Chapter 1141: Entering the Yellow Springs Again

At dawn, the sky was a hazy gray.

It was an hour usually reserved for silence, but on this day, Shangjing City was already bustling.

Today was the day the emperor would ascend the throne.

An endless stream of civil officials and military generals hurried along, all making their way toward the high vermilion walls that symbolized power and status.

Intoxicated, the Old Sword Cultivator let out a burp and told Chen Changsheng, "It's almost time."

Chen Changsheng gave a soft hum of acknowledgment, shifting his gaze forward.

Before the great hall, the steady beating of drums began to echo.

"Thump, thump..."

The drumbeats grew more urgent, their stirring resonance shattering the final traces of sleep from the minds of the crowd.

"Gong!!"

As a master of ceremonies struck with all his might, a heavy bell tolled, resounding across the entirety of Shangjing City.

Court officials stood in formation before the audience hall. The magnificent honor guard was arrayed in neat rows, and the royal musicians played a solemn, majestic tune. The entire capital seemed to boil with excitement for this momentous occasion.

Yan Nantian wore a Dragon Robe and a Python Crown, his expression solemn and dignified. He strode forward slowly, trailed by eunuchs and his trusted ministers.

The emperor stepped into the audience hall, facing the bowing court officials. The royal seals and official decrees rested ready on the steps.

The civil and military officials swept their sleeves and bowed, welcoming the soon-to-be emperor. Yan Nantian slowly ascended the dais. Facing the golden patterns carved into the Dragon Throne, he took his seat with steady composure, his solemn gaze sweeping over the ministers below.

The master of ceremonies loudly chanted the decree: "His Majesty is wise and martial, a sovereign for the ages. Today's enthronement is a great fortune for our nation. We subjects are honored to stand witness to such unparalleled glory..."

His chanting voice echoed through the hall, solemn and majestic.

As the ceremonial decree rang out with sonorous force, Yan Nantian sat upright upon the Dragon Throne, waiting for the royal registry. An official presented the massive tome. The emperor accepted it, the gold seals of the Hongwen Bureau gleaming upon it.

A dignified eunuch stepped forward to read aloud from the decree: "The emperor of the Yan Clan, bearing the name Nantian, ascends the throne this day. By the will of the heavens and the decree of the cosmos..."

A hushed reverence fell over the hall before thousands of officials and subjects shouted in perfect unison, "Long live the emperor! Long live! Ten thousand years!"

Their voices shook the heavens, vast and magnificent.

As the reading of the decree concluded, nearby royal guards stepped forward, slowly presenting the Dragon Crown resting beneath a veil of white silk.

The emperor slowly picked up the Dragon Crown and placed it upon his head. With its spiraling golden dragons and swirling motifs of mist, the ultimate symbol of imperial authority had officially descended upon him.

With the Dragon Crown in place, Yan Nantian slowly rose to his feet to face the officials. A master of ceremonies stepped forward, pouring rainwater from the heavens over the emperor's left hand, while another poured a handful of yellow earth into his right.

This symbolized reverence for heaven and earth.

Yan Nantian took a deep breath and spoke. "I have braved a thousand perils to finally inherit the imperial lineage. Upon ascending the throne today, I hold the common people of the world in my heart and shoulder a heavy burden. With the loyalty of my ministers and officials, I promise the nation an era of absolute peace, and promise my descendants a legacy of upright character..."

"I swear this vow today, with heaven and earth as my witness. With the dignity of an emperor, I swear to protect the stability of this realm, to stand tall and unyielding, and to leave behind a radiant virtue for all future generations. Governing this empire, my ambitions span the four corners of the world. I swear to inherit the legacy of the ancient sages and walk the path of true kingship."

"A grand vision for the century, a united realm, an everlasting foundation! With me on the throne, our great cause shall prosper, bringing peace to the nation and safety to the people!"

"Today, we bow to perform the heavenly sacrifice. May officials and citizens share in this blessing, feeling the grace of the cosmos and the teachings of the ancient sages."

"Heaven and earth are our parents, the origin of all things, and the love of all living beings. Upon my enthronement, I bow in sincere devotion, praying for the gods of heaven and earth to bless us—granting me wisdom, and my people prosperity."

"May the divine spirits be merciful and protect the empire of Great Jing, keeping our borders everlasting. May they grant us peace, favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and joyous lives for all."

"We subjects respectfully honor the gods of heaven and earth and the celestial officials, securing eternal fortune for all the people."

Chen Changsheng slowly looked up toward the horizon, watching the purple qi coming from the east.

At that exact moment, the empire's previously scattered destiny surged and gathered toward this location.

Looking further toward the south, he sensed incense and Dragon's Might rising into the sky. Something was riding the floodwaters to undergo Tribulation Transcending, completing a true Dragon Transformation.

The destiny of the nation, once scattered to the four winds, was finally whole again.

The decades of chaotic warfare had finally given way to a unified empire.

The Old Sword Cultivator suddenly snapped out of his daze and glanced to his side.

But Chen Changsheng was already gone. He had vanished without a trace, and the old man had no idea where he went.

...

The scene shifted.

Inside the City God Temple in Shangjing City.

Due to the emperor's enthronement today, the City God Temple kept its doors tightly shut to avoid clashing with the imperial aura. Yet Chen Changsheng simply barged inside, and not a single one of the underworld deputies or Patrol Spirits dared to stand in his way.

Chen Changsheng stood before the City God Idol. Before the underworld deputies could even rush into the main hall, he raised a finger and tapped the air.

That single tap seemed to pierce through the barrier separating the realms of yin and yang.

Swirling with the Dao rhythm of heaven and earth, the City God Idol suddenly opened its eyes.

"Thrum."

"Open the Gate of the Yellow Springs, manifest yin and yang, lay bare the path of Reincarnation—knock!"

Chen Changsheng brought two fingers together in a knocking motion.

A sharp shattering sound rang out as the Heavenly Dao rhythm wrapped around the City God Idol completely dissipated.

From some unseen void, the faint sound of flowing water began to echo.

Chen Changsheng paused for a moment before stepping forward.

His figure vanished from the City God Temple, stepping entirely into the Gate of the Yellow Springs.

...

As the qi destiny of heaven and earth trembled, Chen Changsheng descended into the Yellow Springs once more.

By now, he was fully prepared.

He would either succeed or die trying.

Everything waiting for him ahead was unknown. All he could do was fight with everything he had to connect the waters of the Yellow Springs with the Netherworld Palace.

The waters of the Yellow Springs gurgled and murmured past Chen Changsheng's ears.

Just like his previous visit, his physical body remained floating upon the surface.

His divine soul detached from its shell, diving straight down into the murky depths of the Yellow Springs.

However, taking control of the river was not his immediate priority. The most pressing threat was the shadowy figure sitting at the very bottom of the Yellow Springs. If he did not deal with that person first, Chen Changsheng would never have peace of mind—especially since that figure currently controlled the governing rules of the Yellow Springs.

...

Within the Demon Realm Underworld, everything was dead silent, yet paradoxically brimming with life. This region now possessed its own vitality, but it was strictly limited to this small area. A single step outside its borders would reveal nothing but a desolate, endless wasteland.

This was the Underworld, inherently a domain of the Netherworld. By all logic, how could life exist here?

Manyue lowered the book in her hands. Sensing something, she looked up into the distance.

She turned her head to look at the person standing beside her.

The 'Evil Phoenix' stood at her side and spoke. "I felt it."

Manyue turned back and said, "He's finally making his move. You couldn't wait any longer either, could you?"

The 'Evil Phoenix' shook its head. "I've already waited thousands of years. What's a little while longer?"

Manyue let out a soft breath. "You're still standing here. Do you really trust him that much?"

The 'Evil Phoenix' nodded. "Of course. I have no reason not to."

Manyue didn't try to press the matter any further. She simply turned her head, silently waiting for the waters of the Yellow Springs to arrive.

The 'Evil Phoenix' began walking forward. Seeing this, Manyue asked, "Where are you going?"

The 'Evil Phoenix' waved a hand casually. "To get my sword."

Within the Yellow Springs, Chen Changsheng opened his eyes.

He gazed outward, still able to see the shadowy spirits left behind in the Yellow Springs. These were souls with unfulfilled wishes who refused to leave, or those who were still waiting for someone.

Today, the mortal emperor ascended the throne. The Gate of the Yellow Springs was tightly shut, and no new souls arrived.

Only the lingering spirits remained.

Chen Changsheng had no intention of paying them any mind, yet gaze after gaze drifted his way. Every soul here could tell that this person was different.

There was no aura of death on Chen Changsheng's body.

He ventured deeper and deeper, eventually reaching the very bottom.

Chen Changsheng looked around, yet he failed to see that familiar figure in the depths of the Yellow Springs.

He froze for a moment, a little puzzled.

"Not here?"

Chen Changsheng furrowed his brow, a sense of worry stirring within him.

However, as he scanned the area, he noticed a piece of green jade resting in the very center of the Yellow Springs—the exact spot where that figure used to sit.

Chen Changsheng walked forward slowly, stopping beside the jade.

He reached out and touched it.

The sound of the flowing Yellow Springs immediately echoed in his ears.

He paused, muttering, "This is..."

"The Yellow Springs?"

The green jade before him contained the laws and authority of the Yellow Springs. Much like Manyue, it was a fragment of the Heavenly Dao separated from the world, carrying the authority of heaven's will.

Chen Changsheng wrapped his hand around the jade.

As he gripped it, he immediately felt as though the entire Yellow Springs was resting in the palm of his hand.

He looked around again, but that person was still nowhere to be seen. He fell silent. He called out a couple of times, yet no figure appeared.

Where had the person who used to sit cross-legged here gone?

Chen Changsheng couldn't understand it, and his worry only deepened.

To him, that figure had always been an anomaly—a variable entirely beyond his control.

Clutching the jade, Chen Changsheng stood in silence for a long time, hesitating.

But under the current circumstances, the arrow was already notched on the bowstring; it had to be fired.

If he didn't push through in one vigorous effort now, there was no telling how many years he would have to wait for the next opportunity.

"This time, I have no choice but to risk everything."

Chen Changsheng opened his hand. Under his gaze, the green jade seemed to turn into flowing water, slowly seeping into his palm.

In an instant, the waters of the Yellow Springs began to tremble.

The waters surged and churned. Massive bubbles rose from the very bottom of the Yellow Springs, and with a deafening roar, the deep silence of the underworld was utterly shattered.

...

In all corners of heaven and earth.

Upon hidden immortal islands scattered throughout the Cultivation World, Altars were raised.

The blood of all living creatures was offered as a sacrifice, flowing along pre-dug trenches up to the Altars.

Masked priests stood by, demonic energy rolling off their bodies.

They held sacred relics in their hands—items that had belonged to the Divine Lord in life.

Drip...

Bright red blood dropped onto the ground with a rhythmic patter, its deep crimson hue a terrifying sight.

Countless demonic cultivators lined both sides of the Altars, leading the ritual.

They drew Short Blades and sliced open their fingertips.

Stream after stream of fingertip blood flowed down the carved grooves.

Directly in front of the Altar, Jian Shenghua raised his hand and pulled back the hood of his black robe. Holding the sacred relic, he walked forward slowly and murmured, "Clad in red and treading on blood, the raging flames roar. I call out for the departed to return. Souls sway, Reincarnation reappears. A blood sacrifice to return the soul, the candle shadows flicker. Yin and yang connect, eternally bound..."

"The blood sacrifice fulfills the wish, returning my lord. The sea of blood surges, spirits soar and souls race. A blood sacrifice to return the soul, sharing life and death. Reincarnation circles endlessly, following for all eternity."

He placed the sacred relic upon the Altar.

Jian Shenghua closed his eyes and began chanting an incantation.

This was an ancient secret art. By borrowing the power of heaven, earth, and the Nine Provinces, and establishing Altars everywhere, they took advantage of the Yellow Springs' current instability to summon back the departed souls lingering within it. They were seizing momentum from the heavens and the earth to bring the dead back to life.

Dark clouds and thunder tribulations gathered across the Nine Provinces.

Rumble!!

Muffled thunder echoed as torrential rain came crashing down.

Beneath the fierce wind and pouring rain, the blood beneath the Altar began to overflow—a stream formed from the lifeblood of countless mortals.

Within that very day.

The forty-eight heavenly lamps inside the Tianji Mountain Main Hall suddenly dimmed all at once.

Zhong Zhengyuan's heart skipped a beat. He stood up abruptly, and the several elders seated behind him shot to their feet as well.

"Ring the Great Bell of Tianji! All disciples from every peak are to gather before the hall immediately!"

Chen Daoqiu frowned deeply. He raised his hand and performed a divination calculation, but came up empty. "Someone is trying to obscure the heavenly secrets..."

Zhong Zhengyuan nodded. "It's the same person from before."

Chen Daoqiu said, "This is the exact moment the mortal emperor ascends to the throne. All the auspicious purple qi between heaven and earth has flowed into the Mortal World..."

Zhong Zhengyuan's face was solemn, his heart filled with an uneasy dread.

He was at least ninety percent certain that this matter was inextricably linked to the demonic cultivators.

And that Altar...

Xiao Dongxu hurried into the main hall and urgently reported, "Mister Zhong, there's unusual activity at the demonic cultivators' Altar!"

Xiao Dongxu continued, "The ancient runic characters on the Altar were activated out of nowhere. Any birds and beasts that were nearby had their blood drained completely, and it was all absorbed into the Altar. I've temporarily suppressed it using Formations, but I must ask Mister Zhong to make a decision."

"Take me there."

When Zhong Zhengyuan followed Xiao Dongxu to the Altar, he saw that this small section of the mountain was littered with the desiccated corpses of birds and beasts. Streaks of blood crisscrossed the ground, all converging toward the Altar.

Looking at the intensely demonic Altar, Zhong Zhengyuan's heart violently trembled.

"A blood sacrifice..."

"A blood sacrifice..."

Standing to the side, Xiao Dongxu suddenly spoke up. "Mister Zhong, I cultivate the arts of yin and yang. Just a moment ago, the Yin-Yang Qi between heaven and earth grew turbulent, and the yin energy suddenly spiked."

Zhong Zhengyuan froze, murmuring, "A blood sacrifice to return the soul... it really is a blood sacrifice to return the soul..."

Xiao Dongxu pursed his lips; he was thinking the exact same thing.

Zhong Zhengyuan snapped back to his senses and said, "We must hurry! We absolutely cannot let these people succeed. If that fiend comes back to life, chaos will inevitably sweep across the world!"

Xiao Dongxu nodded and immediately followed Zhong Zhengyuan.

Along the way, Xiao Dongxu asked, "Mister Zhong, is there truly a method in this world to use a blood sacrifice to resurrect the dead?"

Zhong Zhengyuan hesitated for a moment before answering, "There is."

"If the person has not yet entered Reincarnation and is still wandering the Yellow Springs, it is possible to bring them back to life."

Xiao Dongxu opened his mouth, his breathing unconsciously growing heavier.

Zhong Zhengyuan said, "But it comes at the cost of a million corpses and disaster for all living beings!"

Xiao Dongxu gasped in shock. "How could heaven and earth tolerate such a thing?!"

Zhong Zhengyuan took a deep breath. He looked up at the sky and said, "That is why they are obscuring the heavenly secrets to buy themselves time. We must move quickly..."

Xiao Dongxu quickly understood. "I'll send out secret missives to all the major Immortal Mountains right away!"

"Yes. You must be quick!"