But Shixiong Doesn’t Want To Be A Villain!: Chapter 35
Tianxu/Tian Shu Gate (天樞門, Tiān Xū Mén) is a sect or school within the novel, representing a place where cultivators or Daoists gather to practice their spiritual arts. In Chinese mythology or xianxia (immortal hero) genres, sects are typically central locations for cultivation, featuring unique practices, master-disciple relationships, and strict rules or doctrines. The term “Tianxu” (天樞) refers to a celestial star, symbolizing stability and central importance, indicating the significant role this sect plays within the story.
Meng Po’s Territory (孟婆的领域, Mèng Pó de Lǐngyù) is a significant area within the Underworld (冥界, Míngjiè) in Chinese mythology. 孟婆 (Mèng Pó): Literally “Old Lady Meng,” she is a deity in Chinese mythology who serves the souls of the dead in the Underworld. Meng Po is responsible for administering the Meng Po Soup (孟婆汤, Mèng Pó Tāng), a potion that causes souls to forget their previous lives before they reincarnate. It is most famously associated with the Bridge of Forgetfulness (奈何桥, Nàihé Qiáo), where souls line up to drink the Meng Po Soup, which erases their memories of past lives before they cross over to be reincarnated. This territory symbolizes the final step in the cycle of reincarnation, where all memories of past attachments and identities are wiped clean, allowing for a fresh start in the next life. In many stories, this area is depicted as a place shrouded in mystery and melancholy, reflecting the sorrow of forgetting one’s past but also the inevitability of moving forward into the unknown. The act of drinking Meng Po’s soup is often seen as both a relief and a loss, as it allows souls to be free from the burdens of their previous lives but also means losing all that they once were.
Gusu Bridge (孤索桥, Gūsǔo Qiáo) is a fictional location often found in xianxia (immortal hero) novels or other Chinese fantasy genres. The name itself is evocative, with “Gusu” (孤索) combining characters that suggest loneliness and isolation. Gusu Bridge is depicted as a solitary, perhaps even desolate, crossing in the Underworld, often serving as a point where souls encounter a moment of judgment or reflection before moving on. The bridge typically symbolizes a transition or passage, and in this context, it might be the place where souls must confront their past deeds before being allowed to reincarnate or cross into the afterlife. In many stories, Gusu Bridge is associated with feelings of melancholy, as it often represents a critical juncture between life and death, memory and oblivion. Characters crossing this bridge might encounter ghosts, spirits, or guardians who test or challenge them, reflecting the internal or moral struggles they face.
The concept of Three Realms (三界, Sānjiè) in Chinese mythology is a foundational idea that categorizes the universe into different realms where various beings reside. These realms often include the Immortal Realm (仙界, Xiānjiè), the Mortal Realm (人界, Rénjiè), and the Demon Realm (魔界, Mójiè). Sometimes, the Underworld (冥界, Míngjiè) is also considered as a separate realm, though it can be interconnected with these three.
- Immortal Realm (仙界, Xiānjiè):
- Description: The Immortal Realm is the highest of the realms, often depicted as a celestial paradise where gods, immortals, and enlightened beings dwell. This realm is characterized by its purity, tranquility, and freedom from the cycles of birth and death. Immortals who reside here have transcended the limitations of mortal existence, achieving eternal life and divine power.
- Inhabitants: Immortals (仙人, Xiānrén), gods, and deities who have cultivated themselves through spiritual practices, often after undergoing trials and ascension from the Mortal Realm.
- Mortal Realm (人界, Rénjiè):
- Description: The Mortal Realm is the world of humans and other living beings who are subject to the cycles of birth, death, and reincarnation. This realm is characterized by its impermanence and the struggles of daily life, where beings experience emotions, suffering, and the consequences of karma.
- Inhabitants: Humans, animals, and other mortal creatures. It is a realm of learning and growth, where beings can cultivate themselves to achieve immortality or enlightenment.
- Demon Realm (魔界, Mójiè):
- Description: The Demon Realm is often depicted as a chaotic and dark place where demons and other malevolent beings reside. This realm is associated with desire, conflict, and corruption. Beings in this realm are often in opposition to the Immortal Realm, seeking power through darker means and often interfering with the Mortal Realm.
- Inhabitants: Demons (魔, Mó), evil spirits, and other dark entities. These beings are often driven by selfish desires, power, and ambition, and may seek to disrupt the balance of the other realms.
- Underworld (冥界, Míngjiè):
- Description: The Underworld, while sometimes considered separate from the Three Realms, is closely linked to the Mortal Realm as the place where souls go after death. It is a place of judgment, where souls are assessed based on their karma before being reincarnated. The Underworld is often depicted as a dark, eerie place, but it also serves an essential function in maintaining the balance of the universe.
- Inhabitants: Ghosts (鬼, Guǐ), spirits, and deities responsible for overseeing the dead, such as King Yama (阎王, Yánwáng) and Meng Po (孟婆). It is also home to various judges and enforcers who determine the fate of souls.
Interconnectedness:
- The realms are interconnected, with beings often crossing between them, particularly through reincarnation or spiritual cultivation. For example, a mortal can ascend to the Immortal Realm through rigorous cultivation, while a demon might corrupt or influence mortals. The Underworld acts as a bridge, where souls from the Mortal Realm are processed before they move on to their next life.
Upon hearing this, Bai Fanlu was so angry that he laughed bitterly. Was this Dragon God playing tricks on him?
“I am seeking the antidote for the cold poison to save him. How could I kill him?”
“If you don’t kill him now, when he dies, the cold poison will transfer to you.”
Xun Huang pointed out the harsh truth.
Bai Fanlu frowned. How did Xun Huang know he was using the bracelet, Cangjin, to share some of the poison?
“How do you know?”
“Ridiculous! Is there anything in this world that I, a god, do not know?”
Xun Huang laughed arrogantly. He was standing very close behind Bai Fanlu, and the bone-chilling cold ignored Bai Fanlu’s protective aura, seeping directly into his bones. Bai Fanlu could hear the creaking sound of his hand bones as if he were gripping ice shards.
Another fight? The best outcome would be mutual destruction, and he wouldn’t be able to save the person he wanted to save.
Xun Huang spoke in a deep voice, “Kill him, and you can leave this place safely. I won’t stop you.”
“What grudge do you have against him that you want to kill him?”
“No grudge, no enmity.”
Bai Fanlu found this incomprehensible. This Dragon God truly regarded human life as worthless, just as described in the book—a disgrace to the ancient gods.
“I can’t do it,” Bai Fanlu said, turning to leave.
“How dare you!” Xun Huang roared, “Do you think you can come and go from here as you please?”
The sudden roar of a dragon shattered the surrounding stones, and in the blink of an eye, a long ice spear was pressed against Bai Fanlu’s neck.
Before the blood could flow, it was frozen in place. Bai Fanlu endured the sharp pain and deliberately took another step forward.
Xun Huang, surprised by Bai Fanlu’s determination, withdrew the spear slightly, preventing it from actually severing Bai Fanlu’s neck.
“Will you kill him or not?”
“I can’t.”
The ice veil covering Xun Huang’s eyes flickered again, and Bai Fanlu could feel the intense anger emanating from them, but there was something else as well.
After this test, Bai Fanlu knew he had guessed correctly. Xun Huang didn’t attack him because he had other plans.
“If the god wants him dead, he’s in this city, and his life is already hanging by a thread. Why bother using someone else to do it?”
Xun Huang didn’t answer. He simply moved the spear from Bai Fanlu’s throat to his chest.
“And if you wanted to kill me, you could do so right now. Why play these games with me?”
Xun Huang’s lips twitched slightly, almost imperceptibly.
“So your goal isn’t us, is it? We’re just insignificant beings. What do we matter compared to your grand plan of ten thousand years?”
The ice spear finally fell, vanishing into Xun Huang’s right hand. He slightly turned his head, scrutinizing Bai Fanlu while considering his words.
Bai Fanlu was now certain that the awakening of the Dragon God’s true form had encountered obstacles. The Xun Huang in front of him couldn’t leave the temple’s boundaries, and he needed Bai Fanlu to do something for him. What Xun Huang cared most about was undoubtedly breaking the barrier at this crucial time.
But how did killing Xiao Liu relate to breaking the barrier?
Bai Fanlu didn’t fully understand, but now that he had a clear grasp of the situation, he felt more confident in this negotiation.
Xun Huang wanted to leave this place, and so did they. It would be easy to reach an agreement.
After a moment of silence, Xun Huang finally spoke, “If you don’t want to kill him, that’s fine. But if you want the antidote, you’ll have to do something else—something a hundred times more difficult.”
As he spoke, Xun Huang began to walk around.
As he passed by, the intense cold radiated in waves. Bai Fanlu’s clenched hand relaxed slightly, feeling ice crystals forming and white smoke rising from his fingertips.
Great, there’s hope!
“I’ll do it,” Bai Fanlu said without hesitation.
“Aren’t you curious about what it is?”
Xun Huang returned to the stone platform and placed his palm on it. The platform cracked, revealing a rotating black pillar of light.
There was a faint sound coming from within the pillar of light.
Bai Fanlu wasn’t concerned with Xun Huang’s question. Whatever the task was, he was determined to do it. Whether he asked or not, the outcome would be the same, so it was better to cut to the chase.
Seeing Bai Fanlu’s determined expression, Xun Huang smiled with interest and got straight to the point, “Go to the Underworld and do something for me.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Fanlu looked at the pillar of light again and understood. The sound coming from inside was from spirits.
The black pillar of light probably led to the legendary Gate of the Underworld. In the novel, the original protagonist had also entered the Underworld, though not during this part of the story. The method of entry was described similarly.
There were entrances to the Underworld in certain special locations, and those who knew the method could open them.
“Are you afraid?” Seeing Bai Fanlu deep in thought, Xun Huang sneered.
Fear was natural, but Bai Fanlu had no other choice. “I’m only afraid my friend won’t survive long enough to see your promise fulfilled.”
“You can bring him here. I will ensure he stays alive.”
Bring him here? If Xun Huang went back on his word and killed Xiao Liu, Bai Fanlu couldn’t afford to take that risk.
It seemed Xun Huang guessed Bai Fanlu’s thoughts, raising an eyebrow, “I have no interest in playing tricks with the likes of you.”
“Matters of life and death require caution.”
Seeing that Bai Fanlu was still skeptical, Xun Huang sighed impatiently and opened his hand, revealing a bright blue pearl, “Have you heard of the Yuanhe Dingfeng Pearl?”
The Yuanhe Dingfeng Pearl! It was said to be an ancient artifact. In the novel, Yun Zhan retrieved it from Xun Huang after killing him, and it played a significant role during his ascension.
“I’ll lend this pearl to your friend for two hours. It will stabilize the cold poison. If you’re not back in two hours, I’ll take it back. Satisfied now?”
Two hours meant four hours. Xiao Liu still had two strands of Cangjin protecting him, so time shouldn’t be an issue. Bai Fanlu agreed, “Alright, deal! What do I need to do in the Underworld?”
“Bring back seven strands of Netherworld Ghost Fire for me.”
Netherworld Ghost Fire? What’s that? Bai Fanlu wondered. “How do I obtain the Netherworld Ghost Fire?”
“You’ll find out when you get there.”
Bai Fanlu was slightly taken aback. Did Xun Huang not even know how to obtain the Netherworld Ghost Fire?
“Alright. Please keep your word, Dragon God. Once I bring back the seven strands of ghost fire, you’ll give me the antidote.”
Xun Huang snorted, “I never break my word.”
Bai Fanlu took the Yuanhe Dingfeng Pearl. “Please wait a moment while I ensure my friend is safe.”
Xun Huang didn’t object, turning away with his hands behind his back. Bai Fanlu didn’t dare waste time and quickly returned to Xiao Liu.
He placed the Yuanhe Dingfeng Pearl on Xiao Liu’s abdomen, and soon saw his pale face start to regain some color. Bai Fanlu was relieved and immediately returned to Xun Huang.
The black pillar of light was like a cold, dark crystal. Bai Fanlu reached out to it without hesitation.
As his figure disappeared, Xun Huang stood in place, touching the ice veil covering his eyes. His lips curled into a cold smile.
“Heh… The time for revenge has come. You’ve lived for ten thousand years—have you been lonely? Well, just wait a little longer. Soon, you’ll see how I treat the mortals of this world. Haha, it will be quite entertaining!”
In the original world structure, the Underworld was completely independent of the three realms of immortals, demons, and humans.
No matter what one was in life, even an immortal with a lifespan of ten thousand years, if their soul didn’t perish upon death, it would enter the Underworld for reincarnation.
So the Underworld was essentially a passageway. Bai Fanlu thought of it this way to make the expectedly eerie place somewhat more bearable, reducing his resistance.
The entrance to the Underworld was like a dimly lit basement, with wandering, unconscious spirits drifting aimlessly. Bai Fanlu put on a veil to cover his face and used a breathing technique to conceal his life force, floating along with the wandering spirits deeper inside.
In the novel, the original protagonist avoided the Underworld’s enforcers this way. After evading them, he would head to Meng Po’s territory, where he could find an opportunity to sneak into other areas.
The original protagonist was supposed to enter the Underworld after Xun Huang broke the barrier and left. Yun Zhan was gravely injured, and on their way back, Bai Junming, catching the original protagonist off guard, extracted three souls and one spirit from Yun Zhan. Although the original protagonist managed to stop him in time, preventing the souls from being absorbed, he was captured by Underworld enforcers and taken into the Underworld.
This incident created a rift between the original protagonist and Bai Junming. To save Yun Zhan, the original protagonist willingly offered one of his souls and one of his spirits to stabilize Yun Zhan’s body, causing his own spiritual power to become imbalanced and the mark of demonic blood to begin awakening.
Because Yun Zhan had the original protagonist’s soul in him, their souls would attract each other, leading to the scene under the spiritual spring when Yun Zhan returned to the immortal sect for healing.
Later, the original protagonist asked Ling Qingzi to teach him how to enter the Underworld to retrieve Yun Zhan’s missing souls. That’s when he entered the Underworld.
Just like Bai Fanlu now, the original protagonist didn’t know exactly where to find the souls after entering the Underworld. He only knew that incomplete souls couldn’t enter reincarnation, but where they drifted was unknown.
The original protagonist eventually found a wild ghost named Baixiaosheng by the Gusu Bridge in the Underworld. After inquiring with him, he learned the location of the souls and retrieved them at the cost of exchanging his next life with Meng Po. This directly led to the original protagonist’s soul being completely destroyed after death.
Now that Bai Fanlu was looking for the Netherworld Ghost Fire, he planned to first seek information from the wild ghost.
He was prepared, and it wasn’t difficult to avoid the Underworld enforcers and find Gusu Bridge. By the bridge stood a solitary figure in a black robe, with long hair half-tied, sitting alone at the bridge’s edge, staring blankly at the Yellow Spring Sea.
A similar bridge was a distance to the right, likely the Chain Bridge mentioned in the book. That bridge was crowded with spirits waiting in line to cross, leading to the afterlife and Meng Po’s place by the Yellow Spring Sea.
When Bai Fanlu reached Gusu Bridge, the wild ghost didn’t even turn his head, saying, “This bridge doesn’t lead anywhere. You’d better hurry and reincarnate.”
After saying that, he waved his right hand dismissively.
Bai Fanlu didn’t leave, instead clasping his hands in respect to the wild ghost, regardless of whether he could see it or not. “May I ask, senior, where can I find the Netherworld Ghost Fire?”
The wild ghost still didn’t turn around, but suddenly raised his left arm. Something silver flashed, and Bai Fanlu realized it was a fishing rod. The silver flash was the fishing line, reflecting the light from the rippling waves of the Yellow Spring Sea.
“Oh no, I’ve lost my fish!” The wild ghost slapped his thigh in mild frustration.
Bai Fanlu thought to himself that the original protagonist didn’t encounter this issue when seeking information. Had he somehow triggered some bad luck? Could asking different questions lead to different outcomes?
Fortunately, nothing unpleasant happened afterward. The wild ghost quietly set up his fishing rod again but said nothing, seemingly having forgotten Bai Fanlu’s question entirely.
Bai Fanlu was unsure whether to wait or not when the wild ghost suddenly asked, “The Netherworld Ghost Fire isn’t something good. Why do you want it?”
“To save someone,” Bai Fanlu quickly replied.
“Who are you saving?”
Bai Fanlu initially wanted to say his brother, but after thinking about it, he answered, “A friend.”
The wild ghost seemed to nod, raising his hand and pointing to the bridge, “Cross this bridge, and you’ll find it. Take as much as you want—if you have the ability.”
“Thank you, senior!”
Bai Fanlu was overjoyed and quickly stepped onto the bridge, heading toward the opposite side. Though he was eager, he cautiously adjusted his veil to avoid exposing his identity.
But as he reached the middle of the long bridge, a strange wind suddenly rose over the Yellow Spring Sea. Though Bai Fanlu quickly grabbed his hat to keep it from blowing away, the veil was still lifted slightly.
The wild ghost’s hand holding the fishing rod paused, and the “fish” that was about to be caught was scared away.
Crossing Gusu Bridge, there was nothing unusual at first. But as Bai Fanlu ventured deeper, he began to see firefly-like lights appearing before him.
Gradually, the lights grew larger and more numerous, forming clusters of green flames scattered throughout the dense forest ahead.
If this weren’t the Underworld, the sight of fireflies in the forest would have been quite beautiful.
According to the wild ghost, these small green flames must be the Netherworld Ghost Fire. There seemed to be plenty of them, and he only needed seven.
Bai Fanlu knew it wouldn’t be easy, so when he reached out to touch the nearest ghost fire, he was already prepared to react at any moment.
And Bai Fanlu’s instincts were correct. The moment his fingers touched the ghost fire, it suddenly expanded, transforming into a towering ghost right before his eyes.
With sharp fangs, fiery red eyes, it let out a fierce roar and lunged at him!
Author’s note:
Many years later…
Bai Fanlu: Now that I think about it, maybe not saving him would’ve been better.
Yun Zhan: !!!
Bai Fanlu: In the end, I’m the one who suffers for saving him. What was the point?
Author: Hey, did you do something to make him angry?
Yun Zhan: Not really… except, uh, maybe last night…
Bai Fanlu: Hmm? (Feeling the pain in his waist)
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