The Eternal Night Sea.
For mortals, this was a realm of suffering. They were born into hardship and misery, unable to let their guard down for even a moment.
Once, they could still follow the old customs and seek a sliver of peace amid the uncanny horrors. But ever since the Taboos descended, they had been plunged into deep water and scorching fire.
Until one day, a voice suddenly rang out in the minds of those who had heard of the Underworld and offered their power of faith.
The voice was clear and far-reaching, as though descending from the Nine Heavens, vast and majestic. Yet it also seemed to well up from within their hearts, inspiring instant trust. "I am True Lord Youxuan. I pity you, sunk in the sea of suffering with no hope of deliverance."
"Today, I shall spread my teachings throughout the world and establish an orthodox path for the Human Race. Cultivate it, and you may attain supreme freedom and unbounded ease."
"All who are willing need only recite my name silently in their hearts to enter my sanctum and hear my teachings."
That voice was profound beyond measure, impossible to forget.
Countless mortals froze where they stood, thinking some ghost or monster was playing tricks on them. Yet the voice was all too familiar. They had even seen its owner with their own eyes once before.
"T-True Lord?"
"Is that immortal really coming to save us from fire and flood, and let us see an age of peace?"
Excitement rose in their eyes. Without another moment of hesitation, they knelt devoutly and called out his true name in unison.
"True Lord Youxuan."
"True Lord Youxuan."
"True Lord Youxuan."
Amid a dim haze, gray mist surged out of the void and gently enveloped those reciting his