I subdue demons and monsters, and cultivate immortality in hell to become a saint.

Despite being surrounded by eight monks, Zhong Jiu remained calm and composed, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

He sneered inwardly. He had only intended to kill Zhi Chen and leave, but these bald monks were ungrateful and dared to plot against him.

Then let's just give Honglun Temple a devastating blow by wiping out these old bald monks, and Honglun Temple will be dead in name only!

Just as Zhong Jiu's murderous intent was about to arise, a monk's pupils suddenly contracted, and he stared intently at Zhong Jiu, hurriedly transmitting his voice to the abbot: "Abbot! This person looks very familiar; he seems to be from the underworld!"

Zhihong was shocked and exclaimed in a hoarse voice, "The Underworld?"

The monk quickly added, "Indeed! This man is named Zhong Jiu. He once single-handedly razed the Misty Hidden Temple, annihilating all those old Taoists who tried to become gods through incense offerings, achieving godhood in a single battle! People say that he was originally a mortal, but gained extraordinary cultivation through the favor of the underworld gods! His killing of Uncle Zhi Chen today is no accident; there must be a reason!"

The monk was just an ordinary disciple and naturally didn't know the inside story, but Zhihong understood instantly.

He had secretly approved everything Zhi Chen had done, and he was now the only one who knew the truth.

Zhi Chen has been exposed; Zhong Jiu was sent by the Underworld!

Zhihong instantly pieced together the cause and effect, his heart filled with shock: Was the Underworld really so powerful? Zhichen had been careful enough, yet they still managed to detect him!

Moreover, the underworld didn't bother with any evidence and directly sent people to kill Zhichen. This fearlessness was far from simple!

He knew better than anyone that there was a world of difference between Zhong Jiu being all alone and having the underworld standing behind him!

Zhihong felt extremely bitter, regretting that he had let Zhichen provoke the underworld!

After a moment's hesitation, he gritted his teeth and said, "Fellow disciples, stop! Let him go!"

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, all the monks and Zhong Jiu were shocked!

"Absolutely not!"

"He killed Junior Brother Zhichen, how can he be let off lightly?"

"This humble monk is not convinced!"

The group of old monks protested, their faces filled with disbelief.

A strange light flashed in Zhong Jiu's eyes as he thought to himself: Did he suddenly stop because he guessed my background? This old abbot is quick to react.

"This is the abbot's decree; who dares disobey?"

Zhihong used his status to forcefully suppress the monks, then looked at Zhong Jiu and secretly transmitted his voice: "I will not pursue the matter of Zhichen's death. When you return, you can convey this message to the person behind it."

The meaning couldn't be clearer: since the people of the Underworld have already killed Zhichen, this debt of gratitude and grudge is settled; if Honglun Temple doesn't make things difficult for him, it's a sign of submission and appeasement to the Underworld!

What a flexible and adaptable old bald monk!

Zhong Jiu smiled faintly, his tone laced with biting sarcasm: "You think you're letting me go? Let me tell you the truth, if you stop now, you're only letting yourself go, and the entire Honglun Temple!"

Zhong Jiu glanced at the eight monks and unleashed the Heavenly Dragon Strike once more. With a single strike, he broke through the blockade set up by the eight monks.

Chung Kau can leave or stay as he pleases, so why should they "let him go"?

He then vanished in a flash.

The eight monks were left behind, blood trickling from their lips, exchanging bewildered glances, their eyes filled with utter terror, muttering to themselves, "This...this person is too powerful..."

Zhihong was so frightened that his heart pounded and his back broke out in a cold sweat. He secretly rejoiced: Luckily, he pulled back from the brink in time, otherwise Honglun Temple would have been wiped out and exterminated today!

The news of Zhichen's execution instantly caused a huge uproar in Kyoto!

Nowadays, all the major cultivation sects are flocking to Kyoto. When Kyoto moves, the entire cultivation world is shaken!

Countless people eagerly inquired and speculated, trying to find out who Zhichen had offended to end up in such a state, but ultimately they found nothing.

Since that day, the monks of Honglun Temple have secluded themselves and devoted themselves to cultivation, remaining silent and avoiding any discussion of Zhichen's death. Everyone was helpless and could only let the matter gradually subside.

Only the name of Zhong Jiu from the Underworld is deeply imprinted in the hearts of all practitioners.

From then on, a label was firmly attached to Chung Gau: a ruthless character from the underworld who walks among humans and is absolutely not to be trifled with!

Spring goes and autumn comes, and in the blink of an eye, several months have passed, and the cold winter has arrived.

As the day of spiritual revival draws ever closer, the battles among cultivators gradually subside, and they gather their strength and silently accumulate power in preparation for the coming glorious era.

Even the powerful demons and ghosts have fallen silent and no longer show themselves easily.

As the revival of spiritual energy draws closer, all forces are increasingly aware that a voice in the darkness is warning them that this world is about to undergo a tremendous change, and only by being fully prepared can they rise to prominence in this chaotic world!

Cultivators, ghosts, and demons all fell silent. Only those ignorant little demons and ghosts continued to cause trouble, oblivious to the dangers of the world. Apart from them, human society ushered in a rare period of peace and prosperity.

Discussions and murmurs were heard everywhere.

"Great! Peace is finally here!"

"This is not true peace, it is the calm before the storm!"

"Cherish the present moment..."

People have different thoughts; some live for the moment, some plan ahead, and some worry about the future.

Only the people of Nanling Province, especially those in Xingsha City, are not in such turmoil.

The laws of the underworld have long been established. Now, no one, whether human, demon, or ghost, dares to cross the line of the law in the entire Nanling Province. People no longer have any worries about safety when traveling at night. The vast Nanling Province has completely returned to peaceful times.

The cold winter months cannot freeze the warm hearts of the citizens of Changsha.

Since the bizarre resurgence of the supernatural, they haven't had a proper Spring Festival in a long time. Now, they are releasing all their enthusiasm, with lanterns and decorations adorning the streets and alleys, and everyone is busy preparing for the Spring Festival.

The City God Temple was also imbued with this festive atmosphere, adding a touch of warmth. Worshippers came and went in an endless stream, all coming to offer incense for the last time before the Spring Festival.

"Thank God for His protection, allowing us to live in peace!"

"I don't ask for wealth or status, I only wish for a harmonious family and my children to grow up safely!"

"Thank you, God!"

……

The pilgrims bowed devoutly, their expressions sincere. Recalling their past hardships and comparing them to their current peace, they felt as if they had lived through another world, and their hearts were filled with gratitude.

The people have their own scales of justice; they will be grateful to whoever protects them.

Even though the City God Temple has kept a very low profile in recent months and has never easily displayed any miracles, its status in the hearts of the people has not diminished at all; on the contrary, it has become more revered and deeply ingrained in their hearts.

A vast and sincere outpouring of gratitude flowed continuously into the City God's Palace.

Wen Tianxiang looked up and gazed into the distance, slowly extending his hand and murmuring a soft sigh, "Another fine year has passed!"

As soon as he finished speaking, snowflakes began to fall from the sky, and in an instant, the earth was covered in a blanket of white.

People dressed in down jackets ran and played in the snow, their laughter echoing through the streets and alleys, the warmth dispelling the chill of winter.

At this moment, Zhong Jiu was reviewing the last official document rewarding good deeds.

The official document clearly states: "Mao Zhiyuan has practiced medicine for twenty years, dedicated himself to healing the sick and saving countless lives. He treats impoverished patients out of his own pocket, accumulating merit through charitable acts and being filial to his parents. One month ago, he bravely rescued a child from drowning in a park; seven days ago, he donated money to help elderly people living alone to have a peaceful Lunar New Year. After verification by the Rewards and Charities Department, his profound virtues are deemed worthy, and it is proposed to extend his lifespan by three years and increase his salary by over ten thousand taels of silver."

Chung Kau picked up the judge's pen and, with a flourish, wrote a large "Approved" on the official document!

He understood in his heart that the way of law is not only about the severity of thunder, but also about the leniency of compassion. Crimes must be punished and merits must be rewarded. If there is any bias, then he cannot be considered a qualified judge.

In recent months, evil things have gradually decreased in the world, and he has devoted most of his energy to rewarding good deeds.

With evil deeds becoming increasingly rare, Zhong Jiu no longer needed to worry too much. Even Bai Qi's Soul Soldier Legion had nothing to do, as they were stationed at the border of the Underworld, training day and night, ready for battle.

After reviewing the last official document, Zhong Jiu walked out of the palace gate, his gaze piercing through the underworld and looking towards the human world.

Snowflakes fluttered down, and the wisps of incense from the City God Temple blended with the white snow, creating a scene resembling a fairyland; countless worshippers came and went with smiles on their faces, a peaceful and harmonious scene.

At that moment, Zhong Jiu felt a sudden enlightenment, an overwhelming sense of realization: "This is the power of clear order and strict laws! Only the rule of law can protect peace in the world! I, the judge, have already established the laws of Nanling Province. If I don't promote myself to City God now, when will I?"

As soon as Zhong Jiu finished speaking, colorful rays of light instantly gathered in the sky. The falling snowflakes were dyed by the light and turned into colorful ice crystals, which slowly fell with a beautiful glow!

[Congratulations, Host! Your Faith Points have exceeded 100 million, successfully establishing your position as the Yin Law Master of Nanling Province. You are now promoted to the Rank 4 City God of Xingsha City!]

The system notification sounded loudly, echoing throughout the underworld and the mortal realm.

The next second, the majestic power of heaven descended with a roar, and the colorful rays of light suddenly increased dozens of times. A golden beam of light, several meters wide, pierced through the clouds, tore through the sky, and shone straight into the Netherworld!

[Congratulations, host! You have successfully been promoted to the fourth-rank City God of Xingsha City!]

[Reward: City God's Seal of Xingsha City!]

[Reward: A fourth-rank official robe with purple ribbon and crimson clouds!]

[Reward: The Underworld God Ranking of Nanling Province!]

[Reward: Supernatural Power - Heaven and Earth Restriction!]

[Reward: Supernatural Power - Ghost Blows Out the Light!]

A series of reward notifications rang out one after another, and the dazzling array of rewards made Zhong Jiu's eyes light up and his heart race!

At the same time, Zhong Jiu's cultivation aura surged wildly like a rocket, his spiritual energy surging and roaring, and his realm rapidly ascending...

A terrifying power, far exceeding anything he had ever experienced before, surged wildly within his body!

His divine body cultivation level leaped directly from the True God Realm to the Heavenly God Realm, and his human body cultivation level also soared to the True Immortal Realm at the same time!