Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations
As Lin Feng welcomed Xiao Yan back, he gazed at the Great Void Sect from afar and maintained his current expression. “It’s a shame that the Emperor of the Dead escaped, but we’ve nonetheless harvested a few rewards.”
Yan Nanlai slowly regained his composure and said in a low voice, “He has been gravely injured. Compared to the Evil Soul he crafted from his Life and Death Netherworld Dao Fruit, the healing of his wounds would take a very long time. Losing Emperor Xia dealt a substantial drop in his strength. Cutting his connections with the Netherworld Sea and interrupting his mastery recovery process was certainly something worth rejoicing about, but his Third Junior, the Nether Priest, is still alive and controls the powers of the Netherworld Sea. So it’s not impossible for the Emperor of the Dead to make his return. But after this incident, he would surely be more cautious.”
Yan Nanlai scanned the raging calamities of the Netherworld Sea around him. “If he performs his spell ceremony again, I can pin him down easily once I occupy the Netherworld Sea. But if he hides himself like this without performing the spell ceremony, it’ll be exceedingly difficult to search for clues regarding his location.”
Lin Feng’s gaze alternated between Xiao Yan and Wu Mengqi. He said calmly, “The scuffle for the Netherworld Sea depends on the respective abilities of our two sects. If the Emperor of the Dead appears, my disciples will definitely greet him first.”
Yan Nanlai fell silent for a moment and nodded. “If we find any hints about his location, my sect will definitely eradicate that weasel first.”
The Qing Yi Holy Woman glanced at Lin Feng and asked, “It seems that the rewards you mentioned just now may not be limited to what we just saw.”
Lin Feng smiled, “Indeed.”
With that, he thrusted his palm outwards and a few flickers of black light appeared. His other hand then conjured a spell, sending clouds of Purple Qi out which enveloped the black light. Both elements twisted and contorted, gradually creating a particular scene.
It seemed like a peaceful world without any peculiarities when seen from the outside.
But this was conjured by Lin Feng after he borrowed the mana aura of the Emperor of the Dead. Hence everyone onsite knew that this was the hiding place of the Emperor of the Dead or the Hall of the Dead.
Or perhaps something similar. The Emperor of the Dead would certainly have prepared intensively for this, but this Middle World was still a place where the Emperor of the Dead himself personally set foot upon, and would be a very important place.
Lin Feng activated his mana once again and used the Two Elements of Creation Formation to allow this projected image to come in contact with the Supreme Heavenly Mirror’s reflected light that was cloaking the Great Void Sect.
Yan Nanlai’s eyes shimmered and a similar image appeared before him. He too discovered the location where the Emperor of the Dead laid his foot on.
He nodded, “Even though the Emperor of the Dead would most likely not go over there, and the cultivators within the Hall of the Dead would immediately retreat once they receive the news, but if we make haste, we would certainly get rewarded and might even be able to give chase after those fleeing cultivators.”
Lin Feng nodded, “My sect shall act upon that immediately. Feel free to do as you please.”
Without the Emperor of the Dead, Xiao Yan and Wu Mengqi had to rely on their own strength. Even though the raging Netherworld Sea was still plagued with calamities, it was not as frightening as before.
Lin Feng glanced at Xiao Yan, and the latter drew his Nefarious Almighty Sword. His eyes surged with red light as the void space around them began breaking apart. This was not to counter the pounding calamities, but instead to guide the Celestial Sect of Wonders back to Wen Chiyang’s residence back in the day – the ancient heart of the Netherworld Sea.
The heavenly catastrophe merged with the Netherworld Sea, and the resultant red chaotic void space might be collapsing and disintegrating, but as time passes, it may condense and regroup again. When that happens, it would open up a second opportunity to lay claim to the heavenly catastrophe and Netherworld Sea. Before that happens, they’ll have to plan thoroughly and prepare painstakingly to avoid being disoriented when the chance arises.
The Great Void Sect gazed at the Celestial Sect as the latter slowly disappeared into the Netherworld Sea. Their hearts were tangled with mixed feelings.
Yan Nanlai, the Qing Yi Holy Woman, Wu Mengqi and the Qing Ning Holy Man wanted to spout something out, but ultimately still remained mum.
Wu Mengqi’s eyes flickered continuously before he slowly closed his eyes. As he summoned a spell, he tore through the void space and led everyone back into the heart of the Netherworld Sea where they previously entered.
After avoiding the pounding barrages from the Netherworld Sea’s devastating calamities, the place they arrived at might still have numerous calamities charging towards them after transcending the inter-dimensional barriers, but these had a considerably smaller impact for Yan Nanlai and the rest.
The various Great Void Sect members exchanged glances and recalled everything they just went through, and everything they witnessed and heard. All four of them began feeling really conflicted, but they quickly stabilized their emotions.
“From the looks of it, compared to our sect or the Emperor of the Dead’s legion, it seems that the Celestial Sect of Wonders is the one that clinched the greatest advantage in the battle over the Netherworld Sea’s ruling rights.” The Qing Ning Holy Man commented in a low voice, “It’s a pity that Uncle Tai Yi and the rest could not enter, or else the end result might have turned out differently.”
Wu Mengqi shook his head. “Uncle Tai Yi and Uncle Zheng Yi are still attempting to establish the Spirit Sea earlier. Their mission has reached a crucial stage, so they are unable to join us here. Mount Baiyun ultimately needs someone to guard it, so Uncle Xuan Yi cannot leave his post either. Having Uncle Qing Yi join us is already the most we can hope for. The Celestial Sect Master accorded the Ancient Longevity World to Xiao Yan, and no one expected that the Emperor of the Dead’s legion would expose their weaknesses so quickly.”
The Qing Yi Holy Woman said calmly, “The eventual owner of the Netherworld Sea is still up in the air. Yet, if we re-establish the Spirit Sea for our sect to rule over it, that accomplishment might even outweigh the Netherworld Sea itself.”
The Qing Ning Holy Man hesitated for bit. “Eliminating the influence of the Hall of the Dead now would be the golden opportunity to complete our original plans, but Uncle Tai Yi and Uncle Zheng Yi cannot leave their posts now, and our sect has not prepared adequately for this chance. Regardless whether we succeed or fail, this would ignite an enormous tsunami and we wouldn’t be able to control the situation.”
The Qing Yi Holy Man hummed deeply and said, “We should start preparing ourselves. If Senior Tai Yi and the rest can complete their mission in time, we can promptly launch our course of action. If they cannot make it in time, then we’ll not act rashly.”
Yan Nanlai nodded in agreement. “If our sect begins preparations, the faster we start acting, the better. The longer we drag on, the more chaotic the situation at the Barren Expanses would turn out. This applies for the situation regarding the Emperor of the Dead as well. Even though he managed to flee this time, he wouldn’t be able to cause havoc in this short period of time. But if we delay our advance, he might be able to rise from the ashes and regain his former strength.”
Wu Mengqi and the Qing Ning Holy Man nodded in unison. “That’s indeed the case.”
At Wen Chiyang’s former residence in the ancient heart of the Netherworld Sea, Lin Feng was pondering over the same matter. “The Great Void Sect seems to be conserving their strength. What are they saving it for?”
Shaking his head gently, he looked over at Xiao Yan. “Xiao Yan, I’ll leave this to you for now. Zhu Yi, return to the Greater Worlds and cause trouble at the Hall of the Dead with Wang Lin. You’ll be safe with the Higan Golden Bridge in tow. If you do find traces of the Emperor of the Dead or the Nether Priest, I’ll go over there personally. That being said, the Nether Priest would likely suffer a sorry fate either way, so even if Shen Tuze takes advantage of him, I’m sure the combined strength of Wang Lin and you would be enough to deal with that.”
Lin Feng continued with a soft chuckle, “He’s just like his Master and Grandmaster – he has amazing endurance and ambition, but he knows his limits. He didn’t reveal himself after exploiting the Nether Priest. He knows that he cannot enter the conflict now judging by the current situation. He’s likely hiding quietly at a certain corner like the Emperor of the Dead, waiting for our sect or the Great Void Sect to show ourselves. He wouldn’t leap out voluntarily, but if you do manage to find him, you must prevent his escape. Since he’s plotting against the Nether Priest, the latter’s controlling rights over the Netherworld Sea would very likely fall into his hands. This would be beneficial in Xiao Yan’s quest to control the Netherworld Sea.”
Lin Feng then snickered, “Does he think he’ll get away so easily after using my disciple like this?”
Xiao Yan and Zhu Yi bowed together. “Yes, Master. We understand.”
Lin Feng then looked over at Li Yuanfang and Yang Qing. “Eradicating the Hall of the Dead is also considered a learning experience. Take your juniors with you and go along with Zhu Yi.”
This was directed mainly at Yang Qing. Yang Qing nodded, “Understood. The cultivators of the Hall of the Dead are menacing and cruel, lawless and maniacal, killing out of thin air and diminishing the significance of human lives to the same worth as mere grass. This golden chance to eliminate them is a great gift that is hard to come by.”
Xiao Yan opened up the path and Lin Feng led everyone out of the Netherworld Sea’s central region, back to the outer regions of space where they first followed Shen Tuze into the Netherworld Sea.
Gu Jun, Xiao Zhener, Wang Lin, and the Great Void Sect’s Lin Daohan were all waiting to receive them.
Lin Feng glanced at Lin Daohan and nodded. “Your Master and the other members of your sect would probably arrive in a moment.”
He then turned his attention to Gu Jun. “Gu Jun, apologies for the wait.”
Gu Jun shook his head. “You’re too kind, Sect Master Lin. What did you gain from your expedition to the Netherworld Sea?”
Lin Feng explained in brief, focusing on the Emperor of the Dead. Gu Jun was also astonished after hearing his story. “This is indeed unexpected.”
“Our sect shall hunt down the cultivators from the Hall of the Dead. Please feel free to do as you wish.” With that, Lin Feng looked at Xiao Zhener and smiled gently, “Xiao Yan will be staying in the Netherworld Sea for the time being. You may visit him if you wish.”
Xiao Zhener’s face flushed red. “Thank you, Senior Lin.”
Gu Jun did not express any opinions about this suggestion, and instead pondered for a bit before replying, “I’ll return to the Ancient Longevity World to make preparations. Our sect shall also partake in this hunt.”
Lin Feng smiled, “You’re more than welcome to do so.”
At this moment, Yan Nanlai, the Qing Yi Holy Woman and the Qing Ning Holy Man also emerged from the Netherworld Sea, meeting Lin Feng’s gaze without a word. After they greeted Gu Jun, they signalled Lin Daohan and departed together.
Wang Lin greeted Lin Feng, and after hearing his master’s arrangements, his eyes blazed with color. He nodded solemnly, “I shall obey Master’s orders.”
With that, he bowed towards Lin Feng along with Zhu Yi, Li Yuanfang and Yang Qing before leaving together. Lin Feng already handed them the illusory image condensed from the black light and purple clouds.
Lin Feng bade Gu Jun farewell, and the latter returned to the Ancient Longevity World. Xiao Zhener was then delivered into the Netherworld Sea by Lin Feng’s mana and received by Xiao Yan, entering the heart of the Netherworld Sea.
Following that, Lin Feng departed the peripheral regions of the Netherworld Sea, returning to the Greater Worlds. As he traversed through void space, a thought flashed through his mind. “Could the Great Void Sect be conserving their strength because …”
Lin Feng then bridged his consciousness to the Penglai Celestial Mountain in the middle of the Ying Sea. Inside the Celestial Mountain’s Grand Hall, a tall figure shuddered and opened his eyes, looking at the Heavenly Oyster’s Golden Pearl before him.
Inside the Heavenly Oyster’s Golden Pearl, Big Luo’s Soul also opened his eyes. “Master Lin?”
The tall lighted figure nodded and said, “There’s something we need to confirm.”
With that, he pointed at the Heavenly Oyster’s Golden Pearl.