Primordial Era: I rule the great sect and command all immortals.

Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun, Huanglong Zhenren, and Chijingzi were in a miserable state. They had only recently escaped the "Investiture of the Gods" and, in recent years, had been cultivated by Yuanshi Tianzun, barely managing to sever one of their corpses and advance to the level of Quasi-Saints.

Guang Chengzi wasn't much better off. After being crippled by Chaos Daojun, he has only managed to regain his mid-stage Quasi-Saint strength after many years of reincarnation.

He's only slightly stronger than Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun/Huanglong Zhenren and Chijingzi.

It can be said that the Twelve Golden Immortals have already declined.

The eight people gathered together, and Grand Master Xuandu returned the greeting. Seeing his eight fellow Daoists in such a miserable state, he felt a mix of emotions and a sense of unease.

Looking back, the two religions were on good terms, and everyone was full of vigor and high spirits, dreaming about the future.

They never imagined that one day, most of them would completely decline.

Of those present, only Master Yu Ding was still at his peak.

Years later, everyone sighed with emotion at this gathering.

Grand Master Xuandu couldn't help but feel somber as he thought about his current state.

It would be strange if he could be happy after being crippled from being a top-tier supernatural being in the four realms and reduced to an ordinary quasi-saint.

"Fellow disciples, here's what happened..."

With everyone present, Guang Chengzi didn't waste any time and explained the purpose of Grand Master Xuandu's visit.

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces turned grim.

They all muttered to themselves, "Senior Brother, are you out of your mind? We've all escaped the calamity, and you're still jumping back in?"

"Are you out of your mind?"

"You're crazy! Go ahead and be crazy by yourself! We barely escaped this ordeal; we don't want to go through another one!"

No one spoke; the faces of the fellow disciples were all gloomy, and the atmosphere in the hall was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

Seeing this, Guang Chengzi smiled slightly, naturally understanding the dissatisfaction of his fellow disciples.

Then he laughed again, took out the "Nine-Turn Golden Elixir," and recounted the benefits promised by Grand Master Xuandu.

After hearing these words, Master Yuding and the others looked much better.

The group exchanged a silent glance; the reward was worth the risk.

Before long, Master Yuding said, "Senior Brother, you can make the decision on this matter."

"call……"

Upon hearing this, Grand Master Xuandu finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was clear that the price he had paid had satisfied the appetites of the immortals of the Chan Sect.

However, the thought that the Chan Sect could only be mobilized after the transaction was completed saddened Grand Master Xuandu. Could the friendship between the two sects now be maintained solely by interests?

"Back then, the teacher might not have made the right choice..."

With a sigh, Grand Master Xuandu had no other choice but to accept it, for a broken mirror cannot be mended.

"Very well! In that case, we nine members of the Chan Sect will personally intervene to help the Human Sect fight against the 'Witch-Buddha-Demon Alliance'!"

Guang Chengzi lightly slapped the table, agreeing to send troops.

"Thank you, fellow Daoists! I am deeply grateful! These are nine top-grade innate spiritual treasures; please accept them with your kind wishes!"

Without hesitation, Grand Master Xuandu took out nine magical treasures from his sleeve.

These magical treasures, placed on the table, emitted a seven-colored radiance, and for a moment, all nine masters of the Chan Sect focused their attention on them.

They couldn't help but care, especially someone like Chi Jingzi, whose magical treasures had been stolen and who didn't have many powerful magical artifacts left. Naturally, he cared a lot about this new innate magical treasure.

The nine masters of the Chan Sect still maintained the demeanor of esoteric masters, showing mutual humility and deference before each receiving a treasure that suited them.

Everyone was all smiles.

This magic weapon is really perfect for them to use.

Little did they know that these magical treasures were all selected by Lao Tzu, the sage who had planned everything and prepared everything in advance.

Even Lao Tzu could see some visions of the future.

This sage's spiritual attainment has increased considerably compared to before.

Just as Grand Master Xuandu led the nine Quasi-Saints of the Chan Sect from the Demon Realm toward the Eastern Continent of the Earthly Immortal Realm, new changes were taking place in the Nine Netherworlds.

Since Houtu Niangniang reshaped her true form and entered the Chaos Realm, the struggles of the Six Paths of Reincarnation have increased in the Nine Netherworld, and the situation where the Witch Clan once held absolute power is no longer the case there.

The struggle for the Six Paths of Reincarnation threw the entire Netherworld into chaos.

In particular, the Styx Ancestor had long been dissatisfied with the Six Paths of Reincarnation, and immediately dispatched his army to occupy the Asura Path.

Since this matter is related to the Asura Cult, he naturally wouldn't let it go.

This would allow us to utilize the power of the Six Paths of Reincarnation to reincarnate as many other beings as possible into the Asura race.

In this way, the power of the Asura race will increase rapidly.

It can fulfill the Styx Ancestor's ambition to dominate the Netherworld.

Currently, the situation in the Nine Netherworlds is that the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak is in charge of the Underworld, but he does not have direct authority and needs to go through the Great Deity of Salvation from Suffering.

As for the entire Netherworld, the nominal ruler, the Great Emperor of Fengdu Beiyin, is a dispensable figure, basically beyond anyone's control.

The "Houtu Palace" in the Six Paths of Reincarnation is located in the best realm, the Heavenly Realm.

This is also the main base of the Wu Clan in the Nine Netherworld.

Among them are many experts and a large number of clans, making them a major force in the Nine Netherworld.

However, without the presence of the Earth Goddess Houtu, they are still much worse off than before.

In the past, the Asura race's invasion of the Six Paths of Reincarnation would certainly not have been allowed, but now, the Witch Clan has compromised and tacitly accepted the Asura race's occupation of the Asura Path.

Meanwhile, the Nine Netherworld, the Witch Clan, and the Asura Clan tacitly prohibit the Ghost Clan, the Undead Clan, and the Zombie Clan from entering these core areas of the Nine Netherworld.

The struggle here can only be between them.

The Witch Clan and the Asura Clan are somewhat better off, as they are individual factions.

The underworld involves three major sects: the Human Sect, the Chan Sect, and the Jie Sect. Even the Heavenly Court has a share in the pie.

This prevented the underworld from uniting, thus unleashing the power of the underworld's ruler.

Meanwhile, Master Xinghe was waiting, hoping that a change would occur in the Nine Netherworlds so that his wish to dominate the Underworld could be fulfilled.

After a long period of peace, the Nine Netherworld has recently been stirred up again.

The balance of power among the various religions has finally been broken.

It should be understood that the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man are the foundation of the primordial world, while the Demon Realm is a supplement to the primordial world, and their significance is different.

Chaos Dao Lord currently controls the Heavenly Court of the Celestial Realm, the Southern Continent of the Earthly Immortal Realm, and the Southern Continent of the Demon Realm, but lacks control over the Nine Netherworld.

The Great Emperor Huang Feihu of the Eastern Peak had no ability to interfere with the operation of the Underworld, and it can be said that he failed to play the role required by the Chaos Dao Lord.

The underworld is the foundation of the Nine Netherworlds.

Whether they are immortals who have transcended the Three Realms and are not bound by the Five Elements, or mortals who are subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death, or even ordinary wild beasts, their souls must report to the underworld after death.

After being judged by the judge, the wicked and those without merit travel through the eighteen levels of hell, drink the "Meng Po soup," pass through the Wheel of Reincarnation, and enter the six realms of reincarnation.

Good people, those with great merit and who have made contributions, are directly reincarnated into the realms of gods, humans, or asuras.

In recent years, a great calamity has erupted, and in the four continents, various sects and mortal empires have fought each other, with rivers of blood flowing and evil aura pervading the land. Countless wronged souls, wild ghosts, and fierce spirits have flocked to the underworld to report for duty.

At this time, many factions' "own people" were also among these ghosts.

Of course, we can't just let our own people die in vain, with no one caring.

Many forces began to enter the Netherworld, interfering with its operation and vying for power.

On this day, some forces were dissatisfied with the underworld's judgment.

A burly man, shrouded in murderous aura and exuding menacing power, stormed into the underworld.

In an instant, many underworld ghost messengers, including Ox-Head and Horse-Face, were killed one after another. In just a short while, these lesser ones scattered in a chaotic manner.

The newcomer was truly ferocious; they were not someone they dared to provoke.

When Qin Guangwang, the incarnation of Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun, learned that someone had come to attack, he gathered the Ten Kings of Hell to lead a large army to resist while reporting to the Heavenly Court.

This is where King Qin Guang's wisdom lies.

The Nine Netherworld is nominally under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court. In addition, the Chan Sect has influence over the Heavenly Court, which can affect the Jade Emperor's thoughts in the court.

He naturally had the idea of ​​using the power of the Heavenly Court to maintain the rule of the Chan Sect in the Nine Netherworld.

Since the founding of the Chan Sect, the immortals of the Chan Sect have been most adept at using others to do their dirty work and taking others as scapegoats. Now that trouble has arisen, they naturally think of the old method and prepare to drag the Jade Emperor into the mess.

The Ten Kings of Hell used an array to trap the charging giant while waiting for reinforcements from the Heavenly Court.

On this day, in the "Dou Niu Palace," the Jade Emperor and his celestial officials had just begun their court session to discuss important matters of the world when a celestial official on duty entered and reported: "Reporting to the Great Heavenly Venerable! The Heavenly King of Growth is outside to pay his respects!"

"Hmm? Isn't this person on duty at the South Heavenly Gate? Has something happened?"

The Jade Emperor's heart sank; he sensed trouble was approaching.

However, this matter could not be ignored, so the Jade Emperor could only calmly say, "Summon the Heavenly King of Growth."

The other officials also had a bad feeling, and they were all wondering what had happened.

The celestial official on duty received the decree from the Great Heavenly Venerable, turned around and hurriedly left. A short while later, the Heavenly King of Growth rushed in and bowed, saying, "Your humble servant greets the Great Heavenly Venerable."

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and asked, "You are not on duty at the South Heavenly Gate. What brings you to the palace in such a hurry?"

Upon hearing the question from the top leader, the Heavenly King of Growth quickly replied, "Outside the South Heavenly Gate, Cui Yu, the judge of the Underworld, has come to Heaven seeking reinforcements. He says that a powerful being has invaded the Underworld and killed countless underworld officials. If reinforcements are not sent soon, the Underworld may be lost."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's expression darkened considerably. He cursed inwardly, "You, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun, usually disregard me, but now that something's wrong, you're the first one to think of me! Don't you have the other Six Emperors in Heaven? Why don't you go to them?"

At this time, the Jade Emperor was unaware that Taiyi Zhenren, Chijingzi, and others had long since gone to Dongsheng Shenzhou with Xuandu Dafashi, and had no spare capacity to manage these matters.

A top-grade innate spiritual treasure is worth risking their lives for these quasi-saints.

As for the underworld, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun was confident that there would be no problem. Not to mention that the Jade Emperor had a reason to send reinforcements, there was also the Antarctic Longevity Emperor Yang Jian by his side.

Damaging the underworld is fine, as long as it doesn't affect the rule of the Chan Sect.

Anyway, the underworld has been attacked before over the years.

Isn't Sun Wukong a cautionary tale?

Then there's Ma Lingyao, a high-ranking official in the Heavenly Court, who is also a troublesome fellow. He came knocking on the door and secretly altered the "Book of Life and Death".

This time, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun also didn't take the matter seriously.

That is why Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun left this mess to the Heavenly Court to handle.

Upon hearing this news, the ministers' expressions changed drastically.

In the midst of this great calamity, who would be willing to descend to the mortal realm to clean up the mess left by the Chan Sect?

"Who has attacked the underworld this time?"

The Jade Emperor felt disgusted, as if he had swallowed a fly, but it was his job to deal with it.

As he spoke, the Jade Emperor looked at his trusted minister, Venus.

"This humble subject is also unaware of it."

Venus paused for a moment, then shook his head.

Immediately, the gods in the hall began to discuss among themselves.

The Heavenly King of Growth stood in the middle, somewhat dumbfounded. Why didn't you summon Cui Yu, or send the Wind-Following Ear and the Thousand-Mile Eye to investigate the movements of the Nine Netherworld? What are you doing?

Do we solve it by guessing riddles?

And Great Celestial Venerable, don't you have the "Haotian Mirror"?

Isn't this treasure supposed to allow one to observe the Thirty-Three Heavens above and explore the Nine Netherworlds below?

Why don't you use it now?

The mere wisdom of the Heavenly King of Growth would naturally not know that the Jade Emperor and all the gods were extremely dissatisfied with the actions of the Chan Sect, and were here making excuses and stalling for time!

After a while, the Jade Emperor seemed to have thought of something and ordered the Heavenly King of Growth, "Go and bring Cui Yu to see me!"

"Yes, Great Celestial Venerable!"

The Heavenly King of Growth was speechless, but it was good to be able to leave this place of trouble, so he hurriedly left the Great Buddha Hall.

A quarter of an hour later, Cui Yu, the judge of the underworld, entered the hall. After Cui Yu paid his respects, the Jade Emperor asked, "Normally, the underworld is guarded by the Ten Kings of Hell. What has happened today that requires us to seek help from Heaven?"

The Jade Emperor's words were full of sarcasm, and all the celestial officials present knew why the Great Celestial Venerable was dissatisfied.

The group of celestial officials also looked at Cui Yu with unfriendly expressions; they were unwilling to get involved in this mess.

With a great calamity approaching, and the prospect of clashing with quasi-saint level experts, there's a risk of death if things go wrong. Nobody's stupid, and nobody wants to go.

Cui Yu sighed inwardly, pretending not to understand the Jade Emperor's implied meaning, and bowed again before saying, "Great Heavenly Venerable, the person who came to cause trouble in my Underworld today is no ordinary person with great supernatural powers, but the king of the zombie clan, Jiang Chen. This person is extremely fierce, and he has turned the eighteen levels of hell upside down, releasing many evil ghosts."

After a pause, Cui Yu continued, "If the Great Celestial Venerable does not send troops to rescue us soon, I fear the Underworld may truly have to change its master. This is a matter of great importance, therefore I hereby inform the Great Celestial Venerable!" (End of Chapter)