Chapter 1, The Underworld

My father is the Demon King of the Great Snow Mountain, do you dare to strike me! I will devour you, roar!

The Hungry Ghost Realm and the Hell Realm are both part of the "Underworld" in the Three Realms

Books and the internet have provided me with a 'spiritual world,' which has helped me avoid the distortion of my character. Through books and the internet, I have been fervently absorbing knowledge and beginning to understand this world. My horizons have gradually broadened, and my inner self has become increasingly tranquil, allowing me to view this world with greater rationality and peace.

Oh? The middle-aged man in the blue robe sitting there looked up in surprise at the painting of the woman on the wall, saying, "I didn't expect him to have such insight."

"It is normal not to be from Earth. In the endless time and space, there are three realms: Heaven, Earth, and Humanity," explained Cui Fujun. "Heaven refers to the celestial realm! Earth refers to the underworld! Humanity refers to the mortal realm. This mortal realm contains three thousand great worlds and countless small worlds... Each of the three thousand great worlds is vast and magnificent, with immortals and demons appearing and disappearing. The countless small worlds, on the other hand, are much smaller, with an exceedingly sparse population. Our hometown is one of them... Even though our hometown has developed to this day, it has only a population of several billion."

I cannot change my own destiny, but I can change the destinies of countless impoverished and suffering children

Cui Fujun smiled and said: "Because you and I are from the same hometown"

The ancients said, "Heaven's calamity can still be avoided; self-inflicted calamity cannot be survived." If heaven intends for you to die, it will still provide you with a glimmer of hope. The death register merely determines one's innate fate, but one can still strive and fight for oneself afterwards

Ah!

The immense bull-headed demon god shot forth beams of golden light that wrapped around Ji Ning, causing him to vanish from the ranks. The ordinary bull-headed and horse-faced ghost soldiers fell silent, not daring to utter a word, while all the spirits were left in a state of shock and daze, taking a long time to react.

The realms of humans and animals are both part of the 'human realm' within the Three Realms

Ji Ning was shocked

Do not hit!

"Ji Ning!" A sound like thunder reverberated through the heavens and the earth, creating echoes that resonated continuously. Countless ghosts raised their heads to look towards the horizon, and Ji Ning followed their gaze. In the distance, he saw a massive rolling black cloud, atop which stood a gigantic bull-headed demon radiating black light.

"Indeed, by your so-called modern standards, I too am from Earth!" Cui Fujun smiled, "But that was merely during the Sui and Tang dynasties"

... ...

"What is born of heaven and earth, is it not born of a mother?" Ji Ning was astonished

The study is quite simple, with the only decoration on the wall being a painting

"Born into suffering," Cui Fujun said softly, "suffering has not distorted you; rather, it has unleashed an astonishing strength within you, allowing you to amass great wealth. What is even more remarkable is that... you will disperse all the wealth you have earned"

Ji Ning felt his empty and vague state of mind shatter in an instant, completely awakened; it was only then that he realized he was in the presence of "Cui Fujun".

Hurry up! The towering, muscular bull-headed demon soldier ahead is glaring at Ji Ning and roaring.

Ji Ning was completely bewildered

Heaven

Countless figures in white robes formed long lines, slowly advancing. At the end of each line, a new figure in white would appear out of thin air. Some of these figures shook their heads and sighed, some wept loudly, some shouted in anger, and some looked on in bewilderment.

"Of course it can be changed, how could it not?" Cui Fujun smiled and said, "Even for one person, adding a hundred years to their life is an easy task. Let alone the Book of Life and Death... Even if Heaven decrees your death, it will still provide you with a glimmer of hope. A person's fate is determined by their innate destiny as a foundation, but it can still be altered later on.

Ji Ning was advancing along the line.

Fortunately

Ji Ning has already disappeared

What? Ji Ning was shocked, "Is it possible to change what is determined by the Book of Life and Death?"

There is no need to thank me; it is merely a method of visualization, not a cultivation technique, nor an immortal or demonic secret art.

"Call me, yet when you see me, you do not speak." Ji Ning could not help but observe this study.

At every moment, in the three thousand great worlds and the countless small worlds, innumerable deceased beings and souls arrive in the underworld! You ask, how many souls are there in the underworld?" Cui Fujun looked at Ji Ning

"The Way of Heaven and Man." Ji Ning murmured to himself

These ghosts, upon entering the underworld, initially believed they were still alive. When they were struck, many of them shouted in anger, but they soon came to understand the reality of their situation. They were already dead; no matter how glorious their lives had been, in death, everything was in vain.

Scenes from a past life emerge in my mind; my father is the project leader at a biological research institute, earning a high salary, while my mother is an ordinary teacher. Being born into such a family should have been wonderful, yet I was afflicted with a terminal illness from birth, and doctors have determined that living to the age of fifteen or sixteen would be a miracle.

One day after having walked in a daze for a long time

Ji Ning appeared to be deep in thought

That painting of a woman turns out to be Nuwa? And * picture * book

When donating all my money and awaiting death, I never expected that a walk with my parents on the street outside the hospital would lead to my own demise.

One by one, the tall and imposing ghost soldiers, with fierce expressions, roared as they swung their whips. The whips crackled with electric light as they struck the spirits, particularly the one claiming to be a prince, who was lashed dozens of times until it became thin and nearly dissipated before they finally stopped.

I believe there are many who have done good deeds; why has the lord summoned me alone?" Ji Ning inquired, expressing his inner confusion

Endless black clouds loom in the sky, and the towering bull-headed demon stands atop the dark clouds

Ji Ning felt a thunderous sound in his mind, and a colossal figure of Nuwa appeared in his consciousness

Ji Ning was taken aback

Bang

You are all dead, you have all become ghosts, hurry up

Nuwa created humans, and Nuwa repaired the sky; these mythological stories have long been known.

Is Lord Cui looking at the Book of Life and Death

Ji Ning. The bull-headed demon god gazed down at the tiny figure in his palm

Sui and Tang Dynasties

become an immortal

I was also searching for my own value; I couldn't just wait for death. Living a lifetime should mean accomplishing something. Thus, I asked my father for 100,000 yuan and began to strive through the internet. Initially, I wanted to add some color to my life, but unexpectedly, I actually achieved something.

"Eighteen years old, dead." Cui Fujun lamented, "To be able to sacrifice oneself to save another, especially a stranger, is indeed rare."

Ji Ning was extremely surprised, help, how to help

Ji Ning appeared to be deep in thought

The original decree of the Book of Life and Death stated that you could only live until the age of 16. However, due to your accumulated merits, you have lived until the age of 18. " sighed Lord Cui

Wake up!" A middle-aged man in a blue robe called out softly.

I should have been dead, so... is this the underworld? Ji Ning appeared out of nowhere, curiously observing the unfamiliar surroundings, when he heard the lord's shouting, which only deepened his confusion. "A million subjects? Thirty thousand cavalry? The Earth is now a modern society; where could there possibly be thirty thousand cavalry?"

The continuous deterioration of the terminal illness made me realize that I would not live much longer. My parents do not need my care at all; keeping this money is a waste. Therefore, before I die, I will distribute all this money to the poor and sick children in need across the country.

Cui Fujun expressed: "To enter the realm of celestial beings through great merit is indeed a rare achievement on Earth. Whether intentional or unintentional, those who generously give away their immense wealth to help are all children, and by doing so, you accumulate a great deal of merit. Otherwise, you might not even be able to enter the heavenly realm"

Ji Ning. The colossal bull-headed demon gazed down from above the dark clouds, its eyes emitting two beams of golden light that pierced through the sky, enveloping the dazed Ji Ning below.

Heaven

Fortunately, there are books and the internet

Cui Fujun explained, "Among them, the Heavenly Path and the Asura Path both lead to the 'Heavenly Realm' within the Three Realms."

At this moment, Cui Fujun closed the book and looked over, causing Ji Ning's expression to change instantly. From the angle he was standing, he could barely see the cover of the book in Cui Fujun's hand, which bore the three characters—The Book of Life and Death

"I come at the behest of Lord Cui to fetch you," said the Bull-headed Demon God to Ji Ning, who was in his palm. With a wave of his hand, Ji Ning was drawn into a void space, while the enormous Bull-headed Demon God rode on dark clouds and instantly vanished into the horizon

Ji Ning blinked his eyes

This realm is indeed vast, and the Earth is merely one of countless small worlds. As an inhabitant of Earth, I used to believe that it was the core! ... But now I realize ... that the Earth is just one among billions of small worlds, and it does not even rank among the three thousand great worlds. For a moment, I cannot help but feel a sense of loss in my heart

This is the deepest cry from Ji Ning's heart

Within the Underworld, in the city of Fengdu

Knowing that there are more unfortunate children in this world, after all, I still have parents and can eat and dress warmly

Ji Ning looked over

In the vast expanse of three thousand great worlds and countless small worlds, there are indeed many with high merits. However, among my fellow townsfolk, it is rare to find one with such high merits. Your innate destiny is also weak, yet you have managed to reach this point, which is quite remarkable! Since I have nothing to do, I will take the opportunity to meet you, my young fellow townsman. " Master Cui said with a smile, "You are about to be reincarnated, so let me tell you about the six realms of reincarnation.

... ...

This is a tranquil study, which contains a bookshelf. In the center of the study is a desk, where a middle-aged man in a blue robe is perusing books

Ji Ning was also filled with excitement

Three Realms

Thank you, Lord Cui. Ji Ning bowed almost to the ground

Go ahead," Cui Fujun waved his hand

As a result, I was unable to attend school, could not play with peers, and even found it exhausting to take a half-hour walk each day. My frail body and the torment of illness made my childhood very solitary. Moreover, I had long overheard discussions in the hospital about how I would die in my teens. This early awareness of my impending death instilled a sense of fear that continuously tormented my young self, making me even more reclusive.

Over the course of several years, through illustrations and books, an enormous fortune was unexpectedly amassed

"In life, there is no inherent good or evil," said Cui Fujun. "Children often do not distinguish between good and evil; it is merely their experiences later in life that gradually change them... If you assist adults, you may help some virtuous individuals. However, good and evil are difficult to discern; if you end up aiding some malevolent individuals, it may instead diminish your merits"

This cycle of reincarnation consists of the realms of the heavenly beings, the asuras, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell

Heavenly soldiers and generals

"Why does Lord Cui want to see me?" Ji Ning pondered. He had no acquaintance with this Lord Cui, being merely a small mortal. How could he possibly know any deities? If he truly had a formidable background, he would not have suffered from a lifetime of illness in his previous life. So why did Lord Cui send that ox-headed ghost to bring him here?

Of course, "Cui Fujun laughed and said, 'Otherwise, how could one be called a primordial being? Strictly speaking, heaven and earth are your parents!'"

Wow

Ji Ning was greatly surprised: "I heard those ghosts talking, mentioning princes and demon kings, none of whom are from Earth"

Indeed

Awaken. "Cui Fujun looked at Ji Ning, saying, 'Remember, often visualize, and you will surely refine your soul. Of course, you are about to be reincarnated and will need to drink Meng Po soup, which will temporarily erase your memories. You will only remember this visualization method when you turn sixteen. However, that will be enough to give you an edge among the heavenly soldiers and generals! This visualization method merely provides you with a few more opportunities on your path to immortality. If you wish to become a celestial being, there will still be numerous tribulations to face... I sincerely hope you can achieve this, so that in the future when I ascend to the heavenly court, we can meet again.' This visualization method merely provides you with a few more opportunities on your path to immortality. If you wish to become a celestial being, there will still be numerous tribulations to face... I sincerely hope you can achieve this, so that in the future when I ascend to the heavenly court, we can meet again.

"After being born in the heavenly realm, your cultivation speed is astonishing, allowing you to easily join the Heavenly Court and become celestial soldiers and generals," Lord Cui remarked

That was ... ... '' Ji Ning looked closely, and it was a painting of a woman, her feathered garments flowing with the rhythm of nature. Her smile evoked a sense of reverence greater than that inspired by the great Buddha statues in temples on Earth. In almost an instant, Ji Ning was completely immersed in this painting. The woman depicted in it, whether in her features, her long hair, or her feathered attire, possessed an extraordinary allure.

You are a prince? A million subjects, thirty thousand iron cavalry? In my underworld, a prince in the mortal realm is nothing at all

The figure depicted above is the most virtuous and sacred Pangu goddess Nüwa. Cui Fujun expressed his respect, stating, "Since the fall of Pangu after the creation of heaven and earth, only goddess Nüwa has been able to reach Pangu's level. Nüwa can destroy the heavens, but she can also mend them, and even create life. Among all the beings, the most spiritual 'human' is created by goddess Nüwa. She comprehended the eighty-four thousand paths, making her the undisputed supreme existence in the three realms.

The highest of the three realms? Ji Ning was astonished

I am truly looking forward to it

Cui Fujun smiled, then opened the ledger of life and death in his hand, speaking softly yet imbued with boundless authority: "Ji Ning, throughout your life, you have saved countless lives, your merits are immense, upon entering the six realms of reincarnation, you shall enter... the realm of heavenly beings"

Bang

"The Heavenly Path, which is the realm you are about to be reborn into." This statement immediately captured Ji Ning's attention. Lord Cui sighed, "This is the best one; if you are reborn into the Heavenly Realm, you will be born of heaven and earth, becoming a celestial being. Being born this way qualifies you to be called a 'pre-natal being.'"

This image represents a method of visualization, yet you are unable to grasp its profound intricacies. Cui Fujun said with a smile, "Although you may become a celestial general in the future and acquire the method of visualization, it is still not as remarkable as my unique method. I will now impart this method of visualization to you, as a fulfillment of our destined connection."

"Look at this image of Nuwa," Lord Cui pointed to the wall beside.

Ji Ning is standing

I have looked at your life," Cui Fujun said with a smile as he gazed at Ji Ning

A towering bull-headed giant stands before me, and I find myself in the palm of his hand

Boom

"What does 'Fu Jun' mean?" Ji Ning asked in confusion

... ...

The Celestial beings have another advantage; when you turn sixteen, you will awaken the memories of your past life. "Lord Cui sighed, "This time I see you, it is only because of your high merits and that you are my fellow townsman. I did not expect that upon your arrival here, you would become so captivated by the Nuwa painting, demonstrating indeed a very high level of insight. In order for you to stand out among the heavenly soldiers and generals, I will also lend you a hand.

This enormous bull-headed demon stands approximately ten thousand zhang tall, resembling a towering mountain, riding on dark clouds, and instantly flying from the horizon.

He extended his palm, on which stood a tiny figure—Ji Ning

Heavenly soldiers and generals

As time passed, Ji Ning had been walking among countless ghosts for a long time. He dared not speak, for speaking would result in being whipped by the Ox-Head and Horse-Face. This numb walking had continued for a very long time, but fortunately, the ghosts did not know hunger

One's own life

Hurry up and go

Will I become a heavenly soldier in the future

Ji Ningdao: "Your Excellency has overpraised me. If I were to have a long life, I might not be willing to do so. According to the doctor, I can live at most three more months. To exchange my less than three months of life for the future decades of a little girl is worth it!"

"Fellow townsman?" Ji Ning was taken aback, "You are also from..."