Divine Emperor of Fate

Purgatory Mountain in the Underworld serves as a prison for the most wicked spirits. It consists of multiple layers, each containing progressively stronger malevolent spirits as you ascend. Only a maximum of six entities can enter this place within the entire Underworld, and just one has the freedom to move in and out at will. Jun Jiao, the overseer of Purgatory Mountain, resides on the highest level, unchallenged by any spirit in the Underworld. Currently, Jun Jiao stands at the mountain's peak, looking down into a seemingly endless abyss covered in mist. It's unclear how long she's been gazing, but her delicate brows furrow, and her captivating peach blossom eyes reflect a hint of disdain. The vital deathly aura is diminishing... "Jiao Jiao, don't be too quick to judge," a childish voice echoes in Jun Jiao's mind as she peers disdainfully into the abyss. "Those malevolent spirits have endured hardship; you've been refining them for many years. Spare them." Since the malevolent spirits were incarcerated in Purgatory Mountain, Jun Jiao has periodically subjected them to beatings, claiming it's to help them recognize the gap between themselves and her. In truth, it's to intensify their resentment towards her, motivating them to cultivate harder, as their strength directly affects the weight of the deathly aura. Jun Jiao requires the deathly aura because, despite being a soul, she strangely carries the aura of the living. This living aura can nurture all living beings and even resurrect the deceased, which should be a boon. However, Jun Jiao's living aura is overpowering and uncontrollable, necessitating the use of deathly aura to suppress it. Consequently, Jun Jiao dwells on the highest tier of Purgatory Mountain, where the deathly aura is most concentrated throughout the entire Underworld. "It's impossible to spare them," Jun Jiao remarks lazily, "but setting them on fire is certainly an option." The voice falls silent. "Aren't they yearning for freedom?" Jun Jiao continues, seemingly oblivious to her little companion's silence. "If we burn them, they'll turn to ashes. Carried by the wind, they can drift freely. That's genuine freedom." The voice remains silent. "Jiao Jiao, stay composed. Burning them may deplete our deathly aura reserves, making it insufficient to suppress them." Previously, each suppression lasted for a year, but the last one only endured for a month and expired yesterday. A year compressed into a month, fueling Jun Jiao's anger. "The method is sound, and both the quantity of deathly aura and the technique remain consistent," Jun Jiao comments casually while peering into the abyss. "The only alteration is the suppression's duration. When something unusual happens, there must be a cause. I have reasonable suspicion that those malevolent spirits are plotting something." "So, Jiao Jiao, what's your plan?" "The method can't be at fault, so the only potential issue could be the deathly aura. That's why I intend to descend and investigate," Jun Jiao explains. "If they've genuinely grown weary of being suppressed, I can assist them in finding their freedom." "The Lord of the Underworld will appreciate your efforts," the voice sighs. "But you'll likely regret it later. In this era, locating malevolent spirits isn't straightforward." "No matter," Jun Jiao smiles faintly. "If they behave, there won't be any issues. However, if they cause trouble, even if I can't control the living aura, I'll still handle them." "But..." "Worst-case scenario, I'll shift to a different world and a different Underworld." The voice falls silent. What else is there to say? Upon concluding her statement, Jun Jiao prepares to descend. Yet, just as she is about to do so, an immensely potent suction force suddenly emanates from the abyss. Simultaneously, the jade pendant necklace she wore around her neck becomes scorching hot. Her body loses control, lifted by the force, and she plummets into the abyss. In that moment of descent, all Jun Jiao can manage to say is, "Oh, damn!" before losing consciousness.