Nether Firmament Welcomes Its Lord · Cang Abyss Visits the Sect

At the pinnacle of the Spirit Firmament Great Realm Nether Firmament Underworld Sect.

On this day, the star patterns in the sky trembled, the clouds in the Nine Nether Netherworlds churned, and a magnificent ancient bell sound came from beyond the heavens, like a divine law striking the gate of heaven and earth, resounding throughout a realm of thirty thousand miles.

Before the main hall of the Underworld Sect, the Grand Venerable Mingxu, clad in a dark gold robe, led the sect's elders and disciples to gather at the sect's Heavenly Palace, standing in formation to solemnly welcome them.

High above, nine layers of divine radiance descended, and a divine path paved with "Cang Abyss Realm Runes" stretched down from the void. Around that divine path, countless shadows of azure seas and mountains appeared, and the fluctuations of the boundary source were as vast as a galaxy, awe-inspiring and soul-stirring.

Immediately afterwards, a dark blue figure slowly stepped out from the end of the divine path.

He was clad in a dark blue robe with intricate patterns, and eight layers of boundary waves rose beneath his feet. His eyes reflected the Annihilation power of the starry sea. In the blink of an eye, the rules of the universe automatically yielded and the energy of all things returned to stillness.

He did not speak, yet the souls were filled with awe, and their consciousnesses naturally submitted.

It was none other than "Xuancang Shenying Sky," one of the rulers of the Spirit Firmament Great Realm, a master of the Silent Source Realm · Supreme.

The Grand Venerable Mingxu stood atop the high platform, his body slightly bowed.

"The arrival of the Great Realm Master Xuancang in Xuan Cang is a great honor for the entire lineage of Mingxu and Youqiong."

Xuancang Shenying merely nodded slightly; his voice, though unassuming, resonated deeply within the souls of every disciple.

"I have come for three matters—first, to congratulate Qin Ning, a disciple of the Nether Firmament Underworld Sect, on slaying the Mirror Abyss Beast and breaking the Mirror Soul Domain; second, there is an important matter I need to discuss with you all. Zhou Yu is now the successor to the Thunder Prison Mystic Gate Master, and Qian Ruishan is the Master of the Myriad Spirits Contract Beast Clan." "I have already sent people to inform the Sect Master of the Divine Flame Radiant Realm and the elders of the Heavenly Abyss Beast Que Clan; they will arrive shortly."

"Thirdly..." He paused slightly, as if a mysterious spiritual aura floated within him, "I want to take Qin Yu with me to the [Supreme Firmament Divine Rank] to prepare for the Realm Lord Council's Opening Heaven Wheel Seal matter."

These words shocked the entire clan.

Countless disciples were shocked: the Supreme Firmament Divine Rank a secret ancient domain among Realm Master, only those destined to become Realm Master could set foot there. And now, Xuan Cang had personally declared— Qin Ning —that he was going to participate?

A hint of satisfaction and solemnity flashed in the eyes of the Grand Venerable Mingxu as he slowly turned his gaze to the young figure approaching from not far away.

Qin Yu before the Heavenly Palace, his expression calm and composed. His Qingyi robes fluttered in the wind, and Azure Ring lay hidden behind him, the soul of Yunyi flowing serenely. Beside him, Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan also stood side by side, their auras composed and their souls undisturbed.

He looked at the man from the pinnacle of the realm and gently cupped his hands in greeting:

"The summons of the Realm Master is nonetheless obeyed, Yu dares not refuse."

Qin Ning rose and bowed, his tone respectful yet composed. Xuancang Shenying nodded slightly, his Star Abyss- like gaze sweeping over him with a hint of profound meaning.

At this moment, the main hall was surrounded by golden light and flowing soul light. All the sect leaders who had been summoned had arrived. After a moment of silence, Xuancang Shenying slowly rose, his robes fluttering without wind. An invisible force spread out, pressing down on the entire main hall as if it were under the pressure of a galaxy. Everyone unconsciously became solemn and respectful.

His expression was solemn as he scanned the seats and said:

"We are gathered here today not for pleasantries."

"Since the beginning of the Spirit Firmament Era, this is the first time the Immortal Antiquity Chaos has occurred; although the Eight Supervisors of the Execution have been completely Annihilation, our sects have suffered nearly half their losses as a result. The ten major sects that once held power in the Spirit Firmament Realm are now..."

His gaze swept downwards:

"... Only five seats remain— the Nether Firmament Underworld Sect, the Divine Flame Radiant Realm, the Thunder Prison Mystic Gate, the Myriad Spirits Contract Beast Clan, and the Heavenly Abyss Beast Que."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall became more solemn.

As all those present knew, behind the Eight Overseers of the Immortal Ancient Execution far more than just those eight terrifying soul shadows; the source to which they returned— the Immortal Antiquity Era—had yet to reveal its full form. Though the battle was won, no one could say for sure whether it was truly "the end."

Xuancang Shenying slowly returned to the main seat, waved his sleeve, and commanded:

"Today's discussion is not only about restoring order to the remaining sects, but also about agreeing on the next steps—the reorganization of the Realm Lord Council and the redefinition of the Spirit Firmament Domain."

His eyes shone like the light of a chasm, gazing upon the assembled sects, his voice deep and resonant like the tolling of a world bell:

"Leaders of all sects, please take your seats."

Immediately, the Grand Venerable Mingxu of the Nether Firmament Underworld Sect was the first to cup his hands and laugh heartily, "I will obey the Realm Master's command."

Zhou Yu, the sect leader of the Thunder Prison Mystic Gate, Qian Ruishan, the sect leader of the Myriad Spirits Contract Beast Clan, also stood up and bowed in unison:

"We are willing to obey the commands of the Realm Master."

The people inside the hall then took their seats, and the auras of the five forces faintly converged. The five Soul Flame Seals then slowly ignited on the dome of the hall, symbolizing the coexistence of the five strongest sects in the Spirit Firmament Great Realm.

Above the soul flame, there are still five empty seal bases, broken and extinguished, signifying the former glory and current reconstruction of the Spirit Firmament Great Realm.

Next, the crucial discussion, as determined by the Realm Master, will focus on rebuilding the future order of the Spirit Firmament.

Xuancang Shenying sat in the main seat, remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised his eyes, his gaze filled with an unwavering and profound intent.

"... But you should all know that the calamity of the Immortal Antiquity Era is not yet over."

His voice was not loud, but it was like thunder from the sky, striking the hearts of every sect leader.

"Although the eight executioners have been completely Annihilation, the Immortal Clan still exists—the three commanders remain, still eyeing us covetously."

His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of barriers, looking into the unknown depths of darkness.

"The Soul Army's Commander-in-Chief You Junhan, the Heavenly Punishment Envoy Jue Yilei, and the Battle Domain Commander Chi Leiyuan... are all at the level Supreme Silent Origin, and are far beyond what the former executioner could achieve. If these three were to join forces and invade our Spirit Firmament again, I fear that none of our sects could withstand it alone."

These words caused a change in the expressions of all the sect leaders in the hall.

The Grand Venerable Mingxu frowned, the Lightning Prison Sect Master Zhou Yu twisted his sleeves, and Qian Ruishan's eyes also flickered slightly, as if she was pondering the meaning behind Xuancang Shenying's words.

Xuancang Shenying's expression was as deep as an abyss, and he finally slowly uttered the real topic:

"Therefore... the most important matter to discuss today is—the strategy concerning the five divine beasts of the Spirit Firmament."

Inside the main hall, the air seemed to freeze slightly.

"You should already know that the five divine beasts are transcendent souls born from the primordial will of the Spirit Firmament. They are all beings above the fifth rank of the Silent Origin Realm, capable of suppressing life and death in an entire realm and shaking the laws of the ages."

He paused slightly, then looked at Qin Ning: "As for 'Jingyuan Yuehuang,' it has already been slain by Qin Ning."

Upon hearing this, the sect leaders looked at Qin Ning with barely concealed surprise.

Qin Yu nodded slightly, his expression calm, and remained silent, sitting at the lower end of the table listening attentively.

Xuancang Shenying continued:

"The four remaining entities each occupy a perilous region of the Spirit Firmament, without a master or contract, each guarding the Chaos Rift, the Soul Source Anomalous Tide, and the Severed Realm Void Vortex... all forbidden areas that are difficult to enter lightly."

His words were calm and composed, yet they gradually tightened the grip on people's hearts.

"But after much deliberation, I realize that our sect's foundation has been severely damaged, and the three enemy commanders are watching us closely. Only by seeking a new force to protect our realm can we remain invincible."

He spoke slowly, word by word:

"I propose that the five major sects of Spirit Firmament unite to search for the remaining four divine beasts and attempt to tame their power through the ritual of Soul Pact."

"Divine beasts are extraordinary, their spiritual nature surpassing all other spirits. But this is also the only way to potentially reverse the future. With their help, although we may not be able to defeat the three commanders, my Spirit Firmament will not be powerless to retaliate."

Having said that, he slowly swept his gaze across the various sects:

"I know this is a perilous, even mad, undertaking... but it's the only possible chance to fight before the end of the world. What do you think?"

A moment of silence followed, as if the entire main hall had fallen into a still pressure where the very breath of life had stopped.

The Grand Venerable Mingxu was the first to rise and bow solemnly.

"The Underworld Sect obeys your command and is willing to fully assist in the search for the Four Divine Beasts."

Zhou Yu followed closely behind:

"Thunder Prison Mystic Gate, willing to walk the path of death—to protect the Spirit Firmament."

Qian Ruishan nodded slowly, her expression as calm as ever:

"The power of our clan's Beast Contract allows us to comprehend the soul intent of divine beasts. If we can win their hearts, it will be an unprecedented feat."

Xuancang Shenying finally nodded slowly, a barely perceptible glint of light appearing in his eyes for the first time.

He spoke softly, each word like the first murmur of heavenly law:

"--From this moment on, the battle for the return of the four gods to their seats officially begins."

⸻

The voice of Xuancang Shenying slowly spread throughout the hall, lingering for a long time, like the booming of a boundary bell, heavily striking the hearts and souls of all the sect leaders.

That was an almost insane proposition.

--To command divine beasts with a mortal body?

--With the power of a sect, can one force a transcendent soul at the Silent Origin Fifth Stage Realm to bow down?

Everyone understands that this is far more perilous than fighting the Immortal Clan for a thousand years.

But this is also the last hope of the Spirit Firmament Great Realm.

The Grand Venerable Mingxu, clad in a black robe embroidered with Netherworld patterns, stood solemnly, his gaze deep and unfathomable, and slowly spoke:

"If we don't even dare to take this step, we will watch helplessly as the Spirit Firmament sinks into eternal damnation."

He turned to the crowd, his voice firm:

"Even if it costs me tens of thousands of years of the Underworld Sect's foundation, I, Mingxu, am willing to give everything for this battle."

Zhou Yu, the sect leader of the Thunder Prison Mystic Gate, though young, possessed an unyielding will. He nodded emphatically.

"Although the Xuanmen sect is newly established, my Lei lineage will never fear death."

"If that divine beast dares to harm my people, I will shatter the heavens with lightning and destroy its very soul."

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous energy echoed faintly throughout the hall, revealing the young sect leader's sharpness and fierceness.

Qian Ruishan gently stroked the colorful feather on her shoulder, a glint of light flashing in her eyes, and spoke softly:

"Divine beasts cannot be tamed, but my way of contracting beasts is not about coercion, but about resonance."

"If one can achieve a spiritual connection and a Soul Pact, even transcending the divine soul, there is still a glimmer of hope."

She turned to look at Qin Yu, a slight smile playing on her lips:

"We have already embarked on a path of Bugui, so how could we stop at this step?"

The old man from Heavenly Abyss Beast Que slowly rose, his aged appearance as steady as an ancient stone, and spoke in a low voice:

"Our clan has guarded the Soul Abyss for fifty thousand years. If we were to retreat even half a step now, we would be ashamed before the spirits of our ancestors."

"In this battle... I don't seek victory, I only seek to have no regrets."

The sect master of the Divine Flame Radiant Realm remained silent for a long time before finally raising his head and smiling, the fire pattern imprint on his brow burning intensely.

"The idea of taming gods is utterly arrogant."

"But if we don't act recklessly this time, how can we let those remnants of the Immortal Antiquity immortals know that we, Spirit Firmament, are not yet destroyed?"

As the words were spoken, the solemn atmosphere in the hall reached its Ultimate.

Xuancang Shenying surveyed the surroundings, then slowly rose, his figure resembling the pinnacle of the Realm Sea, where stars bowed and the Heavenly Dao yielded.

He spoke, each word as steady and firm as a vow:

"From this day forward, the Spirit Firmament Great Realm will be divided into four divine beast Seal Domain, based on the five sects."

"All who enter the Seal Domain swear an oath by Soul Pact, vowing never to retreat except in the face of death."

"Each sect will form its own divine covenant exploration team and set off before the last day of the month—to explore the gods, inquire about the covenant, and summon the soul!"

"This battle is not for conquest."

"--Just to preserve the last vestige of dignity for Spirit Firmament."

At this moment, under that magnificent divine power and immortal will, everyone's eyes ignited with an inextinguishable soul light.

Even if death lies ahead.

Even if it's just for a sliver of hope.

They are willing to go the extra mile.

--For the sake of the Spirit Firmament, I keep my promise to the Divine Abyss.

The sect leaders rose from their seats and stepped out of the divine throne hall, but Qin Ning remained motionless.

High above, celestial patterns floated and rippled, starlight flickered, and divine radiance had not yet dissipated, yet the great hall was already as silent as the underworld.

The Xuancang Shenying slowly turned around, its back to the vast expanse of light, its voice deep and resonant, like the echo of Realm Master's divine will:

"Ning, I spared you because of this plan... it was truly the most desperate gamble I've ever made in Xuan Cang life."

He slowly raised his hand, and starlight materialized in his palm, revealing the phantoms of four divine beasts:

Candle Tribulation Nether Blaze, Nether Glaze Soul Luan, Star Prisoner Abyss Chi, Extinguished Light Void Desert.

Each divine figure carried the fluctuations of the law of annihilation, even causing a corner of the temple to slightly collapse.

"They are not beasts that mortal spirits can control, but rather the abyss of the Spirit Firmament, a mirror image sealed behind destiny."

He lowered his gaze to Qin Yu, and for the first time, a rare trace of solemnity and weariness appeared in the eyes of this supreme master of the Silent Origin Supreme.

"And you are the last variable in our Spirit Firmament."

Qin Yu gazed at him quietly for a moment, then spoke softly:

Are you afraid I won't cooperate?

"No." Xuancang Shenying gently shook his head, his gaze as deep as a dark star. "If you truly do not wish, even as the Realm Master, I will not force you."

"Of all the powerful beings in this world, only you..."

"Slay the Eight Guardians, defy the tide of the realm, break the chains of fate, and kill the divine beast of the Mirror Abyss."

"You are the only one who has ever truly 'broken the rules of the soul'."

"If the three great leaders were to arrive together in the future, or even... the Immortal Ancient Clan Ming Xianyou were to reappear."

"At that time, only you in the entire Spirit Firmament will have the potential to reach that higher level and converse with it."

He paused, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said in a low voice:

So I'm asking you, not questioning you, not giving you a command.

"I just... want to hear your thoughts."

--Even the Realm Master set aside his status to inquire about Qin Ning's true intentions.

Qin Yu remained silent for a long time, then suddenly chuckled softly and stood with his hands behind his back:

I will never forget what my senior said.

"Mirror Abyss has been slain; Wancai, Xueli, and Yunyi will accompany us throughout our lives; Qingwan and Shanshan will walk side by side."

"Now that I'm in the Spirit Firmament, where can I go if this world is destroyed?"

His gaze was calm, but his voice was like a piercing blade:

"In that case—I'll go then."

Even if the road ahead leads to death.

Even if what you're contracting isn't a divine beast, but a dream that Bugui.

Xuancang Shenying gazed at him, and after a moment, suddenly sighed softly.

That sigh was like a guardian of the boundary finally seeing a glimmer of light before the long night.

"Good."

"Then I swear by you my heart, and my soul my oath—"

"Qin Yu, if the Four Gods can be united, then you shall be the first to lead the expedition."

Are you willing?

Qin Yu took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming like stars, and nodded slightly:

"Yu, I am willing to walk this path."

"For Spirit Firmament... and for those behind me."

Deep within the inner hall of the Nether Firmament Underworld Sect.

The night was quiet, and starlight slanted across the jade steps. The palace doors opened slightly, and Qin Ning, dressed in a black robe, stepped in.

The Grand Venerable Mingxu sat upright in the main seat, his brows still as deep and unfathomable as an abyss; Zhou Yu leaned against the side with his hands behind his back, a trace of solemnity flashing in his eyes; Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan stood side by side, both looking up at him; while Yao Wanqing stood in a corner of the side hall, her expression gentle and calm, as if she had been waiting for a long time.

The room was quiet, save for a gentle breeze that rustled the fabric of clothing as it passed through the corner of the hall.

Mingxu spoke first, his voice low and deep:

"You're back."

Qin Yu nodded slightly, saying nothing more, but everyone understood his answer.

Zhou Yu asked in a deep voice, "Senior Xuancang Shenying, is it about those four divine beasts?"

Qian Ruishan looked at him, her eyes gentle and bright. "We all guessed it."

"The entire Spirit Firmament now only has five major sects left... Without the power of divine beasts, it will be difficult to sustain a new Soul War."

Mu Qingwan pursed her lips, her expression gentle yet her eyes resolute. "If the three commanders attack in the future, although our cultivation has not yet reached the peak of the Silent Origin, we will never retreat."

Yao Wanqing nodded slowly. "Since we've chosen to stay in Spirit Firmament, we won't be afraid of any battle."

Qin Yu looked at everyone, slowly walked to a jade platform in the hall, stood quietly for a moment, and then said:

"Just as you all think... he wants to hear my opinion."

"I agree."

"If there's still a possibility of compatibility between those four divine beasts, I will fight for it."

"It's not for achievements, it's not for fame."

"It's for you."

His gaze swept over each of them, finally settling between Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan:

"The only thing I care about in this world is... whether you are all well."

Upon hearing this, everyone was slightly shaken.

Zhou Yu suddenly smiled, her eyes flashing like lightning:

"Then we'll fight you to the very end."

"The Spirit Firmament Great Realm will not perish."

The Grand Venerable Mingxu solemnly rose, bowed deeply to Qin Ning, and spoke in a voice as if on oath:

"If I can witness you reach the pinnacle of the realm in this lifetime, I, Youqiong, am willing to erect another monument to the Myriad Souls Sect for you."

Qian Ruishan took Mu Qingwan's hand and smiled faintly:

"As long as you are here, Qingwan and I will stay behind you, not taking a single step back."

Mu Qingwan nodded slightly, her eyes as firm as an ice lotus under snow:

"Having chosen to enter the Spirit Firmament, I will make this realm my final resting place for the rest of my life."

Yao Wanqing murmured softly:

"If one day, our Fate Soul are gone, at least we once stood together under this starry sky."

At this moment, the five people's eyes met, and their souls connected.

The inner palace was silent, the starlight like a vow, with heaven and earth as its witness.

Qin Yu slowly raised his right palm, and the illusory image of the Azure Ring appeared, its clear light flowing between his five fingers.

"Since that's the case."

"Then let us swear an oath—"

"For the sake of the Spirit Firmament, for the sake of our fellow believers."

"If the Three Unifications were to come to pass, I would rather betray Heaven and Earth than betray my own realm."

Everyone said in unison:

"We swear to Spirit Firmament; our souls will never perish, our will will never falter!"

Inside the Jade Palace, a blue light, like a flame, illuminated the night sky and starry heavens, as if engraving that vow into the entire Spirit Firmament Realm.