Judge Wen sat high in the hall, brush in hand as he passed judgment.
Ghost after ghost was dragged away. By then, Master Zhang's legs were already shaking like chaff in a sieve, and he dropped to his knees in the hall with a thud.
Judge Wen leafed through the documents recording Master Zhang's life and nodded in satisfaction, his expression kindly and his voice gentle.
"Though you did wrong in your youth, you did your utmost to make amends. For the rest of your life, you treated others kindly, building bridges and roads and benefiting many people...
Your mortal lifespan has ended, but you still have more than sixty years left in the afterlife.
Once those years are over, you may be reborn into a good family.
During your sixty years in the Underworld, would you prefer to live in Ghost City or take a job?"
Master Zhang froze. "...I..."
Judge Wen waved a hand. "There's no hurry to answer. Go stay in Ghost City for a while. Once you've thought it through, come back and tell me."
And so Master Zhang was taken to Ghost City again.
This time was completely different from when he had arrived. The ghost officer treated him courteously, introducing the Underworld to him as he led the way.
Once again, they passed Qian Botong, whose tongue was being pulled out.
Qian Botong's eyes widened as he stared at him in utter disbelief.
"Mmph! Mmph!!"
He began struggling violently again, desperately trying to make a sound.
Why!?
Why wasn't he being punished?
Why? He was involved too! Why was I the only one!?
Qian Botong howled.
Master Zhang dared not look any longer and hurriedly quickened his pace.
"Whew, whew, whew~"
He let out a long breath as he stepped into Ghost City.
Looking