"To reach the underworld from here, you must pass through the passage between the world of the living and the world of the dead. That passage is truly unpredictable, filled with overwhelmingly chaotic energy. If you didn't have this soul-binding chain on you, a soul like yours with no means of self-defense would likely end up completely annihilated while passing through."

"So, if I really encounter someone truly wicked, I actually wouldn't put this thing on them. I'd just let their soul be scattered, saving me the trouble. Heh heh!"

Ethan Brooks, upon hearing this, curiously examined the thick black chain. It really didn't look like much—just something no one would bother to pick up if it were lying on the ground. Who would've thought it was actually a divine artifact.

He reached out and gently touched the chain.

Buzz~~

When Ethan Brooks's finger touched the black chain, it suddenly let out a soft hum, like a kitten purring happily after being scratched. This sense of joy was transmitted to both Ethan Brooks and Black Reaper.

"Haha, looks like the soul-binding chain really likes you," Black Reaper was momentarily stunned when he saw the chain tremble, then burst out laughing.

"Likes me? It's alive?" Ethan Brooks was a bit surprised.

"Of course, otherwise how could it be called a divine artifact?" Black Reaper chuckled. "But you and it are quite fated. You should know, although the soul-binding chain has a spirit, it's usually indifferent to people. This kind of reaction is the first time I've seen it. Even when I first received the chain, it couldn't have cared less about me."

"Likes me? Fated?" Ethan Brooks rubbed the black chain with his finger, and to his surprise, a wave of warmth spread through his fingertip, nothing like the coldness of an ordinary chain. It felt wonderful. The chain seemed to enjoy it too, vibrating contentedly with each stroke.

"Alright, little brother, it's about time. Let's get going," said Black Reaper.

Ethan Brooks nodded.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye?" Black Reaper gestured toward Mr. Brooks and Mrs. Brooks by the mourning hall.

Ethan Brooks lowered his head and said softly, "No need. Otherwise, I might not want to leave with you."

"Interesting child. To have raised such an interesting child, you truly have a good father," Black Reaper praised. "Come on, the bond between you and them as father and son won't be so easily severed."

"Let's hope so," said Ethan Brooks.

"The journey to the underworld is long. Once you pass through the passage between the worlds, everything in the world of the living will become as fleeting as a passing cloud. Life is like a dream, and dreams are like life. Just treat this as a dream," Black Reaper said as he stood up. The black suit he wore suddenly melted away, transforming into a black robe, just like the legends described.

Standing behind him, Ethan Brooks saw that on the black robe, a pattern of interlaced chains and skulls stood out like a patch of green in a field of flowers—strikingly conspicuous.

He couldn't help but take a closer look.

Sensing Ethan Brooks's gaze, Black Reaper turned his head. "What are you looking at?"

"The pattern on your back," said Ethan Brooks.

"This pattern?" Black Reaper nodded. "It's a symbol, representing our identity."

Ethan Brooks nodded and didn't ask further.

The passage between the underworld and the world of the living is also called the 'Yin-Yang Path.'

With a wave of Black Reaper's large hand, a road stretching endlessly into the distance appeared before them.

"Next, little brother, you need to get some sleep," said Black Reaper. "If you stay awake, even with the protection of the soul-binding chain, the violent energy of the Yin-Yang Path will make you wish you were dead. That's not something ordinary people can endure."

Ethan Brooks nodded.

Black Reaper reached out and gently brushed his hand in front of Ethan Brooks's eyes. In the next moment, Ethan Brooks felt his consciousness slip away.

Then, the figures of Ethan Brooks and Black Reaper vanished from the hall.

The instant they disappeared, Mr. Brooks suddenly looked up, his eyes fixed on a corner.

"What's wrong?" asked Mrs. Brooks, her eyes red from crying.

"I think... I saw Aaron Brooks," Mr. Brooks sighed………………

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

About the book title—it's a bit awkward.

When I created a new book, I entered "Death's Apprentice" as the title. It was a pretty fitting name, but Qidian said it was already taken.

Helpless, I tried "Academy of the Gods," which was also quite suitable. But Qidian still said it was taken. I was furious.

In the end, I entered "Apprentice of the Gods." Well, I admit it's not the most fitting name, but at least it's somewhat related.

------------

Chapter Two: Not Afraid of Death, Yet Unwilling to Die

The end of one life is the beginning of another.

This year was the 473rd year of the Aegean Continent, winter.

A cold wave surging down from the northern Nibulas Mountains (the Great Ice Wall) brought an unprecedented, extraordinary snowfall. A thick layer of silver blanketed this gray land, the snow knee-deep, and everywhere you looked was wrapped in white.

But now, in what should have been a peaceful white world, the shadow of death loomed.