He became the True Lord of Ten Thousand Laws starting from Liaozhai.

A judge holding a brush and ritual implements quickly recorded this scene on Xuan paper. He loved painting and was charitable in his lifetime, accumulating a lot of good deeds, which allowed him to serve as an official in the underworld after his death.

He exclaimed, "Truly, a spring breeze overnight has brought forth ten thousand pear blossoms!"

The Withered Forest is a major problem for the Yin Division of Wude Prefecture, but if these Yin Gods leave Wude Prefecture too far away, their strength will be greatly reduced, so they are powerless to wipe them out.

Moreover, the City God is trapped by a powerful demon and has not returned to this day. There are even rumors in the underworld that the City God has perished.

Wenpan, who was also holding an abacus, expressed his thoughts: "This senior's Taoist magic is profound. Everyone, could you please ask him to go to the Worry-Free Realm to rescue the City God?"

"Worry-Free Realm is already infamous, and it's also the old tree's territory. How can we let others easily venture into danger?"

Because of this topic, the civil and military judges of the underworld even engaged in a heated debate, chattering and arguing incessantly.

Finally, a senior judge determined the outcome: the withered forest was filled with wandering spirits, and even more so with demons and monsters.

If they miss this opportunity to wipe them all out, even if the City God returns, he won't give them a friendly look.

Therefore, they decided to leave two civil and military judges to guard the house, while the rest, along with the day-roaming gods, night-roaming gods, soul-collecting underworld messengers, and a large number of ghost messengers and servants, went to the Withered and Flourishing Forest to do the finishing work for their predecessors.

......

On the Yangchun River.

An old man dressed in a straw raincoat and wearing a bamboo hat sat in a small boat fishing.

A light drizzle fell on the river. He reached out and caught some of the raindrops. After feeling them carefully, he said in a cold voice, "It's a good rain, after all."

"However, in five hundred years, this is the first time someone has dared to cross my line to bring rain."

......

"Amitabha..." Xin Jing clasped his hands together, unable to find peace in his heart any longer.

Xin Jing had considered many possible outcomes and had even prepared herself for death.

Perhaps this senior will fight a fierce battle with the Old Demon of Withering and Flourishing, and ultimately win a Pyrrhic victory.

It's also possible that he sacrificed himself to buy time for his predecessors, ultimately leading to their successful slaying of the demon.

But in the end, the Taoist priest only drew his sword once.

Back then, he risked his life and his soul to only manage to injure that old demon. If that old demon hadn't cultivated a life-saving technique that wasn't powerful enough, he wouldn't be standing here today.

At this moment, all the underworld gods of Wude Prefecture have arrived. The withered and flourishing old demon was so frightened that his liver and gallbladder were shattered. He was beheaded by Yan Chixia, who came later, and his body was burned.

The civil and military judges of the underworld first killed the remaining lesser demons who had some power, and then instructed the day and night patrol gods to capture the evil yakshas.

Once all the hidden dangers were resolved and it was ensured that not a single monster had escaped being killed in the entire Withered Forest, the judge holding the writing brush then began to arrange for the underworld officials to gather all the wandering souls.

Prepare the mirror of past lives, the records and the judge's pen, and the scales of good and evil.

Under the illumination of the Mirror of Past Lives, the past life of a wandering soul will be revealed. First, the scales of good and evil will weigh the merits and demerits of this life, and then the specially responsible judge will record them in the book.

Finally, those of high moral character can serve as officials in the underworld, while those of low moral character will suffer punishment. Those who do good can bring more blessings to their descendants, while those who do evil will not only bring misfortune to their families, but will also suffer in their next life.

Although Xu Yi had only ever known the City God and the Underworld, this was the first time he had ever seen their way of working.

So he stood there for a long time and saw the past of many wandering spirits.

Some hunters went up the mountain to hunt but were unfortunately attacked and killed by wild beasts. Some herbalists climbed the cliffs in an attempt to collect precious medicinal herbs but unfortunately slipped and fell. Some fell headfirst into the river and drowned, while others died from accidentally ingesting herbs.

The variety of causes of death broadened Xu Yi's horizons.

This Mirror of Past Lives is quite interesting, like watching a movie, Xu Yi thought to himself, unaware that two ghosts and gods were already standing behind him.

The two spirits are the highest-ranking civil and military judges in the underworld of Wude Prefecture.

The civil judge wore a scarlet official robe and a black gauze hat; he had a thin face and a long beard.

The Martial Judge wore a black robe, a golden crown, and carried a sword in his arms. He had a leopard-like head, piercing eyes, an iron face, and a bushy beard.

These two deities have been worshipped by the people of Wude Prefecture for hundreds of years, and their status in the underworld is second only to the City God.

Such a person, at this moment, stood solemnly, waiting cautiously behind Xu Yi, not daring to breathe loudly.

After watching for a while, Xu Yi lost his curiosity and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered someone.

Nie Xiaoqian.

Sensing the location of the talisman, he immediately spotted Nie Xiaoqian at the end of the long line of wandering souls.

Nie Xiaoqian was dressed in thin clothes, which made her look less alluring and more pitiful and charming.

She was looking around, trying to find the man who had promised to help her that night.

However, the scene was orderly, the wandering spirits were lined up in an orderly fashion, and there were underworld officials maintaining order nearby, so she dared not use her magic to find people.

Just as she was looking around, the Thousand Mile Tracking Talisman she was holding in her palm suddenly sensed something and emitted a faint green light. She was overjoyed, but unexpectedly, the underworld guards on duty nearby suddenly became alert and approached her with their magical artifacts.

Nie Xiaoqian's face was already pale and bloodless. She was just a little devil, yet she knew some seductive arts and bewitching techniques.

She would never dare to provoke someone like the underworld official. Her heart raced, and for a moment she panicked, frozen in place, unable to move.

She finally moved when a familiar figure appeared before her; she lunged at Xu Yi.

The two underworld officials staring at Nie Xiaoqian panicked. How dare she offend such an important figure! Did she really want her soul to be scattered?!

However, the fact that the female ghost was scattered and gone is a small matter; the real problem is that they offended a powerful figure, and the two of them will inevitably be punished!

Without hesitation, the two ghost messengers, wielding their magical artifacts, unleashed their power and charged towards Nie Xiaoqian.

At the critical moment, Nie Xiaoqian finally knelt down in front of Xu Yi, and the two ghost messengers also put their knives to Nie Xiaoqian's neck in that instant.

Feeling the chilling aura emanating from the blade, Nie Xiaoqian was no longer afraid. Her voice trembled as she said, "My benefactor."

The monk Xin Jing followed behind Xu Yi, and when he saw Nie Xiaoqian, he understood the cause and effect of everything.

Xin Jing said, "Amitabha, layperson, the fact that the withered forest can now revive is a testament to your immeasurable merit."

The civil and military judges who followed immediately understood what was going on after hearing Xin Jing's words.

The fact that this senior was able to come here to slay the demon is probably inseparable from the female ghost.

Although Judge Wu seemed reckless, he had lived for so long that he was no longer a reckless person. He hurriedly shouted "Stop!" and ordered the two underworld officials to put their knives away. He then told them to go back to maintaining order, as this matter was no longer their concern.

Judge Wen was quick-witted and soon came up with a solution. If he could deal with the female ghost first, he might be able to gain favor with his senior. He was about to speak when Xu Yi interrupted him.

Xu Yi turned to look at the Heart Mirror and asked, "Little Master, as you said, can her merits be reincarnated as a human?"

Xin Jing smiled and said, "That depends on what the judge has to say."

Although Judge Wen wanted to curry favor with Xu Yi, he felt that if he made it too obvious, it would be too worldly. Fearing that he might offend his senior, he decided to go through the proper procedures and do something subtle instead.

Having made up his mind, he smiled and nodded at Xin Jing, then took a step forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Xu Yi, and said respectfully, "Senior, I am Cui Hong, a civil judge of the Yin Division of Wude Prefecture, who usually manages matters concerning the spirits of the dead."

Xu Yi nodded and said softly, "I am Xu Yi, Judge Cui. There's no need for such formalities. Just follow the procedure."

After saying that, he gestured for Nie Xiaoqian to get up and make room for Cui Hong.

Cui Hong casually wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, then began to take out various magical artifacts from his sleeve.

After just a couple of short exchanges, he felt that Xu Yi was relatively easy to talk to, and that he would definitely ask Senior Xu for help once this matter was settled.

After the mirror of past lives was placed, Cui Hong gestured for Nie Xiaoqian to stand in front of it. He made a spell with his hands, and in just a few breaths, Nie Xiaoqian's life before her death appeared in the mirror, flashing frame by frame.

The scene flashed by quickly; in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, all of Nie Xiaoqian's life before her death was depicted, and she turned into a wisp of white smoke that flew out of the mirror and was caught by Cui Hong.

Then, he said gently to Nie Xiaoqian, "Miss Nie, relax. I will use a secret technique to extract a trace of Yin energy from your body. It will not have any effect on you."

After seeing Nie Xiaoqian nod, Cui Hong made a hand seal. Soon, a golden halo began to emanate from Cui Hong's left hand. He grabbed at the top of Nie Xiaoqian's head and extracted a wisp of Yin energy.

Xin Jing, who was standing to the side, seemed to see Xu Yi's doubts and explained, "Senior Xu, this is a secret method in the City God's Underworld. It combines the pure energy of the living with the yin energy of the dead and places it on the scales of good and evil."

"The greater the quality of the combination of the two energies, the higher the virtue. Those with high virtue can obtain a job in the underworld and continue their cultivation as a soul. Those with low virtue will be punished and then sent to do hard labor."

"As for the standards of virtue for Libra, they were all discussed and decided by many City Gods together."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yi suddenly realized that the monk Xin Jing was like an encyclopedia, seemingly knowing everything. If he could keep him by his side, he would gain a lot of knowledge. He just wondered what the monk's next plan was.

Just as Xu Yi was wondering if there was any way to get Xin Jing to travel with him, Cui Hong had a result:

"A person of high moral character and virtue is qualified to serve as an official in the underworld."

"Miss Nie, if you are reincarnated, you can be a young lady from an official family. If you stay in the underworld, I have a good job for you."

"Miss Nie, you make the decision."

After Cui Hong finished speaking, he breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't expected that this female ghost would have such merits, even more than he had back then. Fortunately, nothing went wrong.

Nie Xiaoqian remained silent, knelt before Xu Yi, bowed again, and said tearfully, "Thank you so much for saving me, young master. I have no way to repay your kindness..."

Xu Yi shook his head, said no more, and left only one sentence:

"This humble Taoist priest needs no reward from you; simply do more good deeds."

After saying that, he turned and left. Just now, Yan Chixia had sent him a telepathic message, saying that he had something important to discuss with him.

He cultivated the mind's mirror to understand cause and effect. Although he couldn't see through Xu Yi, there was still something unclear about Nie Xiaoqian. This matter was definitely related to Xu Yi. It was truly a matter of fate!

However, he still had some questions in his mind, so he whispered to Cui Hong, "Amitabha, Judge Cui, where exactly is the City God of Wude Prefecture?"

Cui Hong's expression after hearing this was as if he had seen a ghost. He had met this monk fifty years ago. Although his cultivation was not high, he was quite chivalrous.

Back then, he stormed into the Withered Forest without a word, but the City God was in seclusion and unable to come to his aid. The Withered Forest was also too far away, and there was a formation set up by a powerful demon. Even if he and Judge Wu had arrived, their strength would have been reduced to less than one-tenth.

Moreover, the incident happened suddenly. He and Judge Wu rushed to the rescue with all their might, but they did not expect that before they arrived, the monk would bring out a child.

Over the years, Judge Wen has also taken care of this child in some ways, such as adding some blessings and good luck, but all of this was done using his personal merits.

Cui Hong's expression changed several times. After thinking for a moment, he sighed, pulled Xin Jing aside, and said, "Little Master, if you can put in a good word for Senior Xu, I really have to beg you."

After saying that, he pulled Xin Jing aside and told her the whole story.

It turns out that more than ten years ago, the City God had a feeling that an opportunity was waiting for him somewhere, so he instructed the two civil and military judges, Cui Hong and Zhang He, to maintain order in the underworld, and he would be back soon.

As a result, ten years passed, and they only learned about the City God three years ago.

At that time, the City God used some kind of secret method at a great cost to send back this image: the majestic golden body was wrapped in hideous and terrifying tree roots, and the tree roots had dense small roots that eroded the golden body. A sound like a great bell came intermittently from all directions.

"...Enter my realm of carefree bliss..."

Upon hearing this, Xin Jing frowned. It turned out to be the Worry-Free Realm. This place was a paradise for demons and monsters, a training ground opened up by an old tree with a thousand years of cultivation. That old tree had cultivated at least three supernatural powers.

As far as he knew, Yan Chixia was now at the Three Qi Gathering stage, while Xu Yi, with his supernatural powers, should be at the Four Qi Gathering stage, possessing four supernatural abilities.

However, the demon is cunning, and the Worry-Free Realm has merged with the old tree, making its internal energy turbid and obscuring the secrets of heaven. Cultivators will find it difficult to exert their full strength, so the City God may not be easy to save.

After pondering for a moment, Xin Jing finally spoke: "Judge Cui, I only recently met Senior Xu. I will at most mention him briefly. As for whether to save him or not, that is not up to me."

"Thank you, thank you..." Cui Hong thanked him repeatedly, and his eyes gradually brightened.

......

Once this matter is settled, Xu Yi will probably leave soon. Yan Chixia knows that if he doesn't speak up now, he may miss his chance.

Yan Chixia waited anxiously in a quiet spot in the forest, pacing back and forth. Only when he saw Xu Yi approaching did he calm down a little.

"Brother Yan, what urgent matter do you wish to discuss with me?"

Although the two hadn't spent much time together, they had a very pleasant conversation and got along very well. Xu Yi was also happy to make this friend.

Yan Chixia was a straightforward and easygoing person, and he didn't hide anything: "Brother Xu, to tell you the truth, I came out of the pass this time because of a predestined encounter in the Worry-Free Realm."

"Speaking of which, my sect has some connection with Wuyou Realm. My master, Jian Nantian, died at the hands of that old tree back then."

"I fear I alone am unable to overthrow the Worry-Free Realm, therefore I wish to ask Brother Xu to accompany me today!"

Xu Yi had never actually heard of this Worry-Free Realm, but this old tree... Just as he was about to ask some questions, Xin Jing's voice came from behind him.

"Amitabha Buddha, greetings to Sect Leader Yan and Senior Xu, this humble monk has disturbed you."

"From what Sect Leader Yan just said, are you planning to attempt to enter the Worry-Free Realm?"

"Senior Xu, speaking of which, there is some connection between you and this Worry-Free Realm."

An old tree, cause and effect, could it be...? Xu Yi sensed something and gathered his magic power at his fingertips, pointing it towards the air.

He projected the image of the tree demon that had appeared in the Ten Thousand Demons Record a few days ago.

The tree demon was rooted in the rotten soil piled with corpses, its twenty-foot-tall trunk resembling a giant pillar supporting the sky.

The stench of decay was overwhelming, almost causing the Heart Mirror to lose its spiritual form.

Upon seeing the tree demon, Yan Chixia narrowed his eyes, revealing an invisible killing intent.

After regaining his composure, Xin Jing stared at the projection in utter astonishment, exclaiming, "I never imagined such a demon existed in this world!"

Yan Chixia slowly spoke up: "The Lord of the Worry-Free Realm is a demon who has cultivated for a thousand years. His true form is a willow tree. He is the one I seek my destiny with."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yi grinned and said, "I never imagined that I would have such a connection with Brother Yan."

"In that case, I'll accompany you to explore this carefree realm!"

After listening to their conversation, Xin Jing breathed a sigh of relief. If that was the case, he could finally speak up about the matter that Judge Cui had entrusted to him.

Xin Jing said, "Seniors, since you are going to the Worry-Free Realm, why not take this humble monk with you?"

"Although my cultivation is not high, I read through all the books in the Tianchan Temple and understand some principles. I also have some knowledge of the local customs and culture of Kyushu, which may be of some help to you two seniors."

Xu Yi laughed heartily upon hearing this. He had just been thinking about how to get the little monk Xin Jing to keep him company for a while, and now the opportunity had come. Without hesitation, he quickly agreed, "Then you shall follow me."

"After this matter is settled, could you please trouble Senior Xu to send this relic back to Tianchan Temple? My master hasn't seen me for fifty years..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yan Chixia interrupted him.

"Xin Jing, in fact, Master Puji passed away 53 years ago."

Upon hearing this, Xin Jing was struck dumb, as if by lightning, and stood there stunned.

His master's teachings seemed to transcend time and space, resounding in his ears.

Master once said that cause and effect are not in the heavens, but in every word, deed, thought, and action in the present moment...

He studied Buddhism in the library for eighteen years, and Master Puji also educated him for eighteen years, whether it was doing good deeds and accumulating merit, or teaching the world, or the cycle of suffering, or the other shore for all sentient beings.

The last conversation between the master and disciple before leaving Tianchan Temple.

Master Puji: "Xinjing, your opportunity lies in the north, remember that."

Just as Xin Jing was about to bid farewell to his master, the master stopped him and uttered his last words: "Xin Jing, take one last look at this world for your master."

...

Xin Jing didn't take it seriously back then, little did she know that this parting would be forever.

Cultivators are different from ordinary people. Ordinary people have a soul that remains in the world after death, managed by the underworld. They can be reincarnated, but they are ignorant of the truths of heaven and earth throughout their lives.

Those who cultivate the Tao seize the creation of heaven and earth, and after death, their cultivation will be returned to heaven and earth, with no chance of reincarnation.

Overwhelmed with grief, he nearly lost his spiritual form, and his body became dazed.

After a long pause, he uttered a Buddhist chant and asked, "Sect Leader Yan, may I ask what extraordinary phenomena occurred at the time of the Ancestral Master's passing?"

Yan Chixia recalled that although he was not in Xuzhou, he had friends who lived in seclusion and practiced Taoism there.

The death of a patriarch of the Daoist lineage is a major event, and he naturally paid attention to it. After thinking for a while, he read aloud his friend's words without missing a single one: "In Xuzhou, it snows in June, and it has been snowing for half a year. If saplings are planted today, they will grow into towering trees in just a few days."

"After patients drank the snow water, their illnesses disappeared."

"The mountains within Xuzhou all rise several hundred meters in height."

All the strange phenomena were consistent with the supernatural powers that Xin Jing had learned, so Master Puji must have perished.

Xin Jing composed herself and smiled, "Thank you for informing me, Sect Leader Yan..."

Yan Chixia waved his hand and said nothing more. He and Xin Jing had only met by chance, and the reason he could talk so much was entirely because he felt that Xu Yi found the monk pleasing to the eye.

With this matter settled, Yan Chixia hurriedly bid farewell to Xu Yi, saying that he still needed to find a friend.

The two agreed to meet at Lanruo Temple a month later, after which Yan Chixia rode away on a cloud.

......