Chapter 8: Signing a Pact with the Underworld

“Why does the Judge want to see me?” I asked, a little startled, for I had heard that the Judge determined the fate of life and death, sending souls to their next reincarnation. I feared he had come to take me away.

But Tan Xiao shook her head and said, “He’s here for the contract. If you miss tonight, you won’t be able to sign it. Hurry up.”

“But my parents are still inside, I—”

“Don’t worry about them right now. I’ll keep watch for you. You’d better sleep.” With that, Tan Xiao led me to the bedside.

Lying down, I sighed and said, “Then I must trouble you to keep an eye out.”

She nodded, then returned to stand by the window. I closed my eyes, preparing to sleep, but how could I? Too many strange things had happened since I returned today.

As I lay there, I suddenly heard a distant sound—drums and bells, an orderly chant from a group of people. The sound grew closer, while all around me the world fell eerily silent.

“Zhang Xiaobei!” A deep voice called my name.

I opened my eyes in terror and found myself seated at a table. Darkness enveloped me, save for a patch of light where an old man stood, his ancient black robes and bushy beard marking him as someone from another era. In his hand he held a booklet.

He must be the Judge, and those behind him were likely the underworld escorts.

Such an imposing scene. If death meant becoming someone like him, perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad, I mused, but quickly dismissed the thought. Not everyone could be a Judge; for most, fate would be assigned, and I’d rather cling to life in the land of the living.

“Enough. Sign here,” the Judge said, placing the booklet before me.

I looked at its contents: my name, birthdate, family address, but most importantly, this passage—Zhang Xiaobei willingly collaborates with the Underworld for ten years. Upon completion, the Underworld promises to extend Zhang Xiaobei’s lifespan by ten more years.

Reading this, I realized Wu Yan had not lied; it was indeed possible to trade for longevity. Yet so much remained unclear to me. I prepared to ask the Judge.

Before I could speak, he said, “This is our Underworld’s promise to you, Zhang Xiaobei. For others, fate is predetermined. We do not interfere, for better or worse. But since you are still alive, what you wish to do is your own affair. However, you must not neglect the duties of a Yang Envoy.”

“What do you mean?” I was even more confused.

“It means matters of the living, we will not meddle. But tasks assigned to you by the Underworld must be fulfilled.”

I began to understand and asked, “So I can take care of living affairs, but if it involves duties forbidden to a Yang Envoy, I cannot do it?”

“Exactly. We will assign a ghost messenger to assist you—someone you have already met.”

I nodded, but now, hearing this, I felt Tan Xiao’s presence was more to supervise me.

“Regardless of what you think, if you have no objections, sign the contract. Once you do, I will give you something else.” The Judge placed a pen beside me.

I picked up the pen, about to sign, but thought of my parents and hesitated.

Seeing my reluctance, the Judge said indifferently, “Some things are destined. You cannot change them.”

“And if I insist on changing them?” I looked up at him.

“That is defying Heaven. Win or lose, I need not say more. You have come this far thanks to your family’s fortune. Cherish it well.” The Judge’s words carried deeper meaning.

I pondered for a moment, then signed my name.

The Judge took the contract, glanced over it, and called a ghost messenger to set an item on the table. It looked like a token, and I asked, “What is this?”

“Don’t be impatient. There’s more.” The Judge summoned another ghost messenger, who brought over more items.

Soon, three objects rested on the table. The Judge introduced the first, “This is the Yang Envoy Token. With it, all spirits will recognize you as a Yang Envoy. Keep it with you at all times.”

He picked up a blue-covered book, reminiscent of a martial arts manual, and explained, “This is the Yang Envoy Handbook, tailored for you. Since you’re a novice, it details what you can and cannot do. Consult it often.”

I nodded, grateful for the thoughtful gesture—at least they knew I was inexperienced and provided a manual. Consider it job training.

“And this!” The Judge took the last item, a finely crafted wooden box. “Its contents are for dealing with disobedient spirits. You know, some ghosts lingering in the living world are stubborn. When you encounter those who refuse to comply and wish to harm you, you may choose to scatter their souls.”

This shocked me, and I hurriedly asked, “What is it?”

“Don’t worry about what it is. Wear it and don’t take it off. Don’t give it to anyone. When needed, recite the spell inside. Memorize it, then burn the paper.” He replied.

I nodded, opened the box, and found a string of beads resembling a Buddhist bracelet, with a yellow slip pressed beneath—presumably the spell.

“After putting it on, just recite the spell?” I asked.

“Yes, but being a Yang Envoy requires physical strength. If you encounter a fierce ghost and want to destroy it completely, it’ll take effort. Given your current physique, you should train more,” the Judge said, sizing me up.

“I understand. But I’ve seen others drive out ghosts with weapons. Should I prepare one?”

“That’s up to you. Bare hands will do if you prefer. Remember, you are not an exorcist, but a Yang Envoy. Your main task is to return spirits unwilling to leave the living world to the Underworld,” the Judge said seriously.

I nodded, indicating my understanding. He then waved his hand before my eyes, and I left that place.

“You’re awake? Did you sign the contract?” Tan Xiao asked as I sat up, eyes open.

I nodded, turning to see the three items from the Judge beside my bed.

I picked up the wooden box, removed the bracelet, and asked Tan Xiao to stand back.

Knowing it was a gift from the Judge, Tan Xiao said nothing and quickly stepped aside.

I took out the spell and read it—it was short, so I memorized it after one glance. The trouble was, I needed fire to burn the spell, but couldn’t find a lighter or matches in the room.

“What are you looking for, Zhang Xiaobei?” Tan Xiao asked.

“Fire. I need to burn this,” I said frankly, since the Judge had told me Tan Xiao was my supervising ghost messenger, and there was no need to hide.

“I can help you burn it,” she replied.

“No, I must do it myself!” I refused.

Realizing I didn’t trust her, Tan Xiao clicked her tongue, then said, “I’ll light a fire on the floor. You do it yourself.”

“That works!” I gathered some scrap paper and placed it on the floor; Tan Xiao pointed her finger and it ignited. I went over and burned the yellow spell paper.

I watched until it was fully burned, then gathered the ashes and scattered them out the window.

Once done, I placed the token and handbook in my backpack, then went to the window and asked Tan Xiao, “Have my parents come out yet?”

Tan Xiao shook her head. “They haven’t come out since going in, and it’s almost midnight.”

“I doubt they’ll come out tonight,” I sighed helplessly.

But my vision seemed unusually clear now, almost like night vision, and my body felt comfortable. Was it because of the bracelet? I looked down at it on my wrist.

“What is that?” Tan Xiao asked, curious.

I shook my head, saying nothing, and leaned against the window, staring at the cattle barn.

Because it was the Ghost Festival, many spirits were passing by outside, but most went straight to their destinations, not lingering. I noticed none approached the cattle barn.

“Forget it. Let’s leave it for tonight. Tomorrow, no matter what, I’ll go in and take a look.” With that, I returned to bed.

Tan Xiao remained at her post, serious and unmoving—probably because there was only one bed and she couldn’t sleep.

I ignored her and closed my eyes, eventually drifting off, though it took a long time.

Early the next morning, I opened my eyes to find a terrifying face staring at me from up close. Frightened, I swung and punched it off the bed.

The creature looked at me pitifully. “Master Yang Envoy, why did you hit me?”

“Why did you scare me?” I replied, exasperated.

“I just wanted to wake you up!” He sat on the floor, looking aggrieved.

Watching such a fearsome ghost act pitiful, I felt no sympathy, but asked, “Why did you want to wake me?”

“The ghost messenger sent me to wake you,” he answered.

“Why?” I asked again.

“She said there’s a corpse found in the wasteland at the village entrance. A lot of people are there. She wants you to hurry over.”

Hearing about the corpse, I quickly got up and pulled at the door. I thought it would still be locked, but it opened easily.

Could my parents have come out from the cattle barn? I hurried to the main room and heard sounds from the kitchen. Cautiously, I approached and peeked inside.