At the Nine-Netherworlds Creed’s headquarters, a long rectangular conference table occupied the center of the room. The creed leader sat on one side, facing the three vice creed leaders on the other. Beside each seat sat white porcelain teacups filled with steaming water.4

The creed leader cleared his throat and opened his notebook. “Let’s begin today’s meeting. There are three items on the agenda. First, Vice Creed Leader Xiang will report on the creed’s activities over the past month.”0

Vice Creed Leader Xiang had a peculiar appearance, with three eyes on his forehead that allowed him to keep his eyes on all directions and perceive everything. He was the executive vice creed leader in charge of everyday affairs.2

“Since the sixth month, the creed has demonstrated a stable and improving trend. This month, we gained thirty-three new disciples: twenty-three...0