Chapter 926: Underworld Vision

They had prepared and toiled for so long, not just for their own ideals, but significantly, for this very affirmation from Mr. Ji. Hearing Ji Yuan so unequivocally validate their efforts brought immense relief to Xin Wuya and the ghostly officials and deities present.

Indeed, the concept of "ideals" seemed distant, almost alien, to a ghost cultivator of Xin Wuya's caliber, and to the entire Underworld City and its numerous ghost cultivators. Becoming a ghost naturally severed one's connection to notions like hope and ideals.

Yet, Xin Wuya and the ghost cultivators under the Hall of the Netherworld, or rather, most of the recognized ones, were a group of cultivators who genuinely held ideals.

Ji Yuan felt this deeply during his visit to Underworld City this time, even sensing an exhilarating, forward-surging momentum within many of the ghost cultivators, including Xin Wuya, the Emperor of the Underworld.

"Honestly, upon hearing those words from you, Mr. Ji, I finally feel at ease," Xin Wuya said. "The efforts of my Hall of the Netherworld have not been in vain!"

Ji Yuan smiled.

"I have witnessed the achievements of the Hall of the Netherworld with my own eyes. However, there's one thing, Emperor, that you've mistaken," Ji Yuan replied. "Your efforts are not for me to see, but for yourselves, for heaven and earth, and for all living beings. At most, I am merely the one who sets the examination."

As he spoke, Ji Yuan also sighed with emotion.

"Perhaps it's not obvious yet, but this is a monumental undertaking that will change the fundamental order of heaven and earth. The merit accrued from it will be immeasurable."

"How could we not know?" Xin Wuya responded. "Although the various Underworld realms across the land govern their own territories, they cannot interact or exchange resources. This has left too many hidden dangers and too much defilement. Moreover, while spirits and deities possess profound virtues, they are greatly constrained, having clung to old rules for countless years. Our Hall of the Netherworld is destined to seize this era of great change in the cosmos, to flex our muscles and dare to be pioneers for all!"

Xin Wuya spoke with an extraordinary demeanor, then looked at the ledgers on the table.

"Especially this matter of rebirth," he continued, "if we can grasp its essence and make it controllable in the future, countless grievances and regrets across the world would diminish. Even if it takes many years, even if it entails immense hardship, many people might just get another chance!"

As the Emperor of the Underworld, Xin Wuya had closely followed the matter of rebirth over the years, understanding it and discerning its true nature and potential impact. He knew its profound significance.

Naturally, the ghost cultivators capable of managing the Rebirth Hall were also Xin Wuya's absolute confidants and capable administrators.

The two matters Xin Wuya spoke of were not only the aspirations of the entire Hall of the Netherworld but also the grand path for all its ghost cultivators to cultivate and even attain enlightenment—a path that needed to be carved out, blade by blade, axe by axe.

"This is an endeavor that seizes the very essence of creation itself," Ji Yuan stated. "It cannot be achieved without great vows and immense perseverance, and one person is not enough. It requires the Emperor, the several Underworld Marshals, the Underworld Judges, the various ghost constables, clerks, soldiers, and myriad ghostly subordinates, all united in will and working together, to continuously move forward."

Hearing Ji Yuan say this, Xin Wuya cupped his hands again in a respectful bow towards him.

"The Hall of the Netherworld will certainly not fail you, Mr. Ji, nor betray your trust. We have all died once; the meaning of life and death is clearer to us than anyone. Whether it takes a hundred years, a thousand years, or ten thousand years, that day will surely come."

Xin Wuya was undoubtedly feeling rather emotional today, perhaps even moved by his own conviction. It was a peculiar and wondrous emotion, quietly unleashed by Ji Yuan's arrival.

As Ji Yuan observed the changes in the Hall of the Netherworld, Xin Wuya and some ghost cultivators suddenly realized:

"For so long, we have exerted so much effort. We have already achieved remarkable results. And what we are doing, many high-level cultivators and powerful beings do not, nor do many greatly virtuous sages."

It was difficult, extremely difficult, destined at some point to go against conventional wisdom, sure to be fraught with thorns, and seemingly unattainable. Yet, it was the right thing to do, an act of immeasurable merit that would benefit heaven, earth, all creation, and all living beings—and it was truly a path to enlightenment.

As if knowing Xin Wuya's thoughts at that moment, Ji Yuan remained silent for a moment before suddenly speaking.

"For countless years since the ancient cataclysm that ravaged the world, as I perceive with my Dharma Eye, no Yin spirit has ever attained true enlightenment through the profound Dao of the Netherworld, have they...?"

Ji Yuan's sudden, seemingly inexplicable remark sent a jolt through Xin Wuya's heart. His increasingly profound state of mind since becoming the Emperor of the Underworld became tense and excited, and the mention of "ancient cataclysm" alone conveyed a vast amount of information.

Ji Yuan turned to look at Xin Wuya.

"If you maintain this pure heart, Emperor, perhaps you could be the first."

While spiritual power was one aspect, such a profound and mystical state was universally coveted. As a ghost cultivator, Xin Wuya naturally understood the arduousness of his path, and Ji Yuan's words were the greatest encouragement he could receive.

"As for the ambition of the Underworld, perhaps it won't take thousands or tens of thousands of years. This era of great contention is also a time of significant convergence and opportunity. Emperor, and all you fellow ghost cultivators, please observe."

With that, Ji Yuan drew several scrolls from his sleeve and unfurled them one by one on the table. As each scroll was unrolled, the painting within would levitate and float into the air.

Soon, all the scrolls were suspended in the air. The paintings were mystical and emanated waves of Yin energy, resonating with the very aura of the Rebirth Hall.

Each painting appeared vastly different from the others, yet there was a single element that served as a connecting thread.

"Mr. Ji, what is this river in the paintings?"

The scenes depicted in the scrolls varied, but in each, sometimes in a corner, sometimes at the center, a river flowed. Its surface rippled with dense Yin energy, and flowers often bloomed along its banks.

Ji Yuan chuckled softly, tapping his knuckles gently on the tabletop.

"Thump-thump..."

The sound resonated deeply within their minds, and as it echoed, Ji Yuan simultaneously manifested a realm. The scenes in the paintings seemed to expand along with the sound.

A hazy mist appeared before their eyes, and dense Yin energy continuously gathered. The Rebirth Hall vanished, then Underworld City… In the distance, beautiful flowers emerged in the ghost cultivators' sight, and they heard the constant lapping of water.

Ji Yuan had once demonstrated a marvelous technique at the Dragon Transformation Banquet, leading his guests on a tour of a world within a book. This feat had long been circulating among the Underworld officials since their return to the Hall of the Netherworld. Witnessing this scene now, they couldn't help but draw a connection.

"Mr. Ji, is this your Grand Dream-Dissolving Technique?"

At this point, there was no table before Ji Yuan. He slowly stood up and said with a smile,

"Yes and no. These are paintings I created, and they haven't been widely circulated, so there's no power of vows imbued in them. They don't constitute the evolution of an entire realm; they are merely illusory scenes that present the painted landscapes more vividly. Come with me."

With that, Ji Yuan took a step, and Xin Wuya and the many ghost cultivators of the Underworld swiftly followed.

As they moved, it was as if they were emerging from a mist, slowly entering a clearer world beyond the haze. Beneath their feet stretched a wide road, extending into the distance, beside which flowed an unending river. Along both the riverbanks and the roadside bloomed flowers of excessively vibrant beauty.

The river appeared somewhat murky, a color like that of yellow mud.

"Splish-splash..."

From the sound of the water, they could tell the river's current changed speed continuously. Walking along the path, they could even smell the fragrance of flowers. Xin Wuya and the ghost cultivators looked into the distance; there seemed to be mountains and cities. Looking around, it felt vast and boundless, though distant areas remained shrouded in Yin mist.

A ghost cultivator reached out to touch the ground, feeling a bone-chilling coldness. The gentle breezes that passed by carried wafts of Yin energy, causing the flowers along the banks to sway.

'Is this still just an illusion?'

"The water in this river is that of the Yellow Springs, originating from beneath the mountains," Ji Yuan explained. "It is one of the symbols of the Yin spiritual energy of heaven and earth. If we can harness the Yellow Springs, we can use it to open pathways between the various Underworld offices, linking them into one vast netherworld. This would enable the Underworld realms to mutually connect and exchange resources, thereby guiding the future path of rebirth."

As Ji Yuan spoke, though their feet remained still, their figures seemed to move rapidly, or rather, the distant scenery rapidly approached them. They passed through mists, traversed mountain gorges, and even moved through one Underworld ghost city after another.

Xin Wuya and the numerous ghostly beings saw clearly, witnessing one ghost city after another and the various Underworld halls, even faintly discerning the divine light of spirits and deities. The direction in which the Yellow Springs water extended seemed to disregard the barriers between the various Underworld realms, connecting them all.

"Dong!" A crisp sound echoed above the Yellow Springs. All the scenery began to recede, like twisting colors transforming into streaks of light that continuously converged, then merged back into the Yellow Springs painting. Where the colors receded, the Rebirth Hall reappeared.

It turned out they had been standing inside the Rebirth Hall all along, looking up at the Yellow Springs painting above. Yet, everything they had just experienced left an indelible impression on their minds.

"Mr. Ji, this Yellow Springs..."

"Precisely," Ji Yuan confirmed. "My purpose in visiting the Hall of the Netherworld this time, besides observing the Rebirth Hall, was for this very Yellow Springs water. The earthly Yellow Springs, which was annihilated during the ancient war, has reappeared and I coincidentally discovered it. If this spring can be harnessed for the Underworld's use, transforming this Yellow Springs painting into future reality, it will undoubtedly alter the fundamental balance of Yin and Yang!"

"If you can manage this Yellow Springs water and act as a central coordinator for all the Underworld offices, the Hall of the Netherworld will not need to dominate all realms to establish its unique position in the netherworld. Over time, you, the Emperor of the Underworld, will become the truly universally recognized Emperor of the Netherworld! Furthermore, with this immeasurable merit, you will be able to cultivate and achieve the Grand Dao!"

Ji Yuan paused, then turned to look at the ghost cultivators present, speaking softly.

"Your own opportunities for enlightenment are likewise tied to this. To achieve this path, the wishes of all living beings are indispensable, with the wishes of humanity being paramount. At the opportune moment, when the Yellow Springs scene is fully displayed, I will join forces with a master to draw out the Yellow Springs water. This river of Yellow Springs will then naturally manifest and grow, complementing and nourishing the aura of the netherworld! However, this path will not be easy..."

A wide, promising path lay before them. Even knowing the road ahead would be fraught with difficulties and obstacles, the excitement in their hearts was impossible to suppress. The moment Ji Yuan's words ceased, Xin Wuya's true feelings burst forth.

"To pursue the Grand Dao, for the ambition of our Underworld, we would traverse mountains of knives and seas of fire, brave dragon's ponds and tiger's dens! We ghost cultivators might cultivate for thousands of years and never see hope, but today the grand path to enlightenment lies before us. Even if it means facing near-certain death, who among us would retreat?"

As Xin Wuya spoke, he looked at the ghost cultivators in the Rebirth Hall. These already-ghostly cultivators displayed a rare look of excitement, not just for their cultivation, but also for the aspiration of the Hall of the Netherworld achieving a dominant position in the netherworld.

"If you walk this path, immeasurable merit will naturally protect you. While it may not always turn misfortune into fortune, it certainly won't be a path of near-certain death. Furthermore..."

Ji Yuan smiled again, walked over to Xin Wuya, and patted his shoulder.

"I have always believed, Emperor, that you can succeed, and that the Hall of the Netherworld can succeed. After today's visit, I am even more certain! You can be more confident, Emperor!"

Ji Yuan's words once again sent a jolt through Xin Wuya's heart. His hands, hanging in his sleeves, clenched into fists. Without speaking, he simply bowed deeply to Ji Yuan. As Ji Yuan solemnly returned the courtesy, he spoke again.

"If there are no objections, let us discuss how to implement this grand plan. I can also take this opportunity to tell you about the ancient Yellow Springs."

The ancient secrets of the past gradually unfolded before Xin Wuya and his trusted ghost cultivators. Before the cultivators could fully process the shock from the preamble, a strategy spanning both the netherworld and the mortal realm slowly emerged from Ji Yuan's lips.