Volume 1 Chapter 5 Recruiting Ghost Envoys

Lin Beiye waved his hand, signaling the Black and White Impermanence to guide the gathered spirits to a designated area. With a gentle flick of his sleeve, the scenery surrounding the Ghost Domain transformed instantly, shifting from a gloomy, terrifying wasteland into a scene resembling an earthly paradise.

Standing on high ground, Lin Beiye called out, "Everyone, do not be afraid. This is the Ghost Domain, a world created specifically for spirits." He paused, then continued, "You may choose to reside here while awaiting the construction of the Underworld palace. When that time comes, I will personally send you to be reincarnated, allowing you to begin a new life!"

The spirits exchanged bewildered and confused glances. They had not yet fully grasped the meaning of his words, yet within this Ghost Domain, they felt a sense of peace they had never known before.

One spirit asked, "Is this Ghost Domain built specifically for us, the departed?"

"Indeed," Lin Beiye replied slowly.

Another spirit asked, "Is there any chance for us to be resurrected?"

Lin Beiye sighed softly. "Life and death have their own destiny, and reincarnation follows its own order. Once the Underworld is established, I can arrange the process for your rebirth."

"What about you? Who are you?" another voice pressed.

Lin Beiye laughed. "Me? I am the master of this place."

"Are you a ghost, too?" the questions continued.

Lin Beiye shook his head. "I am not a ghost."

The waves of confusion continued, but Lin Beiye remained calm and patient, answering each question in detail. He then turned to the Black and White Impermanence and said sternly, "The Ghost Domain has just been established and requires a group of capable ghost messengers to assist. Can you two lend me a hand?"

The two emissaries agreed without hesitation. With the Underworld currently short-staffed, the burden of managing the spirits was far too heavy for just the two of them. Recruiting a capable team would significantly alleviate their workload. They bowed in unison and declared, "We would never dare to refuse our master’s command. We are willing to recruit ghost messengers and contribute to the grand cause of the Ghost Domain!"

Lin Beiye nodded with satisfaction. With their help, the recruitment process would certainly be twice as effective with half the effort. He scanned the spirits below and announced in a clear voice, "Everyone, the Ghost Domain is in its infancy and urgently needs ambitious individuals to join us in its administration. I hope you will sign up enthusiastically and contribute to the prosperity and stability of this realm!"

He sat down on a clean patch of ground. "Those who pass the vetting process will have the chance to become ghost messengers. You will join me in managing this domain and capturing those restless spirits wandering the mortal world!"

His words were enticing, stirring the hearts of those listening. However, he knew well that becoming a ghost messenger would not be simple. The screening process was rigorous; it required looking not only at their lives before death but also at whether they had harmed anyone after passing. Lacking either requirement would disqualify a candidate.

Lin Beiye waited quietly. After a long time, no one had stepped forward. He felt a sense of frustration. The criteria, though seemingly simple, acted as an invisible sieve, barring a vast majority of spirits. In this world, most spirits wandered the mortal realm in a state of unconsciousness, unable to control themselves, let alone discern their own past actions.

Just then, a young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight approached him, looking slightly nervous. "U-um, may I try?"

Seeing someone volunteer, Lin Beiye’s face lit up. "Of course, come, please sit here." He warmly invited the youth to sit and began to review his information.

[Name: Qi Xiongying]
[Type: Shade]
[Grade: Low]
[Ability: None]
[Background: A former member of the Ghost-Slaying Division in Tianzhou City. He was killed by a ghost while protecting his comrades and has wandered as a shade since his death.]

Seeing the youth’s information, Lin Beiye’s eyes shone with excitement. "Are you willing to become a ghost messenger?" he asked.

Qi Xiongying offered a bitter smile. He scratched his head and said awkwardly, "Sir, I am naturally willing, but I fear my meager strength will not be of much use to you."

Lin Beiye waved his hand dismissively. "It does not matter! As long as you are willing, power will follow!" He then announced in a booming voice, "I hereby appoint Qi Xiongying as a ghost messenger!"

As the words left his lips, a faint glow erupted from Qi Xiongying. He felt his strength surging rapidly, his grade jumping from a mere shade to a fierce ghost! His clothing transformed into the signature attire of a ghost messenger: light black armor, mysterious and imposing. The system even provided him with a short sword tailored to his preferences—a thoughtful touch.

Lin Beiye couldn't help but marvel. He hadn't expected the system to be so powerful.

[Congratulations to the host for successfully recruiting one ghost messenger. Reward: 1 Yin Virtue Point.]

As the voice echoed in his mind, Lin Beiye nodded in satisfaction. There was still a long way to go before he could redeem the Underworld palace, but for now, his goal was to obtain the Soul-Calling Banner. As a legendary artifact, its utility would surely be immense.

Seeing the transformation of Qi Xiongying, the surrounding spirits began to grow eager. Before long, with the assistance of the Black and White Impermanence, Lin Beiye had successfully recruited over 200 ghost messengers, and his Yin Virtue count rose accordingly.

"System, redeem the Soul-Devouring Banner!"

[Redemption successful.]

An ancient flag appeared in Lin Beiye’s hand. He examined the artifact intently.

[Soul-Devouring Banner]
[Ability: Devour fierce ghosts and acquire their corresponding abilities.]

Reading the description, Lin Beiye was filled with indescribable excitement. Seeing that the time was growing late, he took a deep breath and said, "The recruitment ends here for today. The Ghost Domain has just been built, and there are many things that need to be perfected. You may go about your duties."

He paused, then added, "Also, in your spare time, do not forget to capture the spirits wandering the mortal realm. But remember, avoid conflict with humans as much as possible to prevent complications."

As he issued his instructions, the group dispersed. Little did they know, his physical body in the mortal world had already been carried off to the infirmary.

"What is wrong with this Lin Beiye? The Ghost-Slaying Division just wanted to meet him, and he hid in the bathroom and fainted from fright?"