The rules of the soul-crossing ritual?

thought Fang Chen.

Fang Chen looked at the newcomer. Although this person walked with an air of authority, causing wandering souls to avoid him for fear of being shredded by the forceful winds surrounding him, in Fang Chen's eyes, the man's aura was as fragile as a flickering candle flame—extremely weak.

"Old Man Zheng, is this person a junior from your family? Haven’t you taught him the rules that those undergoing the soul-crossing ritual must follow?"

The newcomer came to a halt in front of the two, fixing his gaze on the Old Temple Master and questioning him first. His tone carried a sense of superiority, as if his identity as a person who went through the soul-crossing Ritual gave him a natural advantage over the wandering souls of the underworld.

The Old Temple Master forced a wry smile and urged, "Fellow Daoist Ma, it's just a small misunderstanding. It’s his first time experiencing the soul-crossing ritual. I'll explain the rules to him shortly. Are you here to return to the world of the living? If so, you shouldn't delay—please go quickly.

The person addressed as Fellow Daoist Ma snorted coldly and turned his attention to Fang Chen, "I’m not in a hurry."

He snorted coldly before turning his attention to Fang Chen. "Old Man Zheng here has barely been in the soul-crossing ritual a handful of times before running out of his lifespan. Among us, he hardly amounts to anything, so it's understandable that he doesn't know the rules well.

“I am Ma Minlong from Youhuan City. I've walked in the shadows over a hundred times, so consider me your senior.

“You will spend quite some time in Youhuan City. From now on, every time you go to the soul-crossing ritual, remember to bring me five years of your Yin lifespan as a tribute. In return, I can offer you some guidance. Since it's your first time and you have no Yin lifespan to offer, I'll waive the fee this time."

"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Ma. I am well aware of this rule. I will explain it to him in detail later," said the Old Temple Master with an awkward smile.

Ma Minlong nodded slightly, glanced at the two, and then stepped past them toward the Forgotten River. With a flick of his sleeve, several black copper coins spun through the air, transforming into a small boat that carried him away into the distance.

"Fellow Daoist Fang, you must not recklessly violate the rules. If the people who have been to the soul-crossing ritual in Youhuan City learn of it, each and every one of them will come to trouble you. Although I, an old man, have some minor influence, I can’t withstand the pressure from so many people," said the Old Temple Master to Fang Chen, a hint of reproach in his tone.

The soldier nearby looked deeply remorseful. "My lord, it was all my fault for acting so rashly, nearly causing you to offend that big figure..."

"Big figure?"

Fang Chen’s eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. So, this insignificant figure, whom he could extinguish with a mere breath was considered a "Big figure" in this place.

Fang Chen said with a slight nod to the soldier, "I’ve noted your situation. If I have the opportunity after returning to the living world, I’ll look into it for you."

"My lord, please accept this Yin Lifespan Coin." The soldier’s heart surged with gratitude. With a respectful demeanor, he presented a black copper coin with both hands.

This time, Fang Chen did not refuse.

Seeing Fang Chen accept the coin, the soldier’s face lit up with joy. He offered a few more polite words before finally leaving with his bewildered subordinates.

The Old Temple Master nodded, relieved that Fang Chen had accepted the coin this time. Refusing it could have caused considerable trouble if word got out.

"Let’s go. I’ll take you into the city," said the Old Temple Master as he moved ahead of Fang Chen, heading toward the other side of the bridge.

Fang Chen asked as he followed, "Old Temple Master, what exactly is this Youhuan City that Fellow Daoist Ma mentioned just now?"

The Old Temple Master explained, "That’s the place we’re headed to now. The Underworld has its own territories and rules. Whether you’re dead or alive in the soul-crossing ritual, you can’t move around freely. If you want to leave Youhuan City, you’ll need this."

He rubbed his fingers together, clearly referring to Yin Lifespan.

Fang Chen suddenly asked with a smile, "Old Temple Master, your cultivation level in life wasn’t low, was it?"

The Old Temple Master said with a proud expression, "Not low? Far from it! Besides me, was there any other cultivator within a thousand miles? The rest were mere mortals,"

"In life, I was a great cultivator at the sixth stage of Qi Refining Realm. With such skills, even the so-called experts of the Tiger Empire couldn’t stand a chance before me."

He paused, casting a glance at Fang Chen. "Since you were sent by that person, I reckon your cultivation isn’t weaker than mine. In the future, take care of Wolong Temple for me. Consider it repaying the favor for me picking you up this time."

Fang Chen replied with a faint smile, "Didn’t that person arrange a position for you? Why would I need to repay this favor?"

The Old Temple Master’s expression shifted slightly, and he snorted coldly. "A favor is a favor. Aside from picking you up, I’ve also explained plenty of rules to you—that counts as a favor too. Remember this: since you’ve started the soul-crossing ritual, earn more Yin Lifespan. When you return to the living world, it can help enhance your cultivation and extend your lifespan. If I hadn’t botched a major task and lost a significant amount of Yin Lifespan, I wouldn’t have ended up in this sorry state."

He hesitated before continuing, "By the way, you’d better take that surnamed Ma’s words to heart. Don’t treat them lightly."

"This person’s status in the mortal world is far from ordinary. He worships the Spirit God and has many fellow cultivators who went through the soul-crossing ritual. Just within Youhuan City, there are as many as four or five hundred of them," said the Old Temple Master.

Fang Chen’s thoughts deepened. Several key pieces of information were embedded in the Old Temple Master’s words.

Yin lifespan could enhance a cultivator’s cultivation level and even their lifespan?

Ma Minlong was a follower of the Spirit God Sect. If the Spirit Blood Sect and the Spirit God Sect shared the same origin, that would mean there were potentially hundreds of Spirit Blood Sect cultivators undergoing the soul-crossing ritual within Youhuan City.

However, there was one point that puzzled him.

He had only managed to go to the soul-crossing ritual after consuming the blood essence of the Candle Dragon. Ji Liang had also sought the Candle Dragon specifically to gain the ability. This suggested that the requirements for performing the soul-crossing ritual were extremely stringent. Could it be that the cultivators in the Zhenwu Domain had discovered an alternative method?

Fang Chen refrained from directly questioning the Old Temple Master. From their earlier interactions, he had already deduced several things.

The Old Temple Master seemed completely unaware of the existence of the Spiritual Killing Division or the Ancient Desolate Domain. It was clear they interpreted the enigmatic "that person" very differently.

In the Old Temple Master’s eyes, the sixth stage of Qi Refining was considered a "great cultivator." By that logic, Foundation Building and Golden Core Realm cultivators were likely viewed as legends.

As for Youhuan City itself, Fang Chen suspected it lacked any truly exceptional qualities—it was probably a place meant for newcomers. Otherwise, with Ma Minlong’s level of strength, how could he be regarded as an "important figure"?

Before long, the two reached the end of the bridge. In the distance, a grand and imposing city came into view. A black plaque atop the city gates bore crimson-gold characters etched in an ancient script: Youhuan City.

"Old Zheng, you were supposed to be on duty. Why did you run off? If the boss catches you, you'll lose some Yin Lifespan as punishment!"

A guard at the city gate called out as soon as he saw the Old Temple Master.

The Old Temple Master immediately scowled. "Keep your voice down!"

He quickly changed into the guard’s uniform and turned to Fang Chen. "Go on into the city, walk around and take a look. If you find any jobs, take a few, but remember to collect Yin Lifespan Coins first. I’ve got to get back to my post. If you find a place to stay, let me know—I’ll come find you for a drink when I have time. Oh, and one more thing: if someone asks you to kill a yin demon, think twice before accepting. Don’t get yourself killed over it."

With that, the Old Temple Master jogged back to the city gate and began fulfilling his duties as a gate guard.

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"So this is what a 'small official' looks like..." A faint smile flickered in Fang Chen’s eyes. It was indeed laughably insignificant.

"Old Zheng, who was that guy? One of your descendants from when you were alive? You’re doing pretty well for yourself—you know at least eighty or a hundred shadow walkers in Youhuan City. We’re all jealous of you," another guard teased, nudging the Old Temple Master with his elbow and glancing at Fang Chen as he entered the city.

The difference between wandering souls and people who undergo the soul-crossing ritual was stark. Wandering souls appeared frail and ethereal, while those who went through the soul-crossing ritual had a solid, tangible presence—easy to distinguish for anyone with some experience.

"He’s going through the soul-crossing ritual for the first time and doesn’t know a thing. What’s there to envy? You think soul-crossing ritual has no risks? Look at me now, and you’ll understand. When I first entered this city, you had to bow to me. Now we’re on equal footing," said the Old Temple Master, rolling his eyes.

Suddenly, he stiffened, realization dawning on him. "Damn it, I forgot to tell him—he can’t stay in the Underworld for more than ten days!"

He turned to look for Fang Chen, but the latter had already disappeared into the city.