Chapter 159: The Three Judges’ Audience
The ones kneeling on the floor were precisely the three ghost judges who hadn’t shown up during the last summons. Compared to the previous trio who had appeared in their massive spectral forms, these three were far more cautious and humble. They knelt with perfect posture, the picture of submission.
In just three short days, their attitude had completely changed. After all, the downfall of the former three judges was now common gossip throughout Youling Domain — their influence shattered overnight, their power erased, and even the lowliest ghost no longer acknowledged them. Everything they’d built over centuries had crumbled in mere days — all because of the new Yama, who hadn’t even set foot in the underworld once.
Only now did these remaining three understand: this new Lord was nothing like the ones before. All those tricks — testing authority, playing seniority, asserting dominance — none of it worked. Panic set in. If they didn’t make their loyalty clear right now, their own seats might soon be taken by new souls altogether.
So they had abandoned their alliance with Feng Qing without hesitation. In fact, they hadn’t even waited for an official summons before rushing to pay respects — terrified that if they delayed any longer, it might be too late.
“Your subordinates arrive late. We beg Lord Yama’s forgiveness!” they chorused, bowing low until their foreheads touched the floor. Each one presented a thick stack of ledgers in both hands.
“These contain the complete records of the Youling Domain’s eastern sixteen cities, the southern nine, and the western five — including the listings of all ghost officers, patrol routes, population distributions, and notable events of recent years. We humbly request that Lord Yama review them.”
It was obvious they’d done their homework after hearing what happened to the previous three. This time, they came fully prepared — everything documented and organized, every report accounted for — showing their utmost sincerity and determination to serve faithfully.
Meanwhile, Bai Yu, who had been peacefully asleep moments ago, now sat stiffly in bed, face completely black. He’d been jolted awake by their overwhelming yin aura, and his usual “majestic master” expression looked frozen and awkward. Wrapped in his blanket, he sat as rigid as a statue, mortified beyond words.
Do underworld judges just appear in people’s bedrooms unannounced?! he thought, teeth grinding. And of all times—why when I wasn’t wearing pants?!