Why should I listen to him? The head of the nine-tailed foxes snorted in disdain, and her eyes flashed with resentment. Back then, I, Su Wan, got to my knees and begged him to find the Five Elements Great Emperors soul in the River Styx, but he went into seclusion for three months and refused to see me. Now he has a favor to ask of me? ..why should I help him?

Ye Zichen wouldnt have guessed she had such a past with Emperor Hades. After hearing her response, Ye Zichens heart sunk.

Had Emperor Hades set him up?

In her shoes, he wouldnt have helped out either.

So thats how it is! Emperor Hades is practically inhuman! Ye Zichen immediately changed his tone and immediately objected on Su Wans behalf. What was Emperor Hades thinking, sending me to ask you a favor after all of that? Argh! If hed just told me, I never would have come here and embarrassed myself in front of you!

He flattered her with all his might, and his eyes brimmed over with disdain for Emperor Hades. This wasnt just Ye Zichens good acting skills, either; he meant absolutely every word, so he was utterly sincere.

It would have been one thing if Emperor Hades had helped Su Wan back then, but since he hadnt, where did he get the gall to ask her for help now?

How embarrassing!

Kid, you seem awfully reasonable. Su Wan nodded, seemingly gratified. Shed carried the grudge of Emperor Hades refusing her outside his door ever since that day. Although she wouldnt go so far as to say she hated him, their friendship would never recover, and theyd drifted apart.

Thats right! Were both absolutely reasonable people. Ye Zichen pounded his chest.

In that case, you might as well leave. Her words immediately put the brakes on their conversation. Ye Zichen didnt quite know how to respond.

Its true; he didnt think well of Emperor Hades behavior. However, he really did have to descend to the Lower Realms.

Never mind going back to greet his old friends; he absolutely had to retrieve the Xuan-Yuan Sword. Aside from asking the nine-tailed foxes, he didnt know any other way to descend to the Lower Realms.

His smile froze. Ye Zichen rubbed his nose and his eyes darted back and forth. Aunty Wan, this hehe.

Hm? When she heard him call her Aunty Wan, she frowned instinctively.

Ye Zichen cast away his shame and said, Su Liuer called you that, right? Well, shes my big sister, so I ought to call you aunty too, right? Ha ha..

His laughter was dry and forced. His blatant attempt to curry favor with her only made Su Wan frown, but she said nothing. She simply waited to see his performance.

That Emperor Hades is no-good, really! No true man would do such a thing. I cannot possibly condone his behavior. But Aunty Wan, Im innocent!

Su Wan chuckled and nodded but said nothing. She simply waited for him to continue.

How about. If its not too much trouble you just lend a hand and help me descend?

What youre saying really does make a bit of sense. She laughed and nodded, but just as Ye Zichens eyes lit up, her expression darkened. Scram. Hurry up and get the hell out of my sight before I lose my temper.

Aunty..

Do you want me to attack you?

Ye Zichen licked his lips, batted his eyes and smiled apologetically. He turned to leave, but before long, he turned back around.

You still wont leave? Su Wan furrowed her brows.

Hey. please dont lose your temper. Ye Zichen smiled obsequiously. He pointed at the bamboo forest and said, Can you call someone to help me? I cant find my way out..

Su Wan glanced at him coolly, waved her hand, and the bamboo forest disappeared, replaced by a grassy plain.

He hadnt realized that the bamboo forest was actually her magical treasure.

He arched his brows in surprise, but smiled, bowed, and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Hmph. It seems that geezer Emperor Hades really has entered a state of decay. Otherwise, theres no way hed trouble me over such a trivial matter. But why should I help you? Although we were once dear friends, in my moment of need, you wouldnt even let me inside. Our friendship is already over.

She silently rose to her feet, but just as she was about to enter the bamboo building, a woman approached through the bamboo thicket.

Little Yan, why are you here? Did you make any progress with the dharma body I taught you?

Not yet, said Su Yan timidly.

When Su Wan saw that, she couldnt help but urge her on. Little Yan, a pure nine-tailed fox bloodline runs through your veins. Not even your big sisters bloodline can compare to yours. Youre already a ninth-stage sky supreme. When you break through to diviner, youll awaken your bloodline. You cant delay finishing your supreme dharma body any longer.

I understand. She pursed her lips and nodded, but her fingers fidgeted uncontrollably with the hems of her clothes.

Su Wan noted her unease and said, Is something on your mind?

Aunty Wan, why did Ye Zichen come here? Su Yan blinked, tugged at her clothes, and asked cautiously.

He. Emperor Hades sent him here to ask me to open a gateway to the Lower Three Realms. I imagine Emperor Hades wants him to go retrieve the Xuan-Yuan Sword. All three upper realms sent quite a few people down for that same reason. But how am I obligated to help him? I simply refused.

So thats how it is. Su Yan furrowed her bows even tighter and fidgeted even more anxiously. After a long while, she took a deep breath, looked up, and met Su Wans gaze. Aunty Wan, theres something Id like to ask you.

The nine-tailed foxes were truly unfriendly to their guests. After leaving the bounds of the bamboo forest, a group of armored white foxes was waiting for him. Each was armed with a sword and shield.

Before Ye Zichen could finish so much as a single sentence, they grabbed him and tossed him off the mountain.

When Ye Zichen got to his feet, he was standing in front of the mountains front gate. He tilted his head and looked back at the foxes holy land.

Getting thrown out was no big deal, but couldnt they have at least sent him back to the River Styx?

He was now in the middle of nowhere, all alone with no friends or allies. How could he possibly return to human territory?

Wah, Emperor Hades really threw me into the fire! He clenched his blue command medallion, but it looked like it was only usable once. Hed just attempted to use it to return to the River Styx, but it didnt react at all.

What should he do?

Could he cross the Yao Realm on his own?

No way!

After hesitating for a while, Ye Zichen made up his mind. This is no good. Ive got to go back and ask again. If he didnt, hed truly perish within this barren wasteland!

However, at that moment, one of the white fox guards appeared overhead. When he looked closely, it was the same one whod thrown him out.

Hey! Bro! Ye Zichen stood and waved at him. He was pondering how best to convince the fox to take him back to see the clan head, but before he could, the guard landed, expressionlessly reached into his pocket, pulled out a jade slip, and tossed it towards Ye Zichen.

If you want to descend to the Lower Realms, shatter that jade slip. The clan head said to tell you. Never return to fox clan territory ever again. Also, please pass on a message to Emperor Hades: youd best watch yourself!