Dao of the Bizarre Immortal

"The Underworld? King of Hell?" Bai Lingmiao's mouth fell open slightly. She stared at the Strayed Ones, her disbelief etched across her face. She truly hadn't expected these people to come here just for something like that.

She tried to understand what they were saying, but their words were too shocking. What Underworld? And joining the ranks of immortals?

The Second Deity hesitated momentarily. "You guys didn't get tricked by the Sitting Oblivion Dao, did you?"

Her words struck a nerve with the leader of the Strayed Ones. His face twisted with rage. "Don't mention those frauds! They couldn't possibly deceive us! Now get lost, or don't blame us for being rude!"

Sensing the hostility from the Strayed Ones, Bai Lingmiao and the Second Deity quickly conferred in their minds.

In the current situation, persuasion seemed unlikely. They needed to stabilize things first. Force wasn't an option with so many Strayed Ones present. They would have to take a different approach to deal with them.

After a moment's thought, Bai Lingmiao spoke again. This time, she followed the leader's lead instead of contradicting him.

"Since you want to become Kings of Hell, you've been here for a long time and still haven't succeeded. There must have been some difficulties. If it stumped eleven Strayed Ones, it must mean it's no easy task."

Bai Lingmiao said this with confidence because she knew they couldn't become Kings of Hell. The dead belonged to the place underneath Qing Qiu, so this couldn't be the Underworld. Moreover, the Heavenly Dao of Death was governed by the Heavenly Mater. If there were a King of Hell, it would be her.

Regardless of whether they had been deceived by the Sitting Oblivion Dao or something else, they would not leave willingly unless their obsession was shattered.

Force was out of the question—it was no simple task to subdue eleven Strayed Ones.

"How about we strike a deal? We help you overcome your difficulties and help you become Kings of Hell. In return, once it's done, you come out with me. Consider it doing me a favor."

"We don't need you!"

The leader of the Strayed Ones flatly rejected her. He retreated along with the others, his eyes filled with profound hostility.

He clearly didn't trust the strange woman with two upper bodies and had no intention of negotiating.

As they prepared to leave, Bai Lingmiao clenched her fists and stepped forward. "How much longer do you plan to stay here? You might be able to waste your time here, but what about your families in the world outside? Can they afford to wait as long as you can? Have you ever thought about how they've been doing all these years?"

The Strayed Ones, who had just turned to leave, stopped abruptly and glared at Bai Lingmiao. Their expressions had completely changed, clearly affected by her words.

Bai Lingmiao wasn't speaking out of nowhere. She had been by Li Huowang's side for long enough to understand some things about Strayed Ones.

She gazed into the eyes of the Strayed Ones and noticed the exhaustion and numbness hidden beneath their determined expressions. It became evident that they were barely holding on, much like Tuoba Danqing. These Strayed Ones weren't as resolute as they seemed.

Bai Lingmiao and the Second Deity quickly devised a new strategy.

"Haven't you suffered enough here? After all these years, I know you must have regrets. You had no choice before, so you were forced down a dark path. However, you have a choice now.

"Look at how we're dressed. We voluntarily came in here just yesterday. If we could come in, we can certainly leave.

"Let me help you. I can take you out of here and remove your primordial breath. That way, you'll never have to suffer from bewilderment again. Once you're no longer Strayed Ones, you can live the life you want!

"And you don't need to worry. Even though Strayed Ones are immensely valuable, the eleven of you together are far beyond our abilities."

The Second Deity chimed in, "Exactly, give it a try. What do you have to lose? It's better than wasting away here."

Bai Lingmiao's encouragement gradually eased the tension, and everyone's attention shifted to her.

Yuan Er saw the shifting expressions of the Strayed Ones and realized things couldn't continue like this. If they continued listening to her, their unity would falter!

"Don't trust her! She's lying! She might even be with the Sitting Oblivion Dao! Once we become Kings of Hell, we'll control the world over there too!"

Bai Lingmiao replied, "Is that really true? Is that just your own belief, or do others think that as well? How can you be so certain that everyone wants to become a King of Hell? And how can you be sure that becoming the King of Hell will allow you to control the Underworld of the other world? Have you ever seen a soul from the other side?"

She continued, "Why are you forcing your own beliefs on others? Can't you listen to their thoughts? Or do you see them as mere tools for your own gain?"

The Second Deity added, "And you're so confused that you doubt whether this world even exists, so how can you be so sure of what you say?"

Bai Lingmiao's words were sharp and unrelenting, making Yuan Er's face darken.

He couldn't kill her. Making a move would only sow further division among his companions.

"Enough! I won't let her keep leading us down this path!" Yuan Er said, waving his hand. "Fine! You don't believe me, right? Well, come along and see for yourself! We've encountered difficulties, and if you help us solve them, we'll help you in return!"

After years of fruitlessly searching for a solution, Yuan Er doubted that this young woman could truly help. Whether she made him a King of Hell or died trying, it was a win for him either way.

"We have a deal." Bai Lingmiao stepped forward resolutely.

Yuan Er cast a quick glance at the other Strayed Ones before turning around and starting to ascend the mountain. "Come with me."

Bai Lingmiao nodded and followed. She wasn't concerned about the Strayed Ones turning against her—they wouldn't discard another option without a good reason.

Besides, without the Heavenly Dao of Death, they couldn't kill her even if they tried.

As they walked up the rocky path, Yuan Er casually explained their predicament.

"To become King of Hell, we need to obtain the Book of Life and Death, but it's hidden in the Underworld Palace.

"However, the Underworld Palace is extremely dangerous. We arrived with hundreds of people, but only eleven remain."

Bai Lingmiao's voice rose in surprise. "Hundreds of Strayed One?!"

"Not all were Strayed Ones. Some were patrons, some servants, some family."

"And where are they now?"

"Dead."

Bai Lingmiao shook her head slightly. "That's impossible. This place has no Heavenly Dao of Death. No one can die here."

Yuan Er sneered and said, "When the King of Hell calls for you at midnight, no dares live until dawn. The Book of Life and Death is in the hands of the Judge. Once the Judge writes your name, no Heavenly Dao can save you. You will be dragged into the eighteenth level of hell!"

Yuan Er smirked. "Now, do you still want to continue?"