Gray and murky, the streets of the underworld were filled with drifting yin souls and ghost fire.
Two underworld constables in black robes patrolled the streets. One was tall, with pointed ears and a long dog-like snout. He wore no official boots, and his slender canine legs made him look as though he were walking on tiptoe. The other looked like an ordinary human. Both wore tall hats and carried mourning rods at their waists, and Lost Souls and Ghost Fire scattered out of their way.
Unable to suppress his curiosity, the human constable occasionally looked around, while the dog-headed constable appeared far more seasoned.
As they passed the entrance of a residence, the young man craned his neck and looked around again.
The dog-headed constable spoke with a smile.
"Young man, in our line of work, you must be careful and cautious. Some courtyards by the roadside may be looked at freely, while others must not be looked at."
The young human constable hurriedly withdrew his gaze.
"Brother Dog, I entered the trade late. Please enlighten me and guide me out of the maze."
In truth, eating from the public coffers in the underworld was much the same as in the Yang World. The only difference was that underworld constables were used to eating half-cooked meals; all the other ties of favor and personal connections still had to be there.
Seeing that the young man was giving him face, the dog-headed constable gestured with his eyes toward a grand residence nearby.
"If no yin souls linger near the gate, no Paper Figures serve within, and the place is clean, orderly, and carries a pure aura, remember to keep a respectful distance. A great cultivator's True Spirit lives inside. Their abilities run deep, and they do not wish to serve