Chen Moxuan left the ruins of Wanxian Sect, his mind swirling with countless thoughts, but the more pressing concern was to address the potential hidden dangers that lay ahead. He stepped into the air, traversing through the clouds, and soon arrived at a range of undulating mountains.
This mountain range was starkly different from the outside world; it was shrouded in miasma and mist, as if it existed in its own realm, isolating itself from the clamor and splendor of the outside. The trees within were tall and dense, their broad leaves exuding a faint toxic gas that made it difficult for ordinary beings to approach. Occasionally, chilling beast roars echoed through the mountains, sending shivers down one's spine.
Here lay the headquarters of Difu, the foremost assassin organization in Xianyuan Shengzhou. Difu was a mysterious and powerful entity, its members possessing unfathomable strength and acting with such secrecy that they instilled fear in all who heard their name. The assassins within were skilled in stealth and assassination; once they struck, there would be no survivors.
The leader of Difu, known as Yan Wang, was a legendary figure whose true appearance had never been seen. It was said he possessed celestial cultivation and wielded an incredibly powerful treasure. He had records of assassinating masters of the Eternal Life Realm. However, there was one issue: for nearly a thousand years, no assassin from Difu had ventured out of the mountains.
Chen Moxuan donned a fearsome mask and with a flash of movement transformed into a streak of light, darting deep into the heart of Difu. The miasma grew thicker here, seemingly capable of corroding one's very soul. Towering structures loomed in the mist, exuding an eerie atmosphere. This was where Yan Wang and the higher-ups resided.
Chen Moxuan charged straight toward one of the tallest buildings. However, just as he was about to approach, an overwhelming aura suddenly erupted, forcing him to stagger back repeatedly.
"Hmph! How dare you intrude upon Difu? Such audacity!" A cold voice resonated from within the building, filled with endless malice and authority.
Chen Moxuan steadied himself. "Long time no see, Fu Jian."
Fu Jian slowly emerged from the thick fog. He was tall and imposing, his expression stern, with eyes as dark as an abyss that seemed capable of swallowing all light. His long hair cascaded over his shoulders, swaying gently in the wind yet emanating an undeniable air of inviolable authority. A grotesque scar marred his face like a brand from hell, instantly revealing the malevolence that surrounded him.
Everyone says that Fu Jian is the second King of Hell, governing life and death, determining the fate of all beings.
"Hmph, who do you think you are to call my name so casually?" Fu Jian's voice was as cold as frost.
A chilling aura enveloped the air, as if it had been frozen solid.
Chen Moxuan smiled slightly. "Who I am is not important; what matters is why Difu has become so desolate. After a thousand years without stepping out, have the assassins I cultivated all vanished?"
Fu Jian's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of helplessness and dissatisfaction crossing his eyes.
After a millennium without emerging, some assassins had been poached by other sects, while others had left on their own to seek fame and fortune. Yet even so, the authority of Difu should not be infringed upon!
"Authority? It seems more like a job to me," Chen Moxuan replied coolly, his tone carrying an undeniable weight.
"You!" Fu Jian shouted in anger, his figure suddenly moving as he lunged towards Chen Moxuan.
However, at that moment, a token appeared in Chen Moxuan's hand, intricately engraved with symbols that emitted a faint glow.
"The King of Hell is here; do you dare not kneel?" Chen Moxuan's voice was icy as the light from the token grew ever brighter.
Seeing the token, Fu Jian's expression changed drastically; his body trembled as if suppressed by an invisible force.
He stared wide-eyed at the token in Chen Moxuan's hand, fear and reverence flashing in his gaze.
Ultimately, he bent his knee and truly knelt on the ground.
"I pay my respects to the King of Hell!" Fu Jian's voice trembled slightly, as if he were facing the true embodiment of death.
Chen Moxuan put away the token and looked coldly at Fu Jian.
"How did you let Difu fall into such disarray? I must have been blind back then!"
"As the gatekeeper, you should know your responsibilities!"
Fu Jian quickly apologized, his voice tinged with fear. "Your Majesty, please forgive me; it is my duty that has allowed Difu to decline to this state. Please punish me; Judge is willing to bear all responsibility."
Chen Moxuan scoffed and suddenly produced a command arrow, tossing it before Fu Jian. The arrow was inscribed with complex symbols and exuded a chilling aura.
"Go redeem yourself; anyone who dares to leave Difu shall be executed without mercy! I want everyone to know the price of betraying Difu!"
Fu Jian awkwardly accepted the command arrow, hesitating as he looked at Chen Moxuan.
"Is it so difficult for you to kill a few people? It seems I should deal with you too."
Hearing this, Fu Jian quickly knelt on one knee and said, "Your Majesty, it has been over a thousand years; if I am to slay all these people, I need the power of the Book of Life and Death."
Chen Moxuan scrutinized Fu Jian for a moment; his deep-set eyes seemed capable of seeing into one's heart. "The Book of Life and Death? Hmph, you've reminded me; come with me."
Chen Moxuan turned and headed towards the tallest building. Fu Jian, not daring to lag behind, hurriedly followed. They passed through a dimly lit corridor and finally arrived at a room.
The room was empty, devoid of any furniture, with a massive staircase in the center that descended into what seemed like an endless abyss. A sign stood at the foot of the staircase, bearing three large characters: Yama Palace.
Upon seeing those three characters, Fu Jian's expression brightened with excitement. It had been a thousand years since he had last entered this room. Yama Palace was the most mysterious and central place in Difu, accessible only to the King of Hell and a select few high-ranking officials. This was also where all the orders were issued.
"Follow me down," Chen Moxuan said coldly before leading the way down the staircase. Fu Jian dared not disobey and quickly followed.
As they descended, the staircase seemed endless, and the air around them grew increasingly cold and oppressive. After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached a vast underground palace.
The palace was resplendent with gold and jewels but emanated a chilling aura that made one's heart race. In the center of the palace stood a massive altar, upon which lay an ancient book: the Book of Life and Death.
Chen Moxuan approached the altar and reached out to open the Book of Life and Death. The book seemed almost sentient as it automatically flipped to a certain page. Chen Moxuan studied it carefully before letting out a cold laugh.
These people were not worth sparing. Take my token and orders, seek them out along with their descendants, and reveal the practitioners of Difu's techniques—exterminate their entire clan. Those who maintain their positions shall be eradicated within three generations. Those who live quietly shall have their cultivation destroyed. For those who practice Difu's techniques, give them two choices: either join us or die, then erase all traces!
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