Volume One, Chapter 10: Establishing Recruitment Standards for the Underworld Messengers

Lin Beiye let out a long breath, then called out, “System, proceed to the Ghost Realm.”

This time, he had firmly locked the restroom stall to prevent anyone else from discovering him and causing misunderstandings.

[En route to the Ghost Realm.]

Lin Beiye slowly opened his eyes. He had already visited the Ghost Realm once last night to inquire about Li Yan through Qi Xiongying. From Qi Xiongying, he learned an important piece of information: Li Yan actually came from the capital city of Daxia, Shangjing.

Moreover, Qi Xiongying mentioned that he and Li Yan once belonged to the same team and had a close relationship, which gave Lin Beiye some reassurance.

This visit was to further investigate Li Yan’s situation.

Walking through the streets of the Ghost Realm, Lin Beiye noted that the place was much like the human world. Ghosts gathered along the sides of the streets, whispering among themselves as if discussing some intriguing matters.

The ghostly wardens sensed Lin Beiye’s presence and quickly assembled respectfully around him.

Looking around with a slight frown, Lin Beiye noticed that the warden force was still too sparse. At this number, they were insufficient to cleanse the human world of lingering ghosts.

He pondered deeply on how to rapidly expand the warden ranks.

Just then, a large group of ghosts was dragged into the Ghost Realm. The system’s voice rang out once more.

[Congratulations, host, for capturing 2,000 ghosts. Reward: “Ox-Head and Horse-Face.”]

[Tip: The host may delegate the recruitment rights of ghost wardens to others, which will expedite the recruitment process.]

After a dazzling glow faded, Ox-Head and Horse-Face appeared before Lin Beiye.

Recalling the system’s hint, Lin Beiye’s insight suddenly cleared! He immediately called out, “Summon all ghost wardens—I have important news to announce!”

Upon his order, the wardens quickly gathered around him.

“We pay homage to our lord!” they said in unison.

The ghost wardens bowed in unison.

Lin Beiye waved his hand, interrupting the formalities. “Rise, all of you.”

He then glanced at Ox-Head and Horse-Face, introducing them briefly. “These two are new brothers joining us—Ox-Head and Horse-Face. From now on, we are one family. Let’s get along well.”

Though silent, the imposing aura radiating from Ox-Head and Horse-Face made the wardens present secretly shudder.

The two pairs—Black and White Impermanence and Ox-Head and Horse-Face—were old acquaintances in the Ghost Realm.

As soon as Ox-Head and Horse-Face appeared, Black and White Impermanence greeted them warmly, “Long time no see, you two.”

Ox-Head and Horse-Face exchanged amused glances before teasing, “You two are still stuck together like an annoying bandage.”

Upon hearing this, Black and White Impermanence’s expressions darkened immediately. “You two who guard the gates have the nerve to say that about us?!”

The atmosphere tense, Ox-Head and Horse-Face rolled up their sleeves, ready to spar with Black and White Impermanence.

Seeing this, Lin Beiye raised his hand to calm everyone. “Quiet, please. I have an important announcement.”

Black and White Impermanence and Ox-Head and Horse-Face quickly composed themselves and respectfully bowed to Lin Beiye.

Breaking the silence, Black Impermanence asked, “Lord, may we know the reason for summoning all ghost wardens?”

Lin Beiye smiled gently. “I plan to establish a new recruitment process for ghost wardens, and this responsibility will be entrusted to you.”

He pointed to Qi Xiongying standing below.

“Qi Xiongying, you served in the Ghost-Slaying Department during your lifetime and should have unique insights. Do you have any suggestions?”

Qi Xiongying bowed slightly, speaking respectfully, “Lord, do you intend to entrust us with the critical task of recruiting ghost wardens?”

Lin Beiye nodded affirmatively.

Seeing his intention, Qi Xiongying spoke candidly, “According to the Ghost-Slaying Department’s tradition, a dedicated assessment division should be established.”

“This division will rigorously evaluate applicants according to strict standards.”

“Those who pass will be assigned to teams ranked D, C, B, A, and S.”

“Each team will consist of at least three members.”

“Promotion will be based on the team members’ strength and mission performance.”

He paused briefly before adding, “Lord, if this plan is to be implemented, selecting assessors will be a significant challenge.”

In Qi Xiongying’s view, assessors must be highly capable wardens to properly handle the allocation of personnel.

Lin Beiye nodded thoughtfully, contemplating the issue.

His gaze then shifted to Ox-Head and Horse-Face.

“I believe the task of recruiting ghost wardens suits you two best. What do you think?”

Without hesitation, Ox-Head and Horse-Face accepted the mission. “We faithfully obey your command, Lord, and will devote ourselves to the task.”

Seeing their unanimous agreement, Lin Beiye immediately summoned the system. “System, entrust the upcoming recruitment of ghost wardens to Ox-Head and Horse-Face.”

He paused, then continued, “Also, I need you to formulate a reasonable assessment standard and a corresponding promotion system.”

After a moment’s thought, he added, “As for enhancing the wardens’ abilities, arrange it according to actual needs.”

The system’s voice echoed clearly in Lin Beiye’s mind.

[Host’s command received.]

[Transferring recruitment duties to Ox-Head and Horse-Face.]

[Establishing assessment standards for the host.]

[Planning warden promotion criteria.]

[Formulating plans to enhance warden strength.]

With the system’s gradual confirmation, the recruitment process for ghost wardens became clear.

Soon, the wardens were divided into several teams, each with its own captain.

With these standardized guidelines, future management would be orderly and efficient.

Lin Beiye exhaled deeply, heart filled with satisfaction.

By this logic, even in his absence, the recruitment of ghost wardens would flow smoothly like a gentle stream.

Before long, he would accumulate enough virtue points to redeem a complete underworld system.

At that time, most ghost-related problems would be properly resolved.

Those malevolent spirits would receive their due punishments.

Waving his hand, Lin Beiye dismissed the assembled wardens, leaving only Qi Xiongying behind.

His eyes deep, he took a card from his pocket and handed it to Qi Xiongying, asking, “Qi Xiongying, do you know the significance behind this card?”

The card was the recommendation token Li Yan had given him.

Though Li Jinhe had already explained its meaning, Lin Beiye felt there was more beneath the surface.

Qi Xiongying took the card, eyes widening instantly. “Lord! This is... the Ghost-Slaying Department’s Summoning Order!”