This is so dishonest!

Chapter 304 The Qilin Smuggles into the Underworld, Various Parties Covet the Netherworld

After the emergence of the Ghost Clan, the Netherworld finally became lively.

In the nine ghost cities, hundreds of ghosts roam at night, and in the boundless mountains, ghosts wail incessantly.

Various landforms belonging to the Netherworld also appeared as Xuanqing modified them.

Each of the major territories was also given a name.

Apart from the Central Ghost City, the areas under the jurisdiction of the Eight Directions Ghost City are collectively referred to as the Eight Directions [hóng].

For example, the two major territories under the rule of the Eastern Ghost City are the Thorn Forest and the Mulberry Field;
The northeast is called Heqiu, also known as Huangtu; the north is called Jibing, also known as Weiyu; the west is called Jinqiu, also known as Woye; the southwest is called Jiaojiao, also known as Yantu.
Besides the eight directions, there are also eight marshes.

These eight marshes, located within the vast tributary system of the Yellow Springs River, are Wutong Great Marsh, Juqu Yuan Marsh, Dameng Hao Marsh, Zhuzi Dan Marsh, and Jiuqu Quan Marsh.
Beyond the eight directions and eight marshes lies the boundless, chaotic, and dark sea.

There are also islands and floating continents in the chaotic dark sea.

Xuanqing and his group even created some Chaos Ghosts, who would live in the Chaos Nether Sea and become its native inhabitants.

"After this major overhaul, the territory of the Underworld has become more substantial!"

The central Fengdu Ghost City, with the Styx River located in the Street of the Dead, in front of the Hall of the King of Equality.

He felt the changes in the world and was quite moved: "The underworld is no longer empty. We now have mountains and rivers, and ghosts."

"Once all the blessed lands and grotto-heavens are perfected, and those rare treasures and spiritual roots and medicines are nurtured, our underworld will surely be a vibrant place where all things flourish!"

"More than that!"

Wangchuan said with a look of longing, "Once the ghosts, gods, and immortals from all the heavens and myriad realms ascend here, we will be able to realize the initial operation of the underworld."

"Brother Styx's Blood Sea can contain countless evil spirits and malevolent forces. After entering the Underworld through the River of Souls, they can be transformed into ghosts."

"Then we will educate these ghosts and transform them into ghost immortals and ghost gods."

"This way, the forces of the underworld can continue to grow and fill the current void in the underworld."

"Once the cycle of reincarnation begins in the future, we can transform the underworld into a true haven for all souls!"

At that time, the River of Oblivion, which serves as the river god of the underworld, will greatly benefit from the improvement of the underworld.

Tai Su Daluo, Tai Shi Daluo, Tai Chu Daluo, Tai Yi Daluo. These are not dreams!
"Hehe, hehe!" Wangchuan couldn't help but grin foolishly at the thought of the bright future.

The lush green tea tree sat atop the plaque of the Hall of Equality King. Looking at the foolishly grinning Wangchuan, it shook its head and said:
"Young gods are not down-to-earth enough; they are always full of fantasies, which they indulge in and cannot extricate themselves from!"

Wangchuan listened without taking it to heart: "What do you, with just a spiritual root, know?"

"I know a lot! You should know I am the Enlightenment Tea Tree. I can wield the Three Thousand Great Daos with ease!" The Enlightenment Tea Tree looked down over the River of Oblivion from its high position.

Wangchuan asked with a smile, "Since you know so much, why don't you take human form and become a god?"

"Transformation is so boring."

Xiao Cha jumped off the signboard and landed on Meng Wuyou's shoulder. He said casually, "What's better than being a spirit root?"

"Didn't you see that the Reincarnation Purple Lotus has given up on the idea of ​​becoming a god and has now turned to becoming a spiritual root?"

"Who said the Purple Lotus of Reincarnation gave up on becoming a god?"

Wangchuan said, "Their opportunity just hasn't arrived yet!"

"Once the cycle of reincarnation in the Netherworld is completed, let's see if He will still be a spiritual root."

The Twelfth Grade Reincarnation Purple Lotus is a top-grade spiritual root. If it weren't for the fact that the burden of the Primordial Reincarnation was too heavy for Him to bear, He would have taken it upon Himself.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to become the master of reincarnation?

Styx looked at Xuanqing and asked with a smile, "Is it alright if I choose a ghost city?"

"Fellow Daoist, what are you saying?"

Xuanqing said, "Mount Baizhong in the west was originally intended as your residence. What's wrong with you taking care of the ghost city there?"

"Hehe, that's good. I was just thinking of creating a city of the unjustly dead!"

Clutching his killing sword, Styx excitedly headed towards Mount Bazhong.

Just then, on the empty throne of King Equality, an incomparably majestic demon god appeared.

[King of Equality] Guang Chengzi returned from the heavens. He wore a flat-topped black crown, a robe, a royal sword at his waist, a jade tablet in his hand, and black boots. His body was surrounded by a vast and auspicious light.

Along with him appeared the four judges: the one who rewards good, the one who punishes evil, the one who investigates, and the one who enforces the laws of the underworld.

These judges, each wearing a black gauze hat, a rhinoceros horn belt, holding an ivory tablet, dressed in a silk robe, and wearing red boots, rode on clouds and surrounded by auspicious light.

"Your subject, King Pingdeng, and his subordinate judges greet Your Majesty!" Guangchengzi bowed to Xuanqing.

The four judges then bowed down.

"No gift!"

Xuanqing lifted up the several ghosts and gods, and nodded slightly: "You are indeed swift in your actions."

"The affairs of the Netherworld are my affairs! If there are changes in the Netherworld, I naturally have to come and see."

In front of his subordinates, Guang Chengzi was unusually serious, completely embracing the role of King Pingdeng.

He said, "I have another matter to discuss with you today, which is to bring my capable subordinates to visit the underworld."

"To prepare for the connection between the Netherworld and all the myriad realms in the near future."

"We humbly request Your Majesty's permission!"

When Guang Chengzi said these words, the four judges behind him secretly looked at Xuan Qing, their eyes full of expectation.

"We humbly request Your Majesty's permission!"

They assisted Guang Chengzi in governing the underworld and made outstanding contributions.

Guang Chengzi brought them here for three reasons: first, to make an impression on Xuan Qing; second, to give them a holiday so they could visit the Netherworld; and third, to find a blessed land for his subordinates to work in the future!
Various blessed lands and grottoes are now forming in the underworld; choose one early and enjoy it sooner.

Xuan Qing looked at the five devout spirits and gods, nodded and smiled, "Alright!"

This single word made the four judges overjoyed.

Guang Chengzi beamed with joy: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The four judges also bowed in gratitude.

Xuanqing waved his hand, signaling them to move freely, and the ghosts and gods left with profuse thanks.

"It's really unusual to see Guang Chengzi so serious all of a sudden!" Meng Wuyou shook her head and chuckled as she looked at the imposing [King Pingdeng] Guang Chengzi.

A short while later, King Chujiang, Chijingzi, also led his followers to the Netherworld.

"Your subject, King Chujiang, pays respects to the Great Emperor!" Chijingzi was accompanied by several imposing ghost generals.

"Emperor Song pays respects to the Great Emperor!" The Third Lord of the Netherworld, [Emperor Song] Huanglong Zhenren, was followed by Ox-Head and Horse-Face.

"King of the Wheel pays his respects to the Great Emperor!" The Tenth Palace Master, King of the Wheel, Julusun, arrived with the two great ghosts, Black and White Impermanence.

Following them were [King Biancheng] Grand Master Lingbao, [King Taishan] True Man Taiyi, and [King Dushi] True Man Yuding.
One by one, the Kings of Hell returned to the Underworld with their trusted followers.

"Now that we've met, let's all go our separate ways!"

Xuan Qing smiled and waved his hand: "You can choose some cave dwellings to stay temporarily. There's no need to stay long. The various underworlds still need you to guard them." The Yama Kings laughed and said: "We wouldn't dare delay our official duties!"

“When we arrived, we had already transformed into our Dao bodies and were taking charge.”

What everyone was implying was that since they had finally come back, they naturally wanted to enjoy a proper vacation.

Oh no, it's an inspection tour.

"We have all come here to investigate and learn about the upcoming interdimensional portal that will soon open within the Ghost City!"

~~~~
The Western Underworld Sea.

In the boundless darkness, countless islands are scattered like stars, dotting the landscape.

On an island shrouded in chaotic mist, several furtive figures arrived.

"Everyone be careful. My Divine Treasure Dao Fruit can help conceal your tracks. As long as you don't actively expose yourselves within the time it takes for three incense sticks to burn, you will definitely not be discovered!"

The God of the Hidden Demon said quietly, "Once we arrive here, everyone's identity will be objectified. We are just a blade of grass, a leaf, or a handful of soil in the Netherworld, insignificant."

"Therefore, your identity must never be revealed."

"Once the time is up, we will cease exploration and must retreat immediately!"

"it is good!"

The First Qilin and the Qiankun Daoist nodded.

They were eventually drawn by the commotion in the underworld and came to see for themselves.

Meanwhile, on an island not far from them...

[Yin Master] Jiu Feng also quietly descended upon the Netherworld.

A boy wearing a hoodie stood beside her.

He kept pulling his robe tighter, his body trembling slightly, as if he wanted to hide himself.

“Fellow Daoist Fear, this place is dark and gloomy, and all dangers are unknown. We need to proceed with caution,” said [Yin Master] Jiufeng solemnly.

She noticed the changes in the underworld because of the unique nature of the Dao Fruit.

Even Jiufeng sensed the aura belonging to the "Landlord" Zhedan.

So she volunteered to go with the God of Fear to the Underworld to investigate.

"Alright!" The fear demon hidden in the hood pursed his lips, his voice almost trembling.
He is yet another ally successfully summoned by Shenni.

Its ultimate principle represents fear!

"Let's go!"

The two demon gods walked through the chaotic mist.

Both sides quietly explored the chaotic Nether Sea, without encountering each other.

~~~~~
"Senior brother, isn't it a bad idea for us to skip the main gate and sneak in?"

Still in the Western Underworld Sea, the Guide Daoist and the Zhunti Daoist mingled among a group of chaotic ghosts.

Zhunti was puzzled by Jieyin's actions: "Doesn't Senior Brother know the Fellow Daoist of Fengdu?"

"This is different."

The guide chuckled and said, "Can what you see through the main gate be the same as what we see when we sneak in?"

Zhunti was speechless.

He could only follow the guide, transforming into a chaotic ghost, and fly in a certain direction with the vast procession.

"Is there light ahead?"

I don't know how long we flew, but suddenly the sky was filled with a myriad of colorful rays and auspicious patterns, and a vast, ethereal aura filled the ten directions.

A majestic, dark mountain stands tall, its aura of both solemnity and grandeur achieving a delicate balance.

On the high platform of the sacred mountain, a scroll of immortal scripture emitted a shimmering light.

There was magnificent and melodious celestial music, majestic and powerful thunderous sounds, and mysterious and ethereal Taoist rhythms...

Beneath the sacred mountain, those who listen to the Dao are neither beasts nor birds, but rather creatures of scales and armor.

Instead, they were a vast, dark mass of ghosts and spirits, numbering in the hundreds of thousands or even millions!

Ghosts and spirits surrounded the dark, sacred mountain in layers upon layers.

The innermost circle consists of the greater demons of the demon race, the middle circle contains several lesser demons with intelligence, and the outermost circle consists of wandering spirits floating above the sea of ​​blood.

The divine light and immortal energy, the Daoist sounds and thunder that usually terrify ghosts and spirits.

At this moment, however, it has become a supreme treasure that they flock to and eagerly seek to see and hear about.

Even the most remnant souls and vengeful spirits, devoid of any intelligence, possess an instinctive urge to listen to the Dao, yet they are also filled with fear and dread of the Thunderous Immortal Qi, thus remaining detached from the sacred mountain and lingering on the outermost edge.

"Is this the method used by the underworld to educate ghost immortals?"

Among the outermost ring of remnant souls, one headless remnant soul suddenly scratched its neck.

Zhen Yuanzi "looked" in the direction of the sacred mountain and found the automatically looping immortal scriptures quite interesting.

He was genuinely curious about the changes in the underworld.

Thus, it transformed into a wisp of remnant soul, merged into the sea of ​​blood, and entered the chaotic underworld sea along the river of souls.

"It's just too smooth, it makes me feel uneasy."

Zhen Yuanzi was filled with apprehension.

Before he came in, he was worried about being discovered and was quite uneasy.

Now that he's successfully entered, he doesn't feel relieved at all; instead, he feels even more uneasy.

He knew the underworld was vast, and sneaking into it was like sneaking from the heavens to the primordial wilderness. Finding a place to hide shouldn't cause any major problems.

"They come, the security!"

Zhen Yuanzi comforted himself.

"Anyway, I'm definitely not the only one who came."

"Even if there are problems, I won't be the only one to shoulder them!"

Having said that, Zhen Yuanzi resolutely drifted towards the Western Ghost City.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

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P.S.: The Eightfold Land, as described in the "Huainanzi: Earthly Formation" chapter: "Beyond the Nine Provinces, there are the Eightfold Lands... Beyond the Eightfold Lands, there are the Eightfold Regions, each a thousand li square. From the northeast, they are called Heqiu and Huangtu; to the east, Jilin and Sangye; to the southeast, Daqiong and Zhongnu."

This is used here to represent the terrain of the underworld.

(End of this chapter)