After hearing what Master Jin said, Wen Ning asked no further questions.
He stood up, pulled his coat into place, and said to Master Jin,
"Wait here a moment."
Master Jin looked at him curiously over his teacup.
"Where are you going?"
"The Underworld."
With that, Wen Ning turned, pushed the door open, and left.
Master Jin watched him disappear through the doorway, his teacup hanging in midair for a couple of seconds.
He muttered to himself,
"Heavenly Venerable Wen was right. This kid really doesn't dawdle."
Wen Ning stepped out of the little courtyard. The night wind rushed into his collar, cold against his skin.
As Wen Ning circulated his magic, the earth and stones beneath him loosened, opening into a crack.
Wen Ning closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, he was standing at the entrance to the Underworld.
There was that familiar Underworld air: damp, slightly chilly, and carrying a faint smell of burnt paper.
Wen Ning wrapped his coat tighter around himself and followed the hazy gray flagstone path to the Judge's Hall.
Judge Lu was sitting behind his desk, reviewing documents.
Hearing someone enter, he spoke without looking up.
"For reincarnation, go to the hall next door. To check your lifespan, go to the Reincarnation Division. If you're looking for someone, turn left, third room."
"Judge Lu, it's me."
Judge Lu's eyes peeked out from behind the towering pile of documents. He was still stroking Mimi, and when he recognized his visitor, he gave a little exclamation.
"Heavenly Official Wen? What a rare visitor. What brings you to the Underworld in the middle of the night? Pulling strings for someone, or reserving a spot for yourself?"
Wen Ning rolled his eyes.
"What would I need a spot for? I'm not going to die."