The path to rebirth, the road of reincarnation, seemed to lead deeper layer by layer, connecting to some unknown place. It felt rather like descending straight through the eighteen levels of the Netherworld in legend.
In fact, that did seem to be the case. As an ancient road wound toward the distant darkness and reached the other floating continents, eighteen places "lit up" in an instant, secretly corresponding to that number and exuding gloom and cold.
At this sight, the Kings following along did not stop, but apprehension stirred in their hearts. They did not know whether Shi had deliberately excavated it this way, or whether this was simply how the Reincarnation Road was once it formed and manifested its passages.
"Do the Netherworld and the Underworld share the same imagery throughout the Myriad Heavens?"
"Different civilizations actually converge on the same thing, arriving at something unique. Is this coincidence, or does it come from the inheritance of the 'others' within us? Or could it be..."
The Kings had many thoughts at that moment and wanted very much to discuss them, even to ask aloud. But given their present surroundings, they felt that digging too deeply into certain matters would do them no good. They all restrained themselves and chose not to ask further.
The journey was quiet, without a single sound.
It had to be said that this "Kingdom" of death was truly "dead." There was not a single creature along the entire road. It both matched the legends and did not, a profound contradiction.
"We're nearly at the end."
As they walked through one "continental" step after another, descending from one "stair" to the next, Shi broke the stillness congealed in the gloom. His voice abruptly roused the Kings from their wandering thoughts.
"Nearly there..."
The Kings sensed