Chapter 313

Chapter 313: Mission Accomplished, Heading Home

"The Nether River connection can’t last. Since your task’s done, Noble Lady, let’s return immediately?" Perhaps sensing their urge to complain, the Messenger of the Underworld swiftly changed the subject.

True to his words, the newly formed river beneath him began warping as he spoke. The Nether Realm’s visage across the boundary faded like morning mist, reverting to its ashen hues. Time was nearly up.

"A You…" Gong Xi instinctively called out, her eyes clouded with longing as she realized their departure.

"We must go." You You glanced back. "Thanks for the bracelet. Stay safe." Without it, she couldn’t have completed the Yin volume.

"Must you leave the Demon Realm?" Anxiety flashed across Gong Xi’s face. She bit back unspoken words, remembering their non-demon status barred them from staying.

"Yes." You You nodded. As the realms’ border blurred, Yuan Qi and Feng Rong already stood on the river surface with the Messenger. Feng Rong stretched out his hand. "You You."

She turned toward the river, then paused. "Wait!" She grabbed the Demon King’s seal attempting to coil around her wrist, pinching its tiny wings to yank it off. Plopping it into Gong Xi’s palm, she declared, "This is yours now."

"This…" Gong Xi stared dumbfounded.

"You You!" Feng Rong moved to intervene, but Yuan Qi stopped him with a headshake.

The seal squeaked indignantly, struggling to return to You You.

"Behave." Her command stilled its protests. The seal slumped into Gong Xi’s hand like a lifeless snake, coiling limply around her wrist.

"Useless to me, but this lets you safely exit the Demon Hall through the sword energy barrier." You You added, "On one condition."

Gong Xi gaped at the transformed bracelet – never imagining someone would casually gift the Demon King’s seal. "Name it, A You."

"As Demon King, swear your reign will keep demons from invading the Three Realms."

Understanding dawned. Gong Xi raised her right hand. "I, Gong Xi, vow to the Demon God: So long as I rule, demons shall never assault the Three Realms. May my soul perish eternally if I break this oath!"

Relieved, You You smiled. "Thank you. Farewell." She turned toward the river.

Gong Xi chased two steps before the figures blurred into nothingness. The demonic pool reverted to a gaping chasm, leaving only rushing water echoes.

She stood motionless for ages before whispering, "A You…"

——————

A single step transported them back to the Nether Realm. The Demon Hall vanished without trace, replaced by oppressive dark energy and golden paths of the Yellow Springs.

"We’re here." The Messenger dumped resentful souls from his sleeves into the Yellow Springs, deadpan face cracking with glee. "Marvelous work, Noble Lady! Recovering the Yin volume and retrieving these stranded souls – a great success!"

You You’s eye twitched at his gleeful soul-tossing. "Messenger, your eagerness to help… was this just about making us collect souls?"

He froze mid-toss. "Hahaha! Perish the thought!" His stiff grin widened unnaturally. "I’d never exploit you!"

"Yes!" Three voices chorused.

"…"

"My intentions were pure!" He hastily emptied his sleeves. "I swear by my master, the Nether King!"

You You: "…"

Feng Rong: "…"

Yuan Qi: "…"

Their stares asked: How much is that oath worth?

He’d totally tricked them into soul retrieval duty. No wonder he’d been so accommodating.

"Minor details!" The Messenger waved dismissively. "You need to save disciples, yes? Let’s summon my master!"

Glaring at his shamelessness, they returned to Zhen Yan Sect. The exit opened conveniently at the main peak’s infirmary.

"Sect Master!" Ling Qi looked up from monitoring patients. "Success?"

"We have the Yin volume." You You checked the comatose disciples – unchanged from their departure.

Ling Qi shook his head. "No improvement. The Elder and Seventh Heavenly Emperor came but couldn’t help."

You You produced the Yin volume. "How do we summon your Nether King?"

"Channel it like when purging resentment. But wait until noon – pure energy peaks then."

"Why?"

"Well…" The Messenger coughed. "My master… naps four to five hours at noon. Easiest to yank him over then."

"…"

Since when is a five-hour nap "small"?