Chapter 283: Return to Hell (2)
Arthis was fully aware that the oversight on her part had led to potentially cataclysmic consequences. That said, the appearances of blight vermins were part and parcel of the natural order pertaining to death and decay, just like how it was part of an ordinary course for the dead to be cremated. Furthermore, having been locked up in the depths of the Naraka abyss for hundreds of years, how could she be expected to have thought about such things?
“According to the records of Hell, a monarch vermin would appear in every hundred thousand blight vermins. There was a time when Hell was surrounded and besieged by the joint coalition of several underworlds all at once. Western Hell fell, and hundreds of Infernal Judges perished in the line of duty, giving birth to the appearance of a monarch vermin. The presiding King Yanluo back then personally subjugated the monarch vermin and appointed him as the warden of one of the abysses of Hell… Based on past records, the monarch vermin should be no stronger than an Infernal Judge. After all, the blight vermin have only appeared no more than a year ago. Even if a monarch vermin has appeared, he can never be stronger than an Infernal Judge. In fact, he could even be as weak as a Soul Hunter!”
“I’m just guessing…” Arthis sighed, “Blight vermins have already spread beyond Hell’s Gate. The prospects of the situation at Fengdu Necropolis aren't looking good at all. Our best bet right now is to seize and retrieve as much of Hell’s legacy as we can. My guess is that Fengdu Necropolis will be completely reduced to dust within a year’s time.”
Boom! As soon as he finished speaking, Arthis’ hair instantly fluttered menacingly, and she began to chant a mysterious spell. Within moments, almost as though they had heard the summons of an imperial decree, the Yin energy and netherflames in the surroundings rushed over and converged at their feet, transforming into a long bridge made of netherflames that extended straight into the distant Fengdu Necropolis. Instantly, their speed was boosted so much that they dashed forward at speeds comparable to a maglev train, even leaving afterimages in their wake as they continued to dart forward at top speed.
“What’s that?” Oda Nobunaga gasped in shock.
Qin Ye felt as though his heart was on fire. He was swamped with anxiety that was borne out of an innate sense of responsibility over Hell. He had wracked his brain for ways and acted on means to spur the growth in Hell, including writing a paper, leading the charge in the great battle at the Strait of Tsushima and even seized souls for Hell. Having invested so much, how could Qin Ye be willing to now give up on obtaining the legacy of the old Hell to further spur the growth of the new Hell?
“The old Hell no longer exists because of Lord Ksitigarbha’s sudden ascension into paradise. His great vow has been fulfilled, and Hell has been emptied out. Innumerable Yin spirits now ran rampant throughout the mortal realm, and I’ve been appointed as the next lord and master over the new Hell.”
However, Oda Nobunaga was completely unfazed by it. Instead, he simply narrowed his eyes and nodded placidly.
“I’ve given you my word that I’d help you invade Nippon. This isn’t impossible. In fact, it wouldn’t be a tall order if we can obtain the legacy of the old Hell. Therefore…” He cupped his hands and bowed respectfully, “Lord Nobunaga, I humbly ask you to lend me your assistance. We’ll grab as much of Hell’s legacy as we can. Our safety is assured with the protection of the Book of Life and Death.”
Fengdu Necropolis was already in sight, and they could tell that the vast city was covered in black spots. In particular, the darkness in the southeastern part of the necropolis appeared no different from a tide that splashed about from time to time, sending darkness spreading everywhere around it.
“No, it wouldn’t.” Arthis suddenly interjected, “It might have in the past, but it most certainly wouldn’t now. The blight vermin have already pervaded every bit of the divine molt, and their presence in fact prevents Ksitigarbha’s crushing aura from reaching us. We won’t be turned into dust as long as we act cautiously. Unfortunately…”
Her words cut deep into Qin Ye’s heart - These are priceless artifacts that have been accumulated through Hell for thousands of years on end… and yet, to think that they are all fated to perish and be consumed by such terrible things.
Qin Ye thought for a moment, and then immediately understood that this was the result of the Ksitigarbha’s presence. In particular, the divine molt had drawn over 99% of the blight vermin in Fengdu Necropolis over to it, leaving them… with a sliver of hope!
Arthis’ forehead was already percolating with cold sweat. She thought for the next three seconds, and then immediately responded, “The barracks! That’s where all of our research, intelligence, strategies and details of operations are located. There are even design plans and ideas for weapons of war located in the barracks!”
As a famous warlord, he could fully appreciate the importance of the items that can be salvaged in the barracks.
“Yes!” Murai Sadakatsu drew a deep breath, and his entire body erupted with Yin energy, clothing him with a scarlet great armor instantly. His white hair scattered everywhere, and he donned a mask that appeared to bare its teeth. His eyes lit up with blazing netherflames, and he unsheathed his two-meter long blade, roaring with a great battle cry as he dashed towards his objectives.
Qin Ye blinked vacantly, “Qiankun Pouches?”
Of these people… a good number of them should still be alive out there!
This is a source of strength that we simply cannot afford to lose!
She looked towards a place where a tide of blight vermin appeared to be swarming around, “The Mystic Hall… That’s where thousands of years of research on talismans, restraints and arrays are located. You may not understand how important these things are, so let me put it this way - they’re even more important than the contents of the barracks!”
Arthis and Qin Ye were the only two who remained right now. It was only then that Arthis turned to look at Qin Ye, “Looks like you’ll still have to attend to the most crucial place…”
Seconds later, Qin Ye coughed dryly, “Why don’t… we recall Oda Nobunaga?”
“I understand, I understand. I’ll go, I’ll go…” Qin Ye massaged his temples as he sighed in resignation. Then, before he could say anything else, a massive hand formed out of hair smacked him from behind, sending him flying straight towards a tall building.
It was a black-coloured lake.
The Palace of Eternity!
It was a skeleton.
Incidentally, it was where Yin energy appeared to be densest.
“So, it’s true that there’s a monarch vermin after all…” Her body swayed lightly. Then, she traversed the distance of a thousand meters in a split second, “If I subjugate you... would I be able to control the tides of blight vermin around?”
Qin Ye was oblivious to all these things.
“This is usurpation, isn’t it? It definitely is! You’re finally showing your true colours after hiding them for such a long time, aren’t you? I knew you were coveting the position of King Yanluo! I knew you were up to no good! Otherwise, why wouldn’t you give the Book of Life and Death to a weakling like me?!”
Sss!! A sudden shriek startled him just as he rounded a corner. With a great hum of buzzing wings, dozens of dark figures suddenly came rushing towards him. Their lust and greed for food could even be heard through their otherwise unintelligible hisses and growls.
Whoosh… He closed up the spirit streamer once more, only to discover the true appearances of the blight vermin around.
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