Chapter Seventy-Five: The Prison King's Praise

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“When my younger brother and I soared away on a flying sword with Master Xuan Zhe, it was only then that we realized we were being taken away from our parents. The shock made us burst into tears. On top of that, we didn’t know why our parents were sending us away with this Daoist, nor did we know how long we would be separated before we could return home. These thoughts filled my brother and me with grief and fear, and we cried even harder. Seeing us so heartbroken, Master Xuan Zhe paid us no mind, focusing only on flying with us. Not long after, as we traveled through the mountains buffeted by the wind, exhaustion overcame us, and we soon fell asleep.

I don’t know how much time passed, but when we awoke, we found ourselves lying inside a small house. Master Xuan Zhe entered, bringing each of us a bowl of rice and a plate of vegetables, telling us to eat. As we ate, he explained the purpose of bringing us here.” Wei Xiaoping paused.

He continued, “It turned out that when Master Xuan Zhe first met my brother Wei Xiaofan and me, he found our physiques extraordinary, our intelligence remarkable, and our spiritual insight exceptional. However, he foresaw that upon reaching a certain age, we would be plagued by incurable illness or suffer disaster, unless we followed him up the mountain to study the immortal arts, train our bodies, and practice martial cultivation. Although my parents were skeptical at first, when he recited our birth dates and details with uncanny accuracy, they began to believe him. Thus an agreement was made: after we celebrated our second birthdays, he would return to take us away. When my parents witnessed Master Xuan Zhe ascend into the sky on a single sword, they were convinced he was an immortal, and placed their trust in his words. So, the next year, as promised, my brother and I were sent to Qingfeng Temple to study the Dao and train in martial arts under Master Xuan Zhe.”

Wei Xiaoping paused again, then went on, “Once I understood why my parents entrusted us to Master Xuan Zhe, I resolved to cultivate diligently for the sake of my health. Every day, my brother and I studied, learned to read, practiced martial arts, and trained in the Dao under our master. From the age of five, I followed him in these pursuits for fifteen years.”

The King of Ghosts asked, “Fifteen years? Was the fifteenth year when you became a general in Qingfeng Kingdom?”

“That’s right,” Wei Xiaoping replied.

“Your master, being able to fly on a sword, clearly possesses profound immortal arts. I imagine you and your brother have learned much from him over these fifteen years, including the arts of war. Otherwise, how could you have commanded troops and subdued the enemy upon joining the army?”

“Books of war? What are those?” Wei Xiaoping asked, puzzled.

At this, the King of Ghosts also looked at him in surprise, “General Wei, as a commander, do you truly not know what books of war are?”

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“I’ve truly never heard of them, nor do I know what they are,” Wei Xiaoping replied.

“Then how do you lead your troops in battle? Do you have military advisers?” the King of Ghosts pressed.

“Advisers? What do they do?” Wei Xiaoping asked.

“An adviser is someone who instructs others in the art of war,” said the King of Ghosts.

“Oh, we don’t have such a person. Before any campaign, a few trusted aides and I gather to discuss strategies. Each puts forth his own plan, and we debate whose method is most advantageous, weighing the pros and cons. The strategy that offers the greatest benefit is chosen, and regardless of whose plan it is or whether it leads to victory or defeat, we share responsibility for the outcome. Since all our tactics are agreed upon collectively, we bear the consequences together.”

The King of Ghosts nodded, “That’s a wise approach. This is what the ancients called a council of wisdom—gathering clever minds to discuss, each presenting their own strategy, and together weighing the chances of victory against defeat. If victory seems more likely, the plan is adopted. An excellent method!”

“Yes, and sometimes we even combine the best elements of several plans to create a more perfect strategy,” Wei Xiaoping added.

“Indeed! But a flawless plan alone isn’t enough; loyal and reliable soldiers are indispensable. It seems you treat your men well.”

“I do. The relationship between my subordinates and me is like that of siblings. I address them by rank and age—older or younger, as appropriate. We eat together at the same table, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Before battle, as officers, we promise the soldiers that if they die fighting, the state will provide their families with a monthly stipend; if they return victorious, they receive rewards proportional to their achievements. In short, whether general or soldier, we are equals. This makes the men feel valued by their leaders, and willing to face life and death together. Most importantly, we rigorously train the soldiers to improve their martial abilities, which reduces casualties and preserves the army’s strength.”

“Exactly, General Wei,” the King of Ghosts said with a laugh, “For one so young, you truly understand the art of command. A hero indeed! It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Wei Xiaoping thanked him for his praise, then suddenly recalled something. “Your Majesty, could you please allow my two Nether Hounds to come in? I’m afraid they’ll grow anxious waiting outside for too long.”

“Oh? Ha! I nearly forgot! I would very much like to see what your Nether Hounds are like.” With that, the King of Ghosts instructed an attendant to summon Ma Laoda and Niu Dahua.

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Before long, Ma Laoda and Niu Dahua entered. The King of Ghosts examined the two three-headed Nether Hounds as they came in. The two hounds had waited a long time outside, growing anxious from the lack of news about their master. When the attendant came to fetch them, they were so delighted that, before the underworld guard could lead them in, they rushed ahead, running inside at top speed.

When Ma Laoda and Niu Dahua saw their master Wei Xiaoping sitting safely and conversing with the King of Ghosts, their tension eased, and they slowed down to approach with calm. The King of Ghosts noticed that the hounds had entered before his subordinate and thought, “Animals are animals after all—lacking in manners!” But then he recalled that these Nether Hounds were once human spirits, famous for their loyalty and gratitude. In fact, after they had died faithfully mourning for Luo Wenguang and returned to the underworld, King Yama himself had come to the Crossing of All Beings to escort them. Clearly, they were not ignorant of etiquette—perhaps they simply worried for their master’s safety.

The two hounds walked up to the King of Ghosts, first glancing at Wei Xiaoping. Confirming their master was safe, they wagged their tails, then turned to face the King of Ghosts.

“Ma Laoda, Niu Dahua, quickly pay your respects to the King of Ghosts!” Wei Xiaoping instructed.

“We, Nether Hound Ma Laoda and Nether Hound Niu Dahua, pay our respects to Your Majesty, King of Ghosts!” The two hounds knelt on their forelegs and bowed their heads in unison.