Main World.
Spring, Year 18 of Konoha.
New Capital, British Continent.
In a study deep within the Imperial Palace, a roaring fire drove away the chill of early spring. A huge sheet of parchment covered the broad desk, filled with intricate runes, energy circuits, and densely packed annotations. Toyotomi Yinglang sat behind the desk, holding a writing brush and sketching something on the parchment. His movements were slow and steady, each stroke carrying an almost sacred concentration.
Yutian stood before him, his deep-purple governor's robes immaculate, but a trace of undisguisable curiosity in his eyes. It had been a long time since he had seen His Majesty so focused on anything.
The last time had been when he was designing Soul Yin Mountain.
"Your Majesty, what are you drawing?"
"The Underworld."
Toyotomi Yinglang did not even look up.
Yutian's pupils contracted slightly.
"The Underworld?"
"Yes. The Underworld." Toyotomi Yinglang set down his brush and leaned back in his chair. "After people die, their souls enter the Underworld. Those who did good enter the Immortal Path-they're taken into the Underworld's ranks; those who were loyal enter the Noble Path-they're reincarnated into wealthy and distinguished families; those who were filial enter the Fortune Path-they're reincarnated into happy families; those who were fair enter the Human Path-they're reincarnated as humans."
He paused.
"Those who accumulated virtue enter the Wealth Path-they're reincarnated into happy families; the malicious enter the Demon Path-they fall into Hell to suffer. Their suffering will become nourishment for Soul Yin Mountain."
Yutian's breath caught slightly.
"Nourishment for Soul Yin Mountain?"
"Yes." Toyotomi Yinglang nodded. "Soul Yin Mountain needs emotions to produce Soul Yin Stones. Suffering is one of the strongest emotions. The suffering of the malicious is the best nourishment."
Yutian fell silent. Looking at the parchment covered in runes,