Chapter 2377: True Immortal Descends Ten Kings of the Underworld

"Han, my friend, please show mercy. You have passed the test. These eight Hellish Ghost Kings are still useful to me, so I hope you'll spare them." The monk, seeing this situation, showed a surprised expression in his eyes. But he immediately flicked his long sleeve, and a strange ripple instantly appeared before the golden vortex, cutting through the immense suction force.

As soon as the eight malevolent ghosts regained their freedom, they immediately let out low growls and transformed into specks of black mist, disappearing from sight.

"Don't worry, fellow Daoist," Han Li said with a low chuckle. "How could I truly harm these spectral beings? I was merely curious and wanted to test their true strength." Behind him, his Dharma Idol and the golden vortex simultaneously flashed and vanished. In his hand, however, a spherical object, as black as ink, materialized out of thin air, and he examined it with great interest.

This was precisely the Hellish Yin Wind he had previously collected using the Golden Light of the Vortex.

This Yin Wind, however, had now been compressed into a solid mass by his immense power, taking on its current appearance.

"Brother Han, your divine abilities far exceed my expectations," the monk said with a sigh. "It seems the rumors are true. This test of mine was indeed superfluous, a waste of effort." His facial expression, however, remained unusually impassive.

"Brother Bi, now that the test is complete, perhaps we can discuss the main business?" Han Li asked directly, ignoring the monk's previous words.

"Very well, fellow Daoist. You are certainly qualified," the monk replied. "I assume Brother Han is already quite clear about my identity."

"If that young woman outside wasn't lying, then you should be the person in charge of the Helian Trading Alliance on the Blood Heaven Continent," Han Li said calmly. "Your status and position should be similar to that of Fellow Daoist Mingzun."

"I am indeed of that status," the monk countered. "But how much do you know about our Helian Trading Alliance itself, fellow Daoist?"

"I don't actually know too much," Han Li replied, frowning slightly. "I only know that your alliance wields immense power, being one of the few super forces capable of spanning three continents."

"Our alliance is actually a relatively loose organization," the monk explained unhurriedly. "Apart from establishing a branch on each of the three continents to facilitate the exchange of resources and information, there are generally no mandatory rules or obligations. Disputes are typically arbitrated jointly by the Elder Council, which consists of all Mahayana cultivators within the alliance. I was nominated by the elders on the Blood Heaven Continent to temporarily oversee its affairs. If a Mahayana fellow Daoist is willing to join our alliance, they typically serve as a guest elder. This doesn't affect their daily cultivation or their status within their respective races, and they can enjoy many unexpected conveniences. The only obligation is probably to offer assistance when the alliance faces a crisis."

"What is the meaning of all this, fellow Daoist?" Han Li asked calmly, staring at the monk.

"I wish to formally invite you to join our trading alliance," the monk said, revealing a hint of a smile for the first time. "I wonder if Fellow Daoist Han is interested."

"So, the test and inviting me here were all just for this matter?" Han Li's expression remained exceptionally calm.

"Of course not," the monk replied frankly. "It's just that if you become a member of our alliance, I can speak with fewer reservations about the matters I intend to discuss with you later."

"While I am indeed somewhat interested in the Helian Trading Alliance, I'd still prefer to hear about the main business you mentioned first, before deciding on anything else," Han Li said impassively.

"Very well," the monk said, nodding. "Since you insist, I, Bi, naturally won't force the matter. How much do you know about the Underworld and the Netherworld Bureau, fellow Daoist?" he asked abruptly.

"The Underworld? Although I often hear it mentioned, I've never heard of anyone actually witnessing it. As for the existence of the Netherworld Bureau, that should be even more of a legend. Whether it truly exists is something unknowable. At least, I cannot be certain. Why? Are the matters you wish to discuss related to these two?" Han Li was somewhat surprised.

"Of course they are. Approximately a century ago, a branch of our alliance, while exploring a spatial rift on the Blood Heaven Continent, inadvertently discovered the entrance to a newly formed minor realm."

"A newly formed minor realm! Is that true?" Han Li exclaimed, startled.

"It's absolutely genuine. However, though we call it a 'newly formed minor realm,' it has likely existed for many years. It's just that no higher beings had ever been born within it, and it had never been discovered by the outside world. The minor realm isn't very large, but it's exceptionally rich in various resources. Just as our branch alliance was overjoyed and preparing to invest substantial manpower and resources into its full development, another realm also discovered its existence and similarly invaded it." The monk paused here, a nostalgic look flashing in his eyes.

"Another realm... could it be...?" Han Li mused thoughtfully.

"Precisely. As soon as our alliance members engaged with these new adversaries, they were stunned. They were all spectral beings, similar to those you saw earlier, fellow Daoist. Their strengths varied; some were too weak to withstand a single blow, comparable to cultivators around the Qi Condensation stage in our realm. However, the powerful ones could rival our Spirit Realm's Mahayana Integration stage cultivators. The Hellish Yin energy I collected was obtained after a battle with one of their strong individuals. The eight ghosts were also conjured by extracting the essence from these spectral beings. Of course, they were only similar in appearance; their strength couldn't compare to true Ghost Kings. Actual Hellish Ghost Kings are terrifying existences, on par with us.

"According to these spectral beings, the realm they originate from is called 'the Underworld,' and their affiliated power is known as the 'Ten Kings of the Netherworld Bureau.' Our trading alliance and these spectral beings fought several battles for control of this realm, with neither side gaining a clear advantage, and both suffering significant casualties. To avoid mutual destruction, our alliance and these spectral beings eventually made a solemn vow to determine the allocation of the realm's resources through a battle of powerful individuals. My purpose in seeking you out, fellow Daoist, is to invite you, Fellow Daoist Han, to participate in one of these contests as a representative of our alliance. Of course, if Brother Han were to join our alliance at the same time, it would naturally be even more justifiable. Regardless of the outcome of this battle, as long as you participate, our alliance will certainly offer you generous rewards." The monk hesitated for a moment before finally revealing everything.

"So that's how it is. I wonder if this 'Underworld' is the one from legends, and what kind of existences these so-called 'Ten Kings of the Netherworld Bureau' are. Will they also participate in this battle of powerful individuals?" Han Li asked, a trace of emotion in his voice after listening.

"Our alliance naturally conducted an investigation into this. Although there isn't much evidence, I believe this realm is likely not the immensely mysterious true Underworld from legends. It's probably just a realm akin to a 'Hellish Ghost Kingdom,' suitable for the survival of powerful spectral beings. The so-called 'Ten Kings of the Netherworld Bureau' are merely ten existences that are a cut above ordinary Ghost Kings. Otherwise, even with our alliance's considerable power, we would absolutely not be able to genuinely contend with them for so long. As for this battle of powerful individuals, it's highly probable that some of the Ten Kings of the Netherworld Bureau will participate," the monk replied after a moment's thought.

"Not the true Underworld? What a pity. I thought I might finally get a glimpse into the true secrets of reincarnation," Han Li said, stroking his chin, his eyes flickering with a hint of regret.

"Although it's not the true Underworld, the divine abilities cultivated by these spectral beings are indeed vastly different from our own cultivation methods, subtly containing the Grand Dao of Laws that are entirely distinct from those of ordinary living beings. If you were to engage in a skirmish or two with them, with a bit of luck and coincidence, you might genuinely be able to gain some insights into the mysteries of the Path of Reincarnation," the monk said with a smile.

Han Li, upon hearing this, fell into silent contemplation.

After a long pause, he finally raised his head again and asked carefully:

"When is the agreed date for the battle between your alliance and these spectral beings? Where will it take place, and how many rounds will there be? Besides myself, which other fellow Daoists from your alliance are preparing to participate?"

Seeing Han Li's detailed questions, the monk not only showed no signs of displeasure but rather perked up and hastily replied:

"The battle is three years from now, and the location is within that newly discovered minor realm. In this battle of powerful individuals, there will be a total of five rounds. Besides myself, a fellow Daoist from the Thunder Continent branch alliance and a guest elder from the Elder Council will also participate. Additionally, I have invited Blood Fiend, a top-tier expert from the Blood Heaven Continent. With your participation, that makes precisely five individuals ready for battle. Fellow Daoist Han, rest assured, this competition will be one-on-one, and even if you are defeated, your life won't be in danger. If you genuinely manage to win a round, besides the previously agreed-upon reward, I can also grant you access to our alliance's Ascension Pavilion, where you may choose any secret technique originating from the immortal realm."

"Secret techniques from the immortal realm? Did I hear that correctly?" Han Li was somewhat stunned by these words.

"What I said was indeed secret techniques from the immortal realm. In truth, the fact that our alliance possesses several such techniques, while not widely known, isn't a particularly well-kept secret either. This is because the revered seniors who founded our trading alliance were genuine descendants of immortals left behind in the Spirit Realm by those from the immortal realm. The predecessor of our alliance was originally an extremely clandestine supervisory organization established by the immortal realm in the Spirit Realm, and only direct descendants of immortals were employed. Therefore, it's normal for them to possess knowledge of a few immortal realm techniques. However, after the great changes in heaven and earth, when all realms completely lost contact with the immortal realm, these seniors, out of necessity, began to recruit other powerful individuals into the organization. After many years of development, it evolved into the current trading alliance.

"Thus, as one of the few super forces spanning three continents, our alliance, besides its overt trading activities, also secretly does its best to maintain the stability of this realm and eliminate interference from external forces. For instance, during the incident with the Mother of Calamity Worms last time, our alliance also dispatched several Mahayana fellow Daoists into the Demon Realm. Unfortunately, they were trapped by the Mother of Worms within the restrictions of the Primordial Demon Lands before they could even act. It was thanks to the assistance of you and others that they were able to escape. So, in a way, Fellow Daoist Han, you have done a great service to many of our alliance's elders," the monk explained with a smile.

Upon hearing these words, Han Li's eyes flickered, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face once more.