The Netherworld.
The Hall of Senluo.
The Ten Yama Kings sat above, while Ox-Head, Horse-Face, and the Spear-Bearing Ghost Envoys stood solemnly on either side of the hall, silent.
In the center of the hall,
Tuo Jie knelt on the left, bound fast by the Soul-Hooking Rope.
An iron chain looped twice around his neck and trailed to the floor, its other end fastened to a bronze ring on a pillar. He still held his head high, his face twisted savagely as he roared at those above:
"I am of the Jing River Dragon Bloodline! My uncle is Ao Shun, Dragon King of the Northern Sea! My brothers are all dragon gods! What right do you Underworld ghost officials have to judge me!"
"Release me! Fetch my uncle! I want to see my uncle!"
On the right, the Blackwater River God held up a petition written in blood without saying a word. His body was translucent; kneeling there, he looked like a wisp of mist that might dissipate at any moment. He held the petition high, utterly motionless.
The Ten Yama Kings sat upon the high dais, their expressions grim.
King Qin Guang frowned, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk. King Chujiang stroked his beard, the corners of his mouth turned down. King Songdi kept both hands tucked in his sleeves, his eyes closed as though asleep. King Wuguan stared at Tuo Jie, expressionless.
King Yama sat in the center, his face as black as the bottom of a pot and filled with fury. He cursed loudly:
"Wretched creature! You destroyed the River God's underwater residence and slaughtered his kin. The evidence is conclusive, and your crimes have been verified beyond doubt. You deserve punishment! What nonsense is this about us being unable to take you!"
"We have kept