[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-after-the-immortals-disappeared":3,"chapter-after-the-immortals-disappeared-after-the-immortals-disappeared-chapter-940":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","After the Immortals Disappeared",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2284824,4468,"Chapter 940: Long Hao","after-the-immortals-disappeared-chapter-940",940,"\u003Cp>Huang Zhao and Min Tianxi both flatly denied that it was their side that spread the news. He Lingchuan tentatively believed them, so he suspected the source of the news was the Third Island Master, Yue Pinghe. Aside from the Bailie people, Yue Pinghe was likely the one who least wanted He Lingchuan to be deified, as this would increase the difficulty of his negotiations with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pirates before him braved wind and waves, making a living by licking blood off the blade. He Lingchuan knew very well that to make such people feel awe, he needed to display a \"miracle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A miracle accomplished by his own personal power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yin Serpent!\" the lookout sailor pointed at the water and shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gray mist had already dispersed, and one after another, giant python-like figures emerged on the sea surface, gray and black in color. The pirates knew very well that these were the former overlords of the deep archipelago: the Yin Serpents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had fought against such things and knew deeply how terrifying they were, let alone that dozens of them were appearing at once. Each one was at least twice the size of an ordinary Yin Serpent, their pitch-black, large eyes staring at them gloomily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sense of oppression made everyone's scalp tingle, and they subconsciously gripped the weapons in their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much chance of winning was there in a naval battle against such big guys? They had heard of Island Master He’s record of killing dozens of giant serpents, but that day had the help of the bright sun, while today was a heavily overcast day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s sea surface was precisely the home turf of the Yin Serpents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd was anxious, yet the Yin Serpents did not launch an attack on them; instead, they accompanied the ships on both sides, as if leading them all the way to Dragon Spine Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The human ships and the Yin Serpents traveled in the same direction, separated by only a few fathoms, yet they remained at peace. The pirates had roamed the Yangshan Archipelago for many years and had never seen such a strange sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They turned to look at the main ship and saw Island Master He standing at the bow with his hands behind his back, his sleeves fluttering, calm and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mirror in his arms was also asking questions: \"Why aren't these Yin Serpents attacking?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Earthly Yin Pulse will erupt tonight. If they dare to offend me, I will come back tomorrow morning to collect the Yin Sha. How many more six-day cycles can the Yin Serpent clan hold out?\" He Lingchuan laughed. \"Besides, the King of Yin Serpents has been waiting for me. I specifically chose an overcast day to come over; that counts as showing sincerity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Escorted by the giant serpents, the ships slowly sailed toward Dragon Spine Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yin Serpent corpses on the beach had basically disappeared; it was unknown how the King of Yin Serpents had disposed of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several giant serpents leaped onto the beach and hissed at the ships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingchuan translated: \"The King of Yin Serpents cordially invites me to go ashore for a talk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Min Tianxi said worriedly: \"This is improper; it is too dangerous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sinkhole on Dragon Spine Island was synonymous with a den of tigers and dragons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the attitude is right, what is the harm in having a talk?\" He Lingchuan said to Min and Huang. \"I will be back shortly; you wait here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Island Masters had no choice but to nod in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingchuan then signaled for Zhu Xiuer to accompany him, leaving Qiu Hu and the Rongshan disciples behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of everyone, one man and one spider jumped off the ship onto the sand, walking toward the shore one step at a time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pirates on the ship looked at each other, all feeling that this scene before them was something they had lived long enough to see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since when could Yin Serpents communicate with humans?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since when could Yin Serpents welcome humans onto their island? Huang Zhao also gazed at their retreating backs and asked Min Tianxi in a low voice: \"Old Min, what do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even from his perspective, this move by He Lingchuan looked like he was courting death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To walk alone—well, he added a big monster, which is roughly equivalent to being alone—into the lair of the King of Yin Serpents; was he really tired of living? Wasn't he afraid that the other party wouldn't like the look of him and swallow him whole? \"Wait.\" Min Tianxi also watched intently. \"Young Master He always has astonishing actions, but they are actually well-considered. I think he has already planned it out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last time they met at Fish Bone Reef, it was his own carelessness; Young Master He had already designed the whole thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After more than ten days of contact, he felt even more that He Lingchuan was a man of great depth. How could such a person casually throw his life away?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhao’s voice dropped even lower: \"Then we...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if their dozens of people stayed on the ship, this was still the lair of the Yin Serpents. If He Lingchuan couldn't handle the Yin Serpent leader, they would suffer along with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Hu was clearly staying on the other ship, but at this moment, he looked toward the two of them. Huang Zhao always felt that this kid’s gaze was scorching; had he heard something?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait.\" Min Tianxi had already thought about this question. \"Young Master He should be able to return safely. If you run away at that time...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No superior could tolerate a two-faced subordinate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhao muttered: \"Where do you get your confidence from?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you had seen them kill Yin Serpents like slaughtering chickens, just as I have, you would naturally have confidence.\" Min Tianxi said sternly, \"Still the same words: Young Master He is not crazy; he knows what he is doing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhao nodded. Seeing his subordinates behind him poking their heads and flickering their eyes, he couldn't help but frown: \"What are you looking at?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Island Master Huang, should we...?\" A pirate gestured toward the sea with his chin. Should they slip away?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhao slapped the ship's rail and scolded: \"Should what! Everyone stay put honestly; Young Master He will be back in a while!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Hu heard this, folded his arms, and snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingchuan and the others landed on Dragon Spine Island again. The vegetation was still lush, but unfortunately, the mountain forest was too quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everywhere there were giant bamboos reaching twelve or thirteen zhang in height, either green-skinned or yellow-skinned, with a diameter of over one foot—truly \"bucket-waisted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside mountain rocks and streams, such giant bamboos often rose from the ground, forming a magnificent forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also the most common sight in the Yangshan Archipelago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leaf walls woven by bamboo branches were so dense they were even airtight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Yin Serpent was waiting in the bamboo forest. Seeing He Lingchuan approach, it turned and led the way in front, walking at a steady pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The route was heading southwest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingchuan followed behind it, strolling leisurely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had earned himself an amulet; otherwise, how would he dare to go deep into the serpent cave? The last time Dong Rui took the Dragon-Punishing Pillar to Alfalfa Island for a successful trial, it also confirmed He Lingchuan’s warning to the King of Yin Serpents: besides him, there were others who could absorb the Sha of the Earthly Yin Pulse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the King of Yin Serpents dared to harm him, it should just wait for He Lingchuan’s companions to come for revenge! By then, it would be the end of the Yin Serpent clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the source of He Lingchuan’s confidence in entering the serpent cave alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half an hour of climbing mountains and crossing caves, the man and the spider slowly approached the sinkhole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yin Serpent took them on a shortcut; otherwise, it would have taken more than this amount of time when they came last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing on the edge of the sinkhole, one could feel the magnificence of this geological wonder even more. He Lingchuan had been to Zhu Erniang’s demon lair and had also attended lectures at the Immortal-Asking Hall in Panlong City—the Immortal-Asking Hall itself was a huge sinkhole, but compared to the sinkhole \"Bai Yuan\" before him, it could not be compared in terms of size or depth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over a hundred zhang away, on the other side of the sinkhole, a waterfall cascaded down a thousand feet, the sound of water like thunder, with mist filling the air. Seeing this white silk, He Lingchuan knew the origin of the name \"Bai Yuan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leading Yin Serpent arrived here and climbed down along the thick vines on the cliff edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xiuer immediately said: \"Get on my back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingchuan climbed onto the spider’s back; he was already familiar with the routine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the giant spider moved its eight legs and quickly descended along the rock face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't need to climb vines to go down the cliff; it just walked straight down the mountain rock at a ninety-degree angle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deeper they went into the sinkhole, the more secluded the surroundings became. The bottom of the deep pit, which sunlight could not penetrate, was covered with strange flowers and grasses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leading Yin Serpent continued to descend, but Zhu Xiuer stopped on a massive stone platform:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Something is coming up from below.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This solid rock protruded outward, basically parallel to the bottom of the pit, and it was also what blocked the sunlight from reaching the deep pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Zhu Xiuer finished speaking, he also distinguished another movement masked by the sound of the waterfall: clanking, as if some heavy, hard object was being dragged across the stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a dozen breaths, a massive figure flipped onto the platform from below: a Yin Serpent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one that had led He Lingchuan here earlier was four zhang long, already a rare monster to see on the ground; but compared to the Yin Serpent before him, it was like a kitten beside a fierce tiger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only crawled up half its body, which was already eight zhang, and there was still a section of its tail hidden in the darkness, with an unknown total length.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The form of this Yin Serpent was no different from its kin, but its snout was longer, its nose protruded, and there were even fine whiskers growing along its jaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even more peculiar was that two bumps bulged on its head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the first glance, He Lingchuan actually felt it looked very much like a blurred version of... a Jiao dragon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xiuer’s voice sounded in his ear: \"Heaven-favored indeed. In another hundred years, perhaps it will cultivate into a Yin Jiao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its tone was not without envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was weakening, some spiritual creatures could rely on special living environments to always live better than other monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Fire Spirit of Xushan was like this, and now this monster in the depths of the sinkhole was the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the scales of this Yin Serpent were not as shiny as those of its offspring; instead, they looked old due to wear and scars, and even the areas around the scales were faintly white, like pebbles washed on a riverbed for years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an old guy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And no one could ignore that there were several long chains on its back! Two chains pierced through the shoulders of the King of Yin Serpents, and the other two were probably nailed into its ribs, making a dull sound as it moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the strange noise that He Lingchuan and the other had heard just now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was also particularly surprised that there was a magic treasure that could withstand the corrosion of the Yin Sha turbid energy and lock this King of Yin Serpents for such a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But looking closely, the chains were neither gold nor iron, but glowed with a bone-like white throughout, and the parts near the King of Yin Serpents' shoulders were even a bit yellow—it had four hands, so it had an extra pair of shoulders compared to a snake demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was... a bone chain? What kind of creature’s bones could withstand the destruction of the Yin Sha turbid energy and the struggle of this King of Yin Serpents?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The giant object before them spoke first: \"We have lived here for a long time; why did you harm my offspring?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It did not roar like before, but both people who had taken the Golden Ke Scroll could hear its suppressed anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingchuan asked back: \"How should I address you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Long Hao.\" The monster said heavily, \"From the Qingling Mountains, overturning the seas, of the Yin Dragon lineage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My surname is He; you can call me Island Master He.\" He Lingchuan cupped his hands in a salute to it, \"I took over the Yangshan Archipelago from the hands of the Bailie.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Island Master He?\" The King of Yin Serpents, Long Hao, laughed instead of getting angry, \"You and I had no grudges in the past; why do you want to seize the foundation of my clan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingchuan looked up at it: \"If I had visited peacefully, would it have been possible to see you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2251,"2026-06-20T02:23:34.395Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","982f31f876b75e740d91adeaa7012438a31dd9659be3f732075dcde7fc5d9086","after-the-immortals-disappeared-chapter-941","after-the-immortals-disappeared-chapter-939",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fafter-the-immortals-disappeared-cover.jpg"]