"You're in the underworld, so why am I in the human world? How did you get to the underworld?"
Dozens of spirits began to converse, chattering incessantly.
"Quiet down, all of you!"
Hao Yun roared, attracting the attention of the dead souls. They quickly knelt down, for the impression Hao Yun had left on them during his lifetime was truly terrifying.
"Greetings, Imperial Preceptor!"
"Alright, get up. I'm going to give you an opportunity now. Do you want it?"
The dozens of ghosts looked at each other, and finally, the cleverest little imp stepped forward.
"It's all up to the Imperial Advisor."
Hao Yun glanced at him and nodded.
"You're very good."
Chapter 230 Conferring Titles on the Yin Gods
"You've all seen the situation in the underworld. What I have in my hand is the Book of Life and Death. Now I'm going to appoint the gods of the underworld. I think you're quite clever, so I'll appoint you as a judge."
As soon as he finished speaking, a golden light appeared and entered the body of the undead in front of Hao Yun.
In just a few seconds, this person's cultivation level continued to rise until it reached the Celestial Immortal realm.
Soon, a brand-new judge of the underworld appeared, dressed in judge's robes, holding a copy of the Book of Life and Death, and a judge's pen.
"Thank you for your guidance, Imperial Preceptor!"
Having received such a great opportunity, the man quickly knelt down to thank Hao Yun.
"Well, you must already know your responsibilities. You may leave now."
"yes."
A cold wind blew by, and the newly appointed judge descended into the underworld to begin his duties.
The undead, who had just looked bewildered, now had eyes burning with fervor.
"The Imperial Advisor!"
"Don't worry, you are all meritorious, and I will naturally reward you handsomely."
Hao Yun waved his hand and bestowed divine titles upon everyone present.
"Thank you for your guidance, Imperial Preceptor."
After the rewards were bestowed, everyone expressed their gratitude and then returned to the underworld to attend to their duties.
"It's still not enough."
Hao Yun stroked his chin and muttered to himself that he had just appointed three judges and more than twenty soul-reaping messengers, but this number was far from enough for the underworld.
The underworld is currently lacking Black and White Impermanence, Ox-Head and Horse-Face, ghost soldiers and ghost troops, and eight Yama Kings.
After thinking for a moment, Hao Yun began to have a headache. He couldn't possibly send all the people from the Dali Temple to work in the underworld.
Zhi Qiu Yi Ye, who was standing to the side, was in a daze for a long time.
"Master...Master, what you just did..."
"What's with the stuttering? It's just that a few Yin gods have been appointed. You want to go down and serve? If you want to go, I'll appoint you as the King of Hell."
After hearing Hao Yun's words, Zhi Qiu Yi Ye quickly shook her head.
"Master, let's talk about this after I die. I just met a girl and we're planning to get married."
"If you don't want to go, then go do whatever you're supposed to be doing. Can't you see your master is busy right now?"
"Yes, I'll be right there."
Zhi Qiu Yi Ye was afraid that her master would make her become the King of Hell, so she ran away without saying a word.
The news of Hao Yuneng's investiture as a Yin deity spread that very day, and the next day, court officials and the commander of the Dali Temple began to visit him one after another.
After receiving several people and figuring out their purpose, Hao Yun immediately kicked them out. "I was already annoyed, and all you do is come and cause trouble."
A group of high-ranking officials actually came to discuss the investiture of Yin gods with me. You guys have all gone down below, who's going to handle government affairs!
Just as Hao Yun was preparing to close his doors to visitors, the emperor ordered him to come to the palace for a chat.
"Damn! Is it really necessary to make such a fuss over a mere Yin spirit?!"
Hao Yun was annoyed all morning and his head was spinning. I could understand why court officials wanted to get a job, and I could also understand why a hopeless commander came to me for a Yin spirit.
But what's wrong with you, an emperor? You're living a good life with three thousand concubines in your harem. Instead of enjoying your life, you come to me asking for a position as a Yin God. Are you crazy?
They rode in the imperial carriage into the palace, where the emperor warmly greeted them at the door.
"Imperial Preceptor, you have worked hard recently. The tribute tea just arrived at the palace today, so I specially invited you to come and taste it."
Hao Yun glanced at the emperor out of the corner of his eye and couldn't help but curl his lip, "I think you have ulterior motives."
As expected, the two exchanged less than ten sentences before the emperor cautiously inquired.
"Imperial Preceptor, I have heard that you can appoint underworld deities. I wonder if this is true or false."
Hao Yun didn't hide anything and told him directly, "It's true."
A hint of smugness appeared on the emperor's face as he took Hao Yun's hand and began to confide in him.
In short, I just want to ask, "Can you please give me a position as a spirit after I die?"
Hao Yun couldn't help but roll his eyes. Given the emperor's current physique, he could easily live for another thirty or fifty years. Even your son would outlive you. What kind of Yin God are you talking about?
“Sure, there’s a spot available for Yama, I’ll reserve one for you.”
Anyone can make empty promises, so Hao Yun readily agreed. Since the position was vacant anyway, he figured he could just keep the emperor from bothering him.
"Haha, Imperial Advisor, why don't you stay for a meal?"
After saying this, the emperor kicked the attendant.
"You clueless idiot, why aren't you preparing the dinner? Go now!"
"promise."
The attendant trotted out to announce the arrival of the guests, and soon the banquet was served.
After the two had a few drinks, Hao Yun took his leave and left the palace.
After leaving the palace, Hao Yun couldn't help but sigh. Damn it, he really didn't know who the emperor was. He not only had to deal with government affairs every day, but also manage the Dali Temple, and now there was the underworld to deal with too.
Hao Yun also had a solution for the matter of bestowing titles upon the spirits of the underworld. All the soldiers who had died in battle over the years of the Song Dynasty should not be wasted; they could go to the underworld to serve as ghost soldiers.
Hao Yun also assigned positions to loyal ministers and generals who had not yet been reincarnated.
After the underworld expanded, it finally began to operate, and the six realms of reincarnation were also activated.
Under the rule of the underworld and the Dali Temple, the human world became more peaceful. However, the more peaceful it was, the more troublemakers there were, such as the nomadic tribes of the grasslands.
Hao Yun directly implemented an iron-fisted policy towards these alien races.
"Order the entire army to be reorganized, and 100,000 troops will set off to meet the enemy at the border in ten days."
"All the commanders of the Dali Temple were mobilized to assist the 100,000-strong army in defeating the foreign tribes."
After Hao Yun conveyed the military order, all the ministers in the court jumped out to oppose it.
"Your Majesty, the Song Dynasty has just experienced a natural disaster, and its grain reserves are simply insufficient to support the army's operations."
The emperor, who spent his days cultivating his health and practicing qigong, sat cross-legged on the dragon throne, seemingly oblivious to the ministers' words.
"Your Majesty, I also object. The Imperial Treasury only has 300,000 taels of silver left. With an army of 100,000 going to war, the Imperial Treasury simply cannot come up with that much money."
Hao Yun clicked his tongue and turned to look at the two people who were opposing him.
"Lord Wang, Lord Li, since you object, then tell me, what should we do when the alien race attacks? Wash our necks and wait to die?"
The two ministers remained calm and together expressed their thoughts.
"Marriage alliance".
Hao Yun's expression changed, from initial indifference to solemnity.
"A marriage alliance? Then may I ask who will go to the marriage alliance, your daughter, or your daughter?"
Hao Yun's gaze swept across the court, and everyone he saw immediately lowered their heads.
Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites, who proposed the marriage alliance, bowed to the emperor and said...
"Your Majesty, this old minister is devoted to the country and humbly requests Your Majesty's permission to personally go and discuss the matter of marriage with the foreign tribes."
"Imperial Advisor, what is your opinion on this matter?"
The emperor opened his eyes and looked at Hao Yun expressionlessly.
"War! Since ancient times, the emperor has protected the king, and the monarch has died for the state. No marriage alliances, no indemnities, no ceding of territory, and no tribute!"
Hao Yun's words were so powerful that they instantly silenced the court officials.
The emperor rose and shouted, "Good! The Grand Preceptor is right. The emperor protects the king, and the monarch dies for the state. War! I will personally lead an army of 100,000 to the expedition."
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"
The court officials immediately voiced their objections, but the emperor, standing before his throne, gave a cold snort.
"This matter is settled. I will accompany the army on the expedition, the Crown Prince will oversee the state, and the Grand Preceptor will assist in handling state affairs. Court adjourned!"
With a flick of his sleeve, the emperor turned and left, and the court officials quickly surrounded Hao Yun.
"Imperial Advisor, please persuade His Majesty. His Majesty's health is of paramount importance; he cannot be placed in a dangerous situation!"
"Yes, yes! We urge the Imperial Advisor to persuade His Majesty."
Chapter 231 Expedition Against the Alien Race
"Please return, everyone. I will try to persuade the emperor to personally lead the expedition."