Zombie Bodyguard

Chapter 2019: Chapter 2016: Yin Department Register

After Zhang Lingyu asked, Lin Tian turned to Mu Yun: "Mu Yun Envoy, since the Ferryman is called a Ferryman, it implies he is part of the Netherworld’s Yin Department. So, does he not belong to the same system as you? Do you know where he usually is?"

Mu Yun’s expression became a bit awkward: "I...really don’t know. The Ferryman of Wangchuan River is quite unique in the Netherworld. Even though he belongs to the Yin Department, he seems not to be under the authority of Fengdu City because he only appears once every hundred years, and many Ghost Messengers have forgotten him."

"So, the Ferryman of Wangchuan River is in a zone of regulatory neglect? Isn’t the Netherworld marked by a strict hierarchy? I think its governance is too loose," Lin Tian questioned repeatedly, feeling perplexed.

Mu Yun smiled bitterly, a bit helpless: "The Netherworld does indeed have a strict hierarchy, but some members of the Yin Department have special identities. While nominally under the jurisdiction of the Ten Halls Yama, the Yama rarely intervenes in the affairs of these officials."

"Like Mistress Meng Po, who has managed Naihe Bridge for countless years, but the Ten Halls Yama have never inquired, not even once, as far as I know."

"There’s also the Ferryman you are looking for. In a certain sense, he’s the manager of Wangchuan River, and the Yama never interfere with the Ferryman’s matters."

Mu Yun explained, her expression of helplessness seemed genuine, while Lin Tian indeed witnessed the Ferryman ferry him and the Second Miss across the river on their own accord, an event the Yama seemed unaware of.

Especially Meng Po, whose Huangquan Inn is a place violating the rules of the Netherworld.

"What should we do then?" Xiao Manxuan blinked, looking at Lin Tian and then Zhang Lingyu.

Sometimes Mu Yun says he’s not under Fengdu City’s jurisdiction, sometimes says nominally under Ten Halls Yama’s jurisdiction. Her confusion, as a First-class Impermanence, shows that finding the Ferryman of Wangchuan River is truly difficult.

Zhang Lingyu remained silent, seemingly pondering something. After a while, he looked up at Mu Yun: "As far as I know, every member of the Netherworld’s Yin Department is recorded in registers. Where are these registers?"

"You want to see the Yin Department registers?" Mu Yun was stunned for a moment, then shook her head: "There is indeed such a register, kept at the City Lord’s Mansion. But outsiders are not allowed to view the Yin Department registers; it’s the rule."

Not allowed to view? Lin Tian laughed: "You’re directly under the jurisdiction of the Ten Halls Yama. I won’t trouble you. Just take me to see Lord Zhu, and I’ll talk to him."

Seeing Lin Tian’s unyielding attitude, Mu Yun sighed helplessly, thinking, this young man is too daring, repeatedly challenging the Netherworld. Aren’t he afraid of retribution in the autumn season?

However, she was only temporarily assigned and indeed not under the City Lord’s Mansion’s jurisdiction. So, she wasn’t eager to stop Lin Tian.

In fact, she admired Lin Tian a bit. This kind of courage isn’t something everyone possesses. With this in mind, she found Lin Tian more agreeable, fostering a small amount of goodwill.

Of course, this goodwill was purely out of admiration, without any other intention.

"Let’s go, back to the City Lord’s Mansion," Mu Yun agreed with Lin Tian.

The group moved again towards Fengdu City, Huangquan Road, Wangxiang Platform, then crossing Naihe Bridge, and soon, they entered the gates of Fengdu City again.

Within Fengdu City, the hustle and bustle persisted, lively as ever. Previously, Lin Tian felt something was missing behind the splendor and bustle. After visiting Huangquan Inn, this feeling became more apparent. Now Lin Tian knew that Fengdu City lacked the vitality of life.

The four continued moving, soon returning to the City Lord’s Mansion. As they entered the main hall, they coincidentally saw Lord Zhu coming out. As Lord Zhu saw Lin Tian’s group, he immediately looked troubled.

He was certainly troubled. If the group didn’t leave, the Netherworld passage remained open, during which he tried countless times to close it. Yet, every time a Ghost Messenger approached, it was instantly pulverized by an energy.

Lord Zhu was secretly alarmed at how such a powerful object could emerge from the Human Realm.

After calming himself, he courteously asked: "How have the matters been progressing for you all?"

Mu Yun didn’t speak, instead looking at Lin Tian, who stepped forward, smiling: "Thanks for your concern, Lord. I need a small favor of you."

A small favor? Who would believe it’s just a small favor, Lord Zhu thought to himself, but outwardly maintained a polite demeanor: "Please tell me, within my capabilities, I certainly won’t refuse."

This remark was really diplomatic, the subtext being if it can’t be done, you can’t blame me.

Lin Tian naturally understood, but didn’t mind, directly stating: "We want to look at the Netherworld’s Yin Department registers."

"What?" Lord Zhu was startled, then quickly waved his hand: "No, no, absolutely not. The Yin Department registers contain information about the identity of each member. As a civil servant of the Netherworld, how can I commit such a violation?"

"You’re the head of Fengdu City. If you say yes, then it’s a yes. Besides, there’s no one else around," Lin Tian said indifferently.

Lord Zhu turned to look at Mu Yun, but Mu Yun looked up at the sky, appearing detached.

"But...if the Ten Halls Yama find out, I’ll be punished," Lord Zhu hesitated.

"If the Netherworld passage can’t be closed, which punishment do you think would be heavier?" Lin Tian’s voice was calm, but there was a cold light in his eyes.

A threat was not the route Lin Tian wanted to take, but if the City Lord refused to cooperate, he didn’t mind doing so.

Sure enough, Lord Zhu’s expression turned grim, his eyes also harboring coldness. Being a City Lord, to be threatened by a young man, was extremely damaging to self-esteem. If possible, he wanted to order Lin Tian thrown into the oil cauldron.

His expression flickered, as if internally struggling between choices, until finally, his face turned expressionless: "Follow me."

The tone was not pleasant, but Lin Tian was unconcerned, as long as the City Lord yielded. Lord Zhu led the way, bypassing the main hall, moving to the back and arriving at a pavilion.

The pavilion was guarded, and upon seeing the City Lord appear, the four guards immediately stood tall, looking spirited, loudly calling: "Lord!"

"Hmm, we’re conducting a confidential task. Stand guard outside the yard," Lord Zhu nodded, maintaining authority. The guards, with no objections, promptly turned around and marched out.

Lord Zhu opened the door, and Lin Tian’s team followed inside. An ancient dusty air rushed towards them, marking a long time of neglect.

On the first floor of the pavilion, rows of bookshelves were crammed with books, some thread-bound, some bamboo slips, others scrolls of leather, totaling at least tens of thousands.

"There’s so many registers," Xiao Manxuan exclaimed, mouth open in surprise, thinking how long it would take to go through them.

"This much?" Lord Zhu’s eyes were full of schadenfreude but spoke seriously: "The pavilion has a total of nine floors. Each floor holds approximately nine thousand records, documenting all Yin Department officials. Remember, it’s not just the current ones, but former ones as well. If you want to search, take your time."

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