Legend has it.
After death, every soul will enter the Nine Netherworld Underworld Palace and wash away their memories of past lives in the River of the Dead.
Only then can one reincarnate and begin the cycle anew.
Here, the sky is perpetually gray.
The air around is thick and murky, visible even to the naked eye.
Lu Chang'sheng looked around; in front of him, there flowed a yellow river.
Above the river, a bridge spanned across.
Right now, countless white spirits were crossing the bridge…
And beyond that bridge stood a massive doorway; atop the doorframe, two huge characters were engraved.
Underworld Palace!
"Who dares trespass in my Nine Netherworld Underworld Palace!"
Suddenly, a booming roar echoed from the heavens, the voice resounding throughout the entire space!
Lu Chang'sheng glanced up at the figures hovering in midair; from each one emanated an aura of deathly silence.
"Who are you?"
One of the figures spoke, "Why have you come to our Underworld Palace?"
Normally, no living being would ever arrive at the Underworld Palace; those who come are all souls who died in the mortal world.
Yet, any living being who manages to enter the Nine Netherworld Underworld is undoubtedly powerful.
Lu Chang'sheng declared loudly, "Nothing major. I just need to borrow some of your River of the Dead."
Instantly, the figures' expressions changed, shouting angrily, "The River of the Dead is one of our Nine Netherworld Underworld's greatest treasures! How could we possibly lend it to you?"
Lu Chang'sheng sighed with some frustration.
Looks like he'll have to fight.
Only by showing his strength could he earn the right to negotiate.
Lu Chang'sheng swept the wooden sword in his hand, his face stern as sword intent surged from within him.
The group of figures grew visibly tense at this, their bodies taut and ready to unleash thunder upon Lu Chang'sheng at any moment!
Lu Chang'sheng spoke solemnly, "Enough, why don't you come at me one by one?"
The figures were about to charge together.
Someone figured they'd strike first and gain the upper hand.
But at those words, they all froze abruptly, standing there dumbfounded, staring at Lu Chang'sheng.
"You weren't actually thinking of ganging up on me, were you?"
Lu Chang'sheng protested indignantly, "You people are the stewards of the Nine Netherworld Underworld Palace—you would really resort to a group beatdown?
Honestly, have you no honor?"
The figures exchanged glances, their already-dark faces now turning even blacker.
You come here to snatch our treasured artifact,
and you expect us to play fair with you??
What, you think we're idiots?
"Enough talk! All together—capture him alive and throw him into the Nine Nether Purgatory to be tormented by Earth Fire!"
With those words,
The group of figures lunged for Lu Chang'sheng!
In their hands, treasures appeared, radiating waves of nirvanic extermination!
Lu Chang'sheng's eyes sharpened; he raised his wooden sword and slashed forward!
At that moment!
The void shattered! Space within the Nine Netherworld Underworld Palace splintered like glass!
Thunderous booms rang out across the Nine Netherworld Underworld Palace!
The once-calm waters of the River of the Dead began roiling furiously like boiling water!
The figures' faces shifted dramatically!
"Dao Law!"
"The Dao Law of Sword—how is it possible for someone to comprehend Dao Law in this world?"
"Quick, sacrifice blood to the treasure!"
At that, the figures hammered their own chests—blood essence spurted out!
That blood essence landed on an ancient, imposing door.
Upon the front of the door was a sharp-toothed ghost's face, mouth open wide and bristling with fangs!
"Rasshomon!"
As soon as the words fell, the door grew larger, transforming into a colossal portal stretching toward the heavens!
With a crash, it slammed downward!
Blocking the path of that terrifying sword qi!
BOOM!
The void-shattering sword strike landed directly on Rasshomon!
The clash sent ripples sweeping through the entire Nine Netherworld!
The bridge over the River of the Dead began to crumble!
Even the ancient doorframe was shaken by the shockwave and collapsed!
Yet—
In just a moment, Rasshomon groaned under the immense pressure!
CRAAACK! CRAAACK!
Rifts like a valley began spreading wildly in every direction!
The figures spewed mouthfuls of fresh blood.
Rasshomon was linked to their lives.
Now, with Rasshomon seriously damaged, they were unable to continue fighting!
The sword qi dissipated; Rasshomon rapidly shrank down, covered in cracks, and was hastily stowed away by one of the figures.
"Who exactly are you, sir?"
The figures finally showed themselves.
Six old men, each wearing a gray cloak and holding a scepter in hand.
Atop each scepter sat a mystical orb, glowing with ghostly green light.
"What—so you'll tell us and make it easier to exact revenge on you in the future?
Never mind all that. Are you going to let me borrow it or not?"
Lu Chang'sheng furrowed his brow, his patience clearly running thin.
The six old men gave a bitter laugh, "Sir, it's not that we don't want to lend it, but we simply don't have the authority.
The six of us old bones are Envoys of the River of the Dead; the River of the Dead possesses its own spirit. Only if it recognizes you can you take it away."
Lu Chang'sheng raised an eyebrow. "Then show me the way."
The six exchanged uncertain looks, finally sighed and nodded in agreement.
"Please, this way, sir."
If he swung his sword a few more times, never mind holding him back—
This Nine Netherworld Underworld Palace would definitely collapse.
At that point, the reincarnation cycle of this world would be thrown into chaos!
They arrived at a side hall.
Inside the hall stood a figure whose whole body seemed slightly illusory.
The Envoys of the River of the Dead saluted the figure, then turned and left.
The figure turned, revealing himself as an extremely young, soft-featured man.
The man spoke, "I know why you've come. There's no one in the Nine Netherworld Underworld Palace who could be your match.
You may borrow the River of the Dead, but I have one condition."
Lu Chang'sheng said, "Let's hear it."
Seeing this, the man continued, "In the future, find a new Netherworld King to guard this Nine Netherworld Underworld Palace."
"The Netherworld King's cultivation technique allows for rebirth and reincarnation, but who knows where he is now.
If this palace remains without a Netherworld King for too long, chaos will descend on the Nine Netherworld!"
Lu Chang'sheng considered it and nodded his assent.
Worst comes to worst, he'll just throw that brat Qiu Bai in here to be the so-called Netherworld King.
Seeing Lu Chang'sheng agree, the man waved his hand; instantly, the waters of the River of the Dead floated up and gathered together!
Forming a yellow bead, which landed in front of Lu Chang'sheng.
Having obtained the item, Lu Chang'sheng nodded at the man and turned to leave.
The man stared at Lu Chang'sheng's back, murmuring in confusion, "The Heavenly Dao of this world has collapsed, the path to ascension sealed—how could anyone comprehend Dao Law?
Could he have come from outside?"
But after thinking about it, he shook his head; after all, why would outsiders care about this place…
...
Lu Chang'sheng, after leaving the side hall, cut open space with a single sword and flew straight for the outside world.
However, just as Lu Chang'sheng departed, on the other bank of the River of the Dead, a phantom spirit body zipped after him faster than lightning…