Chapter 104: The Underworld, the Obsessive Protector Emerges

Underworld, vast and expansive, divided into three great cities, each governed by its own lord. Though independent, friction between them never ceased. This was the legacy of the Underworld King; since the last Underworld King ascended to godhood thousands of years ago, no one had truly ruled the Underworld.

Yet who would not desire to become the next Underworld King, the sovereign of this realm? Powerful factions all coveted this seat, but none dared to step forward openly. For if they could not withstand the combined pressures, they would be crushed or even annihilated.

Among these forces, one stood formidable and unignorable: the Underworld Mansion. This was the retinue of the last Underworld King, and it was said that the mansion’s lord, the Ghost Immortal, was the daughter of the previous king, Jun Feitian.

By right, the Ghost Immortal of the Underworld Mansion had the strongest claim to the throne. Yet the Mansion remained neutral, showing no ambition for rulership, content instead to guard their domain and tend to countless fierce spirits.

Thus, the Mansion’s status in the Underworld grew ever more revered. No one dared provoke them—not out of fear of the Ghost Immortal herself, but due to the Mansion’s immense prestige and the loyalty they commanded from legions of vengeful ghosts.

Within the Underworld, at Ghost Abyss City, a ghostly gate suddenly appeared beneath the city’s towering walls, and three figures stepped through.

Naturally, these were Jiang Xiaofei, Su Muhe, and Meng Feixue.

Gazing up at the imposing city walls, Jiang Xiaofei sighed. The last time he came to Ghost Abyss City was over concerns about Jun Yao. Now, once again, he returned for the very same reason.

Yet the city had changed greatly. The protective barrier in the sky was gone, replaced by increased guards along the walls.

Jiang Xiaofei furrowed his brow, wondering if the city’s laws had changed to allow free flight. But the tense atmosphere suggested otherwise.

This confirmed his suspicion: something had gone awry in the Underworld. Such high alert was unprecedented.

“Su Dharma Protector and Meng Dharma Protector have returned. Open the gates to welcome them,” came the call.

At the gate stood several guards of the Underworld Mansion. When they saw Su Muhe and Meng Feixue emerge from the ghostly portal, they paused, then quickly gathered around with joy.

Su Muhe looked to a tall man among them. “Tie Cheng, have there been any enemy incursions today?”

The man called Tie Cheng replied, “Protector Su, since the last battle, Ghost Abyss City has remained peaceful. No attacks have come. But Protector Zhang has told us to stay vigilant.”

“Good. You’ve done well. There will be a reward.” Su Muhe nodded, producing a thousand spirit notes and handing them to Tie Cheng.

Tie Cheng accepted them carefully, scratching his head and smiling, “It’s only my duty. Protector Su, you’re too kind.”

Su Muhe said, “The brothers guard the city day and night. They deserve this. Use it to buy some wine when you can.”

Jiang Xiaofei listened to their exchange, frowning deeply. “What exactly happened in the Underworld? Tell me at once.”

Su Muhe seemed hesitant, unwilling to speak freely.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiaofei urged, “Come on, tell me. What’s going on?”

At his insistence, Su Muhe nodded. “Our Ghost Abyss City was once strong and unchallenged, but after the battle with Ghost Domain, we suffered heavy losses. Our strength is far from what it once was. Moreover, our master is injured. Seeing our decline, Ghost Domain’s City of Heavenly Ghosts grew ambitious, seeking to replace our Underworld Mansion and crown themselves king.”

“So they seized the moment to attack Ghost Abyss City. Thankfully, our master stood firm with their life, preventing Ghost Domain from succeeding. But our master was gravely wounded and forbade me from telling you—that she fears you would worry.”

“How can I not worry?” Jiang Xiaofei’s eyes burned with fury, a murderous gleam surfacing. “Tell me, how do I reach the City of Heavenly Ghosts?”

Su Muhe frowned. “Master Fei, what are you planning?”

Jiang Xiaofei roared, “Of course I’m going to destroy the City of Heavenly Ghosts! They dared hurt my wife; they’re asking for death!”

Su Muhe hastened to calm him. “Master Fei, please calm down and hear me out. Though our master was severely injured in that battle, it was a blessing in disguise. She is now in seclusion, striving to break through to the Pinnacle Dao Realm.”

“Regardless, the City of Heavenly Ghosts must be wiped out. Even the slightest harm to my wife demands their death,” Jiang Xiaofei said coldly, each word weighted with resolve.

Su Muhe frowned further. “Master Fei, please be patient and hear the whole story first.”

“Very well.” Jiang Xiaofei steadied his temper. “Why do you resist my plan to destroy the City of Heavenly Ghosts?”

Su Muhe replied, “Though the current lord of the City of Heavenly Ghosts is only at the Celestial Transformation realm, the former lord, the Heavenly Ghost King, was a peak Pinnacle Dao master. Moreover, they have the backing of a mysterious power. Without that support, they never would have dared wage war on Ghost Abyss City. Acting rashly now would be unwise.”

Jiang Xiaofei nodded slowly, voice low and firm. “Still, we cannot allow their lawlessness. This matter must be settled, lest they think the Underworld Mansion is weak and bully us at will.”

Su Muhe smiled faintly. “Master Fei, you overestimate us. We will strike back. But first, we must devise a strategy. Your strength cannot be revealed yet, so as not to alert them.”

“Why can’t I show my strength?” Jiang Xiaofei asked, brow furrowed.

Su Muhe smiled. “Your power is unrivaled by the Heavenly Ghost King, but revealing it now would raise suspicion and alert that mysterious force. Then dealing with the City of Heavenly Ghosts would become far more difficult. Our best course is to conceal our strength, let them believe Ghost Abyss City is weak, and then strike when they least expect it.”

“Indeed!” Meng Feixue spoke up. “With Master Fei personally stationed here, if they dare attack, they will have no chance of returning.”

Jiang Xiaofei nodded. “A sound plan. By the way, what do we know of that mysterious power?”

Su Muhe shook her head. “Unknown. But one thing’s certain: they are not Underworld natives. They must come from another realm.”

At that moment, a man’s laughter echoed from within the city gates.

“I wondered who had returned—it’s Protector Su and Protector Meng. No wonder it’s so lively outside.”

Upon hearing this, Su Muhe’s face showed displeasure. Meng Feixue shared the same expression.

Noticing their reactions, Jiang Xiaofei’s curiosity grew. Who was this man?

He furrowed his brows and looked toward the gate, seeing a striking young man clad in black walking toward them, followed by another handsome man dressed in white.

The two resembled each other closely, like brothers.