In the summer of 2011, Cheng Defu, a 66-year-old man from Dianjiang County, Chongqing, had an extraordinary experience. He was mistakenly taken to the underworld, where he faced none other than the King of Hell himself. While his journey turned out to be a mistake — a case of mistaken identity — it brought him face-to-face with grim lessons on morality, punishment, and redemption. Upon his return to the world of the living, Cheng was tasked with spreading these lessons to humanity.
Mistaken identity and a fateful meeting
Cheng’s life took a turn after a turbulent time in his personal relationships. Distraught and heartbroken after a sudden separation from his wife, Cheng set out to find her. On his journey back home, while on a bus near a village called Xiakou, he suddenly felt three firm taps on his chest. In an instant, he was swept away by two unseen figures, their speed so swift it felt like the wind roared past his ears.
He soon found himself kneeling before a regal figure on a grand throne. The figure introduced himself as the King of Hell. When asked for his name, age, and hometown, Cheng’s answers startled the King. After consulting the “Book of Life and Death,” the King realized the grave mistake: Cheng Defu of Dianjiang had been confused with another man, Chen Defu, a 40-year-old sinner from Zhanjiang.
The King of Hell promptly ordered Cheng’s return to the living. But before allowing him to leave, the King gave him three important tasks.
A harrowing tour of punishment
Before sending Cheng back, the King of Hell offered him a grim tour of the underworld to witness the consequences of earthly sins. Although the infamous 18 layers of Hell were too vast to explore in their entirety, Cheng was shown the lightest of punishments, which left him shaken to the core.
Crossing the perilous Naihe Bridge, Cheng saw a boundless “sea of blood,” filled with anguished souls being attacked by crocodiles, snakes, and other ferocious creatures. Many of these souls had been officials or public servants who misused their positions of power for personal gain. Their cries for mercy were heart-wrenching, but justice in the underworld was unyielding.
Cheng was also shown various torture devices designed to punish sinners according to their specific transgressions. One apparatus held corrupt officials who had embezzled public funds. Their flesh was cut off piece by piece, symbolizing repayment of their stolen wealth. Another punishment targeted deceitful merchants who cheated customers by short-changing them; they, too, suffered in proportion to their earthly wrongdoings.
The most shocking sight, however, was reserved for those who had engaged in immoral relationships. Cheng saw men and women who had committed adultery facing horrifying punishments, their faces mutilated in ways that symbolized their shameful acts.
A second chance to do good
After witnessing these chilling scenes, the King of Hell reminded Cheng of his tasks:
- Inform the living that the underworld exists to punish wrongdoers, ensuring that no sin goes unpunished.
- Encourage others to perform good deeds and help those in need.
- Share what he had seen in the underworld as a warning to turn away from wrongdoing and embrace virtue.
As Cheng prepared to leave, the King emphasized the urgency of his mission. The next moment, Cheng awoke in a hospital emergency room.
Gratitude and a lesson shared
Cheng learned that he had collapsed on the bus and was rushed to the hospital by the quick-thinking bus driver, who, with the cooperation of the passengers, prioritized saving his life. Upon regaining consciousness, Cheng recounted his otherworldly journey and the King of Hell’s message to those who had helped him. Moved by his story, they reflected on the importance of doing good and avoiding evil.
Cheng’s extraordinary experience serves as a universal reminder: Your actions, good or bad, carry consequences beyond your immediate lives. By choosing to live with integrity, help others, and avoid wrongdoing, we can create a legacy of virtue and ensure a brighter path for ourselves and those around us. The lessons from his journey encourage everyone to reflect on their choices and strive to lead a life guided by kindness and moral courage.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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