Meeting Again; Can Protection Help You Break Through to Emperor Rank?

Seven days later, Ghost Soul Valley, on the outskirts of Kyoto.

This place had once been a mass grave from the previous dynasty, thick with yin energy. Ordinary people did not dare approach it.

Yet tonight, it was brightly lit. Hundreds of Black Robes stood in the valley like ghosts, forming an enormous blood-red formation.

At the center of the formation stood a nine-tiered altar built from stacked white bones. Chikata's relics from the Leopard Cat Tribe rested at its summit.

Around the altar, thirty-six Netherworld Path cultivators sat cross-legged, chanting under their breaths as they continuously formed black seals with their hands.

Each seal that landed on the altar caused another layer of bloody light to glow, while the resentment and death energy filling the air grew thicker.

"The time is almost upon us."

To the east of the altar stood a middle-aged man in a dark-gold robe embroidered with pythons, his hands clasped behind his back. His face was imposing, but his gaze was as sinister as an eagle's.

He was the current Daimyo, Tokugawa Ichiro.

He was also the most powerful man in the entire capital.

Three black robe elders with profound auras stood beside him, all of them Elders of the Netherworld Path.

"The Ten Thousand Soul Blood Sacrifice formation is ready. Once midnight arrives, when the yin energy is at its strongest, it can be activated."

The lead Elder bowed as he reported.

Tokugawa Ichiro nodded slightly, a flash of fanaticism passing through his eyes.

"Once Chikata is resurrected, use the Soul Locking Curse to control his mind.

"At that time, this great demon of the Western Country will serve me. Those northern nations... will all be incorporated into my territory!"

"The Daimyo is wise!"

The three Elders spoke in unison.

No one noticed that