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The Old Servant hurried down the bluestone steps, seemingly worried that Chu Hongzi might be concerned, and kept murmuring softly to explain. From his words, Li Hong learned that the Purgatory Ten Kings had been operating here for thousands of years. Long before Yandao Demon Lord took over, they had already sworn brotherhood and made a name for themselves. Later, when Yandao became the Demon Sect Leader and subdued the Purgatory Ten Kings, this place became the Fengdu Hidden Palace of the Demon Sect. Given their thousands of years of management, it was clear that the scale of this Underground was not small.
The Old Servant continued to chatter on, while Chuxiong listened with great interest. However, Li Hong was deep in thought; if the Old Servant had not received permission from the Purgatory Ten Kings, he would never have dared to share these secrets of Fengdu with him.
In fact, Li Hong had considered whether his visit was a bit reckless. After all, the Purgatory Ten Kings had seen countless people and were quite knowledgeable. If they discovered that the Immortal Sect had decided to confront the Demon Sect, they might first engage in a fierce battle with him before turning around to inform Old Demon, which would ruin Xuan Xuzi's grand plan.
This worry vanished after observing the Old Servant's attitude and listening to his chatter. It seemed that the Purgatory Ten Kings had indeed drifted further away from Yandao Demon Lord. Now, perhaps only one last push was needed for them to part ways. Li Hong suddenly realized that he now had at least a fifty percent chance of success.
With this thought, Li Hong felt completely at ease and wore a gentle smile. He glanced at the guiding Old Servant and felt a stir in his heart. With a pleasant demeanor, he asked, "Old man, you must have been with the princes for many years now, right?"
"Yes," the Old Servant replied. "Back in the day when I was just a child, I served as King Qin Guang's attendant. Unfortunately, my talent is limited. If it weren't for King Qin Guang valuing me and going through great lengths to find many spiritual herbs to cleanse my marrow and strengthen my essence, I wouldn't even know where my bones would be by now!" As he reminisced about those past years, the hunched Old Servant seemed to regain some vitality, smiling so much that his eyes squinted with joy, deep wrinkles etched into his dry skin.
Li Hong then realized that this elder before him was at least a thousand years old and a trusted aide of Qin Guang. However, his cultivation level was not particularly high; although he was at the Early Stage of Nascent Soul, his foundation was unstable, filled with mixed medicinal powers—clearly a result of Qin Guang forcibly bringing him to this level.
With a quick thought, Li Hong tossed over a small jade vial. "Old man, this is for you. A Cosmic Vitality Pill, Earth-Level Grade One. It specializes in transforming medicinal power into your innate cultivation level; it can at least stabilize you at the Early Stage of Nascent Soul and greatly extend your lifespan."
The Old Servant took it with skepticism and cautiously uncorked it to take a whiff. Immediately he felt its benefits; the fragrant pill essence surged into his lungs, calming the chaotic Yin Power in his Dantian. His heart filled with joy. However, recalling that there were often conflicts between Immortal Sect elixirs and Demonic Cultivation Techniques, he couldn't help but underestimate this Cosmic Vitality Pill. Although he thanked Li Hong and accepted it, his expression clearly showed doubt about its miraculous effects.
Li Hong chose not to press further.
As they spoke, they reached the bottom of the bluestone steps.
Before them stood a short arched passageway about ten paces long; beyond it lay a vast Underground Garden.
Through the archway, the garden appeared just like one on the surface—lush with flowers and trees stretching endlessly. The cheerful chirping of birds could be heard intermittently amidst the greenery, with glimpses of red walls and green tiles peeking through the leaves.
The Purgatory Ten Kings brothers were standing at the entrance of the garden. Qin Guang stepped forward first, wearing a welcoming smile as he strode toward Li Hong and clasped his hands in greeting. "Master Chu Hongzi has graced us with your presence; my brothers and I are truly honored!"
He turned to the Old Servant and said, "You truly don't know the value of things! The Cosmic Vitality Pill is an Earth-Level treasure, capable of neutralizing medicinal properties and supporting the heart's foundation. It is a rare gem in the Cultivation World! If you take it, your cultivation will stabilize at the Early Stage of Nascent Soul, and you'll at least gain an additional thousand years of life! Shouldn't you thank Master Chu properly?"
The Old Servant finally believed it, overjoyed, and bowed deeply to Li Hong, saying, "Thank you, Master!"
"Ha ha, Chu Hongzi, Chuxiongzi, please!" Qin Guang extended his hand with a warm smile, appearing very friendly; however, he cast a deep glance at the shrinking Heavenly Torch and Black Abyss above their heads, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.
The group followed the winding path deeper into the garden. Li Hong looked at the flowers and trees around him, becoming increasingly curious. He couldn't help but reach out to pull a branch and was astonished to find that these were not real plants but made from various silks and iron branches, so lifelike that they were indistinguishable from the real thing.
Qin Guang laughed and said, "The lighting underground is insufficient for growing flowers and plants! My brothers and I enjoy gardens, so we created this fake garden for our own amusement. I hope it doesn't make you two laugh."
As they chatted about trivial matters without mentioning Li Hong's purpose for coming, they strolled slowly deeper into the garden. Turning around a rockery, they suddenly heard the sound of flowing water. The flowers and trees opened up before them. They saw a small clear water pond embedded like a mirror in the clean bluestone floor, with Ling Kong sitting in a magnificent pavilion that was open on all sides.
In the pavilion, the Old Servant had already taken the lead and was arranging the seating. It was quickly set up.
The group flashed across the water surface and landed inside the pavilion.
A wide rectangular jadeite table was set up with crystal-clear precious white jade stools beside it. Golden cups and jade goblets were filled with delicacies.
Qin Guang invited Li Hong and Chuxiong to sit on his right while he took the main seat, with his brothers accompanying him on his left.
Li Hong smiled slightly and took a seat with Chuxiong without hesitation.
Up until now, Li Hong had not sensed any killing intent from the ten people present. He felt his confidence rise by another ten percent; he was now at sixty percent certainty.
Qin Guang smiled and said, "This mountain dwelling is simple; I have nothing special to offer you two—just a little wine as a token of respect."
He gestured for the Old Servant to pour wine for Li Hong.
The deep emerald liquid flowed into the large white jade cup in front of him, surprisingly emitting tiny glimmers, as if countless small insects were swimming inside the white jade cup.
Li Hong thought to himself, the test has begun!
The Purgatory Ten Kings all raised their white jade cups, but their gazes were fixed intently on Li Hong and his companion. Qin Guang wore a playful smile, while Yama seemed to have a hint of mockery. The others remained expressionless, but they did not drink, holding their cups in front of their chests while watching Li Hong.
Li Hong chuckled and said, "Cheers to everyone!" Without further ado, he tilted his head back and downed the drink in an instant.
Chuxiong did the same, appearing unfazed as if he did not notice the peculiarity of the liquid in his cup. He also poured it down his throat and gulped it down, casually wiping his mouth afterward.
The ten members of Qin Guang exchanged glances and promptly followed suit, each finishing the bizarre deep emerald liquid that glimmered like fireflies.
Li Hong drank it all in one go but felt an incredibly spicy and icy sensation piercing into his lungs. In an instant, his entire abdomen felt warm and comfortable, an indescribable pleasure washing over him; it was a fine brew akin to Immortal's Drunkenness specifically meant for cultivators.
"Refill!" Qin Guang commanded, and the Old Servant immediately came over to refill Li Hong's cup. After three consecutive drinks, Li Hong's expression remained unchanged.
Yama seemed unable to contain himself and suddenly jumped up, saying, "Master Chu Hongzi, you have reached…." He paused abruptly because he realized he could not see through Li Hong's cultivation level at that moment.
It seemed like Early Stage of Nascent Soul, yet it also appeared to be Heavenly Fusion Stage; it fluctuated unpredictably. Yama found himself unable to make an accurate judgment. A sudden jolt ran through him as he thought that in just seven years apart, this kid had made significant progress. Such rapid advancement was truly astonishing; no wonder he was so bold. Yama quickly shifted the topic away from cultivation stages and continued, "Surely Master Chu Hongzi possesses extraordinary skills. I am unworthy and wish to seek guidance from..." He suddenly turned his face and pointed at Chuxiong, saying, "Your junior brother Chuxiongzi!"
Li Hong nearly burst out laughing; Yama had clearly intended to challenge him but had changed his mind out of fear upon realizing he could not gauge Li Hong's cultivation level. This was even better for him. Little did Yama know that Chuxiong's Threefold Six Crossing Ten Thousand Source Technique had already reached the sixth layer with a Late Stage of Nascent Soul cultivation that was incredibly refined. That Strange technique was immensely powerful; even Li Hong had to be wary of it. Yama seeking him out was asking for trouble!
Chuxiong was just pulling a large bear paw dripping with juice from the golden platter in front of him when he heard Yama's words. He set down the bear paw and casually wiped his hand on his long robe with a fan-like motion before standing up. His bones cracked loudly as he instantly grew three feet taller, his head nearly touching the beams above.
Suddenly, his eyes burst forth with a golden light, and he shouted, "Good! I will fight you!"
As he spoke, an overwhelming aura radiated from him like a rainbow. The jadeite table was filled with clinking cups and plates, and those near Chuxiong found themselves slowly being pushed inward by his rising momentum. Delicacies turned into meat juices and minced meat, splattering everywhere, soaking the table in broth, while the cups and plates transformed into walnut-sized gold and silver balls. Yet, his aura continued to expand, causing the Pavilion to shake violently. The glazed tiles on the roof flew off like arrows, disappearing from sight. Outside, the clear water pond was filled with fish jumping wildly, their white bellies flashing in the air. The fake flowers and wooden decorations close to the Pavilion were reduced to powder.
Inside the Pavilion, the ten Purgatory Kings had their robes flapping loudly, their sleeves billowing like sails in the wind, their faces turning pale. When they looked at Li Hong, their expressions were filled with astonishment.
This aura pushed Li Hong aside; not even his clothes trembled as he leisurely sipped from a large white jade cup filled with deep green liquor.
This giant's power was surprisingly pure!
To release such a slow yet powerful aura was a hundred times more difficult than a sudden outburst, and at the same time, he managed to bypass his senior brother without affecting Li Hong in the slightest.
Yama's face turned ashen as he muttered, "He wasn't this strong before. Have these two consumed some elixir? Their cultivation is skyrocketing. Hmph!"
As soon as he spoke, it was as if he had already lost without fighting. Li Hong swept his gaze over the Purgatory Kings and said slowly, "Junior brother, this is a place for the princes to relax; don't ruin it. It would be troublesome to fix."
"Ha ha." In an instant, Chuxiong retracted his aura and sat down, looking at the bald man beside him with regret as he said, "I'm still not full!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the jadeite table before him silently turned to powder, and the gold and silver balls made from cups and plates rolled chaotically across the ground.
Qin Guang showed a thoughtful expression; after a moment, he stood up and cupped his fists, saying loudly, "May I ask what brings you two here?"
Li Hong had been waiting for this question; he stood up abruptly and solemnly cupped his fists as he said, "Honest men do not engage in secret dealings. My Immortal Sect is about to engage in a decisive battle with the Demon Sect. I would like to ask you ten brothers for help—please do not intervene; that is all!"
A deathly silence ensued.
Suddenly, Yama shouted, "Why should we listen to you?!"
"Because the one you will face is me!" Li Hong declared loudly and proudly.
Seeing the expressions of the ten change repeatedly, Li Hong continued to speak loudly, "Your enemy will definitely be me, and I can break your proud Purgatory Barrier. At that time, both sides will suffer heavy losses, allowing those with ulterior motives to reap the benefits. Moreover, this battle will surely bring chaos and suffering to all living beings, plunging all of Middle-Earth into a great calamity. I do not wish to create more evil deeds, so I advise you. But if you remain obstinate, I am not afraid! If a fight is what you want, I, Li Hong, will accompany you to the end!"
After a long while, Qin Guang finally nodded slowly and sighed, "Alright, we will not take action."
"Thank you for your righteousness, my ten lords!" Li Hong cupped his hands in gratitude and secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Sometimes, sincerity and frankness can also be a means; they do not necessarily lose to schemes and tricks. Li Hong now deeply understood this principle.
In front of these ten people, displaying strength and reasoning with righteousness was more effective than a hundred eloquent words.
At that moment, Li Hong made a soul oath with the Purgatory Ten Kings and agreed on the details.
Twelve pairs of hands tightly clasped together.
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