The Reincarnation Pill was so hotly contested by the various powerhouses for a reason. It allowed one to avoid the wheel of reincarnation, to live another lifetime directly, to be reborn—a true defiance of fate. More than mere revival, the process was akin to experiencing reincarnation while remaining conscious, allowing one to absorb the limitless wonders contained in the cycle of rebirth.
What is reincarnation? It is the force intertwined with time and space—a genuine path to rebirth and transformation.
"Brother, are we going to be separated again? Can't you take me with you this time? I don't want to be apart from you," Nannan asked. She was exceptionally clever. From Yi Tianxing's series of instructions and farewells, she had already sensed that something was amiss.
"If there were a choice, of course I wouldn't want to be separated from you," Yi Tianxing said with a deep breath. "But this time, something unexpected happened. The Red-robed Ghost King has a powerful backer, and they've set their sights on me. I can delay them for a day or two in the Nether Inn, but the moment I leave, I'll be struck with deadly force. Based on my current strength, I estimate less than a 20% chance of surviving."
"Once you return to the Yang Realm, as long as you cultivate properly, plus with the Red-robed Ghost King sealed inside your body, you can devour him and gain the strength to survive. I believe in you. You will survive—and wait for me. I will find you again. When that day comes, we'll go home together."
"Okay… I'll wait for you, Brother. I will find you," Nannan said with tearful eyes. She didn't press further. She understood that, just like when she first met Yi Tianxing, this version of him was only a clone. When the time was up, the clone would vanish. Even if it perished, the true body would remain unharmed.
What she hated most was that once again, she couldn't follow him.
If her physical body were still intact, she could've entered the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower alongside him and returned to the Great Yi Dynasty. There would be no more separation.
"Nothing in this world is fixed. Variability and accidents are everywhere. Remember what I told you: when facing your enemies in the future—don't talk. Kill them. Grind their bones to dust. Only dead enemies are good enemies. Don't trust others easily. Use your eyes to judge."
Yi Tianxing stared at Nannan, his words grave.
If she followed that advice, survival wouldn't be a challenge. Nan Nan was already far stronger than when they first met.
"Got it. I understand," Nan Nan replied firmly.
In this Eternal World, destiny was ever-changing.
Yi Tianxing then filled her Seven-Star Ring with treasures: cultivation pills, Heavenly Astral Pills, Yin-Yang Pills, exquisite prepared meals, talismans, rune bombs, and other expendables. Anything he thought she could use, he put in without hesitation.
"Fellow Daoist Yi, are you ready?" Zhao Li entered and asked.
"I am. I entrust my sister to you," Yi Tianxing replied with a nod.
"Don't worry. If she's your sister, she's mine too. I'll escort her personally back to the Yang Realm. No one will dare bully her," Zhao Li said, pounding his chest.
Nannan suddenly leapt into Yi Tianxing's embrace. After a long hug, she followed Zhao Li out of the Nether Inn.
Yi Tianxing stood silently, watching them leave. Fortunately, someone like Nannan had not yet caught the Ghost Mother's eye. She wasn't acting recklessly—Heavenly Dao's seal was no joke. Even if she could evade its punishment, she couldn't afford to use such methods lightly.
"Don't worry. The Ghost Mother never cares for appearances, but she always pays a price to act. She won't touch people unrelated to her plans," a voice came from behind.
It was the innkeeper, the Lady Proprietor. "I went back to consult with our ancestor, but she can't help. She, too, is sealed. If she acts, the cost is too high. Even Granny Meng said she's just an old woman who makes soup."
"Besides, Granny Meng did a divination: You won't actually die this time. So, this danger… you'll have to face it alone."
Yi Tianxing nodded slowly. "Nine-Child Ghost Mother… truth be told, I've always wanted to see whether she can really kill me with one strike."
As his battle intent surged, Yi Tianxing laughed boldly toward the sky. "Ghost Mother! At midnight—I, Yi Tianxing, will be waiting for you!"
His voice rang out across the Nether Inn, shaking everyone.
Many cultivators who had no idea about the Ghost Mother were now stunned. To dare provoke Ghost Mother, in the Underworld, was tantamount to suicide.
"Who dared challenge the Ghost Mother?!"
"Dear heavens, not even the Nether Inn can protect you if she sets her sights on you. She's a taboo existence—nobody crosses her and lives."
"Yi Tianxing… that name sounds familiar. Wait—isn't that the Emperor of the Great Yi Dynasty?!"
"Tonight… is this going to be a showdown or just a massacre?"
The inn buzzed with fear and anticipation. Things had been calm for too long. Now, something big was coming.
Yi Tianxing returned to his room to meditate and restore his energy. Even if he were to die—he would fight with the spirit of an emperor, with the pride of humanity.
"Let's see if you can surprise me," Meng Qi murmured, eyes focused on Yi Tianxing. "I want to witness how strong the legendary Emperor Yi truly is. Even if the Ghost Mother doesn't go all out, she's still an unstoppable force."
Meanwhile, in Red Flame City, a towering Ghost Gate loomed—a city gate-like structure covered in terrifying imagery: vengeful spirits, bloodthirsty asuras, demonic beasts, all radiating fearsome aura.
In front of the gate, ghost guards stood sentry.
Zhao Li arrived with Nannan.
"Brother Li," the ghost guards greeted respectfully.
"I'm opening the Ghost Gate to send a living soul back to the Yang Realm," Zhao Li said.
"Yes, sir!" one replied, glancing at Nannan. Although her face was covered with a bronze mask, he recognized her immediately. Yi Tianxing had given him benefits before—he now reciprocated with courtesy.
Without hesitation, the ghost guard activated the gate.
"Go," Zhao Li told Nannan. "Follow this Path of Yin and Yang, and you'll return to the mortal world. Don't waste your brother's efforts. This separation is for a joyful reunion in the future."
"I don't seek immortality. I only wait for you to return to me in the mortal world," Nannan whispered as she gazed one last time toward the Nether Inn.
Then she stepped into the path—toward the Yang Realm. This experience would be engraved forever in her heart.
Strength—she craved it now more than ever. If only she were stronger, she wouldn't have been separated from her brother. The Ghost Mother's name etched itself into her soul.
The Ghost Gate closed behind her. Her journey in the Underworld had ended.
Time passed quietly. Midnight arrived.
Creak—!
Yi Tianxing's door opened.
He walked step by step toward the entrance of the Nether Inn.
"Fellow Daoist Yi, you're really going out? That's the Ghost Mother—an Underworld sovereign. This could mean certain death," the Paper Craftsman warned.
"I know. Let it be what it will," Yi Tianxing said calmly.
"Do you not know the saying 'A noble child should not sit under a collapsing roof'? Your life concerns countless citizens. Please reconsider," the Disassembler added.
"If I don't return, so be it. If fate permits, visit me in Great Yi someday. I'll be waiting for you there."
Yi Tianxing laughed heartily, full of imperial confidence.
"I came to the Underworld so that the entire Underworld would know my name."
He walked out of the Nether Inn, black hair fluttering in the wind, voice thundering to the heavens—
"Ghost Mother—come face me!!"
At that very moment, he felt a chilling gaze lock onto him from the void.