Volume Eight: Infernal Judgment Chapter Ten: Recognizing One’s Ancestry and Returning to One’s Roots

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Upon returning to Celestial Sword, they began interrogating Gui Qing and his followers. Yet regardless of how many teams of officers took turns, Gui Qing remained silent, wearing the look of a man resigned to his fate.

“Phoenix, help me,” Xuan Chen pleaded, looking utterly pitiful.

“There, there, don’t cry, be good, and your big sister will take care of you.” Yao Guang patted his head, and before Xuan Chen could react, she strode to stand before Ghost Beard. “Elder, Ah Xu, let me handle Gui Qing. The rest are yours. How about it?”

“No problem, leave them to me,” Chen Haixu replied with a sly grin, then left. Ghost Beard nodded mysteriously and followed.

Yao Guang shivered at their expressions; these two were not to be trifled with. Old grudges and new ones would be settled together.

She entered the interrogation room where Gui Qing was held. He looked at her and sneered.

Yao Guang ignored him and sipped her tea.

When it came to composure, no one could match her. If the suspect refused to speak, she would simply accompany him in silence. After she’d had enough tea, she lounged back in her chair, tilting her head to watch Gui Qing with an amused gaze.

Gui Qing stared back, and so they remained at an impasse for half an hour before he finally broke, asking, “What do you intend to do with me?”

“Shh, don’t speak,” Yao Guang replied with a soft laugh.

“What exactly do you want?” Gui Qing demanded.

“Nothing much. I’m just pondering how to play this game with you,” she said.

“Game? What game?” A chill ran through Gui Qing at the look in her eyes.

“Why, the game of torment, of course. Shall I have my Golden Silkworm King poison you, make you writhe in agony yet unable to die? Or perhaps I’ll turn you into a living oil painting—the very kind you created from the bodies of my fallen officers. But no, the dead can’t be tormented further by art; only the living can. I could make sure you remain alive, forced to watch as you become a canvas. What should I paint you as? You gifted me two paintings; perhaps I’ll make several and return them to you. And your soul—should I flay it, let ten thousand ghosts devour it, crush it with rolling stones, or something even more inventive? I’ll have to discuss it with the King of the Underworld,” Yao Guang mused playfully.

“No, you can’t!” Fear crept into Gui Qing’s voice.

“Oh, now you’re afraid? Good. Beg me, beg me for your life,” Yao Guang taunted.

“Spare me, and I’ll confess,” Gui Qing said, his voice trembling.

“Fine, I promise. When you arrive in the Underworld, I’ll plead for leniency with the King. How about that?” Yao Guang replied.

“All right, I’ll talk! Call them in, I’ll confess everything. Just don’t flay my soul, please,” Gui Qing stammered.

“Sensible,” Yao Guang remarked before stepping out.

“How did it go?” Xuan Chen asked.

“He’s talking. You go in, I’ll check on Ah Xu and the others.” Yao Guang headed to Chen Haixu’s interrogation room. At the door, she saw Jiang Yun laughing so hard he could barely stand. “What’s happening?”

“Master, Ah Xu is a genius—he told the suspects that whoever revealed the most would be rewarded. Now they’re all fighting to betray each other, like a pack of dogs tearing at one another. It’s quite a show,” Jiang Yun replied.

“Really? Let me see.” Yao Guang peered through the glass and saw the suspects arguing furiously, each accusing the others. In this way, most had confessed. The officer on record duty was nearly doubled over with laughter, while Chen Haixu fanned the flames from the side.

Yao Guang chuckled and visited Ghost Beard’s interrogation room, where Chu Tianyou and Huo Mingkun were also shaking with laughter.

“And what’s your situation?” Yao Guang asked in surprise.

“See for yourself,” Chu Tianyou managed between fits of laughter.

Yao Guang looked in and saw Ghost Beard making the suspects line up for a game of rock-paper-scissors, the loser having to answer a truth-or-dare-style question.

“Rock-paper-scissors—oh, you lost, answer my question,” Ghost Beard grinned.

“My goodness, Ah Xu and the elder truly are cut from the same cloth,” Yao Guang muttered, shaking her head.

“Sis, it’s done.” Chen Haixu came out and handed her the files.

“Phoenix, all finished,” Ghost Beard announced as well.

“Phoenix, Gui Qing is handled,” Xuan Chen added, making an OK sign.

“Excellent! Tonight we celebrate,” Yao Guang laughed.

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At Guishan Daoist Temple, Ghost Beard, Chen Haixu, the Guishan Daoist, and Yao Guang stood under the trees.

“Elder, now that the Ghost Sect is destroyed and your life's work ruined, what will you do?” Yao Guang asked, feeling a pang of guilt for Ghost Beard.

“The Ghost Sect is no more. I, Ghost Beard, devoted my life to upholding justice and slaying evil, yet tragedy befell my own house. I’ve already spoken with Old Guishan. From this day, I’ll take the name Gui Xin—Return to Heart—and remain here at Guishan Temple. You won’t turn me away, will you, old friend?” he said.

“Don’t joke. There aren’t many elders left from our days of cultivation together. To drink and talk with you in the years ahead—nothing could make me happier. Gui Xin is a good name,” Guishan replied with a smile.

“Ah Xu, you were once of the Ghost Sect. Now that I am joining Guishan Temple, what will you do?” Master Gui Xin asked Chen Haixu.

Chen Haixu glanced at Yao Guang, who nodded reassuringly.

“Disciple Chen Haixu pays respects to Ancestor Guishan and Ancestor Gui Xin.” Chen Haixu knelt and bowed three times.

“Good child. Up you get,” they said, helping him to his feet. “You’re returning to your true lineage now. From now on, your Daoist name will be Gui Cheng—Return to the Journey.”

“Thank you, my elders,” Chen Haixu bowed again.

“Ha, you two are granting him a name as though he were your peer!” Yao Guang laughed.

“Hahaha, this youngster is teachable—no need for such ceremony,” Gui Xin replied.

“Respected one, I have a request,” Chen Haixu said, bowing to Yao Guang.

“Haha, you rascal, your application for the department has already been submitted. You’ll have an answer in a few days,” Yao Guang said, helping him up.

“Thank you!” Chen Haixu was overjoyed.

“From now on, call me sister. ‘Respected one’ sounds so strange,” Yao Guang joked.

“Yes, Phoenix Sister!” Chen Haixu replied happily.

“Master,” Jiang Yun and Huo Mingkun approached.

“Congratulations, Ah Xu. You’ve finally returned to your sect. Welcome to Celestial Sword. We look forward to working with you,” Huo Mingkun said, clasping his hands.

“No, no, I should be learning from you!” Chen Haixu quickly returned the gesture.

“Ah Kun, don’t just congratulate others. Don’t you know you have good news yourself?” Yao Guang said, smiling at Huo Mingkun.

“Me? Good news? What is it, sister?” Huo Mingkun asked, puzzled.

Yao Guang only smiled, grasped his hand, and sent a surge of spiritual energy into his palm. Huo Mingkun felt warmth spreading through him. “Take a look.”

“The Phoenix Seal! Sister, you—?!” Huo Mingkun exclaimed in disbelief.

“Silly boy, hurry up and pay respects to your master,” Guishan laughed.

“Master, disciple Huo Mingkun pays his respects!” Huo Mingkun knelt and bowed deeply.

“All right, get up,” Yao Guang said, lifting him. “I know you’ve always wanted to become my disciple. I’ve been observing you; your diligence in cultivation is impressive, and your Golden Eye has reached a fair level. I’ve already discussed with Chu Tianyou. From today, you are officially my disciple. Jiang Yun was initiated before you; she is now your senior sister. All three of you, cultivate well together.”

“Thank you, Master! Greetings, Senior Sister!” Huo Mingkun saluted and burst out laughing. “I have the Phoenix Seal now, hahaha!”

Laughter soared into the sky...

When they returned to Celestial Sword, Xuan Chen greeted them. “Phoenix, the verdicts are in. Gui Qing and eight principal accomplices are sentenced to death for murder and corpse desecration. The remaining twenty or so are sentenced from life imprisonment to fixed terms.”

“I see,” Yao Guang nodded.

“Director Jia says there’s a celebration banquet tonight... Could you honor us with your presence?” Xuan Chen asked.

“All right, it’s time these newcomers enjoyed the atmosphere. Tell Director Jia I’ll be there on time,” she replied.

“You agreed?” Xuan Chen was surprised.

“Yes. See you tonight,” Yao Guang said, heading out.

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“Hey, where are you going?” Xuan Chen called after her.

“To the divine realm. Come if you want to,” Yao Guang replied.

In the Celestial Law Realm, before the Pillar of the Heavenly Order, Yao Guang knelt respectfully before the divine altars. “Phoenix of the Celestial Law, Yao Guang, pays her respects to the honored gods. The Ghost Sect’s evil has ravaged the mortal world, committing every atrocity imaginable. Their crimes are unforgivable. Today, I beseech the gods to permit divine punishment, to redress the wrongs and bring justice to the wicked. Yao Guang is grateful.”

The Pillar of the Heavenly Order shone with divine light, and five ancient gods appeared.

“Phoenix of the Celestial Law, Yao Guang, rise. What you have reported, we have confirmed. The Ghost Sect’s evil has indeed caused immense suffering and resentment among mortals. We grant your petition. You are authorized to enact divine punishment to pacify the souls of the unjustly slain.” A golden scroll descended before Yao Guang.

“My deepest thanks to the ancient gods.” Yao Guang bowed and collected the scroll.

“Rise quickly,” the five gods descended from the altar. “Yao Guang, will you still not return?”

“The Ghost Sect is not yet fully destroyed. Until they are, I cannot return to the celestial realm. Please understand. Moreover, the mortal world needs me. Let me guard it for a hundred years longer,” Yao Guang smiled.

“Very well. In the past, the three hundred and twenty-four divine thunders of punishment were an injustice to you. If you require anything, you need only ask,” one of the ancient gods replied.

“Thank you. By the way, I brought peach blossom wine for you. Enjoy yourselves. I must take my leave.” With a wave, a table laden with peach blossom wine appeared before the gods. Yao Guang smiled and departed.

In the Underworld of Fengdu, Yao Guang sat across from the King of the Underworld, sipping peach blossom wine.

“Congratulations on once again foiling the Ghost Sect’s machinations,” the King said, taking a drink.

“Hehe,” Yao Guang giggled, placing a bundle on the table. “Some clothes and jewelry for you.”

“Thank you. By the way, I heard you promised Gui Qing you’d plead for him in my court,” the King remarked.

“Yes, I did. I’ll plead on his behalf. Whether you grant leniency or not is your business, not mine,” Yao Guang replied.

“In that case, you’re not allowed to mete out any punishment yourself. That’s the rule,” the King said.

“Of course, I can’t,” Yao Guang agreed.

“And you can swallow that insult?” the King asked.

“Why not? I can’t use torture, but I can use the law,” Yao Guang answered.

“The law? What law?” the King inquired.

“This one.” Yao Guang produced the divine decree.

The King of the Underworld opened it and laughed. “You never play by the rules. You actually petitioned for divine punishment. Impressive.”

“Your Majesty, Gui Qing and the others have arrived in Fengdu.”

“Come, my divine one,” the King said, rising.

“Hehe.” Yao Guang took the divine decree and walked out with him.

On the Platform of Lost Souls, Gui Qing and the others were chained to execution pillars.

“Phoenix, you promised to plead for us. Why go back on your word?” Gui Qing yelled.

“I promised not to torture you myself. How is that breaking my word? The Underworld’s judgment goes by its own laws,” Yao Guang replied.

“Then why are we chained here?” Gui Qing demanded.

“Why? The Underworld may not judge you, nor I, but that doesn’t mean the divine realm won’t. Gui Qing, receive the decree.” Yao Guang opened the scroll. “The Ghost Sect has committed every atrocity—murder, arson, pillage—bringing disaster to the mortal world and causing boundless resentment. Divine punishment is hereby enacted to soothe the wronged souls.” She closed the decree. “Carry out the sentence.”

At her command, bolts of lightning rained down, striking Gui Qing and his companions. Their screams were harrowing.

“Phoenix, you broke your word!” Gui Qing wailed.

“Gui Qing, remember this: I will always be the nightmare of your Ghost Sect. This divine punishment will last a thousand years—a daily torment by lightning. Enjoy it!” Yao Guang laughed and walked away with the King of the Underworld.

At the celebration banquet, Yao Guang watched the crowd of drunken revelers and smiled softly.

This time, not a single one was missing. Hehe...