"Your niece, Jing Xiu, will only be reincarnated 3,000 years later," the Judge said to the West Sea Dragon King. "Life in the City of the Vanished is indeed difficult, and 3,000 years is an awfully long time, but there's no way around it. The rules are the rules."
"Jing Xiu is already considered lucky," the Judge said, glancing at Qi Yu and Si Qing. "Some dragon clan members, after finishing their lives, have no next life at all."
Qi Yu and Si Qing exchanged glances, both noticing the Judge's gaze but saying nothing.
The West Sea Dragon King was sweating profusely with anxiety. "3,000 years! That's far too long! Is there any way she could be a ghost official underground, or something similar? At least she'd have some freedom. Living in the City of the Vanished constantly is so restrictive, like being a prisoner."
"Besides, my niece is innocent. She was harmed by someone. If it weren't for someone possessing her body, my niece wouldn't have gone through all this."
"Judge, please, how can we make things easier for my niece? Be lenient, won't you?"
The West Sea Dragon King pleaded and begged, almost to the point of kneeling and kowtowing.
The Judge's face showed difficulty. "How I wish I could help you. This would be a chance to build connections with you, the West Sea Dragon King, and perhaps get promoted later, escaping this gloomy place. But I truly cannot help."
"Unless you go see King Yama and make a deal with the Ten Kings of Yama. If they are willing to release her, then there will be no problem on my end."
"That seems unlikely. Would the Ten Kings of Yama allow us to make an exception and release someone? How is that possible?" Qi Yu found the idea rather far-fetched.
"Ah, why don't you go ask and find out? The underworld has many matters that need assistance right now. I think if you go to negotiate with the Ten Kings of Yama at this time, you might just be able to strike a favorable deal."
The Judge spoke slowly, pouring tea for everyone as he spoke.
Si Qing found the whole matter too uncertain and wasn't optimistic.
Yan Hua, however, was indifferent.
Chen Xi suggested to the West Sea Dragon King, "Why not go and ask? It's better to ask than not to. If you go back without asking, and worry about it day and night, wouldn't that be just as bad?"
The West Sea Dragon King was already wavering. Hearing Chen Xi's words, he agreed without a second thought.
The Hall of Yama.
The Ten Kings of Yama sat on their high thrones, holding the Book of Life and Death handed to them by the Judge.
Yan Hua sat on a chair brought by the underworld officials, holding a teacup and taking a gentle sip.
After discussing with the other Kings, the Fifth King of Yama turned to the West Sea Dragon King and said,
"Your niece did indeed die unjustly, and her cause of death is related to the Heavenly Dao. According to normal principles, in such a situation, as long as the physical body is intact, she is permitted to return to the mortal realm."
Hearing this, the West Sea Dragon King's face lit up with joy.
But then he heard the King of Yama continue, "However, there are too many souls in the City of the Vanished. Even if I am willing to help you, you will have to find your niece's soul within it yourself."
The West Sea Dragon King's smile froze on his face. "Can I enter the City of the Vanished to search myself?"
Didn't everyone say that living beings couldn't enter that place? That was common knowledge.
"If I grant special permission, you can enter the City of the Vanished as a living soul, but you will only have three days."
"Within three days, if you cannot find your niece's soul, you must leave. Otherwise, if you remain inside, you will also become a vanished soul."
The Fifth King of Yama said in a calm tone, "Lord Yan Hua knows this. I never speak falsely. I promise you three days, and you will have three days.
"However, whether you can find her within these three days is another matter."
The West Sea Dragon King hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement, offering his thanks.
After leaving the Hall of Yama, the West Sea Dragon King uncomfortably discussed with the others, "Do you think I should go on this trip?"
The City of the Vanished was no good place. Living souls who entered could not use their powers and would be at the mercy of others.
"Jing Xiu's soul is important, so it's best to go. However, this is just my personal opinion," An Nuo said, looking at the West Sea Dragon King. "To be realistic, it depends on your decision. In the West Sea, besides you, there is no one else who can hold things together. Chu Xian is too young, and Jing Xiu is not your biological daughter, merely your niece."
"You need to consider the risks. For example, what if you fail? If you fail and can come out yourself, that's one thing. But if you cannot come out and are held back by some vanished soul, then this matter cannot be resolved easily."
The West Sea Dragon King was also struggling with this, his expression annoyed.
"What's there to think about? Go if you can, don't go if you can't," Yan Hua said, glancing at the West Sea Dragon King. "You have sons. Between Chu Xian and Jing Xiu, who is more important to you? Can't you distinguish that?"