"Netherworld Messengers clear the way, meet at the Nether Springs."
Su Muyu and Su Changhe stood by a river, its turbid waters rushing downstream like the legendary Nether Springs. On the opposite shore stood a massive mountain villa, before which a flag was planted bearing four characters—Nether Springs Inn.
"We've seen the Nether Springs. Where are the Netherworld Messengers?" Su Changhe called out clearly.
Su Muyu tilted his head slightly before suddenly turning around.
Four towering figures appeared before them, clad in yellow robes with purple capes, wearing bamboo hats and holding tattered oil-paper umbrellas. An eerie chill emanated from their entire beings.
"Three feet tall, paper umbrellas shielding from the sun. The Netherworld Messengers of the Nether Springs truly exude an ominous aura," Su Changhe remarked with a chuckle, stroking his small beard. "Even more unsettling than our Dark River."
"Our master has long awaited your arrival, Dark River Grand Master," the lead messenger's voice was hoarse, so low it was nearly inaudible.
Su Changhe laughed. "I've heard the master of the Nether Springs possesses extraordinary powers. To think he already anticipated my visit."
"Then, Grand Master and Su Muyu, head of the Su Family, please board the boat." The lead messenger led the other three past the two men. A rickety small boat was moored at the shore, where a stunningly beautiful woman in red stood at the bow, holding an oar and smiling at Su Changhe and Su Muyu.
Su Muyu was taken aback. "When did she appear here?"
"Isn't this wonderful? At least in this world, there are things even more incomprehensible than our Dark River," Su Changhe said with a laugh as he stepped forward.
The four messengers walked to the bow, gently twirling their tattered umbrellas. Miraculously, the turbulent waters calmed. The woman began rowing, and the boat slowly made its way to the opposite shore.
"You must be Su Muyu, the current head of the Su Family. Such a handsome young master," the red-clad woman stared intently at Su Muyu.
Uncomfortable under her gaze, Su Muyu nodded faintly. "You are also a beauty. Your praise is too generous."
"Am I still a beauty?" The woman waved her hand, peeling off a mask to reveal raw flesh beneath. "Does this still count?"
Su Muyu was stunned into silence.
With another wave, she restored her breathtakingly beautiful face. "I won't tease you anymore, young master."
"You can change faces?" Su Changhe chuckled.
The woman laughed along, her voice suddenly shifting to a man's. "Are you certain I'm even a woman?"
Su Changhe and Su Muyu exchanged glances before Su Changhe finally shrugged. "You've truly confused me. What's your name?"
"This humble one is called Hong Ying," the woman's voice turned enchantingly sweet again, enough to make one's entire body melt at the sound.
"Damn ghosts," Su Changhe muttered under his breath.
Before long, the boat reached the Other Shore. The four messengers stepped onto the bank, continuing their umbrella-held procession toward the Underworld Pawnshop. Su Muyu and Su Changhe followed.
"Young master, make sure to come out safely," that bone-meltingly soft voice called after them once more.Su Muyu and Su Changhe turned their heads to see a white-haired old woman sitting at the bow of the boat, still dressed in that same red garment, but aged fifty years in an instant.
"Ghosts and demons," even Su Muyu muttered under his breath this time.
"Quite fascinating," Su Changhe continued following the four Netherworld Messengers. "The Mu Family also knows disguise techniques, but compared to this Hong Ying, they're far inferior."
The four Netherworld Messengers arrived before the Nether Springs Inn. The leader gently knocked on the wooden door. Suddenly, a thick fog rose, and Su Changhe and Su Muyu immediately stood back-to-back. Su Muyu took the paper umbrella from his back, while Su Changhe gripped the Inch Finger Sword in his hand. Moments later, the fog gradually dissipated.
The doors of the Underworld Pawnshop had already opened, and the four Netherworld Messengers had vanished without a trace. A deep voice echoed from within: "Patrons of the Dark River, please enter."
Su Changhe tucked his hands into his sleeves, two daggers ready to strike at any moment. He stepped through the doors of the Underworld Pawnshop and saw a short, plump man clad in a Coin Garment sitting behind the counter, tapping an abacus with a furrowed brow. The clattering beads sounded almost agitated.
"Are you the master of the Underworld Pawnshop?" Su Changhe asked.
"Wait!" the plump man bellowed, then frowned deeply, staring at the abacus as if lost in thought. After a long while, he violently hurled the abacus to the ground, shattering it instantly. The beads scattered everywhere as he roared in anger, "Can't figure it out—no more calculations! Kill them all."
The Netherworld Messenger who had led them earlier appeared at the door. "Shopkeeper, do you truly mean that?"
"Kill them, kill them," the plump man waved impatiently. "End it all—dead men tell no tales!"
"As you command." The Netherworld Messenger immediately withdrew.
Only then did the plump man turn his gaze to Su Changhe and Su Muyu. "So, you two are the current rulers of the Dark River—The Head, Su Changhe, and the Su Family's master, Su Muyu? Interesting, interesting. I know of you. The Dark River is now led by two Nameless Ones. How did you manage that?"
Su Changhe smiled and was about to speak when Su Muyu stopped him. "That has nothing to do with why we're here."
"Hahahaha! To dare speak like this within my Nether Springs—truly worthy of the former Puppet. A Puppet, a ghost among men, is kin to us." The plump man looked at Su Muyu.
"Are you the master of the Nether Springs?" Su Muyu asked.
The plump man waved his hands. "Ah, ah, ah! Don't say such reckless things. I'm just a bookkeeper—I can't bear the title 'Master of the Nether Springs.' If you're here to see something, then see it. Don't drag me into trouble."
Su Muyu shook his head. "We wouldn't dare. You exaggerate, Shopkeeper."
"Then enough talk. Shopkeeper, just take us to see the Dark River's treasure." Su Changhe took out the pure gold key from his robes and placed it on the counter.The stout man snatched the keys, his expression shifting abruptly: "That courtyard hasn't had visitors in a very long time. Follow me." He pushed open a hidden door behind him and led the two inside. Passing through the concealed entrance, they found themselves within an enormous mountain estate. The residence Su Changhe had purchased in Qiantang City was already considered large, yet this estate seemed composed of hundreds of such mansions. The portly man guided them to the innermost dwelling before stopping: "This is the place."
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