The Jianghu Is a Corner of the World

A dark palace, sunk countless feet underground, with an extremely high dome that obscures beams and pillars. Eighteen eerie green lamps hang from the ceiling, illuminating the dark stone walls and casting shadows on the ten Yama statues below.

This is the true central location of the [Underworld].

"King Qin Guang, why did you protect Pingdeng Zhuanlun, even at the cost of breaking ties with the Xie Household? Now, not only has the matter failed, but you have also executed the Xie Household's envoy. If word gets out, how will the various factions view my Underworld?"

A voice carrying a hint of accusation echoed in the hall.

The person who spoke sat below a statue of Yama, wearing a long black robe and with an iron token hanging at his waist, on which was engraved the character "Chu".

"Explain?"

In the dim firelight, King Qin Guang, dressed in a long black robe embroidered with gold, his face half-hidden in shadow, tapped the jade ring in his hand on the table, making a soft snap that drowned out all other sounds in the hall.

"Gentlemen, do you really think of yourselves as assassins, and the [Underworld] as a den of killers?"

King Qin Guang raised his head, his face emerging from the shadows. His features were serene, his temples were gray, and his gaze was as calm as a deep pool, slowly sweeping over the three people who were alone in the hall.

"The Xie Household has been testing us over the years, both openly and covertly, and they have long since crossed the line. Today, by using this matter to sever all ties, we can cleanly cut ties."

"The Xie Household's schemes are far-reaching, and the mysteries surrounding them remain numerous to this day. It is not advisable for us to have close ties with them."

His voice was like a knife sharpening a stone, hoarse and rough.

After the words were spoken, the other figures in the hall fell into a brief silence, remaining silent.

Without waiting for their response, King Qin Guang gestured for the people outside the hall to enter. "I have summoned you all here today not for this trivial matter concerning the Xie Household, but to introduce you to the newly appointed King of Mount Tai."

Footsteps came from the shadows outside the hall.

The others looked up and saw that the newcomer was an ordinary person, which aroused their suspicion.

Among the Ten Yama Kings, only a few of them are the core of the Underworld. The others are just outsiders, such as Zhuanlun and Ping, who are merely nominal guests and top assassins who carry out orders.

Today, King Qin Guang personally introduced him, clearly indicating that he intended to include this person in his core group, and it was by no means a mere figurehead.

If Yu Tunzhou were present, he would surely have discovered that the person who came was none other than Wang Fujing, the former divine messenger of the Incense-Smelling Cult once said that he had the potential to conquer the world and possessed the qualities of a "rebel," and who claimed to be a disciple of the Samantabhadra Old Mother Puxian.

This person had a very close relationship with An Ruyu, and was later hunted down by the Incense-Smelling Cult. Now, he has actually infiltrated the Underworld.

"Let me introduce you, this is the former Samantabhadra Divine Envoy of the Incense-Smelling Cult."

King Qin Guang's tone was calm, yet it was like throwing a piece of cold iron into boiling water, immediately causing an uproar in the hall.

Someone shouted, "King Qin Guang, the Netherworld Mother lineage of the Incense-Smelling Cult Sect is a mortal enemy of our Underworld. How dare you bring a key figure from your sect here?"

King Qin Guang calmly said, "This is precisely why we need the Divine Envoy. The Heavenly Court is about to be unsealed, which is a crucial opportunity for us to seek out the Underworld. Our enemies will not let this opportunity slip by either. Only by knowing ourselves and our enemy can we prevent problems before they arise."

Wang Fujing cupped his hands in greeting and said with a smile, "I am Wang Fujing, and I greet you, Lord Yama."

"Wang has just arrived from the Divine Capital, bringing several pieces of news. One of them is that the Heavenly Court ruins are about to be reopened, and within three months, Dharma Aspect in the world will be mobilized and make their moves."

King Chujiang, whose token at his waist was engraved with the character "Chu," frowned and said, "The Heavenly Court Ruins are a notoriously dangerous place, avoided by all the Dharma Aspect for years. Why would they all flock to it now?"

They had all heard something about the affairs of the Heavenly Court.

That wasn't some kind of fortuitous opportunity land at all, but rather bait laid out by celestial Immortals and Gods for cultivators in the Central Plains!

Throughout the millennia, many powerful Dharma Aspect have ventured into this field, only to never return. Those who did return were often no longer "themselves."

"Times have changed; if you don't move forward, you fall behind," Wang Fujing lamented. "Furthermore, the powerful entities behind various factions are also entering the fray. Some ancient beings have only recently returned and are also eyeing the Heavenly Court with covetous intent. This will be a major reshuffle."

The hall fell silent instantly as people processed the news brought by Wang Fujing and began to take a more serious look at this former divine messenger, now an ordinary person.

"I still have a question. Although he was once a divine messenger, he has now lost divine favor and is merely an ordinary person. How could he possibly sit on the throne of King of Mount Tai?"

Before King Qin Guang could speak, Wang Fujing cupped his hands and chuckled, "I once served under the Azure Clouds Primordial Sovereign, but after Yuanjun fell into a deep sleep, I transferred to the Samantabhadra Old Mother's service. So I have some connection to the position of King of Mount Tai."

Upon hearing the words "Azure Clouds Primordial Sovereign," Yama, who had been questioning the name, fell silent.

The look of surprise and suspicion in the eyes of the people in the hall as they looked at Wang Fujing deepened.

The Underworld, as their archenemy, knew all too well how discerning those old women of the Incense-Smelling Cult.

This person was able to win the favor of both mothers, demonstrating a cunning and intelligence far exceeding that of ordinary people.

Therefore, when they looked at Wang Fujing again, their eyes were inevitably filled with surprise and doubt.

"Since everyone has no objections, then welcome Brother Wang to join my [Underworld] and assume the position of King of Mount Tai." Seeing that no one else was willing to speak, King Qin Guang made the final decision. He then looked at Wang Fujing and changed his address, "King of Mount Tai is interested, we can help you re-establish contact with the Yuanjun."

Wang Fujing cupped his hands and said, "Then thank you all very much."

"No problem, this also increases our own strength." King Qin Guang nodded slightly, and the other Yama Kings did not object either.

If they could use Wang Fujing to draw Azure Clouds Primordial Sovereign's attention to them, it would be a way to weaken the Incense-Smelling Cult and strengthen themselves, since this Yuanjun was once Orthodox God who embodied virtue and carried all things.

"What does the King of Mount Tai think of the Xie Household?" King Chujiang suddenly asked.

"The Xie Household..." Wang Fujing pondered, "Back when I was still with the Incense-Smelling Cult, the Xie Household had frequent dealings with the sect. Qingxuzi once mentioned to me that the Xie Household had grand ambitions and harbored ill intentions towards several of the sect's elders."

The group exchanged glances, their expressions grave.

Qingxuzi is the Heavenly King Protector of the Incense-Smelling Cult, a prominent figure ranking fifth on the Heaven Ranking.

Even he commented on it this way, just how far does the Xie Household's influence extend?

Wang Fujing continued, "My guess is that the one harboring ill intentions towards those old women is not the Xie Household, but rather the ancient entity behind the Xie Household!"

Wang Fujing said in a deep voice.

After these words were spoken, the hall fell completely silent.

King Chujiang fell silent, as did the others.

Over the years, the Xie Household has poured massive resources into the Underworld. They originally thought the Xie Household only wanted to use the Underworld's channels to eliminate dissidents and make their moves in the martial arts world. But now, upon closer examination, they fear that, as King Qin Guang said, the Xie Household already knew their true intentions!

Wang Fujing looked at everyone and smiled, "Now that I have entered the [Underworld], I wonder if I am qualified to know the details of my own family?"

King Qin Guang nodded and said, "Ask away."

"May I ask if the Divine Ability being behind the [Underworld] has awakened?"

"The Great Emperor has only partially awakened. At this current juncture, the older the being, the more difficult it is to awaken. Given the Great Emperor's cultivation and achievements, he is destined to be among the last to fully awaken. However, King of Mount Tai need not worry. The Great Emperor still has many Immortals and Gods under his command. When the world undergoes great changes in the future, they will be our support."

Wang Fujing's eyes flickered slightly as he asked, "May I ask what the Great Emperor's honorable name is?"

"The past is best left unmentioned," King Qin Guang said slowly. "Now, the King of Mount Tai can be honored as the ' Great Emperor of Fengdu '."

"Although the Great Emperor has not fully awakened, he still unleashed some of his power, allowing us to sense the true location of the Yincao Underworld."

"When the Underworld is rebuilt in the future, we, including you, will all become true Ten Yama Kings, receiving the blessing of the Underworld and possessing divine positions and ranks comparable to Immortals and Gods."

"However, there's a problem right now..."

King Qin Guang's expression was solemn, and his voice was low and hoarse as he spoke.

"Someone has broken into the Underworld before us!"

"The Emperor's meaning is that we must do everything we can to stall him, and even eliminate him!"

Wang Fujing's expression was solemn. In this world, who could find and enter the Yincao Underworld...?

I'm afraid only those at the Dharma Aspect level!

Can you confirm the other party's identity?

"Among the Dharma Aspect who have disappeared from the world for a long time, only that one surnamed Mo is missing, but we cannot rule out the possibility that other families have hidden Dharma Aspect experts," King Qin Guang said coldly.

Wang Fujing frowned and said in a low voice, "This Great Hero Mo is not to be trifled with. Among the Dharma Aspect of this era, he is the most underestimated."

"Does the King of Mount Tai think it's possible to pit the lineage of the Netherworld Mother against that man surnamed Mo?"

"Does Your Excellency intend to use one wolf to devour another?" Wang Fujing pondered. "It's not impossible, but the Netherworld Branch is cunning and calculating. Luring them into this scheme won't be so simple; we'll need to plan carefully."

King Qin Guang stared intently at Wang Fujing: "I hope this matter can be accomplished just in time for all parties to search for the ruins of the Heavenly Court."

Wang Fujing was silent for a moment, then said, "Then I hope to receive the full support of the [Underworld]."

"That's exactly right!"

In the blink of an eye.

More than half a month has passed since the end of the war in the Buddhist Kingdom.

After dissipating all the power bestowed upon him by heaven and earth, Yu Tunzhou sought out Jingchen and the others, entrusting them with a favor: to try and find another "self" in this world.

Unfortunately, despite the combined efforts of all parties and a thorough search of all the countries, they were unable to find another "him".

I don't know whether this is good news or bad news.

In Huntian's eyes, he must be the one who has achieved the unity of True Spirit.

However, Yu Tunzhou knew in his heart that the true nature of his relationship with Grand Dharma Master Xuandu was still shrouded in mystery and could not be easily concluded.

It is worth mentioning that during this period, Daoist Qingzhi had privately approached him and solemnly inquired whether he was the reincarnation of some ancient Immortals and Gods.

Yu Tunzhou asked her why she suddenly asked that question.

This person offered an interesting explanation: his Fist Intent was simply too vast, something that a martial artist of his level could not possibly condense.

After all, a person's Martial Intention is closely related to his "god" and "self," that is, the weight of his true self.

Even with profound insight into Nature-Seeing Heaven, one can only understand one's true self, but cannot directly increase the weight of that "true self".

This statement particularly bothered Yu Tunzhou.

Along his journey, not to mention his peers, even among the older generation, no one could rival him in terms of pure Martial Intention.

Could it be that I am truly one with True Spirit?

So he asked Daoist Qingzhi about the characteristics of the return of the True Spirit to oneness.

Upon hearing this, the person remained silent for a moment, then shook his head and said, "This is yet another strange place. If it is truly a ' True Spirit Returns to Oneness,' the powerful 'god' is merely a manifestation; there must be even more astonishing phenomena."

If he truly is a being who has returned to the One True Spirit, she should have already seen the signs back in Luofu Grotto-Heaven, since Yu Tunzhou took care of her vegetable garden for a period of time.

Finally, this person arrived with doubts and left with even deeper doubts.

As Yu Tunzhou watched her departing figure, a thought suddenly occurred to him—he wanted to return to the Western Desert and see if he could enter the Eight Sceneries Palace again.

If he could, he wanted to take another look at the Xuandu Dao body inside the Eight Trigrams Furnace.

There must be a significant secret hidden within.

After seeing off Daoist Qingzhi, Yu Tunzhou left the Buddhist kingdom.

According to the Venerable Rahula, the Buddhist kingdom will be closed from this point on. This place was originally one of his Inner Heaven and Earth and will not become a place for martial artists from the Central Plains to seek breakthroughs and fortuitous opportunity.

As for Luofu Grotto-Heaven, it can only be considered a remnant of his former Inner View, which has long since separated from itself and merged with the Central Plains world, so it cannot be taken back.

After returning to Luofu Grotto-Heaven, Yu Tunzhou once again sensed the blessing of the Three Rankings of Heaven, Earth, and Man.

The accumulated fortune from many days flowed into his Dantian, nourishing the growth of the Dao Sprout Immortal Embryo.

In addition, there is a response from the Martial Fortune.

Compared to before he entered the Buddhist kingdom, this Martial Fortune became increasingly "favorable" to him.

Yu Tunzhou ignored Martial Fortune and instead observed the growth of the Dao Sprout Immortal Embryo.

In the coming days, he planned to focus on his cultivation, accumulate the necessary skills for the Divine Ability Realm, and break through to the External Scenery as soon as possible.

On the path of Nature Cultivation, after Mingxin nature, he initially stood on the threshold of "Nature-Seeing Heaven."

He is still some distance from truly entering the Nature-Seeing Heaven," but standing on this threshold, he has already surpassed countless individuals who have accumulated years of External Scenery, those Quasi-Grandmaster, or even Grandmaster.

In modern Martial Dao, once Nature Cultivation cultivation is in place, the remaining cultivation of Life Cultivation is merely a matter of gradual, painstaking effort.

He planned to first break through to the Late Divine Ability Realm, forge the sixth and seventh Inner View wonders within his body, and then set off for the Western Desert.

Now that his combat power has improved considerably, even without the blessing of heaven and earth, he is confident that he can contend with Quasi-Grandmaster has opened up Dharma Domain.

but...

There was one thing he was never quite sure about, and that was the tribulation lightning of the third level of the Eight-Nine Mysterious Art.

Yu Tunzhou pondered this as he arrived at the temple halfway up the mountain.

The Dharma Master Xuanzang had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing him arrive, he clasped his hands together and said gratefully, "Thank you, Benefactor Yu, for helping this Buddhist disciple break through the barriers of this life."

Yu Tunzhou shook his head and told this person about Dingguang's plan.

"Amitabha," Dharma Master Xuanzang sighed softly, "This day has finally come."

Yu Tunzhou suddenly asked, "What's the situation at the Vajra Chan Temple these days? Is the conflict between the two factions quite intense?"

Dharma Master Xuanzang's expression was solemn. "Since Senior Brother Xuanku brought the Buddhist disciple to this grotto-heaven, the situation in the temple has been relatively stable. However, with Senior Brother Xuanku's departure for the Northern Dark Sea, the Buddhist disciple has yet to awaken, and there are people in the Hinayana faction secretly plotting something, causing undercurrents to gradually surge within the temple."

"It is hoped that the birth of this Buddhist disciple will completely quell the turmoil within the temple."

Yu Tunzhou nodded, already having guessed part of it.

Dingguang pleaded with him to go with him, probably because he had already foreseen that the journey back to the temple would not be peaceful.

After bidding farewell to Dharma Master Xuanzang, Yu Tunzhou went straight to the mountain peak, intending to stay there for a while, focusing on his cultivation and studying the Martial Fortune of the world.

But as soon as they reached the summit, their gaze swept over the pavilion on the cliff edge and they caught sight of a familiar figure in Hongyi.

"Yue Hongyi?"

The woman under the pavilion turned around abruptly. Seeing him, her joy was quickly suppressed by a complex emotion. She carefully looked him up and down, then suddenly smiled:

"Yu Tunzhou, do you remember a guy named Luo Zichuan?"

Yu Tunzhou seemed slightly dazed, but quickly retrieved the name from his memory.

He was a young man with thick eyebrows. Their first meeting was at a banquet in Gao Old Village in the Western Desert. By sheer coincidence, he was squeezed in the middle by himself, who was just passing by and joining in the fun, and Feng Yanleng, who came to avenge someone.

It was that act of chivalry that led him to join Feng Yanleng and the others on their journey to the Ancient Grotto Heaven, where the Eight Sceneries Palace was located.

Later, during the crisis he encountered in Twin Rivers Commandery, he met Luo Zichuan again.

The situation was dire, and the entire city was in imminent danger. He made two preparations: first, he would stay behind himself; second, he would send Luo Zichuan, whom he happened to meet again, to a neighboring prefecture to seek help...

now.

Yu Tunzhou looked at Yue Hongyi.

If I remember correctly, this girl is from Moon-Worshipping Mountain Moon-Worshipping Mountain, which is located near Twin Rivers Commandery.

Yu Tunzhou smiled and said, "Back then, Young Hero Luo went to your Moon-Worshipping Mountain to seek help?"

Upon hearing this, Yue Hongyi burst out laughing, as if she had finally confirmed who the person in front of her was, her laughter becoming quite flamboyant.

"That guy ran into the Marquis Who Guards the West on his way here, but he was still worried, so he rushed to our Moon-Worshipping Mountain to call for help. The mountain lord was about to leave with his sword when he heard that the Marquis Who Guards the West had also gone. The mountain lord was speechless—if that guy has gone, why does he need to join in the fun?"

Yu Tunzhou laughed and said, "Young Master Luo is also a chivalrous person. At that time, the situation was critical, and in order not to disturb the demonic cultivators hiding in the shadows, I could only entrust the task to him, who happened to be there. I did not expect him to be so dedicated and responsible."

Yue Hongyi looked at him and laughed, "You're the same. A few years ago, probably no one would have imagined that you would reach this level in just a few years, right? Perhaps soon, the martial arts world will be calling you Great Hero Yu, instead of Young Hero."

The Yu Tunzhou, speechless.

"By the way," Yue Hongyi blinked, "Rumor has it that you, the Incense-Smelling Demoness An Ruyu, and the former chivalrous heroine Feng Yanleng have an complicated and unclear relationship. Is that true or false?"

Yu Tunzhou said helplessly, "Where did you get this rumor from?"

"It seems pretty much true."

Where did you see that?

"A woman's intuition!"

Yu Tunzhou's lips twitched.

"Yu Tunzhou, what is the martial world like?" Yue Hongyi suddenly asked.

Yu Tunzhou recalled the bits and pieces of the past few years, especially the Immortals and Gods moves and strategies he had encountered recently.

Eastern Wilderness, Divine Capital, Northern Plains...

Some are ambitious and have far-reaching plans; some are too servile and only want to become the lackeys of the Immortals and Gods; others sit down with the Immortals and Gods and make moves, scheming for years...

Today, the world is a game of chess, and undercurrents are surging.

Therefore, at this moment.

Yu Tunzhou said slowly, "The martial world is just a corner of the world."

Being in the martial world is being in the world.

Only by looking at this corner can one see the world clearly.

"The martial world is just a corner of the world..." Yue Hongyi murmured softly, "Truly, only someone who has already traversed the martial world could utter such words..."

"I'm preparing to go down the mountain to gain experience." Yue Hongyi raised her head and chuckled. "It should have been a happy occasion, but the thought that my former rivals have already conquered the martial world before I even leave the mountain makes it feel like a dream."

"It's good it wasn't a nightmare." Yu Tunzhou laughed heartily. "I wish you a safe journey."

"Thank you for your kind words."

Yue Hongyi smiled, turned around and took her leave.

She waved goodbye to Yu Tunzhou, then turned and walked down the mountain path without looking back.

The girl walked with light steps, as if she had untied some knot in her heart and made peace with herself. After all... there's a 99% chance she'll never catch up with that guy in this lifetime.

If, in the future, I hear someone's name from a stranger and suddenly blurt out that I once competed with him in the same cave, I wonder if anyone would believe me?

Thinking of this, Yue Hongyi, dressed in Hongyi, couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

The mountain breeze lifted her Hongyi, and she walked further and further away on the verdant mountain path, like a fallen flower drifting away in the wind.

As Yu Tunzhou watched his old friend's departing figure, another image gradually surfaced in his mind.

That was his last gathering with everyone before leaving the grotto. After a few rounds of drinks, someone, emboldened by his drunkenness, asked him with longing in his eyes, "Yu Tunzhou, what is the martial world like?"

Thinking about it now, it evokes a different feeling.

Yu Tunzhou suddenly smiled knowingly.

There's nothing good about this world, but with the arrival of Mr. Yu, it's become a bit more spirited.

He turned and looked in a certain direction, then smiled and said, "I've kept you waiting."

A figure stepped out from the Void, revealing that he had also been waiting for him there for a long time.

The middle-aged man had a profound and unfathomable demeanor. Yu Tunzhou, observing his aura, discovered that he was actually a Quasi-Grandmaster.

In the world today, there aren't many martial artists at this level; at most, there are only forty or fifty.

"What brings you here, sir?" Yu Tunzhou asked calmly, his hands behind his back, the mountain breeze ruffling his clothes, showing no sign of unease.

The newcomer looked at the young man before him, his gaze complex and unreadable. Had he not seen him with his own eyes, he probably still wouldn't have believed the rumors. He sighed softly:

"Several years ago, Brother Jin sent me a message saying that you had a bright future and might even surpass Huaiqing. But he probably didn't expect that in just a few years, you would have completed a journey that would take others a hundred years to finish."

"Senior Jin Moyuan?" Yu Tunzhou's eyes flickered. "Are you an old friend of Master Lu?"

The man nodded. "My name is Qin Yong."

"So it's Senior Qin." Yu Tunzhou's face warmed slightly. "I've heard this name from Master Lu before. He said that among his friends who traveled the martial world back then, there was one surnamed Qin. He was the most calm and taciturn, but also the one you could trust with your life."

Qin Yong's lips twitched, as if he wanted to laugh, but he didn't actually laugh.

After a moment of silence, Qin Yong suppressed the barely perceptible smile and went straight to the point, saying in a deep voice, "Enough of the small talk, Yu Tunzhou, Huaiqing's Heavenly Court Fragment, don't you?"

"Not bad." Yu Tunzhou was slightly surprised, not expecting that this person had come for this reason.

Did he tell you that he hid something within it, so that you could go there once you reached a certain level?

Yu Tunzhou's gaze sharpened. "That's right, he also told Senior Qin about this?"

"He didn't tell me; I guessed it." Qin Yong shook his head. "Do you know that the Divine Capital Xiao Household once predicted that an extraordinary person would emerge from Luofu? This is the root cause of Huaiqing's later suppression by various parties."

Yu Tunzhou, eyes narrowed.

He had heard about this from Long Hua not long ago.

Because of this incident, Master Lu's Dao Path to immortality was severed, and he lost all hope of becoming Immortals and Gods.

Qin Yong said in a deep voice, "Your deeds in the Buddhist Kingdom have spread far and wide. Recently, rumors have been circulating that the ' Luofu Anomaly' predicted by the Xiao Household back then was not Lu Huaiqing at all, but you. Lu Huaiqing took the bullet for you. You must be careful when you travel the martial world from now on. Some forces may not want to be your enemy, but they have no choice in the matter."

"Senior Qin means..." Yu Tunzhou asked with a deep gaze, "... that the Immortals and Gods behind them intend to eliminate me ahead of time?"

"Good."

Qin Yong nodded, a sigh concealing countless memories of the past.

"Back then Huaiqing was suppressed by all sides, which cut off his path forward. He placed his hopes on the ruins of the Heavenly Court. We accompanied him many times to explore the depths of the ruins, but in the end, we gained very little. Some of our companions even got lost deep within the ruins, which made Huaiqing extremely remorseful."

"Later, he stopped seeking our assistance in exploring the Heavenly Court, but we knew he hadn't given up and was still trying."

"The last time I saw him, he mentioned to me that he had hidden something in Heavenly Court, as well as some clues to breaking the deadlock, for future use."

Qin Yong's expression suddenly turned serious as he said this:

"The reason I've come to find you today is because we recently received news that in three months, the Martial Ancestor will enter the Heavenly Court ruins together with the Old Wang!"

Qin Yong stared at Yu Tunzhou and said, word by word:

"At that time, all Dharma Aspect in the world will be mobilized!"

"Huaiqing once told me that if one day someone were to completely reactivate the Heavenly Court ruins, we must obtain that item beforehand and never let it fall into the hands of others!"