Besides acting as the Ritual Host when the time came, she would not interfere with anything else.
To manage all these tasks, Huai Shi would either need to spend three years running himself ragged collecting various items, or he'd have to prepare a 'small token' of appreciation and spend money to solve the problems.
Spending money was out of the question; Huai Shi could only tighten his grip on his wallet, preparing himself for leg-breaking runs across the Current Circumstances, the Border, and various Hells.
But some materials still required luck, and even more items were completely baffling.
Take, for example, the first of the most challenging prerequisite conditions...
"What the hell does 'the birth of life' mean?" Huai Shi asked.
"It means to create a life, duh! Can't you understand the literal meaning?" Raven retorted. "You're so grown up, you don't know how to have kids? Well, I guess I'll start from the beginning then—Huai Shi, you see, little babies are not brought by a stork; they need to be..."
"Paid for with phone credit?"
Huai Shi interrupted her coldly, his eyes questioning, "Who was it, just the other day, saying they didn't want things to get '404'd'? Why are you so smooth with the suggestive jokes yourself!"
"I was just trying to explain it to you," Raven defended.
"Then explain to me what the hell kind of Stigma prerequisite requires me to have a child!"
Huai Shi was exasperated. "Besides, I'm freaking seventeen years old, sis! I'm not even of legal marriage age! And even if I were, I don't have a girlfriend! And even if I had a girlfriend, I wouldn't necessarily need to have a child just for this!"
"Well, there are many ways to create life; having your own child is just the simplest one." The Raven shrugged, a look of helplessness on her face as if to say, 'I gave you a suggestion, but you're not taking it.' "Of course," she continued, "there are other ways, just not as simple and quick. You might as well take your time finding one. After all, I'm not the one in a hurry..."
"...Life is really tough," the young man sighed, looking up at the sky, his helpless lament echoing on and on.
The White Horse rolled its eyes, suddenly feeling the urge to kick up its heels.
Fortunately, just as Huai Shi was about to drive the White Horse to the brink of tolerance with his incessant talk, they finally arrived at their destination.
The Xiematai Art Gallery.
As Master Chef Watanabe had mentioned, it was one of the older classical music halls and had relatively frequent exchanges with the outside world. Seeking to establish communication there would likely not end in disappointment.
Just as Huai Shi was scrutinizing the serene structure that lay behind the grand doors, he heard the thunderous sound of the doors opening. Behind them, a Skeleton dressed in formal attire stumbled forward to meet Huai Shi, placing a hand on its chest in a bow.
"We have awaited you for a long time, Mr. Huai Shi."
Huai Shi raised an eyebrow. "You know me?"
The Skeleton's jaw moved up and down, creaking as it spoke, "Though we have not had the honor to meet, your glorious image has spread throughout Xiematai in recent days.
After confirming with the main assembly several times, I dared to believe that after six hundred years, another esteemed Disastrous Musician has graced this unremarkable city. Since then, I have been prepared to welcome your arrival."
Behind the Skeleton, the once silent building burst into light. Amidst the brilliance of gold and jade, ancient doors opened one after another, revealing a spotless and magnificent hall. Countless candles lit up simultaneously, highlighting the dizzying, ornate decorations.
"Please come in, Mr. Huai Shi," the Skeleton gestured warmly, leading the way. "Do come in. I never thought I would have the honor of hosting such a distinguished guest at the end of my professional career."
"..."
Huai Shi was dumbstruck.
Am I really this popular in Hell?