When Wen Ning left Chen Mu's home,
he walked a short way along the sidewalk, then turned into an unlit alley.
A wall stood at the end of the alley. Wen Ning never slowed down and walked straight through it.
On one side of the wall lay the mortal world; on the other lay the Underworld. As Wen Ning's magical power grew, his ways of entering the Underworld became increasingly elaborate.
The light turned into that timeless gray haze. The asphalt beneath his feet became flagstones.
Wen Ning followed the familiar route and spotted someone sitting at reception from a distance.
His dark circles looked as though someone had punched him in both eyes. Exhaustion and sleepiness were written all over his face.
White Impermanence, Xie Bi'an.
"Hey, Xie."
Xie Bi'an jolted, nearly dropping the mug in his hand. He looked up and saw Wen Ning.
Then he forced a smile onto his exhausted face that looked worse than crying.
"Wen Ning, what brings you here? Did you sort that matter out?"
Wen Ning found his appearance a little amusing.
"How long have you been on duty? Those dark circles are almost down to your chin."
Xie Bi'an let out a long, heavy sigh.
"Don't even ask. That bastard Old Fan landed me in another mess. I've had less than ten hours of sleep over the past three days."
Wen Ning dispensed with the pleasantries.
"Take me to that couple. It's all sorted out."
Xie Bi'an rubbed his eyes.
"All right, follow me."
After walking for the time it took an incense stick to burn, they reached the Reincarnation Division's special affairs office again.
Xie Bi'an pointed at the door.
"Here it is. Go on in yourself. I have to get back and keep an eye on things. There's still