"This is a car, a very common mode of transportation. Don't you have them where you're from?"
Tang Xiaomin feigned surprise, but inwardly, she couldn't help but scorn. She thought, what era is this? Not even knowing what a car is, truly backward.
Chu Chen paused, looking at the car that made him dizzy and nauseous. He recalled the prosperous scene he had witnessed earlier. To be honest, the entire Huanyuan Great Hell was too bustling. Not to mention him, even the other eight Yama Kings probably hadn't seen anything like it. This made him even more determined to possess it all.
"Don't be in a hurry, you'll have them soon. Everything in Huanyuan Great Hell will be mine."
"Follow me, and I guarantee you'll have endless wealth and glory."
...
It's unclear where Chu Chen's confidence came from, his words full of boastful swagger. Although he suffered from motion sickness, he ultimately couldn't bring himself to smash the car. Instead, he had Tang Xiaomin drive it back.
Once they crossed the border, they entered Chu Chen's territory. As far as the eye could see, it could only be described as backward. Old wooden buildings were everywhere. Upon arriving at the streets of the central city, the surroundings were lifeless, and the passing spirits were dispirited. This reminded Tang Xiaomin of Huanyuan Great Hell in the past; under the reign of the Yama Lord, it was much the same.
Following Chu Chen into his Burning Hall, a ghost guard stepped forward and said, "King Chu, the Yama Lord requests a word with you on an urgent matter. He asks you to come over."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen's mood soured. "Hmph! A defeated dog, trying to put on airs with me."
"Go tell him to come see me himself."
"Yes."
Before the ghost guard left, he cast a glance at Tang Xiaomin.
*Slap!*
Chu Chen struck the ghost guard across the face. "You're asking for a beating, aren't you? How dare you look at my people. Scram!"
The unfortunate ghost guard scrambled away in a panic. The Ten Yama Kings each controlled their own domain, thus possessing an innate sense of superiority. Their prolonged high positions had cultivated a kingly arrogance and disdain for others.
Tang Xiaomin was astonished. She hadn't expected the Yama Lord to seek out Chu Chen. The Underworld had already been returned to him; why would he do something so foolish? The last time she saw the Yama Lord, he had given her an art piece made from a head, but Yan Jue had chased him away. Yan Jue detested the Yama Lord; could this have something to do with him?
"Little Sweetie, don't be afraid. That was just my subordinate. I'm strict with them, but I'll be very gentle with you," Chu Chen said with a smile as warm as the breeze, appearing harmless.
"You were so fierce just now, it startled me," Tang Xiaomin said, still shaken, with clear apprehension in her eyes.
"Don't be afraid. I have something to attend to now. You wait for me downstairs, and I'll come find you later." Chu Chen called a maidservant. "You, take her to my chambers. Give her whatever she needs."
"Yes."
What the chambers implied was obvious. However, Tang Xiaomin remained outwardly calm and followed the maidservant obediently.
Inside Chu Chen's chambers, everything was exceptionally luxurious, forming a stark contrast with the dilapidation outside the Burning Hall. It was evident how selfish Chu Chen was. As she looked around, Tang Xiaomin's sharp eyes spotted a woman's hairpin on a desk. Chu Chen had only mentioned bringing back a concubine; it seemed there was a primary wife. Tang Xiaomin was here to gather intelligence; she had no interest in becoming Chu Chen's concubine.
"You, go find me some beautiful clothes and jewelry. The best, understand?" Tang Xiaomin instructed the maidservant beside her.
The maidservant replied reluctantly, "Just wait."
*Bang!*
Tang Xiaomin suddenly slammed the desk in front of her, declaring arrogantly, "Hey, what's with your attitude, maidservant!"
"Listen carefully, I was brought back by Chu Chen. You'd better be respectful to me, or I'll tell Chu Chen and have you thrown into hell for torture."
Realizing Tang Xiaomin was formidable, the maidservant's attitude immediately became respectful. "Yes, yes, I understand. I'll go get it now."
Before the maidservant had completely left, Tang Xiaomin continued to nag her ill-temperedly. "A maidservant who can't discern the situation deserves to be a servant for life." Her venomous words, like a sharp knife, pierced the maidservant's heart, sowing seeds of hatred. The maidservant had originally worked in the Burning Hall and was familiar with everything.
"Hmph, you want the best, do you? Fine, I'll get it for you, but I fear you won't be able to handle it," the maidservant grumbled softly. She then entered the Consort's chambers and took down the Consort's favorite "Rainbow Flowing Immortal Dress" before returning it.
The maidservant respectfully said, "The clothes have arrived. Are you satisfied?"
Tang Xiaomin glanced casually at the magnificent and intricate dress and nodded. "Not bad. You can go now. I want to change into it." With that, she took the clothes behind a screen. The faint, cold smirk on the maidservant's lips before she left did not escape Tang Xiaomin's notice. Seeing Tang Xiaomin eagerly go to change, the maidservant hurried out.
After the maidservant left, Tang Xiaomin reappeared. This was her first time being a spy. To deal with Chu Chen, she had no choice but to play along. Otherwise, if she refused, she would reveal herself. She sat leisurely on a chair. Before long, there was movement outside the door.
"Consort, that's the person King Chu brought back. If you come over so suddenly, King Chu will be displeased."
"I'd like to see what kind of woman can make Chu Chen bring her back." A voice as gentle as to make one's bones go numb could be heard. Soon, a woman in gorgeous ancient attire, walking with light steps, entered the chambers. Tang Xiaomin assessed her at a glance and recognized her as Chu Chen's Consort.
"Who are you?" Qing Yin looked Tang Xiaomin up and down. Despite being a woman herself, she was still amazed by Tang Xiaomin's stunning beauty. Her attire was bold and revealing, and her figure was exquisite. Such beauty could indeed attract Chu Chen and make him bring her back.
"My name is Qing Yin. And who are you?"
"Me?" Tang Xiaomin felt awkward mentioning her alias. "My name is Little Sweetie. What brings you here?"
After just a brief encounter, Qing Yin sensed a threat and unease. Chu Chen was infatuated with beauty; who knew what he would do to any woman he found attractive.
"My favorite 'Rainbow Flowing Immortal Dress' is missing. The servants said it was stolen. I've come to look for my clothes."
At that moment, the maidservant's sharp eyes spotted the "Rainbow Flowing Immortal Dress" and she exclaimed, "Consort, look, your clothes are there."
"I never expected it! So the thief is right here."