Chapter 614

The high-ranking leaders of the Netherworld include the Five Direction Ghost Emperors and the Fengdu Great Emperor.

Translation: "The high-ranking leaders of the Netherworld include the Five Direction Ghost Emperors and the Fengdu Great Emperor."

Check: the high-ranking leaders of the Netherworld are the Five Direction Ghost Emperors and the Fengdu Great Emperor. Good.

So, in the Yang realm, Houtu established the Five Peaks Great Emperor and the Earth Official Great Emperor.

Translation: "Then, in the Yang Realm, Houtu established the Five Peaks Great Emperor and the Earth Official Great Emperor."

Moreover, when it comes to orthodoxy, the Yang realm ultimately surpasses the Netherworld by far.

Translation: "Moreover, speaking of orthodoxy, the Yang Realm ultimately surpasses the Underworld by far."

After all, the spirits of the Netherworld retain only the power of the true soul, whereas the living beings of the Yang realm still possess the material power of the flesh.

Translation: "After all, the souls of the Underworld retain only the power of the true spirit, whereas the living beings of the Yang Realm still possess the material power of the flesh."

The Netherworld is ultimately just a temporary sojourner in the cycle of life, able to stay briefly but not meant to be eternal.

Translation: "The Underworld is ultimately just a temporary lodger in the cycle of life; it may stay for a while, but it should not become eternal."

Departed souls are destined to reincarnate, welcoming new life in the future.

Translation: "Departed souls are destined to reincarnate, welcoming new life in the future."

However, there is currently no way… the contradictions accumulated between heaven and earth and the times are too great; people cannot afford to buy houses, let alone rent them, so we have temporarily strengthened the construction of the Netherworld, striving to give renters and buyers equal rights to ease the tension.

Translation: "However, there is no way now… the contradictions accumulated between heaven and earth and the times are too great; people cannot afford to buy houses, let alone rent them, so we have temporarily strengthened the construction of the Underworld, making rental and sale rights as equal as possible to ease the contradictions."

Check: "cannot afford to buy houses, let alone rent them" means people cannot afford to buy houses, let alone rent them. Good.

In special times, special measures are taken to strengthen the Netherworld's leadership team.

Translation: "In special times, special measures are taken to strengthen the Netherworld's leadership team."

However, although strengthening is strengthening, we must keep a long-term vision; Houtu is not short-sighted… therefore, although the Earth Official Five Peaks Great Emperor has been established, its authority is extensive, and its intervention in the Netherworld is merely part of its work, used to demonstrate orthodoxy and the Yang realm's command over the Netherworld.

Translation: "But, although strengthening is strengthening, vision must still be long-term; Houtu is not short-sighted… therefore, although the Earth Official Five Peaks Great Emperor has been established, its authority covers a wide range, and its interference in the Netherworld is merely part of its work, used to prove orthodoxy, the Yang Realm's commands over the Netherworld."

Check: The term "Earth Official Five Peaks Great Emperor" is our translation; we'll keep it as is. Good.

After all, Nüwa relies on the living to conquer the world!

Translation: "After all, Nüwa relies on the living to conquer the world!"

To wage war across the world and attack the heavenly court, we cannot rely solely on the lonely ghosts of the Netherworld… lacking physical bodies, their foundation is ultimately too weak.

Translation: "To wage war across the world and attack the Heavenly Court, one cannot rely solely on the Underworld's lonely souls and wild ghosts… lacking a physical body, the foundation is ultimately too weak."

Thus, the Five Peaks Great Emperor focuses its efforts on monitoring the Yang realm; this is Fengxi's strengthening of the authority of Houtu's system for Nüwa.

Translation: "Therefore, the Five Peaks Great Emperor focuses its main efforts on deploying in the Yang Realm; it is Fengxi's strengthening of the authority of Houtu's system for Nüwa."

Check: Fengxi's strengthening of the authority of Houtu's system for Nüwa.

The so-called Five Peaks are the Eastern Peak, Western Peak, Southern Peak, Northern Peak, and Central Peak!

Translation: "The so-called Five Peaks are the Eastern Peak, Western Peak, Southern Peak, Northern Peak, and Central Peak!"

They appear to be in charge only of the mountains… but now Houtu holds the authority to issue commands over the human realm and can openly make waves without arousing suspicion—how could they remain completely honest?

Translation: "They seem to only manage the peaks… but now Houtu holds the authority to issue commands via the Human Way, and can openly and righteously make waves without arousing suspicion—how could they remain honest and straightforward?"

Check: "openly and righteously make waves" = openly and righteously make waves. Good.

Not causing a little mischief would be an insult to the effort he expended designing the reform of reincarnation.

Translation: "Not causing some trouble would be a sorry return for the effort he expended designing the reform of reincarnation."

Therefore, Houtu issues orders, borrowing the authority of the human realm, much like the ancient heavenly decree that conferred titles and righteousness, and generously stirs things up.

Translation: "Therefore, Houtu issues orders, borrowing the authority of the Human Way, just as the Heavenly Dao once conferred titles and righteousness, and makes a grand, generous stir."

Thus, the Eastern Peak Great Emperor nominally governs human life and death, nobility and humility, blessings and lifespan; the Western Peak Great Emperor oversees gold, silver, copper, iron, and birds and beasts; the Southern Peak Great Emperor controls weather transformations and aquatic creatures like fish and dragons; the Northern Peak Great Emperor manages rivers such as the Yangtze, Huai, and Ji, and logistics transport; the Central Peak Great Emperor administers land and mountains, and the vast, verdant spiritual plants.

Translation: "Thus, the Eastern Peak Great Emperor nominally oversees life and death, fortune and longevity in the mortal realm; the Western Peak Great Emperor governs gold, silver, copper, iron, birds and beasts; the Southern Peak Great Emperor controls weather transformations and aquatic creatures; the Northern Peak Great Emperor manages rivers and logistics; the Central Peak Great Emperor administers land and mountains and lush spiritual plants."

Check: life and death, fortune and longevity. Good.

As for the other four peaks, I won't elaborate; they are given nominal authority, but mostly they are empty promises, insufficient for major tasks in the short term.

Translation: "As for the other four peaks, I won't mention them; they are given authority in name only, but in reality most are empty checks, hard to make great use of in the short term."

Only the Eastern Peak Great Emperor!

Translation: "Only the Eastern Peak Great Emperor!"

This is the sovereign that Houtu, after repeated deliberation, has appointed to represent the authority of Houtu over the Yang realm and to oversee the operation of the Netherworld!

Translation: "This is the emperor whom Houtu, after repeated contemplation, has designated to represent the authority of Houtu over the Yang Realm and to supervise the operation of the Netherworld!"

Check: represent the authority of Houtu over the Yang Realm. Good.

The departments under its jurisdiction relate to the Netherworld in that one handles leadership and decision‑making, while the other handles administrative work.

Translation: "The department under its jurisdiction, concerning the relations within the Netherworld, consists of one responsible for leadership and decision-making, and one responsible for administrative work."

Just as in a human tribe, the senior shamans responsible for rituals and the actual ruling king.

Translation: "Just as in a human tribe, the Grand Shamans in charge of sacrifices and the Human Kings who actually govern are analogous."

"The three souls and seven corporeal spirits—matters of life and death are settled here."

Translation: "\"Three Hun and Seven Po settle matters of life and death. \""

"Houtu steps upon the mountains of the Eastern Peak, looks down upon the human world, and speaks thus."

Translation: "\"Houtu steps upon the Eastern Peak mountains, looks down upon the mortal realm, and speaks thus. \""

As she speaks, the laws of reincarnation continue to be refined between heaven and earth, and the demise of living beings now has the most detailed and clear process.

Translation: "Following her words, the regulations of reincarnation continue to be perfected between heaven and earth, and the process of the demise of living beings also becomes the most detailed and clear."

The three souls and seven corporeal spirits… each soul and each spirit has its own function.

Translation: "Three Hun and Seven Po… each hun and each po has its own purpose."

Otherwise, why would we establish the three‑seven?

Translation: "Otherwise, why establish the three-seven?"

One soul, one spirit—enough!

Translation: "One hun, one po would suffice!"

At this moment, Houtu, in clear ordinance, defines a complete system whereby the Netherworld and the Yang realm cooperate to achieve seamless harmony.

Translation: "At this moment, Houtu, in clear regulations, defines a complete system whereby the Netherworld and the Yang Realm cooperate to achieve seamless harmony."

"A person possesses three souls and seven spirits; after death, one spirit departs every seven days, until all seven are exhausted."

Translation: "\"People have three hun and seven po; after death, one po leaves every seven days, until all seven po are exhausted. \""

"If the spirits are not completely dispersed, the departed soul may still linger in the human world… I possess the virtue of cherishing life, I sympathize with the hardships of the myriad beings, and therefore I leave a sliver of hope."

Translation: "\"If the po are not completely dispersed, departed souls may still linger in the mortal realm… I possess the virtue of cherishing life, sympathizing with the hardships of the myriad peoples, and therefore leave a sliver of vitality. \""

"Houtu writes the rules in the Yang realm so that all spirits may naturally understand them."

Translation: "\"Houtu writes the rules in the Yang Realm, so that all spirits naturally understand their meaning. \""

A living being may have exhausted its vital force, yet it is not yet completely dead.

Translation: "A living being, when its vitality is exhausted, is not yet considered completely dead."

Whether it is dead or not must be judged by the Netherworld and evaluated according to the rules of reincarnation.

Translation: "Whether dead or not is to be judged by the Netherworld and evaluated by the rules of reincarnation."

Are not some of the departed always reluctant to leave the human world?

Translation: "Some of the deceased, are they not always attached to the mortal realm?"

Even after entering the Netherworld, they still wish to find ways to return.

Translation: "Even if they enter the Underworld, they still want to return by any means."

For this they are willing to resist the laws of reincarnation, clinging in the Netherworld and refusing to be reborn, come what may.

Translation: "For this, they do not hesitate to resist the regulations of reincarnation, lingering in the Underworld and refusing to be reborn, dead or alive."

Moreover, under the provocation of certain malicious ghosts, negative ideas gradually sprout, beginning to brew a spark that could assault the Netherworld and overturn Houtu's regime.

Translation: "Even more, under the provocation of some malicious ghosts, ill intentions gradually sprout, beginning to brew a spark to assault the Underworld and overturn Houtu's regime."

This is not good.

Translation: "This is not good."

Houtu examines, decides, and resolves to give a chance, retaining a touch of humanity in the rules as a buffer to appease some departed souls' obsessions.

Translation: "\"Houtu examines, decides, and determines to give an opportunity, leaving a somewhat humane rule as a buffer to pacify the obsessions of some departed souls. \""

Therefore, the adjustment to the death rules lengthens the process for the seven spirits to report to the Netherworld, giving departed souls a final opportunity to wander the human world.

Translation: "Therefore, the adjustment to the rules of death lengthens the process for the seven po to report to the Netherworld, giving departed souls a final chance to wander the mortal realm."

After a person dies, a seven‑day mourning period is called a "first seven" (or "head seven").

Translation: "After a person dies, a mourning period of seven days can be called one seven, also known as the first seven."

After fourteen days, it is called the "second seven".

Translation: "After fourteen days of death, it is called two seven."

Likewise, we have the third seven, fourth seven, fifth seven, sixth seven, up to the seventh seven.

Translation: "Following this pattern, three seven, four seven, five seven, six seven, up to seven seven."

A full forty‑nine days!

Translation: "A full forty-nine days!"

This corresponds to the Great Derivation of fifty, whose use is forty‑nine.

Translation: "Corresponding to the Great Derivation Fifty, it uses the principle of forty-nine."

During these forty‑nine days, every seven days one of the seven spirits goes to report to the Netherworld.

Translation: "During these forty-nine days, every seven days, one of the seven po goes to the Netherworld to report."

While the seven spirits are reporting, the souls can still roam the human world!

Translation: "During the period when the seven po report, the hun is still able to roam the mortal realm!"

One can look upon relatives and friends, entrust a dream, fulfill lingering thoughts, and as much as possible wear away the departed soul's resentment and unwillingness toward death, letting go of what should be released.

Translation: "One looks at relatives and friends, entrusts a dream, fulfills lingering regrets, and as much as possible wears away the departed soul's resentment and unwillingness toward death, letting go of what should be let go."

After forty‑nine days, this departed soul is completely severed from the human world, enters the Netherworld, can never appear again, and the soul returns to the Nine Springs.

Translation: "After forty-nine days have passed, this departed soul completely severs its connection with the mortal realm, enters the Underworld, cannot appear again, and the hun returns to the Nine Springs."

"Mm… it's still good to leave a little remembrance."

Translation: "\"Mm… it's still good to leave some lingering thoughts. \""

Houtu whispers, "With hope, one is less likely to act recklessly."

Translation: "\"Houtu whispers, \"Having hope makes it less likely to act recklessly. \""

In a soft sigh, she extends a finger toward the Netherworld, and with supreme divine power pierces through, instantly connecting yin and yang!

Translation: "In a soft sigh, \"she\" extends a finger toward the Underworld, making a virtual jab; supreme divine power unfolds, penetrating the yin and yang in an instant!"

Time and space tremble, the mountains and rivers shudder; the Netherworld and the Yang realm suddenly gain a bridge, or rather a gate, towering on the conceptual boundary—appearing both as a barrier and as a means of communication.

Translation: "Spacetime trembles, the landscape shudders, and suddenly the Netherworld and the Yang Realm gain a bridge, or rather a gate, towering on the conceptual boundary, seeming to separate yet also to communicate."

This gate is normally closed and sealed off.

Translation: "This gate is normally closed and sealed off."

But each year there is a day when this passage is unobstructed; the gates of the underworld swing open, allowing the ghosts of the Netherworld to go out, wander, enjoy the offerings, and return home to visit their relatives!

Translation: "But each year there is a day when this place becomes unobstructed, the great gate of the Underworld Capital swings open, allowing the ghosts of the Underworld to go out wandering, enjoy offerings, and return home to visit relatives!"

——the fifteenth day of the seventh month!

Translation: "——Fifteenth of the Seventh Month!"

This gate lies on the territory of the Eastern Ghost Emperor, guarded personally by one of the Ghost Emperors to avoid mistakes as much as possible.

Translation: "This gate lies on the territory of the Eastern Ghost Emperor, guarded personally by a Ghost Emperor, so as to avoid mistakes as much as possible."

——for the long‑term peace of the Netherworld and the happiness of all beings under heaven, Houtu has, as it were, racked her brains and exhausted every means.

Translation: "——For the long-term peace of the Underworld and the happiness of the myriad peoples under heaven, Houtu has, as it were, racked its brains and exhausted all methods."

One benevolent policy after another was issued, addressing the urgent needs of the ghosts… Even he himself was moved, let alone those ghost citizens?

Houtu Niangniang, great in compassion and mercy, her holy longevity is boundless!

Houtu Niangniang, great in compassion and mercy, her holy virtue knows no bounds!

……

In the netherworld, countless souls shouted frenziedly; under their most excited emotions, they all spoke the same prayer in unison.

To clarify beforehand.

This time, Houtu really didn't arrange any shills.

They are all souls, sincerely grateful!

The souls' hearts surged…… they felt they had seen the light of hope, so warm and splendid.

Under the radiance of this hope, for a moment the lingering resentment in the netherworld was swept away…… even the sins accumulated by humanity as heaven and earth evolved showed a tendency to dissolve.

At this moment, Houtu has won the hearts of the people!

The Dao Ancestor's expression changed.

The Heavenly Court was moved.

At this moment, Houtu is simply the most handsome being in heaven and earth; no one can rival her!

Bearing the hope of humanity, all hearts united…… who would dare reach out against Houtu now? They would surely be drowned in the vast sea of countless beings, with no trace left in any direction!

Everyone will be scared.

Even Nüwa, the genuine article, feels a bit jealous now.

"What the heck is this!" Nüwa sighed, unable to contain her feelings, "A counterfeit so outstanding, it's almost driving me, the genuine article, to death."

"Looks like I need to work harder..."

She rose with rare fervent determination.

Previously, when her elder brother forced her to do things, she was always unwilling.

Now, being shown up by her younger brother, she instead felt a fighting spirit rise……

I don't know whether Xihuang, upon hearing this, should cry or laugh.

……

The world congratulated Houtu.

The gods were startled by Houtu.

Only Houtu did not think it was right.

"She" knows well that the currently good situation is merely a fleeting blossom.

What are the traits of humanity's myriad beings?

As a very important component thereof, Houtu can clearly say——

Their memory is not very good!

The excitement of this moment.

The feeling of this moment.

In the end, with the passage of time, it will ultimately return to nothing.

Now, countless souls, because life and death are interconnected, rejoice at having one chance each year to return home and breathe free, singing praise for this unprecedented benevolent governance.

Then, once they become accustomed to it, this gratitude will fade away unconsciously.

People will subtly come to feel that this is natural and right!

The power of habit is terrifying.

To forget the heroes' achievements and regard them as ordinary…… this is the coldest kind of erosion.

When worn away completely, humanity's favor and support will cease, and the ruthless act of 'pulling out the peg' will be carried out to the fullest.

However, this may also be the greatest spur and motivation, preventing leaders from standing still or living off past achievements.

——volume!

——All of you, roll for me!

——The first to roll is the head-head brain-brain!

Those below are rolling, while the leaders above dare not think of lying flat.

Lying flat is also fine.

Just clear the merits, redistribute wealth, and let more capable and ambitious newcomers take the stage!

This is the most ruthless model.

But how could this not be another kind of utmost devotion?

"My steps cannot stop."

"Houtu" told herself, and without stopping her actions, after opening the yin-yang realms and leaving the gates of the netherworld, she continued to evolve the rules of life and death, engraving them into the deepest source of heaven and earth, thereafter becoming the natural law of the Honghuang cosmos.

Po is the carrier that binds the yin and yang worlds; only when the yang world has po can the hun dwell in the human realm.

Hun is the foundation proving a living being's own existence; only if the soul is immortal can the being's memory be sustained, thus I am I.

After a living being dies, hun and po can no longer be judged as they were in life; they need a new destination.

Describing their transformation is like a most standard funeral, a gradual, smooth transition that erases the final traces left in the human world.

First come the seven po, from one-seven to seven-seven, from seven days to forty-nine days.

Then come the three hun.

After a hundred days, it can be called the hundred-day, also known as the hundred-period.

After one year—the thirteenth month—it is called minor auspiciousness.

After two years—the twenty-fifth month—it is called major auspiciousness.

Corresponding to the ten processes of the three hun and seven po, Houtu, under the jurisdiction of the Great Emperor of Dongyue, established ten prefectural lords, each overseeing one process.

One Seven Lord, Two Seven Lord, Three Seven Lord…… Hundred Period Lord, Minor Auspice Lord, Great Auspice Lord.

Among them, that very special, involving the key of yin-yang Seven Seven Lord…… after Houtu's careful consideration, decided to win over another wave of people's hearts.

Appointing a renowned sage of great ability from the yang world to serve, cutting off yang by day, cutting off yin by night, as an impartial arbiter reviewing the yin-yang realms, replaced every five hundred years!

"In the netherworld, I played a hand of hot pot."

"This yang world, too, can just copy the homework!"

"Not embarrassing! Not embarrassing!"

"Houtu" muttered quietly.

This method, although quite formulaic.

But one must admit, though formulaic, the people of the human dao still love this!

Thus, the surging flood of the human dao grew even vaster, leaving the gods either panicked or shaken.

"This series of operations…… could it be that Nüwa intends to directly co-opt people's hearts, forcibly become Pangu?"

In the Heavenly Court, the Heavenly Emperor even felt a toothache.

"How could there be such a good thing?" Xihuang shook his head, "She can't do that."

"She merely gave the masses confidence, drew a beautiful blueprint…… but boasting, who can't boast?"

"In the end, we have to see what comes next."

"If the follow-through succeeds, the human dao will continue to add notes, give full support; otherwise…… it will be beaten back to its original form."

"Is that so?" The Heavenly Emperor fell silent for a moment, then suddenly sneered, "Then it seems I must quickly crush the human side."

"I heard the current human emperor is quite a fighter?"

The Heavenly Emperor gazed at a demon god in attendance.

"Yes!" that demon god bowed and said, "Our Heavenly Court's Vanguard was heavily wounded by Yandi, the campaign got off to a bad start, we lost troops and generals…… although not harming the foundation, morale thus declined."

"Looks, this isn't an easy opponent…… but no matter." Di Jun's eyes grew deep, "Later, we will 'give him a good reception'…… I don't believe that, if we spare no cost, we cannot crush him."

"Imperial Elder Brother, what do you say?" Di Jun looked toward Xihuang.

"I have no particular opinion…" Xihuang forced back a smile, "Don't hold back on my account…… this Yandi, you can beat him to death, just don't let him catch his breath!"

Xihuang gave strong support.

He glanced at Houtu's situation and roughly understood what kind of entity Yandi was.

He couldn't wait for someone to suffer a harsh lesson!

……

'The Netherworld Judiciary is established.'

'The organization in the yang world that handles reincarnation is also roughly set.'

'All that remains is to connect……'

"Houtu"'s eyes flashed with relaxation, 'Whether orthodox or still in the yang…… we'll place the authority to sign the verdict in the yang world.'

The idea is set, the rules are being perfected.

As previously said, after beings die, the seven po register in the netherworld, accompanied by their life experiences and various merits and demerits.

These experiences are uploaded layer by layer, ensuring truthfulness without error.

From the land deity, to the domain lord, to the city god, finally to the ghost emperor!

Ghost emperor, that's the end of it.

The Great Emperor of Fengdu is outside this, not involved.

Ghost emperor, he is the highest rank of the netherworld, but not the top of the reincarnation system.

Houtu is!

Especially Houtu, who is currently at war, will ultimately favor the yang world a bit.

Thus……

'After the ghost emperor verifies the information, he hands it over to the Great Emperor of Dongyue!'

'Then the Great Emperor of Dongyue issues orders to the Ten Lords…… letting them discuss and determine the nature, confirm merits and demerits rewards and punishments, determine the fate of the souls!'

'Those with great crimes, annihilate soul and spirit!'

"Houtu" possesses great benevolence, also great slaughter.

'Those without fault, retain the qualification for reincarnation.'

'Those with virtue, enhance their talents!'

'Myriad ghosts wail, seeking a karmic retribution.'

'Then I will give you this opportunity!'

'I only hope that in the end, you will be able to not regret……'

"Houtu" sighed lightly in his heart, his eyes showed some hesitation, finally all turned into indifference.

Indifferent yet just, only then can one make the fairest verdict.

'After operating this whole system, if there is basically no discrepancy, it shall be called…… Houtu, Sovereign of the Earth!'

(End of chapter)