In simple terms, the existence of shadowy netherworlds means that when someone dies and becomes a ghost, whether intentionally or not, they have a place to exist and live. With the presence of netherworld energy, ghosts can also begin to cultivate.
Over time, the number of ghosts in these netherworlds grows, with various ghost kings vying for power, even establishing connecting passages between different netherworlds, collectively known as the Netherworld Realm.
In the Netherworld Realm, ghost kings of varying strengths rise, some fighting, others cooperating, causing endless disputes that even begin to affect the living in the mortal world.
Moreover, these ghosts, living in the Netherworld Realm beyond mortal jurisdiction, occasionally venture into the mortal world to siphon yang energy or indulge, leaving the mortal court in a constant state of distress.
To counter this threat to their rule and stability, dynasties throughout history have appointed deceased officials and generals, sustaining their souls through incense offerings to become divine spirits. These spirits guard city god temples, forming a yin bureaucracy to deal with ghosts from local netherworlds, ensuring the mortal world’s peace.
However…
After a century of campaigns, when a new dynasty rises, the previous dynasty’s city gods often become ghost kings in the Netherworld Realm…
“An endless cycle?” Lu Zheng asked.
Master Mingzhang shook his head. “It can’t be helped. Fortunately, the Dajing Dynasty is powerful, founded through martial might with many soldiers and generals. After six hundred years, it’s said many city gods have invaded the Netherworld Realm.”
Lu Zheng shook his head, thinking it was futile unless a system like the Ten Yama Halls of Chinese legend could be established. But then he realised that every dynasty likely aspired to this, only lacking the strength to achieve it.
Even in Chinese legends, with figures like Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Fengdu Emperor overseeing the netherworld, malevolent ghosts still frequently appeared.
In any world, truth rests on the power of fists.
“The Night’s End King is a ghost king in the Netherworld Realm near Tonglin County,” Master Mingzhang explained. “But despite the title, his strength is average, roughly on par with Tonglin County’s City God.”
“Er, can ghosts freely come and go from the Netherworld Realm?”
“It’s not that easy. Great powers can indeed move freely, but ordinary ghosts must use fixed passages. Most avoid the mortal world, as it’s dangerous for them with city gods targeting them and various cultivators around.”
“Then this corpse ghost…”
“The painted skin art allows it to conceal its aura, undetectable except by great powers.”
“Oh.” Lu Zheng nodded, grasping the situation. “What about demons?”
He recalled Master Mingzhang mentioning demons around Tonglin County.
“Demons…” Master Mingzhang pondered. “You’ll know when you encounter one.”
Lu Zheng: “…”
After a long talk, as dusk fell, Lu Zheng left all the corpse ghost’s items at Baiyun Temple and respectfully took his leave.
Though today seemed like a transaction, Lu Zheng had gained immensely.
No future troubles, a breathing technique in exchange for two unusable arts, and knowledge about city gods and the Netherworld Realm.
Deeply grateful, Lu Zheng planned to procure gifts in the modern world for Baiyun Temple.
…
Returning to Tonglin County late, he encountered no incidents.
Dismissing Uncle Li to rest, Lu Zheng returned to his bedroom.
“Enhance!”
Three strands of fortune’s light vanished from the jade seal, and a faint wisp of qi surged in Lu Zheng’s dantian, circulating along the path Master Mingzhang had taught.
“Tch, sensing qi isn’t that hard,” Lu Zheng chuckled. “Enhance again!”
*Buzz!*
Another strand of fortune vanished, and the qi in his body grew slightly stronger.
“Again!”
After consuming a fourth strand, Lu Zheng reached a stable phase.
His internal qi had grown significantly.
Exhilarating!
Standing, Lu Zheng let the true qi cycle through his body.
He felt it subtly transforming him, gradually enhancing his vitality, spirit, and clarity of mind, making him healthier, more energetic, and sharper.
This was merely a side effect. Lu Zheng sensed the qi held more profound uses, though he didn’t yet know how to wield them.
No wonder everyone craved cultivation!
Instead of returning to the modern world, Lu Zheng washed up in the ancient era and went to bed.
…
After acquiring the breathing technique, Lu Zheng cultivated in both worlds, with mixed results.
Cultivation was possible in the modern world, but progress was so slow it was nearly negligible, with the scant true qi drawn solely from his body.
Thus, Lu Zheng confirmed two things: the ancient world had some gaseous substance accelerating cultivation, and while cultivation was possible in the modern world, the effect was minimal.
…
Over the next few days, Lu Zheng inspected Tonglin County’s pharmacies and confectioneries, with no other incidents, enjoying a rare period of calm.
He later heard a scholar reported a missing girl from his household to the authorities, but the case went unresolved.
“Hm, a shop in Anfang is up for sale, but they’re asking two hundred guan.”
“Opening a pharmacy only requires a storefront, but I’d need to hire an experienced elder.”
“For a confectionery, I’d need to acquire a sugar mill as a front, or at least pretend to source from one.”
“No money… no people…”
Surveying both options, Lu Zheng found the prospects daunting.
No wonder entrepreneurship is called a poisoned chalice. Even with a cheat like mine, it’s still a hassle.
After another day in the county, Lu Zheng munched on malt candy bought from a shop, tossing pieces into his mouth as he walked.
Entering his alley, he noticed several large carts parked next to his courtyard, with porters moving boxes inside.
“Eh, the neighbouring courtyard’s been bought?”
His street had standalone courtyards, shared compounds, and vacant lots.
New to the area and solitary, Lu Zheng only exchanged nods with neighbours, not forming close ties.
His chosen courtyard, near the street’s entrance, had two adjacent lots long empty and abandoned.
Now, it seemed the one next door had been sold.
Passing by, Lu Zheng glanced inside, seeing masons and carpenters at work, with a man in his fifties or sixties directing porters to place items.
Catching Lu Zheng’s eye, the man stepped out, smiling broadly and bowing. “This old man’s surname is Liu. Are you Young Master Lu from next door? I called earlier, but your servant said you were out.”
“Greetings, Mr. Liu,” Lu Zheng returned the bow.
“No need for such formalities, just call me Old Liu,” the man said cheerfully.
Lu Zheng smiled. “Then don’t call me young master, just Lu Zheng. Where are you from, Old Liu?”
“I’m from Yaozhou. My family’s settling in Tonglin County to open a medical clinic. I hope for your support, Lu Zheng.”
“You’re too kind. I’ve only been here less than a month. Let’s look out for each other.”
After a brief chat, Lu Zheng excused himself and returned home for dinner.
