On the Path to the Great Dao

In the underworld, in the underworld court, Yama Hall.

A massive toad crouched behind Yama Hall, spewing yin fire and inhaling yin energy in long draughts. Its abdomen swelled and contracted, producing rumbling thunder.

Outside Yama Hall, ghost gods of all sizes stood in ranks. Some had incense sticks lit on their hats, others brought their own treasure trees, and still others had a brazier floating before them, occasionally burning spirit paper money.

These ghost gods were the Primordial Spirits of Great Ascension and Return to Emptiness realm experts accumulated over six thousand years in the Western Ox New Continent. After these experts died, if they still had incense offerings, they could keep their Primordial Spirits from dispersing. Usually they lived in seclusion in the Immortal Capital. Now that the Yama had returned in full force, and the Eighteen Hells lacked judges, Tai Ao, underworld officials, and underworld marshals, they had been invited out of retirement.

In the past, important positions like judges and Tai Ao were all deities invited as incarnations from the Divine Continent. But now, with no subordinates under the Yama's command, they had no choice but to promote the ghost gods of the Western Ox New Continent.

Besides them, there were also Ox-Heads, Horse-Faces, and yakshas, numbering in the tens of thousands. Most were adults, some brought their families, holding the hands of little ones.

They wore ragged clothes and had gaunt, malnourished faces. These were members of the ghost clan. When they heard the Eighteen Hells were hiring workers, they came looking for jobs. They never expected to be appointed as underworld officers, and they were still struggling to accept their sudden elevation in status, feeling awkward.

At the front of their formation stood the Boatman and Boat Girl, father and daughter.

For their great meritorious service, they had been appointed as Inspection Envoys of Underworld Officers, commanding the deployment of all officers under their authority and overseeing whether any broke laws or regulations. Their status was higher than underworld marshals, slightly below that of judges.

They too had received their own rewards and titles, their status greatly elevated from before.

"Your Majesty, the ghost gods have all assembled." Zhong Kui bowed.

In Yama Hall, the Little Yama hopped down from her throne and strode out to the front of the hall.

Below, tens of thousands of ghost gods craned their necks to look, but the shorter ones couldn't see the Little Yama at all. So they jumped up, finally catching a glimpse of the tassels on the Little Yama's crown.

"Silence." The Boat Girl turned around, her expression stern.

The underworld officers behind her fell silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to speak or move.

The Boat Girl felt smug inside, though her face remained unchanged. She thought to herself, "Your grandmother here has finally made it! Our ancestors burned the finest incense—heaven has taken pity! Now I've risen above the crowd!"

At that moment, behind Yama Hall, a massive crescent moon emerged, rising higher and higher. Overwhelming divine power swept through heaven and earth, bringing them an immense sense of pressure.

That was the Yama's Primordial Spirit, gathering the incense offerings of the world. The energy of incense offerings coalesced, forming thick, azure clouds and mists.

A little girl's voice rang out from before Yama Hall, echoing between heaven and earth.

"Since the True King descended, six thousand three hundred years have passed, and the underworld has fallen into chaos. The Thirteen Great Clans plotted to seize the position of the underworld, scheming endlessly and ambushing yin spirits. The gods of the underworld withered away, divine artifacts were lost, principles and laws ceased to exist, and the orthodox traditions were severed. Now, this office has reforged the divine artifacts, re-established the Eighteen Hells. I invite all gods to return to their posts, and once again set the principles and traditions of the underworld in order!"

Little Yama Nannan recited the speech, secretly relieved. She thought to herself, "I didn't mess up the words this time."

She mobilized her Primordial Spirit, gathered incense offerings, and one by one, divine artifacts slowly condensed and took shape in the sky. They included sabers, spears, swords, halberds, battle-axes, hatchets, tridents, and forked spears used by underworld officers, as well as azure lanterns for capturing souls, and small boats.

These divine artifacts flew up one by one, landing before the Ox-Heads, Horse-Faces, yakshas, and other underworld officers.

Then the energy of incense offerings formed a talisman, which automatically folded into the shape of a treasure seal in the air, whistling as they flew into the brows of different underworld officers.

After receiving these seals, many officers felt they now possessed the power to control these artifacts, and they rejoiced.

The crescent moon in the sky grew even brighter and more radiant. Azure clouds surged beneath the moon, gradually forming items like Judge's Brushes, Tai Ao Seals, Funeral Staves, and Books of Life and Death. They descended one by one, landing before the Primordial Spirits of the Great Ascension and Return to Emptiness realm experts. According to their different divine positions, the artifacts varied as well.

The energy of incense offerings in the air also condensed into Dharma decrees, far superior to the talisman seals. They sank into the brows of these experts.

These underworld marshals, judges, Tai Ao, and underworld officials immediately felt they could grasp the power of these artifacts. The exquisite techniques for refining these various artifacts were all imprinted in their minds. Without any need for personal refinement, they could unleash their maximum power.

The energy of incense offerings between heaven and earth rumbled and trembled. The countless ghost gods followed the sound, their expressions filled with astonishment. They saw the Little Yama opening a Dao Field in the void of the underworld. A vast continent continuously formed, extending in all directions!

Various wondrous Dao forces moved mountains and created seas on this continent, forming magnificent rivers and peaks.

In just a short while, a massive hell covering over a hundred thousand miles floated above Yama Hall!

This hell possessed a strange Ghost and God Domain, called the Tongue-Pulling Hell, with its own Dao principles. Any living person who stirred up discord, slandered others, was glib-tongued, argued sophistically, or lied, after death would turn into a ghost, come to this place, and endure the pain of having their tongue pulled out!

The previous generation's Tongue-Pulling Hell had been destroyed during the ghost-god war when the Yan Family seized the hell. Later, the Lord of Wuwang City had refined it into a magic treasure and refused to return it.

That Tongue-Pulling Hell was also transformed from the Yama King's own divine power and Dao. Now, refining a new one was simply a matter of taking a familiar path.

"Daoist Friend Luli, you shall be the judge of Tongue-Pulling Hell, in charge of this hell."

As soon as the Little Yama spoke, Luli's body became immensely imposing. The Tongue-Pulling Hell hovered behind his head, continuously shrinking.

Countless ghost souls, as if drawn by the attraction of the Dao principles, involuntarily pulled into the Tongue-Pulling Hell.

Luli felt boundless divine power surging toward him, his dharma power skyrocketing. He knelt and thanked the Little Yama.

The Little Yama then opened a second layer of hell, also possessing different Dao principles. She said, "Qinchuan, you shall be the judge of Scissors Hell, in charge of this hell."

She pointed her little finger, and the Scissors Hell flew out, landing behind Qinchuan's head.

The Little Yama created a third hell, a fourth hell. In half a day, she had reconstructed all eighteen layers of hell, appointing eighteen judges and granting them authority.

Despite her immense divine power, she still felt utterly exhausted after reconstructing the hells. She forced herself to stay alert and said, "The Thirteen Great Clans have stolen divine artifacts, occupied the underworld, declared themselves kings, altered yin and yang, corrupted life and death, and disrupted the laws of the underworld. Today, we shall punish them. Zhong Kui, Tie Chi, Wang Fu, Jia Yuan, Zhu Shun, you will lead the army of ghost gods, coordinate with King Chen, and follow Yang Bi's orders. You must listen to him in all things and not act on your own."

Zhong Kui and the others stepped forward, bowed, and acknowledged the order.

The Little Yama waved her hand, signaling them to set out.

Thousands upon thousands of underworld officers flew up, each entering different layers of hell. Only the eighteen judges remained, heading toward the Ten Thousand Mountains.

The Little Yama went to the Thick Virtue Radiant Palace, seeking an audience with the Empress of Earth. She bowed and thanked her, saying, "Thank you, Your Ladyship, for lending your hand. Only then could this minor deity forge the Eighteen Hells."

The Empress of Earth smiled and said, "It was but a small effort. There is no need for thanks, Daoist friend."

Her gaze fell upon Sha Qiutong, and she smiled, "Little Daoist friend, since you are about to set out for battle, I shall also give you a divine artifact."

She raised her arm, lightly plucked, and caught a streamer formed from the energy of incense offerings. She refined it into a large, four-cornered banner, its staff over a zhang tall, its surface shining with divine light. Its purpose was unknown.

The Empress of Earth refined it with Dao principles for a moment, then handed it to Sha Qiutong.

Sha Qiutong accepted the banner and probed, "Your Ladyship, is this the Myriad Soul Banner?"

The Empress of Earth smiled, "Could the treasures refined by this palace possibly be that kind of evil thing? This treasure is called the Human Emperor Banner, and it is the most righteous."

Sha Qiutong asked, "What is its use?"

The Empress of Earth said, "Wave it with force, and it can collect all ghost souls. Those without a physical body will all be drawn into the banner."

Sha Qiutong smiled, "Isn't that just the Myriad Soul Banner?"

The Empress of Earth said seriously, "When the Myriad Soul Banner waves, black smoke rolls forth. When the Human Emperor Banner waves, ten thousand beams of golden light shine. Which is righteous and which is evil is clear at a glance."

Sha Qiutong grumbled inwardly, "But besides the light, there's no difference."

The Empress of Earth then refined a silver needle and handed it to A Zhuo. "This treasure is called the Demon-Refining Needle. It is most adept at breaking through the Golden Bodies of ghost gods. Stab with this needle, and even ten thousand years of divine power cannot hold up."

Sha Qiutong and A Zhuo thanked her.

The Empress of Earth said, "You may go now. Fight well, and do not bring shame to the name of our Thick Virtue Palace."

The two bid farewell, left the Thick Virtue Radiant Palace, and returned to the mortal world.

Sha Qiutong said, "A Zhuo, this Demon-Refining Needle of yours probably has a true name: the Soul-Losing Needle."

A Zhuo shook his head, "The Bone-White Soul-Losing Needle? When that artifact is activated, it's all ghostly qi and sinister winds. But my Demon-Refining Needle is radiant and dazzling."

Sha Qiutong laughed, "The function is still the same."

The two arrived at the Imperial Capital. They saw that the coronation ceremony had not yet begun; it seemed they were waiting for the auspicious hour.

Sha Qiutong found a pretty young girl and stuffed the Human Emperor Banner into her hands, saying, "Dingxiang, hurry and join up with Old Man Chen!"

The girl wore a pleated phoenix-embroidered skirt and a loose white cross-patterned robe. Her face brimmed with a sunny smile, and she said rapidly, "Master, I met an older sister who shares my surname, Ding."

"Also surnamed Ding? Who is she?" Sha Qiutong asked curiously.

"Her name is Ding Ding. She is a disciple of Madam Hua Li, and also a freeholder."

Sha Qiutong said in surprise, "Madam Hua Li has come too? Long You the Freeholder and Shao Niangniang and those old-timers certainly have a wide network. I wonder how many freeholders they have invited?"

At that moment, she saw hundreds of freeholders. Besides Madam Hua Li, experts like the Tianyang Child, the blue-clad musician, Dao Qianqiu, and others were also all present. There were even a few famous seniors of the Great Ascension realm, who never used to leave their seclusion. Unexpectedly, they had come to the Imperial Capital of Xinxiang this time.

These freeholders were extraordinarily powerful. Neither Chen Yindu's nor Du Yiran's reputation could summon them. Only old-timers like Long You the Freeholder had that prestige, and could raise an army with a single call.

"Old Man Chen isn't here."

Sha Qiutong frowned slightly, and immediately went to find Yang Bi.

Yang Bi said, "The Emperor Father can stand against a million soldiers alone. He has another important task."

Sha Qiutong asked, "What important task?"

Yang Bi hesitated for a moment, then said, "He has learned skills at the three holy lands of the Daoist sect and the three holy lands of the Buddhist sect. These six holy lands are just as ancient as the Thirteen Great Clans. So I invited the Emperor Father to go to the six holy lands and ensure they remain on standby."

Sha Qiutong's heart tightened.

Although the foundations of the six holy lands were not as deep as those of the Thirteen Great Clans, they were still no small matter. The six holy lands had always followed the lead of the Thirteen Great Clans. If they suddenly made a move during the final decisive battle, it would indeed cause great trouble.

"This matter is truly fit only for Old Man Chen," she thought to herself.

At Tai Hua Qingyang Palace, Patriarch Qiongyang was beaming with radiance. She laughed, "Yindu, rest assured. If Chang Ying dares to help the Twelve Great Clans, he can go meet the ancestors in the next moment. I will subdue him and make him go assist you."

"Qiongyang, thank you."

Chen Yindu was about to leave, but stopped and turned back. "Senior Sister, back then, when I asked you to elope with me, why didn't you come with me?"

Patriarch Qiongyang looked at him with a smile. "You are a drifter. I didn't dare follow you! Tell me, who ended up with you in the end?"

Chen Yindu was stunned. He didn't answer, but waved his hand and drifted away.

Patriarch Qiongyang felt a sense of loss, then quickly pulled herself together and went to see Chang Ying Daoist.

The Sect Leader Chang Ying was in the middle of scolding Yu Lingzi. When he saw her arrive, he quickly said, "This boy returned to the mountain to steal the True Martial Exorcising Sword, planning to conquer the world with King Chen. I caught him red-handed! Patriarch, you must scold him soundly!"

Yu Lingzi knelt on the ground, saying, "Sect Leader, I am a high-ranking official of the Ministry of Rites. First comes civility, then force. Without the True Martial Exorcising Sword by my side, I can't beat anyone. That would bring shame to our Tai Hua Qingyang Palace!"

Chang Ying Daoist was so angry he wanted to kick him, but he got kicked by Patriarch Qiongyang instead.

Chang Ying Daoist was confused. Qiongyang barked, "King Chen is our Qingyang Palace's benefactor, and also Patriarch Blue Goat's nephew. Our Qingyang Palace will not only lend the sword, but will also firmly support King Chen!"

Chang Ying complained, "The Li, Zhai, and Xia families have already contacted me, asking our Qingyang Palace to send troops to eliminate the rebels. I declined, saying I would stay neutral..."

Qiongyang snatched the True Martial Exorcising Sword, grabbed Yu Lingzi, and stormed off. "If you won't help, I will! I will even awaken the Celestial True Dao Ancestor. He will also help!"

Chang Ying hurriedly chased after her, begging, "Don't disturb the Celestial True Dao Ancestor. He only has a wisp of residual thought left. He's almost at his wits' end! I'll help!"

Patriarch Qiongyang's anger finally turned to joy. She smiled, "Only you, the Sect Leader, can summon the heroic spirits of past ancestors. Ask them to come to our aid."

Chang Ying Daoist sighed. He steeled himself, burned incense, and offered sacrifices, awakening the Primordial Spirits of past ancestors in a grotto-heaven within the void. He invited the heroic spirits of the past sect leaders and ancestors to descend and assist.

At the Bodhi Monastery.

Venerable Nun Huiyin was immersed in a Bodhi state of mind, oblivious to self and the world. Her thoughts seemed frozen in time, the prayer beads in her hand not moving for a long while.

Suddenly, a prayer bead turned with a crisp *da* sound.

Venerable Nun Huiyin opened her eyes and sighed. "I have long forgotten past affairs. Donor Chen, why must you come and disturb my Dao Heart?"

Chen Yindu walked into this Cool Clear Hall and sat opposite the nun. Their eyes met, and Venerable Nun Huiyin's dusty heart began to stir.

Chen Yindu said, "Junior Sister, do you still resent me?"

Venerable Nun Huiyin shook her head. "It was I who wanted to see through the tribulation of love to improve my cultivation. So I developed feelings for you. I cannot blame you. Senior Brother, you have already left the monastic life. Why come again?"

Chen Yindu sighed. "My grandson, Chen Shi, is to be called the True King. I know that the people of the Twelve Great Clans will surely come to find you. Therefore, I came to ask for your help."

He paused. "Back then, if you had not cultivated this Buddhist dharma, our grandson would be about his age now."

Venerable Nun Huiyin slowly closed her eyes. "Don't even think about it. Don't even think about it. Don't try to break my Dao Heart. Senior Brother, leave. Our Buddhist sect is empty of the four elements. We will not set foot in the mundane world for your sake, nor will we break our precepts for the Twelve Great Clans."

"Junior Sister, thank you." Chen Yindu bowed to her, then rose and walked out of the hall.

"Senior Brother."

The nun's voice came from behind him. "That woman who kept you... who is she?"

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!