On the Bridge of Helplessness, one could only speak of helplessness.
The ancient blue-stone bridge deck was flanked by railings carved with true dragons. Five smooth steps led across it. Women crossed on the west, men on the east; yin on the left, yang on the right. The darkness was without light, save for the ghastly glow of candles.
Whoever died at ninety-seven had to wait three years upon the Bridge of Helplessness.
It began here, and all bonds were severed here.
Helpless was the sorrowful parting of this life, where meeting again was so difficult. Helpless, too, was reunion in the next life. Upon the bridge lay the final stretch of time in which one still possessed memories. All obsessions and unfulfilled matters from this life became impossible to realize. With a sigh of helplessness, one crossed the bridge; after drinking Meng Po's Soup, one would lose all memories forever.
Not far away stood a lofty mountain called Homesickness Ridge. Many wandering souls halted there, climbing the Gazing at Homeland Platform to take one last look at their hometowns. Their choked sobs and weeping were enough to bring tears to the eye.
Ghosts stood in panic atop the Gazing at Homeland Platform, staring with wide eyes as two streams of tears ran down their faces.
Beneath the gray vault of heaven and the dark, jagged ridges, the blue-stone Bridge of Helplessness and its candle lamps formed a bleak, oppressive painting.
Bai Yujun walked to the prisoner Cheng Li's side and gazed at the Bridge of Helplessness with a teasing smile.
"Little Cheng, look at this stone bridge—broad and slick, translucent with a gleam. So many wandering souls have polished it over the years. It truly is marvelous. If you have anything sad on your mind, tell us and make