While Li Mu and Qingyang Zi were gathering information on the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, a fierce battle was raging in the core region outside the domain.
The Nine Underworld Demon Emperor stood in the Void Realm, his figure tall and obscured by dense Nine Nether Qi, not revealing his true form. With a casual wave of his hand, a continuous stream of Nine Nether Qi poured into the Nine Underworlds Great Array.
Within the Nine Underworlds Great Array, Nine Nether Fiend Corpses materialized out of thin air. They were clad in black robes, with crimson eyes, and wielded terrifying Demonic Qi weapons, like dead warriors returned from Hell, charging madly at the few individuals within the array, their killing intent filling the air.
Inside the Nine Underworlds Great Array, the Sect Master of Xuantian Sword Sect, wielding the Xuantian Sword, unleashed sword light like a Dragon.
The Xuantian Sword suddenly erupted with dazzling light, transforming into a massive light-sword Dragon, circling in the air with deafening Dragon roars, then plummeting down to instantly devour and annihilate a group of Nine Nether Fiend Corpses.
Renhui Holy Monk of Great Buddha Temple, holding the temple's treasure, the Vajra Pestle, radiated golden Buddhist light, resembling a living Buddha walking among mortals.
He chanted scriptures, and the Vajra Pestle grew larger, emitting brilliant golden light, each strike accompanied by thunderous roars, shattering the charging Nine Nether Fiend Corpses into dust.
"Amitabha, my Buddha is merciful!" Renhui Holy Monk's voice was gentle, and his Buddhist domain expanded, instantly purifying all evil, causing the surrounding Nine Nether Fiend Corpses to slow down considerably as they approached him.
At the same time, Lingyun Old Daoist of Taiyi Sect, grasping the Sect's supreme treasure, the Taiyi Divine Pearl, radiated endless Spiritual Qi fluctuations as light swirled around it.
Lingyun Old Daoist closed his eyes in concentration, raising the Taiyi Divine Pearl high, and silently chanted a spell.
The Taiyi Divine Pearl erupted with dazzling light, transforming into a massive Spiritual Power shield that firmly protected the few individuals within the array and their surrounding area.
"Taiyi Divine Light, protect my mind, all evil shall not invade!"
Lingyun Old Daoist's voice was deep and powerful, and as his words fell, the divine light shield became even more solid, making it impossible for even the Nine Nether Fiend Corpses controlled by the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor to break through in the slightest, constantly guarding the fighting Cultivators.
At this moment, the three Dao Lords displayed their ultimate techniques.
Chen Qingxuan, with the Gengjin Dao Sword in hand, unleashed a roaring golden giant tiger.
Wherever the tiger's shadow passed, the Nine Nether Fiend Corpses were all reduced to dust.
The Gengjin Qi was incredibly sharp, even cutting through space, demonstrating his powerful strength as a Gengjin Dao Body.
Feng Wuhen's Qinghong Dao Sword shone brightly, and the Azure Dragon formed by his Sword Intent coiled in the air, its Dragon roar shaking the Nine Heavens.
Each strike contained the ultimate power of the Wind Origin, slaughtering the charging Nine Nether Fiend Corpses one by one.
Wherever Feng Wuhen's traces went, the Devilish Qi dissipated, leaving behind a clear space.
Qi Xuanming, on the other hand, held the Taixuan Dao Sword and set up an exquisitely intricate Sword Array.
Within the Sword Array, sword light flickered, and Sword Intent surged.
Each Flying Sword seemed to have its own consciousness, attacking or defending, combining or dispersing, slaying the enemies attempting to break through the Sword Array one by one.
Within the Sword Array, it formed its own world.
For a time, the entire Nine Underworld Star Region was enveloped in an unprecedented atmosphere of terror.
The fierce battle between the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, relying on the Nine Underworlds Great Array, and the six Dao Lords, caused the entire Star Domain to tremble.
The scattered meteorites around lost their original orbits, flying wildly, and the light of the surrounding stars dimmed, all affected by this terrifying battle.
As the battle grew more intense, the Demonic Qi within the Nine Underworlds Great Array became denser, almost solidifying, dyeing the entire space a deep black.
And those Nine Nether Fiend Corpses, under the control of the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, surged forward like a tide, each charge accompanied by endless wails and roars.
They seemed tireless and impervious to pain, knowing only to rush forward, forward, until they turned into nothingness.
"Fellow Daoist Xuantian, is there a way to break the array? This fiend relies on the terrain of the Nine Nether Land, and his Origin is inexhaustible.
We already have the enhancement of our Sect's precious treasures, we should not continue to entangle with him!" Lingyun Old Daoist transmitted his inquiry to the Xuantian Sect Master.
Old Man Xuantian's brows were tightly furrowed, and his Xuantian Sword continuously unleashed streaks of Sword Qi, covering the entire great array, seemingly sensing something through it.
"The Nine Underworlds Great Array was established by the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor using the entire Nine Underworld Star Region as its Foundation, gathering endless Nine Nether Qi.
Its power is extraordinary, and breaking the array is by no means easy.
If we can find the core hub of the great array and destroy its ability to absorb and transform, the source of the Nether Corpses will be cut off, and this battle will have a chance to break the deadlock."
"Fellow Daoist Renhui, your Buddhist Dharma is profound, can you illuminate it with Buddhist light and guide us to find the core location?" The Xuantian Sect Master turned to Renhui Holy Monk, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Renhui Holy Monk clasped his hands together, closed his eyes in contemplation for a moment, then slowly opened them, his eyes shimmering with compassion and wisdom: "Amitabha, this poor monk is willing to try.
But the power of this array is immense, and it will require the concerted efforts of all Fellow Daoists to resist the Nether Corpses and buy time for this poor monk."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
Chen Qingxuan, Feng Wuhen, and Qi Xuanming, the three Dao Lords, intensified their Sword Intent, clearing an open space around them from the Nine Nether Fiend Corpses, creating a relatively safe area for Renhui Holy Monk.
Lingyun Old Daoist of Taiyi Sect even pushed the Taiyi Divine Pearl to its limit, the Taiyi Profound Light like a blazing sun, dispelling the surrounding darkness and providing a pure space for Renhui Holy Monk's actions.
Renhui Holy Monk performed a Buddhist salute, his eyes slightly closed, his body radiating brilliant Buddhist light, and Buddhist chants resonated.
A Great Buddha phantom instantly magnified a hundredfold, a thousandfold, ten thousandfold, penetrating towards the core region of the entire great array.
As Renhui Holy Monk delved deeper, the Nine Underworlds Great Array seemed to feel unprecedented pressure and began to fluctuate violently.
In the Void Realm, the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor's figure let out a cold snort, spreading his hands, and dense Nine Nether Qi surged like a tide, attempting to stop the penetration of the Great Buddha phantom.
"Hmph, a Great Buddha descending, Buddhist light illuminating, and you think this can peek into my Nine Underworlds Great Array? Wishful thinking!" The Nine Underworld Demon Emperor's voice echoed in the Void Realm, filled with endless mockery and disdain.
He waved his large hand, and the Nine Nether Qi gathered, forming gigantic black Demonic Claws that clawed towards the Great Buddha phantom.
However, Renhui Holy Monk remained unmoved, his eyes still slightly closed, Buddhist chants resonating, and Buddhist light shining brightly.
The Great Buddha phantom, illuminated by the Buddhist light, appeared even more solemn and sacred.
Just then, Old Man Xuantian's Xuantian Sword burst forth with dazzling light, unleashing an earth-shattering Sword Qi.
This Sword Qi, like a Dragon soaring through the Nine Heavens, directly struck the black Demonic Claws attempting to obstruct the Great Buddha phantom.
"Boom!" With a loud crash, the Sword Qi and Demonic Claws collided, erupting in dazzling light, and the entire Nine Underworlds Great Array trembled.
Old Man Xuantian's strike successfully resisted the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor's obstruction, buying precious time for Renhui Holy Monk.
"Fellow Daoist Xuantian, Fellow Daoist Lingyun, the eye of the great array is located in the heart of the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, that is the source of his power and the core hub of the Nine Underworlds Great Array!" Renhui Holy Monk's voice resonated in everyone's minds, reminding them.
"What! Using his body as the array? What kind of Cultivation Technique is this?" Lingyun Old Daoist's face changed drastically upon hearing this.
Having cultivated for many years, he had never heard of such a crazy Cultivation Technique.
Using one's body as an array, forming one's own domain, this was undoubtedly challenging Heaven and Earth, seeking one's own demise.
"No wonder this fiend was the sworn enemy of various Sects in the Spirit Realm during ancient times.
Using his body as an array, he must devour a realm to achieve his supreme Demonic Technique.
If he succeeds in cultivating such an evil art, I fear the entire Spirit Realm will fall into eternal perdition." Old Man Xuantian's expression was solemn, his eyes flickering with determination.
"Since the array eye is located where the Devil Emperor's true body is, however, this fiend is incredibly cunning and will never easily expose his true location.
We must find a way to lure out his true body before we have a chance to break the array." Old Man Xuantian transmitted to everyone, indicating.
"Lure out his true body?" Renhui Holy Monk frowned slightly, knowing the difficulty involved, and quickly warned: "Since the Devil Emperor uses his body as the array, he must have a trump card.
It will likely not be easy to lure out his true body."
While resisting the Nine Nether Fiend Corpses, everyone pondered countermeasures.
"Actually, it's not impossible.
I once read about a secret art in an ancient book, called 'Illusionary Heart Guidance,' which can draw out the deepest obsessions in a person's heart.
If we use this method, it might amplify his killing intent and make him unable to resist revealing himself!" At this moment, Qi Xuanming suddenly spoke up, proposing.
"Illusionary Heart Guidance?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.
Although this secret art does not directly attack the enemy, it cleverly uses psychological tactics, especially effective against hidden and elusive enemies.
"But this secret art requires extremely high Mental Energy control, and the caster must endure immense mental pressure and potential backlash, which is a great test of one's will and cultivation." Old Man Xuantian added, with a hint of worry in his tone.
"I understand." Qi Xuanming nodded, his gaze firm, "But the situation is urgent.
If we don't take a risk, I fear we won't find a way to break the deadlock.
I am willing to bear this risk and perform 'Illusionary Heart Guidance.'"
"Fellow Daoist Qi, your willingness is commendable, but this matter concerns our life and death, and cannot be taken lightly." Just then, Lingyun Old Daoist suddenly spoke, warning.
"Old man observes your cultivation.
Since you have just recently advanced to the Mahayana Realm, if you use 'Illusionary Heart Guidance' against this ancient Cultivator - the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, not only will it be difficult to succeed, but it is highly likely that you will suffer a backlash from his powerful Mental Energy, leading to damage to your mind, a drop in cultivation, or even being counter-killed by him!" Lingyun Old Daoist added.
"Indeed so, the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor's cultivation is heaven-reaching, and his Foundation is profound, by no means can we easily shake him." Old Man Xuantian said in a deep voice, his eyes revealing deep apprehension towards the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, and he added in a solemn tone: "His Mental Energy is so strong, it has probably reached the Transcendent state.
Xuanming, the risk of you using 'Illusionary Heart Guidance' on him is simply too great, let's drop this matter!"
"Then what should we do? At this moment, we are trapped within this Nine Underworlds Great Array.
If we cannot break out quickly, defeat is only a matter of time!"
Qi Xuanming's face paled slightly, but he quickly adjusted, his eyes still flickering with indomitable light, and he said in a deep voice: "As Cultivators, what do we fear of death?
If I can use my own strength to gain an opportunity for everyone to break the array, even if I die and my Dao disappears, I will not hesitate!"
Looking at Qi Xuanming's resolute expression, a sense of respect arose in everyone's hearts.
"Fellow Daoist Qi, your courage is commendable, but this matter still requires careful consideration." Lingyun Old Daoist sighed, and advised: "We might as well first combine our efforts to resist the Nine Nether Fiend Corpses, while simultaneously searching for other ways to break the array."
"Fellow Daoist Lingyun is right." Old Man Xuantian nodded in agreement.
Just then, Renhui Holy Monk suddenly spoke, with a hint of pleasant surprise: "Fellow Daoists, this poor monk seems to have sensed some subtle changes in the core of the great array.
Perhaps, we can try approaching it from another angle."
"Oh? We would like to hear the details." Everyone turned their gaze to Renhui Holy Monk upon hearing this.
Renhui Holy Monk smiled slightly and explained: "Although the Nine Underworlds Great Array has the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor as its core, the array itself is also an independent existence.
It absorbs Nine Nether Qi and transforms it into the source of the Devil Emperor's power.
If we can destroy the array's transformation mechanism, even if we cannot directly harm the Devil Emperor, we can greatly weaken his power."
"That's a good idea." Old Man Xuantian's eyes lit up, "We can divide some of our forces, specifically to attack the array's transformation nodes, while others continue to resist the Nine Nether Fiend Corpses, buying time for those attacking the nodes."
"Worth a try!"
Everyone agreed and began to prepare.
Soon, under the guidance of Renhui Holy Monk, everyone found several key transformation nodes of the great array.
These nodes were located in the array's core, seemingly inconspicuous, but in reality, they were crucial for the array's operation.
Old Man Xuantian, Lingyun Old Daoist, Chen Qingxuan, Feng Wuhen, and others all displayed their ultimate techniques, eliminating a large number of Nine Nether Fiend Corpses while launching fierce attacks on these nodes.
Seeing this scene, the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, who was controlling the Nine Underworlds Great Array, revealed a successful sneer in the corner of his eye, secretly delighted: "These ants, after all, have fallen into my calculations.
Do they think they can break the array by finding the transformation nodes? Hmph, how naive!
These nodes are merely a false appearance that I deliberately leaked to distract them, so that I can have the opportunity to gather more powerful strength and annihilate them all in one fell swoop!"
The Nine Underworld Demon Emperor sneered in his heart, his expression outwardly calm, continuing to control the Nine Underworlds Great Array, making the Nine Nether Qi surge even more violently towards those so-called "transformation nodes."
At the same time, he secretly mobilized his true core power, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to these ants at the critical moment.
However, just as the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor thought everything was under control, Lingyun Old Daoist's eyes suddenly narrowed.
The Taiyi Divine Pearl in his hand burst forth with dazzling light, as if it had perceived some unknown secret.
"Everyone, stop attacking!" Lingyun Old Daoist's voice resounded in everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable authority.
He activated the Taiyi Divine Pearl and chanted: "Taiyi Divine Light, illuminate my heart, reveal illusions, break through falsehoods and manifest truth!"
As Lingyun Old Daoist finished his incantation, the Taiyi Divine Pearl erupted with unprecedented brilliant light.
The light, like the first ray of dawn, pierced through the layers of Nine Nether Qi mist, directly shining into the deep core of the great array.
In that instant, the entire Nine Underworlds Great Array was touched by a mysterious force and began to tremble violently.
"Fellow Daoists, look!" Lingyun Old Daoist pointed forward, and they saw that on those "transformation nodes" that everyone had been attacking, the Nine Nether Qi suddenly became thin, as if being drained by some force.
And at the same time, at the location of the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, an even denser, purer Nine Nether Qi was rapidly converging, forming a gigantic vortex. (End of Chapter)
