Nam Tam had died—just because she tried to save a child dashing across a red light. She was hit by a car, crushed into a bloody mess. What a miserable way to go.
But now, when she looked around, everything was pitch black. Her mind went blank.
Where was this place? Why was it so dark she couldn't see a thing? Could it be…
Fate was cruel. She died saving someone only to end up mangled, and instead of going to heaven, she was being dragged down to hell? Nam Tam was about to point at the sky and curse loudly when the darkness before her suddenly shifted.
A vortex began to spin, growing larger and brighter, until it burst open into a magnificent starry sky.
Nam Tam stood dumbstruck, staring at the breathtaking scene.
Clip-clop, clip-clop—something was approaching.
Her eyes widened. A snow-white stallion leapt out of the void, arching gracefully through the air before landing firmly in front of her.
Its legs were slender, its coat sleek and gleaming, its tail fanning out like a silken veil. One foreleg lifted elegantly as starlight shimmered across its form.
"Do you want to keep living?" The white horse fixed its gaze on her and spoke.
Outwardly, Nam Tam looked calm, but inside her mind thunder roared. She was already dead! And now she was seeing a divine horse that not only glowed but could talk?
"I am the Ancient Sacred Beast—Void Beast. I command the powers of time and space. I can shatter dimensions, traverse time, return to the past, and even step into the future," the horse declared.
Shatter space? Travel through time?
Nam Tam blinked, then pointed at it and laughed. "My precious, don't joke with me, hahaha…"
Her laughter cut short when an overwhelming pressure descended, crushing her soul until it nearly twisted apart.
In the blink of an eye, she was standing inside a grand, ancient palace, surrounded by women in wide-sleeved gowns.
Before she could process, her soul was twisted again.
Over and over—dozens of times—she was flung through worlds: noble households of ancient dynasties, turbulent warlords of the Republic, bustling modern cities, immortal cultivation realms, even interstellar empires.
And the most shocking of all—a primitive society where people wore nothing but leaves around their waists. Truly eye-searing.
The Void Beast flicked its glowing tail and said, "As long as you help me cleanse those tainted with murderous intent, purify their corrupted souls, and collect enough merit, I will return you to the past to change your fate."
Nam Tam rolled her eyes. "By murderous intent, you mean… lunatics, homicidal maniacs, psychopaths who want to drag the world down with them—the ultimate villain bosses?"
The Void Beast fell silent.
Nam Tam too was quiet for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Fine. I'm already dead anyway. What's there to lose? This deal's not half bad, right?" She smiled, her dark eyes sparkling brighter than the stars.
The Void Beast seemed satisfied and nodded.
Then, its body shrank, collapsing into a tiny, round ball of fluff. On its surface appeared eyes, a nose, and a mouth, while stubby limbs peeked out beneath its velvety fur.
"Why did you turn into this?" Nam Tam gawked, eyes lighting up. That fluffy fur—so cute!
The Void Beast awkwardly twisted its round body and huffed. "It's because I expended too much energy sending you through all those worlds. This is my child form."
"Pfft! Serves you right! Show off too much and you'll get struck by lightning, hahaha…" Nam Tam laughed until her voice echoed like silver bells, unrestrained and wild.
The Void Beast drooped its eyes, lifted one tiny paw, and suddenly pressed against her forehead, drawing a drop of blood. "Soul contract, sealed. Entering the first world…"
"Wait—hold on, I haven't even—" Nam Tam's words cut off as that familiar pressure crushed her soul once again.
Her vision went black.
Splurt!
The sound of steel piercing flesh echoed, wet and clear.
When Nam Tam opened her eyes, something warm splashed across her face. She reached up and touched it. Sticky. Wet. Crimson.
Blood.
Looking up, she froze.
A strange, round head stared back at her, blood gushing everywhere.
Nam Tam: …