Knife splashing

Chapter 764 Netherworld Passage
"The Netherworld passage has been opened?"

"how is this possible?"

Upon hearing the news, Li Yan immediately returned. Hearing his speculation, all twelve members of the Divine Star were shocked, as the matter was far too bizarre.

Mount Tai swallows Mount Hua in the west, suppresses Mount Heng in the south, surpasses Mount Song in the center, and outshines Mount Heng in the north, making it the chief of the Five Sacred Mountains. In mythology, after Pangu died, his head transformed into Mount Tai.

Legend has it that this place can communicate with the heavens, and it has been a place for imperial sacrifices since ancient times.

It is also said that this place connects to the underworld and is managed by the Eastern Peak Emperor.

But despite the numerous rumors, no one has ever actually seen it.

The idea that the Netherworld passage has been opened is naturally unbelievable.

Only Wang Daoxuan, after his initial surprise, frowned and stroked his beard, saying, "Young Master Yan's guess may be correct. Mount Tai is the most revered of the Five Sacred Mountains, and Pengxuan Grotto Heaven is no small matter. There is a saying that 'When Mount Tai is at peace, the four seas are at peace.'"

"The only explanation for this commotion is that the Netherworld Passage has been opened."

Li Yan nodded and said, "Whether it is or not, we need to find out."

After saying that, he stepped aside and said to the person behind him, "This is Elder Shoumingzi of the Jade Emperor Temple. He is very familiar with Mount Tai. I asked him to guide us."

Behind him was Shoumeizi.

Earlier, inside the Jade Emperor Temple, after Li Yan learned what had happened, he asked if anyone could act as a guide.

While the others were still hesitating, Shoumingzi, before taking charge of the mountain's defenses, had dedicated himself to gathering information about the mystical sects in the martial arts world and knew the names of the Twelve Yuan Chen.

Coupled with his own worries, he offered to lead the way.

At this moment, he was staring at the "Wish-Fulfilling Pearl" and the "Five Directions Luofeng Banner," his eyes filled with shock. Upon hearing Li Yan's words, he quickly cupped his hands and said, "Of course, since you all are coming up the mountain to resolve your calamities, how could this humble Taoist possibly be afraid of death..."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Yan interrupted him, "Daoist, there's no need for formalities. Mount Tai is vast and has become an inauspicious place. Let's not delay and tell us your judgment."

Shoumingzi nodded and said, "I have been thinking about this since the beginning of my journey. Mount Tai is quite large. According to the directions and past records, there are five places that are worth questioning."

"First, there's the 'Blood Maple Forest' in the northwest of Mount Tai. This place was anciently known as 'Xinghou Terrace.' According to the 'Tales of the Immortals of Mount Tai,' Xinghou once fought demons here, and his blood soaked into the rock strata, turning them into red soil, hence the maple leaves remain crimson year-round. Three days ago, a disciple reported that a deep crevice had opened up here, gushing out a foul stench of sulfur, but we haven't had time to investigate..."

"Secondly, there is the 'Wordless Stele Yin Cave' on the eastern slope of Jade Emperor Peak. Legend has it that Emperor Wu of Han erected the Wordless Stele to suppress the ominous 'Chiwen Abyss'. In the past, a sorcerer dug into the base of the stele to steal Yin Soul Stone, causing the earth to rumble for seven days. Later, a Taoist priest from the Wei and Jin dynasties set up the 'Yin Refining Nine Springs Array' to quell the chaos. It is a place we usually guard closely..."

"Thirdly, there's the Yin-Yang Stream and the Dry Pine Stream. The *Secret Records of Mount Tai* says this is where Huang Chao's 'ghost soldiers borrowed a passage' at the end of the Tang Dynasty. On stormy nights, phosphorescent lights would always appear in procession. To be honest, Shi Xuanming's thief's magic weapon, the 'Dry Pine Dragon Staff,' was taken from the demonic wood at the bottom of the stream. Now, with the mountain rife with evil spirits and vengeful ghosts, the seal there has most likely been broken..."

"Fourth is the 'Fox Fairy Cave' on Zhangren Peak. Legend has it that a white fox under the command of Bixia Yuanjun once killed an evil cultivator who devoured young boys and girls here. In the eighth year of Jianwu of the Later Zhao Dynasty, a huge rock on the mountain spontaneously combusted and lasted for eight days before going out. This is a mystery of the Xuanmen of Mount Tai, and we cannot find out the reason..."

"The last one is the 'Hanging Coffin Cliff' in the Yin-Yang boundary."

At this point, he suddenly lowered his voice: "This place is the most dangerous. In the previous dynasty, there was a 'hundred ghosts carrying a sedan chair' evil spirit in Qi and Lu. Its poison was endless and difficult to eradicate. It was suppressed here by many masters of the Xuanmen sect."

These places were all terrifying, but no one found it strange.

Since ancient times, China has been plagued by evil spirits that are difficult to eradicate or have a wide-ranging influence. These evil spirits can only be suppressed in the spiritual realms of blessed lands and eliminated by the innate Qi of the primordial forces.

The Xuanmen (mysterious gate) that manages this place also has the responsibility of guarding it.

If something happens at Mount Tai, then those other places are the real threats.

"Five places..."

Upon hearing this, Li Yan felt a headache coming on.

He hadn't expected there to be so many targets of suspicion.

But given the current situation, we can only investigate them one by one.

Thinking of this, Li Yan said urgently, "We should not delay. Where should we go first? Daoist is familiar with the terrain. Please plan the route."

Shoumingzi took a deep breath and said with a solemn expression, "The situation is urgent. I believe we should take the shortest route."

"Starting from near and moving far, we'll first explore the Blood Maple Forest, then investigate the Yin Cave of the Nameless Stele, then venture into the Withered Pine Ravine, then head to the Fox Fairy Cave on Elder Peak, and finally... reach the Hanging Coffin Cliff!"

"Although this road is dangerous, it is the fastest way to find out the source of the anomaly!"

“Alright! Let’s explore along this route!” Li Yan immediately made the decision.

Without a word, Wang Daoxuan immediately formed a hand seal, and the Five Directions Luofeng Banner rose into the air, fluttering and swirling around, tightly enveloping everyone's aura.

The wish-fulfilling jewel was held high, becoming the only stable source of light in the darkness.

Guided by Shoumingzi, the group entered deeper into the black fog.

Just as the old Taoist priest said, the journey was extremely dangerous.

The "ghost wall" caused by the rising Yin Qi, the mad beasts, the awakened walking corpses, and the vengeful ghosts wandering in the fog are all secondary.

The temperature drop caused by the concentration of Yin energy is the real problem.

Frost began to form on the ground, and icicles formed on everyone's bodies. The roads were slippery, and a cold wind howled, making everyone's heads buzz.

But the most dangerous places are those perilous locations.

As the group stepped into the depths of the Blood Maple Forest, a forest said to be stained with the blood of Xing Hou and perpetually ablaze with fire, the frost-covered ground beneath their feet suddenly arched and cracked as if alive!
A stench filled the air as countless blood-red vines, thick as buckets and stained with viscous blood, burst forth from the earth, coiling and strangling like giant pythons from hell.

The blood plasma emitted a strong, corrosive stench, and hissed as it hit the ground.

At the same time, a strong smell of sulfur wafted out.

"What is this thing?!"

Shalifei's musket fired in rapid succession, but only blasted bloody holes in the vines.

The others also frowned, having never seen such a ferocious creature before.

"Something's not right, let's back off!"

Li Yan's eyelids twitched, and he quickly led everyone to retreat.

Puzzled, he quickly gripped the burning talisman in his bosom, closed his eyes, then opened them again, chanting: "Heaven has its rules, earth has its order, the underworld restrains souls, the living must evade!"

In an instant, a cold wind howled, and the surroundings became even darker. Even the Ruyi Jewel dimmed, as if it were being suppressed by some kind of force.

In the span of two breaths, the darkness and the eerie wind dissipated.

Looking at the blood maple forest again, it had become calm, and the eerie blood vines had all collapsed to the ground.

Wang Daoxuan frowned. "Brother Yan, is it here?"

He didn't plead for leniency, but everyone knew he was referring to the criminal.

"No."

Li Yan shook his head, quickly went into the woods, and came out a moment later carrying a pottery jar, which he threw directly on the ground.

This pottery jar has an odd shape and is not of the Chinese style.

Wow~
After it shattered on the ground, a huge black crow carcass was revealed, emitting a strong stench, with blood streaks spreading out from its body.

In addition, there were feathers, bones, and other items wrapped in burlap.

"Master Shoumingzi, have any red-haired barbarians appeared on the mountain recently?"

Facing the curious gazes of the crowd, he looked at Shoumingzi.

What appeared here was not demonic energy, but an evil spirit from another realm that did not belong to the Central Divine Continent. It was also tainted with a trace of demonic energy, which was detected by Gou Die, who then issued a mission.

Perhaps it was the extraterrestrial demonic energy he had captured last time, or some unknown source, that led the Netherworld Division to inform him of the origin of this object.

This evil spirit is under the command of Stolas, one of the seventy-two demons of Solomon.

This demon is knowledgeable in astronomy, herbalism, and gemology. Believers are particularly skilled in such esoteric arts, and the demon usually appears in the form of a crow or a human.

Although it was merely an evil spirit, not demonic energy, it still possessed Daoist energy.

"Red-haired barbarians?"

Shoumingzi looked on in astonishment. "I've never seen this before."

Li Yan pondered, "In the Blood Maple Forest, there is a scattered aura of evil, but it is suppressed by the innate Qi of Mount Tai and is about to be destroyed. Many years ago, some evil creature must have been suppressed here."

"Someone deliberately buried this thing in the forest to absorb evil energy and cause trouble."

Upon hearing this, Shoumingzi's eyes blazed with fury. "It must be those three villains!"

Li Yan asked in a deep voice, "I forgot to ask, who are the three Earth Immortals on the mountain?" "Let's talk about it as we walk."

Shoumingzi wasn't stupid, so he didn't press Li Yan about how he knew. Instead, he introduced them as they walked, saying, "These three are all quite important."

"The leader is called 'Shi Xuanming'. He was originally a master geomancer and was skilled at commanding ghosts and gods. Although he was not well-known, he was highly accomplished. He was cultivating in seclusion on Mount Tai and was very familiar with the earth's veins."

"The other one is called Hu Sangu, nicknamed 'Wuyin Mountain Granny'. She comes from a side sect in western Hunan and is skilled in controlling mountain spirits and water monsters. She is also proficient in Gu poison."

"The last one is Zheng Boyin, nicknamed 'Master Jiuquan.' He was originally a Feng Shui doctor in the Imperial Observatory. Because of his merits in establishing the new dynasty, he was specially allowed to cultivate in the spiritual realm of Mount Tai..."

"Hahaha~"

Upon hearing this, Shalifei couldn't help but sneer, "These three are no good people. They sound like they've ascended to godhood, heartless and devoid of humanity. They wouldn't care about any kind of incense offerings. It's a shame you let wolves into your house."

Shoumingzi pretended not to hear and cupped his hands to Li Yan, saying, "Since you are a living underworld messenger, young hero, you are their nemesis. The strange events at Mount Tai must have been caused by these three. Please act on behalf of Heaven."

"That Aunt Hu is already dead."

Li Yan replied once and then said no more.

To be honest, he was also somewhat dissatisfied.

The mass killing of living underworld messengers is a harbinger of great chaos. The many sacred mountains and blessed lands of China harbor countless criminals, and trouble is inevitable in the future.

If these great religions had not harbored selfish motives, how could such a calamity have occurred?
Seeing this, Shoumingzi sighed and said no more.

With experience, everyone moved even faster.

The wordless stele stands at the Yin Cave, its deep, bottomless entrance echoing with howling sounds.

The things suppressed inside are clearly showing signs of breaking free.

Upon seeing this, Shoumingzi's expression changed drastically, and he chanted an incantation in a stern voice: "Twenty-eight constellations, seven stars in a row! Heavenly soldiers decree, suppress the soul and guard the heart!"

While chanting incantations, he took out four Taishan stones from the bundle behind him, each engraved with the three characters "Shi Gandang," and placed them next to the wordless stele according to the four cardinal directions.

Strangely enough, the stone from Mount Tai, once placed down, seemed to take root on the ground.

The trembling, wordless stele immediately returned to peace.

Shoumingzi breathed a sigh of relief. "Someone has damaged the ancient Wei-Jin formation. This Taishan stone is connected to the earth's veins and can hold out for three days. We'll deal with it then."

"Ah."

Li Yan nodded and led the group onward.

The coldest part of the Kusong Ravine was the place where Huang Chao's "ghost soldiers borrowed a passage" at the end of the Tang Dynasty. The pitch-black pool at the bottom of the ravine has frozen into ice.

Beneath the smooth ice surface, white mist surged and condensed into human faces.

Surprisingly, the most worrying part remained unsealed.

The group ignored them and continued on their way.

There was nothing unusual at the Fox Fairy Cave on Zhangren Peak.

Finally, after overcoming numerous hardships, the group reached the Hanging Coffin Cliff.

However, before they even got close to the core area, the warrant in Li Yan's arms began to get hot.

"Watch out, the remaining two are right here!"

Li Yan's reminder put everyone on high alert.

Of course, they were not afraid.

After all, although the other party was an Earth Immortal, Li Yan was a Living Underworld Messenger.

When the group finally witnessed the sight of the hanging coffin cliff after a difficult journey, even the most knowledgeable among them couldn't help but gasp in shock.

The entire cliff area was now completely shrouded in darkness, thick and viscous like ink, churning endlessly, emanating an extremely yin and cold aura far exceeding that of any other place before.

Even the Five Directions Luo Feng Banner could only barely hold on.

The chill penetrated deep into their bones, and not only did everyone feel an icy cold on their bodies, but they also felt as if their souls were being frozen and torn apart by this icy chill, and their consciousness became blurred.

The old Taoist priest Shoumingzi's face was solemn, and his voice trembled slightly:
"This...this is the Netherworld Passage?"

In his eyes, there was fear, but even more so, anticipation.

Having guarded Mount Tai for many years, the very thing he had been chanting about all day suddenly appeared before his eyes.

Everyone gritted their teeth and persevered, their breath instantly turning into white frost.

On the outskirts of this almost hopeless darkness, there were two figures sitting cross-legged.

It was the remaining two Earth Immortals, Shi Xuanming and Zheng Boyin!
But the state of these two at this moment was extremely frightening.

Their bodies sat cross-legged on the ground, no longer resembling living people.

The skin was covered with shocking dark green lividity, and the muscles were rotting and atrophying at a visible rate, emitting an indescribable stench of decay, and life was rapidly slipping away.

"Abandoning the physical body to enter the Netherworld?!"

Shoumingzi, the old Taoist priest, suddenly narrowed his eyes and exclaimed in disbelief, "They...they actually dared to do this?!"

As he spoke, he suddenly remembered something and exclaimed in shock, "I understand! They must have abandoned their physical bodies and their spirits wandered into the Netherworld passage. No wonder..."

Li Yan frowned. "Does the Daoist priest know what's inside?"

"Perhaps, it is the 'Divine Gate of the Lord of Mount Tai'..."

Shoumingzi's face was full of bitterness. "I couldn't understand it before. What made these two so confident that they dared to plot for the position of Prefect?"

"The Taoist scriptures of Mount Tai say that there is a 'Divine Palace of the Lord of Mount Tai' guarding the underworld. Now the position of the Lord of Mount Tai is vacant. If they find something..."

"The Divine Palace of the Lord of Mount Tai?!"

A sudden inspiration struck Li Yan.

He then recalled what he had heard during his mission in the underworld.

Judge Cui said that unless he could enter the Netherworld passage, he could not receive assistance from the underworld messenger without violating the Heavenly Laws.

Could it be…

What kind of opportunity lies within?
Moreover, if these two were to completely enter the Netherworld and find the Divine Palace, they might actually have a chance to seize the position of the Lord of the Underworld, which would be a real problem.

"Taoist Master, please protect my physical body!"

Thinking of this, Li Yan looked at Wang Daoxuan without hesitation.

Wang Daoxuan instantly understood, "Don't worry! We will protect your physical body."

After saying this, he led everyone to set up the altar.

They had already used this method when entering the "Nine Gates of Yin Ruins" in the capital.

The difference is that it's faster now.

Wu Ba unloaded the huge bamboo basket from behind him, grasped the thick bamboo poles supporting it on both sides, and pulled it outwards, turning the bamboo basket into a square bamboo table. Various ritual implements were placed in bags on it, categorized by type.

This is a simple altar that Kuai Dayou made for Wang Daoxuan.

It was this item that moved Li Yan and the others.

Without the slightest hesitation, Wang Daoxuan immediately set up an altar, planting the Five Directions Luo Feng Flags around it, and using red rope and coins to tie Li Yan's left little finger.

The steps are the same as last time: use the Yin Fu to open the mind and use the soul-guiding incense to guide the way.

"The Nine Netherworlds open, the soul departs from the Mysterious Pass... Imperial Decree!"

As Wang Daoxuan chanted the incantation, Li Yan felt his mind suddenly leap.

After the spirit leaves the body, the scene before one's eyes also changes.

Ahead, outside the hanging coffin cliff, black mist and white light formed a huge vortex hundreds of feet long, standing upright in front of us, slowly rotating.

Seemingly drawn by the current, Li Yan's spirit involuntarily drifted towards the vortex...

(End of this chapter)