Wang Xuan faced a dilemma. He was unwilling to force Old Zhong to enter this place. Old Zhong, well past a century in age, was in the twilight of his years. Entering the Departed Lands could spell immediate death for him. Wang Xuan shared a good rapport with Zhong Cheng, having previously received scriptures and Zhong Qing’s portraits from that young man. How could he, in good conscience, harm the elder of a friend's family?0

Furthermore, after objectively assessing the situation, Wang Xuan realized that Old Zhong's strength was a mystery, perhaps even more formidable than Old Chen's. Old Zhong's persona was that of a cunning strategist, his apparent fear of death merely a front to hide his shrewd and somber nature.0

Wang Xuan pondered the possibility that his attempt to capture Old Zhong might backfire, leading to his own capture instead. "Elder, I have no quarrel with Old Zhong, and to do this would go against my principles. He is an elderly man, and such torment in the Departed Lands could lead to his end, which would be a pitiable fate. You mentioned a leg bone that only Old Zhong might know of; it would be prudent not to bind him for this reason."0

Upon hearing this, the Ferryman hesitated. Not everyone could reach this point safely like Wang Xuan; most would perish at the fringes of the Departed Lands, while the rest would die en route. "Let me think about...0