Chapter Six: The Black and White Impermanence (Part Two)

Outside the government office, Guideng, the official in charge of posting notices, leaned lazily against a vermilion pillar, watching the bustling messengers pass by. This was unusual; normally, when a notice like this was posted, many would scramble to apply, yet this time, not a single person had stepped forward.

Guideng frowned slightly. When had the jobs at the Yama Palace become so undesirable? The role of a Wuchang was merely to escort souls, and since ordinary souls did not require a Wuchang’s intervention—being easily handled by standard messengers—only those harboring resentment or showing signs of becoming demons necessitated a Wuchang’s official duty.

In Guideng’s view, the position of Wuchang involved little work and offered generous pay; it was a top-tier post. He rubbed his chin, wondering if perhaps he hadn't posted enough notices or if the reach had been insufficient. That was a possibility.

Around noon, Guideng finally waited for an applicant. He thought he understood why the position had been ignored, but what truly left him stunned—rooted to the spot—was the applicant himself.

He had only seen images of this man previously, but in person, he appeared even younger. Clad in white robes with a string of silent silver bells tucked at his waist, it was hard to tell if he was barefoot, as his feet were shrouded in a faint white mist. Yet, this enchantingly bewitching man was undoubtedly the person he had seen that day. What shocked him even more was the small child in the man’s arms; how could he look so remarkably like Yunqing?

The Ghost Sovereign, unaware of Guideng’s inner turmoil, waved the stack of notices he held. "Applying for the job."

Guideng finally regained his composure. Instead of answering, he simply said, "Please, follow me."

The Ghost Sovereign followed in silence. The little one in his arms looked around restlessly and whispered in his ear, "Mother, why is everyone staring at us?"

Even before Yan Nianqing spoke, the Ghost Sovereign had noticed. He scanned the surroundings with a cold, sharp gaze, causing the onlookers to quickly avert their eyes. The Ghost Sovereign comforted the child, "They rarely see a child as cute as little Nian’er, so they can’t help but take a few extra looks."

Yan Nianqing nodded seriously. "That makes sense, especially since Mother is so beautiful too." He tightened his little face, glaring at the people around them; he wouldn't allow them to look—Mother belonged to him.

The Ghost Sovereign couldn't help but smile; it was the first time anyone had complimented his appearance.

The staff in the office were momentarily stunned. Mamian, the horse-faced official, regained his senses and his eyes darted around. *It couldn't be,* he thought. *How are this father and son so handsome? And that little one—why does he look so much like our new Yama? Could it be... are they here to find a relative? This is massive news! I have to tell the others immediately.*

Guideng cleared his throat and said sternly, "What are you all staring at? Back to work, all of you!"

The messengers stopped lingering and scrambled to their tasks. The Ghost Sovereign followed Guideng to an empty courtyard. Guideng turned and knelt on one knee, saying, "Guideng, Judge of the Yama Palace, greets the Sovereign!"

The Ghost Sovereign’s mouth twitched. He immediately understood the reason—the old Yama must have informed him before leaving. *What a meddlesome old man,* he thought. "Does the new Yama know as well?"

Guideng’s confusion deepened. Did the Ghost Sovereign know Yunqing? "Yes. Before the former Yama retired, he informed both myself and the new Yama of your situation."

*Tch,* he had wanted to have some fun, but whatever—it was roughly the same either way. The Ghost Sovereign shot a sidelong glance at Guideng. "Since that is the case, I will be direct. My son and I will be taking over the roles of the Black and White Wuchang. Do you have any objections?"

For the first time, Guideng felt the weight of true pressure. He let out a muffled groan as if a thousand-pound weight had been placed on his back, leaving him struggling for air. Dark light flickered in his eyes as he replied, "Guideng has no objections."

A glint of amusement flashed in the Ghost Sovereign’s eyes as he watched the slightly unwilling Guideng. "Oh, and there is no need to report my arrival in the Underworld to the new Yama."

The pressure on Guideng vanished instantly. "As you command." Guideng took one last subtle look at the child in the Ghost Sovereign’s arms—the resemblance was truly uncanny!

"Also, from today on, my son and I are the Black and White Wuchang of this Underworld. It would be inappropriate for us to live elsewhere, and since living quarters in the Underworld are tight, I fear only the Yama Palace has an extra room to accommodate us," the Ghost Sovereign said with a faint smile.

Watching the harmonious father and son, and noting the child’s striking resemblance to Yunqing, combined with the Ghost Sovereign’s overt intention to head straight toward Yunqing, Guideng could only think of one possibility. Had there been some conflict between Yunqing and this Ghost Sovereign during Yunqing’s trial? It didn't seem like it, but since Yunqing had forgotten everything from his time undergoing the trial, asking him would be useless. Perhaps...

Guideng made up his mind and nodded. "Wuchang, your words are most reasonable. May I ask a few questions?"

The Ghost Sovereign’s gaze remained fixed on Yan Nianqing. "Ask."

Guideng studied Yan Nianqing carefully before asking, "Do you know our new Yama? I don't know why, but looking at your child, I can't help but feel he bears a resemblance to our new Yama." It was a bold question.

The Ghost Sovereign, however, didn't seem to mind, offering a cryptic smile. "Who is to say I don't?"

With that ambiguous answer, Guideng donned an insincere smile and led the pair toward the administrative offices.

Yan Nianqing tugged at the Ghost Sovereign’s collar and whispered, "Mother, that man is so strange! He kept staring at me and saying things I don't understand."

The Ghost Sovereign chuckled, not bothering to lower his voice. "In the future, if you encounter such strange people, stay far away so you don't catch their weirdness."

Yan Nianqing covered his mouth and nodded solemnly, a gesture that drew more laughter from the Ghost Sovereign.

Guideng paused for a split second before continuing on as if nothing had happened. This Ghost Sovereign was undoubtedly here for Yan Yunqing. Given Yan Yunqing’s cold nature and this irreverent Ghost Sovereign—not to mention the child who looked so much like Yunqing—it seemed the Underworld wouldn't be peaceful for long.

***

Upon arriving at the Wuchang’s office, Guideng wore a professional smile. The messengers stopped their work as they arrived, but their attention was immediately drawn to the large and small figures following behind.

Guideng stepped aside, allowing the staff to see the Ghost Sovereign and Yan Nianqing. "From today, this father and son will be taking over as the Black and White Wuchang. If you have any matters to attend to, seek them out. That is all I have to say. I will take them to familiarize themselves with the area; you may continue."

The crowd stared in disbelief. The Ghost Sovereign couldn't be bothered with them; he was focused on holding little Nian’er’s hand properly to ensure he didn't stumble.

No sooner had the three left than the room erupted in chaos.

"Did you see that?" one ghost messenger whispered. "It’s just like they said! That kid... he couldn't be the new Yama’s secret child, could he?"

"It’s possible! I never would have guessed—someone so cold, and yet, such speed... Sigh, we are truly left in the dust."

"Wait, didn't any of you notice?" asked a third messenger.

"Notice what?"

"That child... he looks like his father, but he also looks just like our new Yama..."

The room fell deathly silent.

The gossip reached the ears of both the Ghost Sovereign and Guideng. The Ghost Sovereign remarked, "It has been a long time since I visited the Underworld. I didn't expect the messengers here to be so... energetic."

Guideng replied, "You are too kind, Wuchang."