Outside Fengdu County was a chasm, bottomless to the eye. Legend held it to be the very court of the Yanluo Tianzi, the Lord of Death. Every instrument of torture within was man-made. When shackles and fetters grew rotten and decayed, they were tossed to the mouth of the cave; after a single night, they vanished without a trace, and the county magistrate would inevitably dispatch men to deliver new replacements. All expenditures for the cave's upkeep were meticulously recorded.

During the Ming Dynasty, Lord Hua, the Imperial Censor traveling on official duty, was inspecting Fengdu. Upon hearing this legend, he refused to believe it. He was determined to enter the cave and dispel the mystery. Everyone warned him, "Do not act rashly." Lord Hua paid no heed. Carrying a candle, he ventured in, accompanied by two retainers, proceeding deep within the chasm until the candlelight sputtered out. When his eyes adjusted, he saw a wide, paved path leading to more than ten grand halls, all filled with officials in court robes, holding their official tablets, their expressions solemn and proper. The hall to the east held an empty seat reserved, and as the officials saw Lord Hua arrive, they stepped forward to greet him, laughing, "You have finally come. How have you been?"

Lord Hua inquired, "What place is this?" The reply came, "This is the Underworld." Lord Hua recoiled in shock. The officials pointed to the empty chair, saying, "This seat is for you; how can you come only to turn back?" Lord Hua grew increasingly fearful and pleaded, "I have trespassed into this sacred place; please grant me leniency." They responded, "Fate cannot be evaded." One produced a scroll upon which was written: "On such-and-such a date, Hua, in mortal flesh, shall return to the Yin." The moment Lord Hua saw the inscription, his entire body shuddered as if plunged into icy water. Recalling his elderly mother and young children, he wept bitterly.

Presently, a golden-armored deity emerged, bearing a yellow silk decree. The officials knelt to receive the mandate, opened it, and read aloud, congratulating Lord Hua: "You have a chance to return to the living!" Lord Hua was overjoyed and asked, "What is the meaning of this?" They explained, "The Jade Emperor just issued a decree, granting a great amnesty throughout the Underworld. The transgressions committed by your esteemed self will no longer be prosecuted. We shall send you back now." They pointed vaguely toward a passage and urged him to hurry on his way.

A few steps ahead, the darkness was absolute, impossible to navigate. Lord Hua was at a complete loss, filled with remorse. Suddenly, a divine general strode in—his face was red, his beard long, and he radiated brilliant light. He stated, "Chanting the Buddhist scriptures will allow you to exit." With that, he departed.

Lord Hua reflected, "I only know the Diamond Sutra." He then pressed his palms together and began reciting the text. Instantly, a beam of light appeared, illuminating the path ahead. If he forgot a line, the light would immediately vanish. He concentrated, recalled the passage, and recited again; the light reappeared. After considerable struggle, he finally emerged from the cave. As for the two retainers, being illiterate, their fate was self-evident.