Yama Rising

Their task was to record everything their master did, including every word that was spoken, and every deed that was done, lest anything be forgotten.

Qin Ye didn’t say much more. Instead, they simply walked along the docks, taking in the sights and the sounds around, allowing it to wash away any anxieties in their hearts.

“That would be sufficient.” Qin Ye smiled, “We wouldn’t want to be giving off the wrong impression that Hell is ready to return to the international arena anyway. Meanwhile, like you’ve mentioned, there’s clearly someone more anxious than us about the conclusion of the last supernatural incident at the Yin mountains.”

“What we need most right now is to show them Hell’s might and influence, and the works that we’ve been doing to date. Every bargaining chip is just as important as any other. And to that end, the peace and stability of seven provinces is the greatest bargaining chip we have on hand. These are our trump cards to dispel all thoughts in their minds and prove to them that Hell is going to make good on its word!”

Qin Ye went on, “Moreover, there will be several other occasions when we will have to cooperate with the mortal realm. Therefore, it’s extremely important to start off on the right foot. For instance… when we actually commence research and development of Forbidden Arts.”

Qin Ye nodded with approval.

Qin Ye glared at him.

What’s up with the talk about sustainability these days?

Zu Chongzhi frowned slightly, “Forbidden Arts… My Lord, if you’re considering Forbidden Arts, might I suggest a trip to the old Fengdu Necropolis? Though it might be swamped with blight vermin right now, perhaps--...”

He glanced at Zhao Yun, “No. It’s still too early to say these things right now. I’ll let you in on more of these plans of mine in due course. You’d best be prepared not to stare aghast at me at that time. But for now, what’s more important is to focus on our sea trade and external diplomacy. After all, this will constitute the first impression we’re leaving on others ever since the founding of the nation. Anyone who makes a mistake will have to answer directly to me!”

…………………………………………………

The clear liquid flowed smoothly out of the bottle and right into his lips. He glanced around at the fleet of ships around, at the skeletons scuttling on board each of the ships, and then to the Yin beasts with pulsating flames in their eyes. Then, he sighed.

He didn’t know the specifics. All he knew was the fact that the Russian Underworld had lost badly, and the cargo contained in this fleet of ships was merely a tribute to Hell. Of course, they would be receiving some items of trade in return, such as Cathayan artwork that hasn’t been seen on the international market for over a century.

Just then, there was a clamor on the deck, and Ivantov paused, before rushing out of his room. At once, he saw the rest of the crew pointing towards the sky in surprise.

He followed their fingers and looked in the direction that they were all pointing towards. At once, his eyes twitched.

But right before that, they could already see a fleet of approximately 20 ships anchored to the spot, and the flagship was none other than the legendary Black Pearl!

This is a fleet from the Alkebulan Underworlds…

……………………………………………….

This was probably the only place in the mortal realm where there was no need to station troops and investigators in the residence of the leaders. After all, not a single Yin spirit would dare to encroach upon these parts if they valued their lives…

The courtyard was very well designed, and filled with green elements, almost as though it was a large park. Given its location in Yan Capital, the value of such a courtyard would be through the roof. And that wasn’t even to mention the luxurious nature of the development, replete with high-rise villas served by private lifts. That said, the conversations between the residents of the development were often a little bit peculiar…

“That’s a good thing!” The old lady with the vegetable basket smiled, and then sighed, “What kind of a world are we living in anyway…”

“I’m just going to whip up something simple.” Aunt Ma was somewhat plump, and she smiled back radiantly, “Speaking of which, aren’t you back rather early today?”

The display on the lift revealed that they were on the ground floor. Aunt Ma was just about to enter the lift when the young man looked up, somewhat astonished, “Aunt Ma, where’s your grandson?”

“How can this be! T-t-this… What’s going on?!” Two seconds later, Aunt Ma’s vegetable basket fell to the ground with a dull thud, and she covered her mouth and screamed at the top of her voice. But it was also just then that the lights around snapped and fizzled, and the doors of the lift immediately shut with a loud clatter. Then, amidst the darkness, the elevator slowly descended!

Is someone hiding in the darkness?

Aunt Ma covered her mouth. She, too, came from a family of investigators, so she was able to keep her senses about her after her initial scream. That said, it didn’t change the fact that she was still trembling with fear and trepidation.

Nobody.

Aunt Ma finally let her arms down, “N-nobody?”

Still no response.

“Hang on a minute…” Just then, a voice interrupted him from out of nowhere, “Gated development? Have I got the wrong address?”

What the--... He blinked vacantly at the man, before plucking up his courage, “Who are you?”

“... Why do you need me to lead the way?”

Something seems to be strange about this man… The young man in the lift stared aghast at Wang Chenghao for a long time, before finally asking, “What’s your business there?”

“Plenty.” Wang Chenghao gazed deep into the eyes of the young man, “After March, the three eastern provinces and the Pearlriver Province will be officially liberated by Hell. Meanwhile, Hell will continue to send troops across the entire nation, reclaiming all lost land and doing its part to bring the supernatural outbreak to an end. As a personal assistant to the King Yanluo of Hell, I’ve been tasked to come here to broach the topic of negotiations with the mortal realm.”

……………………………………………….

The pools of water remained as placid as ever, almost impervious to the number of stones that were cast into them in a futile attempt to stir up some waves. What ought to be done had already been done. Stimulation by entertainment and amenities, triggering consumption, integrating a system of currency, development of Hell’s Media Group, launch of real estate, and so on and so forth. But even the daftest of citizens could tell right now that the crux of the matter lies not with the abilities of the government right now, but with Hell’s ability to keep up with these forward-thinking policies that were being launched by Hell.

Meng Zhiming was a Yin spirit who had experienced Yanluo Qin’s reign since the beginning, and he had seen everything, from the quelling of the first uprising, to the distribution of entertainment equipment and amenities, to the march of Yin soldiers, and to the current period of silence. Everyone on the ground could tell that the current government was trying its level best to change the living environment in Hell for the better, but they also knew that certain changes took time.

“Old Meng!!” His neighbour, Zhao Xinggang, burst through his door, gasping for air with great excitement, “Have you read today’s newspaper?”

“How can you still be in the mood to play chess?!” Zhao Xinggang sat across from him with netherflames blazing from his eyes, “Today’s 4 February, is it not? Do you recall back then when we discussed taking up a loan to launch the Xingming Transport Company? Have you submitted the documents?!”