Chapter 8, The Eye of the Celestial Maiden

She heard that fate is cultivated through effort. If she dedicates herself to her practice, she will surely be able to reconnect with him. Although he said they would never meet again, he also said the same thing the first time he left, and did they not meet again?

Only someone as happy as you would have a problem! Bing Xuan snorted, You can tell at a glance that you haven't reviewed Volume 65 of the "Complete Review Book for the Ten Yama Kings Qualification Exam"—most of the stories about hell officials are recorded in there

The surrounding darkness is a chaotic mass, indistinguishable in distance, height, or depth—Yama's treasure hall is moving between eighteen different spaces, but what exactly is she observing

The young girl nodded gently, still wearing a smile on her face. She casually sat on the bluestone slab, pointed to the side, and said to Xiaoying: "Come and sit here!"

Do you like it? The young girl spoke gently, her accent somewhat peculiar, yet there was an indescribable purity about her voice

The table behind them was piled high with boxes of tea, resembling a mountain.

"The night wanderer is truly pitiful!" The young man's voice carried a hint of regret, "Because of its beauty, it must bear the fate of demise. In fact, it is merely a refined creature, living a life unrelated to humans." He looked at Xiaoying, a trace of compassion in his eyes: "But the truly pitiable ones are the naive and ignorant—seeing only its beauty, they fantasize that it is a good thing, unaware that its flesh is highly toxic to humans."

No! Miao Ying smiled and shook her head, "I was somewhat... blind in my lifetime." In fact, when not discussing work, she is quite a friendly person

Xiaoying widened her eyes and ran back to search carefully, but everything had vanished like a dream. Only on the bluestone slab was there something shimmering.

As winter gives way to spring, he has surprisingly not returned

Bing Xuan furrowed her brows slightly, "It's Hou Yi—this is all written in Volume 117 of the 'Comprehensive Review Book for the Qualification Examination of the Ten Yama Kings.' If you don't even know this, are you planning to advance?"

Bai Zheng stood up reluctantly, murmuring, "This is just... instinct..."

Xiaoying unknowingly followed her instructions and sat down. She positioned herself slightly away from the unfamiliar girl beside her, turning her head to look at her, finding her truly beautiful; perhaps this is what the legendary dragon girl is like! The girl carefully tucked a translucent green flute into her waist. She had just used it to play a tune. The green flute complemented her pale yellow long skirt, looking as lovely as the buds of willows in early spring.

Today is that day..." He smiled to himself, "Three thousand days and nights of longing, a thousand years of unyielding affection that I still cannot let go of, have finally brought me his name...

But why hasn't he appeared again? Gradually, Xiaoying began to doubt whether she had experienced a beautiful dream on that lovely summer night

Hello! You all... Before she could express her dissatisfaction, she realized that things had taken a turn for the worse

But by the quiet riverside, apart from her, there was no one else... they have vanished, and the night wanderers are also nowhere to be seen...

Hong Qu and Bai Zheng stood at the entrance of the Fu Shui Hall, bustling with activity, continuously calling out: "Come, come, come! Fourth generation experimental product of Hell Spirit Tea, free tasting! Form an orderly line! No need to rush!"

King Yanluo could not help but interject at this moment: "Indeed! Let's take a break—though your eyes are the only spiritual eyes in the underworld capable of seeing through space, there is no need to be so tense. I have already mentioned that without Wuzhiqi, the other demons are even more well-behaved!"

He seemed somewhat surprised. "Why are you so persistent?"

When she dragged her pocket filled with Hell Spirit Tea to one of the three side halls of the Yama Palace—the "Ethereal Hall" where Miaoying resided—it truly startled Miaoying. After Hongqu openly stated her intentions, Miaoying was left unsure whether to shake her head or to laugh.

Hong Qu could not care less about her, complaining without looking back: "Bing Xuan! Not only are you not coming to help, but you are also standing by making sarcastic remarks! Can't you see how busy I am? I wish I could do the work of two people! — Bai Zheng! Don't forget to keep the count!"

Xiaoying's face turned red, and she did not know how to respond, only able to nod vigorously. "Who are you?" she asked in a dazed manner, "You are not from the nearby area, are you?"

Hong Qu completely disregarded her words, merely propping up his chin, his eyes glinting with a sinister light, "So it is decided that Miaoying is a key figure... I will bribe her with one hundred boxes of Hell Spirit Tea!"

--- Hell · Yama's Hall ---

"Night tour!" she exclaimed

Xiaoying could not help but gaze at the quietly smiling Ningxin; she had to admit that they were truly a perfect match, an exquisite pair.

Not long ago, someone began to come to propose marriage.

Xiaoying's heart raced—this is his! It is his belonging! She could not contain her inner joy. He will definitely come back to look for it! She must take good care of it, so that she can see him again!

She said, "My brother and I were just passing through this place, and seeing the moonlight on the river was so beautiful that we couldn't help but dedicate a song to it"

You... are you ever going to be done?! The secretary of Hongqu, Bingxuan, was already fuming with rage, "Today's work hasn't even started yet! What are you doing here with this free tasting?!"

Having said that, he stood up and said, "I should be leaving now"

Regardless of whether this legend is true or not, Xiaoying has decided to give it a try

Bai Zheng looked at Ming Huang with eager eyes and asked, "Sister Ming Huang, do you have any suggestions? Please speak frankly, so that Fu Shui Ji can continue to improve!"

"You too have believed those absurd claims, thinking to use them as medicine?" His voice was calm and gentle.

They looked at the girl's inexplicable behavior and asked with concern, "Xiaoying, what is wrong with you?"

Xiaoying felt a slight chill at his fingertips, yet her heart suddenly warmed up—his fingers had touched her cheek! Slowly, a faint figure appeared before her eyes—she saw him!

The lilacs outside the back wall of Liu Yuanwai's house have bloomed again. Xiaoying sometimes passes by and cannot help but pause for the delicate, pale purple petals. She often thinks: if she had not impulsively picked the lilacs last year, she would not have gone out to catch the night wanderers in the summer; if she had not gone out to catch the night wanderers, she would not have met him... She does not know whether she should thank the lilacs or resent them.

Because I suddenly realized that the steward in hell is not as happy as I had imagined

The power of the Eye of the Celestial Maiden is too strong. I am just an ordinary fisherman's daughter, with no exceptional qualities, and I simply cannot bear that power, which is why I died in my twenties. Miao Ying's calm voice could not conceal her deep regret: Until my death, I never knew his name

How to ask this

However, there are often those who wish to try. This is because the legends say that the magic of "night wandering" goes far beyond mere appearance; it can cure a hundred ailments, especially its eyes surrounded by golden rings—those are an ingredient in the elixir of immortality concocted by the Queen Mother.

He seemed to hesitate for a moment and replied, "I am not a celestial being from the heavens. You have seen me before—three years ago. At that time, I came here with my family, and your Heavenly Emperor bestowed upon me this jade coin. It enhances my brilliance, something I have long desired. Finally obtaining it that day made me very happy, as I looked forward to receiving praise from others. And you were the first person to commend me... This must be a kind of fate, which is why I couldn't help but come to stop you when I saw you catching the poisonous night fish."

You are still the same as before, so do you want to know his name? Hong Qu lowered her head, gazing at the empty darkness beneath her feet, lost in thought

Hong Qu and Bai Zheng received the disciplinary notice with a dejected demeanor, pouting their lips

"What is a human heart?" Xiao Ying pondered over his words, beginning to understand. "Aren't you a 'person'? Who exactly are you? Are you a deity from the heavens?"

Although the plan for the red yeast ended in failure, she did not want to return to the Fushui Palace just like that. After all, she had managed to escape from the overly strict supervision of Bingxuan, so she wanted to enjoy herself a little longer before going back

She was merely feeling downcast, hiding alone among the reeds by the river, caressing the jade coin he had left behind. It was just a momentary whim that led her to hold it up to the sunlight... She merely glanced through the small hole...

Xiaoying hurriedly grabbed his sleeve and asked, "Will I be able to see you again?"

She never removed that mole. But it was only on the last day of her life that she realized they would never meet again in this lifetime

Her senses became sharper day by day—the night breeze was slightly cool, the reeds danced softly, the river in front of her flowed joyfully and playfully, and occasionally, the rhythmic song of crickets could be heard in the distance... Although she could not see it, she knew that all of this must be beautiful

He also knows about "night wandering"! However, Xiaoying did not respond immediately. She knew it was quite rude, but her eyes could not leave this person—she had once thought that the fourth son of Liu Yuanwai's family was the most handsome young man in the world, and that the legendary Pan An was just so-so. At this moment, she regretted not having met this man before.

The melodies of the two flutes intertwine, sometimes soaring together, sometimes sinking in unison, at times harmonizing in their highs and lows... like a lark soaring into the sky, like a swift wind sweeping through the treetops, like a solitary crow flapping its wings over the river at dusk, like the tender willow catkins gently brushing the water's surface in early spring

Ziyi has come to life, "Which book are you referring to? The novel by Fushui Ji, I can recite it all by heart!"

"As expected of the Secretary of King Yama," Hong Qu gasped, "truly remarkable!"

"Sister Miaoying," Hongqu sat down beside Miaoying, and the two of them enjoyed the breeze on the steps (Miaoying seemed to particularly like sitting on the last step). "Your eyes are truly rare! Are they natural?"

Zi Yi thought for a moment and Lang Lang said: "Do not blame the meteor. However, do not fall in love with the meteor—unless you are prepared to endure the eternal loneliness"

But that piece of white jade is real

Red millet and the white zither dug into their own ears, exchanging silent glances

Indeed, that is undoubtedly a night excursion! The blue scales shimmer with a magical light under the moonlight, while golden spots occasionally sparkle—a large group of legendary "night wanderers" frolics by the water's edge, and Xiaoying cannot count their total number! They are not drawn by the call of the lilac flowers, but rather attracted by the flute melodies of these two individuals

Indeed! He smiled, looking very happy. In human terms, this was seventy thousand years ago.

The King of Hell did not answer, but asked: "Ziyi, where are the novels written by the Water Goddess stored? I suddenly want to read them—consider it a complement to my current mood!"

That autumn, Xiaoying's mother also passed away. Xiaoying went to the nearby Miaojing Temple, shaved her head, and entrusted her future days to the compassionate Buddha and the tranquil night

Playing for the shadow of the moon? This was the first time Xiaoying had seen such a person. She looked at Jiangxin, and the reflection of the moon was no different from usual!

The greatest advantage of Fu Shui Ji · Original Hong Qu is that it delivers on its promises

Xiaoying curiously picked it up and examined it from left to right— it appeared to be a piece of white jade, inscribed with characters she could not understand

Xiaoying's lips trembled slightly—it's his voice! He has finally returned, sitting right beside her!

Bai Zheng frowned, clearly unhappy, "Why is it that every time we organize an event, we always get discovered? We even specifically studied the 'Schedule of King Yanluo' to choose the right time to go to other spaces when he is away from the Yanluo Hall!"

The unfamiliar young girl replied calmly, "Yes. So never attempt to catch it again!" After saying this, she looked up at the night sky and said, "Elder brother, the time is almost here"

Xiao Ying solemnly made her wish, word by word: "I want to see you once more"

The first secretary of King Yama, Miao Ying, was quietly sitting on the lowest step of the Yama Hall. The winds of the underworld gently tousled her casually draped long hair, and her light white garment fluttered in the dark air. Like other structures in the underworld, the Yama Hall floated in mid-air, making Miao Ying's slightly forward-leaning posture appear quite precarious. However, she seemed rather unconcerned, focusing intently on a distant point.

Hong Qu, filled with interest, fumbled out a notebook, blinking with eager eyes, and earnestly requested: "Please tell me your story! You know, I am organizing the tales of the hell's stewards, planning to compile them for publication and participate in the Fourth Book Fair held in the heavenly realm! Just consider it as providing me with some material, would you?"

My eyes... can no longer see

Summer has arrived again. Xiaoying can use a bamboo cane to walk outside, and kind-hearted neighbors sometimes help her to the riverside to bask in the sun, where she can sit all day long until late at night

"You should not hold it up to the sunlight. Haven't you noticed? It can magnify the light. The radiance of Xihe is already powerful, and looking through this jade coin will blind your eyes in an instant..."

Are they leaving? Xiao Ying's heart suddenly grew brave amidst disappointment and reluctance, and she mustered the courage to ask, "What is your name? Can you tell me?"

"Is night wandering dangerous?" Xiao Ying expressed some disappointment

He paused for a moment, knowing that Xiaoying could not recall, and calmly said: "It was also a summer night when you and your brother were tidying up the fishing gear by the water's edge. As I passed by, you looked up and smiled, saying: 'What a beautiful shooting star'

"Did you summon 'Night Tour'?" he asked again, his deep and melodious voice remaining patient despite receiving no answer

"The sound of a flute? Who is playing the flute?" Xiao Ying wondered. The neighbors who fish at night do not linger by the shore, and how could the fishermen, busy with their livelihoods, have such leisure and elegance?

Moreover, this jade coin possesses a remarkable quality. That night, under the dim light, Xiaoying was mending clothes and could not help but think of him, so she took the jade coin from her bosom. She merely brought the jade coin close to the oil lamp, but something strange happened—the light passing through the two small holes illuminated the entire small room brilliantly! Even her blind mother felt a slight warmth on her face and asked Xiaoying what was happening. Since then, Xiaoying never took out the jade coin at night again—she feared that others would discover this treasure and snatch it away from her. She still needed to return this jade coin to him

He truly spoke correctly—just by looking at his beauty, one imagines he is a wonderful being. Perhaps he is a vengeful spirit from the water? No, that cannot be... His demeanor is so gentle, his eyes so clear, he cannot possibly be a water ghost. He must be a celestial being from the heavens

At that moment, the young man who had been facing away from Xiaoying slowly turned around and asked, "Are you the one calling for 'Night Tour'?"

He smiled and said, "Meteors cannot fulfill any wishes of humanity, but if it were you— I would be willing to grant you a wish, as compensation for your loss of light"

Because... I vaguely remember, but I cannot recall clearly—I am afraid I might mistakenly inform Miaoying...

Xiao Ying nodded again, as if upon seeing these two siblings, she forgot how to speak

Yes

One of the flutes produces a soft and beautiful tone, at times ethereal and airy, and at other times deep and gentle; the other is surprisingly bright, yet equally retains a fine melody, clear and pure.

"Minghui..." Miaoying repeated this name softly, her expression a mix of comfort and sorrow, "Minghui..."

"This is not their fault either." Miaoying smiled slightly, "Those with great power often have short lives, which is why most of the stewards in our underworld pass away at a young age. Moreover, what about meteors! Their lifespans are difficult to estimate, and their power is no less than that of the Heavenly Emperor and Empress. The human body cannot bear such power, so those born from meteors tend to die young"

Bing Xuan appeared beside them at an unknown time and calmly interjected, "Ming Huang! You Huan has come out again!"

"If only this legend were true!" Xiao Ying lay on the small boat, swaying gently, her thoughts becoming a bit hazy. "I must not fall asleep! The lilac petals have all fallen; if I miss tonight, there will be no more opportunities this year!" She said this to herself and got up again, looking at the blue surface of the water—there were no signs of anything unusual there

"If you are truly a shooting star, can you grant my wish?" Xiao Ying raised her face and asked

Xiao Ying, feeling lost and dejected, took a couple of steps in a daze, reluctantly turned back and asked, "Why will we not meet again?"

It is called this name because people have never seen its trace during the day; no matter how skilled the fisherman, he has never caught such a fish during daylight.

Speaking of that subordinate who is always laughing and joking, King Yanluo expressed his feelings: "Alas— I really don't know what to make of that person, who enjoys wandering around for no reason. It's one thing to rummage for treasures in various temples, but she often drags other local officials into her idleness, yet her work is never neglected... Perhaps she is a rare genius?"

Xiaoying's brother passed away in winter. Although she was saddened, she also felt comforted by her brother's release. She had to exert all her strength to support herself and her mother. During the day, she worked hard weaving nets and washing clothes, and at night, she stayed up late mending and stitching. This spring, at the age of fifteen, was particularly difficult for Xiaoying

However, Hong Qu seemed not to have heard her words, but was instead lost in his own thoughts. After a long while, he asked, "Bing Xuan, why do you think Miao Ying has not reincarnated? Speaking of which, you have been in the underworld for so long, why have you not reincarnated either?"

Xiaoying's mother was even more sorrowful, spending her days in deep sadness, blaming heaven and cursing others

"The Water Fairy... what is she doing?" Miao Ying blinked her eyes, seemingly unable to comprehend the scene before her.

Xiao Ying was startled and couldn't help but shiver all over. After a moment of silence, she mustered her courage and reached out her hand to touch.

The officials of the Hall of Fire Robbery—Fire Robbery Princess Wen Baizheng—are already overwhelmed with busyness

Hall of Water Dispersion

However, as one of the few iron-faced officials in hell, Miaoying did not hesitate to refuse the bribe from Hongqu, and earnestly lectured, "You—after all, you are an official of hell, an important deity; it is not easy to do your job well! But speaking of which, none of your ancestors worked honestly; each of them enjoyed wandering around... Is this the power of heredity?"

However, Xiaoying was truly bored waiting; it would be nice if someone could accompany her for a chat! Perhaps drawn by the melodious sound of the flute, she could not help but leave the small boat and follow the sound.

Bing Xuan was taken aback for a moment and quietly replied, "Why should I be reborn? There is no one in this world waiting for me... Why did you suddenly think to ask this today?"

When they found her, she was wading in the river, one foot deep and the other shallow, searching. It seemed she had found something and hurriedly tucked it into her bosom

Xiao Ying remained exceptionally calm. She simply lay in bed from morning till night, motionless, unsure of what to do. Her hands were always pressed against her heart—where she still kept that piece of white jade. Every time her hand felt the slightly warm stone, she would gently breathe a sigh of relief: fortunately, she had not thrown it into the river

Of course, it is difficult to refuse the free spiritual tea

As they were about to fly away from her side, Xiaoying asked once more, "What is your name? Why won't you tell me?"

Being so clearly rejected, Xiaoying was at a loss for a moment. The young girl gently pushed her, not mocking her blushing face, but softly said: "Just consider this encounter as a beautiful dream, go home now"

Xiao Ying seemed startled by the sound, turning her head with a vacant gaze fixed somewhere, her face displaying a look of panic and confusion

This round jade coin is slightly smaller than a palm, very smooth, with two round holes in the center, seemingly for threading a cord. The edges of the holes are engraved with a circle of characters—although the jade coin has been worn down to a very smooth finish, the characters are still clearly discernible, every stroke intact. Xiaoying does not recognize the characters on it, nor does she wish to show this jade coin to others. However, once, she copied one of the characters and asked a gentleman outside a tavern who writes letters for a living; he said he did not recognize it either, and it might be a symbol from ancient times that has already been lost...

Really? Does it also record my deeds?

That summer, she hung a blue lantern on her small boat and carefully scattered the lilac petals she had collected in spring on the water's surface

"Is he a meteor?!" Hong Qu could not help but tremble all over.

The duty officer, Ziyi, was perplexed and asked, "Your Majesty, who is missing whom? Whose name has been exchanged?"

That is the flute he has inserted at his waist! It must be him!

The Heavenly Realm Cultural Festival, held once every fifty years, is an emerging grand event among the immortals. Anyone with a bit of knowledge or who has had some scholarly background wishes to showcase their talents. However, the first three editions were dominated by the Heavenly Realm, with the Langhuan Bookstore being particularly arrogant. This time, the Ming Realm's San Tu He Bookstore is counting on the former writer Fu Shui Ji, Hong Qu, to turn the tide! As a result, she has been granted many privileges, such as the unconditional right to access the information of the Wang Hall in Bian City. However, Hong Qu feels that hearing the accounts from the individuals involved is more impactful. (Later, she indeed won an award, but it also led to the development of a bad habit—snooping into others' privacy...)

The third secretary of King Yanluo, Ziyi, walked over to her and placed a cup of tea down, "Sister Miaoying, take a break and have a cup of tea!"

He looked at Xiaoying with a gaze that revealed confusion, "Why meet again? Our fate ends here."

I prefer something lighter - of course, it should be a bit sweeter!

Xiao Ying wanted to say something more, but at that moment, two women and one man flew down from the sky, gracefully landing beside him. One of them was the girl he had seen last time.

This night, however, is somewhat different from usual

What did the last sentence say in the book she wrote after her husband passed away

To catch the "Night Tour," one must hang a blue lamp at the bow of a small boat by the river during the deep night of summer, scattering lilac petals on the water surface illuminated in blue. The "Night Tour" is attracted by the soft blue light and the fragrance of lilacs, gathering in groups to linger by the boat, refusing to disperse, and can be easily scooped up with just a hand

Bing Xuan discovered that Hong Qu had unexpectedly become silent after returning

This is merely a legend by the riverside. No one has ever truly caught a "night wanderer"—at least not in Xiaoying's memory, such an event has never occurred

Miao Ying thought for a moment and smiled bitterly, "My story is not sweet at all..."

That night, she was still sitting by the river, on the bluestone slab where he had sat before

"I just want to wait for you to come back and hand it over to you..." she said, shedding tears, unsure whether they were from joy or sorrow. "I just want to see you one more time"

In the spring of this year, Xiaoying had just turned fourteen. Like any girl from an ordinary fishing family, she learned to weave nets and catch fish at a very young age. For her, life was simply the wide expanse of water in front of her house. She had been swimming and playing in the river since she was little, and although she had heard many stories about the Dragon King and water ghosts, she never hoped for the legends to come true

King Yama was drinking tea, and he seemed to be in a good mood

"Yes!" Miaoying replied firmly, "Knowing the name will only deepen the bond. But that is exactly what I am looking forward to! Although we will never meet again, just knowing his name is enough! At least it lets me know who I have longed for all this time..."

Indeed. His tone remained so calm and serene, "My life, compared to yours, is unimaginably long. Even when your descendants are no longer in this world, I will still be myself. Therefore, please do not be confused by things that are difficult to approach."

Red yeast scratched its head, made a funny face, "It sounds like a bun that hasn't been sealed properly. So who is the other one?"

She is a bit afraid: if that is really just a legend, what would her family's life become if there were no "night excursions"? She couldn't help but think of the fierce fishing tyrant, and shivered all over.

He sighed again. "My sister Wen Lian told me that the human heart is very fragile. If one does not sincerely form a bond, one should not be too gentle; otherwise, it will only lead to deeper harm. It seems she was right; I should not have appeared before you in the first place"

"Meteor..." Miaoying murmured, "Meteor... does not fall under the jurisdiction of the heavenly court. Their traces are elusive, and it is unknown how long it will be before they pass by here again. Fushui Ji, your husband is a meteor, isn't he?"

He sighed, his brows slightly furrowing, as if lamenting Xiaoying's ignorance. Even though it was just a sigh, it made Xiaoying's heart race uncontrollably—he sighed for her, and for her alone

The young man hesitated for a moment, then resolutely replied: "I will not ask for your name, nor will I tell you mine. Knowing names will only deepen the bond. We will never meet again, so there is no need for you to inquire."

This matter is indeed true

Sigh

Ming Huang reached out from behind and took out two sheets of paper—indeed, they were two copies of the "Disciplinary Notice." "You are to sign these. Deliver the 'Letter of Regret' to the Hall of Yama within half an hour"

So... is there a name written for the brother of Qi You?

Ah—! Xiaoying's scream startled the fishermen by the riverbank

I am the first person to compliment you?" Xiao Ying was somewhat puzzled. Had she seen him before? How could that be? If she had truly met him, how could she not have any impression of such an outstanding man?

"The bribery was rejected, wasn't it?" She couldn't help but want to mock Hong Qu with a few words. "Fortunately, there are proper individuals like Miao Ying in the underworld—if everyone were like you, the underworld would have collapsed long ago"

Xiaoying was at a loss for words; her slightly trembling hand fumbled out the jade coin, and she groped to lift his hand, gently placing the culprit that had caused her to lose her sight into the palm of his hand

Is there anything said about when I was a flower fairy

Xiaoying felt as if she were not in control of her own body, wandering aimlessly in search of the flute player. She finally spotted a pair of men and women sitting by the river, facing the water on the blue stone slabs. She gazed at their silhouettes in a daze, feeling as though her soul had left her body, drifting towards a realm beyond the mundane, guided by the melody. It was not until the sound of the flute gradually faded that she regained her senses. When she did, she found that the girl playing the flute had somehow appeared before her, smiling gently as she looked at her.

"It is not that I am being talkative, Fu Shui Ji! Can't you be quiet for a while?" Ming Huang shook his head, feeling helpless towards the two mischievous attendants, "I still have to run errands for two copies of the 'Disciplinary Notice' time and again!"

Legend has it that there is a wondrous fish in the vast river. As soon as one sees its mysterious appearance, everyone knows it is no ordinary creature: its entire body is covered in fine, deep blue scales, with a ring of golden radiance around its eyes, and it bears seven golden spots resembling copper coins on its body

Xiaoying reluctantly nodded

The ones playing the flute are two individuals. Although she has not yet seen them with her own eyes, Xiaoying has already been captivated by the charm of their flute music—she may not understand musical tones, but she can still discern the beauty of the sound

Miao Ying smiled slightly, picked up the Hell Spirit Tea, and took a sip, "Indeed extraordinary! I didn't expect that the usually cheerful and carefree Fu Shui Ji would have such a talent for brewing spirit tea."

Hong Qu and Bai Zheng watched Ming Huang recite to himself as he walked away, murmuring softly. They blinked vigorously for a minute before fully regaining their composure

"Have you... gotten married?" Xiao Ying's voice was low and somewhat hoarse

"My sister Wen Lian, you have already met her. This is my younger brother Qi You." As he introduced them, he smiled at the last young woman—Xiao Ying saw him smile for the first time. His smile was so gentle that Xiao Ying was captivated. But this moment of infatuation was immediately shattered by his voice. He said: "This is my wife, her name is Ning Xin."

Just as she was lost in thought about her circumstances, the sound of a flute came from a short distance away

The young man nodded to Xiaoying and said, "You should hurry home! Don't engage in trivial matters"

A long queue has formed at the entrance, with officials and spirits bustling about, some resembling people and others not, chattering away. Just by looking at their excited expressions, one can tell they are waiting for something good to happen

Bing Xuan shook her head, "You two... have you really forgotten everything we told you? The first secretary of King Yan, Miao Ying, possesses a unique spiritual eye that can see anywhere in the underworld! I see that you two have no hope of advancing! In two years, it will be the once every four hundred and fifty years 'Qualification Examination for the Ten Kings of Hell Candidates.' Looking at you, it seems you haven't even been studying!"

Who exactly is he? This question has lingered in Xiaoying's mind for a long time. Perhaps he is truly the son of the Dragon King? Or a celestial star? Could he be the embodiment of the "Night Wanderer"? Sometimes, when her thoughts become too far-fetched, Xiaoying can't help but laugh foolishly to herself

Miao Ying always shook her head: "There is nothing unusual; the prisoners on the eighteenth floor are all very well-behaved"

His expression was somewhat melancholic as he gently explained: "Even I cannot restore the light to blinded eyes. However, I can fulfill your wish. This Eye of the Celestial Maiden was given to me by the Jade Maiden of the Heavenly Emperor. Although it cannot see the things of the mortal world, it can perceive everything that does not belong to it. I have hidden it within the mole between your eyes; when you no longer wish to see, simply find an ordinary doctor to remove that mole for you"

Hong Qu shrugged his shoulders and replied in a murmuring voice, "It seems so... I only have vague memories of the events that occurred during the six lives and six deaths and with the flower fairies in the heavens. I heard that Huang Ying once had a strong connection with a shooting star. It was only when I arrived in the Underworld that I discovered there were no records of my husband here—such things can only be done by shooting stars, who, in a moment of whimsy, casually reincarnate in the mortal realm, causing everyone to be flustered as they help establish their records... The records weren't even completed before they dashed back to the heavens!"

Xiaoying clearly remembers that day— it was the last time she saw the sunlight

The length is quite long

Although Xiaoying comes from a humble background, she is hardworking, capable, and has a delicate appearance, making her desirable for many families seeking to hire her. Xiaoying's mother began to consider arranging a marriage for her, but Xiaoying grew increasingly anxious with each passing day. She did not know what she was hoping for, only that once married, even seeing him would be different...! She secretly prayed to the heavens for him to appear soon! Even if it was just for a brief encounter, she longed to see him again!

The young man lowered his head and glanced at the surface of the water. Xiaoying couldn't help but follow his gaze.

Hong Qu pouted in indignation, defending herself: "Sister Minghuang! If it weren't for so many experiments and investigations, how could my Hell Spirit Tea achieve such great success? Would you like to have a cup and give it a try? I feel bad for putting you through so much trouble!" At this point, she became animated again, "I'm not boasting, but this fourth generation of Hell Spirit Tea has blended the vital energies of heaven and earth, as well as the essence of the sun and moon, and it has significant effects on strengthening the soul and solidifying the spirit. I won't say much more, come on, drink this cup, and you can fill out a questionnaire to receive two boxes of samples!"

The improved Hell Spirit Tea from Hongqu is indeed very famous, having long been renowned throughout the entire underworld. It is said that starting next year, the Model Reform Award for the eighteen layers of prisoners will also use it as a prize. The Hell Spirit Tea is made from rare ingredients, which is why it has always been issued in limited quantities, making it difficult for ordinary little ghosts to obtain. Moreover, after tasting it, they find the monthly distributed "Hell Clear Tea" hard to swallow. Therefore, whenever the developers organize some small event, it creates such a sensational effect. Hongqu cannot handle it alone and often has to encourage his friend Baizheng to help— the benefit being that he can unconditionally taste the spirit tea for an entire year.

Bai Zheng stopped writing with her pen, and Hong Qu scratched her head in confusion, asking in unison: "Is it too sweet or not sweet enough?"

"No matter what consequences you have to bear, do you still want to take one last look?" He was somewhat surprised, but after receiving a positive response from Xiaoying, he fell silent for a moment, then extended a finger and gently tapped between Xiaoying's eyes.

Xiaoying often takes it out and holds it in her palm, caressing it

Ah! Miao Ying gently set down her teacup, as if she had discovered something

Suddenly, the crowd began to stir. Before Hong Qu's buzzing head could comprehend what was happening, he saw the long line in front of him scatter like birds and beasts.

The person proposing marriage withdrew the engagement letter

Sigh—he sighed again, "Indeed, it was you who took that piece of white jade. As soon as I noticed it was missing, I immediately began searching, but it was still a bit too late..."

He died so easily! Leaving me to raise the child alone... Red Quinoa felt a surge of grievances at the thought, but for some reason, in front of the melancholic Miaoying, it was not so easy to vent all these grievances.

His response to her remained the same: "Knowing the name will only deepen the bond. We will never meet again, so you need not inquire."

The surroundings were silent, and she could even hear the distant boats on the river colliding with each other. There should have been no one nearby, yet she heard a long, drawn-out sigh.

Even at night, it does not often appear, no matter how fragrant the bait is, it cannot be lured in.

Really! Even before it is confirmed, you are already spreading the word—truly your style

The man's clothing was very smooth, and his long hair fell over his chest. When Xiaoying's hand brushed against a cool tube at his waist, she almost gasped.

Cough—cough! A woman with a serious expression approached the table of Hong Qu, which had not yet been cleared away, with her hands behind her back, clearing her throat—she was Ming Huang, the second secretary of King Yama. "Jie Huo Ji, do not hide under the table! Even if you hide, I can still guess—every time this kind of thing happens, you are always involved. Besides, there is no tablecloth on this table."

Meteor? Are you a meteor? Xiao Ying couldn't help but feel a chill run through her body

Ming Huang took a sip, and her expression seemed to soften. (Hong Qu secretly tugged at Bai Zheng's sleeve, "Quick, take note! It seems that the spiritual tea really has a calming effect!")

Xiaoying called out joyfully, but immediately felt something strange—she could only see him, while everything around remained shrouded in darkness. She heard the sound of the river flowing, but that direction was still pitch black; she looked up to find the moon in the sky, but above her was also a dark expanse; she looked down at her own body, but could not see it—seemingly, her eyes could only perceive him. She heard the sound of the river flowing, but that direction was still pitch black; she looked up to find the moon in the sky, but above her was also a dark expanse; she looked down at her own body, but could not see it—seemingly, her eyes could only perceive him.

Ming Huang thoughtfully reflected for a moment and solemnly expressed his opinion: "Well, it seems a bit too sweet—if it were a little sweeter, that would be better"

Hong Qu took a breath and softly said: "My elder brother, named 'Minghui'."

"What happened?" King Yanluo was taken aback, feeling a familiar sense of foreboding.

Its name is "Night Tour"

I envy you so much—" Miao Ying sighed, "For a shooting star, human life is merely a fleeting moment, both brief and mundane. Yet it fell from the sky twice for you. But the one that captivated me does not belong to me...

That summer, her father drowned in the middle of the river; when her brother was found downstream, he had lost an arm, but fortunately, he was still alive, though he could not leave the bed yet; her mother cried herself blind over this tragedy...! ... For the sake of her brother and mother, she needed the legendary divine fish that could cure all ailments

King Yama, as usual, leisurely savored the "Hell Spirit Tea." From time to time, he would lift his head and casually ask, "Miaoying, have you seen any situations?"

Bing Xuan explained lightly: "The souls of ordinary people are a mixture of yin and yang, generally in a state of basic equilibrium. Some souls may have one aspect stronger than the other, which is often the case for the attendants of hell. However, Ming Huang's soul is distinctly separated into yin and yang, with one aspect enveloping the other, a very rare phenomenon—only two have appeared in several thousand years. Currently, the external aspect is the 'yang' of Ming Huang, but the 'yin' of You Huang, which is wrapped inside, occasionally reveals itself... but Ming Huang's soul is distinctly separated into yin and yang, with one aspect enveloping the other, a very rare phenomenon—only two have appeared in several thousand years. Currently, the external aspect is the 'yang' of Ming Huang, but the 'yin' of You Huang, which is wrapped inside, occasionally reveals itself..."

Mingzhuang exclaimed "Ah!" and struck his own head hard with a fist, smiling awkwardly, "I apologize for making you laugh! This guy really can't help but express his opinions whenever an interesting topic comes up! — Can't I just share my feelings? — Be quiet! — Remember, not sweet enough! Make it sweeter — Ah! Sister Miaoying's eyes are about to see over here, I need to hurry back to work... — Be quiet! — Remember, not sweet enough! Make it sweeter — Ah! Sister Miaoying's eyes are about to see over here, I need to hurry back to work...

Xiaoying gave a bitter smile, "I don't know, but this is the only wish that I cannot fulfill by myself. Even if it requires exchanging my life, I just want to see you one more time"

However, why is he not in a hurry to search for such a precious jade coin? Xiaoying is feeling somewhat disappointed waiting.