This humble Taoist priest, Qianhe, begins his quest for immortality by slaying demons and monsters.

When Master Qian Yuan arrived at the main hall, the Maoshan elders had been waiting for a long time.

Upon seeing the familiar figure in the hall, Master Qian Yuan was somewhat puzzled.

Twenty years have passed since Zhong Bai left, and Maoshan has entered a new era. The older generation of elders have mostly begun to withdraw from the various halls, but now these former fellow disciples are still around.

"Senior Brother Qian Yuan!"

The Immortal of Longevity gave an awkward smile, greeting the person while glancing up at the person in the first seat.

Shi Jian sat upright on it. Twenty years was a long time for him. From the time he succeeded as the leader of Maoshan Sect, until now, Shi Jian had reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, and his position as leader had been further consolidated.

He usually doesn't panic at all, and he handles affairs with ease.

However, Shi Jian was now beaming with joy.

Taking a deep breath, Shi Jian slowly began, "Fellow senior uncles and junior brothers, there is something I need to discuss with you all..."

......................................................

Zhong Bai, in another world, is unaware of these events happening in the zombie world.

After refining the Taishan Fujun Seal, Zhongbai has been cultivating in seclusion in Maoshan, spending his days with Mo Ling and the others, living a comfortable life.

However, this period of time will certainly not last long. After all, once the underworld is stabilized, Zhong Bai will need to resolve the issue of the Taishan Prefecture Lord's Seal on his body.

Of course, there's no rush...

Emei.

Inside the white jade palace, Master Bai Mei frowned, looking at the void before him with a profound expression. After a long while, he finally sighed.

Seeing his master's emotional change, Li Yingqi felt strange but didn't dare to ask directly.

Seemingly sensing his disciple's ulterior motives, Master Bai Mei withdrew his worried expression and looked at Li Yingqi.

"Disciple, may I ask why your master is so troubled?"

"Hehe... Master guessed right!"
But Master, you must not be worried. Who else in the world can move you so deeply?

He must be worried about the Blood Demon's plan to eradicate him completely.

Upon hearing this, Master White Eyebrows smiled brightly and quietly shook his head.

"Do not!

I'm not afraid to tell you, it won't be long before you find out about this.

The underworld has returned!

As he spoke, Master Bai Mei was filled with emotion. Yes, the news that the Ten Kings of Hell and the Five Ghost Emperors had returned to the Underworld had reached the mortal realm. At the same time, news of the destruction of the Netherworld Ghost Palace and the expulsion of the Ten Thousand Demon Palace from the Underworld was also gradually spreading.

At first, Master Bai Mei didn't believe it, after all, there hadn't been any gods in the underworld for tens of thousands of years. But when Master Bai Mei tried to enter the underworld to find out, he couldn't even open the passage to the underworld...

In the end, they still tried to use the Haotian Mirror to peek into the underworld, but unfortunately, before they could even see the true face of the underworld, the Haotian Mirror was only extended to the gates of hell when it was violently expelled from the underworld by a shout, and even the White-Browed Immortal was injured.

That was just a rebuke, and Master Bai Mei was a peak Nascent Soul cultivator!

Even for a Loose Immortal, it's utterly impossible to severely injure a White-Browed True Man with a single shout.

The only place in the underworld that possesses wandering immortals is the Ten Thousand Demon Palace, therefore, the news of the underworld's return cannot be false.

However, Li Yingqi was completely confused.

With a questioning look in his eyes, he asked cautiously.

"Master, what does 'returning to the underworld' mean?"

"Hasn't the underworld always existed?"

Hearing his disciple's question, Master Bai Mei patiently explained.

"Tens of thousands of years ago, there were gods in the underworld, the Ten Kings of Hell, and the Five Ghost Emperors..."

At that time, the passage to the Immortal Realm was still open. The Underworld was a forbidden area, and it was virtually impossible for cultivators to go there. The souls of mortals who died in the mortal world would also go to the Underworld to undergo the Six Paths of Reincarnation according to the rules of the Underworld.

However, for some unknown reason, all the gods of the underworld disappeared overnight, and the passage to the realm of immortals was closed.

The return I spoke of refers to the return of the Ten Kings of Hell and the Five Ghost Emperors from the underworld.

"Would my disciple understand?"

Li Yingqi was terrified. She had naturally heard about the underworld, but no gods had descended to earth there for tens of thousands of years. At first, she didn't dare to speculate, but now that she heard her master tell the truth, the impact was very strong!
Li Yingqi exhaled a heavy breath and became solemn.

“Master, if that’s the case, the world’s格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall situation or structure) is about to change. The return of the Underworld means that the Netherworld Ghost Palace, the Feathered Immortal Palace, and the Myriad Demon Palace can no longer stay in the Underworld. They will come to the mortal world, and there won’t be many places of cultivation for them to choose from.”

Moreover... who knows if the gods in the underworld will interfere in matters of the mortal realm!

Li Yingqi has now adopted Emei's perspective to analyze the pros and cons of returning to the underworld.

The same applies to the White-Browed Immortal; there is also an intention to study it carefully.

Upon hearing Li Yingqi's analysis, Master Bai Mei couldn't help but smile.

“My disciple is right. The return of the underworld will inevitably have an impact on the situation of the world.”

However, not everyone is lucky enough to leave the underworld; the Netherworld Ghost Palace is no more.

Some demons escaped from the Myriad Demon Palace, but the situation at the Feathered Immortal Palace is still unknown.

When soldiers come, we'll meet them head-on; when floods come, we'll dam them with earth. Since there's no way to avoid it, let's be fully prepared!

"Understood, Master!"
The world situation is changing; we, the disciples of Emei, should act cautiously and observe the situation calmly.

"That's right, let's wait and see."

However, if given the opportunity, we should still try to establish good relations with Maoshan and Longhushan...

Upon hearing this, Li Yingqi's expression turned awkward.

But Master Bai Mei noticed her change.

Frowning, Master Bai Mei asked, "Disciple, do you perhaps have a grudge against Maoshan and Longhushan?"

Li Yingqi gave an awkward smile.

He didn't hide anything and recounted the conflict between his senior brother Lian Xing and the Longhu Mountain and Maoshan sects on the ancient battlefield.

After listening, Master Bai Mei seemed to be deep in thought.

"I see. This matter has no impact. Disputes among juniors are normal. However, your senior brother's temperament still needs tempering. Being too proud and complacent will lead to losses. There is always someone better in this world. No one knows who you will meet next. My disciple, do not follow your senior brother's example."

"Master, rest assured, I understand this principle."

"Yes, I trust you. Grow up quickly. When you reach the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, I will pass on the position of Emei to you."

After saying this, Master Bai Mei remained silent. There were some things he couldn't yet tell his disciple Li Yingqi openly. The return of the Underworld meant that the passage to the Immortal Realm would also be opened, and Master Bai Mei also wanted to enter it. However, Emei Sect wouldn't allow him to leave now; he needed to accelerate Li Yingqi's training!

"The remnant soul of Lonely Moon... perhaps we can devise a plan!"

Shaking his head slightly, Master Bai Mei's gaze gradually became deep and distant.

The news of the return of the Underworld was not only spread to Emei, but those sects that had Yuan Shen realm experts in charge of it were the ones who knew about it.

Everyone chose to remain silent, but they did not try to cover up the news. After all, the underworld was still in the process of establishing order. Once the underworld was cleansed, they would send underworld officials to the mortal realm to collect souls and steal spirits. At that time, it would be impossible to keep it a secret.

However, taking advantage of the time difference, some sects have already begun their own actions...

As the saying goes, every step faster leads to even faster progress, and everyone is racing against time to deal with the impact from the underworld.

The scenery on Mount Kunlun is quite different.

In the ruins of Emei, Xuan Tianzong looked at the Plague Demon who was still sitting cross-legged recovering from his injuries, and the helplessness in his eyes was quite obvious.

How long will it take for your injuries to heal?

The Xuan Tian Sect's inquiry did not cause the slightest ripple in the Plague Demon's ears.

The Plague Demon has never been afraid of the Xuan Tian Sect, but he still has to deal with them as they see fit.

"Xuantian Sect, what's your hurry?"
The ancestor's recovery was slow, and the Blood Demon's was even slower. With this disparity in strength, he couldn't hold on.

"If you want me to recover quickly, that's simple. Let me spread a plague across the land, reap the rewards, and not only will I recover quickly, but I'll also rise to a higher level. Is that feasible?"

Upon hearing this, Xuan Tianzong was speechless. He naturally could not agree to such a thing, nor did he have the courage to do so. If using the Plague Demon was within the tolerance of other Daoist sects, then Xuan Tianzong felt that the Daoist sects would not tolerate him for spreading a plague that caused the deaths of living beings.

Seeing Xuan Tianzong's troubled expression, the Plague Demon couldn't help but smile.

This explanation would perfectly shut up Xuan Tianzong's complaints. He didn't believe that Xuan Tianzong would agree to his request. Of course, the Plague Demon was just thinking about it. If Xuan Tianzong really agreed, he wouldn't dare to do it!

The reason the Taoist sect released him and turned a blind eye was to let him consume his blood demon, not because he could act recklessly. Once he crossed the line, he would be the first to die!
However, the Xuantian Sect did not understand this principle, so they could only let the Plague Demon deceive them.

March has arrived in the blink of an eye.

The underworld has been cleansed, and all the dead souls have been classified and categorized according to the rules of the underworld. Some dead souls with decent cultivation and no karmic burdens have been appointed as underworld messengers and ghost soldiers.

Like a giant machine starting to run, the underworld is about to intervene in the affairs of the dead in the mortal world!

Maoshan.

Zhong Bai opened the courtyard gate and saw Master Tianning smiling at him, with a hint of envy in his eyes.

"Zhong Bai, I've come here to tell you that the Fourth Patriarch has issued a decree ordering you and Patriarch Jinghong to go to the Underworld!"

Listening to Master Tianning's explanation, Zhong Bai knew the reason without even having to guess.

He smiled and nodded, saying, "Thank you for informing me, Sect Leader. I will head to Wanshou Palace immediately."

"Hahahaha, it's alright, it's alright. You're lucky to have been chosen by the Fourth Patriarch and now you even hold the title of Lord of Mount Tai. In fact, I should pay you some respects."

Listening to Master Tianning's teasing, Zhong Bai couldn't help but smile helplessly.

"Please don't tease Zhong Bai, Sect Leader. I still have a long way to go compared to you!"

Master Tianning was aware of this as well, and nodded with a smile.

"Alright, you can head to the Longevity Palace later. I won't bother you any longer."

As soon as he finished speaking, Master Tianning transformed into a streak of light and left Zhong Bai's courtyard.

As Zhong Bai closed the courtyard gate and turned around, he saw Zhao Ling'er and Mo Ling looking at him with concern.

"Husband, is there something else that requires you to go out?"

Zhao Ling'er asked with some concern. Her husband had been constantly navigating dangerous situations these past few years, and if possible, Zhao Ling'er actually didn't want Zhong Bai to leave.

Zhong Bai smiled brightly and hugged the two of them, comforting them, "Mo'er, Ling'er, don't worry, there won't be any danger this time. The gods of the underworld have returned and have cleansed the underworld. I think the Fourth Ancestor called my husband down to discuss some matters in the mortal world."

After all, I also hold the official position of the Lord of Mount Tai. Besides, the Fourth Ancestor is one of the Ten Kings of Hell, so I am very familiar with the underworld and there is no danger there for me.”

Hearing this, Zhao Ling'er was relieved. Although Mo Ling didn't say it directly, Zhong Bai still noticed the softening in her gaze.

In a stroller not far from them, Zhong Ling looked thoughtfully at the three of them.

She had just heard news that the gods of the underworld had returned, and in an instant, Zhong Ling's eyes lit up.

Zhong Bai left and arrived at the Jiuxiao Wanshou Palace. After meeting with Patriarch Jinghong, the two went to the Underworld.

Opening the passage to the underworld is not difficult for Zhong Bai, the Lord of Mount Tai.

However, unlike before, opening the passage to the underworld used to randomly lead to a certain place, but now opening the passage to the underworld connects to the Gates of Hell.

Standing before the gates of hell, looking at the restored majestic city walls, Zhong Bai finally felt a sense of familiarity.

This was the first time Master Jinghong had ever seen such a place; the Gate of Hell before him was only recorded in ancient books.

The Ox-Headed and Horse-Face, hundreds of feet tall, surveyed the area, their auras all at the Nascent Soul stage...

Taking a deep breath, Master Jinghong followed Zhong Bai toward the gates of hell.

Upon arriving at the pass, without waiting for Zhong Bai to inform him, a ghost messenger stepped forward to kowtow and pay his respects.

"This humble servant greets Your Excellency!"
"Greetings, Immortal!"

Putting aside the identities of Zhong Bai and Ancestor Jing Hong, their cultivation alone was enough to deter the underworld officials from acting recklessly or showing disrespect.

Moreover, their identities are extraordinary...

Zhong Bai nodded. He was already used to the guidance and respect shown by these underworld messengers. Although it was his first time meeting Master Jinghong, he was full of confidence and exuded an aura of authority without being angry.

The two arrived at the Gates of Hell. As they entered, figures of ox-headed and horse-faced demons, as well as ghostly soldiers and generals, all bowed and paid their respects.

There was no way around it; the Lord of Mount Tai held a very high official position, considered a high-ranking official in the underworld.

After passing through the Gates of Hell, you will reach the Bridge of Helplessness.

One second he was full of heroic spirit, but when Zhong Bai saw Meng Po looking at him with a meaningful smile on the side of the Naihe Bridge, Zhong Bai felt a shiver run through his body, and an indescribable feeling surged into his heart.

However, unlike in the past, this time Zhong Bai did not choose to cross the Bridge of Helplessness directly, but instead bowed to Lady Meng Po.

Without uttering a word, Master Jinghong, seeing this scene, also bowed in the same manner as Zhong Bai.

After all, while others might not know about Lady Meng Po, how could Patriarch Jinghong not know?
This is the incarnation of Houtu Niangniang...

After exchanging greetings, the two crossed the Bridge of Helplessness and arrived at the teleportation point.

The underworld official in charge of the teleportation had already received the message. After bowing with a smile, he activated the teleportation.

Watching the two figures disappear, the smile on Meng Po's face grew even brighter... (End of Chapter)