Chapter 162 - 162: 134 Foolish Morons
Chapter 162 - 162: 134 Foolish Morons
Translator: 549690339
Feng Qing’an was stunned by the scene unfolding before his eyes and was at a loss for words, unable to comprehend exactly what was going on. This wasn’t the expected outcome.
The ghost-god who had braved the wrath of the Ghost King to warn humanity not to be fooled by the allure of the supernatural was now willing to risk soul dispersion.
But with the emergence of the Mirror of Three Lives, images from the life of the Military Judge flashed by. The attitude of the Monarch of You Huang Ghost Country changed instantly, and so did the ambiance.
Feng Qing’an did not manage to see everything clearly, but he still understood the gist of it. He now knew what kind of person the Military Judge had been in life—tragic, heroic and heartbreaking. It was unfortunate that he was born in the wrong era, under the wrong rule.
Judging by the number of heads the Judge had taken in his last battle, Feng Qing’an felt that, even without knowing the exact reward scheme of Da Jin, making him a mere county official was unduly harsh.
Yet, the Judge, having faced suppression and rejection in both life and death, seemed to finally vent all his pent-up frustration. He had met a Monarch who appreciated his abilities and even tolerated his forthright character!
However,
“I am a ghost-god, honored by the peoples’ incense offerings. I will not stoop to the level of the underworld ghost creatures!”
After a brief moment of surprise, he immediately declined. Feng Qing’an couldn’t bear to watch any longer. It seemed there had been a misunderstanding. The fact that he was enshrined as a ghost-god after death implied that Da Jin had left some leeway when suppressing him.
“Indeed, you speak wisely! However, are you really content with being a mere Military Judge for a few hundred years, after which your soul will disperse and be reincarnated?”
Even as a ghost-god, one cannot achieve immortality solely through incense offerings.
Immortal life is not easily achieved. Most ghost-gods who receive offerings only exist for a few hundred years before they fall off their pedestals. Even if they remain unhurt, their souls often collapse under the strain of the incense offerings.
“Being a local ghost-god and protecting the people in death already fulfills me.
Why would I be discontented?”
“Good response!”
The joy on the face of the Monarch of You Huang Ghost Country subsided after his first persuasion failed, and his former indifference returned. It seemed as though he was no longer interested in him.
“Since that’s the case, are you prepared to incur my wrath and face my fury?”
“You Huang!”
Feng Qing’an turned to look at the Monarch of You Huang Ghost Country. Haven’t he just claimed to be a magnanimous ruler? Why was he suddenly threatening to unleash his fury? This fickle behavior was indeed befitting of a ruler.
“Though I am magnanimous, it is mainly towards my subjects. As for petty ghost-gods who repeatedly challenge my authority, if they are so eager to die, I’ll grant their wish!”
“Death is but a small matter, why should I be afraid?”
The Military Judge, Xu Wupan, showed no fear. Precisely because he knew neither fear nor dread, he could confront the Monarch of the Ghost Nation, rebuke him boldly and act according to his own beliefs, undeterred by external influences.
“Death? That’s the easiest thing in the world. You won’t get off that easily!”
You Huang reached out his hand and clenched it lightly. Xu Wupan, who stood tall and imposing in golden armor, was immediately engulfed by darkness and disappeared from Feng Qing’an’s sight.
“What do you plan to do with him?”
Feng Qing’an, standing on the sidelines, asked with a slightly furrowed brow. He didn’t want to see this man, who had suffered so much in life, meet such an end. But there was nothing he could do to change the situation.
In all honesty, if he were in You Huang’s shoes, he would use his authority to torment him, just to see how long his defiance would last.
“Just watch. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to him. I want to see what he will choose.”
“Huh?”
Feng Qing’an was a bit confused.
“Such a character seems hard to tame, but is actually the easiest to deal with.
By intimidating him with a noble cause, you can oppress him!”
A hint of a smile played on You Huang’s lips as he contemplated his rich gains that night. He hadn’t expected to capture such a rare gem by merely dispersing a group of irritating monks.
“So, you still plan to take him to the underworld?”
Feng Qing’an had his guesses, yet he couldn’t predict You Huang’s exact plan.
“Why should he remain in a small county acting as a lowly Military Judge?
Don’t you think that’s too much of a humiliation?”
“That’s true. But didn’t he refuse to submit to you? Given his temperament, I doubt he’ll agree to lead your Ten Thousand Ghost Riders!”
“It’s not up to him!”
A domineering look Feng Qing’an had never seen before filled the eyes of the Monarch of You Huang Ghost Country. It was not merely an assertive behavior, but rather the self-confidence of a ruling Monarch!
“I’ll head back to the underworld first. In about half an hour, you can use the secret technique to witness the proceedings.”
“Alright!”
Feng Qing’an agreed readily, curious about the outcome.
The little phoenix, who had been quietly standing by his side, instantly spread her wings and took flight. Even though You Huang was busy, she knew better than to disturb him. She understood where to draw the line.
“Feng Qing’an, I’ll take you home!”
The little phoenix, who had been holding back for a while, was very lively. Before Feng Qing’an could refuse, he was whisked away, and within a few moments, he found himself back at his residence.
“Xu Wupan, huh!”
As he watched You Huang’s fading silhouette, Feng Qing’an was both concerned and curious about the fate of the Military Judge who had remained upright and unyielding to the very end..