Yama Rising

“Eh? What’s the matter?” Wang Chenghao made an expression like that of a pimp, “Did someone lose their way?”

It was no different from how one would prepare himself as well as he possibly could before a test, and thereafter have some inkling on how he would have done at the end of the entire session. He was praying for a miracle, but he wasn’t too hopeful.

With a soft sigh, he slumped back into his seat and began to sort through his thoughts.

If we don’t massage the point and apply lubrication, then pushing the point would cause hurt. Hurt would make for an unpleasant experience, and an unpleasant experience… would most certainly lead to a whole host of unpredictable consequences…

“Once he leaves, I’ll be forced to walk down this path of governance with at best an injured Harken to fall back on. He’s allowing me to experience first-hand the negotiations between underworlds under the shelter of his wings. What I’ve just experienced isn’t even a formal negotiation to boot. It’s just a private meeting, and yet… I was sorely unprepared for it…”

He very much wanted to intercept Liu Yu’s harvest of faith.

How often would you see a vassal state declare independence in the face of their masters? What kind of blemish would it etch on the name and reputation of their sovereign? In fact, how weak would their sovereign have to be in order to accede to such a ridiculous request by the vassal state? Qin Ye didn’t even dare to think of the implications of something like this, especially when the rest of the world were all eagerly scrutinizing any movements around Hell in an attempt to uncover their current state of affairs.

Qin Ye’s gaze grew deep and abstruse, and he gently tapped his fingers on the window, “Things had only gone so smoothly earlier because we were still dancing about on the peripheries of the script of death, and the Russian Underworld was still keen on discussing matters civilly with Hell. But given the manner in which I’d responded earlier… I’d practically snatched the initiative right out of their hands and behaved like a brat who flaunts his might and majesty in an attempt to give himself an advantage. I sincerely hope Rumyantsev wouldn’t wisen up to these little telltale signs, but… given his experience and performance earlier… Who am I supposed to be kidding?”

“Had my performance earlier been perfect, they would have let their guard down and addressed their mind fully to cooperating with Hell. Unfortunately, I’m afraid that my earlier performance is worth nothing more than 60 points, or perhaps even less. They’re definitely going to keep a close eye on us. It’s going to be incredibly difficult to get any closer to the script of death now…”

“Who would’ve thought that I’d use up these three chances so quickly.”

Qin Ye pursed his lips, “The Russian Underworld may know where the soul of Emperor Taizu of Yuan is. They’re thinking of joining forces with Hell to wipe out the demilitarized zone occupied by the Mongol Empire, and they were eager to get in touch with Hell for this reason.”

Genghis Khan… What… What kind of existence is he going to be?!

Qin Ye frowned with some measure of exasperation, “I’ve just had an encounter with Rumyantsev.”

These were clearly rhetorics. He knew the answer all along.

Qin Ye: ……

“But anger and rage doesn’t solve any problems. Hell cannot afford to get into a war - especially not against the four underworlds at the summit of the netherworld. I’m not afraid of the forbidden arts that they may employ, but that doesn’t address the possibility of substantial collateral damage that may ensue. I eventually learned to hone my skills in negotiations as well.” Xu Yangyi responded calmly, “So, what requests do you have this time?”

Forget it, I shouldn’t be thinking about these things right now. Qin Ye pondered over his next move for some time, and then smiled radiantly, “I’ve actually just called to chat with you and give you a report on my progress. Surely this wouldn’t count as the use of my third and final chance, would it?”

… How cold and unreasonable!

Xu Yangyi: ???

“Lend me your wisdom perspective~!” Qin Ye clasped his palms together and blasted at the top of his voice, “Let me see things with the utmost clarity~~!”

Qin Ye immediately ceased his performance and continued solemnly, “I’d like to borrow your eyes to check the vicinity around the Jukseong Dream Cathedral at Gijang County to see if there’s a vessel or ship nearby.”

But what was a ship doing close to the source of the outbreak of the living dead?

Ahn Somi was dead, and Mukov had taken over her role. How can the Russian Underworld be certain that the routes overseen by Ahn Somi haven’t been compromised?

Within moments, the screen of light flickered slightly, and then a completely different image appeared on it. A massive shadow of a ship appeared in the picture, surrounded by the living dead that appeared to be queuing to board it. Several other figures could be seen ushering and giving directions to the living dead.

It looked worn and weathered, covered in rust and hardly functional. In fact, there was no doubt that the ship must be grounded, because Qin Ye could even see several gaping holes on the hull of the vessel! There were also some Daeian words written on the side of the vessel.

The MV Sewol had never been salvaged.

Would they make a move at the bequest of a few families when not even someone as powerful and influential as Lee Jung-sook was able to do a thing about it?

Yet, who would’ve thought that it would somehow be seen once more near the Jukseong Dream Cathedral in Gijang County?

Everyone glanced over and took a closer look at where Oda Nobutada was pointing at. At once, chills ran down their spines.

It was the face of a man!

And it was clearly moving and living!

There were clearly thousands - possibly even tens of thousands - of living dead carrying the ship from beneath it, just like a funeral procession carrying a coffin.

Kwon Kyung-ho glanced at them, and then immediately leaned closer into the screen with bloodshot eyes, “These… These are… Eun-joo? Min-tae? Sang-woo? W-what are they doing here?! What the hell is going on?!”

“Ghost ship, and Earthbound Spirits. Furthermore, as a result of the intense resentment and grievances filling the area, MV Sewol itself… has evolved and developed spiritual awareness as well…” Qin Ye was also taken aback by the sight before his eyes. Admittedly, Cathay and Daehan had always been dealing with each other with a rather strained relationship. But, even then… These were innocent children! Hundreds of teenage lives that were sacrificed for nothing!

“Odious Spirit of Filth.” Just then, the Second King Yanluo spoke from the other end of the screen of light, “It’s good news for us?”

“That’s right. Black Yaksha and Crow Tengu aren’t formal Abyssal Prefects, and they wouldn’t be stable enough as a foundation for the six paths of reincarnation. But… it would suffice so long as you add the Odious Spirit of Filth to the mix.”

Qin Ye nodded softly as he continued to stare intently at the screen of light.

But… would the ship be going by land or by water? Qin Ye couldn’t figure it out.

Qin Ye nodded blankly, and then suddenly smiled, “Just an inkling. Perhaps… nothing ventured, nothing gained?”

Qin Ye nodded, “I know. But surely it wouldn’t be too much to ask you for help to pull a veil over Marquis Rumyantsev’s eyes, would it?”

Qin Ye sighed, and then glanced blankly at the roof of the car with a bitter smile on his face, “I’ve thought about it. I simply can’t tolerate having Liu Yu trample all over me and giving me a tight slap to the face. Besides, it does seem that a moment of tolerance here would lead to far greater consequences…”

“This is the second time.”

“Can you not mention these things already?!”

1. Qin Ye was singing a Chinese song called 雾里看花

2. The author states at the end of this chapter that this isn’t true. The MV Sewol was in fact subsequently salvaged, but this little twist in the fact was needed for the storyline.