a place for those with Divine System Abilities.
They stepped inside.
Eleven thrones, carved with countless mystical beast figures that Bai Hu couldn't name, floated in the air. It encircled the spot where he was standing, as if "the superiors" were judging a minor figure.
However, there weren't 11 people seated on the thrones, only 9. Some seats were empty.
The system vibrated, scanning each person seated on the thrones, and then displayed a long series of names. The connection status was still showing.
『Fifth Palace: Qin Guang King』
『Second Palace: Chu jiang Wang』
『Third Palace: Song Di Wang』
『Fourth Palace: Wu Guan Wang』
『First Palace: Yan Luo Wang』
『Sixth Palace: Bian Cheng Wang』
『Seventh Palace: Tai Shan Wang』
『Ninth Palace: Ping Deng Wang』
『Tenth Palace: Zhuan Lun Wang』
*Ding*
『The system cannot connect with the entire world. Proceeding to connect only with necessary parts. The host can change the priority order later.』
『Skipping less important information: ghost spirits, wandering souls, mortals, ... 』
『Connection complete. Updating information.』
『First Palace: Qin Guang King』
『Second Palace: Shuo Jiang Wang』
『Third Palace: Song Di Wang』
『Fourth Palace: Wu Guan Wang』
『Fifth Palace: Yan Luo Wang』
『Sixth Palace: Bian Cheng Wang』
『Seventh Palace: Tai Shan Wang』
『Ninth Palace: Ping Deng Wang』
『Tenth Palace: Zhuan Lun Wang』
Finally, the system completed the connection. It seemed to take much longer than before.
"This time, Huang didn't appear."
"There aren't many cultivators who don't have to meet the Du Shi King."
The person next to Bai Hu explained.
"Depending on the sins you committed in life, when you arrive in the Underworld, you will face the punishments of different Kings of Hell. Apart from the Zhuan Lun Wang who appears the most frequently, the others tend to show up less often."
"For those with a system, punishment is temporarily waived. It's just a preparation for your reincarnation. The privilege of an honored guest, after all."
Bai Hu nodded.
The Zhuan Lun Wang's responsibility is to carry souls to their next reincarnation. So his frequent presence is naturally expected.
The other kings appearing didn't surprise Bai Hu either.
Cultivating is defying the heavens; few dare claim they've become immortals while remaining pure white lotus flowers.
"I understand."
Zhuan Lun Wang, resting his head on his hand, looked exasperated. Zhuan Lun Wang, clad in royal robes, gazed dully, appearing very weary.
"I suppose there isn't much more. Normally, people would be judged and sent through the courts until finally they reach my palace to drink the soup. But you are a special guest.""Exemption from punishment. Your presence here is just a formality. Hurry up so I can get some rest!"
Zhuan Lun Wang is the busiest among the palaces, so it's almost rare to see him not tired.
"You're lucky! With the number of people you've killed, if you ended up in my palace, there would surely be no way out." Shuo Jiang King chuckled, teasing Bai Hu.
Bai Hu laughed along. Indeed, without the system, the Underworld wouldn't have been this relaxed. In no lifetime would the Kings of Hell chat so amiably with an ordinary person like this.
"It really is my good fortune."
Zhuan Lun Wang rubbed his temples, looking at Bai Hu.
"Alright then, if there's nothing else, you can proceed to the Tenth Palace to prepare for reincarnation."
The Kings of Hell gradually disappeared along with their thrones.
Then Wheel King looked at Male Female and instructed,
"You should also call Meng Po to prepare the soup for the honored guest. He won't be able to drink that usual soup."
Ma Fe bowed with clasped hands to comply, still wearing a smile on their face the entire time.