Chapter 131: The Pavilion of the Sovereign Secretary

The Siwang Pavilion had been sealed by the previous generation’s Underworld King. Without the inheritance of the Underworld Ghost Path to serve as a key, the seal was impossible to break. Was Jiang Xiaofei joking?

Seeing their hesitation, Jiang Xiaofei smiled and said, "I have already ordered Protector Su to open the Siwang Pavilion!"

"What?" Jiang Xiaofei’s announcement left the generals stunned. After all, only an heir to the Underworld Ghost Path could open the pavilion. Did this mean the King had already mastered the path? They were curious, as Jun Yao had only practiced a partial version, and it was said the second volume of the Underworld Ghost Path had been lost to the tides of history. If Jiang Xiaofei had opened the pavilion, he must have mastered the complete technique.

This was inconceivable, yet it filled them with immense excitement. Mastering the complete Underworld Ghost Path made him the rightful Underworld King. Even if other factions were reluctant, they would have no choice but to submit; controlling the Underworld Ghost Path meant controlling the lifeblood of the Underworld. Under the power of the territorial laws, even a half-step deity would have to retreat. After all, who could stand against the power of the domain itself?

As they looked at Jiang Xiaofei now, their gaze grew increasingly reverent—a deep, heartfelt awe. To them, he was their true King, and under his leadership, their kingdom was destined to flourish.

Elder Feng looked at Jiang Xiaofei with a shift in perspective. Initially, he had only been interested in the young man's potential, but now he saw both terrifying potential and grand ambition. Perhaps in the near future, the name Jiang Xiaofei would echo throughout the three realms and shake other nations. His decision to join him seemed increasingly wise.

Jiang Xiaofei felt the reverence of the crowd, but he did not let it go to his head. He knew this was all made possible by Jun Yao; without her support, he would not be who he was today. It was also the credit of everyone present—if they hadn't stood united against the enemy, the Si Mansion would have long since ceased to exist.

He smiled and said, "Everyone, please follow me to the Siwang Pavilion. Let us witness the revival of the Si Mansion together."

"Yes!" the generals rose in unison, beaming with joy.

Inside the Siwang Pavilion, beautiful female ghosts were busy arranging wine and delicacies. Su Muhe was directing them, her brow glistening with beads of sweat. She was happy; the fact that Jiang Xiaofei had entrusted such an important task to her proved his trust. Although she knew her love for him would never bear fruit, she was content just to watch him from afar. As she was lost in thought, Jiang Xiaofei suddenly walked up to her. "You’ve worked hard, Protector Su!"

Hearing his voice, Su Muhe snapped back to reality. "It is no trouble at all; it is my duty."

Jiang Xiaofei smiled. "By the way, how is the task I gave you progressing?"

"I have already sent a few trusted subordinates to scout the underground palace," Su Muhe replied. "As soon as there is any discovery, I will report it to you immediately, My King."

"Good." Jiang Xiaofei nodded and, taking Jun Yao’s hand, walked into the pavilion. The female ghosts bowed as they and the generals entered. Jiang Xiaofei acknowledged them with a slight nod before taking his seat at the head of the table with Jun Yao.

Only after they were seated did the generals take their places. Elder Song, Elder Feng, and the Corpse King sat just below Jiang Xiaofei, as befitted their status. Meng Feixue sat beside Elder Feng, looking for all the world like an old married couple. The generals watched with envy, knowing Meng Feixue was hailed as the "Ice Beauty" of Ghost Abyss City. However, a genius deserves a beauty, and in his youth, Elder Feng had been the second most handsome man in the Underworld, second only to the former King, Jun Feitian. Even in his old age, he was a match for Meng Feixue, who was herself an ancient being of several thousand years.

In fact, everyone present was an ancient monster who had lived for millennia—except for Jiang Xiaofei. Though no one knew his exact age, none dared to ask, fearing it would be a taboo. Jiang Xiaofei sensed their curiosity and smiled. "I am twenty-five years old."

"What? Only twenty-five?" The room fell into shocked silence. It seemed impossible. Even Elder Feng was stunned; he had assumed Jiang Xiaofei was at least a thousand years old. To be a master of the Heaven-Transformation Realm at twenty-five was monstrous talent—comparable only to the legendary King Xiao, who had long since transcended into a being beyond the gods. Could Jiang Xiaofei be the next King Xiao? He found it hard to believe, as such legends were once in an eternity.

Jun Yao smiled, recalling their encounter ten years ago. Though Jiang Xiaofei was only fifteen then, he had been mature, and it was that encounter that had sparked her feelings. She knew her choice to marry him was right; his identity was clearly extraordinary, but that didn't matter as much as the fact that he loved her.

Seeing the strange looks directed at him, Jiang Xiaofei realized he had spoken too much. He raised his glass. "Come, let us toast to the founding of our Si Kingdom, and to the addition of Elder Feng to our ranks."

"Congratulations to the King and Queen!" the crowd toasted in celebration.

Jiang Xiaofei nodded with satisfaction. "You are all heroes of the Si Kingdom. Once the nation is stabilized, you shall all be richly rewarded!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! We will do our utmost to assist you in unifying the Underworld!"

"Then let us toast to our grand cause," Jiang Xiaofei declared.

After they finished their drinks, Elder Song spoke up. "King, now that the kingdom is established, we cannot simply act like local warlords. We must take action."

"Indeed," the generals agreed. "To claim the title of King, we must let all factions know the resolve of the Si Mansion."

Jiang Xiaofei looked at Jun Yao, who smiled and said, "Tomorrow, we shall issue a proclamation to the Underworld and hold the coronation ceremony at the Ghost Abyss Platform."

"The Queen is wise!" the generals cheered.

Jiang Xiaofei nodded and dismissed them. "The banquet ends here. Everyone, go and prepare for tomorrow's ceremony."

As the others filed out, Jiang Xiaofei turned to Jun Yao. "Come, I want to take you to see a place."