With the Ghost King's death, the ghostly abyss around Liusha Country dissolved almost instantly.
While the ghost soldiers and generals perished, countless lost souls from Liusha Country remained behind.
Using the Mystic Art of Ghostly Communication from the Earthly Fiend Transformations, the Great King Yellow Wind summoned the underworld emissaries, Black and White Impermanence, along with a contingent of ghostly troops.
Upon learning of the oversight that had led to such chaos, Black and White Impermanence were terrified. They hurried to report to Yama, who arrived drenched in sweat, personally offering apologies.
To resolve the issue swiftly, Yama opened the Ghost Gate, bringing the souls to the underworld for reincarnation. A "fast lane" was arranged, and within days, tens of thousands of wronged spirits were reborn into families of warmth and abundance.
"Is the esteemed immortal satisfied?"
Yama offered a servile smile, pleading, "Now that this matter is resolved, please do not let this reach the ears of Heaven. Let it remain between us."
Yama was desperate. Should the Heavenly Court discover such negligence, his position as one of the Ten Yama Kings would be jeopardized.
Although the title of Yama was fixed, the deity holding the position was not. Any grievous error could lead to dismissal—or worse, harsher punishment.
"Who was that figure in the underworld? The one pulling the Ghost King's strings?"
Pressed by the Great King Yellow Wind, Yama admitted reluctantly, "Those were the outlaws of the Shadowy Yin Mountain, a territory outside our jurisdiction."
The underworld, vast and sprawling, held many ghost towns and villages beyond the control of its ten Yama Kings. Ancient evils still lurked in these remote corners, remnants of ages long past.
As for the mysterious figure, even Yama claimed ignorance.
When asked about Mount Ling's activities in the underworld, Yama hesitated but finally divulged:
"Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva has been waging a campaign against the Sea of Blood, and Mount Ling has been assisting him. Buddhist forces are also stationed near Yin Mountain."
"Who commands them?" Yellow Wind demanded.
"The Asura King of the Eight Heavenly Dragon Divisions," Yama whispered.
While the ghosts were vanquished, residual ghostly and malevolent energy polluted the area, causing significant harm to mortals and ordinary creatures. However, purifying these remnants would bring great merit.
The ancient peach tree rooted itself in the land, cleansing the shores.
The Little Carp swam through the waters, clearing the veins of filth.
Old Black Fox, standing atop the city walls, recited the teachings of sages, dispersing grievances with righteous energy.
The Great King Yellow Wind did not compete with them for merit but focused on refining the Ten Thousand Soul Banner, delving into its eighteen layers of restrictions.
The mouse king's triumph over the ghosts soon reached Hundred Fox Mountain. Villagers rejoiced, weeping as they brought their families to Liusha Country to honor their dead.
"Return, O souls, to the land of your ancestors!"
The bereaved wore mourning garments, lit incense, and scattered paper money. Their cries of grief echoed through the heavens.
For ten days, it rained continuously—a divine rain infused with celestial power that washed away hatred and purified the mortal realm.
When the rain ceased, the sun broke through the clouds, casting beams of light across the land. Rainbow-colored clouds filled the skies as divine merit descended in shimmering fragments.
The Great King Yellow Wind, the ancient peach tree, the Little Carp, and Old Black Fox received the lion's share.
Even the lesser demons, human auxiliaries, and other participants were granted a small portion, sparking cheers throughout the ranks.
Some miraculous changes followed:
A crippled man found his legs healed.
Old wounds vanished.
Minor demons absorbed the merit and ascended to new levels of power.
The Great King Yellow Wind, too, gained much from the merit but channeled it into the Ten Thousand Soul Banner, refining it further.
"A spirit treasure embryo is still an embryo. To become a true spirit treasure, it requires tempering. Blood sacrifices like the Ghost King's method could work, but that would produce a demonic artifact."
"Instead, it can be refined with merit and the devotion of living beings, transforming it into a treasure of virtue."
The teachings of his senior, Lu Shixiong, echoed in his mind:
"To resolve such dilemmas, one must use merit and the prayers of the masses. It's the Buddhist way—redeeming demons, ghosts, and evildoers to sow seeds for future blessings."
After rewarding the demons and human forces, the Great King Yellow Wind appointed Silver Wolf General to oversee Liusha Country, assisting the peach tree and Little Carp in stabilizing the region's disrupted ley and water veins.
He then led the remaining troops back to Wuzhen Mountain.
The Ghost King's defeat spread like wildfire across Yellow Wind Ridge.
Even those demons who had resisted joining the mouse king came forward to pledge their allegiance. The calamity had made them realize that Yellow Wind Ridge was no longer the same.
Without a demon king, they could live freely. But now that a king had emerged, they had only two choices: leave or submit.
"Have you heard? The Mouse Demon King isn't like others."
"True. I've spoken to the early followers—they say he doesn't exploit his subjects or order them around carelessly. He teaches us arts and doctrines and even holds lectures on the Dao!"
"Is that so? For us wild demons, practicing proper techniques is impossible without guidance. If it means hearing him teach, I'd gladly follow the Three Prohibitions—or even ten!"
More and more demons flocked to Wuzhen Mountain.
The Great King Yellow Wind welcomed them but first issued identity tokens to the original members, marking their seniority.
Newcomers were required to work for at least ten years without breaking any rules before they could apply for permanent residency.
This system elevated the status of the original demons while encouraging discipline among the newcomers.
With Old Black Fox's help, the transition progressed smoothly. Wuzhen Mountain's population soon swelled to over a thousand demons.
The Little Carp even requested a registry for herself and her aquatic followers—a separate book listing 274 members.
One day, the Great King Yellow Wind summoned Hei Jing.
"I've made my decision. Here's the blueprint for the future development of Wuzhen Mountain and Tun Yue Lake."
Hei Jing, better known as Great White Planet, was stunned. "Are you certain, my king?"
"I'm serious," Yellow Wind replied.
Great White Planet couldn't believe it. The plan Yellow Wind had chosen was the most ambitious and challenging option.
After some thought, Great White Planet murmured, "This demon is no ordinary creature."
He added cautiously, "This plan will take decades, even centuries."
The Great King Yellow Wind laughed. "We demons live for a thousand years. We might as well keep busy!"
Three days later, on an auspicious day, construction began.
With the recent victory over the ghosts, even the humans of Hundred Fox Mountain eagerly joined the effort.
Unlike before, the humans trusted the mouse king, knowing he kept his word. He paid them fairly, ensured their safety, and provided food and supplies.
This trust was evident in how they now addressed Zhuojin and his troops as generals and warriors, treating them with newfound respect.
As Yellow Wind surveyed the bustling activity on the mountain and below, a sense of fulfillment washed over him.
"My home… is finally taking shape."
"I wonder where Monkey Brother is these days?"
As if summoned by his thoughts, a golden cloud appeared in the sky.
"Brother!"
The Handsome Monkey King somersaulted down with a grin.
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