I did not think that there was an edge of the world, but there we were. Horse and I had walked to the part of the world where the sky met the ground. It was one of the places that Pan Gu, the immortal, did not break apart. The icy ground reflected the sky, as though there were two parallel worlds. Perhaps I caught a glimpse of the Imperial Palace, but maybe it was all an illusion. As usual, Nuwa was there, waiting for us, and she led us further and further, and the sky and the ground seemed to move closer together.
Finally, she stopped at a cave. She walked in, beckoning us to follow. We trooped down the slope, and everything grew dark. I couldn’t even see her white robes anymore. I was in the darkness for quite some time, along with less than pleasant thoughts. But soon, I could see the goddess’ robes again, as there was a red light in the distance.
The light slowly flooded the room in the cave, that is, if caves could have rooms. In the middle of this room was a desk and some turtle shells with words on them, and a throne. On it was Master. Our Master. He was wearing red and black robes and there was a crown on his head.
I rushed forward to him. Unlike all the other kings, he got up, ran towards us, and gave the both of us a hug.
“My wonderful, loyal companions,” he said. “We’re home at last.”
Most people think that the Underworld is grim and dark, and they are right. But for me, seeing my master again was enough to light up the whole world in that moment.
I turned around to thank Nuwa, but she was gone. She had left us to celebrate.
We knew what we had to do. My master became the new Lord of the Underworld, and we, his psychopomps. We would serve him until the very end.