Youhuan City, on the surface, didn't seem much different from an ordinary city in the mortal world. However, the wandering souls here were noticeably more substantial than those outside the city. Their feet seemed to touch the ground rather than drift aimlessly.

Not long after entering the city, Fang Chen felt waves of ominous, heavy energy flowing toward him, gradually seeping into his body. This energy wasn't spiritual energy. In fact, there was no trace of spiritual energy in this place. Instead, it felt remarkably similar to the energyntained in Zhu Long's blood essence.

In a flash, nine shadowy Zhu Longs appeared around him before disappearing back into his body. Under the influence of this energy, they merged seamlessly with him.

It was done.

Fang Chen had a strong premonition that his Nascent Soul was fully formed. If he returned to the Mortal Realm now, he would officially bme a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.

However, before returning, he needed to gather enough Yin Lifespanins. Otherwise, he wouldn't even be able to cross the Forgotten River on his next Yin Walk.

A group of beggars surrounded him. They pleaded desperately, "Sir,uld you be so kind as to spare some Yin Lifespan for us?"

Fang Chen chuckled. "I don't have any Yin Lifespan right now."

They insisted, voices filled with desperation, "Don't joke, sir. Your Yin Soul is so solid—howuld you not have any? Please, show some mercy and give us a little."

At that moment, ald, indifferent voice came from nearby, "He hasmpleted the soul-crossing ritual. Even if he killed you, he wouldn't lose a single bit of Yin Lifespan."

What!? Hempleted the soul-crossing ritual!?

The beggars' faces turned pale with terror. Without another word, they scrambled away as fast as theyuld. The mere mention of the term seemed to strike fear into their very souls, as though it represented a force of unimaginable horror.

The one who spoke was a woman dressed in black, holding a long sword in her arms, exuding an air of grace andnfidence. "Aren't you a bit unfamiliar? Is this your first time? My young miss would like to invite you for a drink. Would you honor us with your presence?"

Fang Chen smiled faintly. "Does your young miss need something?"

Two groups had approached him with requests already.

It

seems people who have undergone the soul-crossing ritual are highly valued in the Underworld,

thought Fang Chen.

The woman in black nodded lightly. "Indeed, she has something to request. Rest assured, my young miss understands the rules and won't offer an unreasonable price."

Fang Chen nodded. "Lead the way."

The woman in black guided Fang Chen further down the road. Along the way, Fang Chen noticed a group of children by the street, seemingly being sold by someone. Heuldn't help but glance at them.

The woman in black noticed his gaze and smiled faintly. "Are you wondering why these little wandering souls are being sold?"

Fang Chen asked in amusement, "Yes, and earlier those beggars, too. If their Yin Lifespan hasn't been exhausted, why have they fallen so low?"

As long as their Yin Lifespan hadn't run out, theyuldndense Yin Lifespan Coins—the currency in the Underworld—and even hire Yin Walkers for work.

"They still have Yin Lifespan left, but if they live beyond their means, the day willme when their lifespan runs out.

"These little wandering souls likely had elders whose Yin Lifespan expired, leading to their deaths. With no one left to care for them, they willingly allowed themselves to be sold here. If a buyer takes them in, at least their basic Yin Lifespan needs will be met. The beggars are in a similar situation. Without ways to earn Yin Lifespan, and not wanting to die, they dare not waste their lifespan.

The woman in black smiled slightly. "Since you plan to settle in Youhuan City, youuldnsider buying a few ghost servants. It takes very little Yin Lifespan to hire them for odd jobs and tasks."

Fang Chen asked, "Doesn't anyone just rob them of their Yin Lifespan?"

The woman in black paused for a moment, then smiled even more broadly. "You truly don't understand the Underworld, do you? But no worries, with time, you'll learn these basic rules.

"Yin Lifespan can only turn into Yin Lifespan Coins under voluntary circumstances. If someone tries to rob them, not only will the perpetrator not get anyins, but they'll also lose their own Yin Lifespan. The rules of the Underworld are much stricter than those of the mortal world. Just like the mortal world has the Heavenly Dao, the Underworld has Monarch Yan. I'm sure you understand what I mean."

Fang Chen's thoughts shifted.

Monarch Yan isnsidered the Heavenly Dao of the Underworld? So, if Ji Liang wants the inheritance of Monarch Yan, does that mean he seeks to bme the Heavenly Dao of the Underworld?

As theynversed, they reached a lakeside, where tranquil bamboo buildings stood by the water. Many ghostly figures resembling young masters and ladies were leisurely enjoying the serenity on small boats.

The woman in black led Fang Chen into one of the bamboo buildings. Inside, a woman in plain white robes was gazing at the lake, lost in thought.

The woman in black approached the plain-robed woman and whispered, "Miss, the guest has arrived."

The plain-dressed woman regained her senses, then gently nodded and stood up to bow toward Fang Chen. "Greetings, my lord."

Fang Chen asked straightforwardly, "There is no need for formalities. May I ask why you have called for me here?"

Wen Fan's face held a bitter smile. "I wish to ask you to help me find my husband."

"Find your husband?" Fang Chen was a little surprised, and he shook his head slightly. "I can't help with that. I am new here and not familiar with this place. Howuld I find your husband?"

"My lord, you have misunderstood," Wen Fan was taken aback for a moment, quickly explaining, "It's just that my husband, after being revived, has not entered the Underworld for many years. I fear something has happened to him in the Mortal Realm, and I wish to ask the lord to check his cave dwelling in the Mortal Realm. If my husband is truly in danger, I hope you can lend a hand. I am willing to offer a hundred years of Yin Lifespan as a reward."

The woman in black lookedncerned. She advised, "My lady, I'm afraid we can't provide a hundred years of Yin Lifespan…."

Wen Fan said, "I still have some left; I can gather enough for a hundred years."

The woman in black's expression subtly changed, as though she wanted to say something but ultimately kept quiet.

Fang Chen frowned slightly. "Is your husband someone who undergoes the soul-crossing ritual?"

Can a person who walks the underworld marry someone from the mortal realm?

"Indeed, my lady's husband is a Yin Walker. Just like you, my lord. Moreover, my lady's husband has walked the Underworld more than a hundred times, so his cultivation and abilities are likely beyond yours," explained the woman in black.

Fang Chen asked, "Since that's the case, why ask me to handle the matter? I am new here. As far as I know, there are quite a few Yin Walkers in Youhuan City. A certain Master Ma Minlong seems to have crossed here over a hundred times. Why not ask him for help?"

The woman in black's gaze shifted slightly. She said in a low voice, "How do you know that we haven't asked them?"

Wen Fan sighed lightly. "Xiao Lan, let's be honest. If this esteemed person thinks it's possible, he will naturally take up the matter. To be honest, after I suspected that something happened to my husband, I asked for the help of three Yin Walkers. They all accepted the task. However, they were never seen again. They haven't walked the Yin ever since.

"News of it spread, and other Yin Walkers naturally didn't want to intervene, thinking the danger was immense."

Fang Chen nodded lightly. "So, you came to ask me, a nemer? Taking up this matter is not difficult, but we can discuss the price a little more."