Traversing between life and death, the Gate of Ghosts must never be touched—this is a strict taboo of the underworld, an unshakable law. The Red-Robed Ghost King had violated this rule and seized it, only to suffer disastrous consequences. This was a different kind of forbidden act.
As for other divine treasures, linking the realms of yin and yang was far from a simple matter.
Originally, Meng Qi believed that even with the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk and the Bridge of Yin and Yang, Yi Tianxing would need several more years—or even longer—for them to evolve to the level of connecting the two realms. The ascension of heaven and earth treasures was not so easily achieved. Yet this time, he had surprised her profoundly.
She couldn't deny that upon hearing Yi Tianxing had arrived at the Nether Inn, a joy she couldn't suppress surged in her heart.
"The proprietress is still as irresistibly enchanting as ever—one can't help but be captivated."
Yi Tianxing smiled as he looked at Meng Qi, nodding slightly. After more than a year apart, she stunned him once again. Every glance and every smile exuded a unique allure—especially that deep-seated languor, which had become her most irresistible charm.
"Didn't the Emperor once say that I was a wildflower by the roadside? A man with a lovely wife shouldn't be picking wildflowers… Or perhaps the Emperor does intend something to happen between us?"
Meng Qi replied with a sultry gaze, her flirtatious expression oozing with temptation.
"Haha, you jest,"Yi Tianxing replied calmly.
"I'm quite serious. Tonight, I won't be locking my door. If you've got the nerve, come over."Meng Qi cast him a sidelong glance and let out a tinkling laugh.
Yi Tianxing didn't take the bait and changed the subject.
"I won't hide my intentions from you, Zhao Daoist. You probably already know who I really am. This visit is to prepare for opening a passage between the realms of yin and yang and establishing a mutual market. This way, rare resources from both realms can be exchanged freely, benefiting everyone."
"In the realm of the living, I've already begun constructing an independent Immortal City, which will serve as one of the entrances to the passage. From the underworld, access will only be granted through this city. There will be strict barriers around the area to prevent underworld cultivators from wandering the mortal world unchecked."
This Immortal City would be the foundation for interrealm trade. But it was crucial to prevent underworld cultivators from lingering in the mortal world—that could lead to chaos. Laying down the rules early would avoid future misunderstandings. After all, caution in dealing with the underworld was never misplaced.
"Naturally. If underworld cultivators aren't restricted, it could become a huge problem,"Zhao Li nodded in agreement.
He was clearly very interested in this idea of interrealm trade. If operated well, it would yield immense profits—even a tiny fraction of it could enrich a faction beyond belief.
"Since I'm building the city on the mortal side, I can ensure stability there. But I think a corresponding city should also be built in the underworld to manage the market and serve as the central hub for transactions,"Yi Tianxing added.
This was one of the reasons he came to the underworld.
Once the interrealm trade began, its influence would surely grow. Powerhouses from nearby and far-off regions would flock to it. The Nether Inn alone wouldn't be enough to accommodate them all—not to mention the need for secrecy and control.
Yi Tianxing envisioned a public interrealm passage—accessible to all, with a modest toll. Underworld beings could travel to the mortal world, and vice versa. But such exchange required dedicated spaces.
Moreover, establishing an Immortal City would allow other factions to join the alliance and become part of the shared interest structure, naturally encouraging order and protection.
"Fine, but the city must be built near the Nether Inn,"Meng Qi said with a glint in her eyes and agreed with a smile.
"Daoist Zhao, would you be interested in joining us? If your Underworld Enforcers agree, we could even let you manage the underworld's Immortal City."
Yi Tianxing made his intentions clear—he was extending a genuine olive branch.
Meng Qi didn't object. She knew that the scope of profit in this endeavor was simply too vast for the Nether Inn to manage alone. If they could bring in the Underworld Enforcers, everything would become stable. No one dared to provoke the Underworld Enforcers lightly. Their involvement would solidify the foundation of the interrealm market.
She hadn't dismissed Zhao Li because she'd hoped for exactly this outcome.
"Wait… Build a city and let us manage it? And it becomes the hub of interrealm exchange?"
Even Zhao Li gasped. His mind exploded with visions of coins sprouting wings and flying into his arms.
This wasn't profit—this was a mountain of gold and silver.
Having lived through destitution, he had an instinctive hunger for wealth. With this city, not only would he enjoy vast riches, but as the administrator, acquiring rare treasures and mortal world artifacts would become a breeze. His cultivation would soar.
From every angle, it was impossible to refuse.
"This affects far too much for me to decide alone. I'll need to consult my superior. Only with his approval can the Underworld Enforcers get involved,"Zhao Li replied seriously.
"You mean… the King of the Underworld,"Meng Qi said, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Everyone knew that the Underworld Enforcers served under the King of the Underworld—one of the most powerful figures in the underworld. Though sealed by the Heavenly Dao, he still held sway. The Enforcers, managing reincarnation and souls, operated under his special authority.
"Exactly. Without his approval, we can't mobilize the shadow troops needed to garrison a city. His endorsement is also key to deterring would-be troublemakers. Unless, of course, the proprietress is willing to invite Lady Meng Po herself to oversee the city,"Zhao Li nodded.
The stakes were too high. Any misstep could draw the attention of dangerous forces who might tear the city apart. Authority and protection were absolutely essential.
"Very well. If the King of the Underworld agrees to join, all the better,"Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
The more powerful allies, the more stable the structure. That was the key to lasting success.
"Alright. I'll go find the King right away. I'll report back as soon as I have an answer,"Zhao Li stood up without hesitation. This was the chance of a lifetime, and he intended to seize it. He left in a hurry—so quickly he didn't even wait for the food.
Just then, plates of delicious food were brought in: a small jug of Nether Rice Wine, vivid green Nether Rice Cakes, steaming Nether Rice Dumplings, and a bowl of noodles.
This was a classic Nether Banquet, made entirely from freshly harvested Nether Rice.
"Try these. All made from Nether Rice. I heard you're quite the gourmet. Last time we didn't have time to prepare anything. But now the rice is harvested—I think you'll be quite pleased,"Meng Qi said with a smile.
"This is the good stuff,"Yi Tianxing's eyes lit up. He didn't hesitate. Picking up a rice cake, he bit down.
Instantly, a delightful elasticity bounced back from the cake—an unfamiliar but exquisite sensation, like a troupe of playful sprites dancing across his tongue. There was also a cooling effect, likely a trait of the Nether Rice, that soothed both soul and spirit.
The combination was intoxicating. His body surged with strength and pleasure.
Then he tried a Nether Dumpling—soft, fragrant, and chewy. Inside was a savory meat from a local ghost-beast, resembling pork. The taste was divine: rich but not greasy, with the meat and rice flavors blending in perfect harmony.
"Excellent wine,"Yi Tianxing said, sipping the Nether Rice Wine. His eyes sparkled.
Whoever brewed it was a master. Rice wine is judged by its sweet fragrance—but it must strike a balance. Too sweet is cloying, too bland is forgettable. This wine had the perfect sweetness—light, fragrant, and disarmingly smooth.
Even more dangerous—it got you drunk before you realized it.A wine that made you smile as you drank, and drink as you smiled.
"Proprietress, you're not trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me, are you?"Yi Tianxing looked at Meng Qi playfully.
She merely smiled in response, her eyes twinkling with mischief.