The Heavenly Demon's Disciples Are Full of Talent; the Underworld's Answer

After quietly leaving the Buddhist kingdom, Deng Canglan also left Luofu Grotto-Heaven unnoticed.

The purpose of this trip has been achieved, there is no point in staying any longer, and it might even lead to trouble from that Young Hero Guo.

Deng Canglan recalled his first encounter with the Heavenly Court ruins and couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion and regret. How pleasing to the eye Young Hero Guo was back then! Indeed, the world of martial arts changes people over time.

As the sun begins to set.

Deng Canglan entered a small town. There was a wonton stall by the roadside, with steam rising from the stove and the bone broth bubbling in the pot, its aroma wafting far and wide.

Deng Canglan found an empty seat and ordered a bowl of wontons.

He had barely sat down when a teenager carrying a cloth bag passed by. The teenager's eyes lit up and he noticed that although the boy was simply dressed, he had a calm demeanor and an indescribable composure in his eyes. The boy seemed to be a young swordsman from some family. The teenager immediately approached him.

"Young hero, would you like to take a look at the newly printed Three Rankings of Heaven, Earth, and Man? This edition has seen tremendous changes in both the Heaven Ranking and Earth Ranking; I guarantee you'll be astonished! And it's only one tael of silver!"

Upon hearing the last sentence, Deng Canglan's brow twitched, and he decisively refused.

He clicked his tongue inwardly. A few sheets of paper with some names and nicknames printed on them, and they dare to charge a tael of silver? These intelligence-gathering people, with their monopoly on information, are utterly shady.

Who says there are no robberies that aren't illegal?

The young man seemed surprised that he had misjudged the man, and couldn't help but wonder, judging from the young swordsman's demeanor, he didn't seem like the type who couldn't afford a tael of silver.

Just then, two people sat down at the next table, a man and a woman, with long swords hanging at their waists. They had a neat and efficient demeanor and looked like proper disciples of a prestigious sect.

The woman placed a long sword wrapped in blue cloth on the table and called out:

"Please provide the latest Three Rankings."

"Alright! Here you go, young heroine!" The young man immediately handed it over with a smile.

Deng Canglan caught a glimpse of the man and woman paying the money readily and couldn't help but sigh. How many steamed buns could one tael of silver buy?

He still has the youthful spirit of a chivalrous newcomer to the martial world.

At this moment.

A steaming bowl of wontons was placed in front of him.

Thin-skinned wontons floated in the bowl, and bright green scallions floated on the surface of the bone broth, filling the air with a fragrant aroma.

Looking at the wontons in his bowl, Deng Canglan couldn't help but think of his Junior Brother Su had accompanied him to drink sweet water by the roadside the last time.

Junior Brother Su was kind-hearted. Not only did he not drink the sweet water, but he also took all of his belongings, allowing him to set up several more porridge stalls in the Eastern Wilderness.

Thinking of this, Deng Canglan couldn't help but miss his Junior Brother Su.

He scooped up a wonton and put it in his mouth. He found the skin thin and the filling generous, with a fresh and delicious flavor. He was immediately satisfied and began to think about where to go next.

Since the age of nine, he had unknowingly severed his "true self," and now he has finally closed the loop.

From this moment on, my true self is fulfilled, and the light within my heart shines forth.

No more searching, no more climbing outwards.

He also truly began to understand the True Demon in the Buddhist realm, and was no longer confused, confirming the path ahead.

What is a demon?

Those who indulge in slaughter are demons, those who massacre cities and destroy nations are demons, those who stain mountains and rivers with blood are demons, but those who do not submit to Heaven and go against fate are demons in the eyes of those who obey Heaven, and those who break through the shackles of Heaven and Earth just to seek a sliver of survival may also be demons in the eyes of Heavenly Dao.

All the myriad paths of demonic cultivation ultimately share not "evil," but "intolerance."

It is not tolerated by worldly rules, not tolerated by ethical principles, and not tolerated by the Principle of heaven and earth.

Despite all the obstacles, can this world truly exist without demons?

Deng Canglan shook his head slightly.

He felt it was impossible.

Rules, though established, will eventually become rigid; paths paved by Heavenly Dao will eventually become impassable; what everyone considers right may not actually be right; and perhaps one day, even slaughtering countless lives may not be wrong.

When that time comes, someone has to jump out, overturn the table, and break the cage, even if they get hurt and bloodied, even if the whole world shouts to kill them.

This is the True Demon.

True Demon does not recognize any established rules.

Whether this rule is good or bad, right or wrong.

This is also the reason why True Demon will never disappear—it has nothing to do with good or evil, only with destruction and creation.

Having grasped this concept, he felt his Primordial Spirit become clear and his Dao heart become lucid, and his realm of Nature-Seeing Heaven became completely stable.

Deng Canglan pondered that now that he had entered the Nature-Seeing Heaven, it was the time to rapidly improve his cultivation of Life Cultivation. He should find a place to go into seclusion.

But where should we go?

Return to the mountain gate?

I'm afraid that won't work. When we go back this time, won't Master treat him to braised pork with bamboo shoots?

Just as I was pondering where to go, a gasp came from the seat next to me.

The female warrior's voice carried obvious surprise. "... A change in the Eastern Wilderness? Floating Hill Mountain, together with Young Hero Yu, has launched a new path of Martial Dao in the Eastern Wilderness? This path is not limited by Profound Qi, and everyone can forge Higher Vehicle Dao Foundation... This... How is this possible!"

The young swordsman beside him also exclaimed in a low voice, "Impossible! This is a matter of utmost importance concerning the foundations of countless Aristocratic Clan and sects. Even if Yu Tunzhou has truly gone mad, how could Floating Hill Mountain, as the ancestral home of the Daoist School, possibly go mad with him! This is simply digging its own grave!"

The young hero and the heroine were shocked by the changes in the Eastern Wilderness, and even argued about it.

Young hero, you believe this matter will shake the foundations of all Martial Dao sects and exacerbate conflicts among the common people and in local communities. If everyone in the world could practice martial arts, it might be a great era, but it is more likely to be a chaotic one. Young Hero Yu, your actions are extremely unwise; acting rashly will bring disaster to the world...

The female knight's eyes lit up, thinking that Young Hero Yu was so handsome, and she unilaterally declared that Yu Tunzhou would henceforth be a great hero in her heart!

Deng Canglan couldn't help but laugh.

He swallowed the last bite of wonton, left the money for the meal, got up and walked out of the shed, looking up towards the direction of the Eastern Wilderness.

The world is vast, and the winds of change are just beginning to rise.

Since we have nowhere else to go, let's go check out the Eastern Wilderness.

The Divine Capital.

Shen You emerged from an inconspicuous general store in the alley, adjusted the edge of her straw hat, and slowly merged into the crowd.

That general store was one of the hidden agents of the Gold-Wielding Guard.

As a top-tier undercover agent of the Gold-Wielding Guard, infiltrating the Six Paths of Evil and Demons, his codename is [Little Shen].

Over the years, he has provided valuable intelligence to the Gold-Wielding Guard through the Gold-Wielding Guard intelligence exchange mechanism, in exchange for the Gold-Wielding Guard's resources and information.

Not long ago, he provided crucial battle reports on how Yu Tunzhou had severely Supreme Origin Sect Xuanyangzi, the Supreme Elder of the Taishang.

Furthermore, they used the intelligence channels of the Gold-Wielding Guard to inquire about the whereabouts of their junior brother Deng Canglan.

The main reason for my trip to the Divine Capital this time was to get a "promotion".

The higher-ups of the Gold-Wielding Guard believed he was worth winning over and offered him even more favorable terms. In exchange, he would need to cooperate with them to eliminate the higher-ups of the Six Paths of Evil and Demons at the right time.

This deal is a great deal.

The Six Paths of Evil and Demons were not of one mind to begin with. By using Gold-Wielding Guard to eliminate the experts of the other sects, he could still return to his sect and ask his master for a reward for his hard work.

At this moment, Shen You felt a pang of emotion. He feared even his master hadn't expected him to rise to this level.

Unfortunately, they still couldn't find their junior brother's whereabouts.

"I wonder where that kid has run off to..." Shen You muttered to himself.

Suddenly.

He paused, staring ahead in disbelief.

Across the street was a chestnut roasting stall. A figure dressed in pure white stood in front of the stall, watching the stall owner flip the pan with great interest.

The man neither turned around nor uttered a sound.

But Shen You's back had already stiffened.

With just one glance, my heart clenched, and my blood seemed to freeze.

"Master...?"

He took a deep breath, knowing there was no option to escape, and obediently came behind the man, his posture respectful, and whispered...

"Master, how did you end up in the Divine Capital? Didn't the Divine Capital Grand Formation... trigger because of you?"

"Hmm?" Kou Ziling turned around and smiled, "Little Shen, what brings you to Divine Capital?"

Just one Little Shen made Shen You break out in a cold sweat.

"Reporting to Master," Shen You, her eyes lowered, her posture impeccable, "This disciple tracked down Junior Brother's whereabouts, following the clues all the way to the Divine Capital. Canglan has been away from the mountain for a long time, and there has been no response to his communication talisman. This disciple is worried about him."

Kou Ziling hummed in response, neither confirming nor denying, but instead chuckled softly.

"You're very thoughtful. But there's no need to look for him for now; I've already seen him."

"Speaking of which, what do you think of your junior brother Canglan?"

Shen You's heart skipped a beat. What did she think of Junior Brother Deng?

Master's words... have a deeper meaning!

Could it be that Junior Brother Deng has angered Master, and Master is preparing to find an excuse to get rid of him?

Or was Master testing my attitude?

Shen You's thoughts shifted, and she decided to recount some past memories that might evoke the warmth of their master-disciple relationship. "From the day my junior brother entered the sect, he was a stubborn one. He liked to argue about everything, and the more certain something was, the more he would object, sometimes even just for the sake of objecting."

Kou Ziling laughed loudly, "This isn't a strong breed; in some lower-world terms, it's a 'nitpicker.'"

"A contrarian?" Shen You pondered the question, finding it profound, and exclaimed in admiration, "Master is indeed very knowledgeable."

"Even with my vast knowledge and experience, I never imagined that all my disciples would possess such extraordinary Divine Ability," Kou Ziling said, looking at his disciples. "One is physically in the sect but his heart is in the court, while the other joined forces with outsiders to go to the mortal realm and destroy one of my projections. I don't know whether to be gratified that there are successors or worried that my disciples harbor rebellious intentions."

Shen You wiped away his sweat, his tone more sincere than ever before. "This disciple is utterly devoted..."

Kou Ziling raised his hand to interrupt, a half-smile on his face, and said, "I never realized you had such talent before. Well then, I'll give you a task."

"You will arrive at the East Sea Dragon Palace in half a month. At that time, someone will meet you and take you overseas."

Shen You was taken aback. Overseas?

Is Master planning to exile me overseas?

Kou Ziling raised his hand and gently brushed it across Shen You's brow, leaving a bloody sword mark. The mark flashed by and disappeared without a trace.

"I have some businesses overseas. Go and take care of them for me, and while you're at it, keep an eye on the major movements of the Demon Race."

Shen You hesitated and asked, "Master, are you perhaps referring to the overseas descendants who serve Senior Nine Netherworlds?"

He was aware that his master had gone overseas and forcibly detained a Great Sage- level expert from the remnant clan.

The latter was the immortal sword that Master referred to as "Fellow Daoist of the Nine Netherworlds".

Kou Ziling nodded. "That's right. I've recently become quite interested in the movements of the overseas remnants of the Chinese people. Since you still have this ability, why don't you share some of my burdens?"

Shen You repeatedly said, "Of course, of course! It's just that Junior Brother Deng..."

"You don't need to worry about his side." Kou Ziling patted his shoulder with a smile and said, "A lineage needs a master who can command respect, capable senior and junior brothers, but most importantly, it needs successors who will surpass their masters and aspire to be the next generation."

"I'm looking forward to seeing your Junior Brother Deng even more."

Shen You remained silent for a moment, then whispered, "Master, is Junior Brother Deng truly a manifestation of your divine spirit?"

Kou Ziling glanced at him, then turned and walked deeper into the long street.

Only one sentence remained, drifting in the wind:

"You all underestimate your junior brother."

Luofu Grotto-Heaven.

With the final battle in the Buddhist Kingdom coming to an end and the demise of the Mietian, this world, which had been in chaos for a hundred years, finally returned to peace.

Meanwhile, the powerful External Scenery from the outside world soon faced a choice: whether to leave this Buddhist kingdom immediately and return to the outside world, or to stay here temporarily.

The vast majority of the powerful figures from various factions couldn't wait to leave, as they wanted to spread the news of this battle as soon as possible!

If what Daoist Qingzhi said is true, then Yu Tunzhou... might be able to rival the Dharma Aspect within ten years!

Even faster!

The news that someone could kill a newly ascended Immortals and Gods on the External Scenery Fourth Layer is enough to shake the world!

Judging from Kou Ziling's cultivation speed back then, Yu Tunzhou could probably reach the External Scenery within two years. At that time, would he be able to rival Grandmaster?

With all the Dharma Aspect in the world refraining from making any moves, the Grandmaster is already the strongest in the Central Plains!

Just thinking about this made the powerful figures from all sides extremely confused.

The message conveyed by this battle was so astonishing and immense that it far exceeded their expectations, making them realize that no matter how highly they regarded that person, in the end, they were still far from being a match for him.

As for the few who knew about the projection into the lower realm, including Daoist Qingzhi, they did not choose to leave directly, but stayed here, trying to find another "self" in the Buddhist kingdom.

Long Hua stayed in Luofu Grotto-Heaven for three days, but still did not see Yu Tunzhou emerge. Finally, he sighed and turned to leave the grotto.

He had been thrown into the Buddhist Kingdom by Yu Tunzhou, but now he had survived by sheer luck. According to his agreement with Yu Tunzhou, he could now leave safely.

The reason he chose to stay for three days, and wasn't even worried that Yu Tunzhou would change his mind, was because he had also witnessed the final battle.

This made him absolutely determined to do everything in his power to win over Yu Tunzhou!

Looking back at the High Antiquity and primordial eras, those who could contend with immortals Immortals and Gods with their mortal bodies were all the most outstanding geniuses of their time!

This child's future is beyond the reach of Immortals and Gods— that's just the beginning!

Unfortunately, Long Hua ultimately failed to wait for Yu Tunzhou and had to turn away to return to his clan to report.

The Xiyu dampened the bluestone alley.

A dim oil-paper lamp hung in the tavern deep in the alley, the curtain was half-drawn, and the air was filled with the smell of strong liquor.

On the surface, this place is a tavern where peddlers and laborers rest, but in reality, it is a secret meeting point set up by the Underworld in the heart of the Central Plains. Without the introduction of a regular customer, one cannot even find their way in.

Xie Yun walked into the tavern with a cold expression.

The tavern owner glanced at him, said nothing, and continued wiping the wine bowls that he could never get clean.

Xie Yun did not linger outside the hall. Filled with anger, she strode into a secret room inside the inner room.

Inside sat a dark-faced man, the liaison stationed here by the Underworld, codenamed Yan Qi. He served under the Ten Yama Kings of Underworld, in charge of accepting assassination orders and handling the aftermath.

"Yan Qi," Xie Yun said grimly, "My Xie Household spent several times the price to hire two Yama-level experts, and the result is that Yu Tunzhou is completely unharmed, while my Heyu is still nowhere to be found? Is this how the Underworld operates now?"

Yan Qi raised his eyelids slightly and said slowly, "Mr. Xie, the information you provided was quite inaccurate, so you can't entirely blame us. Also, ' Wheel-Turning King ' and ' King of Equality ' wish to meet with someone from your Xie Household to clarify some matters in person. Would you like to meet them?"

Xie Yun frowned, then quickly snorted coldly, "See you! Why not see you!"

Yan Qi nodded. "Then please leave your address and time. These two will come to find you then."

Xie Yun left her address and time, still not giving up, and coldly snorted, "The [Underworld] has been able to exist all these years thanks to the support of my Xie Household. This time you must give the Xie Household an explanation!"

Yan Qi nodded. "When the time comes, these two will personally give the Xie Household an explanation."

I hope so!

Xie Yun turned and left without stopping or turning around, which meant he never saw Yan Qi's final look at him as if he were a dead man.

After leaving the tavern and the alley, Xie Yun looked at the man who had been waiting for her, strode forward, and reported what she had just heard.

The latter responded lightly, "In that case, you should go and see those two then and demand an explanation. I need to return to my clan as soon as possible to report this matter, so I won't be able to accompany you this time."

Xie Yun hesitated and said, "Both of these two are Grandmaster on the Earth Ranking. Uncle, why don't you come with me?"

The man glanced at him and said indifferently, "You are a member of the Xie Household. Do you think these two would dare to lay a hand on you? They failed in their duties this time. If they dare to kill their employer, even the Underworld will not tolerate them."

Hearing this, Xie Yun felt somewhat relieved and nodded in agreement.

After giving his instructions, the man named Xie Xuantong turned and left, heading back to his clan.

One week later.

The Xie Household received a congratulatory gift.

Among them was Xie Yun's head.

This is the explanation given by the [Underworld].

The Xie Household was furious and sent several External Scenery experts from the Outer Realm to the Underworld to question them. The final answer they received was that this matter was the personal behavior of "King of Equality" and "Wheel-Turning King" and had nothing to do with the Underworld.