Chapter 433: The Rise of the Underworld Ghost Emperor

Rumbling —

Crack, crack!

The very heavens trembled, shaken by the arrival of one man!

It was as if countless lost souls were stirred in an instant, recalling their final memories and their unwillingness to let go of the beauty of life.

They began to wail, scream, roar, and rampage—

An overwhelming chorus of mournful cries surged like a gateway being flung open, as if subduing innumerable vengeful ghosts, all heralding a slowly emerging figure.

A terrifying power of calamity—a strange, uncanny force—floated between heaven and earth, making even the cosmic will seem enraged; it was utterly out of place.

Underworld — Ghost Emperor!

Every gaze was fixed on the figure burning with purple flames, devoid of flesh, skin,

or hair—only the image of a golden skull remained.

He captivated everyone, becoming the undeniable focal point the moment he appeared!

Underworld — a new existence!

A presence even higher than the Underworld Yama!

At that moment, not only did the Imperial Army tremble, but even the powerhouses inside Daocheng, sheltered by the Underworld, felt an awe mixed with dread!

Yes, true awe!

Even formidable figures like Feng Zhiqi and Hong Shifo were left both shocked and reverent.

The might and mystery of the Underworld were evident to all.

Be it in Daocheng or the Divine Capital, their existence was inscrutable and wielded terrifying power.

And now, it seemed that a high-ranking figure from the Underworld had finally emerged—

or rather, unexpectedly appeared!

His very presence promised to alter the face of the human realm with terror!

He merely stood there; even his calm aura was enough to make the heavens and earth blanch and tremble!

Lü Qiankun stood before the Tiny Cosmic Niche, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly.

A chill of dread gripped his heart.

As a Divine Calamity cultivator at the one-disaster, two-calamity stage, he honed the most orthodox methods of divine practice.

In contrast, the Dragon God Clan tread the path of the ancestral dragon calamity, a path that resonated less overtly.

Yet Lü Qiankun clearly sensed that the Underworld Ghost Emperor, even while merely standing there, caused the forces of celestial catastrophe to shudder in awe and fear.

Indeed, it was fear—a response to encountering a force of calamity far beyond his own.

Much like how the White Abyss Calamity Fire pales before the Netherfire when faced with dire tribulations—

this was a vast difference in the very level of catastrophic might!

Underworld — what kind of calamity does it command?!

Lü Qiankun’s hairs prickled. Ever since he broke into the Divine Calamity realm and survived his trials, he had rarely felt such terror.

It was as if a mortal were encountering a real ghost.

Even during his fierce duel with the Old Dragon God inside Qiankun Space—when he had been slightly outmatched—he had not felt such paralyzing fear, for he knew that if he fought with all his might, he could hold his own.

But the calamity force wielded by the Underworld Ghost Emperor exceeded all his imagination.

It was a type of catastrophic energy he had never encountered before.

And the terror it inspired was not exclusive to Lü Qiankun; Fang Han Shu’s eyes narrowed and his scholarly robe stiffened as if forged from iron.

Fang Han Shu, not only a senior elder of Qianyuan Divine Sect but also a Lie Shen Assassin of the Lie Shen Pavilion, felt the full weight of the moment.

Watching the purple flames engulf the golden skull as if releasing the inner terror of the Underworld Ghost Emperor, an immense pressure suddenly crushed down upon him.

“Underworld—Underworld—Is it the human version of the Underworld or that of the Bizarre Temple?!”

Fang Han Shu began breathing heavily, his face flushed bright red.

A forceful curiosity compelled him to become increasingly fascinated by the Underworld.

Inside Daocheng,

Li Qingshan, his blue robe billowing, stood beside Granny Mu, whose spirit had been remarkably revived after eating a Paotao; even her vitality and qi seemed boosted.

They were left utterly dumbstruck.

Stunned into silence.

Underworld — Ghost Emperor?!

Could the Underworld really harbor such powerful figures?!

How many powerhouses did the Underworld hide?

Above, the Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame burned relentlessly, warping the air and searing the void.

The golden skull’s piercing gaze swept across the mortal realm, exuding boundless oppression.

This marked the first official appearance of the Underworld Ghost Emperor.

It was an unmistakable display of Underworld might to the entire world—a signal that the Underworld contained not only Yama but also a Ghost Emperor. Who knows if even mightier figures lie beyond?

Just when you thought Yama was the supreme power, a Ghost Emperor emerges.

When one cannot fathom the limits of the Underworld, an unfounded awe takes hold.

As the portal opened, Li Che too sensed the trembling of cosmic will, momentarily stunned though his golden skull mask betrayed no hint of fear.

It was like a mask—once concealing, now revealing.

To this indifferent world, it was as if an expressionless skull faced a cold, unyielding realm.

Except for his daughter and wife, nothing in Li Che’s soul had ever left a mark—he had always felt he did not belong here.

Thus, he harbored no emotions for this world.

“Celestial Will—”

Li Che lifted his head, glancing briefly at the turbulent cosmic force before offering a faint smile.

He rose onto his tiptoes; as the void shattered around him, he plunged through the portal, vanishing into darkness.

Boom!!!

The portal of Mo City’s Shandu in the Underworld slammed shut.

In that moment, the oppressive calamity force that had gripped the cosmos disappeared.

The power of the Dao Calamity clashed with the human realm’s one-disaster, two-calamity energies, as if in conflict.

Although Li Che hadn’t truly broken into the Divine Calamity realm—merely harnessing the Dao Calamity power—he was nevertheless marked by the cosmic will as if he truly belonged to the Divine Calamity.

Once Li Che returned to the portal, Mo City Shandu melted into a blot of inky darkness, vanishing from sight.

The terrifying oppressive aura soon dissipated.

Silence reigned across the cosmos.

The fierce opposition had dissolved into a peculiar, bewildering calm.

Should the battle continue?

The death of an Old Dragon God at the one-disaster, two-calamity stage was mourned by heaven and earth alike.

Though the cosmos hoped that Divine Calamity cultivators would refrain from unleashing their catastrophic power, a death invariably triggered ominous signs.

Aboard the warship,

National Teacher Xie Yunshen’s face was ashen, drained of all color.

Martial Saints and Divine Nucleus Cultivators from the Imperial Court began drifting away in a flurry.

Huang Mei Great Master wore a look of deep worry: “Amitabha, National Teacher, please rest.”

He helped Xie Yunshen onto the warship.

An eerie silence fell—a heavy, somber atmosphere.

Again and again—

Unquestionably, this expedition against Qianyuan Divine Sect had failed.

National Teacher Xie Yunshen had led his troops from the Divine Capital to subdue them, intending to break the sect and seize all fate—but

even high-ranking generals of the Divine Capital fought valiantly for him.

Yet a disastrous start meant that the very first Divine Sect had suffered crushing defeats.

In the first battle, several top peak masters and great deities perished; even a clone of King Ping Luan, Ji Mo Li, was cut to pieces.

The second battle was even more ludicrous—a powerful Old Dragon God from the one-disaster, two-calamity stage met his end.

Even Gu Qianchi couldn’t help but consider retreat.

He shook his head and sighed as he watched the paper-pale, fragile Xie Yunshen—whose life was nearly spent after using the Destiny Golden Lotus—falter.

Misfortune indeed!

Yes—misfortune perfectly described Xie Yunshen’s plight.

Even Gu Qianchi had to admire his endless strategies and countermeasures.

Yet facing an Underworld monster so unfathomable was an entirely different matter!

“National Teacher—are you still unwilling to give up?”

Gu Qianchi couldn’t help but ask.

Of course—as Patriarch of Bashu Sword Pavilion, his words carried a secondary meaning:

that if the National Teacher did not give up, then Gu Qianchi would be forced to.

Even the Old Dragon God was dead.

Gu Qianchi trembled, realizing that the Underworld Ghost Emperor was truly terrifying and inscrutable.

His first appearance had been heralded with the Old Dragon God’s life as a bombshell—who wouldn’t be afraid?

Gu Qianchi was convinced that the Dragon God Clan was doomed to perish and decline.

Relying solely on the Dragon Prince could never uphold the Dragon God Clan.

The Old Dragon God was the true backbone of the clan.

And Gu Qianchi himself was the pillar of Bashu Sword Pavilion.

“Patriarch Gu—are you leaving me?”

Xie Yunshen, pale-faced, glanced at Gu Qianchi.

Gu Qianchi stood with his hands behind his back, sighing softly.

The warship turned away from Daocheng; Xie Yunshen merely made a gesture without specifying the retreat distance.

Above the warship, winds howled relentlessly.

“Underworld—what an Underworld—”

Xie Yunshen shook his head, “But I am not willing to give in.”

“In our current state, if we return, the Emperor will surely rebuke us, and—my days are nearly numbered. I am almost dead.”

He whispered.

“Patriarch Gu, help me one more time—just one last time.”

Gu Qianchi’s expression darkened. “National Teacher, the Qi of Qianyuan is not yet exhausted. With the Underworld on our side, we are unstoppable. Besides—Qitian City is about to open. I must hurry there to take our chance.”

“In fact, it’s not just the Old Dragon God taking a chance; I, too, want to fight. In this realm, most Divine Calamity cultivators strive for a breakthrough. Missing this chance might mean never progressing again.”

Gu Qianchi said seriously.

He had planned to finish this mission and then join the Old Dragon God and Zhao Fangzhou in heading to Qitian City.

But alas, now he was the only one left to make that journey.

“National Teacher, continuing the assault on Qianyuan is meaningless—and we have no strength left.”

“Unless you can persuade Purple Mansion Divine Sect, South Sea Purple Bamboo Grove, or Xiao Lingyin Temple to send Divine Calamity reinforcements, breaking through the Underworld’s defenses is nearly impossible.”

“Even with the Old Dragon God’s sacrifice, we simply cannot overcome the Underworld.”

Gu Qianchi sighed deeply.

Xie Yunshen’s face was utterly pallid; he closed his eyes, and Gu Qianchi feared that the crushing despair might finally overwhelm him.

But soon, Xie Yunshen opened his eyes again.

“Patriarch Gu—”

“We will no longer attack Qianyuan.”

“Let’s choose another Divine Sect. At least—with the rallying cry of ‘Break the Mountain, Crush the Sect,’ why not target another?”

“At least to show the Emperor—”

Xie Yunshen said.

Gu Qianchi was taken aback.

“So—National Teacher, who are we attacking?”

“Guangling Dao borders Lingnan Dao; therefore, let’s assault Tian Dan Divine Sect along the way.”

Xie Yunshen leaned back in his Grand Master Chair, coughing softly as a flush rose to his cheeks.

“Assault Tian Dan Divine Sect?!”

Gu Qianchi was dumbfounded.

Was it really that sudden?

Wasn’t Tian Dan Divine Sect’s Patriarch the very man who had died fighting the Imperial Army against Qianyuan Divine Sect?

And now, they plan to attack Tian Dan Divine Sect?!

So cold and ruthless?

Aboard the warship, the shocked faces of many Martial Saints and Divine Nucleus Cultivators clustered around Xie Yunshen told the tale.

The Patriarch of Seven Treasure Divine Sect, Ning Caishen, and the Patriarch of Bashu Sword Pavilion, Gu Cheng, gasped for air; even actor Huang Mei managed a perfunctory “Amitabha.”

Gu Qianchi’s face trembled as he regarded Xie Yunshen with a complex expression.

No wonder this man, once a mere commoner, rose to become the Imperial Court’s most trusted National Teacher—ruthless, unfeeling, cold, and cruel!

But—

If today Xie Yunshen can treat Tian Dan Divine Sect this way, what about Bashu Sword Pavilion in the future?!

Gu Qianchi’s expression hardened, becoming inscrutable.

Xie Yunshen smiled and said, “Patriarch Gu, do you think I am too ruthless, unfeeling, or treacherous? Tian Dan Divine Sect has willingly submitted to the Great Jing Court—so after our defeat against Qianyuan Divine Sect, I turned my sights on Tian Dan. Is that too cruel?”

Gu Qianchi nodded slightly.

He wanted to hear an explanation from Xie Yunshen; if it failed to satisfy him, it would be time to part ways.

Xie Yunshen shook his head, “Patriarch Gu—Bashu Sword Pavilion is different from Tian Dan Divine Sect.”

The five major sects that submitted to the Great Jing Court—Dragon and Tiger Divine Sect, Bashu Sword Pavilion, Seven Treasure Divine Sect, Haoran Academy, and Tian Dan Divine Sect—were not all genuine in their allegiance. Only Dragon and Tiger Divine Sect and Bashu Sword Pavilion truly submitted, while Seven Treasure Divine Sect remained ambiguous, and Haoran Academy as well as Tian Dan Divine Sect were far from sincere.

They merely sought to use the court’s might to attack and weaken other sects, for they wouldn’t even lend their Divine Calamity masters in support—

Xie Yunshen’s gaze turned cold.

“I have personally visited Tian Dan Divine Sect—located in Guangling Dao, bordering Lingnan Dao. If they were truly loyal, why did Patriarch Yang Xuan refuse to aid us?”

“From the very start, Tian Dan Divine Sect was my target for ‘Break the Mountain, Crush the Sect.'”

After Xie Yunshen finished speaking, Gu Qianchi’s expression softened as he considered the matter.

He believed him.

After all, Tian Dan Divine Sect was so close in Guangling Dao—why wouldn’t its Patriarch come to our aid?

One more Divine Calamity breakthrough could tip the scales in our favor.

Xie Yunshen’s face flushed as blood stung his lips and his complexion turned ghostly white, yet he stood firm, staring intently at Gu Qianchi.

“Patriarch Gu—only Dragon and Tiger Divine Sect and Bashu Sword Pavilion are true allies; Tian Dan Divine Sect—no.”

“Patriarch Gu, will you offer your support one last time? With my trump card, I promise we will break through and crush the sect!” Xie Yunshen declared passionately.

“Patriarch Gu—”

“I’m really on the brink of death.”

Gu Qianchi, watching the passionate yet confident Xie Yunshen, felt a surge of admiration. As the National Teacher admitted his imminent end, he sighed softly.

“Alright, then—this is our final stand.”

Above Daocheng,

Dark clouds descended relentlessly, as if releasing a long-held tempest of calamity.

Yet before the storm could erupt, the city walls erupted in unprecedented cheers.

It was the sound of the Divine Guard Army’s warriors; even the four great generals, including Han Qizhong, exhaled deeply, their taut bodies finally relaxing.

They had retreated.

The Imperial Army’s expedition force had completely withdrawn!

This meant that Qianyuan Divine Sect had triumphed once more!

Having repelled the Imperial Army twice—the forces commanded by National Teacher Xie Yunshen—

who could have predicted this outcome before the war?

Facing a combined force of five Divine Sects and the Imperial Court, every foot soldier in Qianyuan Daocheng had prepared to die once the city fell.

Yet who could have imagined that two decisive victories would send the court’s warships scurrying away like lost dogs?

The resounding victory in Qianyuan Daocheng was utterly exhilarating.

If Qianyuan were ever to rebel and establish its own stronghold, there would be no doubt about it!

Of course, some remained calm, knowing that these victories were inextricably linked to the Underworld.

Cheers exploded like thunder, shaking the heavens and boiling the earth!

Li Che returned from Mo City, having exchanged identities with Painted Immortal’s clone Ma Mian, and joined the revelry with a smile.

Boom!!!

After a long, pent-up build-up, the terrifying calamity force finally burst forth in an explosion!

At the eerie Bizarre Temple of the True Three-Eyed Immortal, plum blossoms bloomed in the chill of winter.

Inside the temple, a long, resonant roar erupted.

Then a shaft of sword light shot into the sky as Lü Taibai’s silver hair danced; blood split across his brow as the Tao Calamity Sword leapt forth.

Above, one of the three tribulations—Annihilating God-Wind—crashed down with earth-shattering force.

Lü Taibai became one with the sword light, plunging resolutely into the heart of the calamity.

Li Che looked up, his gaze unfathomably deep.

The true tribulation of these three disasters was indeed formidable—a terrifying force that swept over every corner of heaven and earth, its oppressive will sending shivers down every spine.

This passage through calamity lasted nearly seven days.

The jubilant atmosphere in Qianyuan Daocheng after repelling the Imperial Army slowly faded, leaving many to cast wary glances at the skies.

Amid the dark clouds, a figure in white emerged, transforming into a silver streak of sword light, as if chasing the wind or being chased by it.

Everyone hoped for Lü Taibai’s breakthrough.

If he succeeded, Qianyuan Divine Sect would gain another Divine Calamity cultivator—two such beings to further elevate its position.

And Qianyuan Daocheng would become even more secure.

The heavens and earth turned dim, all due to Lü Taibai undergoing his tribulation.

Thus, whether day or night, the skies remained overcast.

Qianyuan Divine Sect.

Disciples’ City, Elders’ Court.

In the study,

His eyes opened and closed as the Cosmic Chessboard swirled overhead, gradually forming a scene.

Within it, one impression focused on XiXi’s training progress.

That bold girl had led her little companions toward Jiangnan Dao, following the Grand Canal southeast.

Li Che knew exactly what she intended—to reclaim that elusive Hun Tian Ling.

That artifact had been taken by Corpse God Sect and ended up at its headquarters along Jiangnan Dao in Jizhou.

XiXi had even learned to disguise herself using the symbol-drawing ability passed down through the Painted Immortal Dao Fruit.

Both had taken on disguises.

Li Che, seated in the study, slowly exhaled.

“Jiangnan Dao—Jizhou.”

“Corpse God Sect’s headquarters—that’s also the base of Ji Mo Li!”

Li Che squinted his eyes thoughtfully.

“And moreover—Qitian City also seems to be located in Jiangnan Dao.”

“With Qitian City opening, that bold girl—won’t she want to join the fray?”

Li Che pondered.

Qitian City lay in Jianzhou of Jiangnan Dao, adjacent to the East Sea; its location was exceptionally unique.

Jiangnan Dao was vast—the largest of the Eleven Routes of Dajing—encompassing eight regions and thirty-two prefectures.

Yet its prosperity was thanks to the many prominent Confucian and Daoist families of Jiangnan.

Beneath that prosperity lurked numerous troubles that even the Great Jing Court found exasperating.

Li Che set aside his thoughts and glanced at the busy XiXi.

Then his gaze returned to the swirling Cosmic Chessboard.

Amid a dazzling interplay of light, a new scene emerged: Xie Yunshen and his allies’ warship had entered Guangling Dao, rapidly approaching Guangling Daocheng with enemy forces at its gates.

A slight smile played across Li Che’s lips.

“Tian Dan Divine Sect—how dare they fool my daughter? Is a mere Martial Saint battle with Gu Chuan supposed to settle this?”

Li Che’s eyes turned increasingly cold.

A single Martial Saint battle would not suffice.

What Li Che desired was for Tian Dan Divine Sect—

their complete annihilation!

Boom!!!

A terrifying roar suddenly broke out in the sky, snapping Li Che’s thoughts back as his dark cloak fluttered, and he stepped into the courtyard.

Zhang Ya, dripping with sweat from her rigorous training, had finished and joined Li Che by his side.

The couple stood in the courtyard looking upward.

There, above the Heavenly Dome, a silver sword light streaked across like a mighty river.

Then, the very fabric of space shattered, piece by piece…

From the void and darkness, a strand of sword qi slowly expanded and intricately interwove like the needle of a skillful seamstress,

carrying ever-renewing Tao energy as it gradually carved out a small niche in space about ten zhang in diameter!

“Hahaha—”

Lü Taibai sat cross-legged in that small niche, laughing heartily at the heavens.

The Taibai Sword shimmered with silver light as it floated in his grasp.

“Today, I, Lü Taibai, have entered the Divine Calamity realm!”

“From now on, there is no place in heaven or earth that I cannot reach!”

Lü Taibai’s majestic spirit soared skyward.

The oppressive, doomsday-like black clouds began to dissipate as his breakthrough took effect.

Brilliant sunlight burst from behind the clouds,

bathed the dark Qianyuan Daocheng in a rejuvenating golden glow.

“Ahahaha—”

“Where are the old misfits of the Dragon God Clan? I, Lü Taibai, have entered the calamity!”

“Come and fight!!!”

Lü Taibai roared as he dashed out of the freshly carved niche.

His fighting spirit ignited, the intricate Tao patterns on his brow surged mightily.

The faces of Lü Qiankun, Fang Han Shu, Feng Zhiqi, Zhao Fangzhou, and other powerhouses of Qianyuan Divine Sect turned awkward in unison.

Lü Taibai frowned as if he didn’t understand what was happening.

Yet he asked no more questions.

With one decisive step, ripples spread in the space beneath his feet.

It was as if he were stepping on a beam of sword light, instantly dashing out—800 li beyond Daocheng—

and then—

there was nothing more.

Lü Taibai gazed at the empty expanse 800 li away.

He stood with his hands behind his back, lost in deep thought.

The once-occupied Imperial encampment was now covered in pristine white snow.

Suddenly, a surge of unspoken grievance nearly overwhelmed him.

He, Lü Taibai—

had he fought through life and death only to break the solitude?!

Inside Daocheng,

Lü Qiankun, suspended high in the sky, shook his head with a soft laugh.

Zhao Fangzhou, Feng Zhiqi, and the others exchanged glances and burst into hearty laughter—a laughter full of hope for a promising future.

Qianyuan Divine Sect—its future was bright!

In the small courtyard,

Li Che wrapped his arms around his wife Zhang Ya’s waist and smiled warmly.

“Sect Leader, your sword is too slow.”

Even Zhang Ya couldn’t help but cover her mouth and giggle, though she knew it was hardly proper for the Sect Leader—XiXi’s master, leader of Qianyuan Divine Sect, and a recently breakthrough Divine Calamity cultivator—to laugh this way.

But that slight delay was undeniably comical.

Just as Li Che chuckled with his wife,

a knock sounded at the courtyard door; Li Che instantly sensed a visitor.

With a dismissive wave, he opened the door.

Standing outside was none other than the Outer Gate Elder, Jiao Shaoqiu.

“Elder Li.”

Jiao Shaoqiu looked upon the upright, modest Li Che with a complex mix of emotions in his eyes.

The young man he had once escorted from Jin Guang Mansion to Daocheng had grown so mighty that Jiao Shaoqiu now admired him deeply.

“Elder Li, I’ve come bearing an urgent letter from Jin Guang Mansion—it just arrived in haste. I won’t keep you long; the children are waiting for me to guide them.”

“Although I doubt I can train another sect dragon like XiXi, this old man still must contribute in some way.”

Jiao Shaoqiu smiled warmly.

Then, he took out a letter from Qian Kun Jade and handed it to Li Che.

Declining Li Che’s invitation for tea, he quickly left the courtyard—hurried, for a group of new prodigies awaited his mentorship.

They were the future of the sect.

Li Che watched Jiao Shaoqiu’s departing figure, his back stooped, and felt an uplift in his heart.

He withdrew his look of admiration.

Instead, his eyes fell on the letter Jiao Shaoqiu had delivered.

Zhang Ya leaned in closer.

“An urgent letter from Jin Guang Mansion?”

Li Che nodded.

His heart stirred as he recalled a long-ago promise.

For this letter came from Jin Guang Mansion’s Shendiao Ridge.

“Jin Guang Mansion Shendiao Ridge—Tang Sanjia—”

“So under Shendiao Ridge—what secrets are hidden?!”