The Phoenix

1

As soon as my earthen body died, my soul was immediately greeted by two goblins—escorts to Yanwang—to accompany me to the realm of the dead. Since I don't know how to distinguish them because they look so alike, let's just call them by Goblin no.1 and Goblin no.2.

I originally thought that they would bind me in chains, or even put me in shackles considering the magnitude of my crimes in my former world. And when they didn't, I stopped walking and asked them about it.

Both goblins snorted.

"You are one interesting soul, aren't you?" Goblin no.1 said before beckoning me to walk again. I'm confused, isn't that what you are supposed to do though?

My unuttered question was answered when Goblin no 2 came to my side and said, "Why should we bother ourselves to go such troublesome lengths? It's not like you have anywhere else to run to nor escape being dead."

Huh. Good point. But I've already readied myself to be treated poorly and when I was not, I admit that I was a bit disappointed.

We reached the netherworld and there I saw a long line of souls, waiting for their turn to drink Old Meng's soup. The two goblins told me to do the same and be patient a while. They said something along the lines of: a surplus of mortal dying at this point of time because of the war raged by one's country's duke.

All I can do was sigh when I heard his explanation. Anyway, I still think that I should be in trial. Aren't they too easy on a person like me?

So, again, like the persistent person that I am, asked my escorts about it.

"The Boss is too busy to bother with the likes of you so he told us to let you off and just reincarnate after forgetting the memories of your past," Goblin no. 2 answered. Boss, who...Yanwang?

"Anyway, we still have a lot of souls to escorts so we'll leave you here. Please give us a good feedback to Yanwang!" goblin no. 1 said before nudging his companion and vanishing, as if they were never there in the first place.

What busy creatures.

But Yangwang, huh...it's not like I can meet him though...but if I was to meet him before I take the soup...

Ugh, whatever, I don't want to think anymore.

...

The line of people waiting for the soup was long but orderly. No one were fighting and instead people looked ecstatic and refreshed as they waited for their turn. I even heard someone behind me remark that it's good fortune for them to start anew.

I frowned when I heard that bit and didn't even realize that Old Meng was already speaking to me.

"You did not live well, did you?"

How rude. It's our first meeting and this is how she treats me.

"I should be on a trial," I complained which surprised Old Meng. Different emotions flitted to her face but I only maintained neutral.

"You certainly did not live well, little lady," she muttered, placing the ladle down and sitting on a wooden chair, seemingly tired.

I frowned. Why is she even speaking to me when she weren't even initiating any conversation to the people before me? And why are her eyes twinkling? So suspicious.

"What made you say so?"

Old Meng lighted an ugly cigar and blew the smoke to my face. I covered my nose with my hand and scowled, anticipating what she will say next.

"Simple. Your looks are what they call—calamity. Surely men did not let you live quietly and pestered you a lot."

Ah. She got that one right.