Chapter 111: The Underworld

Akatsuki Jin let out a cold snort and ignored Wang Teng.

Inside the private room, three rounds of wine had passed, and five flavors of dishes had been savored.

Cui Jue brought up old matters again, his gaze formally fixed on Wang Teng.

“Wang Teng, my previous invitation was serious. The Lord of the Underworld has reviewed your records from the Shadow Canyon and this mission, and he holds your ability in high regard.”

“He believes your talent can reach its fullest potential within the Underworld.”

Cui Jue’s tone carried rare sincerity: “The Underworld is not as the outside world imagines—a place of nothing but gloom and assassination. We study souls, command the forces of the netherworld, and our core lies in understanding the laws of life and death.”

“Your curse technique shares a similar essence with our heritage, and may even complete certain missing elements.”

Wang Teng set down the half-eaten beast leg, wiped his mouth, and shed his usual playful grin.

“Cui Jue, we’ve fought enough to know each other. Tell me honestly—if I join the Underworld, do I have to wear black every day, sneak around like a ghost, and take assassination missions?”

“I may not fear trouble, but I also like eating in the open and basking in the sun.”

Cui Jue’s grim face broke into a faint, weary smile: “That’s a misconception. The Underworld has many industries in modern society—intelligence networks, security systems, even advanced tech R&D—all bear our fingerprints.”

“Becoming a core disciple, or even competing for the position of Lord, is primarily about gaining access to resources, knowledge, and high-level transmissions—not necessarily becoming a traditional assassin.”

“Of course,” he paused, “certain trials and battles are unavoidable, for power’s essence cannot be separated from combat.”

Akatsuki Jin, swirling his wine cup beside him, suddenly interjected: “Fatty, the Underworld’s Nine Itachi Spring and Soul Hall are unparalleled for cultivating soul force and dark abilities—no worse than our Burning Heaven Sect’s Sacred Fire Pool.”

“Your Soul Devouring Scythe—if Itachi soak in it, it might even upgrade again.”

Du Gu Yun nodded in agreement: “The Sword Tomb has long maintained ties with the Underworld; their depth is undeniable.”

“Brother Wang, power is neither good nor evil—it’s the wielder who determines its nature.”

Wang Teng turned to Jiang Xia, his eyes asking for his opinion. Jiang Xia fell silent for a moment, then spoke: “Fatty, your path is yours to choose.”

“The Underworld can offer resources and a path better suited to Itachi—this is undeniable. As for danger and constraints… with your current strength and mindset, I trust Itachi’ll know your limits.”

“Remember, no matter where Itachi go, we remain comrades.”

Wang Teng took a deep breath, his round face hardening with resolve: “Fine! Then the Fatty will pay the Underworld a visit—see if it’s really as good as Itachi say!”

“But we’ve got a deal,” he pointed at Cui Jue, “if Itachi make me learn dark, harmful tricks, I’m out.”

Cui Jue solemnly pledged: “The Underworld seeks power and order—not senseless slaughter.”

“Welcome aboard, Brother Wang Teng.” He raised his cup. “To our future side-by-side battles.”

“Good! To my new future—cheers!” Wang Teng raised his cup and drained it in one gulp.

With Wang Teng’s destination settled, Du Gu Yun turned his gaze to Jiang Xia.

“Jiang Xia, your path differs from ours—Itachi focus on the Eye Technique and spirit.”

“Yet all methods return to one. Your understanding of the sword may find validation in the Sword Tomb’s Sword Tower.”

“Sword Tower?” Jiang Xia raised an eyebrow. He had heard of this trial tower of the Sword Tomb, said to hold the wills and transmissions of countless sword masters.

“Precisely.”

Du Gu Yun’s eyes flickered with longing: “The Sword Tower has nine levels—not merely for sword cultivators.”

“It tests one’s will, insight, and comprehension of the Dao. Your Eye Technique perceives essence—Itachi may see things others cannot. And…”

He paused, glancing at Jiang Xia’s grass-cutting sword at his waist: “Your sword pulses with spirit, but as enemies grow stronger in Shanhai Pass, it needs further enhancement.”

“At the base of the Sword Tower lies the Sword Embryo Pool, gathering the refined sword intent and metallic essence shed by Sword Tomb disciples during weapon tempering—it’s unparalleled for nurturing weapons.”

“If your sword soaks there, absorbing sword intent, its quality will surely rise.”

Jiang Xia was tempted. The Grass-Cutting Sword had accompanied him long, and with enemies growing stronger, it truly needed strengthening.

“Moreover, the trials within the Sword Tower sound ideal for honing his will and deepening his understanding of cosmic laws.”

“What’s the requirement?” Jiang Xia asked directly.

Du Gu Yun smiled: “With your status as squad leader and your Colonel rank, plus my recommendation, securing a slot for Sword Tower training and use of the Sword Embryo Pool won’t be difficult.”

“Consider it repayment for your help in the Shadow Canyon.”

“Then thank Itachi,” Jiang Xia said without pretense, nodding. “Once I finish the squad’s follow-ups, I’ll visit the Sword Tomb.”

Several days later, Disha Pass, Underworld outpost.

More like a sleek modern skyscraper than a gloomy ancient castle.

The interior was dimly lit—not pitch black, but illuminated by special light, with holographic data streams everywhere and personnel clad in modern combat gear.

Under Cui Jue’s guidance, Wang Teng met the current Lord of the Underworld.

He appeared to be in his forties, refined in appearance, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a tailored Zhongshan suit—anyone would mistake him for a university professor or corporate executive.

“Lord, this is Wang Teng,” Cui Jue said respectfully.

The Lord, codenamed “Yan Luo,” fixed his gaze on Wang Teng, gave a slight nod, and spoke with calm authority.

“Wang Teng, welcome to the Underworld. I’ve reviewed your file. Your ability is intriguing—it seems to resonate with many laws, one of which aligns with ours.”

“Within the Underworld, Itachi can systematically learn to control and deepen this power.”

He tapped his finger lightly; a holographic interface appeared, listing the Underworld’s resource library. “The Book of Life and Death database is fully open to Itachi—it contains centuries of research on soul force.”

“Itachi may soak in the Nine Itachi Spring once weekly, refining your soul and purifying your spiritual power.”

“The Soul Hall offers various soul trials, greatly enhancing your mental strength and curse technique potency.”

Wang Teng stared at the list—just the names made his heart race. He swallowed hard: “Lord, what… what do I need to do to become your disciple?”

Yan Luo smiled faintly: “Simple. First, abide by Underworld rules—never betray humanity, never kill the innocent.”

“Second, complete assigned learning and trial missions.”

“Third, to qualify for competing for the next Lord, Itachi must reach a certain power standard and prove yourself in the future ‘Lord Trial.’”

“Of course, before then, Itachi and Cui Jue are equals in competition.”

Wang Teng thought for a moment, then asked: “And… can I still go on missions with my buddy Jiang Xia and the others?”