Chapter 76: Befriending the King of the Underworld

The Ghost King examined the two Netherworld Hounds and said, "Are you the very same Netherworld Hounds who, centuries ago, returned to the Underworld as spirits from the living world and were personally received by King Yama?"

"Ghost King, you have a discerning eye! Indeed, we are," replied Old Horse and Big Flower Ox.

"In the Underworld, it is exceedingly rare—perhaps unprecedented—that spirits returning from the mortal realm are received in person by King Yama. You two may be the only ones in all of history," the Ghost King remarked.

"Thank you for your praise, Ghost King! Such honor was only possible due to King Yama’s boundless grace," the two hounds replied in unison.

The Ghost King continued, "I’ve heard that, when you lived in the mortal world, you were abandoned by your master as soon as you were born, left to fend for yourselves in the wild forests and mountains. Starving, you survived by your own wits, often suffering at the hands of fierce beasts?"

Old Horse answered, "That is entirely true! We bear no resentment toward our master or our mother. After all, we were born so hideous!"

The Ghost King nodded. "It shows broadness of heart that you think so."

The two hounds replied as one, "No hatred can outweigh the kindness of one's mother. Besides, our appearance was indeed frightening—it's only natural the villagers feared us. We cannot blame our mother or our owner for their rejection."

"Very well!" said the Ghost King. "I’ve also heard that, in order to secure your place in the world, you learned to outwit the predators, and as you grew, you matched wits and courage with those fierce beasts who attacked you, enduring countless hardships and honing your skills and intelligence. Eventually, few creatures could rival you!"

The two hounds said, "That’s somewhat exaggerated! The truth is, the world is vast and full of wonders. There are always greater powers out there. It’s not that we are the strongest; we simply haven’t encountered those stronger than ourselves."

The Ghost King praised the wisdom of these words and went on, "I have heard that, in gratitude to your master, you returned to your birthplace, drove away wolves and other beasts, protected the villagers, worked for your master’s household, and helped out in the village—earning the love and respect of the people?"

Old Horse replied, "In truth, all we did for the villagers was a small matter, not worth mentioning. The villagers are so sincere and easily moved."

"Indeed," said the Ghost King, "it is always the villagers who are the most genuine and easily satisfied. Show them a little kindness, and their gratitude is boundless. I also heard that, after your master died, you kept vigil at the grave, refusing food and drink out of filial piety, until you finally died of hunger. Such devotion to your master is unparalleled! Your virtue is truly admirable."

"That is simply our duty, not worthy of praise," replied the two hounds. "Moreover, our loyalty to our master was also a way to repay the kindness of our parents from a previous life."

"No matter your reasons, your actions deeply moved the villagers. They bought coffins for you, buried your bodies, erected monuments with your names, and later built a shrine in your honor, recording your deeds for future generations to venerate and emulate," the Ghost King continued. "Thus, after your reincarnation, your virtue reached such a level that, upon your return to the Underworld, King Yama himself was moved and came to meet you."

"Thank you for your praise, Ghost King! What you say is true, but as for the villagers buying our coffins and building a shrine, we know nothing of it. Once we died, our souls returned immediately to the Underworld and never looked back. We have no knowledge of what happened after," replied Old Horse and Big Flower Ox.

"No matter," said the Ghost King. "Upon your return, King Yama’s personal welcome is proof enough of your virtue."

"Perhaps so! Ghost King, may we ask why you summoned our master here? We are in a hurry to return to the living world, so we would be deeply grateful if you could open the way for us!" Old Horse and Big Flower Ox said, bowing to the Ghost King.

"That is precisely why I called you here," the Ghost King replied.

"Thank you so much, Ghost King!" Wei Xiaoping, who had been seated nearby, immediately stood, went to the two hounds, and knelt before the Ghost King.

Old Horse and Big Flower Ox knelt with him.

"Please, General Wei, there’s no need for such formality. As I mentioned, I too have a request to make of you. I will help you return to the living world, but you must agree to do something for me in return."

"So long as it does not violate King Yama’s rules and is within my power, I will do my utmost. However, I must know what you require before I can make any promises," Wei Xiaoping replied.

Hearing of this transaction, Old Horse and Big Flower Ox exchanged uneasy glances. Every soul in this Black River Prison, including the Ghost King, was permanently sealed here by King Yama. If the Ghost King wanted them to help him escape, that would be a grave violation of the rules—something they could never agree to.

"Master, be cautious. We are pressed for time, and if we agree to something we cannot fulfill, we will be indebted to the Ghost King," warned Old Horse.

"Rest assured, General Wei, Netherworld Hounds," the Ghost King reassured them. "Whatever I ask is not urgent. You may return to the living world and attend to your own affairs first. You can assist me when you have time in the future."

Hearing this, Wei Xiaoping and the two hounds exchanged glances, puzzled by the Ghost King's words.

"What is it the Ghost King wants us to do? He says we can help him after we've finished our own business in the living world, but once we return, we’ll be separated by life and death. How can we contact him? Is his request something to be done in the living world? If so, how does it concern him here in the Underworld? And if we succeed or fail, how are we to inform him? Must we return to the Underworld and find him again?" These thoughts raced through the minds of Wei Xiaoping and the hounds.

"Ghost King, your words leave us quite confused," said Wei Xiaoping.

"Our master is right," added Old Horse. "If we return to the living world, how are we to communicate? Is your request something to be handled among the living? What if we fail? Even if we succeed, how will we inform you?"

The Ghost King replied, "I trust the three of you, which is why I entrust you with this task. I believe you will try, whether or not you can succeed."

"But Ghost King, we have only just met. Why do you trust us so much?" Wei Xiaoping inquired.

"I know how highly King Yama regards the three of you, which proves you are principled and loyal. That is why I wish to befriend you and entrust you with this matter. Regardless of whether you accept, I will open the way and escort you to the Black River’s edge."

"Thank you for your trust, Ghost King! If you are willing to befriend us, we are most grateful. Please, tell us what you require, and no matter the difficulty, we will do our utmost," said Wei Xiaoping.

"Very well, General Wei, that is what I have been waiting for! Before I tell you the task, let me briefly recount my story in the living world, so you may understand what kind of spirit I am. Since we are to be friends, you should know about me," the Ghost King replied.

"But Ghost King, do not make your story too long. We must hurry back to the living world! If we are delayed, our general’s body may perish, and he’ll never return," cautioned Old Horse.

"Do not worry, General Wei and Netherworld Hounds. I have already considered this and will not delay you," said the Ghost King.