In the Netherworld, east of Fengdu City, atop a mountain beside the mighty pass of A Slit of Sky.
This was the secret garden where the two Soul-Reaping Marshals slacked off while on duty, a place that bore witness to the ever-deepening brotherhood of the two witches since ancient times.
The unspoiled kind.
A light breeze brushed through Horse-Face's soft mane, while Gray Cloud drifted past Ox-Head's obsidian-like bovine eyes. The two lay atop the cliff with their arms beneath their heads, with no particular worries in their hearts.
Days when they did not have to lead teams out to carry coffins were simply so dull, leisurely, and...
Lonely.
"Horse, what's been going on in the Primordial Wilderness lately?
For the past dozen years, the Netherworld has been shaking every day. Moo."
"Didn't the Great Witch Sacrifice say a great calamity was coming? Neigh."
"We should recruit some people early. Who knows when the calamity will erupt and we won't be able to keep up with the work here."
Horse-Face snorted with laughter. "Recruit whom? Being a Soul Reaper Emissary isn't so easy. They need to be able to scare those mortal souls."
"Ah, if only Lord Water God could give us some advice...
I heard Lord Water God was injured. I wonder whether he's recovered."
As Ox-Head spoke, he suddenly blinked and pushed himself upright, holding his headpiece in place.
"Why did I only think of this now?! Quick! Let's get some Underworld Specialty and go visit Lord Water God!"
Horse-Face calmly shook his head. "Is Lord Water God so easy to meet?
He is a Heavenly Court Official, the disciple of Saint Lord of Human Teachings. I heard that when Your Majesty Jade Emperor flew into a rage over Lord Water God, he nearly wiped out the Demon