Chapter Fifteen: Return to the Mortal Realm (Part Two)

After hearing this, Motuo was speechless for a long time. Though he was impatient by nature, he still had some self-awareness—he knew that he was no match even for Duan Yue, a mere deputy commander in the Netherworld’s Warden Division. If he really wanted to swagger around the Underworld searching for the Nether River Ice Crystal on his own, it seemed utterly hopeless. But if he just returned to the Demon Realm, that was something he dared not even consider. His master, the Demon Ancestor of the Forbidden Land, was notoriously stingy. This time, Motuo had stolen his treasure, the “Heaven-Stealing Cocoon,” to cross the tribulation, and had even destroyed it in the Nether River. If he succeeded in his tribulation and returned, perhaps his master might forgive him out of pride. But now, with nothing accomplished and the treasure lost, even with both his parents pleading for him, he would be in for a rough time. Moreover, he had boasted confidently before leaving, making grand promises. If he slunk back shamefully, he’d never be able to show his face in the Demon Realm again.

Thinking it over, even this usually cheerful fellow found himself mired in worry, his head aching as he muttered, “This won’t do, that won’t do. Is there really no other way?”

Chiyang had been watching Motuo’s expression closely. Seeing this, his eyes gleamed as he smiled slightly, “Hey! Let me point you in the right direction. What do you think of Shi Jun?”

“What do I think?” Motuo feigned ignorance. Truthfully, he had been deeply impressed with Shi Jun since their first encounter in the Nether River, where Shi Jun risked himself to draw away the attacks of the Nether Yin Flow and Lan Po to save Hu Hai. That scene had left a lasting impact on Motuo. Although their time together was brief, Shi Jun’s character and abilities earned Motuo’s admiration, and that was one reason he willingly followed Shi Jun and Hu Hai in the Underworld. Still, his pride as a demon would never allow him to rely on a mortal’s protection for long. So, when Shi Jun was preparing to return to the Mortal Realm, Motuo decided to rely on his own strength to continue his adventures in the Underworld. Yet, Chiyang’s words just now were not without reason, and Motuo now found himself torn.

Chiyang saw right through Motuo’s thoughts but didn’t avoid the issue, asking directly, “Why not consider going with them to the Mortal Realm? I’ll tell you, Lord Shi Jun is not the ordinary person you think. Staying with him may bring you unexpected benefits…”

Motuo had thought about going to the Mortal Realm before—he had been born in the Demon Realm, and his understanding of the other four realms was only hearsay. He was curious to experience them firsthand. Now was a good opportunity, but his pride wouldn’t let him focus on that. However, Chiyang’s mention of Shi Jun’s identity touched on a long-held suspicion—Motuo himself had wondered about Shi Jun’s true nature, given the composure and power he’d shown in escaping the Nether River, subduing Lan Po, and battling Duan Yue; it was a far cry from what was rumored of mortals. So he quickly asked, “Who exactly is Shi Jun? He doesn’t seem to know much about his own abilities either.”

But Chiyang avoided a direct answer, as if talking to himself, “However, my lord is currently in some trouble and needs to return to capture some powerful ghost spirits. With your abilities, it might be dangerous to go with him. If you’re not willing, I’ll arrange for someone to send you back to the Demon Realm.”

“Nonsense! What kind of ghosts could be so powerful? If I go with them, we’ll have it sorted in no time!” Motuo’s competitive spirit was immediately stirred by Chiyang’s words.

Chiyang, reading Motuo’s mood, changed his tone again, “You’re right. Men value loyalty; good friends should face difficulties together. It was narrow-minded of me to suggest otherwise.”

By now, Motuo was completely swayed by Chiyang’s words, nodding repeatedly. He thought, Yes, Shi Jun and Hu Hai are my good friends. How could I turn my back on them when they’re in trouble? I’m the new generation of the Demon Realm, a man of honor! (Lost in self-admiration…)

Just then, Chiyang played his trump card: “You know Shi Jun’s identity in the Underworld; his mission this time is extremely important and cannot afford any mistakes. If you successfully complete the task, perhaps I can help you secure a tribulation crystal as a reward.”

“That’s not necessary.” Motuo refused without hesitation. “Crossing the tribulation is my own business. One day, I’ll earn the crystal through my own efforts. If Shi Jun and the others need a friend’s help, of course I’ll go. I appreciate your kindness, though!”

Chiyang was surprised. He had never expected Motuo, who seemed nothing more than an unruly scoundrel, to say something so principled. For a moment, he was taken aback, then a subtle smile appeared on his lips and his voice softened, “Since that’s the case, I’ll say no more. As a token of my goodwill, take this—you may find it useful someday.”

With that, he handed Motuo a small silk pouch. Motuo opened it to find a thin slip of paper covered in writing. “Huh?” he exclaimed, looking up, “What is this?”

“These are some spells I mastered in the Celestial Realm. They’re of no further use to me, but with your attributes, you can learn them,” Chiyang replied with a wistful smile.

“Spells from the Celestial Realm?” Motuo was stunned, then couldn’t help but beam with delight. “Why would you give them to me?”

Chiyang said calmly, “Take them. If you have the chance, study them together with Shi Jun. Though they can’t be your main attribute spells, they’ll help expand your abilities and improve your cultivation.”

* * * * *

“Brother Ghost Hunter, don’t leave so soon! There are so many fun places in the Underworld!” Although Raksha hadn’t known Shi Jun and the others for long, she already felt a deep bond with them. Having finally found friends she could talk to, she was saddened at the prospect of parting so soon.

Although Hu Hai always called Raksha “Three Eyes,” he had unconsciously come to see this competitive, brash, and muddleheaded girl as a little sister. Seeing her reluctance, he couldn’t help but comfort her: “We’ll definitely come back to see you. Next time, we’ll bring you lots of pets, so don’t worry!”

“Really? That’s wonderful!” Raksha’s eyes lit up. “You promise? You must come back soon—I’ll be waiting for you every day!”

“You don’t have to wait every day,” Hu Hai quickly replied, “At least wait until we’ve caught all those ghosts first.”

Just then, Chiyang approached Shi Jun and said, “Alright, it’s time for you to go. Let Lan Po escort you back. Remember my words—take care of yourselves, alright?” Without further farewells, he took the little troublemaker by the hand and disappeared in an instant.

Shi Jun hadn’t expected Chiyang to leave so abruptly. He felt as if there was something important he’d forgotten to ask, but with Chiyang gone so quickly—and unable to recall what it was—he could only look after him wistfully, a sense of loss gnawing at his heart.

“Hey, Old Shi, Da Hai, how about I go to the Mortal Realm with you for a while?” Motuo suddenly appeared.

“Ah, great! But don’t you still need to cross your tribulation?” Hu Hai grinned broadly, unable to hide his happiness.

“Tribulation? That’s nothing!” Motuo replied carelessly. “I can cross it whenever I want. For now, I just want to visit your world. You have to show me a good time!”

Shi Jun had a hunch that Motuo’s decision to go to the Mortal Realm was somehow connected to Chiyang, but he didn’t dwell on it. He exchanged amused glances with Hu Hai and said, “No problem, let’s go together!”

At Shi Jun’s command, the reluctant Lan Po spirits returned to their realm, and Shi Jun focused his mind, recited the incantation, and activated the token. A portal to the Mortal Realm appeared.

The journey home was smooth, and in no time, the three of them were back at Shi Jun’s house. As soon as they steadied themselves, they heard a “bang” from outside. Shi Jun peeked out of the guest room and saw his mother, Qin Xiaoya, carrying a basket of groceries into the living room.

Seeing her son so suddenly, Qin Xiaoya was puzzled, “Back from school already? I just went out to buy some groceries, and you’re already home?”

“Mom, didn’t you go on a business trip? How are you back so soon?” Shi Jun broke into a cold sweat. Luckily she’d just stepped out—if she’d seen him suddenly appear, she’d have fainted from fright!

“What do you mean, soon? I’ve been back all day!” Qin Xiaoya walked into the kitchen. “How have you been these days? As soon as I go on a trip, you move to the school to slack off. Couldn’t you find time to tidy up the house? Look at this mess…”

She’d been back for a whole day! Adding in her trip, it meant nearly a week had passed. In the Underworld, it felt like they’d been gone no more than a day. The time difference was absurd! Full of suspicion, Shi Jun followed his mother into the kitchen, ready to joke his way out, when Qin Xiaoya suddenly turned around with a strange expression. Shi Jun followed her gaze and saw Hu Hai and Motuo peeking out of the guest room.

“Auntie!” Hu Hai, a frequent visitor, hurriedly dragged Motuo over, greeted her politely, and whispered to Motuo, “Quick, say hello!”

“Hello, Auntie!” Motuo, not slow on the uptake, imitated him respectfully.

Shi Jun finally breathed a sigh of relief and introduced them, “This is my classmate… His name is Honda Li. He’s here to visit!” He really couldn’t think of a suitable name for Motuo, so “Honda Motuo” flashed through his mind and he used it.

Qin Xiaoya looked at the long-haired, oddly dressed Motuo, not knowing what to say. She forced a smile, “Oh, Xiao Li, make yourselves at home. I’ll go cook.” She walked off in confusion, thinking to herself: I really need to have a talk with my son. His friends just get stranger and stranger!

* * * * *

Shi Jun dragged the two of them into his room, carefully closed the door, and said, “Since you’re about my size, let’s get you some proper clothes. If you walk around like that, you’ll draw a crowd for sure!” With that, he opened the wardrobe, tossed some clothes on the bed, and asked, “How many years has it been since you left the Mortal Realm?”

“Left the Mortal Realm?” Motuo started to shout but was muffled by Hu Hai, who covered his mouth until he coughed and broke free, whispering, “I’m a pure-blooded demon, born in the Demon Realm! I’m not one of those cultivators who turned into a demon! And what’s wrong with my looks? I’m famous in the Demon Realm for being handsome!”

“No wonder you’ve never been to the Mortal Realm!” Shi Jun forced back a laugh and pointed at Hu Hai, “This is how people dress here now. Your clothes, hair, and beard all need a makeover.”

Hu Hai laughed shamelessly, keeping his voice down, “Brother, handsome, you? You’d better listen to Old Shi, change your clothes, trim your hair and beard—maybe then you’ll look human. Otherwise, you’ll end up in a mental hospital!”

Shi Jun raised a hand to stop Hu Hai. “Listen, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Now that you’re here, you need to follow our customs. And if you see anything strange, don’t make a fuss, or you’ll blow your cover. I’ll explain everything later!”

“Strange things? This place is strange!” Motuo had been looking around the room since he entered, curious about everything. Now he finally had a chance to ask, “What are all these odd things? What’s this? And that? I’ve never seen any of this! And, hey—what are you doing?!”

As he poked at Shi Jun’s computer, television, and other gadgets, examining them with great interest, he was abruptly seized by Shi Jun and Hu Hai, who had finally run out of patience. They forced him into a fresh set of clothes, giving him a whole new look.