The doors of the Yama Halls slowly opened.
King Yama emerged, followed by a judge and several ghostly guards.
At the sight of Li Shimin standing outside, his expression changed. He quickened his steps, stopped before him, clasped his fists, and bowed with an almost humble deference.
"I did not know Your Majesty the Human Emperor had arrived. Forgive me for failing to welcome you!"
A trace of panic lurked in his voice.
Li Shimin's soul had entered the Underworld Bureau. It was neither a trivial matter nor a catastrophe.
The Jing River Dragon King had brought his complaint to the Hall of Senluo. As King Yama, he was obliged to hear it.
But Li Shimin was no ordinary man. He was the Human Emperor, the exemplar of the Human Dao across the Three Realms of heaven, earth, and humanity.
The Human Emperor's standing was another matter entirely!
The Jade Emperor of the Heavenly Court governed heaven, King Yama of the Underworld Bureau governed the Underworld, and the emperor of the Human Realm governed its people.
Each of the Three Realms had its own duties, with none subordinate to another.
The Human Emperor might not live forever or practice Divine Abilities and spells, but blessed by Human Path Fortune, he held such exalted status that even the Jade Emperor had to treat him with courtesy!
Now a dragon's severed head had frightened the Human Emperor into the Underworld Bureau. If word got out, King Yama would lose face!
It was not that he feared taking responsibility. The whole thing was simply absurd.
A petty dragon king had frightened the Human Emperor to death. What a display of might!!
King Yama straightened, stepped aside from the entrance, and gestured for him to enter.
"Your Majesty, please come inside to speak."
King