Amid the grumbling complaints of the ox-headed and horse-faced demons, the dragging procession of departed souls finally reached the edge of the Naihe Bridge after taking half a day.
Beneath the bridge roared a river filled with howling ghostly winds and tumultuous blood waves, strewn with countless skeletons and wandering souls — the River of Oblivion. On both banks bloomed vividly red Youjin flowers.
Disguised as an ordinary farmer's wife ghost, Ji Mingyu observed calmly ahead, seeing the souls being driven by the underworld officials onto the Naihe Bridge, one by one, with trembling steps.
At the bridgehead, there was a simple makeshift shack covered with vine-like plants. In front of the shack sat a stove, on top of which a large pot of hot soup boiled.
Standing by the pot, however, was not the kindly elderly woman Ji Mingyu had imagined, but a red-dressed young girl, appearing somewhat impatient.
