Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

The light of the Primordial Spirit shone through the sky, revealing phantom stars, and nearby evil ghosts saw their sins reduced and their sentience restored by this light. It was as if the divine light had graced them with heavenly amnesty, illuminating the darkness of the Underworld.

The members of the Liu Family, touched by this divine light, saw their enormous sins melt away in an instant, and they were no longer subjected to such torment. With grateful hearts, they prostrated themselves before Lu Yu alongside other ghosts who had benefited, their mouths filled with continuous praise for his mercy.

"Could it be Liu Feihu's family?" Lu Yu asked.

"Reporting to the High Immortal, it is indeed we, the members of the Liu Family," Liu Feihu answered with a kowtow.

"If it is you, then my visit has not been in vain. I am Liu Qingyun's master, and at the behest of my disciple, I have come in search of his kin."

Lu Yu's words filled the members of the Liu Family with unexpected joy. They had already realized that this seemingly frail Scholar was indeed a true High Immortal, and it came as a surprise to them that he was their own kin's mentor.

"How has Qingyun been faring?" The universal concern of a parent manifested in Liu Feihu's thoughts as he first inquired about his child's well-being. His child had lived a solitary life, constanly hiding from assassins, and even if he managed to escape with his life, the overwhelming hatred was feared to haunt him for a lifetime.

Speaking of Liu Qingyun brought a smile to Lu Yu's face. He was exceedingly pleased with his foremost disciple—privileged by fate, gifted in talent and exceptional in both temperament and understanding.

"Qingyun is well, and is currently following my lead in cultivation. Before long, he will descend from the mountain to aid the Hidden Dragon, and one day he may even help the Liu Family reclaim justice."

Liu Feihu was immediately reassured by these words and respectfully bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Master, for your great kindness in teaching my foolish son with such dedication. Please accept my bow. I, Liu Feihu, am willing to serve as an ox or horse to repay your grand benevolence."

Lu Yu quickly helped Liu Feihu to his feet and presented a letter from Liu Qingyun, which had taken several days to write. After reading the letter, the women and children of the Liu Family were overcome with tears, and even a sturdy man like Liu Feihu was moved to tears, his eyes brimming with warmth, as he considered the hardships his child endured just to survive in this world.

As time passed, their agitated emotions slowly subsided.

Lu Yu then asked, "Now that your sins have been wiped clean, what plans do you have for the future?"

This question left the members of the Liu Family standing there, stunned. Indeed, where could be their refuge in this vast world? Since sins had beset them, their former home in the Netherworld had turned into a den of ghouls. If they sought the protection of the Dragon Court, who could guarantee kind treatment? For a moment, they were at a loss, unsure of what to do next.

"If you have no place to go, I do have a place where you can find refuge."

"We implore you, Master, to show us great mercy and guide us through this confusion," they responded.

It was then that Lu Yu slowly started to speak about his own situation, and as Liu Feihu listened intently to his words, his eyes began to shine brighter.

Being a former senior official of the Imperial Court endowed him with insights beyond that of common folk. He quickly understood the opportunity at hand, and couldn't help but acknowledge that seeking the Lu Family's protection was his best option.

Having Lu Yu, an Immortal, ensured that the Lu Family would not fade into oblivion. Additionally, as the Lu Family was currently in need of people with its shallow roots, he could become one of the most influential figures once he joined. Moreover, with his son joining Lu Zhang soon, establishing himself in the Underworld could also benefit his descendants.

He immediately replied to Lu Yu, "I shall follow Master's arrangements."

When Lu Yu heard this, he clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Good, good, good, let's return home."

He waved his sleeve gently, and the souls of the Liu family turned into a wisp of blue smoke, entering Lu Yu's sleeve. A rainbow light streaked across the sky and disappeared on the spot in an instant.

Lu Xing gazed at the direction where the stars shone perfectly, the very place his younger brother had traveled to, if his memory served him correctly.

Before he could ponder any longer, he saw a rainbow light descend, and there stood Lu Yu before him.

"Second brother, you've finally returned. Didn't you say you went to recruit people? Where are they?" He scrutinized the area behind Lu Yu but saw no one, leading him to ask in confusion.

"Don't worry, brother, aren't the people right here?" With a gentle flap of his sleeve, the people of the Liu family materialized in the courtyard.

The Liu family, being distinguished, had many members, and they immediately filled the spacious courtyard to the brim.

Lu Xing stood dumbfounded, looking at these suddenly appearing people, and couldn't help but marvel at his brother's abilities again. That's when he noticed among the crowd a burly man with an imposing aura, standing out like a crane among chickens at the forefront.

"Big brother, let me introduce to you the leader I've found for our troops, Marquis Wu'an, Liu Feihu. I hope you are satisfied," Lu Yu said with a playful tone.

As Lu Xing listened to the introduction, he became somewhat dazed. Marquis Wu'an was a name known to everyone in Great Chen, and even a commoner like him had long heard of his fame. These were characters of stories from times past, yet now stood before his very eyes. Furthermore, according to his younger brother, this man was to be their subordinate.

"Marquis, I've long respected your name. My name is Lu Xing, and I am but a common man. I'm greatly fortunate to have your assistance," said Lu Xing, calming his thrill, with neither servility nor overbearance.

"What Marquis Wu'an? Now I am nothing more than a lonesome ghost. I would be eternally grateful if you would offer me a place to stay," replied the other.

The two spoke politely to each other, both feeling very satisfied inwardly. Soon after, they warmed up to each other, developing a brotherly rapport.

Seeing the two getting along, Lu Yu felt relieved. The foundation of Netherworld was finally established; it was all up to Lu Zhang now. Ultimately, the strife for the Human Path Dragon would depend on the Lord himself.

After settling the Liu family, the once empty residence finally buzzed with life, filled with joyous laughter and warm chatter.

Suddenly, a dizzying whirl and earth-shaking event occurred that almost threw everyone off balance. Looking up, they witnessed a scene they would never forget in their lifetimes.

They saw black and white figures dragging a soul that radiated dazzling Primordial Spirit Light, like a great sun descending into the Underworld, its scorching brilliance blinding many ghosts.

A closer look revealed it to be the figure of a monkey, clad in Golden Chainmail Armor, with lotus-fiber shoes on its feet, and a phoenix-winged golden crown on its head.

"Who are these two hauling in, with such an extraordinary aura? It truly is unprecedented," Liu Feihu couldn't help but exclaim.

These black and white figures were none other than Black and White Impermanence, known to all in the Underworld Court. Their names were Fan Wujiao and Xie Bian, the renowned agents of Black and White Impermanence in the Underworld.

The two dragged the sun-like monkey into the gates of hell, and shortly after, the Underworld shook and quaked. A monkey wielding an iron rod burst forth from the gates, a figure of unmatched might, its body ablaze with the light of the Primordial Spirit. The Underworld was stirred as it brandished its rod, commanding alarm with every swing.

The monkey wielded its iron rod, smashing its way from behind the gates of hell up through the dark sky, tearing a hole through it, and then vanished without a trace.