Chapter 2322: Hospitality

Buzz!

With a buzz, the Underworld experts who had been kneeling on one knee vanished as one.

In Great Chu, ancient stone coffins exploded one after another, releasing numerous Underworld experts into the mortal world. Each one was covered in layers of dust from the ages, carrying the aura of the underworld, their expressions wooden and eyes vacant, like puppets or walking corpses.

Di Huang waved his hand, and golden immortal light rained down like mist. Every Underworld being touched by the light gained sentience. Their once-dull expressions gradually revealed human emotions, and their empty eyes began to shimmer with divine light, awakening self-awareness.

"Ah, time is a sharp blade!" Qinguang Wang laughed with a sense of desolation, his voice hoarse beyond words. His eyes, which should have been radiant, now reflected endless nostalgia upon seeing the light.

He was the first Yanluo of the underworld, once a person of the various heavens. He lived in an era dating back to the Honghuang period, alongside figures like the evil demon, Moyuan, Honglian, and Muliqing. His name was Jiang Ziwen, and after death, he entered the underworld and was favored by the Ming Emperor to become a Yanluo.

Like him, Chujiang Wang and the others shared similar origins, all from the various heavens. Like Qinguang Wang, they had died and entered the underworld, becoming lords under the Ming Emperor.

Beyond them, countless old Underworld generals had also once been people of the various heavens. By some twist of fate, they fell into the underworld, embarking on a long journey through time and endless cycles.

After countless ages, returning to their homeland, their emotions were beyond words.

They had homes, wives, and children back then, but upon returning, everything had changed. Old friends were gone, and the calls of loved ones were no more. Only ancient memories remained, overwhelming them with unprecedented confusion and turning into tears welling in their eyes.

Ah!

Qinguang Wang sighed, his trembling aged hand slowly forming a seal.

Everyone summoned from the underworld—whether Yanluo, judges, Black and White Impermanence, or old and young generals and ghost kings—formed the same seal at that exact moment.

This seal was an preserved imperial immortal technique.

Once performed, it meant permanent residence in the various heavens, with no return to the underworld. It was the same technique used by Mingjue, Baizhi, Di Huang, and Ye Chen, severing their ties to the underworld.

Ancient immortal light enveloped each ancient body.

One could see that as each person fixed their seal, they lifted their eyes, gazing through the void toward the underworld and the silhouette on Jieming Mountain. He stood like an eternal monument at the end of time, aging the years and blurring the eras.

That was the Ming Emperor, the supreme ruler of the underworld, a legendary figure shaking the ancients and dazzling the present. Yet, in this moment, he seemed more like a weary old man, alone and guarding the dark underworld.

Thinking carefully, although the Ming Emperor had a temper and often disciplined them harshly, he treated the people of the underworld well, nurturing generation after generation.

Compared to Di Huang, they understood the Ming Emperor better, especially the Ten Yanluo, who had followed him the longest. They had witnessed the solitude of an emperor, not knowing how long he had guarded the underworld or how long he had slumbered. To him, the so-called ages had long become mere smoke.

"So, they really are from the underworld!" On the city wall, Shangguan Jiu murmured to himself. Once a mortal and a frenzied blade master in the mortal realm, he had heard tales of reincarnation. Now, seeing true Underworld beings, he still found it hard to believe—truly novel.

"Yanluo, judges, Black and White Impermanence, Ox-Head and Horse-Face, and Meng Po—not a single one missing." Tiengang Yangxuan sighed with emotion. He had only heard of them before, but now he was seeing the real ones.

In contrast, Jian Sheng Lingfeng was much more composed. Since entering the cultivator world, he had witnessed countless grand scenes—flying through the skies, overturning mountains and seas, enduring demonic invasions and Honghuang wars. He was accustomed to it all. The divine abilities of cultivators could seize heaven and create wonders, beyond mortal comprehension.

"They are all living legends!" Gu Santong clicked his tongue in amazement, no need to ask about the Yanluo and others. Just from the ancient aura they carried, one could discern their incredibly old origins, so ancient it was hard to fathom—genuine relics of the ages.

"The Great Accomplishment Saint Body is truly domineering." Sheng Zun sighed, even he couldn't help but marvel at Di Huang's boldness, using an imperial technique to summon so many experts.

"Over a million Zhundi—our various heavens' forces have grown stronger." Tianlao and Dilao both laughed, delighted by the expanded lineup of experts, especially with Di Huang among them, bringing even greater security.

"Are the seniors planning to leave?" On one side of the city wall, Ye Chen murmured. He fully understood the summoning of Underworld experts, but bringing so many here carried deeper meaning.

With the Great Accomplishment Saint Body and the power to slay emperors, one person could hold the line against demonic invasions. Why go to such lengths to summon over a million Zhundi?

As a junior of the Saint Body lineage, he knew his seniors well. Di Huang's actions must have purpose, likely preparing for some plan—perhaps departure from the various heavens. These million-plus Zhundi from the underworld were probably left behind to guard it.

"Hey, teach me that imperial summoning technique, will you?" Situ Nan suddenly appeared, poking Ye Chen with his hand and pulling him back to the present.

"While you're at it, get us some more blood from the Underworld people." Xiong Er rubbed his hands with a grin. "Not the males, only females. No ugly ones, just the beautiful ones."

"That way, on quiet nights, we can summon a couple of beauties and chat about our ideals." Xie Yun said meaningfully, his eyes gleaming with a sharp, vivid light.

Ye Chen didn't reply; instead, he swung a palm, sending these three rogues flying from the South Chu city wall all the way back to Hengyue, taking their precious sons with them.

In the void, Di Huang had already withdrawn his seal and was stepping down step by step.

Today, summoning such a massive army in one go—including over a million Zhundi—had depleted even his Great Accomplishment Saint Body's vitality. His face looked somewhat pale.

What followed was quite lively.

To welcome the Underworld experts, the people of Great Chu were extraordinarily enthusiastic, setting up a grand feast. Wine tables were placed on every mountain peak, every hilltop, even in lakeside pavilions and on city wall towers, stretching from the South Chu wall to the North Zhencang Plains. Not a single Great Chu Zhundi was absent, showing respect to the Underworld beings. The aroma of wine filled all of Great Chu, making it a joyous occasion.

The talents of Great Chu were the most lively, darting around the feast with wine jars in their arms, pouring drinks for everyone and calling them "big brother" with great familiarity.

In response, the Underworld experts were hesitant to drink.

Before coming, Qinguang Wang had warned them that the people of Great Chu were all mad and lacked restraint. There was even a Great Chu specialty called Hehuan Powder, which was extremely potent.

Additionally, the Yanluo had advised them to hide their treasures securely, as Great Chu was different from other places—full of talents who often made things disappear.

And indeed, as they drank, some began cursing. Before long, the purebred Underworld people had their storage bags stolen, and if they weren't careful, even their undergarments vanished.

The feast was lively, but Di Huang gradually wandered away, seemingly disliking such crowds and seeking a quiet place. Zixuan followed closely, never leaving his side.

"Senior." Ye Chen caught up, holding immortal fire in his hand and looking at Di Huang with full expectation, without stating his intent—he knew Di Huang understood, just as he knew about Nianwei.

"Come find me tonight." Di Huang smiled and walked farther away, his body fading with each step—or rather, it was his shadow. The real Di Huang was likely already far beyond the horizon.

Ye Chen took a deep breath, his eyes shining brightly. Di Huang's smile gave him immense hope, confirming that his Saint Body senior had a way to revive Nianwei.

With that thought, he turned back.

The wine table of the Ten Yanluo was the most prestigious, attended by Great Chu's peak Zhundi—figures like the Huangzhe, Shenjiang, Jianshen, and Donghuang Taixin. There were also their old acquaintances: Moyuan, the evil demon, and Jiuchen, all from the Honghuang era, truly a reunion of old friends.

"Don't hold back, everyone—make yourselves at home."

"If you need anything in Great Chu, just come to me."

Ye Chen cheerfully carried a large wine jar, pouring for each of them.

The Ten Yanluo were cautious; they let Ye Chen pour but didn't drink, not out of disrespect, but fear he might have added something inappropriate, like the Great Chu specialty.

Moreover, aside from Qinguang Wang, the other nine Yanluo had faces as dark as ink, still harboring resentment from past events. Back then, Ye Chen had nearly wiped out their Underworld generals, leaving most as cripples. It was infuriating.

On top of that, the rascal named Ye Chen had summoned them every few days, treating them like mere spirit beasts.

"Don't sweat the small stuff." Ye Chen chuckled and dashed off, noticing Donghuang Taixin's piercing glare, which had fixed on him over a hundred times. If looks could kill, the young master Ye would already be buried, with weeds over his grave.

The revered Kunlun goddess and guardian of Great Chu, a peak Zhundi, had never been so humiliated, especially in front of those who loved chaos.

Whenever she recalled those events, her cheeks flushed red—it was utterly embarrassing.

And it was all thanks to Ye Chen.

Only now did she realize where those images of her came from—undoubtedly obtained during his thousand years in Great Chu. She was certain Ye Chen had more exclusive versions, even more tantalizing, given his shameless nature.

"You'll regret this." Glaring at Ye Chen's retreating figure, Donghuang Taixin muttered hatefully, resolving to find time to have a chat with him—it had been a while.

Ye Chen, still carrying his wine jar, poured as he went. Over eighty percent of the summoned experts he recognized; they had been comrades fighting demons in the underworld.

Naturally, these Underworld beings also knew Ye Chen.

Back in the day, this young Saint Body had caused endless chaos in the underworld—drinking Meng Po soup, disrupting reincarnation, collapsing the eighteen levels of hell. Not only that, he was incredibly skilled in battle. His and Zhao Yun's appearances had thoroughly embarrassed the Ming Emperor's and emperor's disciples—one defeating Baizhi, the other vanquishing Mingjue.

As he spoke, Ye Chen arrived at another table, where the judges, Black and White Impermanence, Meng Po, and Ox-Head and Horse-Face sat—all from the same department, always together. Notably, Black Impermanence's face was as dark as ever, his tongue lolling out long.

"Don't be shy—the wine's on me." Ye Chen approached cheerfully, pouring for each like a gracious host.

The judges and Black and White Impermanence all took a deep breath.

Then, the three of them raised their bowls and poured the wine out completely—they dared not drink what Ye Chen offered. They still remembered how he had tricked them back then, lacing it with Hehuan Powder that kept them affected for three days and nights.

So, after Ye Chen left, the three often pulled out the Book of Life and Death, gazing at the words "rascal" written for him, full of meaningful emotion.

For the umpteenth time, it proved that the Book's description of Ye Chen was spot-on—simple and accurate. No other words could fit him better; he was perfectly made for them across the three realms.

"Don't take it personally— you'll regret it later, you three."

Ye Chen patted their shoulders meaningfully and walked away, instructing Great Chu's talents to pay special attention to them—steal what could be stolen, rob what could be robbed, no need for courtesy.

As for Meng Po, she was straightforward, and Ye Chen treated her with respect. Who knew how many karmic ties were linked to the Naihe Bridge goddess?

If there was one table that was the liveliest, it was the nine great Underworld generals'. They were all top talents, kindred spirits with Xie Yun and Situ Nan's group—bare-chested, arms around shoulders, already sworn brothers, each as outgoing as the next.

When Ye Chen arrived, the atmosphere grew even more vibrant, though one person felt awkward.

That was Feilong Mingjiang, Qin Mengyao's brother. In the underworld, he had been thoroughly beaten by Ye Chen and couldn't hold his head high. He was one of the few surviving generals under Chujiang Wang.

Ah!

Feilong Mingjiang sighed self-mockingly. Now, Ye Chen was a Zhundi, while he hadn't even reached the peak of Dasheng—lacking even the qualification to look up.

And that was just Ye Chen—the heavenly prodigies were countless, many capable of crushing him. As a renowned general from the underworld, he felt deeply ashamed, perfectly illustrating that there are always greater talents beyond.

Ye Chen held no grudges and fulfilled his host duties, filling his cup.

But Feilong Mingjiang didn't drink—or rather, no one from the underworld drank what Ye Chen poured. It wasn't about face; they just didn't dare. Great Chu's specialty was renowned across the three realms; even Zhundi could lose control from it.

Ah!

Ye Chen sighed too. On his honor, he hadn't added anything this time—it was truly unfair. They were treating him like a rascal, guarding against everything including him.

After three rounds of drinks, the festive atmosphere turned less harmonious. Some with short tempers—from both the underworld and the various heavens—started arguing while drinking, and soon fights broke out. Great Chu's bold spirit matched the underworld's.

"Is this the prosperity of the mortal world?" On Jieming Mountain in the underworld, the Ming Emperor smiled faintly, clearly seeing through the barrier. Compared to Great Chu's liveliness, the underworld was much quieter. Its peak forces had been halved; he needed to nurture the next generation.

"When you have time, you should come to the various heavens for a visit." Ye Chen lifted his wine jar toward the void with a smile, certain the Ming Emperor could see it, as a toast.

The Ming Emperor shook his head with a laugh and stepped down from Jieming Mountain. How could he not want to return to his homeland? But duty bound him; he couldn't go back to the various heavens until the three realms were unified.