Chapter 254: The Unyielding Fury of the Underworld

Boom—!!!

A torrent of energy erupted from high above, crashing down with such force that countless air currents, colliding at high speed, sent forth white, ring-like shockwaves in every direction.

Wave after wave, reminiscent of the most resounding tide along the Jiulong River!

Boom, boom, boom!

Invisible ripples of qi collided beneath the night sky, unleashing thunderous roars that shook the very heavens.

A demonic python and a blue-blooded celestial dragon clashed in a ferocious explosion!

It was like a titanic brawl between two peerless beasts!

After impact, the overwhelming force reversed countless spent shockwaves, surging back like a relentless white tide that crashed together into a compressed mushroom cloud.

The Dragon Queen’s body, suspended in mid-air, was doused in thick blood as the collapsing shockwave struck her.

She was hurled like a broken kite, crashing into a vast crater created by the brutal impact of her half-step Martial Saint body.

Smoke and dust swirled upward, nearly ten meters high.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

Only the battered, formidable form of the Dragon Queen remained, her heavy, ragged breaths the only sound.

Within those breaths lay repressed madness and seething anger.

In the distance.

Su Huai Yin, the Divine Talisman Master of the Su Family, his expression as dark as still water, tapped his foot on the talisman pouch. Piles of Xuan Huang talisman paper lay scattered, as if transformed into a lotus platform supporting his drifting form.

Did someone escape?

The Underworld’s Cat Face… had managed to slip away from his meticulously arranged net.

To deal with this Cat Face—even if he was merely a top-tier Divine Guts Grandmaster—Su Huai Yin spared no effort, deploying eight precious Five Elders lower Divine Talisman formations, “Calming the Wind,” and even using the Divine Talisman technique “Water Severing” in an attempt to trap his foe.

But in the end, he failed to secure him!

Not only did all the talismans fizzle away, but his reputation as a master of Five Elders lower Divine Talismans was brutally sullied.

The Su Family, a venerable clan that had witnessed centuries of rise and fall, stood taller than even the Yun, Zhou, or Zhong families.

Even if those three were long-established clans, the Su Family’s pioneering research into Divine Talismans kept them ahead of all others.

Their proudest asset was their mastery of Divine Talismans—far surpassing achievements with Divine Eagles, Divine Weapons, or Martial Pills.

All because the Su Family boasted a Divine Talisman Demi-Saint!

Though not as renowned as the Divine Talisman masters in the Divine Capital, at least in Daocheng the Su Family was recognized as the premier Divine Talisman clan!

Daocheng had only two Divine Talisman Demi-Saints: one being the wife of the current Master of the Qianyuan Divine Sect—Xuan Qisha from the renowned Da Jing Qingyun Dao Xuan Talisman lineage—and

the other being Su Daoling from the Su Family.

Thus, Su Huai Yin’s grim expression and his desperate use of divine talisman techniques—to seal the void and block teleportation—resulted in…

Yet once again, the Underworld’s Cat Face slipped away!

“That chessboard…”

“Who is playing chess?”

Sitting cross-legged on the Talisman Lotus Platform, Su Huai Yin let the fierce wind lash at his robes, which clung to his thin, aged frame.

His hair whipped back as his electrifying eyes fixed on the empty space; though the chessboard and the Ink-Dark Ancient City had vanished, his gaze vividly replayed the recent events.

For a brief moment, he seemed to catch sight of someone placing a chess piece beyond the board.

That single move shattered every plan and calculation.

The Underworld…

The Underworld!

This force suddenly emerging in Daocheng was shrouded in mystery, utterly unknowable.

Ogre, Ma Mian, Divine Monkey, Black and White Wuchang… now even a trivial Cat Face barely remained.

Despite the weight of the Su Family’s heritage, he couldn’t even catch a Cat Face!

His eyes darkened; an unknown force worked against the Su Family, relentlessly hunting down its elites and legacy—a terror that felt like walking a tightrope above an abyss.

Su Huai Yin’s face naturally fell.

His primary target had been the Ogre, but the elusive Ogre had not acted recently. So he resolved to capture anyone from the Underworld instead.

After much effort, he finally nabbed a Cat Face.

But once again, it eluded him.

“No… it didn’t escape—it was rescued.”

“A powerful figure from behind the Underworld!” Su Huai Yin drew a deep breath.

One person…

Someone capable of deciding the fate of Daocheng’s vast chessboard with a single move!

The force needed to break free from eight ‘Calming the Wind’ seals clearly belonged to a Divine Nucleus cultivator, far beyond a mere beginner.

Perhaps even a Grand God in the ‘Fetal Head Transformation’ stage of Divine Nucleus Four Divine Transformation!

“The first Underworld operation has failed…”

In the distance.

After the Dragon Queen unleashed her dragon shadow and clashed with the demonic python, leaving her gravely injured,

assassins from the Three-Flower Luosha of Lie Shen Pavilion and the Black Jade Cursed Corpse Envoy of the Corpse God Sect began a hasty retreat.

Their roles were special—they had been invited to work together.

Now that the mission had failed, they naturally wouldn’t linger.

Especially the Black Jade Cursed Corpse Envoy of the Corpse God Sect, who was engulfed by thick dark mist as if swallowed by a deep chasm.

Howling winds stirred scattered stones across the ground.

The sound of breaking through the skies echoed continuously.

As the ‘Calming the Wind’ Divine Talisman formation was dispelled, the commotion at the Tiger Whale Gang’s base immediately drew the attention of various forces.

It felt as if the very winds of the heavens had suddenly stilled.

Time itself seemed to freeze in that moment.

Smoke and dust blanketed the scene as cracks spread across the earth.

In the span of a single breath, a silhouette arced across the sky, halting every falling raindrop which exploded into a dense mist.

An indescribably majestic aura rose, as if stirring legendary divine iron and inciting turbulent storms!

For that fleeting instant, even flashing winter lightning pale in comparison to the luminous power emanating from that figure!

Martial Saint!

Su Huai Yin’s eyes narrowed as his blood slowed, as though gripped by a giant, fearsome hand that made every breath a struggle!

This was one of the top fighters from the Temple Guardian Division in Daocheng!

Martial Saint Yu Wen Wenlong!

A force on par with the finest Martial Saints!

Clad in the robes of a Temple Guardian, Yu Wen Wenlong strode through the air with not a drop of weakness, as if he were one with the skies.

He stepped gracefully in mid-air, as if walking on flat ground.

This was the essence of a Martial Saint: channeling the power of heaven and earth as his own.

Standing aloof in the sky with his arms crossed, his gaze razor-sharp, an overwhelming aura cascaded downward like a waterfall.

Su Huai Yin’s expression softened slightly as he clasped his fists in respect.

“Governor Yu Wen.”

Yu Wen Wenlong shot him a cold glance; his temples pounded as his steely eyes swept like arcing currents.

“Are you planning to tear Daocheng apart?”

Su Huai Yin offered an awkward smile and remained silent.

“I still sense the taint of the Corpse God Sect in the air. What—are the Su Family colluding with the Corpse God Sect? Betraying Da Jing?”

Yu Wen Wenlong, with his imposing form and dark hair whipping in the wind, fixed him with a look that made Su Huai Yin’s face drain of color.

“Governor Yu, please do not say that. The Su Family is pure. Today, we joined forces with the Dragon Queen to eliminate Underworld villains. That evil aura comes from the dying forces of the Underworld—it’s possible the Underworld has allied with the Corpse God Sect.”

Su Huai Yin quickly explained.

The Corpse God Sect was a rebellious cult; secret communication was acceptable, but any public association would be dangerous and leave us vulnerable.

Yu Wen Wenlong wasn’t convinced by Su Huai Yin’s words.

The Su Family—what are they truly capable of? He knew all too well…

A host of nefarious dark arts were at play. Without the Su Family’s deep roots and vast network woven through Daocheng, they would stand no chance…

Not to mention the presence of Divine Nucleus cultivators and Divine Talisman Demi-Saints.

Yu Wen Wenlong found it best not to act directly.

Then, as if floating, he descended.

Stepping into the ruins, he saw the blood-soaked Dragon Queen, her garments stained with crimson.

A strange glimmer flickered in his eyes.

The Dragon Queen, peerless in battle, had been gravely injured—how could the Underworld inflict such a wound?

This injury… might have damaged her vital flesh core, endangering her very essence!

Noticing Yu Wen Wenlong’s gaze, the Dragon Queen slowly rose from the ruins, her expression a mask of cold sorrow.

Yet she seemed somewhat dazed, recalling the Ink-Dark Ancient City’s towering gates bursting open and the Golden Armored General standing at the threshold—a sight that stirred her soul.

Was that You Liqing?

You Liqing… isn’t he dead?

The Dragon Queen shook her head slightly; she was no fool.

She had seen You Liqing’s corpse—it was unmistakably real and could not be faked.

Thus, You Liqing must be dead.

Yet in that Ink-Dark Ancient City, the You Liqing there…

“Resurrected?”

“Or perhaps that city… can revive the dead?”

“Is that the power of the Underworld?”

The Dragon Queen’s blue eyes narrowed further, and in the next moment, an overwhelming chill enveloped her—a terrifying, mysterious force!

But an even greater sorrow spread through every fiber of her being.

You Liqing…

He no longer recognized her!

You Liqing… now seeks to kill her!

He isn’t the You Liqing she once knew!

The Dragon Queen felt an unbearable, piercing pain deep within.

Splat…

In that moment, she expelled a massive cloud of bloody mist.

Utter despair!

Yet even as she staggered, her blue eyes flared with unprecedented murderous intent!

Underworld!

I, Ao Yuxin, have been gravely injured!

Come and kill me!

You Liqing had been severely wounded…

and the Underworld, with its despicable tactics, seized the opportunity to execute him brutally!

Now, she herself is gravely injured…

Will the Underworld come looking for her?!

Yu Wen Wenlong glanced at the ruined base of the Tiger Whale Gang and mused, “The Tiger Whale Gang colluding with the Corpse God Sect?”

In the distance, the sound of shattering air echoed continuously.

More and more forces were arriving.

Huang Jianjiu of the Qianyuan Divine Sect appeared in a disheveled state, carrying his sword case.

From the Divine Guard Army came two generals: Yuan Wuming of the East Camp and the newly appointed West Camp General, Han Qi Zhong.

The Imperial Watch and many other prominent clans had also arrived.

Boom—!!!

A deafening explosion shattered countless stones into splinters.

A massive figure, as imposing as a mountain, crashed to the ground, kneeling on one knee.

It was Xue Nu Whale, leader of the Tiger Whale Gang and a peerless Grandmaster at the Top of the Three-Flower stage, his face etched with horror.

“Governor Yu Wen, it is my fault for failing to control my men!”

Xue Nu Whale’s expression was grim.

The Tiger Whale Gang, colluding with the Corpse God Sect—with half its members joining the cult and even their leader mastering the Cursed Silver Corpse technique—confirmed his disastrous mismanagement.

This only proved that things under his command had fallen apart.

Yu Wen Wenlong coolly ordered, “Xue Nu Whale, take all your clan’s masters and grandmasters to the Temple Guardian Division for a full investigation…”

“Understood.”

Xue Nu Whale offered no objection.

Yu Wen Wenlong paid him no further mind, and Su Huai Yin briefly recounted the recent events.

Everyone present drew a deep breath.

Even Yu Wen Wenlong’s heart trembled with the shock of it all.

“Not even eight ‘Calming the Wind’ formations could contain the Underworld villains?”

“What is the true origin of the Underworld?”

“Could it be another mysterious force born from the Sanqing Bizarre Temple’s Temple Spirit legacy?”

Yu Wen Wenlong, his broad form bathed in the turbulent winds of the ruins, allowed his eyes to glint with quiet intensity.

A subtle spark flickered in his gaze.

Underworld villains…

Ogre, Ma Mian, Divine Monkey, Thunder Dragon…

He had no clue about Ogre, Divine Monkey, or Thunder Dragon, but when it came to Ma Mian…

Yu Wen Wenlong had his suspicions.

Even if just a guess, it was enough for him.

“The mysterious teleportation technique of the Underworld…”

“If I could master it…”

……

……

The Ink-Dark Ancient City lay in serene silence.

Rain, tinted in ink, fell softly onto its closely packed buildings, diffusing a transparent, clear aura as if the city were isolated from the world.

You Liqing held a Zhangba Snake Halberd at an angle, its tip pointing to the ground, while his armor clinked mightily.

A golden helmet concealed his features.

In the distance, Li Qingshan—wearing a Cat Face Mask and with his heaving chest finally quieted—rose and let the rain drench him.

He was alive…

Li Qingshan exhaled deeply.

Gosh, that was… exhilarating!

He, the Cat Face, had also experienced a Martial Saint’s treatment!

Li Qingshan got to his feet and glanced at the distant Golden Armored General, his heart stirred.

He recognized You Liqing and knew this man must be the awe-inspiring West Camp General at the pinnacle of the Three-Flower stage.

Now, the West Camp General had become an Underworld member!

You Liqing walked over slowly, his feet splashing on the ink-blue stone as water rippled outward.

He flipped up his Golden Armor mask, revealing his cold, handsome face as he gripped his Zhangba Snake Halberd and respectfully saluted the Cat Face.

“Lord Cat Face.”

You Liqing bowed.

Ouch…

Li Qingshan felt a tingling all over his body.

This was West Camp General You Liqing, a top-tier powerhouse with blazing Three-Flower and Breath Retention Transformation!

Such presence demanded utmost respect—addressing him as ‘Lord’ by the Cat Face!

Amazing!

Li Qingshan felt as if he’d been hit by an icy, refreshing treat on a scorching day.

So cool!

Yet he knew this was because the Cat Face was a recognized Underworld member.

Cultivators resurrected like You Liqing always took lower priority than the Underworld’s Cat Face!

Li Qingshan returned the salute with deep respect.

Li Che, wearing an Ogre Mask, smiled faintly as he watched Li Qingshan and You Liqing exchange formal courtesies.

“Where is this place?”

Li Qingshan scanned the Ink City.

In a moment, Li Che deduced, “It’s the Underworld headquarters.”

He raised his hand.

With a flick, both a Feilei Chess Piece and an Ancient City Chess Piece shot into Li Qingshan’s hand.

“If you face mortal danger, crush the Ancient City Chess Piece to enter here for safety.”

Li Qingshan accepted the two pieces, feeling an immediate surge of security.

“If confronted by a Martial Saint or a Divine Nucleus cultivator… would hiding in the city save you?”

Li Qingshan softly asked.

Li Che’s eyes sparkled as he nodded, “You would survive.”

Once inside the Ink City, activating the Feilei Chess Piece allows one to teleport away—ensuring safety.

Li Qingshan finally understood and exhaled deeply.

But today’s events served as a grave warning.

In current Daocheng, too many strong foes targeted the Underworld; if Li Qingshan exposed himself again, it would be extremely dangerous.

Although flirting with death was oddly exhilarating,

it also revealed that Li Qingshan… could no longer keep pace with the Underworld’s rhythm.

In direct combat, he simply couldn’t match up.

Under his Cat Face Mask, his expression turned dejected.

Li Che seemed to perceive Li Qingshan’s thoughts clearly.

Being the only surviving member aside from Li Che himself…

Li Che decided it was time to bolster Li Qingshan so that even if he only chanted from behind, he wouldn’t be too weak.

In his chest, the Painted Immortal Dao Fruit pounded vigorously.

Li Che clenched his fist towards the void, and countless ink-colored raindrops gathered, coalescing into a booklet right before his eyes.

He tossed the booklet to the Cat Face.

This booklet contained the nascent power of Ink Slaughter.

A mere touch of ink could obliterate all!

Then, with another flick, he ensured that Niu Thirteen and three Luosha-level Divine Guts assassins from Lie Shen Pavilion followed the Cat Face, making the Cat Face the commander of four elite warriors.

Among them, Niu Thirteen was a preternatural Grandmaster.

Li Che briefly explained the booklet’s effects, causing Li Qingshan’s eyes to light up and his body to tremble!

Although using the booklet’s obliterative power drains massive amounts of qi and divine essence, for Li Qingshan it was his trump card!

Is this the benefit of joining the Underworld?!

A mysterious teleportation technique, the ability to enter the Ink City for safety at any time, and now an enigmatic obliteration technique!

Cat Face couldn’t put it down, constantly toying with the booklet.

Suddenly, the booklet transformed into an ink-like stream and merged into his Mud Pellet realm.

This allowed Li Qingshan to nourish and enhance his divine essence.

“Ogre, have you named this booklet yet?”

Li Che paused and shook his head.

“May I name it?”

Li Qingshan’s eyes shone brightly.

“From now on, the booklet is yours—name it as you wish.”

Li Che smiled.

Li Qingshan burst into hearty laughter, full of spirit.

“If your body is stained with ink, one thought decides life or death.”

“Henceforth, this booklet shall be called the Underworld…”

“Life and Death Book!”

……

……

Outside Daocheng’s Outer City, an Underworld member known as Cat Face rampaged through the Tiger Whale Gang.

King Ping Luan, together with the Dragon Queen and Su Huai Yin, deployed the eightfold ‘Calming the Wind’ Divine Talisman formation, yet still failed to restrain Cat Face, who escaped.

This news swept through all of Daocheng like a raging storm!

Thus, the name of the Underworld was etched into legend by this battle!

After all, an eightfold ‘Calming the Wind’ Divine Talisman formation that could confine even a Martial Saint couldn’t hold Cat Face!

Naturally, such news sent ripples throughout every corner of Daocheng, becoming the talk of every street and alley.

Now, among Underworld villains, the name Cat Face was infamous.

Ogre, Ma Mian, Divine Monkey, Thunder Dragon, Black and White Wuchang, and Cat Face…

Moreover, news that the Dragon Queen and King Ping Luan had suffered heavy blows in the battle to capture Cat Face spread like wildfire.

Even if the Dao Master Residence tried to suppress it, the news could not be contained.

……

On the twenty-fifth day of the first lunar month, during Jingzhe,

at the peak of the main gate of the True Sect of the Qianyuan Divine Sect,

an ancient brass bell, sealed for ten years, rang out. Its resonant waves shattered the cascading raindrops into ripples.

Its sound swept over the entire Daocheng.

At the same time,

news spread from Daocheng’s mountain gate like a hurricane.

Fang Han Shu, the inner gate elder of the Qianyuan Divine Sect and a major Divine Nucleus cultivator, personally announced:

“The True Sect Master, Lü Taibai, has stepped out of seclusion, and the final examination for his last personal disciple is set for February 26—Qingming!”

On Qingming, Lü Taibai will select his final personal disciple!

This announcement spread like tidal waves over the great river, shaking every corner.

Not only did it rattle Daocheng, but all subordinate cities and towns trembled upon hearing the news.

Lü Taibai, a Grand God at the Divine Nucleus Four Divine Transformation ‘Fetal Head Transformation’ stage, was a force few could match!

A Grand God of Divine Nucleus Four Divine Transformation is truly among the highest peaks of cultivation in the Da Jing world.

In fact, it was so.

The Imperial Watch and countless clans had once released rankings of the world’s top cultivators—one list for Divine Nucleus titans and another for top Martial Saints.

Fifteen names appeared on each list.

Within the Divine Nucleus rankings, Lü Taibai of the Qianyuan Divine Sect was placed fifth!

Such a powerful figure announcing the final disciple examination sent shockwaves far and wide.

Major and minor clans, sects, and martial circles stirred as news spread!

This was the impact of a Grand God renowned across the lands!

……

Crack, crack!

Thundering roars echoed as heavy lead clouds piled up, intertwined by lightning like dragon snakes.

Crackling!

Giant raindrops poured from the sky, splattering across the ancient city and conjuring a hazy curtain.

In Tinglei Alley.

In the Private Workshop Courtyard.

Above dark eaves, rain burst into a hazy white veil that cloaked the courtyard.

But moments later, the raindrops were swept upward by a terrifying force—like an inverted waterfall rising into the sky—colliding and exploding into a fine, misty powder.

High above, they coalesced into delicate white waves.

Ssst, ssst, ssst—

Li Che stood silently, gripping his Xuankin Eight-Treasure Thunder Dragon Staff as electrical currents danced around it.

With a twist of the long staff, it seemed as though a domineering, ferocious giant python had opened a colossal, blood-filled maw, ready to swallow ten times its size!

The terrifying roar shook the air, and shockwaves continued relentlessly.

This technique was none other than the Divine Seed Martial Arts move known as the Zhang Mo Mang Spear.

“Zhang Mo Mang Spear—perfected.”

“I’m not far from reaching the Master level.”

With a graceful retraction of his staff and a flick that sent swirling patterns in its wake, Li Che paused to exhale deeply.

Each breath, steady as a raging wind, gathered and then dispersed in a calm rhythm.

Inside him, his blood roared like molten glass, each drop sparkling like a precious gem.

“Though Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant has reached perfection, it remains in its peak state.”

“Angry Heavenly King Gaze, too, has progressed rapidly with the aid of Star Plucking, and is now perfected as well.”

“And with the newly perfected Zhang Mo Mang Spear…”

“I now possess three perfected Divine Seed Martial Arts techniques, but only by refining them to the Master level can I unlock the Miraculous Gate to truly harness Divine Seed.”

Li Che’s eyes flashed as if charged with electric energy.

“Moreover, the complete version of Blood Croc Cleave, combined with the Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade Divine Seed creating the Qi-Shan Lone Divine Blade, along with the Blood Cry Divine Phoenix Life-Death Arrow from Blue Bird, still fall short of perfection.”

Li Che exhaled; his bones creaked with each movement.

“Even with the backing of the Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit enhancing my martial talent, mastering a multitude of Divine Seed Martial Arts makes rapid progress difficult.”

“I eagerly anticipate fusing Divine Seed into the Eight Miraculous Gates alongside Dragon Elephant Vajra—could it stand against a Martial Saint?”

Li Che’s heart pounded with anticipation.

“Among Martial Saint techniques, the advanced form of Lingxu Baqi Steps still lacks refinement… I must find time to perfect it.”

With so many martial arts at his disposal, progress was uneven, and even Li Che struggled to balance them all.

This was only possible because the Dragon Elephant Dao Fruit frequently granted sudden insights.

“No wonder few can simultaneously master all eight Divine Seed techniques within the Eight Miraculous Gates…”

Li Che shook his head; even he felt the enormity of the challenge.

He returned beneath the eaves.

The rain, still pouring from the firm heavens, continued to fall relentlessly, as if expelling all pent-up fury.

Raindrops bounced off the dark tiles.

Li Che poured himself a cup of hot tea from the stove, drank it in one gulp, then sat cross-legged under the eaves to appreciate the early spring rain.

His eyes followed the rhythmic patter of the falling droplets.

“The Dragon Queen was gravely wounded by You Liqing’s shot… damaging her vital flesh core.”

“That injury is serious.”

“It’s stirring dangerous intentions.”

Li Che sipped his tea and set the blue porcelain cup aside, a slight smile curving his lips.

“But…”

“I wouldn’t rule out that she might be scheming against me…”

Li Che retrieved a Five Elders Divine Crystal, clutching it to absorb its divine essence as he began his cultivation.

“The possibility is high… When You Liqing, masked, fired that shot—knowing a Dragon Queen shouldn’t be gravely injured—she must have intentionally lowered her own aura to take the hit.”

“It may have been partly staged.”

Li Che pondered deeply.

With calm determination, he resisted the allure of the Dragon Queen’s grievous injury.

After all, in a month it would be February 26—Qingming…

“That is the day for the Master’s final disciple assessment. I wonder how XiXi is preparing? Though she managed to take a shortcut through the Sect Master’s Wife, the final exam remains incredibly difficult for her.”

Li Che frowned; while XiXi’s talent was remarkable, compared to the other prodigies she was still too young.

In recent days, wholesome prodigies had flooded Daocheng.

Some hailed from the Divine Capital; others, from various Daochengs…

All were elite youths brimming with celestial qi!

Truly… it was a hellish challenge!

Li Che exhaled deeply.

All he could do was train XiXi rigorously—stimulate the mythical weapon within her to release divine essence and forge her martial body.

In fact, Li Che’s own body had nearly absorbed all the divine essence from his Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade.

It was nearly time for the second phase of stimulation.

Whoosh—!

Suddenly,

a white Feilei Chess Piece materialized before Li Che. Someone grasped it, and gradually a figure coalesced.

It was You Liqing, clad in Divine Confinement attire with gleaming golden armor and an upright stance.

“My Lord.”

“The evil of the Corpse God Sect hidden within the Qianyuan Divine Sect… has been found.”

Under the eaves.

Li Che, holding a Five Elders Divine Crystal, slowly released it as his gaze fell upon the imposing figure of You Liqing in Divine Confinement.

“Who are you?”

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