The mountainous terrain surrounding the land of the dead was entwined with bands of light, where the density of energy was exceptionally high. Eight transcendent beasts had constructed their nests around this no-man's land, forming a daunting perimeter.0

Wang Xuan gazed into the distance, wondering what expression the Ferryman would wear upon seeing him. Would there be a warm reunion, or would the Ferryman think he's seen a ghost?0

Perched atop a peak, Wang Xuan spied a family of Silk Serpents, two adults and two younglings, lazily basking in the sun outside their snake hole. He had no desire to disrupt their peaceful moment and decided to leave them be.0

He also noticed the Mountain Tortoise, as lively as ever. Since the transcendent fruits had been plucked, it had been practicing its Spirit Tortoise Steps daily, ever vigilant for foes in that area. The herbless tortoise seemed somewhat pitiful, and he resolved not to disturb it.1

Then, his eyes fell upon a Silver Bear, almost perfectly spherical from indulgence, which hardly ever strayed from its den. The bear's homely nature stirred a sense of compassion in Wang Xuan, and he chose not to intrude.0

Moving on, he observed from afar a golden monstrous bird perched on a cliff, ferociously tearing into an elephant, its talons soaked in blood that stained the rocks red. Witnessing the savage bird's feast, Wang Xuan thought it best to leave this fierce creature to its meal.0

After circling around, he found the eight great nests were heavily guarded, and approaching them seemed unwise—likely a consequence of his frequent, uninvited visits that had left...0