Chapter 450: The Underworld Strikes Back

Underworld.—.

It’s the Underworld again!

And still that familiar Cute Cow Mask—even if there were two knife-scar cuts on it, it remained unchanged.

Niu Yi, Niu Er————.

They consecutively slaughtered two top-tier Demon Kings!

In an instant, the atmosphere turned grim and frigid as a terrifying killing intent roared down from the City Tower.

Seated atop the tower, the White Crane Demon God’s expression darkened to the extreme. This was a top-tier Demon King, whose might was crucial even under his demonic vassalage!

In the end, two fell in one go—a catastrophic loss for the Crane Demon King, sending his standing among the mortal realms’ vast currents plummeting rapidly.

He lost his comparative status among the Demon Gods.

Within the demonic clan, the number and influence of Demon Kings—big or small—were of paramount importance.

“Underworld!!!”

Furious beyond measure, the White Crane Demon God’s two crane-like eyes seemed ready to burst from their sockets as his roar threatened to split the sky!

He sprang to his feet, surrounded by a storm of interlacing sword auras as his crane robe billowed wildly.

He turned his gaze toward Niu Yi, not far from the top of the tower.

Niu Yi? Niu Er? Could they possibly be the same person?

The Crane Demon God’s face was as cold as ice.

Meanwhile, below, after slaying the Yuan Leopard Demon King, Li Che leisurely absorbed the Demonic Pill and felt exceptionally elated.

A glitter of light flashed before his eyes.

[Dao Fruit: Wan Yao Di (LV5 70%)]

The demonic aura of one Demon King boosted the Wan Yao Di Dao Fruit’s maturity by 10%. A few more and it might jump straight to LV6.

Li Che’s smile at the corner of his lips couldn’t be contained; his mood soared.

For Li Che, nurturing the Dao Fruit’s maturity was both vital and rare.

The atmosphere grew eerily strange across the heavens.

Even above Qitian City, the gigantic Black Niu Tou formed from countless demonic auras now wore a subtly angry expression.

After all, Niu Yi and Niu Er were just too suggestive—could it be that one person was deliberately stirring trouble?

But then—

The imposing Heavenly Dao Soul of the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme swept ominously over Niu Yi’s body, and his frown deepened.

Because Niu Yi stood atop the tower—a living, breathing body, making authenticity undeniable.

The White Crane Demon God radiated clashing sword auras.

Yet under the oppressive might of the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme, he dared not make a single move; the higher ranked always crushed the lower, especially within the demon clan.

“Enter the city.”

The Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme ordered coolly.

Wearing the Niu Er Mask, Li Che showed no fear as he strode into the city.

After selecting a room in the city, he ascended the City Tower and stood side by side with Niu Er.

Seated on the tower, the White Crane Demon God shot a piercing glance at the masked figures of Niu Yi and Niu Er.

But Niu Yi and Niu Er remained impassive—after all, at this point they were merely Painted Immortal Clones.

Below Qitian City.

Among the gathered cultivators watching the battle, someone couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh.

The demons’ stunt was almost like shooting oneself in the foot.

Indeed, the strong have every right to set rules.

The Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme might be upholding the Qi Tian Will—and perhaps even planning such regulations to allow the demon clan’s powerhouses to ruthlessly slash at the human cultivators invading Qitian City, instilling fear among them.

In doing so, they aimed not only to prevent a united human assault on the demon rulers of Qitian City but also to crush human ambition.

Yet—

They ended up losing two Demon Kings instead.

The demon clan’s aura over Qitian City significantly weakened.

Meanwhile, the human cultivators below felt a refreshing sense of liberation; they had been oppressed for far too long.

Despite Qitian City traditionally belonging to humans, these cultivators hadn’t even been allowed to set foot inside, shunned by the demons.

“Hahaha! So liberating!”

Lü Taibai roared with laughter.

His silver hair flew wildly as his bright, sparkling eyes shone.

The Taibai Sword in his sleeve clanged loudly, yearning to be drawn and charge into battle against the demon gods.

Yet Lü Taibai was in no hurry; he knew—once the Underworld moved, one had to watch closely.

After all, the Underworld’s methods were most reliable.

And it wasn’t just Lü Taibai—cultivators from various factions shared the same mindset.

They were all waiting to see just what tricks the Underworld had up its sleeve.

The eyes of many human cultivators were fixed on that.

In the Western Lands of Buddhism, numerous Buddhist monks wearing bamboo hats flashed sharp glances.

Similarly, on Witch God Mountain, robed and hooded cultivators with dark hats observed intently.

This time, the number of powerhouses gathered over Qitian City was remarkable. If they united to assault the demon clan ruling Qitian City, they might just break the demon’s monopoly and blockade.

Perhaps the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme deliberately set an entry rule with this very purpose.

But under this rule now—

Two top-tier Demon Kings had already perished.

The White Crane Demon God’s face turned grim, yet he could not ignore the rules set by the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme.

So, he could only focus his mind and summon his last top-tier Demon King vassal.

A hulking, imposing man—the Black Bear Demon King—stood before him, with a scarred upper body, hefting a massive black axe and exuding a vicious glare.

“Black Bear Demon King, come and assist in guarding this domain.”

The White Crane Demon God spoke in a deep tone.

However, as soon as he spoke, his gaze abruptly shifted toward the bustling crowd of martial artists in the Great Realm.

Sure enough, a bamboo-hatted martial guest stepped forward from the crowd.

His bulging muscles strained against even a loose black robe, unmistakably showcasing a towering physique.

A torrent of ferocious aura surged forth like an unbridled flood!

Another Martial Saint Fourfold had appeared!

All eyes in the crowd fixed on this formidable figure.

Amidst the rapt attention, Li Che smiled faintly and removed his bamboo hat.

“Underworld Niu San, come and teach me a lesson.”

A light, detached laugh echoed beneath Qitian City.

Yet no one laughed further.

Niu San?

Could it really be true?

Even Lü Taibai, a steadfast believer in the Underworld, sensed something awry.

Does the Underworld really have this many bovines?

“Alright, Niu San, is it?!”

The White Crane Demon God, barely containing his fury, looked toward the Black Bear Demon King—his mightiest Demon King vassal.

“Let him kill me!”

“I demand you bring me his head!”

His tone turned deadly cold.

The Black Bear Demon King hefted his massive black axe, let out a booming laugh, and stepped off the tower. The shifting fog transformed him into his true black bear form—a colossal, tens-of-zhang creature exuding overwhelming presence!

Demonic auras roiled like a storm, intermingled with the force of Witch Demon Calamities.

Human cultivators braving the Triple Calamity, Dragon Ancestor Calamity, and Demon Witch Calamity—

Li Che observed calmly. This Black Bear Demon King was indeed far stronger than the previous two Demon Kings, but—

That was all.

It wasn’t a Divine Calamity; for Li Che, dealing with him was hardly a challenge.

With a grasp of his five-finger manual, Wu Shi gathered innumerable auras into a jet-black axe that seemed to swallow every shred of light, leaving only boundless darkness!

Then came the Xiangong Dao Induction!

And the Ghost Axe!

The Black Bear Demon King, gripping his giant axe, leapt down with the grandeur of one swallowing mountains and rivers as terrifying auras roared like tidal waves!

Yet, suddenly, Niu San’s black axe flashed silently, and from his body radiated countless streams of brilliant, glowing auras as if space itself trembled!

A collision ensued!

Terrifying, turbulent auras surged wildly between heaven and earth.

Li Che had no intention of matching the Black Bear Demon King blow for blow.

After the first clash, within Li Che’s heart the Wan Yao Di Dao Fruit vibrated subtly.

Nascent Divine Power: Demon Subjugation!

The Black Bear Demon King felt a deep chill in his heart, his entire body trembling, his exposed teeth bared in horror that couldn’t be concealed!

He stared in shock at Niu San—was that truly a human? Beneath the mask lay what seemed to be a Demon God!

The overwhelming suppressive force made the Black Bear Demon King suffer so much he nearly spat blood!

It was as if he was compelled to drop to his knees!

What kind of technique was this?!

He recalled the tragic fates of the previous two Demon Kings.

At that moment, even the Black Bear Demon King began to panic.

Roar!

The Black Bear Demon King bellowed as he tried to break free of the demon subjugation and retreat into the city.

Yet Li Che was right on his heels as the Shengtian Dao Domain was activated.

The Black Bear Demon King suddenly felt a weakness akin to the exhaustion after being with a hundred bear queens—the strength in his legs gave way.

Soon, his cultivation began to slip, and before he could recover, the jet-black axe—like a hidden black dragon emerging from an abyss—severed his head in one fell swoop.

Another beheading—a forceful chop!

Blood spilled like a raging tide!

As the Demonic Pill was absorbed and his demonic body retracted, every movement became fluid as if carried by the wind.

The Black Bear Demon King fell!

A potent stench of blood wafted through the air, even as anguished souls of fallen Demon Kings roared in defiance!

Over the vast Heavenly Dome, clouds intermingled as thunder clashed—almost as if the repeated demises of Demon Kings had triggered a celestial upheaval.

Huge raindrops began plummeting rapidly from the sky,

Pattering and exploding on the ground into a hazy mist,

As if trying to wash away the residual demonic aura left by the fallen Demon Kings before Qitian City.

Cold rain lashed against faces.

Seated on the tower, the White Crane Demon God watched the spectacle with satisfaction.

All three top-tier Demon Kings under his command had fallen—

Involuntarily, he looked up toward the swirling demonic mass above Qitian City: the will of the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme.

The Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme also fell silent.

His gaze fixed on the three Underworld cultivators wearing masks.

Was this—

An overlooked loophole?

But no—it was simply that the Underworld had brought forth true power, decisively slaying the Demon Kings.

Naturally, the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme trusted his Heavenly Dao Soul because, upon a sweep, Niu Yi, Niu Er, and Niu San were all living beings.

Moreover, the three displayed different martial techniques during their skirmish.

In short…

The Demon Kings dispatched by the White Crane Demon God were simply inferior in skill.

Even the Crane Demon God himself seemed to understand something, a trace of dejection on his face.

“Indeed, the Demon Kings I honed have grown… somewhat weak.”

“But, Honorable Demon God, I no longer have any top-tier Demon Kings to fulfill the gatekeeping duty—”

“Don’t worry. I will have the Underworld’s Niu Mo deploy his top-tier vassals to guard the entrance.”

The Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme replied coolly, his voice booming and shaking the air.

Soon, Niu San also entered the city and ascended the tower.

The White Crane Demon God closed his eyes to steady his breathing, his anger now subsiding—after all, what was done could not be undone.

He no longer possessed any top-tier Demon Kings to unleash in reckless slaughter.

Yet Li Che did not feel any regret.

Qitian City was defended by three Demon Gods at its gates: the White Crane Demon God at the South Gate, the Jade Horn Rhino Demon God at the North Gate, and the Golden Wing Demon God at the South.

These three Demon Gods—

Li Che’s eyes gleamed. Perhaps it was time to try his hand on a Demon God.

On the City Tower, donning the Niu San Mask, Li Che’s focus surged as he shifted, leaving behind a Painted Immortal Clone of Niu San.

Thunderous rain poured down as if cleansing the fallen Demon Kings’ remnants along with the lingering demonic aura, indirectly influencing the will of heaven and earth.

Perched on the tower, the White Crane Demon God lowered his gaze, allowing the rain to wash over him.

The loss of his three top-tier Demon King vassals was a tremendous blow.

He suppressed his mounting anger and murderous intent.

Suddenly,

The White Crane Demon God felt something and his eyes suddenly snapped open!

Before him, the void at Qitian City slowly began to fracture, as square-shaped cracks in the void interlocked and overlapped.

Then, a cold and dark portal emerged—a gateway that slowly tore open the void. On either side, city walls stretched endlessly, collapsing as if forced out of nothingness.

That was—

Mo City Shandu!

A black fortress floated from the gaping rift, standing in opposition to Qitian City!

Winds howled and waves surged as countless raindrops were shattered by an overwhelming force!

On the City Tower, the gaze of the White Crane Demon God and the will of the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme, amassed with demonic auras over Qitian City, were fixed in unison.

The White Crane Demon God’s hair whipped about uncontrollably, his eyes blazing with malice.

He fixed his gaze on a towering figure on the tower of Mo City Shandu.

The figure wore an adorable Cute Cow Mask, with jet-black, sturdy hair flying wildly. His tightly fitted black attire revealed a physique carved from muscle.

“Underworld!”

“It’s Underworld Niu Mo!”

“One of the Underworld’s true villains—Niu Mo!”

The gathered human cultivators shrank back in shock and cried out.

After Niu Yi, Niu Er, and Niu San—

Could it be that the Underworld’s Ogre is finally making an appearance?!

The White Crane Demon God abruptly stood, his arms outstretched as his crane robe flared, brimming with murderous intent!

He knew that this Niu Mo was coming for him!

In that moment, the White Crane Demon God felt at ease—clearly, Niu Yi, Niu Er, and Niu San were nothing more than vassals under Ogre’s command.

Just like the three Demon Kings—Bai Tang, Yuan Leopard, and Black Bear—were his top-tier demons.

And now, with the top-tier Demon Kings defeated, it was time for a showdown between equals!

If Li Che could sense the Crane Demon God’s current thoughts, he’d likely remark that the demons were refreshingly straightforward.

But then…

Li Che’s eyes shone as the endless sword auras around the White Crane Demon God surged like countless wailing souls. Countless lives had fallen at his hands!

His killing intent was terrifying and unstoppable.

“Come!”

“Underworld Niu Mo!”

The White Crane Demon God strode forward, and as if white cranes spread their wings behind him, two swords—black and white—wreathed around him.

“If you wish to enter Qitian City, then defeat me first!”

“Since your vassals slew my three Demon Kings, it’s only right that I kill you!”

Within the Crane Demon God’s eyes, three swirling orbs of energy mirrored a chaotic demonic aura, as if harnessing the pillars of heaven itself.

Thunderous roars from the assembled human cultivators filled the air, many faces shifting as they sensed the overwhelming aura.

A Divine Calamity battle?

All eyes turned to Underworld Niu Mo. Lü Taibai, Fang Han Shu, and the others looked on in disbelief. Underworld Niu Mo—had he really dared to confront a Divine Calamity level Demon God?

Lü Taibai and the others knew well Niu Mo’s history. This Ogre had been growing steadily. And now, he had reached the point of daring to stand against the demon gods.

“Master Niu Niu! Keep it up!”

XiXi trembled with excitement, every bit of her small frame quivering rapidly!

Only Yun’e and Zhou Peng wore odd expressions, though their eyes brimmed with confidence.

Yun’e’s eyes shone with an admiration as deep as the Heavenly River.

No one expected that the demon clan’s previous rules for Qitian City would face such a tremendous upheaval.

Yet many felt a stirring within—the news was good for them.

With the three top-tier Demon Kings of the White Crane Demon God slain, the other Demon Gods would surely not risk sending their strongest to guard the city.

Thus, the White Crane Demon God’s domain might become vulnerable—a tempting entry point.

Mo City Shandu.

Wearing his adorable Cute Cow Mask, Li Che slowly extended his body. His muscles and sinews creaked with friction as golden vital energy began to flow from within him.

“My Martial Immortal Golden Body has reached 11%! I’ve entered the Martial Saint Fourfold realm, and my vital energy is completely stabilized—perhaps now I can attempt to open my Heavenly Gate.”

Martial Saint Fourfold—Opening the Heavenly Gate!

It unfolds in two stages: a closed gate and an open gate.

One mark of supreme peak is the opening of the Heavenly Gate!

But Li Che hadn’t opened his gate yet, and it was uncertain how his would differ from those cultivated by normal Divine Martial Saint practitioners.

In truth, Li Che couldn’t help but feel anticipation.

His gaze shifted to the ascending White Crane Demon God within Qitian City.

Within the city’s boundaries, under the surging eerie fog, even those in the Divine Calamity realm could launch attacks at full force.

So Li Che intended to see how much pressure he could squeeze out of this Demon God—finally forcing him to open his Martial Gate!

The sound of creaking bones was like thunder cracking open.

Under watchful eyes, Ogre moved.

With one colossal step downward, torrents of golden vital energy surged like a stormy ocean!

Air within hundreds of zhang trembled violently as fearsome strength erupted!

The ground shook; mountains quaked and crumbled!

Ogre, springing from Mo City Shandu, lunged forward as if bowing to the void—his five fingers clenched and then, with a sudden punch,

A blast of energy like a roaring dragon erupted!

The Dragon Elephant Furnace!

It was as if a resplendent sun burst forth from Ogre’s back, illuminating and melting everything in its path!

The White Crane Demon God’s crane robe clung tightly to him as countless strands of hair whipped about.

“Martial God?”

Such might!

Such robust vital energy!

The Crane Demon God’s face, with his sword-like crane eyebrows, trembled slightly as he murmured, “Such overwhelming golden energy—Pure Martial Arts at its finest!”

“A physique like this, no Demon God can compare!”

The White Crane Demon God’s expression grew solemn as his two crane swords soared suddenly, their humming accompanied by piercing, shrill crane cries as they spun around him.

Then the two black and white crane swords roared upward, slicing through the void and carving cracks in the ground. Their sword auras cleaved the earth, severing through soil, enveloping a radius of several li beneath Qitian City as if controlled by their might!

An aura of disastrous calamity surged, merging with the sword energy.

Thick mists rose up from the ground!

The White Crane Demon God was cautious not to exceed the shrouded area of Qitian City’s eerie fog; surpassing it would invite the wrath of the heavenly will.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Sword hymns echoed, mixing with the Dragon Elephant Fist’s brilliant light. The black and white crane swords intertwined like surging tides, their clanging sounds reverberating incessantly!

In an instant, Ogre and the White Crane Demon God drew near.

Ogre’s five fingers snapped, each emitting a sharp, explosive sound. Yet in the Demon God’s cold gaze, something was off.

He sensed something was wrong—he couldn’t feel any inner calamity emanating from Ogre.

This wasn’t right!

Could it be that this Ogre wasn’t a Martial God after all?

Regardless, he had to kill him!

The White Crane Demon God’s left arm trembled slightly as his Wu Shi Crane Sword shot forth, aiming straight for the spot underneath Ogre’s mask—right at his brow.

With that single strike, countless demonic auras and the weight of Witch Demon Calamities converged into one focused sword energy. The strike was swift and elusive, like the spread of crane wings!

In a flash, it struck Ogre’s brow beneath the mask,

Then, with a deafening Dragon Elephant Furnace impact, it shattered him to pieces!

“Ogre—————. Is that all?”

The White Crane Demon God now felt a surge of confidence—this Ogre wasn’t as formidable as he’d imagined.

His inner calamity was not evident; although his vital energy was strong, it wasn’t overwhelming enough to crush him entirely.

He could sense that under his oppressive aura, Ogre was buckling under immense pressure.

A mysterious smile appeared in the Crane Demon God’s eyes, which soon transformed into an all-consuming greed.

Such pure, robust flesh that, if it were consumed as blood, would far surpass the taste of meals made from mere mortal cities!

Li Che’s body resonated violently, the tremendous pressure from the Demon God overwhelming him.

Li Che had only detonated seven Divine Seeds—he hadn’t triggered the eighth Qimen Immortal Seed; and that was exactly the pressure he craved.

His entire body trembled with the strain!

As his robust flesh vibrated, the torn flesh from Ogre, rent by the sword aura, rapidly mended perfectly, glistening with golden light!

Once again, the Dragon Elephant Furnace unleashed a Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant punch, followed by a Transcendent True Martial Way strike—each move imbued with unyielding, pure martial energy!

Yet the White Crane Demon God was undaunted; the clash of twin swords and surging sword auras was relentless.

With a mighty slash, the sword auras twisted and surged like tidal waves!

The void itself was rent with scars as the sword energy sliced through—it was nothing for someone of the Divine Calamity realm!

Sword energy cascaded down like rain, instantly enveloping Ogre.

Ogre continued flaunting his punches as torrents of golden vital energy rocked like stormy seas.

But he couldn’t break free from the crushing sword energy.

Among the onlookers, many were both surprised and unsurprised by the scene.

“Underworld Ogre has grown quickly, but alas—his opponent remains a Divine Calamity-level Demon God!”

On Qitian City’s ramparts, many demon clan members erupted in cheers.

After three consecutive defeats and the downfall of three Demon Kings, the demon clan’s morale had taken a heavy blow.

Now, the tides were finally turning.

With a deafening roar, the colossal Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme above Qitian City narrowed his eyes.

His gaze flickered and even a trace of shock emerged.

An idea so staggering that even a powerhouse of his caliber would have trouble imagining it:

This Ogre—

Was using the White Crane Demon God to sharpen himself?!

Boom! Boom!!!

Sword energy thundered down as countless bursts of golden vital energy exploded.

Ogre’s black cloak was already shredded away, revealing a terrifying golden-hued flesh that defined his Martial Immortal Golden Body in all its glory.

Nine massive tendons, like nine golden dragons, clung to his back,

His spine quivered as if a divine dragon roared to the heavens!

Li Che’s golden hair flew wildly, his eyes beneath the Ogre mask flashing like bolts of golden lightning!

“Hahaha—”

“So exhilarating!”

From beneath the Ogre mask, laughter erupted like crashing waves!

And then,

From behind Ogre, within the Dragon Elephant Furnace, the eighth Haoyang surged forth!

It was as if eight blazing suns merged in a furnace, fusing countless martial arts into one!

Myriad Transformations of Dragon Elephant, Blood Croc Cleave, Zhang Mo Mang Spear, Bloodcry Divine Phoenix Life-and-Death Arrow, Six Desires to Exterminate Evil Pure Yang Sword—

One after another, Transcendent True Martial Way techniques fused into one!

Woosh!!!

Pure golden vital energy soared upward like a colossal golden celestial dragon, surging boldly!

So intense was the vital energy that even the will of heaven and earth seemed to stir uneasily.

The White Crane Demon God’s twin swords clanged as his expression darkened.

Then, behind Ogre, a massive golden portal abruptly emerged!

Ogre’s triangular back, with tendons like a rampaging dragon, struck the colossal portal with terrifying force—

With a creak, the portal split open, releasing a torrent of scorching, blazing vital energy that seared the heavens and earth.

Faintly, beyond that immense portal that eclipsed the sky, a vague golden celestial figure could be seen, seated behind the Heavenly Gate.

Golden vital energy billowed like mist, obscuring everything.

The Martial Saint Golden Heavenly Gate.—.

Open!

As if, upon opening the gate, the true essence of Martial Dao was revealed!

The White Crane Demon God’s robe clung tightly to him.

His twin crane swords trembled fiercely.

Even the weight of calamity itself seemed suppressed, unable to display its brilliance.

He gazed upon the massive, pure golden portal stretching between heaven and earth.—

For a moment, he was at a loss. Could this be the Martial Dao Heavenly Gate?