Chapter 377: Chapter 37: To Hell with the Ancestral Dragon, the Profound Yellow Emperor Goes to the Nine Nether

The Ancestral Dragon’s face broke into a smile.

"Daoist Profound Yellow, I have just learned that you intend to achieve the Upper Grade Immortal Golden Form. If you require any assistance, you need only ask."

Surprise flashed in Xuandu’s eyes. ’Upper Grade Immortal Golden Form?’

’This junior brother of mine certainly has grand ambitions...’

As for the Dragon King, the Dragon Crown Prince, and even Nezha, they were all somewhat bewildered, clearly not understanding what the Upper Grade Immortal Golden Form signified.

Lu Xuan was a little surprised, then nodded and asked curiously:

"Although I have this ambition, I don’t really have a clear path forward yet. As the Ancient Ancestor of the Dragon Race, do you have any advice?"

The Ancestral Dragon hesitated for a moment before asking:

"Daoist Profound Yellow, have you accomplished great deeds in the Human World, establishing a certain momentum?"

"I have, I suppose, but the momentum isn’t that significant. However, I have my own plans."

"What about in the Thirty-Three Celestial Realms?"

"That could also be considered a yes, but as I just said, the momentum is still insufficient."

"And the Nine Nether?"

"I have not yet set foot there."

The Ancestral Dragon fell into deep thought. ’This man before me is connected to both Taiqing and Shangqing. I seem to have been drawn into a chess game for the Dao Fruit. Now, it seems I have no choice but to see this path through to the end...’

He thought for a moment, cast aside his distracting thoughts, and said in a low voice:

"Daoist Profound Yellow, since you are already the current First Emperor’s Uncle Zhong and the Celestial Court is powerful, it is difficult to make plans there for now. Perhaps you could start with the Nine Nether."

"Oh? What do you mean by that?" Lu Xuan’s interest was piqued. The Dragon Kings, however, stared with wide eyes. ’This man is Ying Zheng’s Uncle Zhong?!’

The Ancestral Dragon hesitated, glanced at Nezha, and said carefully:

"These sons and grandsons of mine share my direct bloodline. They won’t do anything out of line or speak carelessly. But this immortal..."

Nezha’s heart tightened, but Lu Xuan just smiled.

"It’s fine. Ancestral Dragon, please speak freely."

As he spoke, he gave Nezha a meaningful look, causing the latter’s mind to race with wild thoughts.

Seeing this, the Ancestral Dragon said no more on the matter and continued in a low voice:

"The Nine Nether is vast, and the Underworld is merely the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore, while the Underworld is nominally under the jurisdiction of the East Pole Celestial Court, in reality, Emperor Fengdu and the Emperor of the East Pole have long been at odds."

After a moment of thought, he added:

"Furthermore, based on some secrets I am aware of, the Five Ghost Emperors within the Nine Nether seem to have thoughts of ’rebellion.’ The Buddhist Sect has also meddled in the Underworld, and the various factions are in chaos. If you start with the Nine Nether, Daoist Profound Yellow, you may find some unexpected gains."

Lu Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly and asked:

"What level is that Emperor Fengdu? And the Five Ghost Emperors? What about the Lady in the Underworld?"

"Fengdu is a [Daluo], but he is weaker than me. With Daoist Luo Hou also involved, he is not a concern. The Five Ghost Emperors are each at the [Celestial Realms] level, but it seems there is also an unknown Daluo backing them."

The Ancestral Dragon explained in detail:

"As for that Lady... she has no time to concern herself with the affairs of the Underworld."

"True." Lu Xuan nodded. "In that case, I suppose I can make a trip to the Nine Nether first."

"You can," the Ancestral Dragon said in a low voice. "However, Daoist Profound Yellow, if you do not plan on openly turning against the Celestial Court, I’m afraid I cannot leave this place to assist you. The Celestial Court forbids me from showing myself."

"I understand." Lu Xuan didn’t ask for the reason. He had already come to a conclusion. ’From the looks of it, the Dragon Race can serve as a hidden asset for the matter of the [War against the Celestial Court].’

’Although, according to what my master said, this attempt is destined to fail...’

’But I have to at least try.’

’Use the war against the Celestial Court as the ritual, with the Nine Nether and the Four Seas as my assistants, and let the effects ripple through the heavens and the earth.’

’By doing so, can I achieve the Upper Grade?’

Lu Xuan’s expression grew profound. After settling a few more details with the Ancestral Dragon, he prepared to take his leave.

"I’ll be taking the remnant souls of these two old dragons. I will personally escort them to the Underworld and see them into reincarnation."

"Very well." The Ancestral Dragon understood immediately. ’He plans to use this as a pretext to visit the Underworld.’ He nodded readily.

"As for what follows, I will have Zheng’Er send people to negotiate with the four Dragon Kings. For today, let’s leave it at that. If something important comes up, I will come find you, Senior Ancestral Dragon."

"I await Daoist Profound Yellow’s command."

With that, Lu Xuan departed with his Senior Brother Xuandu and Nezha, and the vast space fell into a deathly silence.

After a long time, the West Sea Dragon King could no longer hold back. He gave a trembling bow:

"Ancient Ancestor, this is... why is this..."

"Do not ask what you shouldn’t ask." The Ancestral Dragon coughed up a mouthful of blood and said wearily, "All of you, leave. Remember, no matter what orders or decrees this Daoist Profound Yellow issues, you must obey them."

He let out a long, low sigh.

"Our Dragon Race has been swept into a great vortex. The path ahead is uncertain, fraught with both light and shadow. If we are not annihilated, perhaps... this will be a heaven-sent stroke of fortune!"

"You all are to select eighteen Grand Grade Level True Dragons, send them to the Human World, and give them to that First Emperor. It doesn’t matter if they serve as guardian beasts of the nation or are used to pull his carriage!"

...

「Meanwhile, in the Nine Netherworld.」

"So, we’re really dead?" Chen Ye was a bit dazed.

Beside him, Qing He Daoist silently nodded.

"This should be the legendary Underworld."

As he spoke, he grimaced in pain. Because he had been a True Immortal in life, he was given "special attention"—his spiritual body was pierced by a Soul Hook Chain, and all of his Great Magical Power was completely suppressed.

The two of them—or rather, the two souls—were shackled together with a long line of other spirits. All of them had been cultivators with impressive cultivation in their past lives. Escorted by Black and White Impermanence and overseen personally by a Judge, they were led through the Ghost Gate.

Chen Ye wanted to cry but had no tears.

"Daoist Qing He, our deaths were so senseless..."

The presiding Judge shot them a glance and said flatly:

"You lot are actually lucky. Your physical bodies were devoured by that big shot, but at least your remnant souls were left behind... Stop chattering and walk quietly!"

As he spoke, the Black Impermanence at their side cracked his whip, making Qing He Daoist and Chen Ye grimace. It was a blow that struck their very souls, the pain searing directly into their True Spirits!