Primordial Era: I am a treasure trove, full of magical treasures.

Xuanbao didn't answer directly, but instead gave Houtu a mysterious smile, then raised his hand and beckoned. In an instant, a simple and ancient scroll appeared in the dark, yellowish sky—the supreme innate spiritual treasure, the Human Emperor Banner. The banner moved without wind, with countless lights and shadows flowing and rising within it, radiating an aura as vast as the sea, yet calm and restrained, as if encompassing an endless world.

Swish~ Swish~

With a slight flick of his wrist, Xuanbao summoned a vast array of souls at the Golden Immortal realm and above. As time passed, there were over 240 Great Luo Golden Immortals, over 18000 Taiyi Golden Immortals, and the number of Golden Immortals reached an astonishing million.

Houtu gazed at the vast, orderly procession of souls, some powerful, some weak, and was momentarily stunned. She, in her cycle of reincarnation, sensed countless wandering souls throughout the primordial world, yet she had never imagined that Xuanbao alone could command such a massive army of high-level souls, including many at the level of Great Luo and Taiyi. This was no ordinary "force"; it was a complete and terrifyingly organized soul army.

"These souls..." Houtu calmed her emotions, the six illusory images rotating in her eyes slightly solidifying. Scanning the dark, dense ranks, she could sense that although these souls possessed intact intelligence and retained their power, deep within their very essence were imprinted traces of a contract tightly bound to Xuanbao and the Human Emperor's Banner. They were absolutely loyal subordinates, not ordinary, aimless wandering spirits. "They are all under your command, retaining most of their cultivation and intelligence from their previous lives... Brother Xuanbao, your spiritual treasure is truly unfathomable."

Xuanbao slightly diminished the illusory image of the Human Emperor Banner and smiled, "It was a stroke of luck, and I've had some fortuitous encounters over the years. Don't worry, sister, these followers are all connected to me by karma, their loyalty is beyond question, and they each have experience in their respective duties. Now that the Netherworld has just opened, it's perfect for them to settle into their positions and quickly establish the framework of the Underworld."

Xuanbao had already planned this out, so he didn't delay. "I've found out everything," Xuanbao's clear voice rang out in the sea of ​​consciousness of millions of souls.

"The Netherworld was first established, and the cycle of reincarnation was newly formed. Heaven and Earth were in order, and Yin and Yang were to be separated. Today, I, the Great Emperor of Fengdu, hereby bestow upon the gods of the Netherworld their titles and establish order. You must each perform your duties, reward the good and punish the evil, and continue the cycle of reincarnation without fail!"

The voice, like the imperial decree of the Great Dao, clearly penetrated the depths of every soul's true spirit through the authority of the Fengdu Emperor's Seal and the command of the Human Emperor's Banner. At the same time, Xuanbao made a gesture with his hands, using immense magical power to draw upon the origin of the Netherworld and his own understanding of the laws of reincarnation, combining it with the pre-set structure within the Human Emperor's Banner, and began to "shape" the core organization of the Underworld.

"Ten Kings of Hell, emerge!"

With a decree from Xuanbao, the Netherworld trembled. Before the Fengdu Imperial Palace, ten colossal palaces, each with a distinct style—some majestic, some somber, some compassionate, some solemn—rose from the ground, standing in a row, radiating the supreme authority of judgment and ruling. Above each palace appeared a plaque bearing the corresponding Daoist runes: First Palace, King Qin Guang; Second Palace, King Chu Jiang; Third Palace, King Song Di; Fourth Palace, King Wu Guan; Fifth Palace, King Yama; Sixth Palace, King Bian Cheng; Seventh Palace, King Tai Shan; Eighth Palace, King Du Shi; Ninth Palace, King Ping Deng; Tenth Palace, King Zhuan Lun.

Xuanbao's gaze swept over the most powerful and intelligent Great Luo Golden Immortals and the most outstanding among them, who were mostly in charge of a region, could distinguish right from wrong, or had a righteous character or a meticulous mind in their previous lives. His divine sense locked onto ten figures.

The people Xuanbao selected were all the most powerful under his command, all of whom were at the peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm. Xuanbao was very dedicated to this, as his subordinates were connected to his own destiny, and he could also share in the merits they gained.

Speaking of this, Xuanbao looked at his group of underlings with a gleam in his eyes. This guy is such a capitalist! But I like it, hehehehe~~.

"By imperial decree: You ten are appointed as the Ten Kings of Hell, each with the authority to judge the souls of the dead, determine their sins, and assign them to reincarnation! King Qin Guang is in charge of life and death in the human realm, governing good and bad fortune; King Chu Jiang is in charge of the Living Hell beneath the South Sea Rock; King Song Di is in charge of the Black Rope Hell beneath the Southeast Sea Rock… King Zhuan Lun is in charge of the souls received from each court, determining their good and evil deeds, their rank, and sending them for rebirth. It is hoped that you will uphold impartiality and judge according to the law!"

The ten Grand Luo Golden Immortals whose names were chosen shone brightly, and the laws of the Netherworld actively converged, condensing into corresponding Yama Emperor robes, crowns, and seals, which merged with their souls. In an instant, ten powerful auras of Netherworld Emperors soared into the sky, bestowing authority upon them, and their cultivation levels reached the Quasi-Saint realm. Their connection with the entire Netherworld became incredibly strong, and every move they made could draw upon a portion of the Netherworld's power. The ten men, their faces solemn, bowed in unison towards the direction of Xuanbao and Houtu: "Your subjects obey the decree and will certainly not fail the Emperor's trust!"

Not bad, I suddenly have ten more Quasi-Saints under my command. Although their levels are not very high, they are still among the top tier of cultivation in the prehistoric world.

"Establish the Office of Rewarding Good Deeds, the Office of Punishing Evil, the Office of Investigation, and the Office of Underworld Law, with judges in each of these four offices, each performing their respective duties!"

"The Black and White Impermanence are appointed as messengers to collect souls, guiding those whose lifespans have ended into the underworld!"

"Ox-Head and Horse-Face were appointed to patrol and apprehend criminals, responsible for escorting and guarding sinful souls, and maintaining order in the underworld!"

"Establish day and night guardian spirits to patrol the boundary between the mortal and spiritual realms and issue warnings of abnormalities!"

"Establish a Meng Po (a figure from Chinese mythology who preserves her virtues) at the Bridge of Helplessness, who administers the Soup of Oblivion to wash away past memories and allow one to enter the cycle of reincarnation!"

As Xuanbao's voice rang out, edicts were issued one after another, and corresponding palaces and buildings (such as the Judge's Palace, the Impermanence Palace, the Ox-Head and Horse-Face Offices, the Bridge of Helplessness, the Terrace of Longing for Home, and the Three-Life Stone) rapidly materialized on the Netherworld. Meanwhile, the souls with corresponding characteristics within the Human Emperor's Banner were also elevated, granted divine authority. Those at the Golden Immortal realm were mostly low-level ghost messengers and Yin soldiers; those at the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm could be heads of various departments or guardians of important areas; and those at the Daluo Golden Immortal realm, besides the Ten Kings of Hell, could also serve as heads of important institutions or guard key locations.

In particular, the "Eighteen Levels of Hell" were created when Xuanbao's thoughts triggered the laws of punishment and pain in the Netherworld's origin. In the deepest and darkest part below the Wheel of Reincarnation, eighteen terrifying spaces, layered upon each other and exuding endless pain and torment, were opened up. Each level had a corresponding prison lord and executioner ghosts appointed, all of whom were selected from souls who were known for their severity and impartiality or for their expertise in the art of punishment during their lifetime.

The entire process of bestowing titles and establishing institutions progressed rapidly under Xuanbao's methodical command and the efficient governance of the Human Emperor Banner. Within just a few hours, the previously empty and desolate Netherworld, containing only the Wheel of Reincarnation and two palaces, had become "lively." Although still shrouded in a dim, eerie light, numerous palaces and government offices with varying functions stood tall, and figures bearing duties, exuding either majesty, sternness, or solemnity, began to appear, inspect, and take their positions. A phantom, winding "River of Oblivion" that flowed through most of the Netherworld began to flow, and a stone bridge (the Bridge of Helplessness) materialized across it. At the bridgehead appeared an ancient pavilion (the Meng Po Pavilion), where a kind old woman was brewing something. Landmarks such as the Terrace of Longing for Home and the Three Lives Stone gradually became clearer.

Order is being established at an astonishing pace in this nascent world of death.

Houtu watched silently throughout, her initial surprise gradually turning into admiration, followed by a complex sense of relief. Xuanbao's actions not only instantly solved the urgent problem of the Netherworld's lack of capable personnel, but more importantly, the Yin-Yang system he constructed, seemingly complex, was actually intricately interconnected, with clear responsibilities, orderly rewards and punishments, and a well-defined process. It considered almost every step of the soul's journey from entering the Netherworld to entering reincarnation, even taking into account the punishment of the most heinous criminals and the preferential treatment of meritorious souls. This system had an extremely high degree of compatibility with the laws of reincarnation itself, as if it were meant to be. As the Lord of Reincarnation and a Saint of the Earthly Path, she could clearly feel that with the initial establishment of this system, the previously somewhat sluggish operation of reincarnation, which required her constant adjustment and guidance, was beginning to become smoother and more orderly. The network of laws in the Netherworld was also weaving and reinforcing itself, echoing and supporting this Yin-Yang system.

"Brother Xuanbao..." Houtu looked at Xuanbao, who stood before the Fengdu Imperial Palace, commanding with composure, his imperial aura and Netherworld authority growing ever stronger, and said softly, "You seem... to have been prepared for this?"

Upon hearing this, Xuanbao turned to Houtu and smiled, "Sister, you are wise. Knowing that you wish to fulfill your great vow and transform into the cycle of reincarnation, I, your younger brother, have begun to consider the follow-up matters. Reincarnation is the foundation of heaven and earth, and order is of paramount importance."

Xuanbao would naturally not say that this was a copy of the underworld template in his "memory", but attributing it to advance planning and preparation is reasonable.

Houtu gave him a deep look, then stopped asking questions and simply nodded, saying, "This system is excellent. With you here, the order of the Netherworld is promising." She felt the feedback from the increasingly smooth operation of reincarnation, and her connection with the Earthly Dao and reincarnation became increasingly close and harmonious, making her saintly Dao fruit more stable. Xuanbao's actions not only helped her manage the "Netherworld," but also further solidified and perfected her saintly foundation.

"However..." Houtu's gaze swept over the "Yin Gods" who had taken their places and begun to perform their duties, and she frowned slightly: "They are ultimately souls. Although they are bound together by your secret method and enjoy the blessing of divine authority, compared with true gods and those who possess physical bodies and primordial spirits, they may still be lacking in cultivation potential and certain aspects. Moreover, having lived in the Netherworld for a long time, they are tainted by death energy and Yin energy. Although this can be transformed into an aid due to their duties, it is ultimately a deviation from the right path."

Xuanbao nodded: "Sister's concerns are quite valid. This is indeed a temporary measure, and the most feasible method at present. However, I also have some considerations." He pointed to the Netherworld ground beneath his feet, and then to the Wheel of Reincarnation: "When the Netherworld was first opened, although its origin was abundant, it still needed nourishment. These beings, serving as deities in the Underworld, exercising authority, and regulating Yin and Yang, are themselves consolidating the origin of the Netherworld and practicing the laws of reincarnation. Their merits can accumulate virtue, and their actions can lead to enlightenment. Given time, they may not be unable to cultivate a special Netherworld divine path with their souls, living as long as the Underworld, or even finding a chance to transcend through the power of reincarnation. This is their opportunity, and also an essential path to perfecting the Netherworld divine path system."

"As for the future," Xuanbao paused, then continued, "once the order of the Netherworld is completely stable, operates smoothly, and is recognized by Heaven and Earth, there may be more diverse options. For example, attracting heroic spirits who had great merit and wisdom in their lifetime but were unwilling or reluctant to relinquish reincarnation to voluntarily remain in their posts; accepting some ghost immortals who have achieved success in their cultivation; and even... if there is an opportunity in the future, it is possible that they could be given certain key positions and have their true Netherworld divine bodies shaped."

Houtu's eyes flashed with admiration upon hearing this. Xuanbao's thoughts were clearly far more profound than hers; he not only focused on building the current framework but also considered long-term development and the self-improvement of the system. This ability to plan and coordinate made her increasingly certain that entrusting the throne of the Fengdu Emperor to Xuanbao was an absolutely correct decision.

"I am relieved that you have such a long-term plan." Houtu's tone was gratified. She then said, "In that case, I entrust all matters of the Netherworld to you. I need to stay in the Pingxin Palace to comprehend the Great Dao of Reincarnation, consolidate the Holy Realm, and further integrate with the Earthly Dao. Unless there are major changes, I will no longer easily interfere in specific matters."

This was precisely what Xuanbao desired. Houtu, as the ruler of reincarnation and a sage of the underworld, was the stabilizing force and supreme authority of the netherworld. However, she should not, and did not need to, personally handle every matter. The efficient and righteous approach was to entrust specific administrative, judicial, and operational tasks to professional "management bodies," namely the underworld system. Houtu's delegation of power meant that Xuanbao, the "Great Emperor of Fengdu," would possess immense actual administrative authority and freedom in the underworld.

"Sister, please focus on comprehending the Great Dao. Leave the trivial matters of the Underworld to me," Xuanbao replied, bowing.

Houtu nodded slightly, her figure slowly dissipating and returning to the depths of Pingxin Palace. Her connection with the entire Netherworld deepened, as if she had become part of the will of this world, quietly watching and protecting it, but no longer easily manifesting herself.

Xuanbao stood alone on the high platform in front of the Fengdu Imperial Palace, overlooking the Netherworld below, which was gradually beginning to "operate." The Ten Kings of Hell had returned to their positions, familiarizing themselves with their authority and attempting to guide the first batch of souls who had naturally entered due to the call of reincarnation; the Black and White Impermanence, Ox-Head and Horse-Face, and other ghostly soldiers, led by their superiors, began to form ranks, patrol, and familiarize themselves with their jurisdictions; the judges were organizing the supplementary register of the "Book of Life and Death," which was formed out of thin air from the laws of the Netherworld and recorded the life, death, merits, and demerits of all living beings in the primordial world; by the River of Oblivion, Meng Po had already begun to offer turbid soup to a few bewildered wandering souls who approached...

Everything is on track. Although it is still immature and rudimentary, the framework has been established and the skeleton has been formed. What remains is to fill in the flesh and blood, run it smoothly, and accumulate experience. As time goes by and more souls enter, this system will become more and more perfect and efficient.

Xuanbao took a deep breath of the slightly cold and deathly aura of the Netherworld, yet imbued with the vitality of reincarnation. He felt the increasingly close connection between the Fengdu Emperor Seal in his hand and the entire Netherworld, and his own understanding of the laws of reincarnation, death, and judgment was constantly deepening. He could even sense that the "work" of the subordinates within the Human Emperor Banner who held the positions of gods in the Underworld was also feeding back into the Human Emperor Banner, making the connection between this treasure and concepts such as "order," "reincarnation," and "judgment" even closer, and its quality seemed to have undergone a slight, imperceptible improvement.

"The Underworld... the Great Emperor of Fengdu..." Xuanbao murmured to himself, his gaze deep and unfathomable. This move was the right one. Not only had he successfully acquired the crucial authority over the Underworld, securing an extremely important and relatively independent strategic foothold for himself, the human race, and even the witch race, but he had also used it to further deepen his relationship with Houtu, the newly ascended Earthly Saint, and solidify the alliance. The attempts of the two Western Saints to intervene were temporarily blocked by Hongjun's unexpected "support" and Xuanbao's swift establishment of the basic framework.

Although Hongjun's attitude was unexpected, and there might be deeper calculations behind it, at least for now, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Xuanbao needs time to digest the benefits brought by this power, to manage this "territory" that belongs to him, to improve his strength, and to plan for the future.

He turned and walked into the majestic, spacious, yet already imbued with the awe-inspiring power of the Northern Yin Emperor of Fengdu. The palace gates slowly closed, isolating him from the outside world. Deep within the palace, Xuanbao sat cross-legged on the throne that had just been formed from the Netherworld's essence, beginning to analyze his gains and plan his next move.

First, one must thoroughly understand and master the authority of the Fengdu Emperor, and integrate it with one's own cultivation, the Human Emperor Banner, and even the Great Dao one cultivates. Second, when enjoying the spoils of war, the Human Emperor Banner contains countless souls below the Golden Immortal realm, which are all immeasurable merits for Xuanbao.

However, the next discovery gave Xuanbao a headache, but there was nothing he could do since his arrival had changed things, so he had to find a solution as soon as possible.