Beyond the heavens, in an unknown place, the Wheel of Six Paths hung high, turning through life and death. Countless departed souls dwelled there, as though it were a paradise for the dead.
At a certain moment, a dormant consciousness sensed something and awoke. It connected with a Dao hidden beyond perception and formed a blurred face. The Six Paths trembled, and ghosts and gods wailed.
"This feeling..."
The blurred face gazed across the void into the distance. Ripples suddenly stirred in its eyes, which had been as still as an ancient well.
"It's the Spirit-Void Realm. How long it's been since I felt something so familiar."
Having confirmed the source, the blurred face gave a soft sigh.
"So that thing has finally emerged. By my reckoning, a very long time has passed—so long that I thought it had failed."
Its thoughts wandered far. In that moment, the blurred face recalled many things.
"I once calculated that thing would be of great use in making the Netherworld whole. Now that it has emerged, even if it's much later than expected and still only an embryonic form, I must do everything I can to retrieve it."
"Unfortunately, in my current state, I'm not suited to going there myself."
The blurred face cast aside its regrets and made another calculation. The result was no different from before.
"The Spirit-Void Realm is unusual. Now that the astral winds surrounding it have dispersed, it's time to bring it within the Netherworld's influence."
With a turn of its thoughts, the blurred face sent out a decree.
"Go to the Spirit-Void Realm and bring back the River of Forgetfulness."
The low voice rang through the void. Two mighty figures who held court in the Netherworld and presided over life and death were startled into action. Each