Consuming Merit

"Then in the City God's and the judges' opinion, how should this matter be resolved?" Lin Yan frowned.

The City God stroked his beard and murmured, "It is not entirely without a solution."

"For the Yin Administration to send troops, it also requires a 'pretext' and 'resources.' If the mortal world can provide sufficient 'payment,' this matter may be negotiable."

"Payment? Gold and silver spirit money, incense offerings?" Lin Yan asked.

"Those mundane things are of little use to the Yin Administration," Judge Zhou said, shaking his head. "What the Yin Administration needs is 'merit.'"

"Merit?" Zhou Qing's heart stirred.

"Correct." The City God nodded.

"Merit is the mark of good deeds recognized by heaven and earth. To the officials of the Yin Administration, it is hard currency for raising their divine rank, stabilizing their divine bodies, and even accumulating resources in hopes of future transcendence."

"If there is enough merit to pay the 'fee,' the Yin Administration can naturally dispatch Yin Soldiers and Ghost Generals to assist the mortal world in sweeping away ghosts and maintaining order."

To put it plainly, it was spending merit to hire the Underworld for outsourced cleaning services.

"So that is how it is."

Lin Yan came to a realization, then asked:

"May I ask how much merit is needed? This Poor Daoist has cultivated for nearly a hundred years and has also accumulated a little insignificant merit. Perhaps I can offer my humble strength."

Hearing this, Judge Zhou once again opened the faintly glowing register in his hand.

This was clearly a ritual implement similar in function to the Book of Life and Death, and it began searching.

A moment later, a trace of surprise flashed through his eyes, and he raised his head to look at Lin Yan:

"Daoist Lin has accumulated