Judge Cui was busy to the point of exhaustion, but upon hearing the ghost attendant's message, he still spared time to meet with Ran Xi and her three companions.
When the two sides met, they greeted one another courteously with clasped hands.
"Judge Cui, thank you for receiving us," Yunxi said politely.
"You're too kind. Please, take a seat."
Once all five were seated, Judge Cui continued, "We owe thanks to you Daoyou for lending your aid. The matters concerning Azure Star have been resolved perfectly. I will have someone arrange for your return to Weiyu Realm soon.
However, before that, you'll need to remain in the Underworld for a few days. All of you have reached a high level of cultivation, and your physical bodies are irresistible temptations to the spirits here. Unless necessary, I suggest you stay in the accommodations arranged by the Judge's Division."
His words were tactful, but the meaning was clear. As a judge, he held an official post in the Underworld, and though he had authority, his strength was not at the peak. To avoid trouble, he had to warn them in advance.
Yunxi smiled and said, "Thank you for your consideration, Judge Cui. Before entering the Underworld, the four of us had already broken through to the Out-of-Body stage. We can travel here in our soul states, so we will not cause you trouble."
Judge Cui could sense the newly elevated aura on them, but a question lingered: how would they safeguard their physical bodies? In the Underworld, a cultivator's intact body was the most coveted prize for ghost cultivators. Their bodies, painstakingly nurtured over years, were flawless treasures.
Yunxi noticed the curiosity in his eyes but, since he hadn't asked, she didn't elaborate.
Their conversation barely began when a ghost servant floated past, carrying a stack of registers into the main hall. Another ghost messenger approached, summoning Judge Cui back to his duties.
Thus, their brief meeting ended. Judge Cui instructed Black and White Impermanence to escort the group to their temporary residence before rushing back to work.
"Please, follow me," Black Impermanence said.
He led them to a guest courtyard within the Judge's Division, a place typically reserved for distinguished visitors. Since Yunxi's group had an official alliance with the Underworld, this treatment was appropriate.
After escorting them, White Impermanence added a reminder: "Due to the situation on Azure Star, there were grave lapses in the Underworld's work. The King of Hell was furious. The higher authorities are now busy investigating not only this incident but also reviewing how many small worlds recorded as dead stars are truly so. The workload is immense. Your return to Weiyu Realm may be delayed. Please be prepared."
Yunxi raised an eyebrow, finding White Impermanence forthright. She nodded. "Thank you for the warning, Brother Bai. We're in the Underworld now, so we'll follow your rules. As long as we can safely return to Weiyu Realm, we'll cooperate."
Their polite response eased the tension. The two ghost envoys left after exchanging farewells.
Once they were alone, Yunxi and her companions entered the temporary courtyard. Yun Chen Fózǐ was last to enter, sweeping his sleeve. A strand of Buddha beads spun through the air, setting up an isolation barrier that blocked all prying eyes.
Inside the house, their calm expressions finally fell, replaced by worry.
Han Lian sat down and spoke first. "From White Impermanence's words, it seems this won't be just a short delay. How long do they plan to keep us here?"
"Amitabha. I suspect there's a traitor within the Underworld," Yun Chen Fózǐ said gravely. "Otherwise, how could what happened on Azure Star occur? And it's unlikely that Azure Star is the only small world with problems."
Xun Kun traced the mask covering his face, his voice low. "If the evil cultivators have infiltrated the Underworld, they won't let us go. We escaped their trap on Azure Star and exposed their schemes here. Do you think they'll pass up this chance for revenge?"
Yunxi nodded. "Xun Kun is right. Given their vengeful nature, they'll try to trap and kill us here. And this isn't our territory. We're at a disadvantage."
Han Lian rubbed her temples and exhaled deeply. "It seems sealing our bodies and traveling in soul form is urgent."
"I brought you to Misty Snow Domain for this reason," Yunxi said. "If we're going to make plans, we shouldn't do it on someone else's turf."
She swept her spiritual sense outward, pulling her companions into her inner space.
The oppressive aura of the Underworld vanished instantly, leaving them refreshed.
They gathered in Han Lian's cultivation chamber once more. Han Lian broke the silence. "I have a ten-thousand-year ice coffin. It can protect and nourish my body after I leave it. How do you plan to safeguard your physical forms?"
"I have a crystal coffin I acquired earlier," Yunxi said. "It will suffice."
"Amitabha. I have cultivated a Dharma golden body," Yun Chen Fózǐ said with ease. "I also earned a measure of merit from this mission. All I need is a place with strong metal essence to bury my body."
Yunxi's lips parted in disbelief. That was… startlingly casual.
Xun Kun looked uneasy. "I wasn't expecting this situation, so I have no artifact prepared for preserving my body. But since this is Misty Snow Domain, I can carve a temporary ice coffin from ancient cold ice. I'll inscribe demonic runes on it, allowing it to convert spiritual energy into demonic qi to nourish my body."
"That's a good idea," Yunxi agreed. "There's no shortage of ancient ice here. We'll have Bai Feng dig out some older ice blocks. Each of us can craft an ice coffin for our bodies. As for how they're nourished, that depends on your cultivation and spiritual roots."
Han Lian, Yun Chen, and Xun Kun smiled faintly, approving of her plan.
Bai Feng, who had been happily swimming in an icy lake, was promptly summoned for the task. He lumbered off to dig ancient ice from the depths of the domain.
When he returned, four massive slabs of ten-thousand-year ice lay before them. Han Lian's mouth twitched. "Bai Feng, you really don't hold back. Did you pick only the best?"
Bai Feng plopped onto the floor with a grin. "You're all Out-of-Body experts, Zūnzhě among cultivators. Thousand-year ice wouldn't be worthy of you. I even sought out the Snow Wolf King, and he guided me to these perfect slabs."
He looked expectant, like a child seeking praise.
Han Lian glanced at Yunxi. Yunxi chuckled. "Bai Feng did well. Why settle for less when better is available? Pick your slabs and start crafting. We should hide our bodies quickly. I'd rather not step outside and be stared at like a feast."
"Amitabha. Thank you for your generosity, Ran Xi Daoyou," Yun Chen said solemnly.
"My thanks as well," Xun Kun added.
"Ran Xi, I already have an ice coffin. You should keep this piece of ten-thousand-year ice for yourself," Han Lian said firmly, declining.
"Suit yourself," Yunxi said with a shrug. "I'll keep it for you. If you need it, just come take it. But you won't get to slack off. You'll help inscribe the protective formations."
===
Yes, in here Out-of-Body stage still use Zūnzhě as title.
The original is like this:
"诸位都是出窍境的尊者" (Zhūwèi dōu shì chū qiào jìng de zūn zhě)