The Netherworld recruitment assembly drew to a successful close, and the waiting area before the Ghost Gate gradually returned to its former emptiness and solemnity.
After the merit of the Earthly Dao descended, the great Divine Ability wielders each set off home with that dark-gold gift of laws.
Ancestral Dragon led the Four Seas Dragon Kings back to the East Sea, while Yuanfeng took Azure Luan and Fire Phoenix back to the Undying Volcano on beating wings.
Primordial Qilin rode the clouds back to Qilin Cliff, and Jieyin and Zhunti returned to Mount Sumeru.
Fuxi and Nuwa returned side by side to Phoenix Perch Mountain, while Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun returned to Longevity Mountain.
Randeng remained stationed at the Netherworld's Soul-Calming Hall, while Minghe took charge of the City of Wrongful Deaths and began familiarizing himself with his duties as city lord.
Pan Xuan, the Twelve Ancestral Witches, and the Three Pure Ones also returned to Mount Buzhou, leaving the Netherworld's daily operations to the Ten Kings of Hell and the Four Great Judges.
The Ghost Gate returned to its former solemnity, but the long line of departed souls on Naihe Bridge was now less than half as long as it had been before the recruitment assembly.
The newly appointed divine officials had already begun their duties, and the efficiency of the Netherworld's intricate machinery was improving at a rate visible to the naked eye.
Meanwhile, far in the depths of the Starry Sky, Di Jun and Taiyi were on their way to the Taiyin Star.
Two golden streaks of escape light cleaved through the silence of the Star Sea.
The aura of Solar True Fire left two crimson-gold trails lingering in the void, dimming even the starlight wherever they passed.
Di Jun wore golden ceremonial robes, with the