In the dim and gloomy underworld.
At this moment, two living beings, one dead soul, and one dog were walking on the path from the 'irreversible road' back to the mortal world.
And the sword from the god of light Apollo was currently emitting a gentle light, enveloping Asclepius and his mother.
Thus allowing Asclepius, who had lost the protection of the gods, to still walk in the underworld.
But because this light was not protection, in the underworld, it was constantly suffering erosion from the underworld's aura.
Its light was being devoured by the underworld bit by bit, visible to the naked eye!
The path of the underworld, also known as the irreversible road.
As its name suggests, those who step onto the path of the underworld, whether living or dead spirits, can only go forward and not back.
This is the iron law of the underworld.
Even the exalted gods cannot trample this iron law!
At the same time, this is also the reason why Asclepius, if he researches out the divine medicine capable of resurrecting the dead, cannot exist in the mortal world.
However, even so, just as the concept of 'miracle' still exists in the long river of destined fate, nothing is absolute.
Even if there seems to be an absolute, then breaking it is all.
Completing the 'impossible' is precisely what makes a hero!... Though that guy Jason, no matter how many things he accomplishes, would absolutely never admit he is a hero.
"Senior Brother Asclepius, the sword lent to me by the god of light Apollo cannot hold out much longer. We must hurry our steps!"
Because of the addition of the three-headed hellhound (who was tricked into it), Jason's pressure instantly lessened a lot.
Under the assault of the underworld undead drawn by the aura of the living in the underworld, he finally caught a breath.
Thus, he naturally discovered the light protecting Asclepius and his mother being gradually devoured by the underworld.
Asclepius, who kept his head down and just walked, nodded lightly upon hearing Jason's words.
Then, his speed increased a bit more.
But the irreversible road... How long it was!
And Asclepius was not a warrior; he was merely a doctor.
Thus, after more than two hours of hurried travel, Asclepius gradually showed signs of fatigue.
His steps also slowed because of this.
Sweat appeared on his forehead, and the mother on his back also began to feel heavier.
But Asclepius could only grit his teeth and press forward, because Hades had said that on this road, he could not stop for even a moment's rest.
He could only keep going forward!
If he stopped even for a moment, then he would be unable to bring his mother out of the underworld.
At the same time, after more than two hours of battle, Jason also gradually showed signs of physical exhaustion... Mainly because these undead of the underworld were inherently undying and indestructible existences.
Moreover, their attacks targeted not the body, but the soul!
Each of their attacks brought Jason not physical harm, but impact on the soul.
And as time passed, the undead blocking Jason's path not only did not diminish but gathered more and more!
At this moment, Jason was truly very glad that he had luckily encountered the three-headed hellhound who was slacking off and wandering around, then came to join the excitement.
Otherwise, he truly would have no way to protect Asclepius and his mother under such an offensive from the undead.
Of course, compared to Jason's inner relief, the three-headed hellhound Cerberus's heart at this moment was naturally extremely depressed.
With great difficulty, guarding the gate had a companion, so she could slack a bit and go out for a stroll.
But she did not expect that on this first stroll, she would encounter such a mess!
Thus, the more she thought, the angrier Cerberus became. After raising her head and howling "Woof woof woof!" loudly, she began driving away the undead before her even more ferociously.
Seeing this, the gods of the underworld secretly watching the battle, as well as the nymphs like the fire spirit, could not help but let out light laughs.
"This Cerberus... Is really quite diligent."
"After all, that white-robed child is Hecate's child. It is normal for Cerberus to be diligent."
"But is she not guarding the gates of the underworld hell? How did she get here?"
"I heard it seems that because that child, last time during a battle with so-and-so, encountered Cerberus's brother, the two-headed dog Orthrus, so Cerberus dragged him to the underworld to guard the gates together."
"Oh, so that is it... But Cerberus broke the rules, right? I think she is in trouble now."
"Huh, is the one who broke the rules not Hecate's child?"
"Fool, do you not know that child is also the lady of the underworld Persephone's little brother, that is, the lord of the underworld's little brother! Last time he broke the rules, the lord of the underworld showed favoritism. Not to mention this time there is even a scapegoat dog!"
"Oh... Poor Cerberus."
"Shh, say less. The lord of the underworld is looking over!"
The lord of the underworld Hades swept his gaze over the whispering gods around, then withdrew his sight without saying anything.
Well, they understood so well, saving Hades the effort of explaining later...
Clearly, this blame was fixed on Cerberus!
Unfortunately, she still did not know now.
Truly a poor Cerberus.
"Woof woof woof! Do you guys know who this dog is? I am the three-headed hellhound Cerberus! Hurry and get lost for this dog, woof woof woof!"
Venturing her inner resentment, and also because she noticed Jason gradually faltering, Cerberus no longer slacked... After all, she was already on the pirate ship.
Thus, Cerberus, with her three heads roaring at the same time, briefly intimidated most of the undead, giving Jason a great space to breathe.
Taking advantage of this time, Jason and the others advanced a great step forward again.
Finally, after more than three hours, they walked out of the vast gray plains.
Thus, the undead wandering on the gray plains had to stop their attacks on Jason.
But this did not mean Jason and the others were relaxed; on the contrary, the next... Was the most crucial moment!
Walking out of the gray plains, ahead was the underworld dwelling full of white poplar trees and blooming red spider lilies, where who knew how many monsters, ghouls, and ghosts resided.
Even with the intimidation of the three-headed hellhound Cerberus, what awaited Jason and Asclepius was an even more severe test!
But Jason had no time to consider so much. Never mind that Asclepius could not stop his steps; just the light protecting Asclepius could not hold out much longer.
At most two more hours, and the underworld's aura would once again erode Asclepius's soul!
"This will not do, Jason. You and your senior brother get on my back; I will carry you out running!"
The three-headed hellhound Cerberus clearly also sensed something amiss, especially after her nose twitched and she smelled some familiar auras approaching, her expression became serious.
"No, Lady Cerberus. Brother-in-law Hades said that Senior Brother Asclepius must personally carry his mother out of this irreversible road for them to return to the mortal world."
"Damn, what a hassle!" Cerberus bared her teeth, her three heads lifting at the same time to look not far away, saying, "Jason, we have trouble... Some of my old friends have come looking for me. I probably cannot continue protecting you!"
"Old friends?"
Jason had just replied when his doubt was answered.
Only to see, on the dim path ahead in the underworld, appeared a gigantic pitch-black python, underworld giants holding massive clubs, and some strange and bizarre underworld undead.
Clearly drawn by the aura of the living and Cerberus's aura, coming here.
And seeing them, Jason's expression naturally changed as well.
"Jason, next is up to you. I must lead my old friends away; otherwise, our battle will inevitably affect you!"
"...Thank you, Lady Cerberus. Rest assured; after this matter ends, I will definitely make time to repay you!"
"Hmph, what are you saying? What is our relationship... But if you have time, taking me out to play would be best."
Hearing this, Jason could not help but chuckle in amusement.
Where did this little dog locked at home come from, so eager to go out for a walk every day... Sure enough, little dogs all like to run around.
Just as Jason was thinking this, the roaring three-headed hellhound leaped forward, pouncing toward the tall giants and that pitch-black giant python.
"Senior Brother Asclepius, run... I know you are very tired, but we must run, and remember not to stop or ever look up... Rest assured, I do what I say. I will clear all obstacles before you; you just keep going forward!"
At the same time, Jason said loudly to Asclepius.
And he took out some potions, pouring them into Asclepius's mouth.
These potions replenished some of Asclepius's stamina, so after gritting his teeth, Asclepius ran forward with all his might.
At this moment, although Asclepius could not see, he could hear; he completely heard how chilling the cries of those underworld undead were, making one shudder, let alone fighting them!
Moreover, Asclepius also knew that these undead in the underworld were undying and indestructible, so he fully understood how arduous Jason's battle at this moment was.
But now, all he could do was hold the compass given by Jason and keep going forward, out of this irreversible path of the underworld!
Just like this, merely ten minutes later...
"Damn!"
Jason gritted his teeth, his hand trembling slightly as he gripped the demon spear, looking at the wailing undead flying in the underworld sky before him and the ghouls and monsters blocking the path, feeling very helpless in his heart.
He had already tried very hard... Already given his all.
But now with Cerberus gone, he truly had no way to continue driving away these undead.
After all, force had no effect on them at all!
Moreover, as time passed, these underworld spirits not only would not decrease but would only increase.
Now, whether it was Jason or Asclepius, who had stopped running and was walking step by step with heavy panting, both clearly had reached their limits.
Could only... End like this?
In Jason's heart, he thought unwillingly.
And just as a trace of despair arose in Jason's heart, and the surrounding underworld gods sighed for it, thinking it was over, even Hades falling silent for it.
Those undead who had been roaring mournfully at him and Asclepius suddenly stopped.
As if frozen in place, no longer launching attacks on Jason.
Seeing this, Jason was slightly stunned. Just as he was puzzled, he suddenly discovered ahead that a dancing butterfly of the underworld was flying toward him.
Only to see, in this dim underworld world, the dancing butterfly of the underworld appeared before Jason and landed on the stunned Jason's shoulder.
Then, on the dim path ahead in the underworld, faint underworld light illuminated the road forward. A beautiful goddess dressed in black, walking on the path of the underworld under the escort of numerous butterflies of the underworld.
Appeared in Jason's eyes, which slowly widened, turning from surprise to ecstatic joy, becoming extremely excited.
"I say... Could you not be a bit more quiet for once?"
Then, a pleasant soft helpless voice entered Jason's ears.
This goddess also came before Jason and reached out, helplessly pinching Jason's cheek.
"Teacher... Teacher Hecate, you finally came!"
As Jason spoke, he pounced toward Hecate.
That is right; this beautiful goddess escorted by butterflies of the underworld, wearing a black long skirt, with long black hair and red eyes, who else could she be but Jason's teacher Hecate!
But Hecate slightly sidestepped to dodge Jason and rolled her eyes at him, saying, "You... I was only gone for a short while, and you stirred up another pile of trouble... By the way, it is really lively."
As she spoke and raised her head, Hecate's gaze swept over the surroundings.
She saw those watching gods of the underworld and the lord of the underworld Hades!
Then she looked again at Asclepius, who continued forward even upon her arrival, and at the exhausted Jason.
A thoughtful realization appeared in her eyes; clearly, she understood what was going on.
"So that is how it is... No helping it then."
The realizing Hecate then looked at Jason, spread her hands, and said, "If it is like this, then I cannot help you either."
"How can that be!" Jason pouted as he spoke, wanting to hug Hecate's leg, but was stopped by Hecate reaching out!
"Wait, hold on. You, this wayward disciple, so many people are watching. Pay a bit of attention to your image!... Even if you do not care about your image, your teacher does!"
After Hecate spoke, she clearly heard chuckling voices from the surroundings... This made Hecate look at Jason, itching with hatred in her teeth.
But seeing his exhausted appearance, Hecate ultimately softened again.
"Alright, stop making a fuss... Although I cannot help you, when I returned, someone asked me to deliver something to you on his behalf."
With that, under Jason's puzzled gaze, Hecate took out a golden seven-stringed lyre from the magic array beside her.
And the instant he saw it, Jason recognized its identity.
Because three years ago, Jason had seen it... Three years ago, when he first met the god of light Apollo, it was because of this lyre.
It possessed the charm to make anyone who heard it enchanted, even ferocious gods and savage beasts would instantly become gentle and submissive, bowing their heads.
Even the spirits of the underworld were no exception!
Because of this, there was a similar case in the mythological stories.
In the future, the god of light Apollo would give this seven-stringed lyre to one of his children, a poet and singer named Orpheus.
That was precisely the son of the god of light Apollo and the muse goddess Calliope, who presided over epic poetry, possessing lyre skills that could compete with the sirens, those demons who enchanted others with their songs.
And in the story of the hero Orpheus, there was the tale of Orpheus coming to the underworld to find his beloved wife, using his lyre music to move the undead, even moving Hades and Persephone to relent and agree to let him take his wife away.
But the condition was similar to this time: when Orpheus and his wife walked out of the irreversible road back to the mortal world, he could not look back at his wife and could only keep going forward.
But when they walked out of the gates of death, through the valley of shadows, crossed the River Styx, the path full of gloom, and finally saw the faint light of the mortal world, his wife, because of Orpheus's indifference without looking back all the way.
Plus the torment of snake wounds along the way, cried out at the final moment, making Orpheus unable to resist turning his head, embracing her, consoling her.
Thus failing at the last step; everything vanished like a dream, and the long arm of death once again pulled his wife back to the land of the dead, leaving him only two strings of crystalline tears.
Orpheus, after enduring hardships, ultimately failed at the last step. He truly wanted to follow his wife to the underworld, but the ferryman Charon on the River Styx refused to ferry him across, so he had to return to the mortal world alone, ultimately living out his days in depression until the end.
And now, the god of light Apollo had Hecate bring this seven-stringed lyre before Jason.
"Apollo asked me to ask you on his behalf if you still remember your agreement with him?... Now is precisely the time to fulfill the agreement."
After the slightly stunned Jason took the lyre, Hecate said to him, "Play it, Jason... Even in the underworld, he will take in all your lyre music.
Thus, Jason, now is precisely the time for you to fulfill your agreement with him, and at the same time... It is the moment for you to offer tribute to the god of light Apollo!"
Jason looked at Hecate speaking to him like this, then at the lyre in his hand.
Soon, a smile appeared on his face.
He reached out, gently plucked the strings, then nodded lightly to Hecate, saying, "Yes, I understand, Teacher Hecate."
With that, Jason put away the demon spear in his hand and began straightening his clothing.
And Hecate came over, helping Jason comb his slightly disheveled hair, then slowly stepped back to watch the Jason before her, dressed in white, holding the golden seven-stringed lyre.
At this moment, the gods of the underworld, who had been whispering because of Hecate's appearance, could not help but stop.
They gazed at Jason, who had restrained his battle intent, holding the seven-stringed lyre, with a gentle smile on his handsome face.
Appearing so refined and mild, they could not help but be stunned for a while.
Even the ancestor of all demons Typhon observing in secret, and the primordial deities, looked over curiously.
Then, watching such a Jason, Hecate nodded lightly and turned to leave, once again yielding the stage to Jason.
And with Hecate's departure, the undead she had just suppressed began moving again, the moment they let out mournful cries.
Jason... Gently plucked the golden seven-stringed lyre in his hand!
Zheng!
A crisp lyre sound rang out, and an invisible golden sound wave from the seven-stringed lyre began spreading outward!
Then Jason came beside Asclepius and slowly closed those emerald eyes.
Beginning to recall the guidance he received from the centaur sage Chiron and Sea Queen Amphitrite back then.
As well as back then on that small island, when he competed in arts with the sirens.
Gradually, Jason opened his eyes.
At this moment, before Jason's eyes was no longer the dim and mournful underworld; his golden eyes appeared so clear!
Then, accompanying the vibrations of the golden seven-stringed lyre in Jason's hands, beautiful lyre music began spreading far and wide in the underworld.
Under this lyre music, the undead surrounding Jason and Asclepius gradually stopped their mournful roars.
The underworld... Gradually became quiet.
The plucking lyre sounds turned melodious, the music like splashing water flowers lightly ringing on the sea surface, or like gentle light caressing the body and mind.
In this dark underworld, illuminating it!
At this moment, in Jason's ears, there was only the lyre music he plucked, nothing else. And the melodious lyre tones, under the plucking of Jason's slender fingers, began echoing in the underworld.
The beautiful lyre music penetrated the dim underworld world, clearly entering the ears of the surrounding gods and spirits of the underworld.
And hearing this lyre music, gradually, those undead around Jason and Asclepius fell from the sky, and the ghouls and monsters blocking their path also stopped their ferocious faces.
Even in the distance, the sounds of battle with Cerberus and her old friends stopped.
They raised their heads, listening to this beautiful lyre music spreading in the underworld.
Accompanying the spread of the lyre music, just as the gods of the underworld felt somewhat dazed, a shocking scene appeared.
On this irreversible road of the underworld, a golden path began appearing before Jason and Asclepius.
The two stepped onto this golden path, slowly leaving the ground of the irreversible road, coming to the dim sky of the underworld.
But at this moment, that golden light illuminated the darkness of the underworld, and under Jason's lyre music, it shone out a golden road!
And this lyre music also soothed the restlessness in Asclepius's heart, bringing relief to his body's fatigue.
Not only that, accompanying the widespread spread of the golden lyre tones, beside Jason, more and more light was ignited. In this dim underworld.
Thus, the 'domain' formed.
In that domain, the nine ancient muses who presided over the arts, the beautiful muse goddesses' illusory figures, appeared from the golden domain.
They, variously holding their musical instruments or in the identity of dancers, appeared beside Jason.
And when they discovered that the one playing the seven-stringed lyre, even forming the 'domain', was not the god of light Apollo at all, they were naturally quite surprised.
But under Jason's beautiful lyre music, after glancing at each other, they nodded lightly and began doing their duties.
The nine muse goddesses adorned Jason's lyre music. They harmonized with Jason's lyre music, bringing even more beautiful and pleasant sounds into the underworld, letting the light emanating from Jason at this moment illuminate the underworld!
At this moment, who knew how many gods of the underworld looked at Jason, unusual colors appearing in their eyes.
The ancestor of all demons Typhon even bewitchingly licked her lips.
Even Hecate, her expression watching Jason at this moment, appeared so proud and gratified.
The battle between the three-headed hellhound Cerberus and her old friends also stopped... And just as it stopped, she gave them a bite.
Afterward, she pretended as if nothing happened, panting with a serious face as she continued listening to Jason's lyre music.
Thus, under the golden road and the accompaniment of the nine muse goddesses, the obstacles on this irreversible road all proactively made way for Jason and Asclepius.
Jason and Asclepius advanced, coming above the surging black River Styx.
They did not need to cross the river.
Because that golden road carried them across the River Styx, and even the resentful souls in the River Styx poked their heads out to listen to Jason's lyre music.
Naturally, the ferryman Charon also heard this lyre tone. He looked at Jason coming from above the River Styx, accompanied by the illusory figures of the nine muse goddesses, walking on the road of light, and his expression was strange.
"This child... Is playing more and more tricks, huh?"
After grumbling, Charon also closed his eyes to listen to this lyre music, in no way inferior to the god of light Apollo's.
Thus, Jason and Asclepius crossed the River Styx and arrived before the gates of hell.
The guarding two-headed dog was originally quite curious about who it was and hesitating whether to block, but upon seeing Jason...
With a slap.
It lay on the ground and closed its eyes.
Its four dog ears also drooped, covering its ears.
In a manner of 'I saw nothing, know nothing'.
Thus, just like this, Jason brought Asclepius and his mother out of the gates of death, through the valley of shadows, crossed the River Styx, walking on the golden road of light amid the gloom along the way.
In the end, seeing the light of the mortal world.
Following the road of light, walking out of the irreversible road of the underworld!