“These are the true transformation nodes!” Renhui Holy Monk instantly understood Lingyun Old Daoist’s intention and exclaimed in surprise, “So those nodes were just bait! The real core of the transformation is hidden around the Devil Emperor’s main body, using his own power for the purest transformation!”
Old Man Xuantian’s eyes flickered, and he praised, “Fellow Daoist Lingyun, your Wisdom Eye is truly sharp! We were almost deceived by the Devil Emperor!”
“There’s no time to lose! Seize this opportunity, and let us destroy those transformation nodes with all our might!” Lingyun Old Daoist commanded, urging them on.
Seeing this, Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s expression remained unchanged, as if he didn’t care at all. He continued to manipulate the Nine Underworlds Great Array, conjuring an endless stream of Nine Nether Corpse Demons, which surged forth like a black river, engulfing the six individuals.
Facing the tide-like Nine Nether Corpse Demons, the six did not retreat; instead, each unleashed even more powerful ultimate techniques.
Old Man Xuantian’s body swelled, his Peak Dao Monarch Sword Domain fully opened, transforming into a stream of light. Holding the Xuantian Sword, his Sword Qi was like a Dragon, directly charging into the black river. Wherever he passed, the Nine Nether Corpse Demons were shredded by the Sword Qi, turning into Void Realm.
“Xuantian Sword Art, Dragon Roar Nine Heavens!” Old Man Xuantian roared, and the Xuantian Sword suddenly burst forth with dazzling light, transforming into a colossal light Sword Dragon, circling in the air, emitting deafening Dragon roars, and then plunging down, heading straight for the transformation nodes around Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s main body.
Renhua Holy Monk clasped his hands, chanting scriptures, his entire body radiating golden Buddha light. In a flash, he transformed into a Great Buddha enlarged ten thousand times. With a movement of his body, he swung down his gigantic Vajra Pestle.
“Vajra’s Wrathful Gaze, Subdue Demons and Monsters!”
Renhua Holy Monk roared, and the Vajra Pestle suddenly grew larger, emitting brilliant golden light, accompanied by thunderous roars, shattering the charging Nine Nether Corpse Demons one by one. At the same time, the Vajra Pestle transformed into a golden pillar of light, directly striking those transformation nodes, attempting to destroy them.
Lingyun Old Daoist, on the other hand, held the Taiyi Divine Pearl in his hands, closing his eyes in concentration, and raising the Taiyi Divine Pearl high.
“Taiyi Divine Light, Break Illusions and Reveal Truth!” The Taiyi Divine Pearl burst forth with dazzling light, transforming into a massive spiritual energy shield that firmly protected the few individuals within the array. Simultaneously, streams of divine light shot out from the spiritual energy shield, directly targeting those transformation nodes, attempting to break them open.
At this moment, Chen Qingxuan, Feng Wuhen, and Qi Xuanming, the three Dao Monarchs, were not to be outdone, each unleashing their most formidable killing moves.
Chen Qingxuan, with the Gengjin Dao Sword in hand, roared as a golden giant tiger emerged. Wherever the tiger shadow passed, the Nine Nether Corpse Demons were reduced to dust; Feng Wuhen’s Qinghong Dao Sword’s Sword Qi blazed, and the azure giant Dragon formed by his Sword Intent coiled in the air, its Dragon roars shaking the Nine Heavens; Qi Xuanming, holding the Taixuan Dao Sword, set up an exquisitely intricate Sword Array. Within the Sword Array, Sword Qi flickered, and Sword Intent surged, slaying the Nine Nether Corpse Demons attempting to Breakthrough one by one.
For a time, Sword Qi, Buddha light, and divine light intertwined throughout the entire Nine Underworlds Great Array, forming dazzling curtains of light.
“Hmph, mere ants, daring to try and shake this Emperor’s Great Array?” Nine Underworld Demon Emperor coldly snorted, waving his hands. Dense Nine Nether Qi surged like a tide, and the Nine Underworlds Great Array underwent a major change.
“Not good, the Devil Emperor is changing the array!” Lingyun Old Daoist’s eyes sharpened, instantly sensing the change in the Great Array, and his expression became solemn.
The next moment, the Nine Nether Qi converged towards hundreds of points, and each convergence point suddenly erupted with intense light. Then, hundreds of Clones, identical to Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, leaped out from those light points. They were surrounded by dense Nine Nether Qi, their eyes flickering with profound light, as if they were true demonic entities that had emerged from the depths of the Jiuyou Domain.
“Each of these Clones possesses a portion of my power!” Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s voice echoed through the array, tinged with a hint of triumph and mockery, “You thought finding the true transformation nodes would break the array? Too naive! Prepare to die!”
As Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s words fell, the Clones seemed to receive an invisible command, instantly launching a fierce offensive. Some wielded shadowy longswords, others condensed Nine Nether energy spheres, each move containing destructive power, swiftly attacking the six individuals.
“Hmph, mere parlor tricks!” Old Man Xuantian coldly snorted, swinging the Xuantian Sword to unleash sharp Sword Qi, each strike precisely targeting the Clones’ vital points.
However, these Clones were like phantoms, sometimes solid, sometimes illusory, causing Old Man Xuantian’s attacks to repeatedly miss their mark.
Renhua Holy Monk continuously swung the Vajra Pestle in his hand, drawing golden trajectories. Thunderous roars reverberated, causing the surrounding space to tremble slightly. Yet, the Clones seemed to possess immortal bodies; even when struck by the Vajra Pestle, they merely swayed slightly before reappearing before everyone, completely unharmed.
Lingyun Old Daoist’s spiritual energy shield, released by the Taiyi Divine Pearl, formed an unbreakable barrier in front of the six, blocking the Clones’ attacks one by one. However, the sheer number of Clones was too great, and the power of each attack was astonishing, putting immense pressure on Lingyun Old Daoist.
Chen Qingxuan, Feng Wuhen, and Qi Xuanming, the three Dao Monarchs, also exerted all their abilities, engaging in fierce combat with the Devil Emperor’s Clones. However, these Devil Emperor Clones seemed endless; whenever one was defeated, a new Clone would condense from the Nine Nether Qi and continue fighting.
Facing these endless Nine Nether Clones, the six gradually realized that this was not a long-term solution. Their power was rapidly depleting, while Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s Clones seemed inexhaustible.
“Retreat quickly! We can’t keep Breakthrough like this; only by destroying the Devil Emperor’s main body can we break this array! And in the current situation, that seems difficult to achieve!” Lingyun Old Daoist transmitted to everyone, signaling them to return, and at the same time, he fully activated the Taiyi Divine Pearl to strengthen their defense.
Upon hearing this, everyone understood. They quickly adjusted their tactics, no longer engaging with Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s Clones. Using the spiritual energy shield released by Lingyun Old Daoist’s Taiyi Divine Pearl, they slowly gathered together to discuss countermeasures.
“Nine Underworld Demon Emperor occupies the strategic advantage of the Jiuyou Domain, which provides him with an endless supply of Nine Nether Origin to power the Great Array. Fighting him in this domain is akin to hitting a stone with an egg…” Chen Qingxuan’s brows were tightly furrowed as he analyzed in a low voice.
“Indeed, this place is not suitable for prolonged battle. We must find a way to leave the Jiuyou Domain and seek a method to break the array.” Feng Wuhen nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with strategic thought, as if he had thought of something.
“It’s difficult! Nine Underworld Demon Emperor wouldn’t easily let us leave!” Qi Xuanming worried. He also had some knowledge of array formations, but facing this Nine Underworlds Great Array, he felt powerless.
“We have been trapped in this array for hundreds of years, and we are quite familiar with the Nine Underworlds Great Array. I didn’t expect this fiend to hide so deeply, and for the Nine Underworlds Great Array to have such variations, causing our plan to fail completely!” Lingyun Old Daoist said in a deep, resentful tone.
Originally, they had entrusted Chen Qingxuan to find the three supreme treasures of the three sects—the Xuantian Sword, the Taiyi Divine Pearl, and the Vajra Pestle—preparing to break the Great Array set up by Nine Underworld Demon Emperor in one fell swoop and kill him. However, they didn’t expect Nine Underworld Demon Emperor to be so cunning and hide so deeply, not only foiling their plans but also trapping the three Dao Monarchs of Xuantian Sword Sect and others in this array, while Taiyi Sect’s Vice Sect Master, Xu Wen, and Great Buddha Temple’s Jin Wu, both perished here.
“The current plan is to combine our strength, first withdraw from the Jiuyou Domain, and then plan our next move.” Old Man Xuantian said, slashing down more than a dozen Devil Emperor Clones.
...
While dealing with Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s Clones, everyone communicated through Divine Thought, discussing strategies to counter the enemy. The Nine Underworlds Great Array, controlled by Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, was too formidable, and they had already considered retreating.
“If Elder Li were here, it would be great. He is skilled in array arts and should have a way to deal with this Nine Underworlds Great Array.” Feng Wuhen said in a deep voice.
“I happen to have a teleportation Artifact Refining tool that Elder Li gave me for self-defense. I wonder if using it here can take me away from this place.” Chen Qingxuan suddenly thought of something and spoke out.
“Within the Nine Underworlds Great Array, array power is rampant, and Nine Nether Qi distorts space. Ordinary teleportation Artifact Refining tools might find it difficult to activate stably, and the risk is extremely high.” Upon hearing this, Lingyun Old Daoist frowned slightly and quickly reminded him.
“But now we are in a desperate situation. If we don’t try, are we truly going to sit and wait for death?” Chen Qingxuan’s gaze was firm as he continued, “Moreover, this sect’s Elder Li is unparalleled in array and Artifact Refining. The true Artifact Refining tools he refines must be extraordinary. Since he gave this item to me, there must be a reason for it. Perhaps this is our glimmer of hope.”
Saying this, Chen Qingxuan slowly took out a peculiar teleportation Artifact Refining tool from his storage ring. It was a five-colored circular disc, not only engraved with complex Artifact Refining symbols but also imbued with the profound principles of heaven and earth. It gathered the Five Elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth as its foundation, each occupying a quadrant, mutually restraining yet interdependent, forming a subtle balance.
The center of the disc was inlaid with a spatial-temporal crystal that shimmered with a strange light. As Chen Qingxuan injected spiritual energy, it emitted a soft yet powerful glow. In the chaotic and dark environment of the Nine Underworlds Great Array, it displayed extraordinary adaptability, as if it formed its own Small World.
“This Artifact Refining tool has an extraordinary appearance!” Renhui Holy Monk praised after a quick glance.
“Elder Li’s Artifact Refining skill is naturally beyond doubt; the Dao Swords in the hands of us three are all his handiwork.” Feng Wuhen quickly interjected, indicating.
Upon hearing this, Old Man Xuantian, Lingyun Old Daoist, and Renhui Holy Monk exchanged glances. They naturally didn’t know this ‘Elder Li,’ but the fact that the Dao Swords in the hands of the three Dao Monarchs were all made by him confirmed his Artifact Refining standard.
“There’s no time to lose. I will immediately activate this Five Elements Void Escape Disc and attempt to break through the Nine Underworlds Great Array’s Seal and take us away from here. Please, Seniors, lend me a hand!” As Chen Qingxuan spoke, he gently touched the five-colored disc with both hands, spiritual energy surging and flowing along the complex Artifact Refining symbols, activating the core of the Artifact Refining tool.
Under Chen Qingxuan’s guidance, the five-colored light on the Five Elements Void Escape Disc grew increasingly brilliant. The Five Elements forces of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth intertwined, forming a miniature Five Elements Small World, as if independent of the Nine Underworlds Great Array.
Seeing this, Renhui Holy Monk, Lingyun Old Daoist, and Old Man Xuantian exchanged glances, understanding. Each unleashed their secret techniques to assist Chen Qingxuan, ensuring that the Five Elements Void Escape Disc could be smoothly activated and isolate them from the Nine Nether Array’s interference.
Renhua Holy Monk clasped his hands and began chanting ancient Buddhist mantras. Golden Buddha light burst forth from his body, transforming into a golden curtain of light that enveloped everyone. This light curtain not only possessed powerful defensive capabilities but also contained purifying power, dispelling the surrounding Nine Nether Qi.
“Vajra Indestructible, Buddha Light Illuminates All!” Renhua Holy Monk roared, and the golden light curtain instantly became even more solid, as if even space itself was stabilized by it, making it difficult for Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s Clones and Nine Nether Qi to approach.
Lingyun Old Daoist quickly formed hand Seals, muttering incantations, and activated the Taiyi Divine Pearl to release waves of spiritual energy imbued with taiji diagram patterns. These fluctuations resonated wonderfully with the Five Elements power on the Five Elements Void Escape Disc. The Taiyi Divine Pearl floated in mid-air, slowly rotating, emitting a soft light that intertwined with Renhua Holy Monk’s Buddha light, together constructing an unbreakable defensive barrier.
“Taiyi gives birth to Two Forms, Two Forms transform into Four Symbols, Four Symbols evolve into Eight Trigrams, Eight Trigrams determine auspiciousness and misfortune! Taiyi Protection, Eight Trigrams Seal, Seal!” Lingyun Old Daoist chanted the incantation. As his words fell, eight rotating spiritual energy whirlpools suddenly appeared around the Taiyi Divine Pearl, each representing a trigram. They rotated at an astonishing speed, releasing powerful Seal power, firmly sealing the surrounding Nine Nether Qi and Devil Emperor Clones outside.
Old Man Xuantian, holding the Xuantian Sword, lightly tapped its tip, and a Sword Intent soared into the sky, echoing the Sword Intent on the Five Elements Void Escape Disc, forming the Prototype of a Sword Domain. His body moved slightly, and Sword Qi, like a Dragon, carved dazzling Sword marks in the air. Each Sword mark contained endless Sword Intent, as if it could cut through all worldly restraints.
“Sword Domain Open, Myriad Swords Return to Origin! Protect the array with Sword Intent, break the restraints of all laws!”
Old Man Xuantian roared, and the Sword Domain suddenly expanded, completely enveloping everyone. Sword Intent surged, complementing the Five Elements power on the Five Elements Void Escape Disc, forming an unbreakable defensive array.
With the full assistance of the three Seniors, Chen Qingxuan felt the Five Elements power on the Five Elements Void Escape Disc growing increasingly turbulent, resonating with the Five Elements elements between heaven and earth. He pressed his hands firmly on the five-colored disc, injecting all his spiritual energy without reservation.
“Five Elements Void Escape, Space-Time Shuttle, Activate!”
As Chen Qingxuan roared, the spatial-temporal crystal on the Five Elements Void Escape Disc suddenly burst forth with dazzling light. The entire Artifact Refining tool seemed to be activated, beginning to vibrate violently. At the same time, a rotating passage formed by Five Elements power slowly unfolded before everyone’s eyes.
“Trying to escape! Dream on!”
Nine Underworld Demon Emperor roared, his figure suddenly disappearing from its original spot. The next moment, he appeared before the Five Elements Void Escape Disc, raising his hand to unleash a dense stream of Nine Nether Devilish Qi, attempting to interrupt the spatial-temporal passage that was about to form.
Old Man Xuantian had already sensed it. With a flash of Sword Qi, the Xuantian Sword transformed into a sharp Sword Qi that collided with the Nine Nether Devilish Qi, erupting in a deafening roar. Renhua Holy Monk and Lingyun Old Daoist also attacked simultaneously, their Buddha light and taiji diagram intertwining to form a solid protective net, deflecting Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s attacks one by one.
“You’ve come at just the right time!” Old Man Xuantian coldly snorted, a hint of joy in his eyes, as he advanced with the Xuantian Sword instead of retreating.
“Xuantian Boundless! Kill!”
Old Man Xuantian murmured. The Xuantian Sword’s Sword Qi flashed, and its blade seemed to merge into the Void Realm, leaving only a faint Sword shadow. Its sharp Sword Intent pointed directly at Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s Sea of Consciousness.
“Vajra’s Wrathful Gaze, Break Evil and Manifest Righteousness!”
Renhua Holy Monk glared, his entire body radiating brilliant Buddha light, and he slammed his palm fiercely towards Nine Underworld Demon Emperor.
“Taiyi Divine Light, Reverse Heaven and Earth!”
Lingyun Old Daoist quickly formed hand Seals, and the Taiyi Divine Pearl rotated rapidly. The Taiyi Divine Pearl released a dazzling light that formed a gigantic taiji diagram in the air, enveloping Nine Underworld Demon Emperor.
Chen Qingxuan, Feng Wuhen, and Qi Xuanming all made their moves. At this point, with the appearance of Nine Underworld Demon Emperor’s true body, their objective had changed; it was no longer to break the array and leave, but to slay him in one fell swoop.
Just as they were fighting fiercely, outside the Nine Underworlds Great Array, a group of demonic figures suddenly appeared. (End of Chapter)
