Yama Rising

Even then, Qin Ye maintained the placid expression on his face, “Is it possible to bring it forward?”

How would such a date possibly be convenient for me?!

The 15th was Hell’s grand festivity in celebration of the Hungry Ghost Festival - the first one in a hundred years! It would be a declaration to Eastmount Province that Hell was in charge once again!

This was the first festivity to be presided over by their new government as well. Its significance was tantamount to the first national day celebration since the founding of a new nation!

And they would even be implementing their new system of currency!

But now, he was suddenly thrown a curve ball and told that the excavation was going to take place on the very same day, on 15 August itself. Where was he going to find the time to return to Hell? How could an Infernal Judge be absent when they were excavating a site suspected to harbour an incarnate revenant?

“As a matter of fact, that is a rather inconvenient date for me.” After deliberating for a moment, Qin Ye smiled, “The 15th is also the death anniversary of my only relative, my grandfather. He passed away on the day of the Hungry Ghost Festival itself, and I simply must pay my respects to him.”

Half of those who consumed the taisui fungus would gain eternal life, while the other half would transform into a monster. Back then, both he and his grandfather had consumed the taisui fungus at the same time, but he was the only one who survived the ordeal. Since then, he had always believed that it was his grandfather who had ceded the chance to survive to him. Had the present circumstances not forced his hand, he would never have wanted to bring up this grandfather of his as an excuse.

Nor was anyone overtly threatening him or placing him under duress.

“We can’t afford any delays.” Mo Changhao smiled, “Don’t we usually pay our respects to our ancestors during the Qingming Festival instead? That said, I guess I can understand the reason for your choice to remember him on this day… But it matters not. How long would paying your respects take? When the time comes, I’ll help to hold the fort for a moment while you go do the needful.”

He hadn’t forgotten the image revealed by the shard of King Yanluo’s Seal depicting Mo Changhao making a move against him.

“Mr Qin.” Mo Changhao took a sip from his cup of tea, “An incarnate revenant… isn’t something that a single Infernal Judge can deal with alone.”

Shit… Qin Ye cursed in his heart. These were matters that he hadn’t considered.

It wasn’t that it was taboo. Rather, it would simply invite more queries if he said anymore.

Resisting for the third time would be highly inconsistent with his office as the Infernal Judge of Martial City.

His heart was suddenly awash with a sense of urgency, but he knew better than to say anymore.

Wu Wenqing stood up, “We await your instructions.”

“Yes!”

Damn it… Are there seriously that many things to be done? Can’t I get a moment to catch a breather here?!

There were only 7 days left until the Hungry Ghost Festival! The layout of the amusement park, the placement of the facilities and amenities, and even the various security measures to roll out were likewise waiting for his review and approval!

“Mr Qin?” Just then, Mo Changhao called out to him, and Qin Ye instantly snapped out of his stupor and shook his head bitterly, “Sorry. I got lost in my thoughts for a moment.”

Qin Ye raised an eyebrow quizzically, “Begin? With what?”

He gazed at Qin Ye with meaningful eyes, “What do you say?”

………………………………………………………

Zhou Xianlong sat in front of the sofa, watching the images on the screen calmly. After some time, he remarked, “Tell Mo Changhao that he should do his best to keep Qin Ye busy over the next 7 days. Don’t give Qin Ye any free time apart from his usual sleeping hours.”

Then, Zhou Xianlong shut his eyes and sighed wistfully, “I’d like to hear your analysis of what you’re seeing thus far.”

“It’s all borne out of your duty to the nation.”

“But if you really must hear it, let me preface it with a warning that it’s not going to be nice.” The albatross sighed and turned back, “First of all, let’s talk about the Hungry Ghost Festival. Ever since the uptake of supernatural incidents, we’ve been witnessing Yin spirits running rampant across every corner of Cathay during each of the three major ghost festivals. The Hungry Ghost Festival is when Hell’s gates are supposed to be opened once more, and we’d all have to be mobilized for a period of three days in order to keep things orderly, safe and secure.”

“Why?”

“That said, sir, let’s wait for the results.”

With that, the albatross turned back to his screen and got right back to his duties.

“Carry on as planned.”

………………………………………………..

They were just done with their protracted meeting concerning tens of thousands of households, the evacuation of residents, and the deployment of their personnel. The last few hours of planning had only culminated with a skeletal plan at best.

8.30 p.m….

He rushed straight home and activated the shard of King Yanluo’s Seal. In an instant, he appeared right back in his office in the netherworld.

“I--...”

Wang One Tail opened his mouth, but didn’t have anything to add.

Qin Ye received the draft speech with great reluctance. For some strange reason, he couldn’t help but sense that Arthis was getting increasingly colder and more distant to him.

But he knew better than to concern himself with these matters right now. Within moments, he shelved his thoughts and delved right into the heart of the speech. Half an hour later, he nodded to the two. At once, their Yin energy erupted and filled the entire city like a tidal wave.

Qin Ye’s tall, illusory image was projected high into the sky, as though he were holding up the heavens. He stood right in the midst of the swirling tide of Yin energy, while countless spots of netherflames darted around him. He was visible from every corner of Ashmound City. At once, the citizens of Ashmound who were just going about their own business and daily affairs dropped what they were doing and looked over in shock.

Thus, it was a common sight for neighbourhood committee leaders to host get-togethers around a single source of netherflame, almost as though they had gone back to the days of ages past without the presence of electricity. To this end, the lifestyle associated with urbanization seemed ever so far away.

This is my kingdom… I’m the master of the underworld, the ruler of the kingdom of the dead!

“Now, I shall announce the Official Decree of Hell No. 002.”