The cold wind howled. The netherworld stretched into the void, and the years turned to black soil, piling up year after year until they formed a desolate, freezing wasteland that had stood for countless ages.
Across this shadowy, boundless expanse, a golden light suddenly descended, tracing the fine outlines of a great gate covered in reliefs and intricate patterns.
The gate swung open, and a group of humans emerged. They were young and old, men and women alike, all wearing red headbands and surrounded by a faint glow. At their head was a man with a pair of curled mustaches, holding aloft a large yellow banner bearing five characters:
"Underworld Sightseeing Tour!"
Feeling the Yin Wind that could scatter souls, he turned back and reminded them, "Dear guests, with your 'Red Treasure Headbands' protecting you, neither the cold nor the ghosts can touch you. You can follow me without a worry. Just be sure not to fall behind or lose your way. The Yin Soil is vast and boundless, and it grows and accumulates with every passing moment. Only Heavenly Venerables and Buddhas can see it all. If you get separated, you'll most likely never find your way back."
"Yes, Mr. Guide." The tourists answered in unison, with impeccable manners.
The guide unfurled the yellow banner in his hand. Its light blazed brightly, illuminating the way ahead. Then, as they walked, he explained, "The layer of Yin Soil we're looking at was formed during the Human Emperor's era. It completely covered and buried the Yin Soil created across two ages: the ancient, savage era and the primordial age of Open Heaven and Earth..."
The tourists looked around curiously. In the Yin Wind, which seemed almost tangible, they could make out vague, twisted shadows.
Before they knew it, they had been