Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Redemptive Ghost King of Gaoyang

The Ghost King, Gaoyang, continued, “Of course, my temperament isn’t always this calm. In the harsh environment of the Black River Prison, every day brings all manner of prison ghosts preying on and battling each other. Under such circumstances, if any ghost comes to attack us, we must defend ourselves and strike back at the aggressor; otherwise, we’d be courting death for nothing!”

Wei Xiaoping nodded at Gaoyang’s words. “Indeed, indeed! We must hold to truth and kindness, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing our own existence for them.”

“Exactly!” the Ghost King agreed.

Wei Xiaoping went on, “But Ghost King, aren’t you now the ruler of this Black River Prison? Don’t you have your own soldiers and subordinates? Are there really still other ghosts here who would dare provoke you?”

Gaoyang laughed. “General Wei, to tell you the truth, I am only the king over a portion of this place! The Black River Prison is vast, and its inmates are the spirits of creatures from all over the living world. Each has their own power and followers, carving out their own territories. It’s simply that those with the greatest strength avoid being bullied by others.”

Wei Xiaoping considered these words and found them reasonable. After all, the ghosts here were all once living beings who’d committed grave misdeeds, sentenced by the King of the Underworld to eternal imprisonment. Those who could wreak such havoc in life were not ordinary people or animals, and even in death, their spirits were not easily trifled with.

He asked, “Ghost King, you’ve told us of your past life. Now, can you share what favor you want from us, once we return to the living world?”

Gaoyang replied, “Actually, what I ask of you is not in the realm of the living, but here in the underworld.”

At this, Wei Xiaoping and his two ghostly hounds exchanged surprised glances, then looked back at the Ghost King. What could he possibly want from them here, on their way back to the living world? Was he enlisting their help to challenge other ghost kings? But that didn’t make sense—Gaoyang had said he’d let go of many grudges.

The hound Ma Laoda spoke up, “Help in the underworld? But we’re eager to return to the living world and were hoping you’d help clear our path. Where would we find the time?”

Niu Dahua, the other hound, echoed, “Ghost King, isn’t this making things difficult for us? If you don’t wish to help, just say so—we’ll find another way out, rather than waste everyone’s time.”

Wei Xiaoping sternly addressed them, “You two mustn’t be rude! Let’s hear the Ghost King out. I’m sure he has his reasons and wouldn’t speak unreasonably.”

Gaoyang laughed, “General Wei, don’t blame your subordinates. The fault’s mine for not explaining clearly. Here’s how it is: I’ll clear the way for you and see you safely to the other shore of the Black River. After that, you’ll go ashore on your own. I cannot follow, as you know—the King of the Underworld placed a binding curse on us, preventing us from leaving. The curse does not affect you. When you return to the living world, I ask that you do as much good as possible for humanity and all living creatures, striving to foster peace and reduce conflict among them, and lead them to the lives they desire.”

“Very well. In fact, that’s what we have always tried to do in the world of the living. It’s only when others tried to thwart our efforts that we had no choice but to fight,” Wei Xiaoping replied.

“But Ghost King, how does this relate to the favor you’re asking?” Ma Laoda asked, puzzled.

“Let the Ghost King finish,” Wei Xiaoping interjected.

“Yes, sir,” Ma Laoda apologized.

Gaoyang continued, “In short, do your utmost to accumulate virtue in the living world, so that humans and all creatures benefit from your deeds. If, after your passing, shrines and memorials are erected in your honor, the King of the Underworld will take notice. He holds in high regard those who have established virtue in life. When such souls arrive in the underworld, he receives them personally. At that time, if the worthy soul makes a request—not an unreasonable one—the King will usually grant it.”

Wei Xiaoping seemed to grasp his meaning.

The two hounds tilted their heads, half understanding.

“Ghost King, I think I see your point. You want us to speak on your behalf before the King of the Underworld, or ask something for you, is that right?” Wei Xiaoping asked.

Gaoyang praised him, “General Wei, your insight is remarkable! That’s exactly it. When you next return to the underworld, I ask that you put in a good word for me before the King.”

At this, Ma Laoda and Niu Dahua were visibly displeased.

Ma Laoda said, “Ghost King, that’s rather much to ask, and quite out of the ordinary!”

Niu Dahua added, “We haven’t even returned to the living world yet, and you’re speaking as if cursing us to die soon!”

Wei Xiaoping silenced them. “Enough! Let the Ghost King finish. After all, who can escape death? Besides, he’s not demanding we return at a specific time—if he were, that would be unreasonable. Am I right, Ghost King?”

Gaoyang nodded approvingly, “Exactly! A person’s lifespan is fixed—it cannot be altered by another’s will. So my request carries no time limit.”

Wei Xiaoping said, “But, Ghost King, I have trained in the ways of cultivation, which can greatly extend one’s life. My master, Daoist Xuan Zhe, is over a thousand years old. What if I live just as long? You might be waiting a very long time. And even then, there’s no guarantee I’ll meet the King when I arrive in the underworld, or succeed in persuading him.”

Gaoyang laughed, “General Wei, that doesn’t matter! In fact, I make this request of everyone passing through Black River Prison on their way to rebirth. I clear the way for them, and they promise to help me. I know not all will keep their word, and even fewer will succeed, but I do it willingly. By helping these souls, I am atoning for my own grave sins of past lives. It gives me a sense of purpose, and makes my time here less empty.”

Wei Xiaoping and his ghostly hounds exchanged a look. It seemed Gaoyang truly had found enlightenment since arriving at Black River Prison.

Wei Xiaoping said, “Ghost King, what do you want us to ask of the King of the Underworld, or do for you?”

Gaoyang replied, “Simply this: ask the King if he will grant me another chance at life, to be reborn in the world, so that I may do good for humanity and all living things, and atone for the sins of my previous existence.”

Wei Xiaoping asked, “Ghost King, how many years have you been here, helping the spirits passing through Black River Prison?”

Gaoyang replied, “I’ve lost count, but I would guess three or four thousand years. From the second month I arrived, I became their king, and ever since I have acted thus, instructing my followers to do the same.”

Wei Xiaoping and his two companions were deeply moved by the Ghost King’s thousands of years of steadfast help to wandering souls. It seemed he truly understood the essence of being—both as human and ghost.

Wei Xiaoping said, “Ghost King, I will grant your request. When I return to the living world, and my time comes to return to the underworld, I will do my best to speak for you before the King, regardless of the outcome.”

Overcome with gratitude, Gaoyang rose and bowed deeply to Wei Xiaoping. “Many thanks, General Wei! I trust your word completely. Please accept my bow!”

Wei Xiaoping, surprised by the gesture, hastily rose and returned the bow in equal measure.