Starting as the heir of a marquis's mansion, I gained access to a summoning system.

Chapter 71 The Underworld

Dongfang Weiwo sat back down at his desk, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and slowly wrote two characters on the paper—

Hell.

The brushstrokes are vigorous and powerful, penetrating the paper.

He put down his pen, his gaze falling on the still-wet ink on the words. The image of the Netherworld from his previous life floated into his mind—a mysterious entity that controlled life and death, hidden in the shadows, sinister, majestic, and terrifying.

"The Underworld, the Ten Kings of Hell," he murmured to himself, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table. "Let Yang Dingtian serve as one of the Ten Kings of Hell, to awe all under the name of the King of Hell."

As for the positions of the other nine Kings of Hell, they will be filled later when suitable figures are summoned. The Four Dharma Kings, as Yang Dingtian's capable lieutenants, will assist him in establishing himself in the East Sea, complementing each other perfectly.

"The Underworld and the Azure Dragon Society are completely severed." Dongfang Weiwo stood up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, and looked at the deep night outside. "The Azure Dragon Society is in the west, and the Underworld is in the East Sea. The two are thousands of miles apart, and no one will connect them."

Outside Pingyang County.

Deep within the vast mountains lies a hidden valley.

The moonlight, cool and clear, spilled into the mountain stream, where the water murmured. Mist lingered in the valley, dew clung to the grass and trees, and all was silent.

suddenly--

Five figures appeared out of thin air.

The air seemed to be torn open by an invisible force, and five figures emerged from the void, landing steadily on the bluestone ground in the valley.

The leader, a man in his forties, had a resolute face, as if carved by a knife and axe, thick, black eyebrows, and a pair of tiger-like eyes that flashed with lightning speed when they opened and closed. He wore a long black robe that moved without wind, and his aura was as deep and unfathomable as an abyss, like a dormant volcano that could erupt at any moment.

It was none other than Yang Dingtian, the leader of the Ming Cult.

Behind him were four people, three men and one woman, each with their own imposing presence.

Dai Qisi, the Purple-Robed Dragon King, was a woman from the Western Regions with skin as white as snow and an exquisitely beautiful face. A purple dress clung tightly to her figure, making her as graceful as a snake, and a silver whip was tied around her waist. She gently tossed her long hair, her purple eyes gleaming eerily in the moonlight, and the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, carrying a hint of cunning and danger in her smile.

Yin Tianzheng, the White-Browed Eagle King, had white hair and eyebrows, a burly figure like a mountain, unusually long arms that reached past his knees, and rough hands like eagle claws with large, calloused knuckles. He stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, scanning his surroundings with an imposing aura of authority.

Xie Xun, the Golden Lion King, had long, flowing golden hair that shone like a burning flame in the moonlight. His body was as massive as a mountain, with a broad-bladed saber slung across his back. The blade was as black as ink, and its edge gleamed coldly. He crossed his arms, exuding a violent aura, like a ferocious beast that might suddenly unleash its fury.

Wei Yixiao, the Azure-Winged Bat King, was thin and pale, with high cheekbones and a pair of eyes as lively as a bat's, revealing shrewdness and cunning with every slight movement. He stood in the shadows, his aura elusive, as if he might vanish into a wisp of green smoke at any moment.

The five exchanged glances, and the memories bestowed upon them by the system simultaneously surfaced in their minds—

They were summoned by the East's only self.

Absolute loyalty.

Without any ulterior motives.

A moment of silence fell over the valley. A night breeze blew, causing Xie Xun's golden hair to flutter slightly.

Yang Dingtian spoke first, his voice deep and resonant, carrying an undeniable authority: "Gentlemen, our lord has given orders—to send us to the East Sea to establish a new force."

"The underworld," he said, his gaze sweeping over the four people.

Dai Qisi smiled slightly, a smile that bloomed like a fleeting flower in the moonlight: "The East Sea is vast, just right for me to practice my water-based martial arts." She gently raised her right hand, and a wisp of water vapor condensed at her fingertips, crystal clear in the moonlight.

Yin Tianzheng nodded, his voice steady and powerful: "Far from the heart of the dynasty, far from the emperor's reach, it's good for development." He reached out and stroked the trunk of an old pine tree beside him, the rough bark peeling off under his palm. "Just what I wanted."

Xie Xun sneered, his laughter carrying a metallic clang: "I like the sea, it's wild enough." He patted the hilt of his sword on his back, the blade emitting a deep hum. "Without those rules and regulations, it's exhilarating to kill."

Wei Yi grinned, revealing two rows of pale teeth, his voice sharp as the howling wind: "I wonder if the wind is strong over there, enough to make my lightness skill even faster." He swayed, leaving afterimages in his wake, and leaped onto the boulder atop the mountain, looking down. "If the wind is strong, I, the Bat King, can ride the wind for thousands of miles."

Yang Dingtian stood with his hands behind his back, his sea breeze-like gaze sweeping over the four of them, and said in a deep voice, "In that case, let's set off immediately for the East Sea."

"yes!"

The four voices rang out almost simultaneously, crisp and clean, without the slightest hesitation.

Five figures leaped up simultaneously, like five streaks of light streaking across the night sky, speeding eastward.

Half a month later.

East China Sea.

The vast expanse of blue sea blends seamlessly with the sky. White seagulls circle overhead, their cries ringing out. Waves crash against the rocks, sending up white sprays.

An unnamed deserted island.

Although it's called a deserted island, it's not entirely barren. The island is covered with lush trees, rugged rocks, and freshwater springs that gurgle and flow.

There is no one living within a radius of a hundred miles; only seabirds and sea creatures roam there.

Yang Dingtian stood on the highest point of the island—a protruding black reef—with his hands behind his back, looking down at the surroundings.

The sea breeze whipped at him, making his black robe flutter and his long hair dance in the wind.

His eyes were sharp as he scanned every detail on the sea.

The sea and sky blend into one, stretching to the horizon.

The islands are scattered like pearls on the azure waves—dozens of them, large and small, some close at hand, others far away. Smoke can be faintly seen rising from some of the larger islands, indicating that they are inhabited.

"A good place." He took a deep breath; the salty sea breeze invigorated him.

Yin Tianzheng walked to his side.

The White-browed Eagle King walked with steady steps, each step firmly planted on the rocks, as stable as Mount Tai. He stood side by side with Yang Dingtian, both gazing into the distance.

"King Biancheng," Yin Tianzheng's voice was steady and powerful, "this island is hundreds of miles in circumference and uninhabited. It can serve as a temporary stronghold."

Yang Dingtian nodded.

Dongfang Weiwo appointed him as one of the Ten Kings of Hell in the Underworld—King Biancheng, in charge of affairs in the East Sea.

This identity made him feel both honored and deeply responsible.

"Alright," Yang Dingtian said, his voice ringing out. "Let's establish a temporary base on this island."

"Yes." Yin Tianzheng clasped his hands in acceptance and turned to make arrangements.

A purple shadow flashed, and Dai Qisi arrived gracefully.

Her movements were as nimble as a snake; she leaped from the rocks to the top of the island, her purple dress fluttering in the sea breeze, like a fairy from the sea.

"King Biancheng," she bowed slightly, a hint of excitement in her purple eyes, "I have already surveyed the surrounding seas."

She stretched out her hand and pointed to the eastern sea: "A hundred miles to the east, there are several larger islands, where powerful forces are entrenched. There is dense smoke rising from their chimneys, indicating at least three or four groups, with anywhere from a hundred to several hundred people."

Yang Dingtian's eyes narrowed: "What's your background?"

"I don't know for now." Dai Qisi shook her head. "But I took a look from afar and saw that there were stockade walls on the island and ships anchored in the harbor. They don't seem to be ordinary fishermen. They are more likely pirates or a privately built stronghold by maritime merchants."

"Excellent." A glint flashed in Yang Dingtian's eyes. "Where there is power, there are resources. With resources, there is development."

A golden figure strode over—Xie Xun.

He carried a large sword, his blond hair blazing like flames in the sunlight. With each step he took, he left shallow footprints on the rocks.

"Should I just go and kill them all?" Xie Xun grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth, his eyes filled with bloodthirsty excitement. "It's been a long time since I've had a proper, satisfying fight."

"No need." Yang Dingtian shook his head, his gaze steady. "Let's first find out the situation—the number of people, their strength, their background, and their relationship with the surrounding forces. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. Once everything is clear, we can decide whether to incorporate them or annihilate them."

Xie Xun shrugged, gave a slightly disappointed "tsk" sound, but did not refute.

A figure in cyan descended from the sky—Wei Yixiao.

His movements were as swift as a ghost; one moment he was a hundred feet away, the next he had landed on the island's summit. He landed silently, like a falling leaf.

"King Biancheng," Wei Yixiao clasped his hands in greeting, a slight smile on his pale face, "I traveled three hundred li to the west and discovered several pirate ships plundering merchant ships."

"Pirates?" Yang Dingtian raised an eyebrow.

"Five ships, all with black sails and skull and crossbones flags flying at the bow. There are about two hundred men, led by a one-eyed man with considerable cultivation. The merchant ships have been taken over, and the cargo is being unloaded."

A glint of light flashed in Yang Dingtian's eyes.

"Pirates? Perfect."

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over the four Dharma Kings, his voice steady and powerful:

"Incorporate them into the army as the first force of the underworld."

Those who are willing to submit, may remain.

"I don't want to—"

He paused, his gaze turning cold.

"kill."

"yes!"

Four voices rang out simultaneously, in perfect unison.

A dangerous smile curled at the corner of Dai Qisi's lips.

Yin Tianzheng's eyes were sharp, and his fists were clenched tightly.