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"What?! You mean... I can't return to my original world?" Mengdie exclaimed in shock after hearing Yama's reply.

Yama nodded seriously, "I'm sorry, that's the case. The dead cannot be revived, regardless of how exceptional the soul is. This rule must be adhered to. If you wish to be reborn, you must be reborn in another world. As a new person, you will explore that unknown world."

(Keeping you here would be troublesome! Better to send you to another world, so even if the celestial officials suddenly inspect, they won't find you!)

Mengdie lowered his head, walking and thinking...

"Sad to leave Earth?" Yama asked.

"Sad... well, somewhat. After all, I lived there for twenty years. But..." Mengdie joined his hands in a gesture of prayer, his face spreading with a serene expression, "Form, sensation, perception, mental formations, consciousness - none are obstacles. Where in the world is not a home? Since everything is predestined, being unable to let go would show too much attachment. Being reborn against the natural order, not being able to return to the original world, can be seen as an explanation of the natural order."

He lowered his hands, nodding, "Another world, huh? I'll go."

The lakeside walkway gradually extended, slowly covered in dusk. Reflecting on the lotus flowers in the lake, it bore the colors of a fairyland.

In other words... the underworld is also a place where deities reside, right?

There was no divergence in the walkway, just like a straight line from Yama's Palace to the lake pavilion. Mengdie thought he would return to Yama's Palace first, then go to the place of rebirth. But after a few more steps, Yama suddenly stopped in front of a building completely different from Yama's Palace, resembling a classical Chinese palace.

"Huh???"

Mengdie was stunned and quickly looked back. A straight line, with no turns?

Yama seemed to enjoy Mengdie's surprised expression and hummed proudly. The demons following them immediately pushed open the palace doors.

"Young man, please! This is where you will be reborn! Consider this the start of your new life!"

The doors gradually opened, and a bright light burst from inside. Mengdie, dazzled by the light, quickly raised his hand to shield his eyes. Once his vision adjusted, he saw a scene he would never forget.

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A vortex!

A white vortex, radiating infinite light, stood tall in the center of the classical building. Fewer demons here than in the previous workshop, but the fear and caution on each of their faces were evident to anyone.

"The gateway to another world. Once you step through, you will enter a completely different world!" Yama stood beside the white vortex, arms spread wide, cheering.

Mengdie cautiously approached, closely observing the vortex. Only from up close could he deeply feel the immense energy emitted by the vortex! This power seemed capable of making anyone submit, filling anyone with awe!

Mengdie took another step closer. Now within the vortex's influence, a powerful suction pulled at his body.

"Step through... and that's it?"

"Yes. Go ahead. But before you enter, there's something I want to say. You've been in the underworld for too long, and for a very short period after your rebirth, your body functions will be severely diminished."

"Severely diminished? How bad?"

"He he he, be prepared. Right after your rebirth, your body will be in a state of paralysis. At the same time, you will lose all your senses. You won't be able to see, touch, hear, smell, or taste anything. How about that? Will it be a problem for you?"

Mengdie thought for a moment, then smiled slightly, shaking his head, "So, a critical state? No problem. I've encountered such a state during my training. As long as I don't encounter someone of Sun Wukong's level right after entering that world, even if I'm in the center of magma or under a barrage of arrows, I don't care."

"Well, that's the spirit of a participant in the Heavenly Martial Arts Tournament! Strength is good, and so is courage! But rest assured, I'm not that heartless. The gateway to another world will choose the most suitable place for you to appear in that world. Once there, just wait a bit, and your physical condition should recover. Alright, my 'Guide to Another World' is complete. Go ahead."

"..."

"What's the matter?"

Mengdie didn't immediately enter but turned back to look at Yama, slowly saying, "Old Yama, you know my wish is to win the next Heavenly Martial Arts Tournament. So, I hope the world I'm going to is not too weak. Are there strong fighters there?"

Yama grinned sycophantically, "Rest assured, young man. Believe me, you won't be disappointed with that world."

Mengdie smiled contentedly, no longer harboring any doubts. He raised his head and boldly stepped into the vortex, heading toward the brand-new world!

...

The official approached, tugging at Yama's robe, "Lord... he's gone?"

Finally, Yama let go of the forced smile he had maintained since earlier and exhaled deeply, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Ah, my goodness, serving this special soul really wears me out. Official, have you brought the most crucial thing?"

The official responded and gestured backward. A hundred demons surrounded a white cloud, slowly walking through the door. A sixteen-year-old girl with black hair lay on the cloud, covered with a blanket, sleeping as if in sweet dreams.

The cloud moved closer, and Yama nodded, taking a heart-shaped ruby necklace from the official's hand, holding it reluctantly.

"Cough... Tears of Blood... When Goddess Nüwa was mending the sky, she worked too hard and spat out a drop of blood, solidifying into this gem. After countless years and many trials, it finally fell into my hands. I thought I could treasure it forever, but... alas. Today, we must part...!"

Yama's crying gradually became heart-wrenching. He hugged the heart-shaped ruby necklace and wept.

"I don't want to... I don't want to! Who knew that soul would be male in this life! The divine power fully unleashed! If reverted to a female body, how could such a weak body withstand that immense power? Tears of Blood, Tears of Blood... I can only hope you become the bearer of his strength, don't let him return immediately after bursting with power—!!!"

Yama wiped his tears, gripping the Tears of Blood again with sorrow. He walked to the cloud and carefully placed the ruby necklace around the girl's neck. The bright red gem against the snow-white skin created a dreamlike appearance.

"Wuu... Wuuu Wuuu—!!!"

Yama's weeping and sniffling might well describe his current state. He squatted beside, regretting his mistake and mourning the lost treasures and the Tears of Blood. Amidst his wailing, the official sorrowfully directed the demons to carefully move the cloud to the vortex. They gently pushed the cloud carrying the girl towards the vortex, disappearing... disappearing...

"My Tears of Blood—!!!"

In the underworld, Yama's cries of lament echoed...

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