Chapter 8 — The Demon Queen’s Ten-Lifetime Pact

It was finally time for her to taste the bitter flavor of being humiliated in turn, living a life worse than death. Furthermore, go and investigate whom Ngoc Nhien has valued most throughout these two lifetimes. Bring them all to the Underworld. Cast them into the eighteen layers of purgatory and let her watch with her own eyes as they are tormented. Ngoc Nhien was the cause of my parents' souls being scattered and my ten thousand soldiers dying in vain; this is the retribution she deserves. The ghost officials ignored Ngoc Nhien’s wailing and forcibly dragged her away. Ky Uyen seemed to want to intervene, but in the end, he swallowed his words. He hesitated for a long time before shamelessly speaking: A Ninh, it was I who was blind all this time. But we grew up together for so many years; you would not have the heart to kill me, would you? Give me one more chance, and I will surely make amends.

Now, just hearing Ky Uyen speak made me feel disgusted. I decisively raised my hand and sealed his mouth. Rest assured, I promised the Great Emperor that I would not take your life. And I have always been true to my word. Ky Uyen seemed to have misinterpreted my intention. A flash of joy gleamed in his eyes. A Ninh, does that mean you are willing to forgive me and accept my repentance? I laughed, my voice filled with irony and contempt: Forgive? Do you think repentance can wash away a blood debt spanning eleven lifetimes? Do you think atonement is enough to trade for the souls of my parents and my ten thousand soldiers? Ky Uyen, you are no longer a child; how can you spout such ridiculous jokes? I will not kill you, but though the death penalty is waived, the penalty of living cannot be escaped. Right now, go into the Cycle of Reincarnation Hell and suffer through everything I once endured for eternity.

The Cycle of Reincarnation Hell is a place even more terrifying than having one’s soul destroyed. It stirs the inner demons within your heart, forcing you to constantly repeat that which you fear the most. If you cannot overcome it, you will fall into a cycle of rebirth with no escape forever. Ky Uyen had served as the Ghost Emperor for thousands of years; he knew better than anyone how horrifying the Cycle of Reincarnation Hell truly was. He shook his head repeatedly, crawling to my feet, clutching my ankles, and begging incessantly: A Ninh, please, no. Do not send me to the Cycle of Reincarnation Hell. If you are still angry, it would be better to just kill me.

I looked down at his wretched, miserable form, my heart already cold. I spoke calmly: I understand better than anyone that death is a form of release. Ky Uyen, how could I let you be released? Someone like you deserves to be bound to your inner demons for the rest of eternity. Unable to die, yet living as nothing more than a hollow shell. Having said that, I did not waste any more breath and rotated the Imperial Seal in my hand. The Seal emitted a brilliant green light, and in the blink of an eye, it cast Ky Uyen into the Cycle of Reincarnation Hell. With that, everything had finally come to an end.

When I lowered my hand, I realized my face was covered in silent tears. But this time, it was not grief; it was the tears of relief after ridding myself of all resentment. Both Ky Uyen and Ngoc Nhien had received their rightful retribution. Although the Underworld had been in chaos, under my strict and disciplined rule, it quickly returned to order and became even more prosperous than before. I officially became the Central Ghost Emperor, the first female Ghost Emperor in the history of the Underworld. Due to old prejudices regarding the superiority of men, there were many who refused to submit. But I never sought personal revenge; I handled every matter personally, even riding into battle at the forefront. Gradually, people’s hearts changed. Those who had once opposed me finally submitted. All affairs of the Underworld were brought into order and tranquility.

One day, like any other, after finishing my duties, I felt a desire to take a walk by the River of Oblivion. The Spider Lilies on the bank were in full bloom, a fiery red so beautiful it made one forget this was the realm of the dead. It just so happened that Granny Meng was on break, and hearing I was at the river, she brought a small tea table to join me. We sat together, sipping tea and chatting leisurely. A Ninh, try this; I brewed this tea with Spider Lilies and the water of the River of Oblivion; it has a very unique taste. Granny Meng poured me a cup, her eyes full of relief. I picked up the cup, fashioned from the rib bone of Ngoc Nhien, took a sip, and frowned. The mortal remains of an evil person truly carry a stench, I said. It ruined the flavor of the tea. Granny Meng laughed: Who told you to insist on using that thing? Who can you blame? Let me change it for you.

I shook my head slightly, smiling with composure: There is no need. Having this scent helps me always remember the grudge. It also serves as a reminder. A reminder to never trust others too easily, and to never fall in love again so carelessly. Granny Meng looked at me with a dazed, sympathetic expression, feeling a pang of heartache: A Ninh, do not be sad for him anymore. He is not worth it. I was stunned for a moment before bursting into helpless laughter. I suddenly patted Granny Meng on the shoulder: What are you thinking?! What makes me sad is that my parents and my soldiers cannot return! As for that animal Ky Uyen—what right does he have to make me feel heartache? Granny Meng finally breathed a sigh of relief. That is good, then. Oh, I almost forgot. I have some good news to tell you. The Great Emperor could not bear to see your parents and soldiers have their souls scattered, so he went to the Divine Realm to discuss with the Heavenly Lord how to salvage them. He originally told me not to tell you, fearing that if we could not find a way, it would only disappoint you. I stood up, overwhelmed with excitement: There will be a way! My parents and soldiers sacrificed too much for the Underworld; there must be a worthy reward! I am going to Fengdu City immediately to wait for the Great Emperor to return!