Chapter 824 - 29: Personally Instructed by the Great Emperor, Yama as the Dharma King

Chapter 824: Chapter 29: Personally Instructed by the Great Emperor, Yama as the Dharma King

Zhou Jueyin Celestial Palace, within Yama Hall.

The skin is indigo, the iron face is dark, but it yet bears the appearance of red hair and fangs.

Abandoning the name "Mara," Yama, who has completely transformed from a Celestial Demon into a Ghost God, now rests with eyes closed and head bowed.

Only the thunderous breath periodically emanates from his mouth and nose, intimidating the other Ghost Gods within the Zhou Jueyin Celestial Palace.

The reason the Ghost Gods in the Zhou Jueyin Celestial Palace have not committed insurrection is not that they all agree with Yama’s views.

On the contrary, this Zhou Jueyin Celestial Palace is located in the deepest part of Fengdu Ghost City, the first place affected by the Nether Spring of the Underworld and losing control.

However, before the many Ghost Gods could act out, Yama suppressed them with thunderous means.

This is evident from the blood-stained iron rod beside Yama and the rolling skulls beneath his feet.

Each drop of blood on the iron rod, each skull beneath his feet, originates from different Ghost Gods.

"Huff!"

At this moment, a gust of ominous wind suddenly blows from behind Yama.

In the next moment, the curtain separating the Inner and Outer Halls is lifted, revealing the true form of the statue of Emperor Fengdu within.

Just like the real Li Boyang.

Emperor Fengdu does not lend himself to clay statues, few paintings and sculptures can capture his true form.

But the statue of Emperor Fengdu in Yama Hall is an exception.

While other Ghost Gods in the Six Celestial Ghost Gods Palace fear and avoid Emperor Fengdu.

Yama nevertheless always considered himself a "disciple of Emperor Fengdu" and personally crafted a statue of him, offering it daily and nightly in the Inner Hall of Yama Hall.

"Who?!"

Abruptly waking from slumber, Yama’s voice instantly echoes throughout Yama Hall.

The Ghost Gods are startled and tremblingly turn their heads toward the direction of Yama, some timid Ghost Gods even collapsing directly to the ground.

As for those Yin Spirits belonging to the Fengdu system?

Though they look at the Inner Hall with faces of confusion, they do not show too much fear.

On the contrary, some of the higher-ranking Yin Spirits seem to sense something unseen and show bewildered astonishment in their brows.

"It’s me."

When the low, hoarse voice comes from behind Yama, he instinctively freezes for a moment.

Yama then realizes the identity of the visitor.

Immediately rises, turns, kneels, bows, the whole process flowing seamlessly as if rehearsed countless times.

"Disciple Yama, pays respects to Emperor Fengdu!"

Without daring to raise his head, Yama at this moment is so obediently unlike the decisive and ruthless Ghost God.

"You sure know how to climb up the pole!"

Looking down at the kneeling Yama, Emperor Fengdu smiled with slight reluctance.

"I’ve never acknowledged you as my disciple, have I?"

Unexpectedly to Emperor Fengdu, Yama showed no sign of fear or terror, instead taking the initiative to respond.

"But you never denied it, have you?"

What Yama says is indeed true, he didn’t self-proclaim as "disciple of Emperor Fengdu" just for notoriety.

After all, if Emperor Fengdu truly disliked Yama, he would have warned him the first time he declared so publicly.

As someone with Celestial Demon origins, Yama is proficient in discerning others’ hearts, and his understanding of "acknowledgment" differs from ordinary people.

"Truly sly..."

Shedding a light laugh, Emperor Fengdu immediately remarked.

"Stand up! I don’t like people speaking to me on their knees."

Upon hearing this, Yama obediently stands up again, without a hint of resistance.

"I know you’ve always wanted to become a Yin Spirit..."

"From before you were suppressed here, you were already plotting for it."

"You pursue freedom, seek strength; it’s your nature as a Celestial Demon and is the desire of all living beings."

At this point, Emperor Fengdu’s voice pauses slightly.

"I know everything that has happened here."

"I’m glad you acted at the crucial moment, saving the lives of those Yin Spirits and Ghost Guards."

"So, if you wish to leave, I can let you go free now."

Upon hearing this, Yama shockingly lifts his head, almost forgetful of his reverence towards Emperor Fengdu.

"Are you driving me out of Zhou Jueyin Celestial Palace?"

Yama’s shrill cry echoes throughout Yama Hall, once again drawing the attention of all Ghost Gods and Ghost Guards.

Noticing this scene, Emperor Fengdu rarely furrows his brows.

"Not driving you away, freeing you."

Correcting Yama’s wording, Emperor Fengdu intended to say more but saw Yama decisively shake his head and deny.

"To me, there’s no difference."

"I consider myself your disciple, whether or not you acknowledge it."

"If you must drive me away, I am willing to leave, but it is not my true intention!"

Silently gazing at Yama, Emperor Fengdu’s gaze seems to pierce his soul.

Yet he holds his head high, undaunted by Emperor Fengdu’s scrutiny, revealing his defiance and unwillingness.

"Serving time with a sense of belonging, you truly are the first I’ve seen."

After a brief moment, Emperor Fengdu sighs deeply, yet opts not to revisit this topic.

"Since you are unwilling to leave, why should I send you away?"

"However, you are also aware of the current situation in the Netherworld, personnel are needed."

"I have discussed with the Lord of the Mansion, decided to establish Ten Halls of the Netherworld between the Six Celestial Ghost Gods Palace and Nine Prisons and Nine Springs, specifically to handle such emergencies."

"Are you willing to be the first head of this institution?"

Eyes widening dramatically, Yama stunned continues to gaze at Emperor Fengdu, unable to mentally reconcile with this abrupt shift in conversation.

"Your suggestion is... for me to become a true Yin Spirit?"

Gently shaking his head, Emperor Fengdu corrects once more.

"Not a Yin Spirit, a Dharma King."

"Should you agree, from today onwards, you shall be ’Yama Dharma King’."

"You may hold the authentic Book of Life and Death, appoint Judges, Messengers, and Ghost Soldiers, answering only to me and the Lord of the Mansion."

Yama was never a fool, swiftly comprehending the subtext of Emperor Fengdu’s words.

The existing Messengers, Yin Spirits, and Ghost Guards, are all directly commanded by Emperor Fengdu, equivalent to direct governance institutions.

And now, after consulting with the Lord of the Netherworld, Emperor Fengdu decides to establish ten subsidiary institutions aside from this direct governance—hence Emperor Fengdu’s "Ten Halls of the Netherworld."

These ten halls are like ten additional Fengdu Ghost Cities, with Dharma Kings as their administrators, possessing the right to appoint officials and recruit soldiers.

Unquestionably evident, this equates to immense power, almost akin to granting territories and crowning kings in a different form.

"Disciple is willing!"

Joyfully bowing down, Yama’s voice once again reverberates throughout Yama Hall.

"Disciple is willing to serve you to the utmost!"

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