Netherworld Judge
As expected, the aura of Simu [Moon Yin Divine Talisman], representing the image of the bright moon, was released from the futon placed in the center of the cultivation ground. The originally spacious and bright cultivation ground instantly became dark and gloomy, and a pale moon faintly appeared in the sky.
Although his imagery was somewhat eerie, the radiation of the extraordinary laws covered the entire space, and it was visible to the naked eye that the Spiritual Primordial Qi was slowly being tainted by the radiation of the laws, gradually transforming into the purer and more spiritual [Supreme Clear Spirit Primordial Qi].
The atmosphere of this place also felt in line with his cultivation. Simu meditated for four hours and saw that the cultivation site was almost ready. He calmed his mind and entered the [Moon Yin Divine Talisman] with his spiritual body. The image of the bright moon instantly covered and provided Shelter.
However, this alone is still insufficient to allow a Yin Spirit that has not yet been condensed to enter the Netherworld unharmed.
Immediately, the Simu Spirit Body silently recited the incantation.
"Tianqing and earth is bright, Lord of the Netherworld, Earth Lord Who Pardons Sins, Heavenly Venerable of Reincarnation. The Simu, Judge of Sins of the Zhoujue Yin Heavenly Palace, humbly request the Netherworld Talismanic Edict."
As the Simu Mantra was recited three times, from an angle beyond his observation, a divine talisman radiating an awe-inspiring aura responded, communicating with the Netherworld Domain Lord of the Netherworld's position.
The next instant, Simu felt a powerful force descend upon his spirit, enveloping him and causing him to fall into the underground space where the earth's energy was concentrated.
Ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators can use earth-attribute spells or Divine Ability to descend to depths of 10,000 or 100,000 meters underground, but they cannot do what this kind of talisman does, which seems to allow them to directly enter the depths of the earth's core.
As Simu ventured deeper into the underground space, he only vaguely sensed the outside world Shelter by the talisman. The earth's energy was so dense that it seemed to condense into crystals, resembling steel and iron, or carrying the power of an entire planet.
He could sense that if he recklessly tried to explore further, he would be Wuqing crushed by this extreme environment. Even his extraordinary force field would shatter instantly without any doubt, unable to resist.
However, Simu had to enter the Netherworld every month, so he was already familiar with this scene and overcame his curiosity, letting the Netherworld Talismanic Edict lead him to continue descending.
After an unknown amount of time, a chilling sensation entered his spiritual body. His originally illusory spiritual body in the mortal world immediately grew "flesh and blood," making his spiritual body seem like a living human being.
This change occurs when one enters another world, where the laws and environment have drastically altered.
In the Netherworld, spirits, mental beings, and ghosts are the normal state here. By absorbing yin energy, they can maintain their physical form and even become stronger.
Simu released his spiritual power outwards, and a massive black mountain and a palace of ghosts and gods stood before him.
This is the core of the Netherworld. Black Mountain and its branches cover most of the Netherworld. The Lord of the Netherworld did not name it, but the spirits deeply influenced by Buddhism and Daoism habitually revere it as Mount Luofeng.
The same Lord of the Netherworld is also known as the Great Emperor of Fengdu.
Looking back, there is indeed a small Ghost Gate Pass located outside this square at the Mount Luofeng.
This is a special gateway established for cultivators serving in the Netherworld to travel between; only those possessing Netherworld Talismanic Edict can freely travel back and forth.
Simu saw Yixiu, who had arrived earlier, waiting in the square.
The two had been here many times before, but they didn't talk much. Instead, they went to the Heavenly Palace on Mount Luofeng to deal with the cases that had accumulated over this period of time.
Since living beings cannot stay in the Netherworld for long, judges like Yixiu and Simu usually take turns on duty on a monthly basis.
As soon as the two entered the Bureau of Judgment and Punishment of Evil of the Heavenly Palace's secondary hall, a Yin soldier at the Qi Refining level who had transformed into Ghost Immortal stepped forward to greet them.
"Welcome to your new posts, Your Excellencies. I am Bi Qi, a newly appointed clerk in the Judgment Office Bureau, responsible for assisting you in judging the most sinful and malevolent spirits."
Simu looked the man up and down. He saw that the man's body was covered by a suit of soul armor, and his entire soul was extremely transparent. There was a clear and spiritual aura in his eyes. In addition, according to their judge's rank, there was a faint aura of peace behind his head.
Seeing this, Simu smiled faintly.
"Bi Qi, is that right? You're not bad; you have Qi Destiny. If you cultivate the Great Dao of Ghost Immortal Dao diligently, there's a slight possibility that you might be able to forge a Dao Foundation."
"Amitabha!"
Yixiu, standing to the side, uttered a Buddhist chant, which could be interpreted as his agreement with Simu's statement.
Bi Qi was overjoyed to hear such praise from the renowned Daoist Priest Simu, who was already famous in the mortal realm.
"I never imagined that I, Bi Qi, would be appreciated by the Dao Foundation masters even after death, despite having no talent for cultivation in my previous life. I must seize this opportunity."
He immediately expressed his desire to follow the Tao to the two adults.
"In my lifetime, my talent for cultivation was so poor that I made little progress. I never expected to be appreciated by you two after my lifespan ended. I will certainly do my utmost to cleanse the orthodox Ghost Immortal."
After exchanging pleasantries, the three began to get into their work process.
This time, Simu was in charge of the trial, Yixiu was on the side examining and verifying the sins, Bi Qi was leading several ghost soldiers to escort the sinful ghosts and evil spirits.
Since the Netherworld System has only been established for a little over a decade, and only five Dao Foundation Yin Generals have been born, most key positions are still handled by dozens of Dao Foundation cultivators in the mortal world. Naturally, it lacks the support of the vast system of the Netherworld's Three Offices, Ten Kings of Hell, City God, and Earth God as described in myths and legends.
Although the Great Dao of Ghost Immortal is passed down, it is possible to directly select pure-spirited individuals from among the yin spirits to cultivate the Ghost Immortal methods, maintain normal spiritual intelligence, and complete complex tasks.
However, compared to the underworld officials who need to guide hundreds of millions of souls in the mortal world every day, it is still far from enough.
Fortunately, the Lord of the Netherworld bestowed the [Heavenly Mirror of Punishing Sins], which allowed officials serving in the Heavenly Palace to invoke its power based on their positions, and to record the sins of the wandering souls in their previous lives.
The judges found their work easier by relying on the [Heavenly Mirror of Punishing Sins]. Next, Bi Qi and several Yin soldiers brought up one Yin spirit or evil ghost after another, and the Simu gave different judgments based on the amount and harm of their crimes.
After dealing with several people who wanted to escape judgment by committing suicide to enter the Netherworld.
A ghost shrouded in deep black mist, filled with resentment, was brought to the solemn, empty courtroom.
The sheer density of the black aura and the extent of the sins it exuded surprised both Simu and Yixiu. Although they had witnessed even more terrifying black auras day and night, the appearance of such a person just days after the trial made them realize that a major case had occurred.
The [Heavenly Mirror of Punishing Sins] captures this person's Qi Destiny, and the mirror immediately traces back this person's past life.
With his extraordinary mental strength, Simu quickly reviewed the man's criminal history and immediately made a summary and judgment.