Fang Chen opened the two money pouches and poured out the Yin Lifespan Coins within. There were exactly 1000 coins inside.
Previously, he thought the blood paper figure might have been a chance encounter and fortuitous opportunity for Ji Liang. However, upon reconsideration, it seemed more likely that this was a legacy left by the Nine Generation King for Ji Liang.
Such a unique existence remaining by Ji Liang's side was something even Xu Qingsong and the others had heard of. The Nine Generation King could not have been unaware of it.
Moreover, the soul-crossing ritual clearly involved individuals from the three Great Dao Sects accompanying Ji Liang.
According to Wu Tai from Forbidden Demon Island, Ji Liang had already become a Dao Child of the three Great Dao Sects. That could only have been arranged with the Nine Generation King's approval. The Nine Generation King was definitely aware of them becoming Yin Walkers.
"What exactly is in the Floating Pagoda Realm?" Fang Chen asked flatly.
"The Floating Pagoda Realm…" Du Yunxu was momentarily stunned, a peculiar expression flashing in his eyes. "Lord, are you testing me?"
Fang Chen looked at him silently.
Du Yunxu quickly straightened his posture and explained earnestly, "My lord, the Floating Pagoda Realm is a land of chaos teeming with Yin Demons. Even for those of us with official status, stepping into the Floating Pagoda Realm has no benefits. The level of danger within far exceeds that of any other place in the underworld.
After a brief pause, Du Yunxu added, "Fortunately, the Floating Pagoda Realm has been completely sealed off from the underworld for many years. Opening the Floating Pagoda Bridge requires 300 years of Yin Lifespan, and with a temporary activation, there's no risk of Yin Demons escaping into the underworld."
Du Yunxu softly asked, "My lord, shall we proceed with opening the Floating Pagoda Bridge?"
Fang Chen nodded lightly. "Go ahead."
Du Yunxu hesitated briefly before he continued, "There are still many souls in the capital who wish to enter the Floating Pagoda Realm. However, the Yin Monarchs have been reluctant to open the Floating Pagoda Bridge in recent years, which is why they have been unable to go. If you decide to open it, my lord, I could reach out to them and collect more Yin Lifespan."
Fang Chen asked with a smile. "How would you collect it?"
It reminded him of past experiences where he would enter ruins controlled by other factions. In the past, he had to pay spirit stones to enter. Now, the situation had reversed; he was the one collecting the benefits.
"Each person could be charged with 100 years of Yin Lifespan. Including wandering souls and Yin Walkers, there should be around a dozen individuals interested in entering," Du Yunxu explained.
Fang Chen nodded. "I'll leave this matter to you."
Du Yunxu accepted the order and departed. A few days later, all the formalities were completed, and the Floating Pagoda Bridge was ready to be opened.
When Du Yunxu returned to the bamboo pavilion, he brought another 1,200 years' worth of Yin Lifespan Coins as a contribution.
With just a few words, Fang Chen had already amassed 2,200 years' worth of Yin Lifespan Coins.
It was said that when Yin Walkers returned to the Mortal Realm with Yin Lifespan Coins, these coins would merge into their physical bodies, helping cultivators break through their bottlenecks. The coins' effects were comparable to pills and spirit stones, making them a prime reason for many cultivators to embark on journeys into the underworld.
In the mortal world, mid-grade and high-grade spirit stones were incredibly rare, leaving Yin Lifespan Coins as their primary alternative.
In the underworld, Yin Lifespan Coins held immense importance. They represented the lifespans of wandering souls. A soul's survival in the underworld depended on how many Yin Lifespan Coins it possessed. Many Yin Walkers would refrain from spending all their coins, saving a portion for use after their eventual passing, when they too would enter the underworld.
Suddenly, someone called out from outside the bamboo pavilion. "Is Yin Monarch Fang available?"
You Fang was looking for him.
Du Yunxu glanced at Fang Chen, who gave a slight nod.
Having received Fang Chen's approval, Du Yunxu stepped outside to escort You Fang.
You Fang entered with a wry smile. "Lord Fang, I hear you're planning to open the Floating Pagoda Bridge to send a group of Yin Walkers and wandering souls to the Floating Pagoda Realm?"
"That is correct," Fang Chen replied with a faint smile. "Why the bitter expression, Lord You? Is there something improper about this?"
"Well…" You Fang sighed, glancing at Du Yunxu. "Du Yunxu, you haven't told Lord Fang about that matter?"
"What matter?" Du Yunxu was momentarily taken aback, his expression turning peculiar. "Are you referring to the Yin Demon massacre that occurred 6,400 years ago?"
"Precisely." You Fang nodded and cupped his hands toward Fang Chen. "Monarch Fang, 6,400 years ago, the Floating Pagoda Bridge was opened, allowing Yin Demons to break through the barrier and invade the capital.
"The fiends wreaked havoc not only in the capital but also in the surrounding cities, carrying out large-scale massacres.
"That incident claimed the lives of more than 43 million wandering souls at the hands of Yin Demons. Several Yin Monarchs from the imperial capital perished in battle. If not for the personal intervention of Monarch Yan, the underworld might not have its current semblance of peace and order."
You Fang's expression grew more solemn as he continued, "I humbly ask Monarch Fang to reconsider and rescind the order. Opening the Floating Pagoda Bridge risks a recurrence of that catastrophic event."
"Lord You, that incident was closely tied to certain Yin Monarchs in the imperial capital. They were plotting something involving the Yin Demons, which is why the Floating Pagoda Bridge remained open for a full ten days, eventually leading to the chaos caused by the Yin Demons in the underworld," Du Yunxu remarked with a peculiar expression. "As long as the Floating Pagoda Bridge is closed after a day or so, there shouldn't be any risk of Yin Demons invading."
"You know nothing," You Fang snapped angrily. "If such a disaster happens again, won't it be the Nether Guards who are called upon to suppress it? You Day Walkers and Night Walkers only stand aside to watch the spectacle and provide minimal assistance, while the real work falls on us, the Nether Guards."
Du Yunxu's expression changed slightly, and he held his tongue. Although he was a Day Walker God, he dared not openly argue with the Commander of the Nether Guards Division.
Realizing his own outburst, You Fang sighed softly and addressed Fang Chen. "Monarch Fang, please think about what I said. Most of the Yin Monarchs in the imperial capital oppose the opening of the Floating Pagoda Bridge. If you insist on doing so, you might provoke their displeasure. In the future, it will inevitably bring obstacles to the affairs of the Day Walker faction in the imperial capital."
Hearing You Fang's concerns and learning of the mishap of the past, Fang Chen gained a clearer understanding of the Floating Pagoda Realm. However… Du Yunxu's words could serve as a reference. What happened back then was likely deeply rooted in internal strife.
If this matter didn't involve Ji Liang and that blood paper figure, Fang Chen wouldn't have chosen to offend the Yin Monarchs of the imperial capital again.
Unfortunately… he had to go through with it.
"Commander You, I have made up my mind," Fang Chen replied. "As Yunxu mentioned, briefly opening the bridge shouldn't pose too great a risk, and I will personally oversee the matter. There's no need for you to worry excessively."
You Fang's brows furrowed slightly. After a few moments of silence, he cupped his hands in a salute, turned, and left, clearly displeased.
"My lord, perhaps you should reconsider," Du Yunxu said with a wry smile. "If this angers Commander You, it may not bode well. He is known for his good temper, and in all the years he has commanded the Nether Guards, he has never been this upset. As I recall, one of the Yin Monarchs who perished during the previous incident was Commander You's Dao companion in the Mortal Realm…."
"It's fine. Just follow my orders," Fang Chen said calmly.
Seeing this, Du Yunxu knew further persuasion would be futile. After bowing respectfully, he turned and left.
Meanwhile, in the Judgment Division, where eerie Yin energy lingered, over ten figures were seated. When You Fang entered, Shen Tucang asked indifferently, "Well? Were you able to dissuade Monarch Fang?"