Chapter 596: Birth Restrictions, Ghosts' Yin Lifespan

"Malfunction?"

"No malfunction!"

The shaman in charge of errands and part-time work received a notice from the reincarnation audit system, checking whether any part needs patching or fixing leaks, to satisfy the ghosts' longing and fulfill the many demands of merit contributors in the Samsara Divine Sect.

However, under continuous non-stop 007 work, the reincarnation rebirth system was examined top to bottom 1,800 times, yet nothing wrong was found.

Thus, the final response was——

No malfunction found!

"But the problem is, the situation reflected by the ghosts isn't fake……Indeed, the valuable targets for merit exchange are pitifully few!"

The relevant person in charge put forward their opinion.

"I suspect a higher power has intervened, affecting our underworld's grand strategy……This has exceeded our limits; I need to apply for great shaman assistance to uncover the truth!"

Daring not to relax even a moment, the conscientious little shaman immediately heightened alertness, applied for aid, drew lots to summon personnel, and requested the great shaman's presence.

Soon, a great shaman became involved.

——Da You!

He was once the captain of the guard for Houtu's ancestral shaman, later cultivated into talent, and often responsible for running errands and speaking on behalf of Nüwa's ancestral shaman identity, handling part of her work in the Wu Clan.

Some of the underworld's responsibilities also belong to him.

Information about the strange changes in reincarnation was sent to this great shaman's desk; after silently calculating heavenly secrets, Da You's face showed astonishment, his gaze spanning the vast expanse of time and space, looking toward the Heavenly Court.

"This……"

"Our reincarnation system mechanism naturally has no problems."

"The problem lies with the Heavenly Court!"

Da You's expression grew solemn; he slammed his fist on the desk, "The Heavenly Emperor has made a move!"

"He……has restricted reproduction!"

……

"……Dealing with reincarnation, dealing with the underworld, this is not a simple project."

"It requires involvement of too many aspects, forming a combined encirclement."

"Advocating ghost rights, promoting freedom, this is indulging the dead's inner desires, planting a seed that challenges order and leads to chaos."

Di Jun leisurely said to Taiyi, "This seed is the one that will overturn the underworld."

"But, having just the seed is not enough."

"We also need to water it……So, we must let rules and morals clash in the underworld, allowing grievances to go unredressed and grudges to go unavenged."

Thus, I sent some cannon fodder in to further shake the underworld's order and Houtu's justice.

And this, however, is not yet the end.

My goal is to abolish the underworld, this trump card of the Wu Clan……Failing that, I also want Houtu to completely lose absolute authority over the underworld.

For this, I have thought long and pondered much.

Later, I suddenly realized.

If one says, ambitious ghosts can be suppressed, crushed by an iron fist; vengeful spirits can grope for a legal path, barely resolving contradictions……Both are external, unable to harm the underworld's core.

Then the move I will use with Absolute Kill must be rooted in the foundation where reincarnation can take shape……At the very least, it must be the former foundation!

"Samsara Divine Sect!"

Di Jun's face calm, tone indifferent, "Where does the root of the Samsara Divine Sect's rise lie?"

"It lies in the strength of its propaganda slogans."

"And what is the source that supports the Wu Clan's propaganda there?"

"It is the authority held by Nüwa—power over life and death of humanity!"

For a life, its birth falls under Nüwa's jurisdiction; its death falls under Houtu's jurisdiction.

"Nüwa and Houtu are actually the same person……This opening move is utterly shameless."

Thus, this is also why the Samsara Divine Sect can issue blank checks everywhere……They have confidence.

"What a pity!" Di Jun smirked, "This time, that time."

"The times have changed!"

Again and again, conflict turns, Nüwa is restricted by rules, needing to stay silent among the Demon Race, unable to exert influence as the Empress Nüwa.

Our Heavenly Court has broken free of this bond.

If there are further changes in reincarnation, the Dao Ancestor exerts deadly effort, canceling out much of Nüwa's combat power.

Thus, we acted!

Di Jun's smile was very bright.

"Yes."

The great authority over reincarnation lies in the hands of the Wu Clan; however they wish to reincarnate, they can do so.

But, what if there are no vessels to incarnate into?

Di Jun smilingly asked the East Emperor, "Taiyi, do you think this would be interesting?"

"……" Taiyi blinked slightly, then wore a strange expression.

Just imagining that scene is intoxicating.

No vessels to incarnate!

A crowd of dead souls, dumbfounded in the underworld……This isn't what the script promised!

"Of course, things won't be done so absolutely." Di Jun shook his head with a wry smile, "The Demon Race's development still needs firewood contributions."

For ordinary clans, a lifetime of labor need not be restricted either.

What's more, with a major battle imminent, having more foot soldiers is better.

Actually, it's a strong clan; we need to have a good talk.

For the time being, please have them temporarily hold off on reproduction.

Nüwa can indeed decide the pros and cons of reproduction… but sadly, she cannot decide others' willingness to have children!

Di Jun spoke, smiling.

This is a clever trick he devised on a sudden inspiration.

But we must admit, this method is extremely lethal and disgustingly vile!

It can be said that it almost directly strikes the netherworld's vital point.

"Brother, you're wise!" Taiyi exclaimed, then shifted tone: "But wouldn't this cause a shortage of mid-level combat strength on future battlefields?"

"I understand… but in my view, sacrificing this portion of personnel to gain the Wu Clan's netherworld is still worthwhile."

Di Jun nodded, then shook his head: "Furthermore, I only want this policy to remain in effect for a time."

"The main goal is to destroy the merit system within the Reincarnation Divine Sect, causing its credit to collapse utterly."

"After years of busyness, looking back suddenly, we find it utterly useless… who knows how many can still sit in peace?"

"We naturally need to seek an explanation from Houtu, thoroughly undermining her prestige."

Di Jun's arrangements are crystal clear.

"But brother… the Wu Clan side also has many strong clans supporting this force, which could serve as alternatives." Taiyi pondered, then reminded: "Moreover, Princess Nüwa's methods are profound and mysterious; there may well be other ways—delay the reincarnation of those souls, then use other temptations to sweep away the merit they accumulated in life."

"In this regard, Nüwa is indeed illustrious in battle achievements!"

Taiyi's expression grew solemn: "Back then, this person was the head of "Nüwa Real Estate," playing money‑making schemes to the fullest!"

"You mentioned the problems; I know them all." Di Jun nodded: "That's why I summoned you."

Taiyi was slightly taken aback, then clasped his hands and said: "Please, brother, clarify!"

"You raised two issues; I've considered them and devised countermeasures." Di Jun said confidently: "The strong clans of the Wu Clan faction are entrusted to you; lead the Heavenly River Navy to restrain them."

"Deter the Wu Clan's ancestral land at Mount Buzhou, develop into small‑scale, high‑intensity probing incursions, mutually checking each other."

"Once this war starts, where would there be so much leisure for lovey‑dovey affairs?"

"We self‑restrict the strong clans' reproduction, but we can't let the Wu Clan gain an advantage—let's just stare at each other!"

This is the Heavenly Emperor's calculation.

"Recently, the birth rate of the Heavenly Court's strong clans has definitely plummeted; we also can't let the Wu Clan have it easy—really drag them down!"

"Just hurt each other!"

"With this move, the netherworld side will feel stifled." Di Jun smiled: "Souls who contributed merit will find less room to choose, requiring a long wait."

"And once we reach this point… we need the beloved Dao Ancestor to deal the final fatal blow!"

"The Yin lifespan rule!"

"Regarding Hongjun, the Heavenly Emperor consistently maintains two sets of explanations."

"When useless, he's just a meddling stumbling block, an evil dictator, a terrifying ambitious schemer."

"When useful, he's naturally "beloved," "exalted," namely the supreme Dao Ancestor."

"Yin lifespan?" Taiyi asked.

"Yes, Yin lifespan…" Di Jun nodded: "The living have a Yang lifespan; if they do not break limits through cultivation, when their lifespan ends they die."

"Since they already have a Yang lifespan, what's wrong with adding a Yin lifespan?"

"The soul form should have a Yin lifespan!"

"When the Yin lifespan arrives, no longer reincarnating, they will face calamity trials; if they cannot endure, their soul and spirit scatter, leaving only a single true spirit, dazed and confused, unaware of the passage of years."

"By this method, we force souls to not linger indefinitely in the netherworld… if Nüwa wanted to pay in installments to fill the great pit of merit, she'd have no way at all!"

"Of course…" Di Jun chuckled: "The purpose is this purpose, but outward propaganda cannot put it that way."

"Image, after all, still needs some consideration."

"From the standpoint of righteousness, we indicate that the Heavenly Dao, out of consideration for protecting the world, prevents the netherworld from being overloaded with countless ghosts, which could lead to malignant mutations endangering the Honghuang…"

"Thus, the Dao Ancestor, loving all beings, establishes the ironclad rule of Yin lifespan, announces it to humanity, and implements it thoroughly."

"First, to prevent the netherworld from producing monstrous aberrations; second, to prevent ghosts from clinging and refusing to leave, ultimately becoming old ghosts, ghost kings, regional tyrants reigning supreme in the netherworld, oppressing newborn ghosts."

"However, the Dao Ancestor is merciful; a sliver of life can still remain… if they endure the calamity, they may continue to stay until the next calamity."

"After myriad calamities, Yin spirits become unholy yet holy; no longer need to be governed by netherworld rules, they may freely wander the cosmos of the Honghuang…"

Di Jun explained his idea to Taiyi.

Mobilize the pawn—Hongjun the Dao Ancestor; everyone stands on the same stance, jointly suppressing the Wu Clan's reincarnation.

Scripts and such have all been written; all that's left is live‑action filming!

Thus, interlocking, the netherworld… is in peril!

What Di Jun seeks is just as he said at the outset.

Destroy the netherworld, cripple this Wu Clan's arm!

If we can't obtain it, we'll destroy it!

Taiyi looked at the listless Di Jun, and in his heart silently mourned for Nüwa.

Then he decisively and quickly nodded: "Since brother already made arrangements, I will go execute it right away!"

"Good!" Di Jun patted Taiyi's shoulder: "No delay, we shall immediately split our forces."

"You will command the Heavenly River Navy; I will go to Purple Heaven to meet Hongjun."

"There is no better time than now!"

"The goddess's eastern tour, deterring the Dragon Ancestor… the two most authoritative leaders of the Wu Clan are at each other's throats, which is precisely their weakest moment."

"Strike while it's sick!"

"Take its life!"

Unleash a heavy punch—Nüwa will surely be unable to turn the tide!

Reincarnation has been breached—who can still stem the raging tide?

It no longer exists!

Di Jun spoke word by word, his tone decisive and ironclad, full of boundless confidence.

……

Quick!

Report to Lord Houtu and ask for her holy judgment!

After all, in the cycle of reincarnation, only what the Lady says counts!

Da You's face grim, he said: 'The Heavenly Court harbors malicious intent, the strong clan imposes birth restrictions—this is not the end, just the beginning!'

I'm certain the Demon Race will launch a major move—a whole chain of linked strikes!

'Yes, sir!' his subordinate replied, springing into action.

Just a moment.

Ying Long drove the chariot, the great army escorted, as the girl began her mighty east patrol—she received word from the Wu Clan.

Hiss—

She glanced twice, gave a light laugh, and casually set it down.

Indeed, my outing still turned out pretty well.

The girl stretched lazily: 'All manner of demons and monsters have come out!'

That Di Jun fellow dared to reach his hand into my underworld—what nerve!

But this way, his suspicion…

The girl muttered to herself, her voice fading until she was silent.

My Lady!

Driver Ying Long gazed at her, worried and concerned: 'We've barely set out, and already this chaos has arisen.'

If we keep going, wouldn't it…?

'How? Are you afraid?' she asked, laughing.

'I, your humble servant, am not afraid!' Ying Long straightened his face, saying, 'I, your subject, am only worried for you.'

Your grand east patrol, no longer holding the center—this throws the situation into chaos.

I, your subject, worry that in this chaos someone might target you—even a touch of your robe would be the utmost unforgivable desecration.

Ying Long said.

'But we've come out openly and righteously…' she teased, smiling: 'Could we really slink back in disgrace? That would sweep away our dignity.'

'Um…' Ying Long thought, gritted his teeth, 'Then let's go even bigger.'

Bring a few ancestral witches—ten or eight!

All units, advance!

Form ranks at the East Sea, parley peacefully with the Dragon Ancestor, gather the forces, then march straight on the Heavenly Court headquarters!

Ying Long said fiercely.

'Oh dear… you little brat, you're even more impulsive than I!' she clicked her tongue.

'I'm not impulsive—I just want to catch those dark schemers off guard!' Ying Long declared, 'We can't follow others' pace…'

On our east patrol we've run into scheme after scheme—we're bound to end up dirty and embarrassed.

Better to burst forth, play a bigger hand, charge straight in—any strategy will be thrown into confusion!

Ying Long cited his master's teaching: 'Fengxi told me this.'

Often, the more complex the plot, the longer it needs to brew—against such clever folk, just charge straight in!

A barrage of clumsy punches will drag the opponent's wit down to your level, then overwhelm it with experience!

Thus, even the vilest foe can be fought to a fifty-fifty chance!

(End of chapter)