Zombie Bodyguard

"For example, the passage permit in your hand is a valuable item, issued by the top officials of the Netherworld. However, Brother Lin might not know that there are different types of permits. For those newly deceased souls, their permits are for one-time use and are void after entering the Netherworld."

"But there is a type of permit that can be used repeatedly, like this one." Linghu Cai took out a badge from his pocket and waved it in front of Lin Tian, saying, "This black rail permit can be used multiple times."

"Multiple times? Doesn't that mean you can freely go in and out of the Ghost Gate?" Lin Tian exclaimed.

"Shh, keep your voice down, Brother Lin. This thing is somewhat prohibited, usually only usable by ghost messengers." Linghu Cai cautiously said, "But I see Brother Lin is not an ordinary person either; being able to enter the Netherworld at will is something only a few can achieve."

Lin Tian shook his head and said, "Entering and exiting at will is not possible; the most you can consider is smuggling."

"Whether smuggling or crossing, being able to do it is still a skill." Linghu Cai said openly, unconcerned about smuggling into the Netherworld.

"By the way, Brother Linghu, you seem to be well-informed. I want to ask you about something." Lin Tian looked around and lowered his voice slightly.

Linghu Cai smiled faintly, saying, "If I am not mistaken, Brother Lin wants to know about the intruder, right?"

Lin Tian nodded, admitting it. He wasn't surprised Linghu Cai could guess; those who thrive as Netherworld merchants are not simple folk, and such merchants usually have some vested interests with Netherworld officials.

Linghu Cai also looked around, ensuring no one was nearby before saying, "Brother Lin, to be honest, your companion is in big trouble."

"What's happened to Sister Yu?" Xiao Manxuan exclaimed upon hearing that Zhang Lingyu was in trouble. Lin Tian nodded, indicating he shared the same concern.

Linghu Cai leaned in slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "Brother Lin, your friend is really gutsy. It's one thing to intrude into the Netherworld—that's not a big deal—but she actually dared to intrude into the Ksitigarbha Hall."

"Ksitigarbha Hall? What kind of place is that?" Lin Tianqi asked curiously.

"Ksitigarbha Hall? That's the place of the Ksitigarbha, where even the Netherworld King cannot trespass, let alone a mere mortal. Intruding there is a great taboo. This news is still confidential; I heard it from a friend." Linghu Cai shook his head and sighed.

Lin Tian furrowed his brows and said, "So, my friend has already been captured?"

Xiao Manxuan became anxious upon hearing this, wanting to say something, but Lin Tian stopped her, advising her to stay calm and listen to the news first.

"She's not captured yet. There's a rule in Ksitigarbha Hall: cease fighting, prohibit weapons. Even ghost soldiers and generals cannot break in to capture someone. Your friend should still be in the Ksitigarbha Hall now."

"However, even if she isn't punished by the people of Ksitigarbha Hall, the ghost soldiers won't spare her once she comes out. Then the Netherworld's wanted notice will be well-deserved." Linghu Cai said solemnly.

The news came somewhat unexpectedly. Lin Tian thought she was hiding in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity, not daring enough to break into Ksitigarbha Hall. Though Ksitigarbha holds no official position in the Netherworld, his status is exceptional, possibly even higher than the Netherworld King in terms of prestige.

"Why on earth did Zhang Lingyu venture into Ksitigarbha Hall?" Lin Tian muttered under his breath, unable to comprehend Zhang Lingyu's motives.

Linghu Cai waved his hand and said, "I may be well-informed, but I don't know why your friend intruded into the Netherworld King Hall, nor do the ghost generals searching for her. You'll have to ask her yourself."

As they spoke, the tavern's staff began serving dishes. Despite a table full of food and wine, Lin Tian had no appetite, and Xiao Manxuan was even more anxious and worried.

Linghu Cai, adept at gauging others' emotions, noticed Lin Tian's lack of attention on the food and said, "Brother Lin, it seems you won't be at ease unless you check on her. How about I take you there?"

Lin Tian, preoccupied with concerns over Zhang Lingyu, did not refuse, but earnestly replied, "Thank you very much, Brother Linghu."

"Brother, we hit it off at once; such a trivial matter is nothing. However, all I can do is take you there. Saving your friend will be tough, very tough. This event has drawn top-level attention." Linghu Cai confessed.

Implying that although Linghu Cai knows some people, this incident is too significant, and those above are keeping a close watch; pulling strings would be futile. In matters concerning Ksitigarbha Hall, who would dare to slack off? Lin Tian understood that no ghost messenger dared involve themselves in such high-profile affairs.

With that, Lin Tian, leaving his meal uneaten, followed Linghu Cai out of Xiangman Building. Walking along Fengdu City's main avenue didn't take long before they saw a towering structure in the distance.

This building was markedly different from those surrounding it, which were primarily black or gray, in a dull hue. However, this building was bright yellow, with a golden glazed tile roof. Even in the gloomy Netherworld, this building seemed to emit brightness.

But as Lin Tian's group approached, their path was blocked by a squad of ghost soldiers. More than that, all souls heading in this direction were stopped; in modern terms, the ghost soldiers had sealed off the road.

"Brother Lin, you see, right? All nearby streets are blocked; no souls are allowed through. It's rare for Fengdu City to experience such large-scale road closures, and every soul is guessing that something major is happening," said Linghu Cai.

"All souls must stay away, or face execution without mercy," a ghost soldier leader warned the souls on the street.

"Was I wrong? Your friend's intrusion into Ksitigarbha Hall has embarrassed the Netherworld's high ranks. They're adamant about capturing her this time. I suggest you leave the Netherworld now. I can help you pass through the Ghost Gate," suggested Linghu Cai.

"Leaving the Ghost Gate won't help; we can't reach the surface. But even if there was a way back, I would never abandon my friend and leave her alone," Lin Tian said resolutely.

"Lin Tian, I feel the same way. I won't leave either. Sister Yu tumbled into danger for us; I can't leave her behind," Xiao Manxuan spoke with equal seriousness.

"I knew I wasn't wrong about you. Brother Lin is indeed a man of loyalty and integrity. But how will you rescue your friend? The first hurdle, passing the ghost soldiers' blockade, is already insurmountable," Linghu Cai praised Lin Tian's character but doubted his ability to breach the ghost soldiers' layers.

Moreover, breaching inside isn't the end of the dangers. Beyond ghost soldiers lies Ksitigarbha Hall. Even if Ksitigarbha, in his mercy, lets someone out, they'd face a second assault from ghost soldiers and generals upon exit. It's like a fortress in the truest sense.