Fortunately, Li Changshou quickly transmitted a message to stop all the upcoming “performances”!

This Ox Head and Horse Face – no, this Netherworld Administration!

Mediocre at everything else, but top three in putting on shows, starting with beautiful female vengeful spirits to perfectly capture the Netherworld’s gloomy and terrifying atmosphere!

When Li Changshou transmitted to call over Ox Head, Horse Face, and several Netherworld garrison commanders, they could only offer apologetic smiles.

Ox Head declared emphatically:

“Water God, with your current status and position, even a display several times grander wouldn’t be excessive.”

Li Changshou truly wanted to scold them, but for prudence’s sake, only said:

“I understand your eagerness, and I feel the Netherworld’s… burning enthusiasm.

But such superficial displays won’t be necessary in the future!

General Zhao and I have come to the Underworld today on important business. Please introduce us to the Judge who manages the Book of Life, or whichever King Yama is available.”

Ox Head and Horse Face immediately agreed, saying they would arrange it right away.

Now Horse Face, who had “failed in his duties,” took over pulling the ox cart, with several Underworld officials following behind.

Ox Head galloped away at full speed, kicking up a trail of dust as he rushed back to Fengdu City, shouting for the “little surprises” lying in “ambush” everywhere to quickly withdraw.

They had rehearsed this welcome ceremony several times before, and the “beautiful ghost women” weren’t their only prepared performance!

On the ox cart, Zhao Dezhu, who had maintained a faint smile, couldn’t help but transmit a complaint:

“Changgen, is it appropriate for the Shamanic Race to control key positions in the Netherworld?”

Li Changshou immediately saw the word “danger” hovering above the heads of most Netherworld shamans…

“Though Ox Head and Horse Face are soul-collecting envoys of the Netherworld, they don’t manage its affairs, but their strength is quite good.”

Li Changshou transmitted back: “The Kings Yama, Judges, the Book of Life and Death, and the Judge’s Brush – they’ve handled reincarnation matters quite properly, having managed them for so many years…”

Just as he finished speaking, several cultivators flew by at low altitude, engaged in animated discussion:

“Who would’ve thought arranging Senior Uncle’s reincarnation would only cost a few ordinary treasures? Worth it!”

“Indeed, the key is finding the right connections.”

“Now I understand how the Netherworld operates. If we fail in future battles, keeping a soul preserved gives us a backup plan…”

“It’s quite convenient indeed.”

Zhao Dezhu: …

Li Changshou hurriedly transmitted: “Of course, the Netherworld Administration has many problems. Once it joins the Celestial Court, we’ll need to implement some reforms!”

Zhao Dezhu shook his head and sighed: “Such situations are understandable.

When cultivators reach the Netherworld, there’s always the possibility of interfering with the Six Paths of Reincarnation. We can only hope the Six Paths’ spirit beasts remain unnumbered, and these shady dealings won’t affect other beings’ normal reincarnation.”

Li Changshou pondered briefly, then said:

“Your Majesty need not worry, it shouldn’t.

If it truly affected normal beings’ reincarnation, the Heavenly Dao would impose karmic penalties that these Netherworld officials likely couldn’t bear.”

“That’s good then…”

As they spoke, both extended their divine sense to observe the scenes inside and outside Fengdu City.

The Jade Emperor’s avatar also saw the messily arranged “City God Wells,” and the masses of grieving souls floating around Fengdu City – those unable to reincarnate, who could only wait for their soul power to dissipate and become true spirits…

He sighed again with emotion:

“When the Shamanic Ancestor broke through Mount Buzhou, the sky pillar collapsed, and the Celestial River’s waters flooded the primordial world. Combined with the previous Demon-Shaman War, the world and Blood Sea were filled with undispersable vengeful spirits. Thus the great virtuous Houtu transformed into the Six Paths of Reincarnation, atoning for the Shamanic Race’s sins and benefiting all beings.

Seeing today that there are still so many vengeful spirits with nowhere to go around the Wheel of Reincarnation, my heart is troubled.”

Li Changshou said: “There are many reasons why vengeful spirits cannot reincarnate.

Previously, this humble official tried converting some vengeful spirits and gained some merits, clearly showing that their existence increases the burden on the Six Paths’ Wheel to some degree…”

At the front of the ox cart, Li Changshou and Zhao Dezhu continued their transmitted conversation;

In the back, Longi sat sideways, curiously examining the “exotic scenery” outside Fengdu City; while Ao Yi gazed distantly at the hillside covered in pure white flowers, slightly lost in thought.

A gentle breeze drifted by…

Suddenly, Ao Yi stood up on the ox cart, looking toward Fengdu City, his delicate features showing urgency.

“Elder Brother Sect Leader,” Ao Yi spoke up, “May I go into the city first?”

“Go ahead,” Li Changshou said, “Fellow Daoist Horse Face, would you mind guiding him?”

“No trouble at all! Neigh~”

Horse Face, who was pulling the ox, immediately agreed, then patted the old ox’s head, threatening it with a hot pot made from spirit ox meat tonight to ensure it behaved while carrying the honored guests into Fengdu City.

Then, Horse Face led Ao Yi ahead toward Fengdu City.

Zhao Dezhu asked: “What’s the matter?”

“He probably heard the calls of some dragon souls,” Li Changshou sighed. “It’s good to let him see them, otherwise he’d be left with regrets.”

“Indeed.”

Zhao Dezhu nodded slowly, continuing his transmitted conversation with Li Changshou.

Soon, the eastern gate of Fengdu City came into view.

Several imposing figures with striking features and unusual appearances, surrounded by masses of ghost soldiers, waited outside the city gate. Even powerful shamans like Ox Head could only shrink behind these mighty figures.

Looking at these figures, their skin colors varied between black, red, purple, and blue. Each carried an impressive air of authority – their mere appearance could frighten timid mortals to tears. The blood energy contained within their bodies was quite shocking.

Most eye-catching were their “Ghost Python” robes, which contained traces of Heavenly Dao power, clearly “artifacts” bestowed by the Heavenly Dao with some protective properties.

The Ten Kings of the Netherworld.

Li Changshou floated down from the ox cart first, followed by Zhao Dezhu and Longi.

These Kings revealed smiles that could make children cry, stepping forward together to pay respects, addressing him as Water God.

Li Changshou returned their greeting with clasped hands, addressing them as Kings, without mentioning the word “majesty.”

Ox Head came forward to make introductions. Those who had come out to welcome them included King Qinguang, King Chujiang, King Wuguan, King Dushi, and King Pingdeng – all holding divine authority bestowed by the Heavenly Dao, responsible for judging the sins of ghost souls and managing the Eighteen Levels of Hell and Six Paths of Reincarnation.

Half of the Ten Kings coming out already showed great respect to Li Changshou.

After introducing the Kings of Hell, Ox Head quickly retreated, unable to join the conversation anymore. He could only follow alongside the group of Netherworld officials, occasionally turning to check if the streets were clean and if the Yin cultivators were behaving…

Li Changshou exchanged pleasantries with the Kings for a while, formally establishing their acquaintance.

King Qinguang made a welcoming gesture, inviting Li Changshou, Zhao Dezhu, and Longi into the city;

Li Changshou didn’t introduce Zhao Dezhu, and they didn’t ask.

Shamans were simply not good at making connections.

Walking along the unusually clean main street of Fengdu City, King Qinguang directly asked: “What important matters bring Water God to the Netherworld today?”

“Two matters, both by command of the Jade Emperor.”

“Oh?” The Kings immediately showed interest.

Li Changshou smiled and said: “The first matter is to greet the Kings of the Netherworld and see if there’s anything the Celestial Court can assist with.”

King Wuguan smiled: “The Netherworld operates normally, reincarnation proceeds smoothly, and there’s nothing requiring assistance.”

Are they really this straightforward?

Li Changshou: “Well, actually there could be…”

“There isn’t!”

King Chujiang’s imposing figure exuded dominance as he waved his hand, “The Netherworld has existed since ancient times. The most troublesome period was nothing more than the great war between Shamans and Demons fighting for control of heaven and earth. Back then, the Netherworld nearly burst from the flood of souls!

However, we just closed our eyes and kept processing them, slowly sending them to the Six Paths’ Wheel. After several thousand years of endurance, things finally returned to normal!”

Li Changshou felt both amused and exasperated – that wasn’t what he had been asking about at all…

Li Changshou continued: “As the saying goes, without long-term planning, there will be immediate worries. Taking some precautions can prevent future troubles.”

As King Chujiang was about to speak again, King Qinguang beside him had already caught on, striking down King Chujiang’s raised hand.

The crisp sound of breaking bones made Longi’s little face turn pale…

King Qinguang let out a slight sigh, putting on a troubled expression, and said:

“Our Netherworld truly… has it difficult!

Externally we face remnants from the Blood Sea and rebellious spirits, internally we have countless difficulties. Now we just hope someone can help us.”

With King Qinguang speaking thus, the other Kings immediately understood his meaning.

If the Netherworld didn’t need something from the Celestial Court, how could the Court naturally incorporate them?

At once, the Kings began complaining, but in their eyes, the Netherworld was already in the best state they could manage. After much hemming and hawing, they only managed to come up with a few points…

King Chujiang, clutching his naturally drooping left arm, sighed: “A few days ago, some powerful beings were fighting in the Blood Sea, making us anxious!”

King Pingdeng said: “Recently the Six Paths’ Wheel has been running unstably, probably lacking merit. Merit is like oil on door hinges – without regular lubrication, things just won’t work properly!”

King Dushi said: “Our current defensive forces are severely insufficient. If a tragedy like the Dragon Race’s sea eye breach happened, we couldn’t handle it at all!”

—The Netherworld doesn’t even have a sea eye!

After the Kings finished speaking, they all looked toward King Wuguan who hadn’t spoken yet;

King Wuguan stammered “Well” for a long time, struggling to speak, his face reddening, only managing to squeeze out through clenched teeth:

“Souls… souls are stagnating, help us!”

Li Changshou: …

“Let’s discuss the second matter.”

The Kings noticeably relaxed, perking up to hear what Li Changshou’s second matter was.

Li Changshou set up a barrier of immortal power around them, and with a serious expression, slowly said:

“All the Kings should be of Shamanic descent…

No need to explain yourselves, I know you’ve made promises to the Heavenly Dao, that you’re no longer of the Shamanic Race, and that you handle Netherworld affairs without bias toward Shamans.

Now, I won’t treat you as former Shamans, only as Netherworld Kings. By order of the Jade Emperor, I’ve come to ask you something.

In recent years, how many Northern Continent Shamans have reincarnated?”

“Why does Water God ask this?”

King Qinguang’s eyes were full of confusion.

Li Changshou sighed: “Previously, at a friend’s request, I went to check on the Northern Uluru Continent’s Shamanic situation.

I hadn’t gone far when I saw that at the continent’s edge, in Shamanic settlements, many villages were empty and abandoned.

Later, meeting with a tribe’s Great Shaman, I learned that over the past ten thousand years, Shamans have gradually found it harder to reproduce, with fewer and fewer pure-blooded Shamanic children being born.

Even secret marriages with humans rarely produce Shaman-human offspring.

Regarding this matter, I’ve already consulted the Jade Emperor, who said this isn’t punishment from the Heavenly Dao.

Moreover, the Jade Emperor is very concerned about this matter and ordered me to thoroughly investigate. That’s why I’ve come to the Netherworld to inquire if someone has interfered with reincarnation!”

The Kings and the Netherworld officials within the barrier all changed expression.

“How could there be interference?”

King Chujiang raged: “It must be the Demon Race’s dark schemes! Wanting to completely exterminate our Shamanic Race! How ruthless their hearts are!”

“Where is Judge Zhong!”

King Qinguang shouted with a dark face: “Go fetch the registry of Shamanic reincarnations for the past ten thousand years!”

“Yes!”

A judge with a full beard stepped forward, immediately flying out of the barrier toward the place of reincarnation.

Li Changshou noticed that this Senior Judge was actually of human descent, and his eyes lit up.

The Kings continued their angry outbursts:

“It’s one thing that we don’t help our Northern Continent kin, but to let our Shamanic Race fall victim to schemes right under our noses!”

“It’s probably not that simple. If there were problems with reincarnation, or if souls meant to be reborn as Shamans were fewer, how could we not know?

Even if we didn’t know, this would constitute an imbalance in the Six Paths – it’s an error that couldn’t have been concealed for ten thousand years!”

“Quick, to the hall!”

Hurriedly, the Kings led Li Changshou’s group of three to the crucial reincarnation location, entering the Hall of Yama.

The other Kings were also alarmed by this matter and rushed to gather at King Qinguang’s office, jointly examining piles of registers brought by the officials.

Li Changshou and the Jade Emperor’s avatar exchanged a few transmitted messages, remaining calm and composed.

Soon there were answers…

“There are no missing numbers for Shamanic reincarnations!”

“Most Shamans live beyond ten thousand years, so those who should be reincarnating haven’t yet died natural deaths, thus escaping our notice!”

“Water God, how should we handle this? We bear the duties of the Netherworld and responsibilities to the Heavenly Dao…”

“Everyone, rest assured!”

Li Changshou stepped forward, swishing his whisk, and said seriously:

“Now that the Celestial Court has involved itself in this matter, we must investigate thoroughly and give the Shamanic Race an explanation! My coming to the Netherworld was to clarify exactly which link has gone wrong.

I have some questions… What is the specific process of beings’ reincarnation?

Does the mother’s body first create life through yin-yang union, developing a living embryo, before a true spirit incarnates into it, or must a true spirit be involved in every step?”

King Qinguang said: “Both situations exist, but the former is more common.

For viviparous beings like Shamans and humans, first a living embryo is conceived and grows, then a true spirit incarnates, giving the embryo’s heart meridians the ability to pulse – only then is it considered a living being!

The mortal saying that children are flesh fallen from their mother’s body has some truth to it.”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, saying: “I see, I roughly understand now. Thank you, Kings, for clearing up my confusion.”

“It is we who should thank Water God for righteous assistance!”

Li Changshou was about to bid farewell and head to North Uluru Continent for an in-depth discussion with the Great Shaman there when he suddenly thought of some small details and asked again…

Then he suggested having the Netherworld’s Shamanic faction send several Shamans who were strong fighters, had some standing in the tribe, and held no positions in the Netherworld administration, to accompany him in investigating this matter.

—Let the Netherworld administration bear witness, to avoid accusations of exaggeration, and incidentally recruit some temporary magical weapon users.

The Kings of Hell hurriedly agreed, again expressing their gratitude.

After waiting a while longer in the Hall of Yama, Horse Face brought Ao Yi to rejoin them. Ao Yi’s expression now showed more brightness, no longer so depressed.

Afterward, the Kings saw Li Changshou’s group off from Fengdu City, where Ox Head and Horse Face were already waiting on the road ahead with several Shamanic experts.

These Shamans weren’t permitted to enter Fengdu City.

As they flew on clouds, Zhao Dezhu asked: “Water God, where do you think the problem lies?”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Why don’t we test Princess Longi?”

“Well,” Longi thought for a moment before quietly answering, “we should still inquire about the specific circumstances from the Shamanic Race. Longi dares not answer rashly.”

Li Changshou and Zhao Dezhu exchanged glances, each nodding in satisfaction.

Ahead, Ox Head was already quietly waiting with three men and three women. Since Shamans weren’t good at flying, Li Changshou would need to carry them on his cloud.

When leaving the Netherworld, the cloud was notably heavier.

…

Meanwhile;

In the misty Three Immortal Islands, among pavilions deep in the immortal realm.

The white-robed immortal maiden sitting behind layers of curtains opened her eyes, carefully calculating with her fingers, and couldn’t help but laugh softly.

What was this?

She had thought she’d entered meditation to comprehend the Dao, and upon waking should have passed several hundred years, but calculating with her fingers showed only a few days had passed…

Calm the heart, focus the spirit, and cultivation takes priority.

The immortal maiden was about to continue her secluded cultivation and comprehend the great Dao, but the wind chimes at the window tinkled, and a figure broke into the outer bounds of the Three Immortal Islands.

She couldn’t help but look closer. Though she knew it wasn’t that person, ripples still stirred in a corner of her heart.

Alas… the ripples dispersed in an instant.

“So it’s Big Brother…”

With a soft sigh, the immortal maiden closed her eyes to meditate, soon becoming enveloped in mist.