Chapter 122: Epilogue (5)
The Underworld is a sacred domain where souls could embark on their transformative journey after death. This newly established realm uses the Ghost Realm as its foundation and was entrusted to the Heavenly River's Su Clan, who had long been entrusted with overseeing the intricate process of reincarnation since ancient times.
Within the boundaries of the Underworld, a solemn and divine judgment awaited each departing soul. Here, the Heavenly River's Su Clan carefully assessed the deeds and karma accumulated throughout one's existence. Souls would be subject to a fair and impartial evaluation, with their actions weighed against the balance of righteousness and justice.
Based on this intricate judgment, souls would be directed down different paths. Those found wanting and burdened with unrectified transgressions would be subject to suitable punishment, a necessary process to cleanse their souls and foster spiritual growth. Meanwhile, souls deemed ready for the next stage of their journey would be guided towards the six paths of reincarnation, where new opportunities for growth and enlightenment awaited them.
However, the Underworld offered more than just a gateway to reincarnation or a place of punishment. It presented a unique chance for the deceased to join the illustrious ranks of the Heavenly River's Su Clan as their disciples. Some of these souls could become invaluable participants in the grand scheme of divine administration. As de facto errand runners of the Heavenly River's Su Clan, they would carry out important tasks and duties, supporting the smooth operation of the Underworld and contributing to the spiritual development of all souls who passed through its ethereal gates.
Within this newfound role, these disciples of the Underworld would have unparalleled opportunities for their own growth and enlightenment. They would gain access to profound teachings and sacred knowledge, expanding their understanding of the spiritual realm and deepening their connection to the divine. Through their service to the Heavenly River's Su Clan, they would not only assist in guiding others on their spiritual paths but also embark on a cultivation journey of their own.
However, this does not change that the Su Clan is more or less a family clan, to become true disciples they would need to marry into the clan. Only the most outstanding and man with the surname Song are however granted opportunity. As for why those with a specific surname have better opportunities, nobody knows, it is just known that the females of the Su Clan often fall in love with someone surnamed Song. This goes as far as that the elders of the clan deliberately prepare the disciples against those surnamed Song.
---
Apart from the momentous changes already undertaken, Zenith Heaven Emperor initiated a transformative shift that plunged the Mortal World into unprecedented chaos. With a decisive proclamation, he officially announced the existence of cultivation, unveiling a path to spiritual enlightenment and extraordinary power for all mortals.
To facilitate this monumental shift, Zenith Heaven Emperor implemented a comprehensive system within the Mortal World. This system boasted a simple yet intuitive interface, featuring two distinct sections: 'Status' and 'Shop'.
The 'Status' section provided them with a comprehensive overview of their cultivation progress and potential. It displayed vital information such as their current level and mastered cultivation techniques.
In the 'Shop' section, Zenith Heaven Emperor bestowed upon all mortals a remarkable gift, a free low-grade cultivation technique. This technique served as a foundation for their journey, offering them a tangible starting point in their cultivation. It was a profound gesture, extending the opportunity for growth to every corner of All Heavens and Myriad Realms.
As the day dawned, or at different times depending on the geographical location, all inhabitants of All Heavens and Myriad Realms awoke to discover this newly unveiled system. The revelation caused an immediate and overwhelming surge of excitement, confusion, and curiosity throughout the Mortal World. From bustling cities to remote villages, the once ordinary lives of mortals were irrevocably transformed.
In an instant, individuals from all walks of life were confronted with a bewildering array of choices. They found themselves swept up in the pursuit of cultivation and treasures, all made available through the 'Shop' section. As mortals delved into the myriad options, an unprecedented fervor and competition engulfed the Mortal World, as each sought to claim their place on the path to greatness.
As the news of cultivation spread like wildfire throughout All Heavens and Myriad Realms, the various mortal governments found themselves thrust into a state of profound chaos. Faced with this unprecedented phenomenon, different factions emerged, each grappling with how to handle the newfound power within their realms.
Some governments, driven by a desire for control and order, sought to assert their authority over the cultivation practices. They wanted to regulate and monitor the cultivation progress of their citizens, believing that a centralized approach would ensure stability and prevent misuse of power. These factions aimed to establish strict regulations, licensing systems, and hierarchical structures to maintain a semblance of control.
Conversely, there were those who viewed cultivation with trepidation and fear. They saw it as a dangerous force that could disrupt the delicate balance of society. Governments in this camp were inclined to forbid cultivation altogether, driven by concerns of chaos, power struggles, and the potential destruction it could unleash. They saw the cultivation world as a realm of unpredictable and uncontrollable individuals, harboring immense power that could easily topple their fragile countries.
Meanwhile, a third group emerged, consisting of governments and officials who saw cultivation as an opportunity for their own gain. Recognizing the potential for immense power and influence, they sought to monopolize the cultivation resources and techniques, creating exclusive organizations and institutions to control access. Their intent was to wield this newfound power as a means to solidify their positions of authority and further their own agendas.
However, amidst the chaos and conflicting ideologies, these governments soon realized a sobering truth, they were not the masters of this domain. They discovered that cultivation was not a new concept but rather an ancient practice that had thrived in the shadows, concealed from their mortal eyes. The emergence of cultivation merely brought to light a power that had always existed, albeit hidden and restricted to a select few.
And who made them realize that, naturally none other than Zenith Heaven Emperor, who broadcasted a grand declaration through his system.
---
Flashback, Zenith Heaven Emperor's proclamation to all mortals
The entire world fell into an eerie silence as Zenith Heaven Emperor's voice reverberated through the air. His maniacal laughter, a stark departure from his usually composed demeanor, sent shivers down the spines of all who listened.
"Hahahahahahaha!" he chuckled, his laughter echoing with a chilling resonance. "Yes, my dear mortals, it is I who orchestrated this profound change that has engulfed All Heavens and Myriad Realms!"
A mixture of awe, curiosity, and fear rippled through the crowd as they absorbed his words. The realization that the changes in the world had been shaped by the very being who now stood on the screen of their system, laughing with an almost godlike arrogance, sent shockwaves of disbelief through their hearts.
"And what can you do?" a voice called out skeptically from the crowd.
Zenith Heaven Emperor's laughter subsided, replaced by a momentary pause that hung heavily in the air. Then, with a voice filled with certainty and power, he replied, "Kill me? Ah, my dear mortal, you underestimate the magnitude of my existence. Hear this!"
He took a deep breath before continuing, "I am not only the cause of this profound change, but I am also the GOD of this World. My Heavenly Court has become the Law in the World we now inhabit. We, the Heavenly Court, are the ones tasked with maintaining order." His voice resonated with a commanding authority, each word carrying an unwavering conviction that left no room for doubt.
"This world is rotten to the core," he declared, his tone laced with a mixture of solemnity and determination. "Somebody had to do this, and when we conceived that plan all those years ago, I knew that it had to be me. No, I was the only one who could."
Zenith Heaven Emperor's gaze swept across the screen, as if he wanted to look into the eyes of everyone watching. "There was no other way," he asserted, his voice unwavering. "The world had to be fixed, and that purpose was bestowed upon me! Only I could undertake this monumental task. Who else could have done it and come this far?"
The weight of his words settled upon the crowd, and a newfound reverence filled their hearts. The realization that they stood before a being who held the power to shape the very fabric of their existence left them both awestruck and humbled.
Zenith Heaven Emperor's proclamation hung in the air, resonating with a blend of authority, purpose, and an undeniable sense of destiny. At that moment, the gathered multitude couldn't help but be drawn into the grand narrative he weaved, a narrative where a single individual dared to challenge the flaws of their world and rewrite its destiny.
---
As this realization dawned upon the governments and the people, they were confronted with a sobering revelation, the existence of powerful cultivators who had long mastered the arts of cultivation. These individuals possessed unimaginable strength, capable of obliterating their frail countries and homes with a mere wave of their hand. The governments and their people came face to face with a new reality, one where their authority and control were insignificant in the face of true power.
It became evident that attempting to impose restrictions, monopolize, or forbid cultivation would only invite disaster. The governments were forced to reassess their strategies and adapt to this new paradigm. They recognized the need for caution and diplomacy in dealing with the cultivation world, seeking alliances and cooperation rather than confrontation.
In this shifting landscape, the mortals of All Heavens and Myriad Realms had no choice but to acknowledge the existence of a power far greater than their own. They embarked on a precarious journey, navigating the intricacies of the cultivation world and treading carefully to ensure the survival and prosperity of their countries in the face of overwhelming strength.