Chapter 167: Worldly Karma Not Yet Resolved

Seeing the two of them urging him, Gu Ning’an knew exactly the dilemma they faced.

Thus, he patiently began to explain what “worldly karma not yet resolved” truly meant.

It turned out that before his death, The stone broker had endured immense humiliation, compounded by countless tragic experiences throughout his life. The accumulated resentment from years of suffering erupted after his death!

As a result, he was different from the typical wandering souls who died in vain; he broke free from the confusion after death more swiftly.

This could explain why, despite the two night patrollers arriving so quickly, the stone broker was still able to escape their grasp.

Additionally, due to the “special circumstances” in Shanyang County, the evil deeds committed by Zheng Er and his group could not be resolved.

Thus, a trace of karmic power lingered on the stone broker’s soul.

Don’t underestimate this trace of karmic power—it was a force born from the laws of this world.

It was powerful enough to allow a freshly deceased soul to escape the pursuit of the two night patrollers, demonstrating its strength.

The Great Qian Dynasty had always flourished, with immense national power.

The Heavenly Dao emphasizes balance and the filling of deficiencies. According to this unspeakable “Heavenly Dao,” all things in the world are its “children.”

If we consider the Great Qian Dynasty as a whole, it is the “model student.”

When something minor goes wrong with the “model student,” the “Heavenly Dao” intervenes.

This is what allowed the stone broker’s soul, which should have been captured, to escape, granting it sufficient time to grow and to dissolve the evil in the world that could not be erased.

Of course, the Heavenly Dao does not distinguish between right and wrong, or good and evil.

When it descended a “trace of karmic power” on the stone broker’s soul, it was like giving him “a thread of hope.”

If the stone broker seized this opportunity, he not only could take revenge but might also be reborn in another form as a ghost cultivator.

However, the probability of this happening was very small, as once he avenged himself, his resentment would greatly diminish. Once the karmic debt was resolved, he would quickly be captured by the night patrollers.

In fact, these matters also involved the forces of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. Upon seeing that the two night patrollers were confused by his explanation, Gu Ning’an decided not to elaborate further.

“Gentlemen, have my words been too convoluted?”

Hearing this, the two night patrollers, who had snapped back to attention, responded in turn.

“I’m not sure why, but after listening to your explanation Sir, I feel an indescribable sense of relief… Although I’m a bit slow-witted, it feels as though I understand, yet I don’t.”

“I feel the same way, but it’s hard to explain… I think what you said Sir is correct!”

Gu Ning’an smiled. “This is just my personal opinion. If you gentlemen are unsure, perhaps you could relay it to Lord City God?”

“That would be perfect, I’ll go and speak with him!”

One of the slightly taller night patrollers cupped his hands and said, “We are ultimately carrying out orders. If Lord City God agrees, we will certainly give the wandering soul some extra time.”

Gu Ning’an returned the gesture. “Then I’ll trouble you, sir.”

“It’s no trouble! Please wait here, I’ll be back shortly!”

As he spoke, the patroller turned into a cloud of black mist and soared into the air, heading swiftly toward the City God Temple.

Inside the City God Temple, a middle-aged man with a black face, wearing a red robe and official attire, stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

After listening to the night patrol’s account, the City God remained silent for a moment. Then, with a wave of his hand, a book glowing with spiritual light materialized in his broad palm.

The book had a black-and-white cover, with three five words inscribed on the front: “Ledger of Virtue and Vice”.

Every City God Temple had two copies of this book—one held by the Judge, and the other managed by City God himself.

Rustle!

The pages flipped rapidly before stopping at a particular entry.

With a solemn gaze, the City God scanned the records and spoke in a deep voice: “That stone broker, Huang Yong¹—throughout his life, he committed both minor good and minor evil, suffered great misfortunes, and was truly a pitiable man.”

“But he died an unjust death, his resentment before passing was immense. If left unchecked, he will undoubtedly become a vengeful ghost and bring calamity upon the living!”

It seemed that the City God was still unwilling to break the established rules…

The night patrol responded, “Lord City God speaks wisely. Then shall I return and inform that gentleman that this matter cannot be permitted?”

Hearing this, the City God paused for a moment before saying, “That so-called green-robed gentleman possesses spiritual power far beyond yours. You could not even perceive the hidden ghost, yet he not only exposed it but also helped you restrain it.”

“If we rashly refuse him, it would be a discourtesy.”

“After all, he patiently explained everything to you in good faith, even going through the trouble of justifying his reasoning.”

“If he had simply acted without explanation, he would have achieved his goal all the same… The reason he chose to explain was out of respect for us.”

“Since this gentleman respects us, we should not hide behind rigid rules and outright reject his request.”

“Then, in Lord City God’s view…?” The night patrol inquired.

Lord City God waved his large hand and said indifferently, “I shall go personally and explain things to him.”

Buzz!

A burst of divine light erupted!

The City God and the night patrol instantly vanished from the temple.

The night patrol, carried away by the City God, felt as if the world was spinning—his vision blurred completely!

By the time he could see clearly again, he found himself standing on the long street near the dried-up well.

“Is that the green-robed gentleman?”

Following Lord City God’s gesture, the night patrol hurriedly nodded. “Yes, yes! That is the gentleman.”

Upon receiving the confirmation, the City God felt a tremor in his heart. His raised right hand hesitated for a moment before slowly lowering.

What shocked him so deeply was that even he could not see through this green-robed gentleman!

If not for knowing that the night patrol would not dare deceive him, he would have never believed that someone with absolutely no discernible spiritual fluctuations was actually a cultivator!

Lost in thought, the City God quickly strode forward.

Over on the other side, Gu Ning’an was casually chatting with the other night patrol. Noticing the approaching figure, he recognized the attire at a glance—this must be the local City God.

Since the City God had come in person, Gu Ning’an would not neglect formalities. He stepped forward a few paces, clasped his hands, and smiled. “I am Gu Ning’an. Greetings, Lord City God.”

Gu Ning’an?

That name sounded so familiar!

With no time to ponder further, the City God hastily returned the salute and said, “No need for excessive courtesy, Mr. Gu. I am surnamed Cao, given name Hua.”

“I have already heard about the matter from Patrolman Fang.”

Gu Ning’an nodded. “What is Lord City God Cao’s view on this?”

“Uh…” City God Cao hesitated for a moment before replying, “Mr. Gu, we of the underworld are divine officials, tasked with maintaining peace and preventing demonic disturbances.”

“Those who killed the stone broker, Huang Yong may indeed be heinous sinners, but they are still human…”