Chapter 1688: Disciples Shine Bright
Twenty years of confrontation, twenty years of shadow warfare. The Underworld, the Dao Palace, the Imperial Dynasty, and the Divine Organization faced each other across the void. The universe was divided into four realms, with undercurrents surging, ready at any moment to erupt into the most brutal war.
In this chaotic age, everyone cultivated with all their might, striving to elevate their realms. The future belonged to the strong. An immortal era was destined to dawn, but the process might be extremely bloody, filled with war and conflict.
This was no ordinary age. It was a golden age unprecedented in history, gathering the strongest bloodlines from past and present. It was fated not to be peaceful.
The golden age of a hundred schools contending had not ended; it had entered its inevitable Warring States period!
Over twenty years, countless talents had risen, shining their light across the universe, becoming legends, becoming heroes, casting brilliant radiance.
During this time, Ye Fan did not appear. The ancient imperial princes' struggle for supremacy continued, becoming even more brutal. Some fell, while others became renowned across the eternal river of stars, writing their imperial path's wild songs on the road to invincibility.
Beyond them, others became imperial stars drawing worldwide attention, such as Ye Tong, the Nether Prince, Huang Qi, Tian Yi, Zhou Yi, and others—a veritable galaxy of shining stars.
This was a resplendent age, fated to produce experts in abundance. It was also a tragic age, fated to see countless geniuses become bones on the imperial path.
It could be foreseen that the most dazzling collisions and the most blinding sparks would erupt in this era, and those who withered on the imperial path would surpass all previous ages.
In the end, only one person's glory would remain!
"Is the second Sacred Body truly invincible under the Quasi-Emperor realm? Could he be another Ye Fan?"
This was a black building complex, suspended in the Netherworld, shrouded in black mist. Above the grand gate hung a bronze plaque engraved with three large characters: Yama Hall.
This was one of the Underworld's most fearsome heavy grounds, standing on equal footing with the Nether Emperor and Prison Suppression lineages.
"The Yama Son did not die at Yang Xi's hands; he was killed by the Sun Body Ye Tong. This man is a heaven-defying genius, fully capable of matching an ancient imperial bloodline."
From above the black hall came a cold, grim laugh: "The Yama lineage truly declines with each generation. Lacking the divine bearing of their predecessors, they speak of ruling the Underworld. Yet they were killed by an outsider."
"Lord, calm your anger. It is simply that Ye Tong is too strong," the person below said, bowing his head.
This place was filled with eerie yin energy, utterly devoid of any yang aura. Cold and dark, it was a true underworld.
"Hmm, that battle back then cost us no small price. It led to the decline of the once-mighty Sun Clan. We obtained enough Sun essence blood from that campaign. Although a pure Sun Body has now appeared, we no longer need it. Someone else will deal with him."
The figure above Yama Hall revealed such a terrifying truth, causing the several powerful experts standing below to shudder. They never imagined such hidden circumstances existed.
The Sun lineage's decline in the Big Dipper began long ago. Otherwise, even ten Golden Crow clans could not have exterminated them.
Yet few knew that in the distant past, it was the Underworld's Yama lineage that struck, slaughtering the once-mighty Sun Quasi-Emperor, killing countless members of that clan, and refining the Sun blood they needed.
"The descendants of Yama are truly unworthy," the figure above the hall sighed, then added: "What we lack most is Sacred Body blood. Ye Tong can kill Chenchen, but Yang Xi's blood must be brought back."
"Report!"
Someone rushed into the hall, kneeling on one knee. His body was wreathed in yin energy, his face deathly pale—clearly a powerful corpse that had gained sentience.
"What happened?"
"The Prison Suppression Son was killed by the Sun Body Ye Tong in the starry sky. No corpse remained."
Silence fell over Yama Hall. Of the Underworld's three successors this generation—the Nether Prince, the Prison Suppression Son, and the Yama Son—two had died. Only in the era of Emperor Wu Shi had something similar occurred.
Back then, the Underworld had been slaughtered so badly that they hid in secret realms for tens of thousands of years, using celestial treasures, not daring to appear. Though they had Supremes within their ranks, they endured the humiliation. That was an era too painful to recall.
Now, with two more sons killed, they were reminded of that wretched period.
"It seems the Underworld has grown rusty. We have endured for eternity, witnessed the glorious ages of all emperors. Now everyone has grown lazy. Did you truly believe we could dominate the universe? This bloody reality shatters your dreams!"
Above the hall, the colossal being roared. It was not human. Half its body emerged from the darkness. Its cyan claws were as large as winnowing baskets, gleaming with cold light, smashing the divine-material table into pieces.
"The Prison Suppression lineage has also declined. The Underworld grows worse with each generation! In the past, our Netherworld ancestors campaigned in all directions. When the ghost soldier army marched, even the Heavenly Court would collapse, leaving eternal fame. At the end of reincarnation, the Underworld is the final destination of all living beings! That was not empty talk. How can the Underworld be so pathetic?!"
The other two important halls of the Underworld echoed similarly. Low roars shook billions of miles of Netherworld, causing blood-colored lightning to dance across the entire dark yin realm.
"Our Underworld lacks nothing but experts. We gather the strongest spirits from all ages here. No one can oppose us!" He began issuing orders, sending people to the Black Prison to awaken the sleeping existence.
"Lord, please think thrice. The person in the Black Prison is unstable. He has not fully awakened. He is often confused and kills everyone he sees. Though he was invincible in life, now is not the time for him to emerge."
...
An earthquake shook the universe. The master-disciple pair of Ye Tong and Yang Xi shone in all directions. Yang Xi was invincible under the Quasi-Emperor realm, slaughtering many yin generals of the Underworld. And Ye Tong was even more dazzling. His Sun bloodline had been purified, earning him the title of Second Sun Saint Emperor. He killed the Underworld's future successors one after another, stirring up a great cosmic storm.
The whole world was shocked. The four realms—Imperial Dynasty, Dao Palace, Underworld, and others—had not yet truly torn into open war, but the Heavenly Court had already clashed with the Underworld. Everyone sighed that Ye Fan had taken several good disciples. His disciples could already stir up heavenly winds and throw the universe into chaos.
Both of the Underworld's successors had been killed. How could such a thing not terrify people?
"This is just the beginning. The Nether Prince will duel Ye Tong to restore the Underworld's dignity."
Some sighed, saying that if the Underworld lost, that would be the most terrifying thing. For it would herald the emergence of endless ghost soldiers, the return of ancient supreme experts one by one, their corpses returning to fight!
From ancient times to the present, countless supreme experts had been born. Even if the Underworld had only obtained a small portion of their bodies, that would be enough to be invincible.
In the universe, Ye Tong's entire body radiated divine light. Where he stood, there was no sun in the sky, no light in the stars, for he himself was the most dazzling blazing sun.
He stood there, even his hair golden like fine gold, dyed by radiance. His expression was serious, inspiring awe without anger.
Opposite him was a completely opposite scene. Boundless darkness, surging Nether mist, the power of death rolling forth. A man in black armor stood like the God of Death.
This battle erupted!
Though it was not a public war, those passing through this star region, as well as the sages who heard the news and rushed over in time, were fortunate enough to witness it.
"Reincarnation of Life and Death!"
The Nether Prince immediately used a great divine ability, a secret art from the forbidden chapters of ancient Supremes. The yin and yang realms turned, the breath of life and death surged, forming a reincarnation gate that covered heaven and earth, swallowing Ye Tong inside.
"Does he want to decide life and death, victory and defeat, in one move?" Everyone felt a chill.
This kind of duel was the most dangerous. It condensed a thousand moves into one, fusing them into a single strike. Once the strongest blow was unleashed, there was no turning back. Victory meant life, defeat meant death.
The Nether Prince dared to strike like this not only out of confidence but also out of courage, wanting to suppress Ye Tong in momentum.
Ye Tong's response was equally strong. Standing inside the pitch-black reincarnation gate, his golden figure strode forward through the boundless cycle, marching bravely ahead.
"At the end of reincarnation is your final destination!" the Nether Prince chanted lowly, his expression solemn. He did not underestimate his opponent, fighting seriously. Being able to use this move also showed his boldness.
"Senior Brother!" Yang Xi was worried. He saw blood dripping from Ye Tong's body. Every step he took stained the void red, bearing immense pressure within reincarnation.
"Open!"
The next moment, not only did Sun divine light surge from Ye Tong's body, but Taiyin energy also burst forth. Eighteen ancient characters stood opposed, intertwining, rotating, becoming one.
Vaguely, chaotic energy erupted!
"He contains the true essence of Taiyin within him. This generation's Sun Body is not simple!" Many exclaimed, completely stunned.
"Crack"
The reincarnation gate shattered. The Nether Prince's body shook violently, blood seeping from all over.
Ye Tong rushed out like a heavenly fire, radiant light shining in all directions. At this moment, he was the true Sun God, looking down upon the human world. His wounds healed. With a sweep of his palm, he chopped the Nether Prince, whose Dao was already half-ruined, into four pieces, turning him into a cloud of blood mist.
Silence fell across the universe. All three of the Underworld's successors had been killed by Ye Tong alone. This was a world-shaking thunderbolt, with immense repercussions.
"Senior Brother, are you alright?" Yang Xi frowned.
"It's nothing. A few days of rest and I'll recover." Ye Tong wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, revealing a sunny smile.
The master-disciple pair departed, but this starry sky boiled over. Soon, the entire universe shook. People knew that the Underworld's terrifying aspects were about to be revealed to the world.
"What kind of monsters did Ye Fan raise? Even his disciples have such divine might. How strong is he himself? He hasn't made a move in twenty years."
Now the whole universe was discussing the Heavenly Court. This lineage was a miracle.
People had to marvel. Though the Heavenly Court was not as great as the four realms, its potential was limitless. In the future, it might surpass them and be revered by all.
"I am truly disappointed. This generation's successors of the Underworld are worse than the last. The so-called strongest Three Yin Body in a hundred thousand years, nurtured in the mansion for a hundred thousand years, is so fragile, all killed by one person."
The Nether Emperor Hall, Yama Hall, and Prison Suppression Hall all trembled together. Cold, low whispers came, shaking the entire Netherworld realm.
"It's not that the Underworld's three sons were weak, but that this generation's Sun Body is too terrifying."
"Go to the Black Prison and unlock that person's shackles. Release him to go on a killing spree!" a majestic voice roared, beyond furious.
That day, the Underworld's yin gate opened wide. Hundreds of thousands of ghost soldiers marched out, escorting a prison carriage. It rumbled as it moved toward the depths of the starry sky.
Everyone was horrified. Those with quick information knew that the Underworld was enraged. It wanted to sweep away the Heavenly Court, preparing to bloodwash the starry sky.
A somewhat thin young boy stepped onto the starry sky, full of hope, his eyes filled with longing. He traveled by observing the sun, moon, and stars, curious about everything.
It must be said, this was a very cute child. He looked only fifteen or sixteen years old, his eyes clear and flawless, purer than a baby's.
He was very gentle and handsome, more spiritual than any girl his age. In his presence, all spiritual things would pale.
"Uncle, do you know where the Heavenly Court is?" After a long journey, he finally encountered an old sage on a small planet. A shy smile appeared on his face, as white as porcelain. His eyes were like black gems, revealing him to be a young boy inexperienced in the world.
"Child, you are truly strong. You look very young, yet you travel alone through the starry sky. It's too dangerous." The old sage kindly advised. Then his expression changed: "Don't inquire about the Heavenly Court, especially in this star region. I advise you to turn back immediately. Ahead, hundreds of thousands of ghost soldiers are passing through, going to destroy the Heavenly Court's heroes. Many saints are now fleeing. All the major strongholds along the way are almost empty. Everyone has run away."
"Why are they attacking the Heavenly Court?" the boy asked. He looked very innocent and cute, making people instinctively like him and want to care for him.
"Don't ask so many questions. Hurry and leave, or it will be too late," the old man said kindly.
"I can't leave. I need to find my master," the boy shook his head, wanting to go forward.
"Silly child, ahead a group of demons are coming. They will bloodwash the starry sky. Rushing toward them like this is suicide. You cannot go to the Heavenly Court," the old sage warned.
"But my master is in the Heavenly Court. I must go," the boy said shyly, earnestly bowing to the old sage. Then, with a flash of purple light, he vanished from this star.
"Heavens! I misjudged him. He's not a child who sneaked away using a teleportation array. He can shatter the universe with his physical body and roam the void!" The old sage was shocked, staring blankly for a long time.
"Uncle, how do I get to the Heavenly Court? Can you tell me?" Along the way, the boy saw more people, all hurrying as if fleeing.
"Hurry and turn back! The ghost army is coming! If you don't leave now, it will be too late," a white-haired elder said.
"I'm not fleeing. I need to find my master. If the ghost soldiers want to attack the Heavenly Court, I will stop them," the boy said, his voice very soft. And he was so beautiful, the most spiritual person these people had ever seen, embodying the wisdom of heaven and earth, his entire being very ethereal.
"You may not be as young as you appear. You might be a sage. But you really cannot go forward."
"Turn back quickly, or you will face deadly disaster."
These fleeing people could not bear to see such an innocent, adorable boy, clearly inexperienced in the world, meet with danger. They all spoke up.
"Thank you, uncles and aunties. But I really must go to the Heavenly Court to find my master," the boy replied.
"Who is your master?" someone asked.
"My master is the Sacred Body Ye Fan," the boy said softly, appearing somewhat delicate.
Everyone was startled. Ye Fan had another disciple like this? They had never heard of it.
"Quick, leave! The ghost soldiers are coming!" someone shouted. In the distance, a vast, dark mass approached. War chariots rumbled. Yin energy blotted out the sky and covered the sun.
"Don't be afraid. Uncles and aunties, I will deal with them for you," the boy rushed forward. Purple light tore through the universe. With a boom, he stood firm at the front.
At that moment, everyone behind was stunned. In a daze, they seemed to see a peerless Demon Emperor awakening. The boy's aura was completely different. Standing alone under the starry sky, he suppressed heaven, earth, and the river of stars.
"Who... is he? What kind of monsters did the Sacred Body Ye Fan raise? Why do I feel he can deal with everyone in the Underworld?"
"Quasi-Emperor! He is actually a Quasi-Emperor!"
"Heavens! When did Ye Fan get another disciple like this? If this boy can drive back the Underworld army, that would truly be heaven-defying!"
Everyone was shaken, watching that scene in disbelief.
They should guess who had come. The little one from before had reappeared in the world. Wuwuwu, asking for monthly votes. We must surge upward, resolutely, certainly, surge onto the monthly vote list. All great emperors, for the sake of the little one's appearance, you must vote! Thank you!