Chapter 106 Daring to Enter the Underworld

"Send you in?"

The National Preceptor lowered his hand, his gaze also falling on Hu Ma's face.

There weren't many superfluous actions, but merely stopping like this was enough to express the astonishment and bewilderment in his heart.

If, after discussions, Hu Ma made this decision, he could accept it. But in his understanding, Hu Ma, from hearing about the Underworld to casually saying he wanted to enter it, seemed to be missing some crucial steps…

Shouldn't ordinary people first understand, then fear, and finally analyze strategies before making this decision out of desperation?

"I'm learning someone's efficient thinking."

Hu Ma looked at the National Preceptor, smiled, and said, "The Underworld might be a headache, but thinking it over, shouldn't it be me who solves it?"

"Changing Heaven and Earth, the Luo Tian Grand Ritual, is originally the only way for our world to obtain a sliver of life in front of Lord Tai Sui, so naturally I should personally promote and complete it."

"But I got lazy on this matter and already handed it over."

"Now, with the King of Ming Prefecture as the core and the outsiders as guides, they will complete the great task of Changing Heaven and Earth and will do it much better than I would."

"Since that's the case, what I want to do is ensure they have no worries and can concentrate on completing this great slaughter."

"Whether it's the Underworld or other threats, as long as I'm here, I'll keep them out of the mortal realm."

"..."

After saying all this, he looked into the National Preceptor's eyes and said, "Besides, didn't you say that if we want to complete the path of Returning Home for the mortal realm, we can't skip the Underworld?"

"I can actually roughly guess why we can't skip it and how to solve it."

"Indeed."

The National Preceptor looked deeply at Hu Ma, and after a long silence, he said in a low voice, "Returning Home cannot skip the Underworld."

"In the end, the Returning Home realm was jointly devised by the first generation of Reincarnators and the Da Luo Dharma School."

"The Reincarnators initially didn't understand the subtleties, and this world also valued entering the Fu as the peak, with no saying of Upper Bridge. They merely deduced the existence of an Upper Bridge realm later on, and that after Upper Bridge, there would also be a Returning Home realm, through anomalies in the world."

"To put it bluntly, it's simple. Upper Bridge is already stealing the authority of Heaven and Earth, and Returning Home will naturally take it a step further, transforming into the source."

"The Ten Surnames want to seize the Eight Scenes of the Yellow Springs precisely because they can also comprehend this step, so they want to break through the obstacles in their path."

"It's just a pity that, in my opinion, they're not enough."

"Their own wisdom isn't sufficient, their格局(géjú - overall strategic situation/pattern) isn't high enough, and their understanding of this world is far from adequate. In fact, there are many things in the comprehension of the ultimate truths of Heaven and Earth that need to be aided by the wisdom brought by these outsiders."

"It's difficult to break through the key points with just the language of this world."

"But the Ten Surnames are undoubtedly too arrogant. They had the opportunity to absorb the wisdom of the outsiders over the past twenty years, even to turn it to their own use…"

"…But they didn't."

The National Preceptor even looked regretful when he said this, as if he had reflected on many things after leaving the capital, "The most outrageous is the Noble Zhang."

"Back then, when Mr. Longjing was trapped in their home for twenty years, these outsiders had a desire to confide, so they were destined not to hide key information, and even intentionally tried to persuade them. The Zhang family had the opportunity to fully understand and thoroughly digest the wisdom of that other world, using it as a whetstone to improve their own."

"But the Zhang family was really too arrogant. They only thought about refuting the other world and stomping it into the mud, but they didn't learn from it."

"It can only be said that the Noble Zhang deserved to be the first of the Ten Surnames to fall."

"..."

Hu Ma was slightly stunned by his words and gave the National Preceptor a deep look.

Due to his special status, he sometimes wanted to chat with someone about the Reincarnator group, but unfortunately, there was no one. Others didn't understand and had too many prejudices, and the Reincarnators themselves weren't suitable conversation partners for this kind of topic.

So Hu Ma often felt a sense of loneliness, but now, in his conversation with the National Preceptor, he heard many words that struck his heart and resonated with him deeply.

"I've heard the Imp Li family's understanding of Returning Home."

He was silent for a long while before slowly saying, "Undoubtedly, the Li family has already begun to realize the importance of the words from the other world for the techniques and methods of this world, and they want to use this fighting technique to have the people from the other world solve their problems for them, but obviously, it's already too late."

"And if it were you, how would you understand these two words, 'Returning Home'?"

"..."

The National Preceptor slowly raised his head and said, "Returning Home is transforming into the source, this is the only true and effective path."

"But realms have no high or low,格局(géjú - overall strategic situation/pattern) has high or low."

"In my opinion, even if all the sects achieve their goals in the Returning Home realm, there will still be three different levels."

"The first is the current Ten Surnames, each breaking through their obstacles, perhaps able to use the Eight Scenes of the Yellow Springs to continue their bloodline and exist alongside the world."

"This is the first level."

"The second is the White Jade City pursued by me and the Wang family, where the physical body is immortal, avoiding Tai Sui and coexisting with Heaven and Earth."

"That is, a true immortal."

"..."

Hu Ma was slightly moved by his explanation, even though he didn't agree with any of it.

Then he said in a low voice, "So, what is the third level?"

"It's the Old God."

The National Preceptor's voice also lowered, and he slowly said, "Transforming into the world, existing with Heaven and Earth, governing life, death, and reincarnation, creating strange objects, palaces, plants, strange mountains with a single thought, and changing the birth of intelligent beings and the rise and fall of dynasties with a single word."

"Opening up Heaven and Earth, traveling the universe, turning dreams into reality, and turning truth into illusion, with the cycle of the sun and moon in the palm of your hand and billions of living beings at your feet, this is the Celestial Duke, the source of all possibilities and impossibilities."

"Like the one who created Heaven in that other world, and like the ultimate object of worship for billions of living beings, the embodiment of all origins."

"..."

"This…"

Even Hu Ma felt that these words were outrageous, and he even felt an instinctive sense of absurdity.

What was the National Preceptor talking about?

Had Lao Junmei and the others once told him about cultivation in that other world and confused him?

Creating all things with a single thought sounded extremely absurd.

Not to mention creating all things with a single thought, it was impossible for anyone to create something from nothing. Even the Tricks sect couldn't do it.

All techniques and methods have a basis.

No one can even take the first step of "creating something from nothing," let alone…

…That's not right!

He instinctively wanted to refute it, but Hu Ma immediately thought of another key point when the thought just arose in his mind. It was this key point that gave him a solid basis for the faint and unbelievable thought in his heart.

So, he just suppressed his desire to refute and slowly opened his mouth: "…Purple Qi?"

Mr. Longjing had once solemnly told him that Purple Qi could create all things!

If he understood what the National Preceptor said based on Purple Qi, then it seemed that it wasn't theoretically impossible…

"That's right, Purple Tai Sui is the ultimate key."

When the National Preceptor saw that Hu Ma didn't refute his outlandish words but actually spoke the key point, a faint smile appeared on his face.

He said in a low voice, "What we're talking about is the method of Upper Bridge and Returning Home in the mortal realm, so naturally, it must directly point to the source. And the source of the mortal realm is the Purple Qi that transforms into all things, and this is also the reason why we can't avoid the Underworld."

"The Du Yi Underworld stole too much of the mortal realm's share back then…"

"..."

He slowly shook his head and said to Hu Ma, "This world is originally a remnant left after losing its share."

"This world is like a magnificent palace, built by generations of living beings with painstaking effort, and it can also shelter the living beings of the world from wind and rain. But in Du Yi's time, he stole 30% of the stones from this palace. Although it barely didn't collapse under the Ten Surnames' compensation, it's already unstable."

"For the Ten Surnames, they only think about repairing this palace so that it can shelter them from the wind and rain."

"But the people from the other world want to directly tear down this palace and rebuild a house that is more stable and can withstand greater wind and rain."

"Because I understand this idea, I feel about this slaughter…"

"..."

He paused slightly and didn't continue directly. Instead, he looked at Hu Ma and said, "But neither is suitable for you."

"If you want to walk the Returning Home path of the mortal realm, you need to see the original appearance of this world."

"You can't see the whole picture if you lack what the Underworld stole, which is destined to make your path incomplete."

When Hu Ma heard this, he understood what the National Preceptor wanted to say. He suddenly opened his eyes and looked at him, saying, "Is it really 30%?"

It was already shocking to hear that the Underworld alone had stolen 30% of the world's share.

But Hu Ma clearly remembered that when he was in the capital, he had seen the Guanshi Incense of the Da Luo Dharma School.

It was already only one-third left.

When the National Preceptor heard him ask, he seemed a little tired. He slowly closed his eyes, and this non-answer was already an answer.

"For nearly 200 years, the Ghost Cave has been feeding the things deep in the cave with the living souls of Heaven and Earth…"

Hu Ma continued to look at him and said directly, "Whether it's Reincarnators or people of the sect, they all think that's to feed Tai Sui in order to delay the great tribulation of Heaven and Earth."

"But since you've confessed that there's an Underworld that once stole a large share, then I have a question… Was the share of this world stolen by Tai Sui, or was it stolen by the Du Yi Emperor first?"

"There's no difference."

The National Preceptor was silent for a long time before slowly saying, "The first Emperor of the Underworld was originally the first person to transform into Tai Sui…"

At this moment, Hu Ma didn't know how to describe his feelings.

Perhaps, there had always been a huge joke in this world that was still unknown to the world…

Someone had already taken more than half of the share of Heaven and Earth and claimed it for themselves, and someone was trying to sort out the remaining share in an attempt to resist that huge thing outside the sky.

Some things in this world couldn't be deeply investigated. Once they were investigated, they only felt that jokes were everywhere.

Because of this, even some of the respect for the National Preceptor's abilities had now almost disappeared…

After a long silence, he slightly tugged at the corners of his mouth and said, "Then, how can I enter the Underworld?"

The National Preceptor was also silent for a long time before slowly saying, "It's simple."

"Back then, it was because I left the capital, feeling frustrated, and consumed by jealousy and anger, that I thought of the existence of the Underworld and started dreaming about them at night."

"And you, because I told you about this, also thought of the existence of the Underworld."

"If I'm not mistaken, if you fall asleep tonight, you will also dream of the things in the Underworld coming to give you a dream message."

"And once you dream of the Underworld, many things will be easier for you than for me. Just like you should now have the ability to block法(fǎ - spells/techniques) for others, then you should also be able to block the Underworld and prevent others from contacting the Underworld."

"If you're really willing to do this, then I'll be relieved. At least, I don't need to burn those ten incense sticks anymore to watch over the Emperor Ghosts in the Underworld for this world that has abandoned me."

"..."

'Block the Underworld with my body?'

Hu Ma understood the National Preceptor's words, and his heart stirred slightly.

Relying on the path of the ten incense sticks, he could distort Heaven and Earth and prioritize the spells directed at others to come to him first. Would it be the same for the Underworld?

If that was the case, it would be much more convenient.

Digesting the National Preceptor's words, he was silent for a long time before saying, "Then, are there any ways to avoid danger? Or things to pay attention to?"

The National Preceptor was stunned, as if he was a little surprised. A look of mockery suddenly appeared on his face, and he said, "No."

"The Underworld is this kind of existence. As long as it's remembered, it will seep into the mortal realm. Moreover, one of the surnames has already begun to secretly burn incense to the Underworld and may fall into the mortal realm from other places at any time."

"Do you think there's any way to face this kind of existence that can be like Lao Junmei and others back then, destroying it without lifting a finger?"

"No!"

"There's only this stupid method for the Underworld to reappear, and you, the person with the ten incense sticks in this world, are the only one who might be able to block it."

"Since you came to ask me, I've told you."

"With your current path of the ten incense sticks and your understanding of this world, you can also tell whether what I'm saying is true or false."

"You can't possibly regret it now and be afraid, can you?"

"..."

"Afraid?"

Hu Ma smiled. Although the National Preceptor understood the other world, he didn't seem to understand some things. He always underestimated things in his attitude but valued them in his actions.

However, he was too lazy to teach him, so he just smiled, nodded, and said, "If that's the case, then I'll wait for them in my dream. There should be a place to rest on this Mount Da'ai, right?"

"There's no need to ask me. Speaking of which, you're the chief priest of the Da Luo Dharma School. Mount Da'ai is originally your Taoist temple."

When the National Preceptor saw that he had made this decision, he felt a little surprised. He just shook his head slightly, replied, and then handed over the box containing the bones of the previous chief priests of the Da Luo Dharma School, saying, "It's best to bring this with you when you enter the dream."

"The methods and異法(yìfǎ - unorthodox/unconventional methods) of the world have only flourished for 200 years, but all the predecessors of our Da Luo Dharma School have insight into all things in Heaven and Earth. They may not have異法(yìfǎ - unorthodox/unconventional methods), but they're all the closest to the origin of this world."

"With them, they may be able to guide you at a crucial moment."

"..."

Hu Ma took the box, found an ancient pine tree, sat cross-legged with the box in his arms, and then asked Xiao Hongtang and Lao Suanpan to protect him.

"There may be twists and turns when I close my eyes to sleep this time, but if I encounter danger, I will also use the Shou Sui Gate's Heaven and Earth Unmoving Seal to temporarily escape and leave my things in the mortal realm."

When he instructed Lao Suanpan, he even had a faint smile on his face, "At that time, you will bring my remains back. Although I may die, my body is still very useful and can still help this world change Heaven and Earth."

"I've left the specific methods on paper. At that time, you'll bring this letter to Protector Hu Shanchuan of the Red Lantern Lady Society."

"..."

Hearing him suddenly say these words, Lao Suanpan was dumbfounded, "You… you're giving your last words?"

"Don't say such unlucky words. It's just that the necessary plans must be made."

Hu Ma scolded Lao Suanpan and handed the letter to him. Then, he sat down calmly, slowly closed his eyes.

Lao Suanpan had to listen to his words, but he became more and more worried.

And Xiao Hongtang also rarely showed a bit of worry and restlessness, but she still obediently stayed close to Hu Ma, just holding her bamboo basket tighter and tighter.

"National Preceptor, what… what is he doing again?"

While Hu Ma was sitting under the tree, the National Preceptor also went to the mountainside and adjusted some incense. The people of the Wang family finally found a chance to talk to him, looking anxious and flustered:

"What exactly did he come up the mountain to find you for? Did you… did you really teach him everything about the Da Luo Dharma School?"

"..."

Facing their worries and incomprehension, the National Preceptor was slightly silent, and then he said in a low voice, "People are born into the world, and they should always have some pursuits. For me, there are only two pursuits."

"Initially, I wanted to create an unprecedented path, which was to build the White Jade City. If this method succeeded, I would surpass my master, surpass my grandmaster, and even surpass my predecessors and those谪仙人(zhéxiānrén - banished immortals) from the other world."

"But I've already failed. This path has become empty talk and a laughingstock."

"..."

The people of the Wang family were even more confused when they heard this, and they hurriedly said, "Then, what's the second thing?"

"The second thing…"

The National Preceptor suddenly sighed softly and said, "That's to see what that path is like."

"As long as someone can walk out of it, even if it's not me, it doesn't matter…"

"..."

Not everyone in the Wang family could understand his words. They looked at each other in dismay, while the National Preceptor slowly closed his eyes, concentrating and waiting. Mount Da'ai suddenly became quiet, with empty valleys and dark skies.

He didn't know how long had passed, but suddenly a cold wind quietly swept through the valley. The National Preceptor opened his eyes immediately and saw that the ten incense sticks he had burned before were all emitting some green mist.

Strands of it slowly floated towards Hu Ma, who was sitting cross-legged on the mountain in front of him, holding the bone box, like some kind of strange thing that quietly opened its eyes.

Lao Suanpan hadn't noticed yet. He was just looking here and there, while Xiao Hongtang next to Hu Ma suddenly became a little flustered, raised her small face, and looked worriedly at Hu Ma's face.

...

...

"Young people these days really don't mince words…"

The capital, in front of the ancestral hall.

Originally, there were ancestral halls of the Ten Surnames here, but after the National Preceptor left the capital, the other surnames also took back their incense, leaving only the incense of the Hu family here.

But the old man guarding the ancestral hall still worked diligently every day, sweeping, sprinkling, and offering incense, as if waiting for something. Until strands of cold wind blew from Mount Da'ai, he hugged his broom and sighed softly, his face seeming to carry a look of relief and even anticipation.

Inside the ancestral hall, there was also the voice of an old woman, mixed in the wind, sighing softly, "Only him alone…"

"Wouldn't this be a little too risky?"

"..."

"Children have their own ideas. His knowledge and path may already be higher than ours, old sister. You can't keep up with him…"

The old man guarding the ancestral hall sighed and said, "After this slaughter, the emperor's fate will no longer be the emperor's fate. Even the weight of fate will no longer be important, and it will be impossible for anyone to set foot in the Returning Home realm."

"This is indeed the last opportunity in the world to pursue the Returning Home realm…"

The old woman's陰魂(yīnhún - spirit/soul of the dead) inside the ancestral hall was unstable and filled with worry, "But they are all emperors, and my grandson is alone, and also…"

"Those ten ghosts have the emperor's fate, so doesn't the current Hu family?"

The old man guarding the ancestral hall smiled and said, "Those who can build an ancestral hall here and enjoy incense are all emperors. In the past, this emperor's fate was equally divided among the Ten Surnames, but now that they're gone, only the incense of the Hu family remains."

"So now, the Hu family is the emperor. In terms of fate, there's no difference between them and those ten ghosts."

"Moreover, since he cultivated the tenth incense stick, he himself has been prepared to transform into a bridge. It's just that before this, he discarded his selfishness and didn't take that step…"

Speaking of this, he paused, hesitated, and then said softly, "Of course, before this, he could have stolen the authority that the Li family and others dreamed of obtaining for your Hu family, but he didn't mention a word of it. Now, he's willing to risk himself and block the Underworld with his body…"

"This child has a great obsession with Returning Home now…"

"..."

"..."

And at the same time, on Mount Da'ai, Hu Ma sat quietly, waiting for the arrival of the Underworld. His expression was calm, and he had the most open mind towards what he was about to face.

He knew that Lao Suanpan didn't understand his actions, and the National Preceptor might not understand either. Not to mention the Wang family.

But he had already prepared himself when he came up the mountain. It was just that the waves in his heart were turbulent, but he suppressed them and didn't show them on his face.

The Reincarnators entered the world to save people, causing a slaughter.

And after realizing this, he only had one thought that always occupied his mind: "Those who gather firewood for the masses must not be allowed to freeze to death in the wind and snow."

"He himself must achieve Returning Home."

(End of Chapter)