Chapter 5981 - 5990

“Mr. Chen, the powerful being has left!”

A voice startled Kai.

He looked over and saw the Lord of Reincarnation still kneeling on the ground.

Kai quickly drew his Dragon-Slaying Sword, glaring menacingly at the Lord of Reincarnation.

“Lord of Reincarnation, what do you want?”

Kai asked.

“Mr. Chen, I just remembered, my legs are numb from kneeling,” the Lord of Reincarnation said.

“Then…then get up!”

Kai took a few steps back.

“Thank you, Mr. Chen.” The Lord of Reincarnation slowly rose. “Mr. Chen, my name is Ming Li, I am not the Lord of Reincarnation, but merely someone who stole the Gate of Reincarnation from my clan.”

“I have offended you greatly, Mr. Chen, please forgive me.”

With that, Ming Li bowed ninety degrees to Kai.

Seeing that Ming Li’s attitude was good, and that he wouldn’t attack him, Kai sheathed his Dragon-Slaying Sword.

“I ask you, where is this place? And what about your Ghost Clan?”

Kai asked Ming Li!

Mr. Shi was gone, and Kai still had many questions, so he could only ask Ming Li!

As soon as Kai finished speaking, Ming Li respectfully bowed and began to explain.

“Mr. Chen, this place is the edge of the Northern Wilderness in the Thirteenth Heaven.”

Ming Li pointed to the collapsed mountain range in the distance, his voice carrying a hint of vicissitude and desolation, “And this collapsed mountain range was originally an important ancestral land of our Ghost Clan in the Thirteenth Heaven.”

“The Thirteenth Heaven?”

Kai’s heart was shocked. He had arrived at the Thirteenth Heaven so quickly?

He was only at the Celestial Immortal Realm, and what about the requirements for reaching the Thirteenth Heaven?

How could he have arrived at the Thirteenth Heaven in such a daze?

He hadn’t even said goodbye to Jin Buhuan, Li Baichuan, Dugu Ao, and the others, and he hadn’t even had a chance to tell the Crimson Cloud Demon Lord that he was safe.

And his women…

“Exactly.”

Ming Li nodded, continuing, “As for our Ghost Clan… it’s a long story.”

He paused, gathering his thoughts, before slowly speaking: “In the vast Heavenly Realm, there are billions of living beings and numerous races. Besides common races like humans, demons, and monsters, there are some special ancient races, and our Ghost Clan is one of them.”

“The Ghost Clan is not formed from the souls of the dead, but is a race born with a close affinity to the laws of reincarnation, rebirth, and souls.”

“Our people are born with the ability to communicate between Yin and Yang, guide the souls of the dead, and hold some authority over reincarnation.”

“In the distant ancient times, the Ghost Clan was an important force in maintaining the order of life and death in the Three Realms. Recognized by the Heavenly Dao, they established clan territories in various heavens to guide and manage the souls of the dead, helping them reincarnate and be reborn.”
“Then why did it happen later…” Kai looked at the surrounding collapsed mountains, his meaning self-evident.

Ming Li gave a bitter smile, pain and resentment flashing in his eyes: “The rise and fall of a dynasty is the natural order. But the decline of the Ghost Clan was not a natural disaster, but… a man-made one.” ”

About 30,000 years ago, our clan’s Ghost King at that time possessed extraordinary cultivation. He comprehended the Great Dao of Reincarnation, glimpsed a trace of the mysteries of the Heavenly Dao, and believed that the existing reincarnation order was flawed, unable to truly realize the principle of karmic retribution and the cycle of cause and effect.”

“Many heinous villains, after death, possessed powerful souls or were protected by secret techniques, often escaping punishment, and even reincarnating with their memories to continue their evil deeds.”

“While the kind and weak may suffer in reincarnation, or even have their true spirits annihilated.”

“The Ghost King of the Underworld cared for all living beings and was determined to establish an absolutely just reincarnation order.”

“He began to try to forge his own path, breaking away from the existing Heavenly Dao reincarnation system, and establishing a new reincarnation law that was completely controlled by the Ghost Clan and absolutely fair.”

“To this end, he gathered the strength of his entire clan to forge several treasures of reincarnation, including the reincarnation gate you saw.”

Kai listened intently, then couldn’t help but ask, “This is a good thing, so why did it bring disaster?”

“A good thing?”

Ming Li shook his head, his eyes full of mockery. “Mr. Chen, you are too naive. To create a new path means to forcibly extract a part of the reincarnation law from the existing Heavenly Dao laws and bring it under one’s own control.”

“This is tantamount to severing the authority of the Heavenly Dao and challenging its power!”

“Moreover, many powerful races, sects, and even individuals, having cultivated to a high level, are no longer satisfied with ordinary reincarnation. They yearn to be reincarnated with their memories and cultivation, or even to escape reincarnation and achieve immortality.” “For

the Ghost Clan to establish an absolutely fair reincarnation system means to strip these powerful individuals and forces of their privileges in reincarnation.”

“This touches upon the interests of too many beings. The Heavenly Dao does not allow anyone to challenge its authority, and those powerful forces do not allow anyone to disrupt their plans for immortality.”

“Thus, a campaign to annihilate the Ghost Clan began, with the tacit understanding of many parties.”

Ming Li’s voice deepened. “First, the Heavenly Dao unleashed a backlash of reincarnation, hindering the Ghost Clan’s cultivation and causing their fortunes to decline.”

“Then, led by several of the most powerful divine and ancient clans at the time, dozens of major forces united to launch a full-scale purge of the Ghost Clan, citing their alleged attempt to tamper with the Heavenly Dao, disrupt the order of reincarnation, and plot treason.”

“That battle… the heavens and earth shattered, the sun and moon lost their light. Though our Ghost Clan was strong, how could we withstand the combined annihilation of the Heavenly Dao and various forces?”

“Countless ancestral lands collapsed, and clansmen perished. To protect his clansmen’s retreat, the Ghost King detonated several reincarnation treasures with his own essence, severely injuring the invading enemies, but in doing so, his soul was scattered, leaving only a wisp of his true spirit sealed deep within the Reincarnation Bureau, falling into eternal slumber.”

“Since then, the Ghost Clan has disintegrated, the surviving clansmen scattered and fled, hiding their identities, never daring to call themselves the Ghost Clan again.”

“Most of those powerful reincarnation treasures were also damaged or lost. My branch, by sheer luck, managed to escape to a hidden place in the Thirteenth Heaven with the damaged Gate of Reincarnation, barely surviving.”

Ming Li’s eyes welled up with tears as he spoke, but he quickly suppressed them.

“After ten thousand years of recuperation, our branch has barely recovered some of its vitality. But the clan’s experts have dwindled, and the inheritance is incomplete; it is no longer as prosperous as it once was.”

“I am the most talented among this generation, and the elders have high hopes for me, hoping that I can repair the Gate of Reincarnation, find a way to restore the Ghost King, and revitalize the Ghost Clan.”

“Before we could repair the Gate of Reincarnation, this place was discovered. The scene you see before you is a remnant of the great battle back then.”

“Fortunately, my clansmen risked their lives to send me away, and I was able to save my life!”

“So you took the Gate of Reincarnation to the Twelfth Heaven? And you pretended to be the Lord of Reincarnation, collecting souls to repair the Gate of Reincarnation?” Kai frowned.　　Ming Li’s face showed embarrassment and shame: “Yes… at that time, the clan’s resources were scarce, and repairing the Gate of Reincarnation required a massive amount of soul power. Moreover, we were discovered in the clan’s territory in the Thirteenth Heaven, and it was impossible for me to stay there.”

“The Twelfth Heaven is a lower realm, where the Heavenly Dao’s surveillance is relatively weak, and the highest cultivation level there is no more than the Upper Immortal Realm. With my strength and the power of the Gate of Reincarnation, I could act secretly.”

“I originally planned to use immortality and blessings as bait to attract cultivators to voluntarily offer their soul power, or to collect the souls of those who died in battle, to accumulate enough energy to repair the Gate of Reincarnation, and then quietly return, without causing any trouble.”

“Those like Zhan E and Xue Youming are just pawns who covet power. I used them, and they were willing to do so.”

“I just didn’t expect…” Ming Li looked at Kai and smiled bitterly, “to meet you, Mr. Chen, and the one behind you… Mr. Shi.”

Kai was silent for a moment.

He could understand Ming Li and the Ghost Clan’s predicament. For survival and revival, sometimes one had to do extraordinary things.

Understanding doesn’t equate to agreement. It’s a fact that the Ghost Clan caused turmoil in the Twelfth Heaven, resulting in countless casualties, in their attempt to repair the Gate of Reincarnation.

“Were the souls of the Hu Clan truly sent to the Reincarnation Bureau?” Kai changed the subject.

“Absolutely,”

Ming Li quickly replied. “Mr. Shi, with his great abilities, has rescued them all and returned them to where they belonged.”

“Rest assured, Mr. Chen, the souls of the Hu Clan are intact and undamaged. They have merely undergone a baptism of reincarnation, which may even benefit their cultivation in their next life.”

Kai nodded, a great weight lifted from his heart.

Master Hu’s request had finally been fulfilled.

He looked around at the desolate landscape, feeling the far greater and purer spiritual energy and the pressure of the laws in the Thirteenth Heaven compared to the Twelfth Heaven, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

“Mr. Shi sent me directly to the Thirteenth Heaven. It seems he thinks I have nothing more to learn in the Twelfth Heaven,”

Kai mused to himself. “The Thirteenth Heaven, the starting point of the Middle Realm, is the truly vast stage. But…”

He thought of the people still waiting for news of him in the Twelfth Heaven.

Jin Buhuan, Li Baichuan, Dugu Ao—they must still be anxiously waiting outside Reincarnation Peak, right?

And the Crimson Cloud Demon Lord, who had accompanied him for so long, had now left without saying goodbye. He must be very disappointed, perhaps even thinking that he had perished in the Gate of Reincarnation.

“No, we need to find a way to send them a message.”

Kai looked at Ming Li. “Do you have a way to contact the Twelfth Heaven? Or, could you send me back?”

Ming Li looked troubled. “Mr. Chen, crossing the barrier between the two realms is extremely difficult, requiring a specific passage or token. I was able to go down with the Gate of Reincarnation thanks to a boundary-breaking talisman passed down in my clan, but that talisman can only be used once and becomes invalid afterward.”

“As for sending a message… the laws of the two realms are different, and ordinary means of communication simply cannot penetrate the barrier.”

Seeing Kai’s disappointed expression, Ming Li thought for a moment and then said, “However, Mr. Chen, you don’t need to worry too much. Since Mr. Shi sent you to the Thirteenth Heaven, he must have his reasons.”

“Friends in the Twelfth Heaven, perhaps Mr. Shi has other plans. Moreover, with your current cultivation and potential, Mr. Chen, staying in the Twelfth Heaven is indeed somewhat limiting.”

“The Thirteenth Heaven offers more opportunities and is more conducive to your growth. Once your cultivation is fully developed, you can easily return to the Twelfth Heaven.”

Kai sighed, knowing that Ming Li’s words made sense.
Mr. Shi always has his reasons for doing things.

Worrying now is useless; the most urgent task is to adapt to the environment of the Thirteenth Heaven as quickly as possible and improve his strength.

“By the way, you said this is the edge of the Northern Dark Wasteland? How much do you know about the Thirteenth Heaven? Where should I go now?” Kai asked.

Being new to the place, he knew nothing about the Thirteenth Heaven and needed a guide.

Ming Li’s spirits lifted, and he said, “Mr. Chen has come to the right person. Although my Ghost Clan has declined, we have operated here for many years and have a fairly good understanding of the northern region of the Thirteen Heavens.”

“The Thirteen Heavens are vast and boundless, more than ten times the size of the twelve lower heavens combined.”

“The forces here are intricately intertwined, including ancient sects, powerful demon kingdoms, mysterious reclusive families, and of course, descendants of fallen ancient clans like ours.”

“Generally speaking, the Thirteen Heavens can be divided into five major domains: the Eastern Domain, Qingming Immortal Continent, where human cultivation sects abound;”

“The Western Domain, the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains, is demon territory; the Southern Domain, Tianhuo Yan Continent, has a harsh environment, abundant fire-attribute creatures and mineral deposits;”

“The Northern Domain is the Northern Ice Plains where we are located, with a cold climate and relatively scarce resources, but it is also relatively peaceful, a gathering place for many small forces, independent cultivators, and fallen clans;” ”

The Central Domain, Tianyuan Sacred Continent, is the most prosperous, with the richest spiritual energy, and is jointly controlled by several of the strongest forces.”

“We’re currently on the edge of the Northern Ice Plains. Tens of thousands of miles south, we’ll see some cities and markets where cultivators gather.

The largest power in the Northern Ice Plains is the Xuanbing Palace, whose master is said to be a powerful figure at the seventh rank of the Upper Immortal Realm.

Besides that, there are a few slightly weaker sects like the ‘Hanpo Sect’ and the ‘Frost and Snow Sword Sect.'”

Kai listened attentively, memorizing this information.

A seventh-rank Upper Immortal Realm expert… that’s already a top-tier powerhouse in the Twelfth Heaven, yet here he’s merely the master of a regional sect. The overall strength of the Thirteenth Heaven is indeed far superior to that of the lower realms.

“Do you have any suggestions? What should I do now?”

Kai asked.

His impression of Ming Li had changed somewhat. Despite his predicament, this man didn’t forget his clan’s fate; he wasn’t inherently bad, and he was familiar with the area—a good person to consult.

Ming Li pondered for a moment and said, “Mr. Chen is new here, and his cultivation is at the seventh rank of the Celestial Immortal Realm. He’s considered a powerful figure in the Northern Underworld Ice Plains, but not quite top-tier.”

“I suggest Mr. Chen find a cultivator’s city to settle down in first, to learn about the local customs, power distribution, and cultivation resources.”

“The common currency of the Thirteen Heavens is Yuan Crystals, which contain purer spiritual energy than spirit stones in the lower realms. If Mr. Chen has any spirit stones or materials from the lower realms, he can exchange them in the market.”

“Furthermore, the cultivation system of the Thirteen Heavens is the same as that of the lower realms, but the techniques and supernatural abilities are more profound, and the quality of pills and magic treasures is also higher.”

“If Mr. Chen wants to improve quickly, he needs to acquire higher-level techniques and resources. He could consider joining a sect, becoming a guest elder, or exploring some ancient ruins and secret realms.”

Kai nodded; these suggestions were very pertinent.

He did indeed need to settle down first and understand the environment.
“And what about you? What are your plans?” Kai looked at Ming Li.

Ming Li’s expression darkened: “The Gate of Reincarnation has been lost, and I cannot explain this to my clan. My clansmen are all dead or alive; I have nowhere else to go.”

Looking at Ming Li’s dejected state, Kai recalled the plight of the Ghost Clan and felt a pang of sympathy.

This clan, once glorious, had fallen to such a state.

Kai was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “If you have nowhere to go, you can come with me. I’m new to the Thirteenth Heaven and need someone to help me get familiar with the situation.”

Ming Li looked up sharply, staring at Kai in disbelief: “Mr. Chen…you…you don’t blame me?”

“One thing at a time,”

Kai said calmly. “What you did in the Twelfth Heaven did cause trouble. But you were only doing it for the survival of your clan; you weren’t inherently evil.”

“Now that the Gate of Reincarnation has been taken away by Mr. Shi, you’ve been punished. As long as you don’t do evil again, I, Kai, am willing to give you a chance.”

Ming Li’s eyes reddened, and he knelt down: “Mr. Chen’s great kindness is something I will never forget! I am willing to follow Mr. Chen to repay the kindness of not killing me and the favor I have shown you!”

“Get up first

,” Kai helped Ming Li up. “Let’s find a place to rest.”

“Yes!” Ming Li nodded. “Thirty thousand miles south, there is a city called Hanyuan City, one of the largest gathering places for cultivators in the southern part of the Northern Underworld Ice Plains. The city lord is a rogue cultivator at the fifth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm, so things are relatively fair.”

“Mr. Chen, may we go there first?” Ming Li pointed in a direction.

“Alright.” Kai nodded.

The Thirteenth Heaven, a new journey begins.

Kai looked at his storage ring, which contained not only the vast resources he had obtained from the ancient Qi Refiner’s cave and the Youquan Sect, but also the “Primordial Qi Refining True Scripture.”

This was his capital to establish himself in this new world.

“Senior Chi Yun, Sect Master Jin, Valley Master Li, Senior Dugu… I apologize for leaving without saying goodbye. Once I have established myself in this realm and achieved sufficient cultivation, I will definitely return to find you.”

Kai silently recited in his heart, a resolute look flashing in his eyes.

Without further hesitation, he leaped up, transforming into a streak of gray light, and sped away.

The cold wind howled, blowing his robes.

Ahead lay an unknown world, stronger opponents, and a broader stage.

Meanwhile, in the Twelfth Heaven, at the ruins of the Evil Path Palace.

On the altar atop Reincarnation Peak, the illusory image of the hundred-zhang-tall Gate of Reincarnation, three days after Kai stepped through, suddenly and violently fluctuated without warning at noon.

Then, like a bubble, it rapidly faded and dissipated, ultimately vanishing completely without a trace.

“The Gate of Reincarnation…disappeared?!”

Jin Buhuan, the Crimson Cloud Demon Lord, and the others waiting outside the peak abruptly stood up, their expressions drastically changing.

They had waited for three whole days, but Kai hadn’t emerged, nor had the Gate of Reincarnation shown any unusual activity.　　Unexpectedly, what awaited them was the complete disappearance of the Gate of Reincarnation!

“Where’s Kai? Why didn’t Kai come out?!” Li Baichuan cried out anxiously.

Jin Buhuan’s face was pale. His divine sense frantically scanned the altar and the surrounding space, but he could no longer sense any aura related to Kai or the Gate of Reincarnation.

“Could it be…” A terrifying thought arose in everyone’s minds.

“No! Impossible!”

the Crimson Cloud Demon Lord roared, his scarlet demonic eyes filled with disbelief. “That kid is incredibly resilient! Even the ancient Qi Refiner’s cave couldn’t trap him, how could the Gate of Reincarnation possibly…”

But he couldn’t finish his sentence. The mysterious disappearance of the Gate of Reincarnation, and the vanishing of Kai, were definitely not a good omen.

The group waited for several more days, even risking entering the altar to investigate, but still found nothing.

Finally, they had to accept the cruel reality: Kai had likely disappeared along with the Gate of Reincarnation, his fate unknown.

The alliance members were filled with grief and indignation.

They had just seen hope for revenge, and the leader who led them to destroy the Evil Path Hall had left in such a way.

“Fellow Daoist Kai is a hero of our Twelfth Heaven!”

Jin Buhuan, suppressing his grief, announced to everyone, “From this day forward, the Twelfth Heaven enters a new era. We must uphold Fellow Daoist Kai’s legacy, restore order, and protect this realm!”

“Furthermore, send additional personnel to establish permanent outposts near Reincarnation Peak to monitor for any anomalies. Report any news of Fellow Daoist Kai immediately!” With

the orders issued, the alliance began to systematically take over the sphere of influence left behind by the Evil Path Hall and restore order to the Twelfth Heaven.

The turmoil triggered by the Gate of Reincarnation gradually subsided with its disappearance and Kai’s fall.

But some people would never forget the young figure who led them in a desperate counterattack, slaying a powerful Immortal with his Celestial Immortal cultivation, and finally venturing alone into the Gate of Reincarnation.

The Crimson Cloud Demon Lord waited outside Reincarnation Peak for several more days.

Every day, he hoped that familiar figure would suddenly appear, with that irritating smile, saying, “Senior, I’ve kept you waiting.”

But every day, he was disappointed.

The Crimson Cloud Demon Lord finally gave up.

He kowtowed three times heavily before the empty altar.

“Boy, you saved my life. I’ll remember this debt.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of your family and friends. If you truly die inside, once I revive my beloved and achieve great cultivation, I will definitely find a way to cleave open this cycle of reincarnation and bring your remains out!”

With that, he resolutely turned, transforming into a streak of blood-red light, and flew towards the Nine Heavens.

He was going to save the woman who had waited for him for countless years.

Then, he would return to fulfill his promise.Kai and Ming Li traveled south, traversing tens of thousands of miles of the Northern Wilderness.

The further south they went, the richer and purer the spiritual energy became, far surpassing that of the Twelfth Heaven.

Kai could sense that the laws of the Thirteenth Heaven were more complete and rigorous, making cultivation twice as effective, but also demanding a higher foundation from the cultivator.

After adapting to the laws of this realm, the circulation of his Concentration Technique was actually smoother and more powerful than when he was in the Twelfth Heaven.

Three days later, a majestic ice and snow city appeared on the horizon.

The city walls were hundreds of feet high, entirely constructed of some kind of dark blue-green ice, with pale blue runes flowing across their surface, clearly indicating the presence of a powerful defensive formation.

At intervals along the city walls stood cultivators clad in ice-blue armor, their auras deep and concentrated, at least at the Heavenly Immortal realm. Above the city gate, three ancient seal characters, written in a flamboyant and elegant style,

exuded a chilling aura—”Frosty Abyss City.”

“Mr. Chen, this is Hanyuan City,”

Ming Li introduced. “This city has a history of over ten thousand years and is one of the most important gathering places for cultivators in the southern part of the Northern Underworld Ice Plains, with over one hundred thousand permanent residents.”

“The city lord, True Person Hanyuan, is a powerful rogue cultivator at the fifth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm. It is said that he received the inheritance of an ancient immortal in his early years, making his strength unfathomable. Moreover, he is relatively fair and does not participate in the conflicts between major forces, which is why many rogue cultivators and small sects are willing to settle here.”

Kai nodded, and the two walked towards the city gate.

Dozens of guards were checking people at the city gate. The leader was a burly, scarred man with a fierce aura, whose cultivation had clearly reached the second rank of the Upper Immortal Realm.

Kai was somewhat speechless; in the Thirteenth Heaven, even Upper Immortals were only good for guarding the gate.

“Halt!”

The scarred man stopped Kai and his companion, sizing them up. “Unfamiliar faces? Where are you from? What brings you into the city?”

Kai remained calm. “I am Kai, a rogue cultivator. This is my companion, Ming Li. We are new to the Northern Ice Plains and wish to stay in the city temporarily to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings.”

“Rogue cultivator?”

The scarred man’s eyes were suspicious, and he looked at Kai intently. “Recently, the city lord has ordered a strict inspection of all outside cultivators. Do you have any identification? Or, can anyone verify your origins?”

Kai frowned slightly.

Identification?

They had just come from the twelfth heaven; where would they get thirteenth heaven identities?

Ming Li quickly stepped forward, took out a jet-black domino from his robes, and said with a forced smile, “Brother, we come from the depths of the Northern Dark Wasteland.”

“Our ancestors were a declining family, who have been living in seclusion and cultivating in the wasteland ever since. This is our ancestral emblem. We’ve come out of seclusion this time to broaden our horizons and seek some opportunities.”

The scarred man took the domino and examined it, his expression softening slightly, but he still shook his head: “Without a proper identity jade token, according to the rules, it needs to be temporarily confiscated until our identities are verified.”

“Recently, things haven’t been peaceful in the city. One of the city lord’s important magical artifacts has been stolen, and it’s suspected to be the work of outsider cultivators, so all unfamiliar faces are being strictly investigated.”

“What?” Kai was taken aback.

A magical artifact stolen?　　The reason sounded somewhat far-fetched.

“Brother, please be lenient.”

Ming Li secretly slipped a small bag of Yuan Crystals to him. “We are truly good cultivators, with absolutely no ill intentions.”

The scarred man weighed the bag in his hand, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes, but then he showed a troubled expression: “It’s not that I’m unwilling to be lenient, but this time the city lord has given a death order.”

“Detain all outside cultivators without clear identities . Anyone who dares to let them pass will be killed without exception. I’m just following orders, don’t make things difficult for me.”

He waved his hand: “Men, take them to the temporary detention area, we’ll talk after we’ve investigated.”

Immediately, four guards of the first rank of the Upper Immortal Realm stepped forward, holding specially made cold iron chains.

Kai’s eyes turned cold, and the chaotic power within his body fluctuated slightly.

With his current strength, these guards were no match for him, and forcibly breaking through would not be difficult.

But as a newcomer, he didn’t want to cause trouble right away and become an enemy of the city lord.

“Mr. Chen, please calm down,”

Ming Li transmitted his voice. “Go with them first and see how things go. True Immortal Han Yuan has a good reputation; he shouldn’t make things difficult for us without reason. Once our identities are verified, he’ll naturally let us out.”

Kai took a deep breath, suppressing his urge to fight, and allowed the guards to put the cold iron chains on his wrists.

A chilling sealing force emanated from the chains, attempting to seal his magic power, but the chaotic energy flowed slightly, easily dissolving the sealing force.

Kai pretended to be imprisoned and did not resist.

Ming Li did the same; he had many secret techniques of the Ghost Clan, and chains of this level couldn’t restrain him at all.

The two were escorted through the bustling streets.

Han Yuan City was quite lively, with shops lining both sides of the streets, selling pills, magic weapons, and cultivation techniques, as well as restaurants, inns, and even auction houses.

The auras of the cultivators coming and going varied, but they were generally a level stronger than those of the twelfth level of the Heavenly Realm. Upper Immortals were everywhere, but not a single Heavenly Immortal was in sight.

Kai also concealed his aura, preventing others from recognizing his Celestial Immortal realm.

“It seems the Thirteenth Heaven is indeed the Middle Realm, its overall strength far surpassing the Lower Realm,” Kai thought to himself.

Soon, they were led to a heavily guarded building in the west of the city.

The building was constructed of thick, mysterious ice, heavily guarded at the entrance, with a plaque bearing the three large characters: Inspection Division.

Entering the Inspection Division, they passed through several dimly lit corridors and were pushed into a huge cell.

Dozens of cultivators, men, women, and children, were already imprisoned inside, their cultivation levels ranging from the first and second ranks of the Upper Immortal Realm, and even including some at the third rank. These cultivators all wore expressions of fear, anger, or resentment.

The walls of the cell were covered with sealing runes, and a suffocating atmosphere permeated the air.　”Two more unlucky souls.”

“Sigh, when will this ever end…” ”

Is True Immortal Han Yuan truly determined to purge all the outside cultivators this time?”

The prisoners whispered among themselves, their gazes towards Kai and Ming Li a mixture of pity and indifference.

Kai found a corner to sit down, closed his eyes to rest, and secretly observed the situation in the cell.

Ming Li, on the other hand, approached a few prisoners who seemed more approachable and quietly inquired about the situation.

“Fellow Daoists, what exactly is going on? We were arrested as soon as we entered the city, and they say the city lord lost a magic weapon?” Ming Li asked.

An old cultivator with a withered face smiled bitterly: “What lost magic weapon? That’s just an excuse! The real purpose is to purge all cultivators from the Eastern Region, or anyone who might have connections to the Eastern Region!”

“The Eastern Region? Qingming Immortal Continent?” Kai opened his eyes.

“Exactly.”

The old cultivator lowered his voice. “True Master Hanyuan received a secret report that the major human sects of Qingming Immortal Continent have been making frequent moves recently, seemingly secretly gathering forces to expand their territory into the Northern Ice Plains.”

“They may have already sent many spies to infiltrate Hanyuan City to gather intelligence, and even prepare for an inside-outside attack.” ”

Therefore, the city lord would rather kill the innocent than let the guilty go free, arresting all the cultivators who recently entered the city and whose identities are unknown.”

“Especially those of us who fled from the Eastern Region… Alas, what an undeserved disaster!”

“Fleeing?”

Kai keenly grasped this word. “Qingming Immortal Continent is a holy land for human cultivation, why would we flee?”

The old cultivator looked around, lowering his voice even further: “Fellow Daoist, you may not know, but Qingming Immortal Continent is no longer ruled by humans!”

“About several hundred years ago, a group of self-proclaimed divine cultivators controlled Qingming Immortal Continent. They were powerful, of noble blood, and extremely arrogant, looking down on us humans.”

“The divine race?”

Kai’s eyes narrowed.

The divine race again!

Wan Jianxing was imprisoned by the patriarch of the Divine Race!

“That’s right, the Divine Race.”

Fear and resentment flashed in the old cultivator’s eyes. “They used some unknown means to control the high-ranking members of several top sects in the Azure Nether Immortal Continent. Now, the entire Azure Nether Immortal Continent is nominally ruled by human sects, but in reality, it’s all being manipulated by the Divine Race.”

“They ruthlessly oppress human cultivators, plunder resources, and brutally suppress any resistance. Many sect disciples and rogue cultivators couldn’t bear it and fled.”

“We couldn’t stand the oppression of the Divine Race, and we barely escaped with our lives to the relatively peaceful Northern Nether Ice Plains, hoping to settle down here. Unexpectedly… we’ve just escaped one danger only to fall into another!” The old cultivator’s eyes reddened as he spoke.

A young cultivator beside him excitedly interjected, “Those bastards from the Divine Race don’t treat us like human beings at all! They say we’re an inferior race, only fit to be their slaves!”

“My master was turned into a puppet because he refused to submit! I must take revenge!”

“Keep your voice down!”

the old cultivator quickly covered his mouth. “Walls have ears! If the guards hear us, we’re dead!”

Kai listened silently, his heart churning with turmoil.

The Divine Race… truly arrogant and domineering!
“Isn’t anyone going to do anything about it? What about the major powers in the Central Region’s Tianyuan Sacred Continent?” Ming Li asked.

“Do what? Who’s going to do anything?”

The old cultivator smiled bitterly. “The Divine Race has a mysterious origin and immense strength. It’s said they have powerful backers in the Central Region.”

“Moreover, they don’t directly rule the Azure Nether Immortal Continent on the surface; they only indirectly control it by controlling human sects.”

“Those major powers don’t care; they’re indifferent. As long as we don’t infringe on their core interests, who would stand up for us small cultivators and sects?”

A heavy silence fell over the cell.

Just then, the cell door was flung open, and a group of fierce-looking guards rushed in.

“Everyone, get up! Line up!”

the head guard captain shouted sternly.

“What? Are they letting us out?” someone asked hopefully.

“Release them?”

The guard captain sneered. “The city lord has ordered that all suspected spies be taken to the execution platform at the northernmost point of the city and executed on the spot as a warning to others!”

“What?!” ”

Injustice! We’re not spies!”

“Master Hanyuan, you can’t kill innocent people

indiscriminately!” The cell erupted in chaos, filled with cries, curses, and pleas for mercy.

“Shut up!”

The guard captain lashed a whip at the loudest cultivator, tearing his skin. “Any further disturbance will result in immediate execution! Take them all away!”

The guards rushed forward like wolves, shackling each prisoner with heavier chains and forcibly dragging them out of the cell.

Kai’s eyes were icy.

He had originally wanted to wait for identity verification, but now it seemed that the City Lord of Hanyuan was determined to use this as an excuse to purge outsider cultivators.

Since that was the case, he couldn’t just sit and wait to die.

“Mr. Chen, what should we do?”

Ming Li asked telepathically, a hint of killing intent flashing in his eyes.

Although he was a ghost, he was not one to be slaughtered at will.

“We’ll see how things unfold,” Kai replied calmly.

The group was escorted through the frigid streets towards the north of the city.

A large number of onlookers gathered on both sides of the street, pointing and whispering, but no one dared to stop them.

Clearly, the Lord of Hanyuan City held absolute authority in Hanyuan City.

Soon, the group was led to a massive high platform.　　The high platform, constructed of millennia-old black ice, exuded a chilling aura. Thick ice pillars stood in the center, stained with dark red blood – this was the “Execution Platform,” the place where Cold Abyss City executed serious criminals.

Below the platform, thousands of cultivators, both residents of Cold Abyss City and outsiders, had gathered to watch the spectacle.

Directly in front of the platform lay an ice jade throne, currently empty.

Clearly, the City Lord, True Person Cold Abyss, had not yet arrived.

“Kneel!”

The guards forcibly pressed the prisoner to the ground, facing the throne.

“The City Lord has arrived!” a loud shout rang out.

From afar, a streak of icy blue light pierced the air and landed before the throne.

The light dissipated, revealing a middle-aged Taoist priest in an icy blue robe, with a gaunt face and a cold, aloof demeanor.

His eyes gleamed with a sharp light, his aura unfathomable – it was none other than True Person Cold Abyss, the City Lord of Cold Abyss City, a fifth-rank Upper Immortal!

With his arrival, the temperature around the execution platform plummeted, an invisible pressure enveloping the entire area, and the noisy crowd immediately fell silent.

Master Hanyuan coldly swept his gaze over the dozens of prisoners on the platform, as if looking at a group of ants.

“Lord City Lord! We’re innocent! We’re not spies from Qingming Immortal Continent! We were forced to flee here by the oppression of the gods!”

The young cultivator could no longer hold back, shouting hoarsely, his voice shrill.

“Insolence! You dare to argue even when death is imminent!” The guard captain stepped forward to attack.

“Wait,” Master Hanyuan said calmly.

The guard captain immediately stopped, bowed, and retreated.

Master Hanyuan looked at the young cultivator, his voice icy: “Oppression by the Divine Race? Escape? How would I know? Isn’t this just an excuse you fabricated to infiltrate Hanyuan City?”

“If Qingming Immortal Continent is truly controlled by the Divine Race, why hasn’t any news spread from the Eastern Region?”

“Because the Divine Race’s power is immense; they’ve sealed off the news! Anyone who dared to spread it has been silenced!”

the young cultivator exclaimed excitedly. “If the City Lord doesn’t believe us, you can send someone to Qingming Immortal Continent to investigate! We are willing to swear on our Dao hearts that if we utter even a single falsehood, may we be struck down by heaven and earth, never to be reincarnated!”

The other prisoners also swore oaths, tears streaming down their faces.

Master Hanyuan frowned slightly, seemingly wavering.

He wasn’t a bloodthirsty person; this purge was due to immense pressure. If Qingming Immortal Continent was truly preparing to invade the north, Hanyuan City would be the first to bear the brunt, and he had to ensure there were no traitors within the city.

But what if… these people were truly innocent?

Just then, Kai spoke.

His voice wasn’t loud, yet it carried clearly throughout the entire area, possessing a strange calmness and power:

“Lord Hanyuan, what they said is true.”

Whoosh!

All eyes instantly focused on Kai.

Hanyuan Zhenren’s gaze was like lightning as he looked at Kai: “And who are you? How can you be so certain?”

Kai slowly rose.

The cold iron shackles on his wrists had already been quietly shattered by the power of chaos, and now they were merely resting on his hands.

This rise immediately tensed the surrounding guards.

“Insolence! Kneel down!”

the guard captain shouted, slapping Kai’s shoulder, trying to force him back down.
Kai didn’t even glance at him, casually raising his left hand and lightly tapping with his index finger.

*Poof!*

The guard captain’s palm, powerful enough to split mountains and shatter rocks, abruptly stopped three inches from Kai’s shoulder.

He was frozen in place, as if under a spell, his face contorted in a ferocious expression, his eyes filled with terror. He found himself completely immobilized, even his internal magical power had solidified!

“Hmm?”

Han Yuan Zhenren’s eyes narrowed, revealing a serious expression for the first time.

He saw that Kai’s finger strike contained an extremely obscure and advanced power, instantly sealing the entire cultivation of a second-grade Upper Immortal!

Moreover, Kai’s realm was revealed the moment he made his move—a seventh-grade Heavenly Immortal!

“I am Kai, from the twelfth heaven of the lower realm,”

Kai calmly looked at Han Yuan Zhenren. “As for why I’m so sure… because I have an old grudge against the Divine Race.”

He flicked his wrist, and the seemingly fixed cold iron chain shattered inch by inch, turning into scattering ice shards.

At the same time, a vast, boundless, and seemingly all-encompassing chaotic aura slowly emanated from him.

This aura wasn’t domineering, yet it caused all the cultivators present, including True Person Hanyuan, to feel a pressure originating from the level of life itself!

“What… what power is this?”

True Person Hanyuan was shaken.

He had cultivated for thousands of years, witnessing various techniques and supernatural abilities, but he had never felt such a peculiar and primal power!

“The power of chaos,”

Kai said calmly. “The City Lord should be able to sense that this power is fundamentally different from the powers of reincarnation, the divine race, and so on. If I were truly a spy from the Azure Nether Immortal Continent, why would I cultivate such an incompatible power?”

True Person Hanyuan remained silent.

Indeed, the aura of chaotic power was too special, unlike any known cultivation system, and could not possibly be a disguise.

“As for them…”

Kai pointed to the prisoners, “If the City Lord doesn’t believe me, I can vouch for them. If it is later proven that any one of them is a spy, I, Kai, am willing to accept any punishment.”

“You vouch for them? What qualifications do you, a mere Celestial Immortal, have to vouch for them?”

True Person Hanyuan narrowed his eyes.

“Just because I was able to come to the Thirteenth Heaven from the Lower Realm,”

Kai said calmly, “isn’t the City Lord curious about how I broke through the barrier between the two realms and arrived here with the cultivation of a Celestial Immortal?”

These words finally moved True Person Han Yuan!

The barrier between the two realms, the membrane of the laws!

These are hard rules!

Lower Realm cultivators, without reaching the Upper Immortal Realm and without sufficient comprehension of the laws, simply cannot come to the Middle Realm!

Forcing their way in will only result in being crushed by the laws!

This Kai, able to arrive at the Thirteenth Heaven with only the seventh rank of the Celestial Immortal Realm, has only two possibilities: either he has an unimaginably powerful figure assisting him, or he himself is so special that the laws give him special treatment!

Either way, it means this person is definitely not simple!
Master Hanyuan’s expression shifted, and finally, he took a deep breath and waved his hand: “Release them.”

“City Lord?” The other guards were astonished.

“I said, release them,”

Master Hanyuan repeated, his voice carrying an unquestionable authority.

The guards dared not disobey and quickly unlocked all the prisoners’ shackles.

The prisoners, having escaped death, cast grateful glances at Kai, some even kneeling to thank him.

“You, come with me,”

Master Hanyuan said to Kai, then glanced at Ming Li, “and your companion.”

With that, he transformed into a streak of icy blue light and flew towards the City Lord’s Mansion.

Kai nodded to Ming Li, and the two of them also took to the air, following closely behind.

Leaving behind the survivors on the execution platform, and the stunned onlookers below.

“Who was that person just now?” ”

A seventh-grade Celestial Immortal, actually managed to make Master Hanyuan change his mind?”

“His aura was terrifying…”

“It seems that Hanyuan City is about to change…”

…

City Lord’s Mansion, Reception Hall.

Master Hanyuan dismissed his attendants, leaving only Kai and Ming Li.

He personally poured Kai a cup of spiritual tea, his attitude completely different from before: “Fellow Daoist Chen, please forgive my rudeness earlier. I’ve been under too much pressure lately and have had to be cautious.”

Kai accepted the teacup and said calmly, “You’re too kind, City Lord. I understand your concerns.”

Master Hanyuan sat down, his gaze fixed intently on Kai: “Fellow Daoist Chen, let’s not beat around the bush. How exactly did you arrive at the Thirteenth Heaven? What kind of inheritance does your Chaos Power possess? And… you mentioned having an old grudge against the Divine Race, could you elaborate?” Kai took

a sip of tea, pondered for a moment, and decided to reveal part of the truth.

Master Hanyuan’s change in attitude clearly indicated his intention to befriend him, and he also seemed to have no goodwill towards the Divine Race.

“I come from the twelfth heaven of the lower realm. I was able to come to this realm with the help of a senior.”

Kai vaguely mentioned Mr. Shi’s existence. “As for the power of chaos, I obtained it by chance.”

“As for the gods… I had some conflicts with them when I was in the lower realm.” ”

A friend of mine, named Wan Jianxing, was imprisoned by the patriarch of the gods.”

“I came to the thirteenth heaven this time not only for training but also to cause trouble for those gods.”

“Wan Jianxing… I’ve never heard of him.”

True Person Hanyuan shook his head. “However, the gods are indeed arrogant and domineering. Not only in Qingming Immortal Continent, but also throughout the thirteenth heaven, and even higher heavens, they have a bad reputation. They consider themselves of noble blood, regard other races as servants, act domineeringly, and have made countless enemies.”

He changed the subject: “Fellow Daoist Chen, were you sincere in guaranteeing those Eastern Region cultivators just now?”
“Of course.”

Kai nodded. “I believe what they said. Moreover, I deeply abhor the ways of the Divine Race.”

A hint of appreciation flashed in Han Yuan Zhenren’s eyes: “Good! Fellow Daoist Chen is straightforward and a man of principle! Since that’s the case, I will trust you this once. I will properly settle those Eastern Region cultivators and will not make things difficult for them again.”

“Thank you, City Lord.” Kai cupped his hands in thanks.

“However…”

Han Yuan Zhenren’s expression turned solemn. “The situation in Qingming Immortal Continent is probably even more severe than they say. I have received some secret intelligence; the Divine Race seems to be plotting something big in Qingming Immortal Continent, not just simple territorial expansion.”

“They may very well be using Qingming Immortal Continent as a springboard to gradually erode the entire Thirteen Heavens!”

Kai frowned. “If that’s the case, we must stop them.”

“It’s difficult.”

Han Yuan Zhenren sighed. “The Divine Race is powerful and has a deep foundation. My Han Yuan City alone, or even the entire Northern Ice Plains, can hardly contend with them. Unless… we can unite with other major regions to fight them together.”

He looked at Kai, a hint of expectation flashing in his eyes. “Fellow Daoist Chen, although you are only a Celestial Immortal, your strength is extraordinary, your potential is limitless, and you also have an old grudge against the Divine Race.”

“I wonder if you would be interested in going to Qingming Immortal Continent to secretly investigate the Divine Race’s strength and true purpose? If you can obtain conclusive evidence, I can contact the forces of the Central Region and other major regions to deal with them together.”

Kai’s heart stirred.

He was already planning to go to Qingming Immortal Continent to find Senior Musha, and investigating the situation of the Divine Race was also part of his plan.

Now, with Han Yuan Zhenren’s request and support, it would be much easier to proceed.

“Alright,” Kai agreed. “I was already planning to go to Qingming Immortal Continent. Firstly, to find an old friend; secondly, to investigate the true strength of the Divine Race and find a way to help my imprisoned senior escape.”

“Excellent!”

Han Yuan Zhenren was overjoyed. “Fellow Daoist Chen, please just ask for any support you need! I also have several secret contact points in Qingming Immortal Continent that can provide you with assistance.”

The two discussed some details, and Han Yuan Zhenren gave Kai a brief map of Qingming Immortal Continent, contact information, and a considerable amount of Yuan Crystals as travel expenses.

It was already late when they left the City Lord’s Mansion.

“Mr. Chen, are we really going to Qingming Immortal Continent?”

Ming Li asked, somewhat worried. “That place is now a den of dragons and tigers controlled by the gods.”

“We must go.”

Kai looked eastward, his gaze firm. “Not only do we want to find Senior Mu Sha, but we also want to see just how arrogant the gods really are.”

“Besides, with you here, what am I afraid of? You can just reincarnate those gods directly.”

Upon hearing this, Ming Li’s face immediately turned embarrassed: “Mr. Chen, don’t joke around. I’m only at the fifth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm. If it weren’t for the Gate of Reincarnation, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be your match.”

Kai was speechless. It seemed this guy was just showing off with the Gate of Reincarnation, even calling himself the Lord of Reincarnation. He really dared to call himself that.

However, the fifth rank of the Upper Immortal Realm was still a top-tier existence in the Twelfth Heaven.
“Thank you for saving our lives, fellow Daoist…”

At this moment, an old man arrived with a group of cultivators, who immediately knelt before Kai.

These were all people who were about to be beheaded, and they were only saved because Kai had saved their lives.

“Fellow Daoists, please don’t be so polite. You have been wronged. I will investigate this matter thoroughly in Qingming Immortal Continent and bring you justice,”

Kai said, helping the group up.

“Fellow Daoist, I know you are a good person, but you still shouldn’t go to Qingming Immortal Continent. You will lose your life.”

“These days, everyone in the various sects of Qingming Immortal Continent is living in fear. Not long ago, two cultivators were publicly beheaded for breaking through the barrier and going to the Twelfth Heaven without permission,”

the old man advised Kai.

“Beheaded? Two cultivators went to the Twelfth Heaven?” Kai’s heart sank.

“May I ask, sir, were those two cultivators a man and a woman?”

Kai asked nervously.

“How did you know?”

the old man asked, somewhat surprised.

Kai’s body trembled slightly involuntarily. He thought of Mu Sha and his wife; the two of them had gone to the Twelfth Heaven for his sake, but returned after a short stay.

Could it be them?

Were they also in the Azure Nether Immortal Continent?

“Mr. Chen, do you know those two cultivators?” Ming Li, who was beside him, seemed to notice Kai’s unusual mood and asked.

“I don’t know, I don’t know if they are people I know.”

Kai shook his head, then looked at the old man and asked, “Uncle, do you know where in the Azure Nether Immortal Continent those two were beheaded?”

“Of course, in Jade Immortal City in the Eastern Azure Nether Immortal Continent. That’s the territory of the Jade Immortal Palace. We escaped from that place,”

the old man said.

“Then, uncle, do you know who beheaded those two cultivators?”

Kai asked anxiously.

The old man shook his head: “Then I don’t know. I’ve only heard about it; I haven’t seen it with my own eyes.”

“Thank you!” Kai cupped his hands in thanks to the old man, then looked at Ming Li and said, “Ming Li, let’s go to Jade Immortal City in Qingming Immortal Continent immediately…”

Before Kai finished speaking, he vanished in a streak of light.

Ming Li quickly followed.

At this moment, Kai was extremely anxious, and at the same time, he hoped that the two cultivators weren’t Mu Sha and his wife.

Otherwise, he would raze the entire Qingming Immortal Continent and annihilate all the gods.

Kai and Ming Li traveled at full speed, traversing the vast buffer zone between the Northern Ice Plains and Qingming Immortal Continent, and finally, seven days later, arrived at Jade Immortal City on the western edge of Qingming Immortal Continent.　　Jade Immortal City and Cold Abyss City are completely different in style.

Instead of ice and snow, it boasts a serene and ever-spring-like landscape.

The city walls, constructed of pure white jade, soar into the clouds, their surfaces shimmering with a pale blue spiritual light.

Within the city, spiritual energy abounds, with magnificent palaces and pavilions standing side by side, and cranes and other mythical birds soaring among them—a truly celestial scene.

However, upon entering the city, Kai keenly sensed a suppressed and tense atmosphere beneath this peaceful facade.

Although there were many cultivators on the streets, most were in a hurry, exchanging few words, their eyes filled with wariness and aloofness.

Occasionally, small teams of cultivators, dressed in uniform blue robes and exuding a sharp aura, patrolled, their chests embroidered with the words “Jade Immortal,” their eyes sharply scanning passersby—these were the enforcement disciples of the Jade Immortal Palace.

Concerned for the safety of Mu Sha and his wife, Kai had no time to observe the city. He immediately grabbed a passing middle-aged cultivator, cupped his hands, and asked, “Fellow Daoist, may I ask if, recently, there was… was there any public beheading of cultivators in the city? A man and a woman, no less?”

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged cultivator’s face changed drastically, as if he had seen a ghost. He waved his hands repeatedly, “I don’t know, I’ve never heard of it! Fellow Daoist, you’ve come to the wrong person!”

With that, he hurriedly left without looking back, as if avoiding a plague.

Kai frowned deeply and asked several more cultivators, with the same result.

Whenever the words “beheading” or “a man and a woman” were mentioned, the other party either vehemently denied it or looked terrified and hurried away, as if this topic were some kind of taboo.

“It seems this matter is a closely guarded secret in Jade Immortal City; ordinary cultivators dare not discuss it at all,”

Ming Li whispered. “Mr. Chen, this place is not like Cold Abyss City. Under the influence of the Divine Race, I’m afraid everyone is on edge.”

“Then how can I inquire?” Kai was extremely anxious.

“Every major city where cultivators gather has its shady dealings.”

A glint of malice flashed in Ming Li’s eyes. “Information selling, black market transactions, underground gambling… as long as you have money or enough power, you can always find something in these places. As far as I know, there’s a special information trading place called Zhiwen Pavilion in the dark alleys of the western district of Jade Immortal City.”

“Lead the way!” Kai said without hesitation.

The two walked through streets and alleys, avoiding the bustling main streets, and arrived at a relatively secluded area in the west of the city, with low and messy buildings.

The streets here were narrow and damp, and the air was filled with a strange smell of mildew mixed with the stench of cheap pills and blood.

The pedestrians were dressed plainly, even somewhat tattered, and their eyes were mostly mercenary, wary, or fierce, completely out of place with the immortal atmosphere of the main city.

At the end of the deepest alley, there was an inconspicuous little shop with a mottled wooden plaque hanging above the door, on which the three characters Zhiwen Pavilion were written in blurred dark red paint.

There were no guards at the entrance, but Kai could sense that several hidden security measures and isolation barriers were in place around the shop.

Pushing open the door, he found the interior dimly lit, with only a single, dim oil lamp flickering on the counter.

Behind the counter sat a hunched old man with a scarred face, squinting as he wiped a black dagger in his hand with a dirty cloth.

The old man’s aura was subtle, but Kai could sense that his cultivation was at least at the third rank of the Upper Immortal Realm.

“Buying information, or selling information?”

the old man asked without looking up, his voice hoarse and broken.　　“I want information.”

Kai stepped forward. “About the public beheading of two cultivators, a man and a woman, in Jade Immortal City not long ago. I need the details, who the executioners were, and where their bodies are.” The old man paused

slightly in wiping his dagger, raising his eyelids. His cloudy eyes scrutinized Kai and Ming Li, lingering on Kai for a moment, seemingly surprised by his Heavenly Immortal cultivation.

“This information… is very expensive,” the old man said slowly.

“How much?” Kai asked.

The old man held up three fingers: “Thirty thousand high-grade Yuan Crystals.”

“Thirty thousand?”

Ming Li gasped.

Even in the Thirteenth Heaven, high-grade Yuan Crystals were hard currency. Thirty thousand high-grade Yuan Crystals were enough to buy a decent high-grade magic weapon, or to support an ordinary cultivator’s luxurious cultivation for decades!

This was outrageous!

Kai frowned.

The Yuan Crystals he had were sponsored by True Person Han Yuan, plus the spirit stones and immortal stones he brought from the Twelfth Heaven, totaling only a little over five thousand high-grade Yuan Crystals, far from enough.

“Can I use other treasures as collateral?” Kai asked.

The old man shook his head: “This shop only accepts Yuan Crystals, no credit, no collateral.”

A cold glint flashed in Kai’s eyes, and the chaotic power within his body fluctuated faintly.

He was extremely anxious at the moment, and being so difficult to deal with, he could hardly suppress the urge to forcefully interrogate him.

“Mr. Chen!”

Ming Li quickly transmitted his voice to stop him, “This place is heavily restricted, this old fellow’s cultivation level is unknown, and he may have a powerful backer. Forcing a move could cause unforeseen circumstances, and might even alarm the Jade Immortal Palace or even the Divine Race!”

Kai took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

Ming Li was right, this was territory controlled by the Divine Race, and caution was necessary.

Just then, the curtain on the inside of the shop was suddenly lifted, and a young cultivator with a bruised and swollen face and tattered clothes was kicked out, staggering and falling to the ground.

“Get out! If you dare to try to fool me with false information again, I’ll break your legs next time!”

A rude curse came from behind the curtain.

The young cultivator, with a mournful face, scrambled out of the shop.

Kai’s heart stirred, and he said to the old man, “We’ll discuss the news later.”

With that, he pulled Ming Li and turned to leave.

The two quickly caught up with the young cultivator who had been thrown out, blocking his way at the corner of the alley.

The young cultivator was startled, looking at Kai and Ming Li warily: “You… what do you want? I have no money!”

“Fellow Daoist, don’t be alarmed.”

Kai tried to soften his tone, taking out a small bag of Yuan Crystals, containing about a few dozen mid-grade Yuan Crystals. “We just want to ask you something; this is our payment.”

Seeing the Yuan Crystals, the young cultivator’s eyes lit up, but he immediately looked around warily, lowering his voice: “This isn’t the place to talk. Follow me.”

He led Kai and Ming Li through a maze of turns, arriving at an even more dilapidated, almost collapsing abandoned hut.

“What do you two want to ask?”

the young cultivator asked eagerly, closing the door, his eyes frequently glancing at the Yuan Crystal bag in Kai’s hand.

“About the recent beheading of two cultivators in Jade Immortal City, a man and a woman, what do you know?” Kai got straight to the point.

The young cultivator’s face turned deathly pale in an instant, and he shook his head repeatedly: “I don’t know! I don’t know anything! This is something you can’t ask about, or you’ll lose your head!”
Kai handed the Yuan Crystal bag to him: “Just tell me, and these are yours. And we guarantee we won’t reveal that you told us.”

The young cultivator looked at the Yuan Crystal, his eyes filled with even more struggle.

He clearly needed the money, but he was even more afraid of getting into trouble.

Kai added fuel to the fire: “We just want to know the general outline, like… the execution location? That shouldn’t be considered a top secret, right? Once we know the location, we’ll find a way to investigate ourselves.”

The young cultivator gritted his teeth, grabbed the Yuan Crystal bag, and said rapidly, “The execution location is at Fallen Soul Slope, three hundred miles east of the city! That’s where the Jade Immortal Mansion deals with serious criminals, it’s very sinister!”

“Those killed there are said to have their souls imprisoned, never to be reincarnated! That’s all I know, I really don’t know anything else! Please, please stop asking!”

After saying that, he flung open the door like a startled rabbit and ran away without looking back.

“Falled Soul Slope… soul imprisonment…”

Kai chewed on these words, his unease growing stronger.

Senior Musa and his wife possessed profound cultivation; if it were an ordinary beheading, their methods might offer a sliver of hope.

But in this perilous place specifically targeting the soul…

“Mr. Chen, what do we do now?” Ming Li asked.

“To Fallen Soul Slope!”

Kai declared resolutely, “I want to see them alive, or… I want to find their trace!”

Without further delay, the two immediately left the city and sped eastward.

Three hundred miles was but a short distance for them.

When Kai saw the place known as Fallen Soul Slope, his heart sank.

It was a low-lying slope nestled between two barren mountains, not large in area, but permeated with an intense, impenetrable aura of death.

A layer of gray mist shrouded the slope year-round, preventing sunlight from penetrating.

The ground was barren, the soil an ominous dark red, as if stained countless times with blood.

In the air, countless mournful, desperate wails and curses could be faintly heard—the unwilling cries of countless souls who had perished here over the years, their spirits imprisoned.

In the center of the slope stood several bloodstained black stone pillars, bound with thick chains engraved with runes.

That was clearly the execution ground.

Kai suppressed the trembling and anger in his heart and landed on the slope.

The soil beneath his feet was soft and sticky, as if he were stepping on rotting flesh.

The omnipresent wails of the ghostly spirits became even clearer, piercing his soul like needles, but were easily blocked by the power of chaos.

He walked to the black stone pillars and examined them carefully.

Besides the old bloodstains, there were many recent marks on the pillars.

There were drag marks on the ground, scorch marks from magical attacks, and… several broken, unusual fragments of clothing.

Kai picked up a fragment of clothing.

It was woven from extremely tough celestial silkworm silk mixed with some kind of ice-attribute spiritual silk, and still retained a faint but pure aura.

This aura… was somewhat similar to the weathered, gentle, and peaceful magical aura emanating from Senior Musa, but it seemed even weaker and more chaotic.

The other fragment carried a gentle and tranquil wood-attribute life force aura, matching the f　　”It’s them…it really is them…”

Kai’s hand, clutching the shards, trembled slightly, his nails almost digging into his palm.

Although he had a premonition, the piercing pain and overwhelming rage upon confirmation still nearly overwhelmed him.

Senior Mu Sha, the one he had saved on the Heavenly Ladder, who appeared at the crucial moment of the Twelfth Heaven, guiding him to the ancient Qi Refiner’s cave, revealing the secrets of the Heavenly Realm, a gentle and unfathomable senior…and his wife, who had just been resurrected and was full of hope for the future…

had actually been…in this filthy, gloomy Fallen Soul Slope.

“Where’s the body? Why isn’t there a body?”

Ming Li asked, puzzled after carefully searching the surroundings.

Even if beheaded, a body should still remain.

Even if disposed of, there should be traces.

Kai forced himself to calm down, spreading his divine sense and scanning the entire Fallen Soul Slope inch by inch.

Soon, he discovered an extremely subtle spatial fluctuation beneath the base of a stone pillar.

The fluctuations were masked by a dense aura of death and resentment, almost imperceptible to him had it not been for his keen senses and possession of chaotic power.

“There’s something below,”

Kai said in a deep voice, his fingers forming a sword shape as chaotic power condensed, and he lightly sliced ​​towards the base.

*Swoosh!*

The sturdy black stone pillar base was easily sliced ​​open, revealing a deep, narrow opening extending downwards, barely wide enough for one person to pass through.

A more concentrated and pure aura of death and resentment, mixed with a trace of… strange spatial power, surged forth from the opening.

The edges of the opening were protected by extremely sophisticated concealment and sealing restrictions; if Kai hadn’t violently broken through them with chaotic power, ordinary cultivators would never have noticed.

“Is this… a passage leading underground? Or… an entrance to some kind of space?” Ming Li asked, filled with doubt.

Kai didn’t answer. He took a deep breath and leaped into the opening first.

Ming Li followed closely behind.

The opening wasn’t vertically downwards, but rather a narrow, sloping passage with smooth walls, as if eroded by some force over a long period.

The deeper one descends, the heavier the deathly aura and resentment become, and the more pronounced the strange spatial fluctuations become.

After descending about a hundred feet, the space suddenly opens up, revealing a vast underground space.

In the center of this space is a circular blood pool about ten feet in diameter.

The liquid in the pool is viscous like paste, dark red in color, constantly bubbling, emitting a nauseating stench and overwhelming resentment.

Above the blood pool, countless faint, distorted grayish-white specks of light float, fragments of souls imprisoned here, unable to be reborn. They struggle and wail silently, radiating endless pain and despair.

Directly above the blood pool, in the dome of this space, is a fist-sized, constantly rotating grayish-white rhomboid crystal.

The crystal exudes a rich aura of the laws of reincarnation, originating from the same source as the Gate of Reincarnation that Ming Li previously controlled, but far purer and more powerful!

It is this crystal, combined with the blood pool and the unique terrain of Fallen Soul Slope, that forms a terrifying “Soul Refining Array,” continuously extracting, refining, and imprisoning the souls of those who have died here!

Kai’s gaze was fixed on the edge of the blood pool.

There, scattered were fragments of clothing and belongings.

A broken, ancient-style longsword. It was the one Senior Mu Sha always carried with him.

A warm, jade hairpin, still retaining a trace of gentle wood spirit aura, belonged to Mu Sha’s wife.

There were other scattered items and fragments of clothing, all bearing the unique aura of Mu Sha and his wife.

However, there was no corpse.

“The corpse… was thrown into the blood pool to be refined?” Ming Li’s voice was dry.

Kai did not answer. He walked step by step to the edge of the blood pool. With each step, the killing intent on his body intensified, and the chaotic aura around him surged uncontrollably, annihilating all the deathly and resentful energy that approached.

He bent down and picked up the broken longsword.eeling Musa’s wife gave off.　　On the broken sword, the last faint trace of Musa’s divine will remained, conveying a brief, angry, resentful, and desperate worry for his wife before… abruptly ceasing.

“Aaaaaah—!!!”

Kai roared to the heavens, a suppressed scream like that of a wounded beast!

Boundless rage, grief, self-reproach, and killing intent erupted within him like a volcano!

His eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and chaotic energy surged violently around him, the gray currents sweeping across the entire underground space, violently churning the blood pool!

“The Divine Race… Jade Immortal Palace… Good! Very good!”

Kai’s voice was as cold as the ice of the deepest hell, each word seemingly carrying a deep-seated hatred and a blood oath.

“Senior Musa… I, Kai, swear I will not rest until this grudge is avenged!”

“I want this Jade Immortal City, not a single chicken or dog left alive! I want all the lackeys of the divine race

in the Azure Nether Immortal Continent to be buried with you!” A violent killing intent soared into the sky, even breaking through the ground, forming a gray vortex of killing intent above Fallen Soul Slope!

Ming Li watched in horror.

He had never seen Kai so out of control, so enraged. That terrifying killing intent even made him, a fifth-grade Upper Immortal, feel a chill.

He knew that Kai was truly enraged this time.

The Azure Nether Immortal Continent was likely to be engulfed in an unprecedented bloodbath.

And all of this was just the beginning.

Kai slowly straightened up and carefully put away the belongings of Musa and his wife.

The crimson in his eyes gradually faded, but the coldness and killing intent in them deepened and became even more terrifying.

“Ming Li.” His voice was calm, but it carried an unquestionable command.

“Yes!” Ming Li quickly replied.

“Investigate!”

Kai said, enunciating each word clearly. “Use all means at your disposal to find out who from the Jade Immortal Palace carried out the execution that day, and who gave the order.”

“What connection do they have with the Divine Race? Find out every single participant, leave no one out!”

“Yes!” Ming Li solemnly accepted the order. He knew that Kai at this moment was like a volcano about to erupt.

“This harmful thing shouldn’t be allowed to live…”

Kai looked at the secret passage before him, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

“Mr. Chen, we shouldn’t touch this place, otherwise we’ll be noticed very quickly.”

“To find out the identity of the beheaded person and who gave the order, we need to unite with other forces.”

Ming Li advised Kai.

Kai slowly regained his composure. He knew that his anger was useless.

“Contact which forces?” Kai asked.

“Now that Qingming Immortal Continent has become like this, everyone is in danger. It’s impossible that no one is secretly resisting.”

“If we find a resistance organization and unite with them, and have them help us gather information, wouldn’t that be twice as effective?”

Ming Li said.

“That’s right, then let’s go find that kid who sells information.”

Kai knew that to contact such a force, they needed an intermediary; otherwise, they would have no chance of meeting them.

And that kid who dared to sell fake information at the Zhiwen Pavilion was a good choice!