If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1102 Chasing Yama
"How...how is this possible??"

Even after Yama was frozen, King Chujiang remained horrified and bewildered. "What kind of Great River Sword Qi is this? It actually absorbed the icy power of 'Soul-Condensing Frost Breath' into its 'Sword Intent'?"

On the surface, the Frost Breath of Condensation froze the Great River Sword Qi into ice hooks, but judging from the result—the icy power of the Frost Breath of Condensation was entirely transferred to the ghosts and gods of the underworld, with Yama bearing most of it alone—it shows that the freezing of the Great River Sword Qi was just a facade; in reality, the sword qi had taken away the icy power.

It's equivalent to Condensing Soul's Frost Breath, "enchanting" the Great River Sword Qi with an ice effect.

"Don't panic, let me handle this! Black Rope Heavenly Binding~~"

The Song emperor opened his mouth, and his throat was directly connected to the "Black Rope Hell".

Strands of golden law threads swiftly wove together into a black rope, which flew out of Emperor Song's mouth.

The black rope was only as thick as a thumb, yet it seemed endless. One end flew out of the Song Emperor's mouth, swirling and flying thousands of feet in the sky, while the other end remained inside the Song Emperor's mouth, not yet fully emerged.

Black ropes bind the heavens, binding all those with karma.

As long as there is karma on one's body, this black rope of law can track and lock onto it, binding and entangle it tightly, and suppressing it fiercely!

"Black rope, black rope, bound by karma, where is karma? Karma is right here!"

Xiao Yu laughed heartily and flung the Qiaoshi Sword in his hand, which transformed into a ten-zhang-long beam of blue light.

The blue light and the black rope collided head-on.

It's like using a wood-chopping knife to split bamboo strips.

When you chop bamboo with a machete, you can only cut one strip of bamboo at a time.

The cyan flying sword pierced the black rope, and the sword energy erupted, splitting it into eight, cutting it into eight thinner black ropes.

Emperor Song's eyes bulged out. "The black rope is a method of binding karma, how could it be cut open by sword energy?! It shouldn't be like this, it's impossible~~~"

The cut black ropes were no longer under his control. The eight black ropes, like eight tentacles, flew wildly in mid-air before shooting towards the eight Yama Kings, who were burdened with karma.

The other Yama Kings were able to dodge, but Yama King had just been attacked by "Frost River Sword Qi" and was almost frozen into an icicle. How could he react at this moment?
Once touched by the black rope, one is instantly wrapped up hundreds or thousands of times.

Even the King of Hell was wrapped up in a black cocoon.

At the same time, the cyan sword shadow that had cut into the black rope also followed the black rope and darted into Emperor Song's mouth like lightning.

"Pfft~~"

Instead of flying down his throat into the "black rope hell" behind him as the Song emperor had wished, it pierced directly through his skull, causing blood and brain matter to splatter everywhere.

Xiaoyu, who was skilled in swordsmanship, did not stand still to wait for the result after throwing the Qiaoshi Sword.

She immediately transformed herself into a sword, becoming a hundred-foot-long, dazzling sword aura, and arrived at the front of the army formation where the Five Statue King was located.

The Five Senses King was being harassed by the black rope, and his army formation was in disarray.

"Great River Sword Qi~~" The sword qi transformed into a river with waves fifty feet high and ten miles wide, submerging the army of ghosts and gods.

"Ahhh, Yu Fengxian is fierce! All you Yama Kings, help me!"

The Five Senses King screamed in agony as he was sliced ​​to pieces by the sword energy and reduced to a skeleton.

"You don't need to scream. Today, every single one of you will be caught, none of you will escape!"

Grand Master Yu's roar tore through the sky, and a sword aura hundreds of feet long swirled and turned in the sky, sweeping across the "black cloud" formed by the Yin God Legion.

It is quite unusual that he only used sword energy and swordsmanship to fight the enemy, without using any great supernatural powers.

The Yin spirits and ghost generals were invincible, and in an instant, an army of ten thousand fell like rain.

Limbs and severed arms fell from the sky like hailstones, accompanied by a shower of scarlet blood.

"Grand Tutor Yu, how can you be so powerful???!!!"

The distant image of "Prisoner Yang Li" was mesmerizing, as if in a dream.

"The King of Hell was slaughtered like a chicken and a dog? This can't be true, how could this be true?"

The other ghosts and spirits who were watching were horrified and motionless, as if they were under a nightmare.

Around 5 p.m., Guan Zhenren and Huihe Zhenren received Xiaoyu's order to lead a group of Imperial Astronomical Observatory Celestial Masters and Taoists to various residences to deliver the news of the "Grand Tutor Selection".

There were three main participants in the selection of the Grand Tutor.

On one side are Qi cultivators who intend to vie for the position of Grand Tutor.

They had been in Xianyang for at least half a month, and some had waited for two or three months, long since losing their patience.

They were eagerly hoping that Yu Fengxian would return to Xianyang soon so that they could take over the Imperial Observatory as soon as possible.

Receiving the message at this point, they certainly wouldn't deliberately delay.

Almost as soon as the Grand Astrologer of the Imperial Observatory left, they immediately called on their friends and rushed to the Imperial Observatory together.

The other group consisted of guarantors for the Qi cultivators participating in the Grand Tutor selection.

They were all powerful figures in the current government.

Frankly speaking, with the Empress Dowager deposed and a new emperor about to be enthroned, they are more concerned about the changing political landscape.

The selection of the Grand Tutor had little to do with them.

Who is "Qin Er Shi"? Quickly establish a good relationship with "Qin Er Shi" and show loyalty, as this is a matter of great importance concerning one's future and life.

But the invitation had already been sent, and they couldn't refuse.

Their enthusiasm is not as high as that of Qi cultivators, and their procrastination is the biggest waste of time.

There was one last group of people; the selection of the Grand Tutor was irrelevant to them, they were just there to watch the spectacle.

For example, a group of Qi cultivators from Mount Hua, led by the Third Holy Mother and Lady Xihua.

Even Dou Gengyan, worried about his companions, disguised himself and followed a group of rogue cultivators into Xianyang City again.

No one specifically sent them messages.

However, the news spread quickly, and when they heard that there was something interesting to watch at the Imperial Observatory that night, they came over in twos and threes.

When Hu Hai, accompanied by Zhao Gao, entered the Imperial Observatory, it was already past midnight, around 10 p.m.

Zhao Gao had previously stated that Hu Hai should appear at the very last and most crucial moment.

In other words, at this moment, the main figures participating in the selection of the Grand Tutor have basically all arrived.

But the most crucial person, Yu Fengxian, is nowhere to be found.

"Where is Yu Fengxian? Now, are all of you fellow Daoists almost all here? There are a total of two hundred and sixty-eight people. Who are we waiting for?"

As soon as Hu Hai took his seat, a Qi cultivator from the East Sea named "Young Master Hai" called out loudly.

Guan Zhenren was having a bit of a headache.

There were too many guests tonight. Even with the servants kept out, there were still more than four hundred Qi cultivators and guarantors alone.

If you include the princes, nobles from Xianyang, Qi cultivators from Guanzhong, and wandering immortals who came to watch the spectacle, the number may exceed a thousand.

Even the Marquis of Donghai Navy did not come alone.

They all brought hundreds of bodyguards to protect them, and their numbers immediately soared to five thousand!
Even though the main hall of the Imperial Observatory was spacious enough, it could not accommodate everyone at this time.

Fortunately, these unruly military officers did not forcibly stuff their personal guards into the Imperial Observatory.

They were stationed on the street outside the Imperial Observatory.

Even so, there were too many guests, and the Imperial Observatory could not accommodate them all.

If it's just basic tasks like serving tea and water, the Celestial Masters can use their magic to do the work of a hundred people all by themselves.

But you can't just serve tea and not talk to the guests or answer their questions, can you?
I'm too busy, I really can't keep up.

Seeing that the faces of several bigwigs, including Marquis Lieyang and Li Si, had also darkened, Master Guan strode to the center of the hall, bowed to those around him, and said loudly, "There are many guests tonight, and the Imperial Observatory has failed to provide adequate hospitality; this is our fault."

Grand Tutor Yu had promised that the battle would begin as soon as everyone arrived.

Grand Tutor Yu has now broken his promise.

As you may already know, she went to the underworld with Fellow Daoist Yang Li in the evening to busy herself with the funeral arrangements for Empress Dowager Zhao.

"It's been several hours, and it's still not done?" Li Si asked, frowning.

Master Guan hesitated for a moment, then said tactfully, "The Empress Dowager harbors deep resentment and has been detained in the City of the Wrongfully Dead. It is said that she has the appearance of a 'Ghost King.' It will probably be difficult to help her pass on to the afterlife."

Seeing the different expressions on the faces of the Eastern Navy Marquis and the powerful officials in the court, he said meaningfully, "The major affairs of the court are now settled, and I have nothing to say. But performing rituals to help the departed souls and comforting the dead is also a way of cleaning up after you all, isn't it?"

You all know why the Empress Dowager harbored such deep resentment, why she transformed into a vengeful ghost, and even took on the appearance of a ghost king.

If the Empress Dowager were to transform into a tyrant, you all know who should be worried.

Now that Grand Tutor Yu is performing a ritual to appease the Empress Dowager, dispelling her resentment and anger, and calming her down, isn't that the best thing for you?
You may be dissatisfied with other things, but you cannot blame Grand Tutor Yu for this.

Marquis Yang Lie frowned and looked at Marquis Lieyang. Seeing that he remained silent, he spoke slowly on behalf of the Eastern Sea Legion: "Since Fairy Yu is indeed busy with official duties and is not deliberately keeping us waiting, let's wait patiently."

They certainly didn't want the Empress Dowager's vengeful ghost to haunt them.

It was indeed a good thing for them that Yu Fengxian was able to get rid of the Empress Dowager's vengeful spirit.

Li Si nodded slightly, quietly sipped his tea, and said nothing.

The hall fell silent once more.

But after only an hour of silence, some people couldn't resist anymore.

"There are priorities. It is very important to pray for the souls of the dead and to comfort the deceased. It is also very important to select a Grand Tutor!"

Before Yu Fengxian left, did she not know that we were about to wait for her here?
Does she not know how long she's been gone?

Even with her limited abilities, she was still too busy to deal with just one vengeful ghost.

Upon realizing that too much time has been wasted, we should immediately suspend our current tasks and return to complete the Grand Tutor selection!

"Yes, Empress Dowager Zhao is just a vengeful ghost, why has it taken so long? Is Yu Fengxian deliberately tormenting us?"
They deliberately made us suffer so much that we left on our own.

Then she returned and announced—"Our departure is a voluntary withdrawal from the Grand Tutor selection?"

"If Yu Fengxian really intends to do this, then she is too petty and disappointing."

The Qi cultivators and onlookers were abuzz with discussion.

Only those in high positions at court could remain calm.

Upon hearing the speculation that "Yu Fengxian is outlasting her opponent," even the bigwigs couldn't sit still any longer.

They felt that this was Yu Fengxian's true purpose.

"Master Guan, please send someone to the Underworld to urge Yu Fengxian to hurry up," Marquis Lieyang said slowly.

Master Guan pursed his lips and said, "How can the ritual for the salvation of the deceased be interrupted halfway through?"

Lu Jin Gong said loudly, "So be it. After the duel is over, I will personally go to the underworld to deal with Zhao Ji's matter."

"Lord Lu Jin, even if you are a senior, you cannot underestimate the heroes of the world. After the Grand Tutor's duel, it is still unknown who will be the Grand Tutor and who will go to the underworld to deal with Zhao Ji's vengeful spirit!"

Mo Gang, the Immortal of the East Sea, looked at Lu Jin Gongdao with a defiant gaze.

Zhong Yuangong cried out, “Fellow Daoists, listen to me first! We are so restless and arguing that Yu Fengxian, hiding in the shadows, must be secretly pleased. Don’t fall for her tricks!”

"That's right, the most urgent task is to find Yu Fengxian."

"Master Guan, stop trying to buy time for Yu Fengxian. It's pointless and petty. You're just making yourself look bad."

The crowd was outraged and unanimously turned their anger towards the Imperial Observatory.

Master Grey Crane sighed and said to Master Guan, "We all understand that Grand Tutor Yu wouldn't deliberately delay. Now that they can't wait any longer, let's send someone to call her!"

Master Guan nodded and said, "I will go there myself."

Only after they expressed their stance did the crowd quiet down again.

Master Guan's spirit was astral projection, so he moved quite quickly. In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he emerged from the quiet room in the back hall, his expression very solemn, with obvious doubt in his eyes.

"Have you seen Yu Fengxian? When will she return?" Lu Jin Gong asked.

Master Guan hesitated and said, "I'm afraid the 'Grand Tutor's Contest' tonight can't proceed."

For some unknown reason, Grand Tutor Yu angered the Ten Kings of Hell.

At this time, the underworld was mobilizing troops to capture Grand Tutor Yu.

"What did Yu Fengxian do to anger the Ten Kings of Hell?" Lu Jin Gong asked in confusion.

Master Guan, still shaken, said, "I didn't even have time to find out the details."

I only heard that I am the Celestial Master of the Great Qin Dynasty, and that I am looking for Grand Master Yu. A group of ghosts, gods, ghost kings and ghost generals from the Ghost Gate of the Underworld, gnashing their teeth and howling, swarmed over.

"It is only because I was able to escape quickly that I was able to return safely."

“Yu Fengxian was merely performing a ritual to help Zhao Ji’s soul pass on; there’s no reason she would offend the underworld. Master Guan, since you didn’t hear any news and were immediately surrounded by ghosts and gods upon showing your face, and then fled, how do you know she offended the Ten Kings of Hell?” Marquis Huang Hai did not hide the suspicion on his face.

Master Guan sneered, "It's not a method exclusive to me to let the Yin spirit travel to the underworld. There are many extraordinary people here, most of whom have achieved great mastery of the Yin spirit."

Anyone who doubts this can take a trip to the underworld; it takes less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

The Qi Refiner from the East Sea, known as "Young Master Hai," volunteered, saying, "I'm very curious, I'll go take a look. Fellow Daoists, please watch over my body."

Compared to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, he trusted his companions more.

He didn't go to the quiet room in the back hall, but directly let his spirit leave his body in public.

In the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the body of Young Master Hai, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly contorted in expression and bled from his seven orifices.

"Oh no, Young Master Hai's Yin spirit has been severely damaged."

As soon as he finished speaking, Young Master Hai's body swayed, twitched a few times, and then stopped moving.

"Ah, Young Master Hai is dead! Something has indeed changed in the underworld!"

Everyone was shocked and somewhat at a loss.

"Even if the King of Hell wants to capture Yu Fengxian, what business is it of Fellow Daoist Guan Hai?"

Master Guan speculated, "Fellow Daoist Hai may have exposed his relationship with Grand Tutor Yu and the Imperial Observatory of Qin."

Fellow Daoists, your spirits have once again left your bodies.

When you arrive in the underworld, never mention that you are from the Imperial Observatory, and never mention the Imperial Observatory or Grand Tutor Yu.

"Even Young Master Hai is dead, yet his spirit has left his body? Who knows if some wicked villain has set up an ambush near the Gates of Hell, waiting for us to come to him so he can ambush his opponents?" a "smart person" exclaimed excitedly.

Master Guan was furious and shouted, "Are all of you hundreds of people the biggest fools in the world?"

Are you so stupid as to think that setting up an ambush at the gates of hell would allow you to be easily wiped out one by one?

"We're certainly not stupid, but some people might still do stupid things when they're desperate!"

Quite a few Qi cultivators actually agree with the conspiracy theory that "the gates of hell were set up as an ambush".

Master Grey Crane said in a deep voice, "If any of you have any doubts, you may travel together."

If something truly changes in the underworld, it can certainly be easily explored.

No one would consider the underworld a place to ambush people.

Betraying faith and offending everyone, at most I will lose my position as Grand Tutor.

Angering the Ten Kings of Hell can cost you your life.

Even a three-year-old child can tell which is more important. Grand Tutor Yu and all of you are not fools; how could you not know?

These words make more sense than conspiracy theories.

Inside the main hall, the Qi cultivators whispered amongst themselves, eager to try their skills.

Soon, a group of Qi cultivators discussed and agreed to ask the Eastern Navy Marquis to help protect their physical bodies. Together, they would leave their bodies and go to the underworld to investigate the situation.

"Let's go too! I have a feeling that something really big has happened in the underworld."

Above the courtyard, on auspicious clouds, Yang Chan, along with several companions, left her body and followed a group of Qi cultivators, quickly approaching the Gate of Hell in the Netherworld.

They had just landed and were about to shout their warnings towards the gates of hell.

Suddenly, a heart-wrenching howl echoed from behind the city gate.

"Oh no! Oh no! Yu Fengxian is chasing Yama, from the first hall of Yama to the second hall, and then to the third hall, killing one of them with a single sword strike without even blinking."

"The King of Hell, with his remaining troops, is about to escape to the Gates of Hell; he's trying to lure that demon Yu Fengxian here!"

(End of this chapter)