Zhu Jiuyin and Xuan Ming's eyelids trembled faintly before slowly opening. Divine light returned to their eyes, their breathing resumed, and they truly came back to life.
"Second Brother!!" Gonggong's throat tightened, his voice trembling as he gazed at the resurrected Zhu Jiuyin and Xuan Ming. His joy surged like a tide, smashing through his defenses. Having just lost his beloved kin, witnessing their return from death shook his soul more deeply than the collapse of heaven and earth.
Zhu Jiuyin sat up and looked around blankly. Frowning, he asked, "I remember that I had fallen. How did I end up here?" Xuan Ming also turned her face, her brows slightly furrowed in utter confusion.
Gonggong threw his head back and laughed. "Hahaha! Second Brother, Little Sister, you really did die! But Sage Su Yang took action and forcibly snatched you back from King Yama's hands!"
"Sage Su Yang..." Zhu Jiuyin murmured. He lifted his eyes toward Su Yang, then turned over and prostrated himself, knocking his head heavily against the ground. "Thank you, Sage, for the grace of recreating my life!"
Su Yang gently swept out his sleeve and stopped him from bowing further. "There's no need for such ceremony. It's true that I saved your life, but your crimes must still be settled. Zhu Jiuyin, the northernmost region of the Netherworld Underworld has remained dark as ink for years. As punishment, you will hold an ever-burning lamp in your mouth and guard that place forever, dispelling the gloom with light. This will add a touch of brightness to the Netherworld and give you a chance to accumulate merit and atone for your sins. Will you accept this punishment?"
Zhu Jiuyin solemnly cupped his hands. "Thank you, Sage, for enlightening me. Zhu Jiuyin willingly accepts the punishment."
Su Yang