The Yan Luo Jing is a compilation of the source of all divine techniques found within the Ghost Law, forming a 'Netherworld Scripture'.
The Yan Luo Jing is also known as the Original Vow of Yan Luo, this scripture has no form or shape, and it is an irregular entity formed from the aggregation of ghosts' thoughts, such as greed, anger, ignorance, pride, and doubt.
Though named a scripture, it resembles more the ghostly chant recited orally by the specters in this world.
Xu Qing opened the Hidden and Bright Consciousness, communicated with the Bridge of Heaven and Earth, entered the Divine Scenery, attempting to comprehend the True Profound and understand the text's content.
However, as soon as he touched the Yan Luo Jing, the scripture formed from the collective thoughts of many ghosts instantly transformed into a torrent potent enough to engulf the consciousness of immortals, saints, and gods, rushing towards him!
Right when the myriad of ghostly thoughts crazily corroded Xu Qing's consciousness, attempting to transform him into another Ghost Law, the Sutra of Salvation, previously silently hovering in his mind, suddenly radiated intense light.
The words of the Sutra of Salvation clashed with the words of the ghostly chants, akin to a Zen debate, striving for victory.
Xu Qing clenched his teeth tightly, continuously reciting the words of the Sutra of Salvation, and fortunately, the conflict between the two scriptures lasted merely for a moment, as the Yan Luo Jing was completely suppressed by the Sutra of Salvation.
How dare a defeated general speak of courage?
Good triumphs over evil, the Sutra of Salvation conquers evil, and after completely devouring the Original Vow of Yan Luo, the scripture in Xu Qing's mind fell silent once again.
Despite the silence of the Sutra of Salvation, Xu Qing's heart was stirred with waves of astonishment.
Before this moment, the Sutra of Salvation could only transcend corpses, and even though Xu Qing could touch the souls of Yin Ghosts, it had no effect on ghostly souls outside of corpses.
But now, with the fusion of the Original Vow of Yan Luo, the Sutra of Salvation gained the ability to contact and transcend ghostly entities.
Which means, now Xu Qing can not only transcend corpses, but also human souls and Yin Ghosts...
This is not about Heavenly Words anymore; to Xu Qing, the added functionality of the Sutra of Salvation was no less than the Celestial Spirit Axe Technique that transcends Heavenly Words.
The Celestial Spirit Axe Technique is his divine guarding art, while the former is the extension of his Dao foundation, its essence.
The two complement each other, miraculously crafted by heaven.
"Jin Sect, Ghost Law, Sutra of Salvation..."
Xu Qing seemed to vaguely understand something, perhaps the Sutra of Salvation that transcended the Ghost Dharma Master was the true complete form!
"King Yama left the Demon Exorcism True Monarch within the realms of the Jin Sect's Yin River. Eight parts of Imperial Profound Qi are also within the Yin River grounds, as is the Ghost Law that holds the capacity to absorb ghostly entities and attain their divine power..."
Linking these clues together, Xu Qing reached a conclusion.
That is, possessing five shares of the Netherworld King's destiny, the Demon Exorcism True Monarch, is the person set by King Yama as the destined one.
Intended to inherit the secluded and bifurcated treasures of the Underworld into worldly affairs.
The nameless old woman Xu Qing knew has ceaselessly been seeking the treasures of the Underworld for millennia, along with the suitable person to meet such calamity.
Similarly, being the master of the Underworld, King Yama wouldn't leave it unguarded.
And the Demon Exorcism True Monarch, who detests evil and embodies righteous aura, was undoubtedly King Yama's chosen, his most anticipated successor.
Perhaps, from gifting the Ghost-slaying Treasure Sword to the Demon Exorcism True Monarch when meeting at Bi'an City, King Yama had already held this intention.
Upon entering the Underworld, the Demon Exorcism True Monarch was pure and white, even his worldly past was innocent.
Such a person, independent of the rightful circles within the Underworld, with an impeccable virtue and character, was genuinely King Yama's sole choice.
Unfortunately, King Yama didn't anticipate that the Demon Exorcism True Monarch would collaborate with an obscure Zombie, choosing to perish alongside the Ghost Law.
Holding the True Monarch's legacy, Xu Qing momentarily found himself at a loss for words.
"May Brother Demon Exorcist reincarnate as a bit more handsome in the next life..."
At this moment, all Xu Qing could do was offer well wishes.
...
Yin River, Dead City.
After resolving the Ghost Law, Xu Qing immediately headed to the ruins of this ghost city.
Though the Ghost Law was eliminated, ghostly remnants still linger within Dead City.
In the following fortnight, Xu Qing resembled a farmer during harvest, tirelessly engrossed in the joy of gathering throughout each day.
Until two weeks later, the elusive Ascendant Fuluan leisurely appeared.
"Daoist Xu, please tell me how you vanquished the Ghost Law..."
Xu Qing looked at the ecstatic Ascendant Fuluan, and recalled the time when this person first met the Demon Exorcism True Monarch and had predicted the fortune for him.
His heart moved slightly, and he said:
"Demon Exorcism True Monarch knows that seeking survival from certain death is destined to bring calamity, yet he willingly faces death. Without this fearless spirit, I believe he wouldn't have found the weakness in the Ghost Law and scored a victory with a single strike."
Xu Qing sighed deeply, "Such transcendental clarity and courage far exceed those of turtles that live for millennia or those without guts, by thousands of times."
"..."
Why say something if you're going to curse people?
Ascendant Fuluan, though thick-skinned, couldn't quite brush it off.
Xu Qing's words were too familiar to him; a thousand years ago, at the bridgehead of the Wei River, the ugly man rushing to the capital for examination seemed to have said something similar to him.
At that time, the words of the big man were unintentional, but now Xu Qing's words are definitely deliberate!
"Brother Xu, don't speak strangely, I merely intend to provide support from outside. Should anything happen to you two Daoist brothers, I can patiently wait for vengeance, helping to rise again and avenge you one day!"
Ascendant Fuluan spoke sincerely, but Xu Qing did not believe a single word.
He continued to sense the earth vein, and as his divine thought felt the sleeping Golden Armor Giant a hundred feet below the Heavenly Pillar, Xu Qing suddenly laughed and said:
"Just talking without actions is a sham. I happen to have a small task at hand, it's only unknown whether my friend here is willing to show off a bit..."
Ascendant Fuluan, ever clever, instinctually wanted to refuse upon seeing Xu Qing's odd and mysterious smile.
But upon further thought, the greatest danger here had been rid of, what else could pose a threat to him?
"Oh! Listen to Dao brother's words, should anything arise, let me know. Don't say a small task, I would even descend into a fiery mountain or stormy sea!"
With the Ghost Law eliminated, Ascendant Fuluan clearly gained confidence again, even speaking like the Demon Exorcism True Monarch, as if he found the pair of bells lost two thousand years ago!
"Oh, that's not necessary. You know I'm an undertaker, on the side I also deal in Geomancy and Feng Shui, seeking dragons and locating tombs."
"I reckon this place has excellent Feng Shui, surely there's some treasure buried below."
Xu Qing chuckled, "I won't have my friend busy for nothing, when we dig up what's below, we can split fifty-fifty."
Ascendant Fuluan felt astonished, for a place called a treasure land by Xu Qing must be extraordinary.
However, when Ascendant Fuluan brandished the Seven Swords in the Sword Box, ready to dig and excavate, he found that Xu Qing had already moved a hundred feet away.
"..."
Ascendant Fuluan hesitated.
His brows furrowed tightly, how daring it was to swing the Nuo Sword lightly.
Only upon seeing Xu Qing in the distance, waving and encouraging him with a smile, did Ascendant Fuluan grit his teeth and start digging the tomb!
He, a Land Immortal, having toured three immortal mountains, still feared a mere desolate tomb?
A hundred feet away, seeing Ascendant Fuluan digging vigorously, Xu Qing retreated another fifty feet.
At the site, Ascendant Fuluan exerted himself fully, and upon reaching the hundred-foot depth, a metallic clanging sound suddenly arose from the desolate tomb, which had existed for nearly two thousand years.
Following was the entire tomb trembling, and before Ascendant Fuluan regained his senses, he saw at the bottom a Golden Armor Divine General wielding a Tai'e Sword, deflecting his Nuo Sword, and opening his long-sleeping eyes.
The first sight the Golden Armor Divine General saw upon opening his eyes was Ascendant Fuluan standing by the pit.
Feeling the familiar aura on the other, the Golden Armor Divine General immediately roared angrily:
"Xu the traitor! You deceive the sovereign, bewitch the Saint's judgment, deceive Lord Father for over two thousand years! Is it to ascend to Immortality that His Majesty lavishes gold from four seas, employs three thousand youths, and sends hundreds of tower ships for you?"
The Golden Armor Divine General leapt out of the tomb and swung a sword towards Ascendant Fuluan!
"His Majesty died on the Sand Hill, still asks whether Xu the traitor returns. Think we drove back the Xiongnu in the north, pacified Baiyue in the south, blood-stained our battle robes defending the realm, yet don't remind His Majesty, you usurpers of the kingdom, what virtue, what ability lets you into His Majesty's sight!"
With each word the Golden Armor Divine General said, the aura on him strengthened, far away Xu Qing marveled.
This Golden Armor Divine General upon encountering Ascendant Fuluan, indeed was several times stronger than the Golden Man encountered with the Celestial Lord General!
What on earth is this hatred, this enmity?
Xu Qing even felt that the existence of this Golden Man was just for this moment!