"Rise."
Zhong Kui stroked his beard and waved a hand, his gaze turning toward the hall.
"Worthy brother, it had been many days since we last met. Your elder brother had missed you dearly."
King Yama beamed as he stepped forward and clasped Zhong Kui's hand tightly. Turning, he instructed the ghost attendants below the hall, "You may all withdraw. True Lord and I have much catching up to do."
"Yes, sir!"
Before long, only the two of them remained in the vast Hall of Yama.
With a casual wave, King Yama conjured a rosewood wine table and personally filled Zhong Kui's cup with fine wine.
"Brother, this is... Azureflame Wine! Why had you brought out such a rare vintage today?"
Surprise showed on Zhong Kui's face.
Even in the Netherworld, Azureflame Wine was exceedingly rare.
King Yama laughed heartily. "Listen to yourself, worthy brother. You and I have known one another for centuries—how could a mere cup of Azureflame Wine be worth mentioning? Come, let your elder brother offer you a toast!"
"Thank you for your kindness, brother!"
The two clinked cups and drained them in one gulp.
"Speaking of which, when you were harmed by evil ghosts and came to the Netherworld, it was your elder brother who personally tried your case." King Yama suddenly grew sentimental as he recalled the past. "The two of us truly proved that old saying right—no friendship without a fight."
Zhong Kui looked somewhat embarrassed at those words. "Back then, this younger brother was rash. When I caused havoc in the Netherworld and raised the Demon-Subduing Pestle, I accidentally struck the Heaven-Piercing Bell and gave brother quite a fright."
"Ah, it was precisely that strike which alerted the Heavenly Court and reached the Jade Emperor's ears." King Yama raised his sleeve and