Yama Rising

“This is your duty as the future King Yanluo. Stand still and stand tall! Otherwise, I wouldn’t mind ripping you to shreds before Emperor Wu of Song even makes a single move!”

Having finally resolved the issue with the finicky future King Yanluo of Hell, Arthis turned her head once more and looked in the direction of the rundown ship, “You’re but an Infernal Judge at the same level as me. How dare you make a move against us when you can tell that he’s a future Yama-King? Aren’t you afraid of Hell’s Blessings of Virtue over him?”

There wasn’t any response from the ship. Everything was silent.

So our bodies even carry the lingering scent of Lord Harken’s aura, huh… Qin Ye glanced begrudgingly at Arthis - Lady, you’re ignorant and insensitive, and you are henceforth disqualified from bearing my child. How could you conceal such important information from me till now… At this point, Qin Ye had already subconsciously reverted to a valiant posture no different from that of a hero. It was a far cry from how he had been just moments ago.

Then, three full minutes later, the dilapidated ship suddenly flared up with rows of red light. Following that, the melodious sounds zither accompanied by ancient bells echoed into the surroundings.

The voice continued quizzically, “So the old Hell has indeed collapsed. Those who are able to survive under such circumstances are undoubtedly the elite among the elites. How serendipitous is it that we meet again under such circumstances? So why don’t you… come up and have a drink with me?”

A dark night.

An empty ship that has run aground, with paper money scattering everywhere and two rows of humanoid paper effigies kneeling on the ground. Any human being who witnesses a sight like this would most certainly faint from fear in an instant.

“What are you doing?” Arthis immediately followed after him and whispered to him with a somber tone of voice, “This isn’t like you at all. You’re the embodiment of passivity and lethargy… unless… you’re telling me that there’s some form of benefit to be had from Emperor Wu of Song?”

Without missing a beat, his voice softened to a hush, “Let me ask you, how long has it been since he was assigned to Daehan? And how far along do you think Daehan’s underworld has developed to date? Can it be considered a mature city?”

Do you think I’d do this if I had a choice… Qin Ye furrowed his brows. Huang Liangchuan had raised to his attention a truly pertinent and pressing issue. If he were to rectify the fragility of the new industries that were to be established in Hell, then there was no other option but to establish external trade routes! Otherwise, Hell’s current state of prosperity would simply fade away in a flash.

And whilst not the best option, Emperor Wu of Song… was their only option right now!

“You’re a Yama-King, and yet you would tolerate the declaration of independence of a vassal state?!” Arthis’ voice grew abrasive, “What difference does that make you from a weak ruler?!”

These were the heads of humans who had perished a long time ago. There wasn’t a single trace of blood at all. An opening was made from the forehead, and everything within had already been hollowed out. Spots of scarlet netherflames crackled within the human head lanterns in the dark of the night. It was a sight so terrifying that not even moths would dare approach these sources of light.

He slowly began to walk along the red carpet on the ground as he whispered back, “Then… am I supposed to start a war against him?”

They would need to stabilize the internal workings of Hell before they could look to take the lands of others. Hell’s development was still in its nascent stages, and any suggestion of conquests right now was no different from empty talk.

“... But you always butt heads with me…”

Gamer girl, can you please develop a little bit more self-awareness? Do you know that your danger factor goes down every single time you enter the Summoner’s Rift?!

“Besides…” His gaze flickered, “The king of Hanyang… might have a lot more to offer than you think he does. That said, the precondition to tapping on this rich mineral vein is that he would first have to recognize me as an equal…”

He was now in a large hall that was designed in a traditional ancient Cathayan style.

The man wasn’t tall, yet the imposing air about him made him appear no different from a towering mountain.

This is a man who justifies having his own BGM… Qin Ye affirmed his first impression of the man with a single glance. Then, having ascertained his safety, he put on a noble and cold disposition on his face and took another look at the man.

There was only a single table and chair placed in the great hall below the throne. Arthis was obviously not given the honour of having a seat.

Arthis was an Infernal Judge, just like him. Yet, in his eyes, she could hardly hold a candle to Qin Ye.

“What a surprise.” After a moment of silence, Emperor Wu of Song smiled, “To think that King Yanluo’s seal would end up in the hands of a little kid, and with your blessings as well. Does this… tell of his luck? Or does it tell of your desperation?”

“Pardon me for interjecting.” Qin Ye placed one hand on his chin, and turned away from Emperor Wu of Song, only to gaze at the ceiling as though with great fascination. He continued while tapping on the table in front of him with his other hand, “Hell has prospered under my leadership. We’ve seen a rapid growth in our GDP of over 1000% year on year, exceeding that of Britannia, and placing us well in the ranks of Usonia. We’ve already been able to clothe and feed all of our Yin spirits.”

Hang on a minute…

Unfortunately, Qin Ye didn’t intend to give Emperor Wu of Song any breathing room, and he immediately continued with great eloquence, “This year is going to be filled with milestones for the new Hell. We’ve incorporated the first state construction company of Hell, broken ground for several construction projects, and ushered in an era of soaring developments. At our first congressional meeting, as well as our first plenary session, the ruling party, led by my officials and I, established the three-tiered strategic goals of Hell and elucidated the path and direction of Hell’s development moving forward.”

His pale lips parted slightly, almost as though he wanted to say something, but he simply couldn’t find any words to express himself right now.

“... comprehensively implement our strategies across our cities, counties, towns and villages. Our government is working closely with the relevant working group committees, management committees, and prefectural committees to seize the opportunity to forge ahead. We will forge ahead with our three-tiered aggressive growth strategies, promote a holistic development through our five enhancements, with scientific developments leading the charge. With coordinated implementation of these policies, we shall ensure steady growth, promote reform, restructure as necessary, benefit our citizens, and minimize the risks of…”

How the hell did you even come up with the idea to recite a governmental report to a thousand-year old ghost like that?!

What a show! Elegant! Refined! God of pretense! Master of fraud! The presentation of a lifetime!

When Qin Ye finally completed his report, he slowly rose from his seat and adjusted his collar, before glancing disdainfully back at Emperor Wu of Song, “I’ve just given you a brief rundown of the works I have planned out for Hell over the course of the incoming work year. I’m the one facilitating and supervising these works. I sincerely invite comments and pointers from the king of Hanyang.”

What the hell is this?!

It sounds no different from what my subordinates have been reporting to me… but why does it sound so much more intimidating and magnificent when supported by these unintelligible data and statistics?

1. This is a LoL reference.