Chapter 206

Chapter 206: Trade Between Two Realms

The Messenger of the Underworld explained that ascending to the Nether Realm didn’t require turning into beasts. The Soul Beast only appeared that way because it had been a monster when alive.

You You felt relieved. However, the Zhen Yan Sect lacked expertise in dark energy cultivation. To help Qiu Zhang’s training, the Messenger kindly suggested the Soul Beast could accompany them back once its stomach improved, offering guidance on cultivation techniques.

With Qiu Zhang’s issue resolved, You You studied the unexpectedly cooperative Messenger and blurted, "Why do you keep calling me Noble Lady?"

"Because you are the Noble Lady," he answered matter-of-factly.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

The Messenger’s cold expression softened slightly. "It’s not time yet. You’ll understand eventually, Noble Lady."

"…" You know people get punched for leaving sentences half-finished, right?

Choosing not to push further, You You changed subjects. "Thanks for your help. By the way, what’s your actual name?"

"I’m the Messenger of the Underworld."

"No, your personal name." She rubbed her temples. "You do have one, right?"

"My surname’s Ming, given name Shi."

You You: "…"

Feng Rong: "…"

_So "Messenger of the Underworld" was literally his name?! That’s like naming someone "Employee"!_

Wait.

"Don’t tell me that beast’s called Hun Beast?" She pointed at the Soul Beast.

"Correct!" The Messenger looked proud. "I named it!"

The Soul Beast turned with an eye-rolling "Grrr~".

Both: "…"

_Your naming skills need work, Nether Realm._

You You gave up asking questions. The Messenger soon departed to collect souls, vanishing as abruptly as he’d appeared. The Soul Beast shuffled over, plopping down before them with expectant eyes.

You You eyed the smelly giant creature. "Maybe… take a bath first?"

Moments later…

"Grrraaawwwrrrrrrrrrrr!!!"

————————

Their Monster Realm trip solved Qiu Zhang’s cultivation problem and gained them a smelly ally. Though originally a monster, the Soul Beast could shapeshift – it had only reverted to beast form after absorbing too many spirits during peak yang energy hours. By their second travel day, it resumed human form effortlessly.

When You You first saw him in human form, she was surprised. Despite the Soul Beast’s massive size, his transformed shape was just a young boy around ten years old.

Though a child, he behaved quietly and obediently, following them without uttering a word. His silence made him far less troublesome than that persistent Little Fire Chicken who kept squeezing onto her sword.

If only he hadn’t developed a habit of washing his hands and face at every water source they passed, or anxiously checking his clothes for stains and odors every few minutes.

(Not that this had anything to do with her earlier comment about bathroom smells making him bathe before departure!)

Upon returning to Zhen Yan Sect, Ling Qi approached after renewing the Pact. He paused upon seeing the Soul Beast. "Who’s this?"

The boy stared before replying flatly, "Soul Beast."

"Ah?" Ling Qi blinked.

"He’s Qiu Zhang’s new cultivation teacher," You You explained, briefly mentioning their encounter with the Messenger of the Underworld.

"Understood." Ling Qi shifted topics. "Sect Master, there’s a matter regarding the Mortal-Demon Pact. Master Yuan will reseal the border soon, but I propose adding a controlled passage between realms."

"Why?" You You frowned. "Wasn’t sealing meant to protect ordinary people?"

"During negotiations, the Demon King showed me the Monster Realm." Ling Qi adopted his strategist tone. "It’s overflowing with Spiritual Plants they consider worthless – exactly what our sect lacks. A trade route could benefit both sides while easing tensions through communication."

You You stared. All this noble talk just meant he’d outmaneuvered the demons for resources. Typical Ling Qi – turning diplomacy into business.

"But wouldn’t a breach weaken the seal?"

"Master Yuan confirmed feasibility. The passage would open every five years, controlled from our side."

"Hmm… How many plants can they supply?"

"Enough for twenty years’ worth of pills per opening."

"Approved!" You You slammed her palm down. "Make that passage happen!"

Ling Qi: "…"

Feng Rong: "…"

Soul Beast: "…"

Business indeed.