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墨書 Inktalez
Watching over a hundred Qin Quai being escorted away, the cries of despair echoed through Yama Hall, filling him with a sense of satisfaction, as if a long-held resentment had finally been expelled. He casually picked up a case file from the Judge's desk and asked nonchalantly, "Surely such crimes warrant no leniency under the law?"
Judge Cao trembled in fear, not daring to say much. He simply raised the case file high and bowed his head, saying, "Reporting to the Great Sage, this is the verdict from each Lord of Yan regarding the case of Qin Quai and General Yue. Please take a look."
The Wanderer took the file and flipped through it carelessly. The first page read: The King of Hell decrees: Qin Quai is a vile schemer who framed loyal subjects, leading to the tragic demise of Yue Fei's family; General Yue, devoted to his country, fought against formidable foes and sacrificed himself for the nation. Qin Quai shall be known as the "Foolish Thief," while Yue Fei truly deserves the title of "Loyal and Righteous."
"Foolish Thief?" The Wanderer scoffed and tossed the file onto the table. "The term 'foolish' hardly fits the heinous crimes he has committed! Such a wicked scoundrel deserves to suffer eternally in the Knife Mountain and Fire Sea to relieve my heart's hatred!"
Judge Cao trembled even more and handed over a second file, which stated: The King of Chu decrees: Qin Quai is treacherous and cunning, his crimes are beyond measure; his actions are so atrocious they evoke the sorrowful verses from 'The Songs of Chu,' leaving one filled with deep emotions and sighs.
"Ridiculous!" The Wanderer roared in anger, slamming his palm on the table. "Qin Quai has done nothing but evil, causing loyal subjects to die tragically, yet King Chu finds time to indulge in poetic elegance? Truly it can be said that 'a well-written article is hard for even Yama to handle!' No need to read further; these stale verdicts only infuriate me!"
With that, The Wanderer forcefully pushed aside the third case file, scattering its contents on the floor and revealing Tang Guangwang's handwritten title "Diao Yue General Poem." However, the verses were torn into shreds by The Wanderer's rough actions, fluttering down like leaves.
Tang Guangwang's Diao Yue General Poem reads:
Who has cast me into this Three-Character Prison,
A city of despair stretching for miles?
Looking north brings tears anew,
While southward branches linger empty.
The nation perishes along with its captors,
As sunset winds rise among pines,
The sound of swords and halberds still echoes.
The Wanderer glared at the shredded poem; Tang Guangwang's ink trembled in the chilling wind as if lamenting this ancient injustice. He sneered, "What a 'Together with the Captors,' what a 'Three-Character Prison!' Tang Guangwang and those pedantic literati are all alike—merely nibbling on words without saving General Yue or stopping the relentless march of history!"
He slammed his hand on the table again, sending shivers through the Underworld Judge, scattering verdicts across the floor. " I, Old Sun will today act on behalf of heaven and deliver judgment upon this traitor in my own way!"
"Please calm your anger!" The Judge stammered in terror, trembling as he asked, "What kind of torture does your lord intend to use?"
A fierce glint flashed in The Wanderer's eyes as he spoke slowly and deliberately: "Dissection!"
At those words, Yama Hall seemed to tremble. Outside Senluo Hall, a hundred disheveled Evil Ghosts rushed in carrying a massive fire pit, flames blazing brightly against half the sky. Following them were Ghost Messengers bearing twelve golden plaques, each shining brilliantly.
With thunderous drumbeats resounding, countless Evil Ghosts with sharp fangs surged from all directions, surrounding Qin Quai completely. Each one looked fierce and menacing, their Steel Knives gleaming coldly as if ready to tear Qin Quai apart at any moment.
“Let’s start with ‘ Fish-Scale Dismemberment ’!” At the command of The Wandere, the Evil Ghosts surged forward, pinning Qin Quai to the ground. Sharp blades danced across his body, tearing flesh from bone, blood staining the ground as his screams echoed throughout the Yama Hall.
“Ah—” Qin Quai’s cries were piercing, sending chills down the spine of anyone who heard them. He struggled desperately, but it was futile; he could only watch helplessly as he was flayed piece by piece.
The strips of flesh that were cut away were tossed into the roaring flames of the furnace, sizzling as if recounting Qin Quai’s sins.
“Grandfather, the first gold medal for General Yue has been canceled. Please give your orders!” The trembling Judge reported.
“Let’s have another ‘Ice Pattern’!” The Wandere said expressionlessly, as if discussing a trivial matter.
The drums beat again, and this time a group of naked Evil Ghosts known as Chi Shen leaped from the left, brandishing Steel Knives. They charged at Qin Quai like wolves descending upon their prey. This time, the blades were sharper and their techniques more brutal; Qin Quai’s flesh rolled back as blood poured forth, creating a scene too horrific to bear.
“Ah—” Qin Quai’s screams grew even more desperate, but he had lost the strength to fight back and could only submit to the slaughter by the Evil Ghosts.
“Grandfather, the second gold medal for General Yue has been canceled!” The voice of Judge trembled slightly.
“‘ Snowflake Pattern ’!” The Wandere spoke coldly, devoid of any compassion in his eyes.
This time, ten Evil Ghosts, with No Eyes, No Mouth and Blood-Red Faces, surged from the east. Each one wore a grotesque expression and wielded sharp blades, surrounding Qin Quai. This time, every cut reached bone, and Qin Quai’s cries gradually weakened.
“Grandfather, the third gold medal for General Yue has been canceled!” The voice of Judge quivered now.
At that moment, a thunderous drumbeat erupted from the entrance. A little ghost dressed in fish skin ran in holding a large red notice and presented it to The Wandere. “Report—Song General Yue Fei pays his respects!”
Taking the notice from the little ghost, The Wandere unfolded it to reveal six large characters: “Song General Yue Fei pays his respects.”
Seeing this notice, Judge Cao quickly retrieved a volume of the Historical Records of Loyal Ministers, handing it to The Wandere. After carefully perusing it, The Wandere committed the life story of Yue Fei to memory.
Outside Yama Hall, the sound of drums and music reverberated through the air, as if trying to awaken the somber Underworld. The echoes of Golden Reed Flute were both mournful and pleading, yet carried an undeniable air of noble dignity. This drumbeat continued for half an hour before gradually subsiding, as if heralding the arrival of a great king with a grand tribute.
As the smoke cleared, a general clad in silver armor strode forward with commanding presence. He was tall and imposing, his face resolute, exuding a sense of righteousness that seemed to have stepped out from the pages of history, bearing the weight of battle and a heart full of indignation.
The Wanderer, upon seeing him, did not dare to be disrespectful. He hurriedly jumped down from the Judge's seat, turned sideways, and performed a deep bow, saying, "General, please come in." This monkey, who usually caused chaos in Heavenly Palace and disturbed the peace across the realms, had never shown such respect to anyone. Yet today, in front of General Yue, he was entirely deferential and did not dare to act out.
When the general reached the steps, The Wanderer bowed deeply once more. His bent waist seemed to carry an immense burden, like a silent protest against fate's injustices. Once inside the curtain, this monkey unexpectedly knelt down with a thud and bowed his head to the ground, exclaiming, " Master Yue, in my life I have only bowed to two masters: one is my teacher Bodhi Patriarch, and the other is Master Tang Seng. Today to meet you, General, makes you my third master. As they say, 'Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are all complete,' I have no regrets in this life!"
Having said this, he was about to bow again. This monkey, who was usually fearless and unyielding, now seemed transformed as he showed such reverence towards Yue Fei.
Seeing this, General Yue quickly stepped forward to help The Wanderer up and said, "Great Sage is joking. We are strangers; how can there be any master-disciple relationship? Great Sage is the Equal to Heaven Great Sage with vast powers; I am merely a soldier. How can I deserve such a bow from you?"
The Wanderer refused to relent and continued to bow repeatedly while saying, " Master Yue, today I have a cup of blood wine for you to relieve your worries."
General Yue replied, "Thank you, dear brother; however, I fear I may not be able to enjoy it." He was a man of loyalty and righteousness but had been wronged by treacherous officials and died unjustly. Now in this Underworld realm, he carried a heavy heart filled with grievances and had little desire for merriment.
The Wanderer understood Yue Fei's sentiments well. He turned his back and secretly wrote a letter before calling out to Ox Head and Horse Face, "Where are the little ghosts who deliver messages?"
Upon hearing this, all the little ghosts knelt down in unison and reported, "Master, what are your orders?"
The Wanderer said, "I need you to make a trip to Heaven."
Ox Head exchanged glances with his companions and replied, "Master, we are all fallen Evil Ghosts from Underworld; how can we ascend to Heaven?"
The Wanderer chuckled and said, "You simply haven't found the right method; it's actually quite easy." With that, he transformed a piece of paper into a cloud and handed it to Ox Head. Then he seemed to remember something and instructed him: "A few days ago the Heavenly Gate was tightly shut; I don't know if it's open today. Just go along with the cloud; if the gate is still closed, say that Netherworld has documents that need delivering to Doushuai Palace."
After sending Ox Head off, The Wanderer turned back around scratching his head with a grin at General Yue and said cheerfully, "Master! Today I'm so happy that I've composed a verse for you; listen closely!"
General Yue saw that The Wanderer's mischievous nature hadn't changed at all. He simply shook his head with a smile and said, "Dear brother, you know I have spent years leading troops into battle; my mind is filled with strategies for warfare. How could I have read Buddhist scriptures or spoken Zen phrases? Don't tease me like that."
Upon hearing this response, The Wanderer grew displeased. He thrust Ruyi Jingu Bang into the ground with a thud and declared in a booming voice: " I, Old Sun has indeed received true teachings from Buddha; this verse will surely be exceptional! Just listen!"
Without waiting for General Yue to respond, he cleared his throat and recited with exaggerated gestures:
“There are loyal subjects who serve their lords; every Heavenly King is a Buddha.”
After finishing, fearing that General Yue might not understand, he scratched his head and explained, “Master, look at this old rascal Qin Quai. He is cunning beyond measure and caused you to die wrongfully. I will make him pay in blood for his crimes! In this world, only loyal and righteous individuals like you deserve to be called ‘Buddha.’ Those tyrants and treacherous officials aren’t even worthy of being called ‘human’!”
Before he could finish speaking, the Oni returned, holding a reply letter and balancing a Purple Gold Gourd on his head as he hurried to the steps.
The Wanderer glanced sideways and asked, “Has the Heavenly Gate opened? Your speed is faster than I, Old Sun, performing a Cloud Somersault!”
Ox Head replied timidly, “In response to your honor, the Heavenly Gate is wide open. I didn’t dare delay and have brought the Jade Emperor’s reply.” With that, he raised the letter and the Purple Gold Gourd high above his head.
The Wanderer took the letter, unfolded it, and read:
“The Jade Emperor is very pleased. The crimes of Qin Quai that you, Great Sage, have uncovered are all true—sharp as a knife and cutting to the bone. A special Golden Gourd has been prepared; however, this item fears gold and iron as well as drills. I hope Great Sage will keep it well. As for the matter of breaking through the heavens, it’s a long story; we can discuss it further when we meet.”
After reading it, The Wanderer laughed heartily and pointed at the Purple Gold Gourd while saying to General Yue, “Master, look at this old man Jade Emperor. Back when I only drilled a hole in his head, he held a grudge against me. Now he sends me a treasure that fears drills—doesn’t he mean to make things difficult for me, Lao Sun?”
With that, he tucked the gourd into his robe and bowed to General Yue. “Master, please wait here for a moment while I prepare some blood wine. We won’t return until we’re drunk!”
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