Chapter 1152: A Legacy for the Ages

Under the expectant gazes of everyone, Fang Chen shook his head. "The Division Head of the Killing Spiritual Division is none other than Pu Yuanzhu, sect founder of the Divine Dao Sect. He has already withdrawn from this region, taking the four branches of the Divine Dao Sect with him."

Everyone looked at one another. Some sighed, some looked confused, while others showed expressions of realization, as if they had expected this all along.

Niu Chen said with a bitter smile, "So it really was the sect founder of the Divine Dao Sect.... I had my suspicions years ago."

Fang Chen asked, "Do any of you harbor resentment in your hearts? After all, when Pu Yuanzhu withdrew, he didn't take any of you with him."

Someone immediately replied, "The division head left in such a hurry. He must have sensed great danger, something that could shake the very foundation of the Killing Spiritual Division. We've always operated in the shadows. We were never in danger to begin with. What is there to resent?"

"Exactly."

Everyone nodded in agreement. While there was a bit of envy toward those who left with the division head, it never reached the level of resentment.

Since the Killing Spiritual Division's withdrawal from Tuxiong Star, their lives had actually become more relaxed. Many duties no longer required their involvement. Even so, after so many years, they had become accustomed to confronting the Spirit God Sect. If they caught even the faintest whiff of it, they couldn't help but act.

This time, they had come to the Northern Heavenly Gate precisely because of a subtle scent they had picked up. They had sensed the familiar trace... of the Spirit God Sect.

"As long as there's no resentment." Fang Chen smiled. "The division head had his own difficulties. If the Divine Dao Sect hadn't left when it did, there truly would have been grave danger."

Niu Chen's eyes flickered. "But now that we have you, Sword Leader Fang... isn't the situation different? The Spirit Blood Sect surely wouldn't dare clash with you. Could the Killing Spiritual Division... perhaps be reinstated?"

Fang Chen said, "The Spirit Blood Sect is known to the outside world as the Spirit God Sect. Wherever there are people, their claws reach. Their influence is vast, and they are experts at forming factions and alliances. You should also understand just how alluring the Blood Spirit Pill is to ordinary cultivators.

"Just that one thing alone is enough to make countless cultivators join either the Spirit God Sect, take refuge with them, or at least cooperate. Take the group of sword cultivators from Heavenly Sword Division of Chaotic Star for instance.

"They've received benefits from the Spirit God Sect and now serve as blades in their hand. Even if some aren't willing to cooperate, they won't help the Killing Spiritual Division oppose them either."

Fang Chen asked calmly, "Have you noticed these things over the years?"

The group fell silent.

What he said was true. Over the years of fighting against the Spirit Blood Sect, they had indeed felt pressure from forces that didn't seem to belong directly to it.

Niu Chen sighed. "Sword Leader Fang, are you saying... even if the local Spirit God Sect isn't your match, there will still be stronger reinforcements behind them?"

He could already tell from Fang Chen's words that the Killing Spiritual Division on Tuxiong Star could not be revived.

Fang Chen smiled. "But if you wish to reestablish the division. Perhaps you can look at it from a different angle. Do any of you know the Path of Yin Technique?"

Everyone's eyes flickered. They had heard of this technique before.

"We do. But we couldn't get our hands on a Soul Guiding Lantern..." said someone.

They recalled the earlier scene where Fang Chen helped Broken Mountain King employ the Path of Yin Technique using a Soul Guiding Lantern.

Niu Chen asked with curiosity, "Sword Leader Fang, is the Path of Yin Technique related to the Killing Spiritual Division, or the Spirit God Sect?"

Fang Chen looked at them and answered, "It's related to both."

***

Underworld, The Capital.

The Killing Spiritual Division.

Niu Chen and the hundred or so Killing Spiritual Division cultivators stood in stunned silence. The journey had completely shattered their previous understanding. They had already seen the legendary Yellow Springs Road and the Forgotten River, and now, before them stood a grand, imposing building proudly displaying a plaque.

"Killing Spiritual Division."

The Killing Spiritual Division existed openly here in the Underworld and commanded such overwhelming authority? They were no longer hiding in the shadows?

Niu Chen stammered with disbelief on his face. "F-Fang, Sword Leader Fang... Could this Killing Spiritual Division really be our Killing Spiritual Division?"

Fang Chen smiled and nodded.

"This very Killing Spiritual Division is exactly the one you're thinking of. As for the Spirit God Sect, they've already been driven out of this place, for the most part. Only a few remnants still lurk in hiding, and they'll be rooted out in time."

"To think... the conflict between our division and the Spirit God Sect has extended all the way from the Mortal Realm to the Underworld..."

Everyone was filled with emotion. That was something none of them had ever imagined. Even in the legendary Underworld, the Killing Spiritual Division and the Spirit God Sect were still battling.

Niu Chen quickly asked, "Sword Leader Fang, is the Killing Spiritual Division able to stand so openly here because the Spirit God Sect is no match for us in this realm?"

Fang Chen said with a smile, "In the Mortal Realm, they are strong. In the Underworld,

we

are strong. We can't be on the back foot everywhere, can we?"

"That's wonderful!"

The group exchanged looks, their expressions full of excitement and renewed energy.

At that moment, a man with a commanding presence led a group of Killing Spiritual Division cultivators out to greet them. He cupped his fist toward Fang Chen and saluted. "My lord."

Fang Chen smiled and gestured to him. "Let me introduce you. This is Niu Chen, along with his comrades. All of them are cultivators of the Killing Spiritual Division from the mortal realm."

Then he turned to Niu Chen and the others and introduced to them. "This is Marshall Xiao Lang, current Division Monarch of the Killing Spiritual Division."

Niu Chen and the rest immediately saluted, expressions solemn and filled with awe. "We pay our respects to Marshall Xiao!"

Even though the aura of the man before them wasn't particularly strong, Niu Chen and the others could tell he was a deeply hidden powerhouse. Otherwise, how could he possibly serve as the Division Monarch of the Killing Spiritual Division?

Fang Chen said with a smile, "Let's go inside and talk."

Once inside the headquarters, Niu Chen and the others eagerly began asking about the details of the Killing Spiritual Division in the underworld.

When they learned that this branch had only recently been established and was still recruiting, their eyes lit up immediately. Now that they had mastered the Path of Yin Technique, they too could contribute to this new division!

Niu Chen cupped his hands deeply. "Marshall Xiao, your deeds will echo through the ages! To establish the Killing Spiritual Division in the Underworld and drive out the Spirit God Sect... Our respect is beyond words!"

The others followed suit, bowing with great sincerity and admiration.

Marshall Xiao Lang, however, looked slightly awkward. Cold and reserved by nature, he simply gave a faint smile and said, "You misunderstand. The Killing Spiritual Division here was not founded by me. It was the young lord who established it in the Underworld. As for driving out the Spirit God Sect, even before the division was founded, nearly ninety percent of their influence here had already been wiped out. What remains are just a few stragglers. They are not worth worrying about."

The crowd was shocked once more, and they turned to look at Fang Chen.

"So it was—"

Before they could ask more, Fang Chen smiled and said, "Everyone, the reason I brought you here today is to ask you if it's possible to summon our colleagues from Central Continent, Celestial Heaven, and Northern Dipper to this place?"

Niu Chen quickly caught on, and his eyes lit up with excitement. "Sword Leader Fang, are you going to use this realm as a foundation to rebuild the Spiritual Killing Division in the Mortal Realm?"

"It's possible. Why not? If we can restart the division from here in the Underworld, it's a huge opportunity for all of us. Communication here is more discreet, and we can speak face to face without relying solely on talismans. This alone gives us a massive advantage when acting in concert."

"Fellow Daoist Niu is absolutely right. It would be much harder for Spirit God Sect remnants to detect our movements," added another person.

Everyone voiced agreement, their faces filled with energy and purpose.

Fang Chen cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I'll trouble you all to reach out to your fellow comrades. One month from now, gather at the Void Immortal Sword Sect."

Niu Chen said in a lowered voice, "There is one concern. Some remnants of the Spirit God Sect might try to sneak in. Frankly, many of our former comrades may no longer be trustworthy."

The room grew still. Though no one wanted to admit it, what he said was true.

Fang Chen smiled faintly. "That won't be a problem when the time comes. You all needn't worry."