Chen Zhou thought this to himself, but his expression remained impassive. He took a deep breath and cupped his hands toward the Ghost Emperors.
“Thank you for your high regard, Seniors.”
“I will not fail your trust.”
Xuandu nodded and said no more.
Chen Zhou thought for a moment and spoke again.
“Since you all are pressed for time and busy finding successors, why haven’t I seen the Zongshe Ghost Emperor?”
“I wonder what kind of destiny is required to inherit the Zongshe Ghost Mansion?”
“I might as well look for them during this time.”
As soon as he said this, the atmosphere suddenly stiffened.
Zhaoye’s expression shifted, and the hand he used to pat Xuandu’s back stopped. Xuandu’s sadness receded slightly as his brow furrowed.
The four Ghost Emperors looked at each other, none of them speaking.
The air in the hall felt as if it had frozen solid.
After a long silence, Dongming saw that the others were unwilling to speak and felt forced to step forward.
He steeled himself, looked at Chen Zhou, and spoke slowly.
“Young Palace Master, I wonder if you have heard...”
“There are actually eight people among the Five Direction Ghost Emperors of the Great Emperor's Palace.”
Chen Zhou was stunned. “...?”
Eight people?
Five Ghost Emperor Mansions, but eight Ghost Emperors?
He had never heard of such a thing.
He thought about it and asked tentatively, “Are the remaining four Ghost Emperors all in the Zongshe Ghost Mansion?”
Dongming nodded. “The Young Palace Master is wise.”
“The Zongshe Ghost Mansion is located in the center; it is the hub of the four directions and the core of the five mansions.”
“It does not handle specific affairs but instead oversees the authority of the five mansions and coordinates the Yin and Yang.”
“Therefore, there are four Zongshe Ghost Emperors, while the other four mansions have one each.”
Back in the southern region of Gloomlight Province, Su Xue had told Chen Zhou that there were actually five of the Four Great Demon Kings, with Su Xue being the fifth. In the legends of his previous life, there were nine Five Direction Ghost Emperors. So, hearing from Dongming that there were eight across the five mansions was not incomprehensible.
The specific number wasn't the issue.
The important question was: why did the Zongshe Ghost Emperors never show their faces?
Chen Zhou asked directly.
Dongming remained silent for a few breaths before letting out a sigh.
“It’s not that the Zongshe Ghost Emperors don’t want to show themselves; they are simply unable to.”
“These matters were not originally meant to be told to outsiders.”
Dongming looked at Chen Zhou with an unreadable emotion in his gaze.
“But you are the future Young Palace Master of the Great Emperor's Palace, and the entire palace will eventually be yours.”
“There is no harm in letting you know some of the palace’s secrets ahead of time.”
Chen Zhou cupped his hands. “Thank you, Senior.”
Dongming waved his hand.
“There is no need to thank me.”
“We originally planned to tell you these things later.”
“It wasn't that we wanted to hide it from you; we just wanted to make things easier for you.”
“You are a young god with a soul age of only one, yet you already carry so much on your shoulders.”
“Reviving the divine path, protecting believers, and dealing with the crisis of the broken realm in the Central Province.”
“These are already enough to worry about.”
“We old fogies thought that if we could shoulder some of the burden for you, we would. The mess in the Zongshe Ghost Mansion was something we wanted to keep from you for as long as possible.”
“A young man should act like a young man.”
“Carefree, high-spirited, doing what you want to do and going where you want to go.”
“Instead of worrying about these heavy burdens at such a young age.”
“But since you asked...”
Dongming took a deep breath, looking at Chen Zhou with affection.
“Then I will tell you.”
“The Zongshe Ghost Emperors must guard the Zongshe Mansion at all times; they cannot leave for even a step.”
“Because there is a well within the Zongshe Mansion.”
“It is called the Wujian Hell.”
“The thing suppressed within that well is the most malevolent entity in the entire Underworld.”
Chen Zhou raised an eyebrow. “The most malevolent entity?”
“Legends say the Underworld suppresses countless malevolent ghosts and vengeful spirits. The fiercest are pressed beneath the Eighteen Levels of Hell, never to be released.”
“But very few know that the reason the Eighteen Levels of Hell can suppress those fierce entities is not because the punishments are so terrifying, nor because the authority of the Underworld is so overwhelming.”
“It is simply because the Eighteen Levels of Hell were all built beneath the Wujian Hell.”
“They are suppressed from above by the Wujian Hell.”
Chen Zhou’s brow furrowed. “What exactly is inside the Wujian Hell?”
Dongming shook his head. “I don't know.”
“It was something the Northern Great Emperor kept by his side since the beginning of time.”
“Aside from the four Zongshe Ghost Emperors and the Emperor himself, no one knows what it truly is.”
“Perhaps it is the residual chaotic baleful qi from the creation of the world, or the resentful thoughts of the first fallen demon god of ancient times. Zhaoye even speculated it might be the Emperor’s own shadow.”
Chen Zhou remained silent, listening quietly.
Dongming continued, “But it existed at the bottom of the Wanchuan River long before the Underworld was even established.”
“The Northern Great Emperor built the Five Direction Ghost Emperor Mansions and appointed the Ghost Emperors ostensibly to divide the authority of the Underworld.”
“But the true purpose was to use the power of the five mansions to collectively suppress this well.”
“Thus, the Zongshe Ghost Mansion sits in the center, with the other four mansions arranged in the four cardinal directions.”
“The power of the auspicious gods from the four mansions flows into the center from all directions, using a balanced and upright aura to suppress the malevolence within the Wujian Hell.”
“That is the true meaning behind the existence of the Five Direction Ghost Emperor Mansions.”
Chen Zhou processed this information before asking, “What kind of destiny is needed to inherit the Zongshe Ghost Mansion?”
Dongming glanced at him and spoke slowly.
“It doesn't require auspicious nobles.”
“On the contrary, it requires the most calamitous of fates.”
“Wearing Hemp, Hanging Guest, Death Gate, and Death God.”
“All four great calamities must be present.”
Chen Zhou frowned. “Calamities?”
“Wearing Hemp is associated with funeral rites and mourning,” Dongming explained.
“Those born with this destiny are accompanied by death from birth.”
“Wherever they go, funerals follow. People will die on the roads they walk, and people will perish in the houses they live in.”
“The Hanging Guest is associated with condolences and tragic loss.”
“Those with this destiny are born to curse their kin. Their parents die early, their families are scattered, and none of their friends or relatives are spared.”
“Anyone who gets close to them will be cursed to death by their destiny.”
“The Death Gate is associated with disaster and violent death.”
“Those with this destiny bring catastrophe wherever they go. They are practically walking stars of disaster, living embodiments of calamity.”
“The Death God is associated with death and the end.”
“This destiny is the most malevolent and unique.”
“One who possesses the Death God destiny is a walking land of the dead.”
“Where they stand, life is extinguished, all things wither, plants die, and rivers run dry.”
Dongming paused after speaking.
“Four such calamities are gathered together to suppress the Wujian Hell.”
“Malevolence against malevolence, calamity against calamity.”
“Fighting fire with fire.”
Chen Zhou fell silent.
He imagined the scene: four people who caused death wherever they went, locked in a room together to guard a well.
For a hundred thousand years.
Unable to leave for even a single step.
He looked at Dongming. “The Zongshe Ghost Emperors... are they in pain?”
Dongming didn't answer.
It was Zhaoye who spoke, letting out a sigh with a very soft voice.
“Kid, do you know why we old fogies are so anxious to find successors that the fire is practically burning our eyebrows, yet we still maintain such high requirements?”
Chen Zhou thought for a moment. “Because you’re about to dissipate?”
“Not entirely.” Zhaoye shook his head.
“The auspicious god destinies of the four cardinal Ghost Emperors aren't just to suppress the malevolent thing at the bottom of the well.”
“They are also meant to balance out the calamitous aura of the Zongshe Ghost Emperors themselves.”
“Wearing Hemp, Hanging Guest, Death Gate, and Death God—with all four calamities gathered, they can suppress the thing in the well, but their own souls are constantly being eroded by their destinies.”
“If there weren't the power of the auspicious gods from the four mansions to harmonize them, the Zongshe Ghost Emperors would have long been consumed by their own destinies and turned into malevolent demons.”
“This is the true secret of the Five Direction Ghost Emperor Mansions.”
Zhaoye looked at Chen Zhou, his eyes, which were usually smiling, now filled with exhaustion.
“The four auspicious mansions harmonize Yin and Yang, maintaining balance and using righteousness to suppress evil.”
“The central Zongshe mansion uses the four calamities to fight fire with fire, using malevolence to suppress malevolence and evil to restrain evil.”
“The five mansions are one entity; not a single one can be missing.”
“But a hundred thousand years have passed.”
“The power of the auspicious gods is weakening, and the calamitous aura is pushing back.”
“We can't hold out much longer.”
After Zhaoye finished, Xuandu took over.
“The Taiji Noble I require... Taiji is the beginning of Yin and Yang, the mother of all things.”
“With a Taiji Noble presiding over the Xuandu Mansion, the power of harmonization can prevent Zongshe from completely sinking into darkness.”
Dongming said, “The National Seal Noble I require... the National Seal is the seal of authority, acting on behalf of heaven’s command.”
“By shining the light of Dongming across the Underworld, dispelling the darkness and revealing the truth in people’s hearts, it allows a flicker of light to remain in their souls.”
Suwei said, “The Eight Seats Noble I require... the Eight Seats align the eight directions, stabilizing the four quarters.”
“Using the power of the Eight Seats to stabilize the souls of the Zongshe Ghost Emperors prevents them from crumbling.”
Zhaoye added, “The Heavenly Noble I require... the Heavenly Noble is the most esteemed god of heaven, radiant and illustrious.”
“With a Heavenly Noble presiding over the Zhaoye Mansion, their supreme merit can harmonize the Yin and Yang, allowing Zongshe to maintain its final trace of clarity.”
The four of them finished and looked at Chen Zhou in unison.
Chen Zhou stood there, silent for a long time.
He suddenly understood one thing. The reason these people were so desperate to find successors—with Xuandu even willing to hand his mansion over to a subordinate god of a Young Palace Master who hadn't even formally inherited the title—was more than just fear of the inheritance ending.
Perhaps those four old fellows in the Zongshe Ghost Mansion were at their limit.
They needed new auspicious nobles to move into the four mansions and take over, continuing to provide the harmonization needed for Zongshe.
Otherwise, the four calamities would consume them, and those four old fellows would turn into malevolent demons.
When that happened, the thing suppressed in the Wujian Hell would break free as well.
Chen Zhou didn't dare imagine what the consequences would be.
He took a deep breath and looked at the Ghost Emperors.
“Seniors, what are the conditions for inheriting the Zongshe Ghost Mansion?”
Xuandu shook his head. “The Zongshe Ghost Mansion is not so easily inherited.”
“Even if suitable calamity destinies are found, would they be willing to endure the torture of Zongshe?”
“Unable to leave, unable to rest, unable to relax for even a moment.”
“Spending every day for a hundred thousand years guarding a well.”
“That is not a life anyone can lead.”
“Furthermore...” Xuandu paused. “You needn't worry too much.”
“Once you pass the trials of the five mansions and formally inherit the Great Emperor's Palace, we old fogies will find a way to dissipate along with the Wujian Hell.”
“There is no need for you to look for any calamity destinies, nor do your subordinate gods need to inherit the Zongshe Ghost Mansion.”
“Such heavy burdens should not be placed on the shoulders of a young god like you.”
After Xuandu finished, Zhaoye also nodded.
“Kid, don't blame those four old fellows from Zongshe for not coming to see you.”
“Using a calamitous destiny to suppress malevolence means the baleful qi enters the body; it feels like ten thousand blades piercing the heart.”
“Every breath is an ordeal.”
“It’s not that they don’t want to come; they simply can’t.”
“And...”
Zhaoye’s voice dropped lower.
“They are also afraid their destinies might curse you.”
“Hanging Guest was delighted to hear the Great Emperor's Palace finally had a gifted Young Palace Master. He is actually looking forward to meeting you during the final trial of the Zongshe Ghost Mansion.”
“Death Gate doesn't say much, but he’s privately asked Xuandu several times what the Young Palace Master looks like, how high his cultivation is, and what his personality is like.”
“He’s actually more curious than anyone, but he doesn't dare come, fearing his baleful aura might clash with you and damage your fortune.”
Chen Zhou opened his mouth to say something, but the words died in his throat.
He looked at the faces of the Ghost Emperors.
Xuandu was sorrowful, Zhaoye was exhausted, Dongming was heavy-hearted, and Suwei was silent.
They were all smiling, but the smiles were strained.
Chen Zhou bowed deeply to the four Ghost Emperors.
“Please rest assured, Seniors.”
“I will do my best to find suitable candidates.”
“Not just the auspicious nobles for the four mansions.”
“But the four calamities of Zongshe as well.”
“Not a single one will be missing.”
Xuandu shook his head. “Young Palace Master, you don't have to...”
“Senior.” Chen Zhou interrupted him, looking up into Xuandu’s eyes.
“I am not just being polite.”
“I mean it.”
“Since the Zongshe Ghost Mansion will eventually be mine, I have no reason to throw away what belongs to me.”
Xuandu was stunned.
Zhaoye was also stunned.
Dongming and Suwei looked at each other, seeing the same thing in each other’s eyes.
Then, a burst of laughter rang out in the hall.
Zhaoye laughed so hard he doubled over, tears nearly coming to his eyes.
“Good kid.”
“You’re right.”
“You can't throw away what’s yours.”
He patted Chen Zhou on the shoulder with considerable force.
“Then I’ll leave it to you.”
Chen Zhou nodded.
He didn't mention how many people with special destinies he already had under his command. For example, Poison-Wing also had a calamity destiny, the Six Disasters, but with the Heavenly Doctor Su Xue present, Poison-Wing’s calamity destiny had instead helped him awaken the bloodline of the ancient venomous bird, the Zhen—a blessing in disguise.
He also didn't mention that he had a trump card: Sacrifice.
Sacrifice was the absolute highest rule Chen Zhou knew of; even immortal and indestructible evil spirits could be completely decomposed by the altar.
Since the eight Ghost Emperors were confident they could dissipate along with the Wujian Hell, it meant they at least had some way to resist the thing inside for a while.
When the malevolent entity was at low health, he could just use Sacrifice to finish it off. Not only would it solve Zongshe’s urgent problem, but it would also grant him a massive reward. It was a win-win.
As for what would be needed to suppress the Wujian Hell after he inherited the Great Emperor's Palace, reconstructed the Six Paths, and rebuilt the Eighteen Levels of Hell—that was a problem for the future.
There were always more solutions than problems.
For now, he just wanted to put these old fogies’ minds at ease.
Rate on N.U.
