Chapter Three: Urging Marriage?

It turned out that the King of the Underworld, worried that Zixuan Wang might encounter some danger, had sent Zhong Kui to assist her. Who could have expected, though, that he would pick the wrong person for the job? Just think about it—everyone works hard to bring their task to completion, hoping not only to fulfill their duty but to earn a little reward. But now, the credit had been snatched away, and the benefits were gone as well.

The two of them, both quite spirited, stormed into the King of the Underworld’s presence. Zixuan Wang dragged Zhong Kui along like a chick, refusing to let the matter drop. The King of the Underworld was at his wit’s end—these subordinates were really hard to manage! And, to make matters more complicated, she’d always had a decent relationship with Zixuan Wang.

But things weren’t looking good on the other side either. In the end, the King of the Underworld resorted to some mischief herself. Since Zhong Kui seemed to lack any fight in him, she instructed him to hand over the Eighty-One Wonders Pouch to Zixuan Wang as compensation. Only then did Zixuan Wang let the matter go. Still, after releasing Zhong Kui, she waved her small fist at him, baring her teeth and glaring fiercely.

After this incident, Zixuan Wang became quite famous in the Netherworld—known both for her love of treasures and her infamous bad temper. It was understood that it was best not to provoke her without good reason. But that is a story for another time. Once the matter was settled, the King of the Underworld dismissed Zhong Kui.

Turning back to Zixuan Wang, she said, “Can you please spare me some trouble? Your cohort is by far the worst group of subordinates I’ve ever led.”

Zixuan Wang replied with a look of perfect innocence, “I bet you said the same thing about the last group—and you’ll probably say it about the next one, too.”

The King of the Underworld tapped Zixuan Wang’s forehead and said, “You! One day your quick tongue is going to get you into real trouble. How will you ever find someone to marry with that attitude?”

Zixuan Wang shook her head vigorously, like a rattle-drum. “Are you kidding? Marry? Single life is wonderful—no strings attached. Those lousy men are all good-for-nothings.”

The King of the Underworld laughed. “Oh, don’t say that. You’ve already completed enough cycles to qualify for crossing the River of Three Crossings. Besides, I think Zhong Kui has quite an interest in you. What do you think?”

Zixuan Wang cut her off. “Enough, boss lady! Please, spare me. I have urgent matters in my district. I have to go.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than she darted off as if chased by wild beasts or a flood, vanishing without a trace. Back at her place, she hurriedly freshened up—bathing, putting on makeup, and in no time, she was once again a stunning beauty, alluring in every way.

With nothing to do, she lay at home, idly watching a dull Korean drama, eyes glued to the long-legged leading men, and was soon sobbing uncontrollably. Suddenly, a piercing dolphin-like note shattered her reverie.

Wiping her tears, Zixuan Wang answered the phone. “Hello? Who is this? What’s the matter?”

The voice on the other end replied, “What’s wrong, Xuanxuan? Who’s upset you?”

“It’s nothing. What do you want? Make it quick, don’t interrupt my show. And let me say this again—don’t call me Xuanxuan. Who’s your Xuanxuan?”

“Come on! Don’t be like that, Xuanxuan, I just missed you.”

“Cut it out, will you? If you have nothing else to say, I’m hanging up.”

Just as she was about to hang up, the voice on the other line shrieked, “Don’t hang up! There’s an auction at the M City Black Market tomorrow. They have something you want.”

“You mean that item? Are you serious? Old Ghost Zhong, if you’re lying to me, you’d better watch out!”

“If you don’t believe me, forget it. I’m just letting you know. Oh, and I have two tickets—flying coins. Come with me, and one is yours.”

Zixuan Wang was baffled. “Old Ghost Zhong, since when do ghosts need tickets or flying coins for anything? What’s that supposed to mean?”