As the Seven-Colored Eggs departed from the Underworld to carry out their high-difficulty mission, Jiang Lin also received notification to go on a business trip with a certain First-Class Ghost Messenger.
According to Lord Yama's previous intention, it was to broaden his horizons. He didn't need to do anything else.
Broaden his horizons with what? Before leaving, Jiang Lin had no information at all. He hadn't heard of any new developments anywhere.
It wasn't until he and the First-Class Ghost Messenger named Shen Luo arrived at their destination, looking at the familiar buildings, that he realized.
"Oh, it's Heaven."
He had been to this Heavenly Gate before. More accurately, "Jiang Lin" had been here.
After such a long time, the Heavenly Gate was still the same Heavenly Gate, but the divine soldiers guarding it had been replaced countless times.
"Jiang Lin, this is your first time here, isn't it?" Shen Luo asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
She was wearing a blue robe, with a gentle face, giving off a demure, delicate impression. When she spoke, her tone was warm and pleasant, making one feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.
Jiang Lin withdrew his thoughts. "...Mm." If he didn't count his past memories, it was indeed his first time.
"Later, you'll come with me to take care of the main business, and then you can look around." Shen Luo said, leading Jiang Lin towards the Heavenly Gate and showing their identification to the divine soldiers.
After the divine soldiers granted them passage and they entered the Heavenly Palace, she continued, "This job is actually very simple. You just need to listen later. When you become a First-Class Ghost Messenger, you'll often encounter these things."
"Okay." Jiang Lin nodded, not asking further. He would naturally know when it was time to know.
Although they were both ghost messengers from the Eastern Hall, he didn't know Shen Luo before this assignment. Perhaps it was due to their different job natures, they rarely interacted. He only knew that the Eastern Hall had some First-Class and Special-Class Ghost Messengers.
When Jiang Lin was still wandering in the Ghost Market, he had overheard gossip from the ghosts in the alley. Some said that these high-ranking ghost messengers were stationed there for important events, such as during Ghost Festival or when major incidents occurred. On normal days, they could do whatever they pleased, enjoying paid leave.
Others said they were in seclusion, breaking through to higher realms. After all, the higher the realm, the harder it was to improve. And these powerful ghosts were either cultivation fanatics or extremely disciplined individuals.
Still others speculated that the high-ranking ghost messengers lived in Hell all the time, partly for suppression and partly to bathe in the 'lava hot springs' there. That place was definitely a sacred ground for cultivation, capable of increasing cultivation speed.
In any case, there were all sorts of theories. Jiang Lin had heard many of them back then, and he himself had considered some possibilities. For instance, living in big houses, eating and drinking, and coming out for a stroll when there was nothing to do... and so on.
Halfway through his thoughts, he realized...
They couldn't even imagine the happiness of high-ranking ghost messengers.
...
"We're here." At this moment, Shen Luo ahead stopped.
In front of them was a not-so-large palace. The words "Tian Shu" (Heavenly Book) were written on it.
Shen Luo looked back at Jiang Lin. Seeing him quietly following behind, she nodded. She then stepped into the palace.
Inside the Heavenly Book Hall, it was unexpectedly… messy. Heavenly books were piled everywhere. On tables, on the ground, on desks… Even a long scroll was hanging from the roof beam. However, the writing on it seemed to have been enchanted, making it difficult to see clearly at a glance.
Inside the hall, several divine officials dressed in white, wearing hats, and appearing refined, were extremely busy. Some were carrying heavenly books back and forth, some were sitting at desks, surrounded by numerous heavenly books. One was holding a brush and ink in one hand, and the end of a long scroll in the other – the other end had already scattered on the ground. They were concentrating, pondering something. The small Heavenly Book Hall showed signs of heavy workload everywhere.
When Shen Luo led Jiang Lin to the center of the hall, several divine officials looked over in unison. Among them, a divine official sitting in the center of the numerous heavenly books immediately stood up.
"Miss Shen Luo, we meet again."
With a rustle, a stack of heavenly books tumbled to the ground. Clearly, this was the Hall Master of the Heavenly Book Hall, and he was not interacting with Shen Luo for the first time.
"This way, please." After greeting her, he tidied his robes. He turned and opened a private room in the Heavenly Book Hall, gesturing for Shen Luo to enter. Seeing Jiang Lin follow, he seemed slightly puzzled but didn't ask further. Since he came with Shen Luo, he assumed he was some important staff member from the Underworld.
"How are those reincarnated individuals doing?" Shen Luo asked as soon as they entered.
As the two conversed, Jiang Lin also learned the purpose of this business trip. Since "Jiang Lin's" proposal had been approved, the Underworld and the Heavenly Palace had begun to cooperate. Divine officials who were corrupted by demonic energy could suppress the demonic energy through the Underworld's reincarnation power.
The reincarnated divine officials would be regularly checked by the Underworld, and all subsequent arrangements would be made. If necessary, out-of-control reincarnated individuals would be sent to the 'Black Abyss'. As for those divine officials who had successfully returned to the Heavenly Palace, they were not completely neglected. The Underworld would inquire about their situation periodically. Had there been any relapse after returning? How was their cultivation progress? Were there any obstacles? How was their state of mind?
It was roughly akin to after-sales service in the human world. In recent years, Shen Luo had been responsible for liaising with the divine officials of the Heavenly Palace. From their conversation, Jiang Lin also heard a few familiar names. Two of them, when he was in the human world, he had been responsible for their regular check-ups. He was also present when they returned to the Heavenly Palace. As for another one, he knew about her because that reincarnated individual seemed to be his fan. After watching his live stream, she had actively sought him out for an autograph.
So, she had already returned to the Heavenly Palace...