Ch. 29 - The Infernal Lord

Xu Zimo returned to the True Martial Sacred Ground alone; Vastsky did not accompany him. The latter was tasked with establishing an intelligence network for Xu Zimo, one that might not be formidable in strength but would excel in delivering timely and accurate information. The goal was for this network to span the entire Primordial Heartlands, ensuring Xu Zimo remained informed about major events across the land. This endeavor was not something achievable overnight, but Xu Zimo was patient and well-funded. The spoils he acquired from annihilating the Chang Clan alone, a culmination of five centuries of wealth, were more than sufficient to support this venture for a considerable time. Upon returning to South Goose Mountain, Xu Zimo ascended to its summit alone. The mountaintop was windswept and desolate, with jagged rocks, treacherous paths, and overgrown weeds. There, he slowly retrieved the three Hell-Suppressing Orbs, his hair tousled by the breeze. "The Hell-Suppressing Deity Physique, the greatest battle physique of all time," Xu Zimo mused, acknowledging that even he did not fully comprehend its secrets. In his past life, he had only witnessed Chu Yang wielding it, leaving him with feelings of regret and envy. He gently channeled spiritual energy into the three pearls. Suddenly, the sky darkened as thick clouds gathered, lightning flashed, and thunder roared, creating an oppressive atmosphere. Lightning bolts darted through the clouds like silver dragons, and the thunderous noise suggested the heavens themselves might collapse. From each pearl emerged a glowing orb, forming a triangular formation, intertwining with one another. The storm intensified, the sky seemingly enraged, yet no rain fell, only a dampness permeated the air. Abruptly, the three orbs radiated intense light, and a skeletal figure emerged. One orb released two arms, another two legs, and the last the torso and skull. As the bones assembled, a surge of demonic energy enveloped the area. Black mist coiled around the skeleton, inscribed with countless scriptures resembling crawling ants. The skeleton's eye sockets emitted pure black energy. It mechanically turned its head and lunged at Xu Zimo. Reacting swiftly, Xu Zimo produced the Imperial Blood of Grand Emperor Fei Yu and dripped it onto the skeleton. The bones trembled violently before transforming into a stream of light that merged into Xu Zimo's body. An excruciating pain, as if his very bones were being restructured, coursed through him, nearly causing him to lose consciousness. His heartbeat accelerated, and his blood began to darken. Despite the agony, his mind remained unusually clear, devoid of distractions. His hair turned fiery red, resembling an explosive mane, and his face became etched with purple and black patterns pulsating with energy. Black mist emanated from his body as he knelt, gritting his teeth to endure the transformation. In a distant region of the Primordial Heartlands, an area perpetually shrouded in baleful energy where sunlight could not penetrate, a massive pillar stood at the center. This pillar, dormant for centuries, began to shed its dust-covered fragments as red light flickered across its surface. In this long-silent land, a voice finally spoke: "The Sky-Piercing Halberd senses its master's power, the Infernal Lord has resurrected!" "Where is he? Should we seek him out?" "We cannot know his location. It's precisely because no one knows that he can grow and survive safely." "One day, he will reign here again. We need only wait patiently." "But the path to the Primordial Demon Cave is sealed; ordinary beings cannot enter." "The Infernal Lord is no ordinary being," a gentle female voice replied. "He will heed the call of the Sky-Piercing Halberd, as if listening to a distant battle hymn, singing softly as he walks toward his weapon. Nothing can stop him, for he is the most powerful being in existence." Nearby, someone laughed maniacally, their voice filled with madness and excitement. "Infernal Lord, welcome back!" As the Hell-Suppressing Deity Physique integrated, Xu Zimo's second meridian gate opened. The activation of the Deepbone Gate signified his advancement to the Meridian Forging Realm. His cultivation level continued to rise, bolstered by the power of the God Meridian Realm within him: Upon reaching the ninth level, Xu Zimo exhaled deeply. What astonished him more was his transformed state, fiery red hair and a face adorned with purple-black patterns. In that moment, he felt like a descending demon god, wielding unimaginable power. "Is this the power of the Hell-Suppressing Deity Physique?" Xu Zimo wondered. He recalled seeing Chu Yang utilize it in his previous life, yet their forms differed. Perhaps each individual has their unique path, making such variations normal. As his strength surged, crackling sounds emanated from his body. The dark clouds overhead gradually dispersed, and no rain fell. Sunlight broke through, illuminating the Mountain. On Green Mountain, Xu Qingshan observed the earlier phenomenon with a puzzled expression. "An ominous sign, though it's unclear whether it's good or bad," Xu Qingshan murmured, shaking his head and choosing not to dwell on it. Later, Xu Zimo sought out Lin Ruhu, as it was the day the True Martial Sacred Ground recruited new disciples. Xu Zimo intended to participate and observe the proceedings. According to the sect's rules, despite his cultivation, Xu Zimo had not undergone the entrance examination and was not officially recognized as a disciple, merely the vice-lord’s relative. However, in this world, absolute fairness is a myth. With Xu Qingshan's influence, rules were malleable. Rules exist for the weak; the strong create and often disregard them. The only thing that matters is benefits.