Yama Rising

When all was said and done, the core business of the construction industry was simply to adhere to the drawings and execute the works to the tee. There was nothing much to talk about if there weren’t any drawings or construction equipment.

Therefore, if one wished to impress the lord of Hell, they would naturally have to think from a completely fresh perspective.

His suggestion immediately triggered the brainwaves of others. Zhao Guangliang immediately chimed in, “These are all part and parcel of city planning works. The top talents who are capable of such planning works are all part of the state council. You’ll find some representatives in the provincial capital and the city government as well. My lord, do you think you’ll be able to…”

Li Chuanyi responded, “Generally speaking, urban planning is highly predicated on the local conditions. I’ve had a brief look around. There aren’t any big mountains in Hell, so we can attempt to model it after flat cities like the Lotus City. With Hell’s Gate as the core, we can establish a system of works and facilities around it.”

“We need a professional from the design institution.” Hu Feng concluded, “You’ll first have to ascertain the style of buildings you want, and they will then be able to come up with the appropriate design drawings… My lord, with all due respect, none of us here can fulfill these requirements of yours.”

He would first need to tap on the talents of technical experts before he could finally put to use the expertise of these managerial talents and executives.

Just as he stood up, the Yin spirits in attendance quickly exchanged knowing glances. It could be said that their hearts were already in tune with each other. Qian Tianyi was the first one to stand up, “My lord, wouldn’t you say that this is the perfect opportunity to consolidate and formalize the establishment of Hell’s construction industry?”

Hell had its society and community as well.

The Yin spirits in attendance were incredibly astute as well. What they were doing right now was no different from submitting their vote of confidence - I want to follow you.

Gulp… Several audible gulps were heard. Then, all seven men nodded deeply.

These words were profound. None of the seven responded immediately. Qin Ye wasn’t in a hurry to receive their response either. The room was filled with an awkward silence. Several moments later, Hu Feng gritted his teeth and spoke abruptly, “My lord, none of us here are naive children. We all understand an important principle - a friend in need is a friend indeed. It may be easy to add flowers to the brocade, but it’s far more difficult to send charcoal in the snow.”

“That’s right… we’ve got a long road ahead of us in this life... after death. We’ve got to find some purpose for ourselves as well. Having the opportunity to continue what we’ve been doing in our previous lives isn’t a bad option.” Zhao Guangliang stood up and bowed sincerely, “Many join the construction industry just so that they can make a living. But most of us holding such executive positions… choose to remain with the industry because it’s also a passion of ours.”

Just like that, the gazes of gleaming eyes landed squarely on Qin Ye in eager anticipation. After pondering for twenty full minutes, Qin Ye finally nodded deeply.

Just like Cathay. What was the largest, most powerful construction company across all of Cathay?

No.

Hell was currently in a mess. The only silver lining was that the first proper industry was starting to come together nicely.

“Alright.” Qin Ye finally made up his mind, “This is for the record - on 18 January 2019, the Netherworld Construction Incorporated is hereby incorporated. Its temporary headquarters shall be based in the Second Order of Hell located at City of Salvation, abbreviated as City of Salvation (Hell) for short.”

Qin Ye continued, “The Netherworld Construction Incorporated may be abbreviated as Yin Construction.”

“Everyone.” Qin Ye set his palms down on the table and looked around with a solemn expression, “This is only the first summit of our construction industry.”

Qin Ye straightened up and took in the excited expressions of all of the division heads, “That said, your office of head of division is not set in stone. You’ll be made to step down if you don’t do a good job. None of you have any manpower under you right now. Your first task is to secure your own work force from the Yin spirits out there. I’ll be introducing a whole series of rewards and punishments together with the establishment of the ministry of law and the other advisory departments and ministries at a later date. This will directly affect your performance appraisal which shall take place every ten years.”

He smiled faintly at everyone, “All of you used to be middle management drawing annual salaries in the region of half a million RMB, with hundreds of men under your charge. Are you certain you won’t be dissatisfied answering to a teenager like me?”

The seven heads of division exchanged glances. Seconds later, Zhao Guangliang remarked softly, “Wasn’t my lord’s final statement… truly poignant?”

“Truth be told, there was no need for him to have done so in the first place.” Hu Feng shook his head with a bitter smile, “No matter how great we used to be, everything is now in the past. Hell is a brand new start for us. Besides, do you truly believe his current appearance to be his true form?”

Qin Ye couldn’t be bothered with what the seven men thought. Although Qin Ye had never employed the two-pronged approach of both kindness and severity before, it was never too late to begin.

He was going to register the name of a Netherworld Operative on Hell’s Records for the very first time!

Whoosh… As soon as Hell’s Record appeared, it flipped open and hovered in front of Qin Ye as though something in the void were holding onto it.

Name: Qin Ye (Nickname - Dogballs)

Family Members: Grandfather (deceased), Parents (deceased)

Occupation: Soul Hunter - 260 merit points. Distance to Anitya Hellguard - 260/2,000 merit points.

Su Dongxue.

She could see a reasonably insignificant figure standing at the foot of Ksitigarbha’s statue, holding a brush with one hand and a book in the other. That said, this seemingly insignificant figure suddenly seemed as large and majestic as an entire mountain range.

Qin Ye was focused on the task at hand. Then, as soon as he finished recording Su Dongxue’s name in full, the otherwise ordinary and unremarkable book suddenly erupted with a brilliant golden light that engulfed the entire palace halls!

The eerie green soulfires flickered violently wherever the golden lights swept. The previously gloomy surroundings were instantly blanketed with a pure, golden sheen synonymous with the nature of Buddha. Even the terrifying sculptures on both sides of the hall looked softer as a result of these lights.

The seven division heads who were just leaving the annex hall immediately gasped when they saw this sight, and none of them dared take another step closer to the astonishing sight.

She was no longer dressed in a cheongsam like she was before.

Simultaneously, a second entry finally appeared in Hell’s Records.

Place of Origin: Mulberry Village, Longriver County, Abundant City, Insignia Province

Date of Birth: 8 November 1930

Su Dongxue opened her eyes. She still looked the same as before, but there was evidently something different about her.

And it was a qualitative transformation at that.

“I’ve already been dead for nearly a hundred years… and yet… I’ve been unable to enter Fengdu Necropolis or any part of its system all this while… My lord, words can’t express my gratitude to you. From this day forward, your word shall be my command, even if you require me to brave a mountain of blades or cross a sea of fire!”

Qin Ye was somewhat out of it.

“My lord… what’s this?” The seven men finally walked over and asked in astonishment.

“Do well, and your achievements might not be beneath hers.”

These words caused their eyes to grow red. They bowed abruptly to Qin Ye, “My lord, please rest assured, we won’t let you down!!”

1. This essentially refers to the highest organ of power and administration.