Chapter 964: A Sinister Look Revealed

The group quickly arrived at the Unreturning City.

Fang Zhixue, Li Daoye, and the others were immediately struck by its magnificence.

The towering city walls seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions, with no visible end or depth, like an ancient, colossal beast lying dormant in this vast wilderness.

Qi Jian sighed. "Sword Leader Fang, did you know that after death, people from at least thirteen territories in the Central Continent Empire come to the Unreturning City?

"When I first ventured into the Underworld, I was deeply shocked. Just think about how many lives the thirteen territories have. Even though few can find the Yellow Springs Road, the Unreturning City has been home to countless wandering souls for many years."

Wang Xuanqing indifferently said, "As long as wandering souls have enough Yin Lifespan, they can live much longer than ordinary people. Some even outlive the lifespans of you cultivators. Over the years, the number of wandering souls in the Unreturning City has only increased.

"However, everything here, food, clothing, and daily necessities, requires the consumption of Yin Lifespan. If you can't earn enough Yin Lifespan coins, you won't survive for long."

"Do the dead still need to eat?" Li Daoye asked with a strange expression. "What do they eat? Incense or candles?"

Wang Xuanqing glanced at him but didn't answer, likely thinking that Li Daoye's cultivation was high enough to understand.

Qi Jian laughed and said, "Little brother, you're half right. However, the Underworld has far more than just those offerings. If people don't eat, they'll starve.

"Wandering souls who don't eat can easily become dazed and forget their past lives, even losing the memory of who they once were, eventually becoming muddled and lost.

"Isn't it often rumored in the mortal world that vengeful spirits harm people? If wandering souls and restless ghosts in the human world can't find food, they can easily turn into vengeful spirits, losing their humanity."

The group immediately understood.

Li Daoye smiled and cupped his hands. "Lord Qi, you sure know a lot about the Underworld. I deeply admire you."

"You'll understand these principles the more you travel here," Qi Jian said with a smile. "Later, I'll introduce some friends to you. Next time you enter the Underworld, they'll sense your presence and come to guide you."

As they spoke, the group arrived at a manor. It was a grand and impressive structure, with two paper servant figures standing at the entrance.

Upon seeing Qi Jian, the two paper servants stepped forward and greeted him. "Master."

"Go tell the housekeeper that I'll be hosting guests today. Ask him to prepare some extra good food," Qi Jian ordered. He then glanced at Wang Xuanqing. "Friend Wang, if any of your subordinates have time, feel free to bring them along as well."

Wang Xuanqing nodded slightly, signaling to one of his subordinates, who immediately understood and turned to leave.

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Li Daoye and the others were astonished. They hadn't expected Qi Jian to own such a grand place in the Underworld. While they were shocked by this, they were also a little envious.

Inside the mansion, aside from the paper servants, some wandering souls were also serving as attendants. They were respectful and cautious, ensuring that they did not show any sign of disrespect while serving guests.

At that moment, a young man entered the hall with a few wandering soul servants. "Father, I heard we have guests today?"

Upon seeing Li Daoye, Fang Zhixue, and the others, he couldn't help but silently marvel. More and more people had entered the Underworld. There were over a hundred this time.

Qi Jian smiled slightly and pulled Qi Ran forward, bringing him face-to-face with Fang Chen. "Ah, Ran'er, you're just in time. I believe you're not unfamiliar with Swordmaster Fang, right?"

Swordmaster Fang?

Qi Ran's expression changed slightly. He stared at Fang Chen for a few moments, and his face gradually darkened. The Yin energy around him seemed to grow restless, swirling in agitation.

Qi Ran sneered. "It's you... I didn't expect to run into you here."

"So it's Young Master Qi Ran," said Fang Chen, smiling. "It's been a few years since we last met."

Qi Jian sighed. "Ran'er, although it was Swordmaster Fang who killed you back then, so much time has passed. You should let it go by now."

The group was stunned, sensing that something was off.

"Brother, did you really kill this person?" Fang Zhixue asked in an odd tone, gently tugging at Fang Chen's sleeve.

If this was the person her brother had killed, then why was he so casually chatting with Qi Jian all this time? Moreover, Qi Jian didn't seem to bear any grudge toward Fang Chen for killing his son....

Qi Ran wore a cold smile. "Swordmaster Fang, if it weren't for my father mentioning you during our recent travels in the Underworld, I would never have thought that you made such a name for yourself in the Central Continent Empire. You've even won the sword sects in the Northern Dipper and Celestial Heaven. Heh, truly impressive.

"I can give my father face and let go of the grudge between us, but I hope you return what is rightfully mine."

Qi Ran's voice carried an air of menace. "Back then, the opportunity inside that immortal tomb should have been mine, but not only did you take it from me, you even sent me down to the Yellow Springs. Now, I am merely asking you to return what is rightfully mine. Is that too much to ask?"

Fang Chen shook his head with a smile. "Young Master, you misunderstand. Opportunities are earned by one's own strength and means."

He turned to look at Qi Jian. "Don't you agree with that, Manor Lord Qi?"

"If this were in the Mortal Realm, your words would hold some weight." Qi Jian smiled. "With Wang Zhenlong backing you, and that figure from the Desolate Academy watching over you, I, a mere Daoist, would indeed find it difficult to reason with you. But Swordmaster Fang, don't forget, this is the Underworld, the Unreturning City. Without Yin Lifespan Coins, even if I let you go, do you think you could leave this place?"

The group's expressions grew serious. They had apparently fallen into a trap.

Qi Jian sighed slightly. "You had a chance to return before crossing the Forgotten River, Swordmaster Fang. But you were too naive. You actually believe that after killing my son, I will let you leave without you paying any price? If this were the Mortal Realm, I would hesitate, but here in the Underworld, it is not difficult to quietly deal with all of you."

He gestured toward the outside of the mansion, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Outside the mansion, the Night Walker General has already surrounded the area with his army. Not even a fly..."

He pointed at Fang Chen. "Not even a fly could escape, let alone you."

On the side, Qi Ran looked smug and satisfied.

Fang Chen replied, "Yin Walkers are not allowed to fight openly within the city, and those with official positions in the Underworld are also not permitted to interfere in the affairs of the Yin Walkers. You seem intent on breaking two rules in a row, Manor Lord Qi. If this gets out, it might not be good."

Qi Jian turned and sat back in his main seat, taking a sip of tea that a servant had prepared for him. "Do you understand what 'the heavens are high and the emperor is far away' means? Rules are dead, but people are alive.

"Now, Swordmaster Fang, you only have one choice. Hand over your inheritance, and I will let you leave without punishment, leaving here without a scratch."

"Leave? Go back to the Mortal Realm?" mused Fang Chen.

Qi Jian shook his head with a smile. "Of course not. If you go to the Void Immortal Sword Sect or the Desolate Academy to accuse me, what would a mere Daoist like myself be able to bear? I will let you go... peacefully. Dust to dust, and earth to earth."

The group's expressions turned grim as they cautiously scanned their surroundings.

Finally, the Azure Dao Manor Lord revealed his true nature in the Underworld, intending to send their ancestor's soul to oblivion!

This was a complete reversal from his previous friendly demeanor.

"Truly a deceitful old villain," muttered Li Daoye.

He instinctively wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, but instead of wiping sweat, he touched a swirling mass of Yin energy and whispered, "Young Master, do you have any trump cards to crush him with?"