Chapter Forty-Seven: The Sinful Spirits of the Ghost Prison

In the next moment, Wang Zhenling soared out of the Daoist arena. Though he left the sacred ground, his primordial spirit swiftly dwindled, shrinking once more to barely half an inch in size.

Within the arena, myriad projections and illusions allowed his essence to take on the stature of a living person. But once he exited that place and returned to the mortal world, his spirit reverted to its true proportions.

In the blink of an eye, his spirit had already merged into the crown of Wang Zhenling’s head.

The god of the Blackwater Shrine had been executed. For three days, not a drop of rain would fall. The common folk could only resign themselves to their fate, their courage spent, and no longer dared to stir up trouble.

But this was of little consequence, for Wang Zhenling had already resolved the matter. In truth, lesser spirits like the Blackwater god never possessed the power to summon rain. Even if they managed to do so, it was by exerting their meager sorcery to gather a few thousand pounds of vapor—enough for a paltry drizzle, insufficient even to dampen the earth.

Three days passed without rain. The people were bitterly disappointed and ceased to defend the Blackwater Shrine. Wang Zhenling abolished the shrine, forbidding any further sacrifices there.

He then had the local steward and others oversee the digging of irrigation channels, diverting water from the Blackwater Pond to nourish the nearby farmlands.

There had always been several hundred acres of fields around the pond; though they suffered from drought, none dared disturb the pond’s waters. Now, through irrigation, these fields reaped tremendous benefit.

Naturally, the people of Dafan Township were filled with gratitude, and their attitude toward Wang Zhenling changed entirely.

News of these events reached the county seat, and when the City God learned of it, his fury was boundless. He smashed several jade cups in succession.

“Everyone knows my connection with the Blackwater god, and yet Wang Zhenling dares act so brazenly—he is deliberately making an enemy of me!”

The City God raged for a long while, but realized that dealing with Wang Zhenling would not be easy. Though his own powers were great, and he could crush Wang Zhenling with little effort, Wang Zhenling was a government official. If he were to kill him, then he himself would be held accountable and forced to pay with his own life.

Though the authorities exercised control over spirits, they were also deeply wary of their power. To prevent the divine from overpowering the realm of mortals, the government remained ever vigilant against the gods.

If a spirit killed an official, it would provoke a great uproar. Especially since Wang Zhenling was backed by the formidable Chen Bushi, who watched intently from the shadows. If he acted rashly, he might well be forced to pay for Wang Zhenling’s death with his own life.

The City God, regal and precious, would never dare such a reckless act. Even if he ordered his subordinates to do it, once the matter was investigated, the outcome would be the same.

Yet, without resorting to force, he found himself powerless against Wang Zhenling.

As ever, the authorities fear the divine. Thus, whatever tactics he tried against Wang Zhenling would prove futile.

Of course, Wang Zhenling would also find it difficult to move against him!

“Hmph, Wang Zhenling will surely return. If he attempts to steal official energy again, I need only catch him in the act—let’s see what excuses he can offer then!”

So he thought, but remembering that Wang Zhenling had seized the spiritual vein of Blackwater Pond, he might no longer need to steal official energy for cultivation.

If so, how could he catch Wang Zhenling in the wrong?

“I have it—send someone to Blackwater Pond to take up the role of shrine god…”

No sooner did this idea arise than the City God sneered, summoning the ghost official who had assisted him previously. “You have served me faithfully. This time, I grant you a stroke of fortune. Go with your men to Blackwater Pond and assume the position of shrine god.”

The ghost official was overjoyed, prostrating himself in gratitude. “Your grace is boundless, my lord!”

The City God laughed coldly. “Take more men with you. Should anyone try to bar your appointment, you’ll have grounds to explain yourself.”

The ghost official understood immediately—the warning referred to Wang Zhenling. But he did not care; he had already offended Wang Zhenling once before. Besides, such an opportunity to ascend to godhood was rare indeed—whoever stood in his way, he would fight to the death!

Armed with the City God’s official token, the ghost official wasted no time and proceeded straight to the deepest part of the City God’s office.

This was the most heavily guarded area of the entire City God’s domain. Towering walls, narrow lanes, and layer upon layer of sentries were everywhere.

The guards were silent and dour, clad in iron armor and helmets. Aside from the faint, ghostly gleam in their eyes, they resembled nothing more than lifeless puppets or automatons.

Yet their aura was formidable, and with such equipment, they were far fiercer than the county’s ordinary ghost soldiers.

Even holding the token bearing the City God’s great seal, the ghost official had to pass through five or six security checkpoints before finally entering the grand prison.

Such measures demonstrated the rigor of its defense!

“By order of the City God, I require thirty criminal ghosts for special service. Obey without delay!”

As the ghost official raised the token high, the City God’s seal glowed faintly, illuminating the heavy gates of the ghost prison.

The massive gates—like those of a fortress—slowly opened, even though only a side door was unbarred. Yet a thick, black miasma surged forth, accompanied by countless screams and groans.

Even the ghost official, hearing this, was nearly overwhelmed and almost stepped back. Fortunately, the token’s glow shielded him, saving him from disgrace.

Soon, a squad of jailers clad in black armor escorted thirty vengeful criminal ghosts out.

These were all souls condemned for heinous crimes, executed by the authorities, whose resentment persisted after death, transforming them into vengeful spirits, now imprisoned in the ghost jail.

Each was bound in chains, appearing docile and still, but their resentment, gloom, and murderous aura were clearly visible to the naked eye.

“Such fierce malice—these criminal ghosts are truly formidable…”

Satisfied, the ghost official barked a command, brandishing the token once more. The City God’s divine power swept across like a whirlwind.

The jailers retreated, while the criminal ghosts began to stir. Yet, beneath the divine force, they were immobilized, each marked upon the brow.

In a moment, all the criminal ghosts grew quiet. Yet their eyes flickered restlessly as they gazed at the ghost official, revealing ill intent.

The ghost official stepped forward and declared, “You are now branded by the City God; your lives and deaths are in my hands. Obey, and all will be well. Defy me, and…”

With a cold snort, the criminal ghosts erupted in agonized screams, falling to their knees as raging flames burst from their bodies.