Yu Kai followed the Black and White Impermanence unimpeded into the city. The moment he stepped inside, he was deeply struck by the scene before him. The city was dotted with towering skyscrapers, and the streets were as spotless as a freshly polished mirror. Rows of shops lined both sides of the road, one next to the other, displaying a dazzling array of goods. The bustling scene was breathtaking.
This place is identical to Earth's cities, even more prosperous and bustling. The streets are bustling with activity. Ancient people in flowing robes, their demeanor relaxed and at ease, their every gesture exuding a simple and elegant charm; modern youth in fashionable clothing, with dyed and styled hair, are full of energy, their faces brimming with confident smiles; and there are also monsters with human bodies and animal heads, some with the heads of lively foxes, others with the heads of mighty lions. Despite their diverse appearances, they all coexist harmoniously with those around them, enjoying a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.
The scene here was completely different from the eerie, shadowy ghosts outside. The ghosts here were indistinguishable from the living, their complexions rosy and healthy, their expressions vivid and rich, their movements free and agile. They were either carefully selecting goods in front of shops, chatting and laughing in the streets, or hurried along, as if this was not a gloomy underworld, but a prosperous city full of vitality and boundless energy.
Yu Kai looked around curiously, secretly marveling at the wonder, uniqueness, and prosperity of this underworld city.
"Fengdu City is shrouded in phantom energy, and this is where the phantom energy of the Netherworld is most concentrated. Because of this, their souls can present clear and stable forms like living people. Of course, only those who have passed the double screening of Evil Dog Ridge and Golden Rooster Ridge and have done good deeds throughout their lives are eligible to obtain an identity card from the Netherworld. Only by obtaining this special identity card can they temporarily reside in Fengdu City and await trial here. Here, they can not only collect the property burned for them by their families, but also trade with these properties, so that they can live a good life here." Bai Wuchang explained it to him slowly, patiently and carefully.
"What about those ghosts that are not recognized?" Yu Kai asked anxiously and curiously as he followed them closely.
"Those who don't have an identity card from the underworld will be driven to the ghost city, where the environment is extremely harsh. The houses are low and dilapidated, as if they will collapse at the slightest wind; the streets are narrow and cramped, barely enough for one person to pass through. Although they can also receive offerings from their families, our underworld does not directly intervene in the management of that place. There are often vicious ghosts who wantonly bully the weak and openly rob others of their property. Life in that place is extremely difficult and it is hard to find a place to settle down." Hei Wuchang spoke slowly, his tone heavy.
"Isn't this a bit inhumane? They have to suffer so much before the trial. Besides, although they made mistakes in their lives, won't they go to hell to be punished? Although they suffered great pain, won't they forget everything after reincarnation? What's the point of this?" Yu Kai frowned, lost in serious thought, looking at the Black and White Impermanence with a puzzled look.
The Black and White Impermanence exchanged a glance. The White Impermanence sighed and said, "The rules of the underworld are not cruel. This ghostly city is designed to give those souls who have made mistakes a chance to reflect on their mistakes while awaiting judgment."
Hei Wuchang continued, "Although reincarnation will make one forget the past, the sins committed in this life will affect the blessings of the next life. Suffering in the ghost city is also a punishment, letting them know that good and evil will be rewarded, and serve as a warning to those who come after them."
Yu Kai was silent for a moment, then asked, "Does this ghostly city have a chance to reform and regain recognition?"
Bai Wuchang nodded. "If you can truly repent and do good deeds, you may have a chance to gain forgiveness from the underworld and leave that place of suffering. But this process is extremely difficult, and few people can do it."
"Every newborn can be seen as a brand new beginning after being purified and judged by the underworld." Yu Kai seemed to have realized something and muttered to himself.
Hei Wuchang nodded in approval. "From the soul's perspective, their souls have already paid the price for their past life's evil deeds, or received fair treatment for their past life's good deeds. These souls, reshaped or purified by the underworld, enter a new life journey. It's like a blank piece of paper, with previous stains wiped away, ready to write a new life."
"For the human world, this also means that new life represents hope and the possibility of change. People will be more active in doing good in this life because they believe in the judgment and reincarnation of the underworld. Every newborn is an opportunity, an opportunity to change the direction of destiny and accumulate virtue. It also symbolizes the cycle and continuation of life. In this cycle, the punishment and purification mechanism of the underworld is an important link in ensuring the quality of life and moral order." Bai Wuchang looked into the distance, his expression distant and profound.
The Black and White Impermanence continued forward, Yu Kai following closely behind. After passing through several bustling streets, they arrived at a magnificent palace. The palace's gates stood open, and from within came mysterious and distant sounds, as if telling an ancient and profound story.
"This is the judgment hall of the underworld, where the good and evil of all mortals will be judged." Hei Wuchang said with a serious expression and a low and solemn voice.
Yu Kai looked at the tall and majestic palace gate, and a sense of awe welled up in his heart. At this moment, a figure hurried out of the palace and bumped into them head-on.
"Oh, how reckless!" the figure muttered, and when he looked up, he saw a cute girl with rabbit ears.
"You little rabbit spirit, why are you in such a hurry?" Bai Wuchang asked with a slight frown.
"Oh no! A troublesome evil ghost just came into the hall. He refused to plead guilty and is making a big fuss!" said the girl with rabbit ears anxiously.
"Oh! Let's go in and take a look." Hei Wuchang became interested and strode inside with great vigor.
Yu Kai followed closely, hearing the sounds of fierce fighting from afar, the sound like thunder exploding in his ears. Despite the clamor in the hall, the more he listened, the more familiar one of the voices seemed to him. A wave of doubt surged in his heart, and then he couldn't help but run, his expression extremely excited.
"What? What? Let me go! Let me go! My young lady is an immortal. She was invited by Jiang Ziya to the Demon-Subduing Pass. You actually want me to go to hell. The consequences of your actions are very serious. Let me go now! Otherwise, if my young lady finds out, she will definitely tear down your Netherworld!"
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