The unbelievable sight before them finally brought Granny Fan's divine dance to a halt. Beside her, Gou Dan and the others stood slack-jawed, staring at the two ghosts and the one man who were now grinning foolishly at each other.

"Ah, brother, back then I was just thinking. We brothers are separated by the paths of the living and the dead; who knows when or if we'd ever share a jug of wine again. But heaven's will has brought us together again, hehe, ohohoho, and so quickly!" White Impermanence licked his slimy tongue, forcing a smile.

"Indeed! The three of us truly share a deep fate. Has it only been a few days since we parted? Hahahaha." Young Master Liu was grinning like an idiot, unreservedly punching Black and White Impermanence on the arm. But after a moment, Young Master Liu's eyes suddenly welled up.

His voice choked with emotion as he spoke: "I never imagined, I never imagined you two brothers were also dead! Just days ago you were full of life! Who? Who killed you two brothers? I'll gladly let the People's Liberation Army execute me, but I must avenge you!" As he spoke, Young Master Liu's gaze turned fierce, his silver teeth clenched, his fists cracking as he squeezed them. This state was a complete contrast to his usual carefree, cowardly demeanor; in an instant, he seemed like a different person, clearly consumed by genuine fury.

Hearing Young Master Liu's words, Black and White Impermanence were momentarily stunned. They exchanged a glance, then looked back at the young man before them—their sworn brother, Young Master Liu—and a warm current of emotion washed over them. Despite their usual ferocious appearances, Young Master Liu's words struck a deep chord in their hearts. What did Xie Bi'an and Fan Wujiu value most in their lives? Loyalty, brotherly loyalty! It was for loyalty and a promise that Fan Wujiu willingly stood on the bridge, refusing to move an inch until he was drowned, and it was for loyalty that Xie Bi'an hanged himself by the bridge after weeping profusely. In truth, Black and White Impermanence never expected Young Master Liu to do anything for them; they didn't need him to. As spectral bailiffs of the Underworld, possessing boundless power to seize lives and claim souls in the mortal realm, what ordinary person could possibly aid them?

As for the reason for their brotherhood, firstly, it was Young Master Liu’s warm hospitality, innocence, and straightforward nature, qualities they admired. Secondly, that night had been the happiest they had spent. As for the oath of brotherhood itself? Perhaps it was a moment of impulsive bonding fueled by alcohol! But it was absolutely binding! They had always been proud men, keeping their word absolutely, and since becoming spectral bailiffs, they were even more resolute—never retracting a single spoken promise. While the concept of two great Yin Marshals swearing brotherhood with a mere boy might sound astonishing, and they themselves had found it rather absurd upon reflection later, that was the truth.

But now, Black and White Impermanence thought differently. Based on those few words just spoken by Young Master Liu, even if it meant dying for their mortal brother right then and there, they wouldn't hesitate. After all, they were straightforward men, devoid of unnecessary convolutions. To die for such a loyal and righteous brother would truly be a great joy for their "ghostly" existence!

Black Impermanence, always the most impatient, excitedly spoke up immediately: "Good brother! I never realized how much you value friendship and loyalty! Actually, actually, ah!" Black Impermanence shook his head and stepped back, falling silent.

"What is it, Brother Fan Ba? Say something! No matter who they are! If they harmed you, I swear I'll make them pay in blood!" Young Master Liu ground out through clenched teeth.

"Heh heh, Brother Liu. Actually, no one harmed us," White Impermanence, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke. His words left Young Master Liu completely baffled, like a monk lost in thought.

White Impermanence placed a hand on Young Master Liu's shoulder and explained, with a touch of embarrassment: "Brother, we weren't being honest with you then. We actually died hundreds of years ago. I imagine you’ve heard the story of Black and White Impermanence, right? That refers to the two of us."

"What? Black and White Impermanence!" Young Master Liu jumped, startled. Only now did he start scrutinizing his two sworn brothers before him with genuine focus.

Their attire—one entirely black, the other entirely white—and the mournful clubs and soul-hooking tokens they carried perfectly matched the tales of the "Ten Great Yin Marshals" his father, Old Man Liu, had told him in his childhood.

As Young Master Liu thought about it, a chill crept over him, prickling his skin, and cold sweat began to bead on his forehead. It wasn't the Underworld itself that was cold, but a strange, indefinable terror. Here he was, Young Master Liu, a mortal from the living world—a petty rogue and scoundrel, to put it bluntly—sworn brothers with the renowned Black and White Impermanence! But then he paused, sensing something amiss. What exactly were Black and White Impermanence? How could he have encountered them? Was it truly because his roasted rabbit tasted so good?

"No, no, this can't be real. Were you guys here to capture me back then?" Young Master Liu, his scalp tingling now that he understood, bravely managed to ask Black and White Impermanence.

Black and White Impermanence exchanged another look, and finally, they nodded.

"Then, then why didn't you capture me? Why did you show me the way out and let me go? What was that about?" Young Master Liu looked utterly perplexed.

"Heh heh, because we became sworn brothers, didn't we? If we're brothers, how could we just watch you die?" White Impermanence chuckled happily.

"Then, then what about you? Did King Yama scold you?" Young Master Liu was determined to get to the bottom of it. He wasn't sure whether to praise his kindness or call him a fool. Any normal person, upon realizing they were moments from death only to be let off by spectral bailiffs, would be thanking heaven and burning incense; who would care about anything else?

"Hahahaha, truly a good brother, still worrying about us now!" Black Impermanence laughed heartily. "It’s fine! We’re close with the Judge! A quick word, and the matter is settled."

"Oh. I see." Young Master Liu let out a breath of relief, and simultaneously, a strange surge of excitement began to rise within him. This feeling was far more intense than the fear he'd felt moments before! Damn it! I'm actually this awesome! To become sworn brothers with spectral bailiffs! This is totally amazing! Totally cool!

Then, the two ghosts sat down together and resumed their chatter, completely ignoring Granny Fan and the other spirits. The scene was exactly like that night when the three of them sat by the fire, eating roasted rabbit and drinking liquor they'd scavenged from graves! They talked wildly, spinning grand tales until the break of dawn—the feeling? In a word: absolutely fantastic!

Watching Young Master Liu engrossed in conversation with his ghostly brothers, Granny Fan could no longer remain composed. Although she knew the bailiffs were on their side now, and perhaps the fate of Gou Dan and the other two ghosts was secured, she was still a living person, and she couldn't stay in the Underworld too long. If the Yin energy kept accumulating inside her, she really wouldn't be able to return.

With this thought, Granny Fan finally crept closer cautiously and said, "Heh heh, Young Master Liu, look, it's getting late. Shouldn't we be heading back? It's not good to bother Brothers Impermanence with our presence!"

The three were deep in conversation and had no room for Granny Fan's interruption. Immediately, the trio turned their displeasure onto her. Young Master Liu commanded, "Wait." White Impermanence said, "Go stand aside!" And Black Impermanence barked even more decisively: "Scram! Natter on again and we'll drag you straight down to the Eighteenth Level of Hell for the oil vat!"

Granny Fan was instantly silenced, forced to retreat to the side and watch the three continue their chat.

Waiting and waiting, she realized she couldn't delay any longer. If she waited too long, she truly wouldn't be able to go back. Panicked, Granny Fan suddenly blurted out: "Can the three of you stop talking already? Aren't you hungry? Aren't you going home to eat?"