Chapter 679 The Great Mountain Sacrifice

Upon hearing Second Master mention Yanluo Wang Da Dian Bing (King Yama's Grand Roll Call), Hu Ma couldn't help but feel a jolt of surprise. He had just returned from the underworld and knew its current state. The underworld, severed from the cycle of reincarnation, was no longer what it once was. Even if a King Yama truly existed, it wouldn't amount to much.

"Second Master, I am somewhat familiar with the situation in the underworld. It is not what it used to be. With the cycle of reincarnation severed, the underworld is in a state of constant expansion. Even if a King Yama truly existed, there wouldn't be any significant developments," Hu Ma cautiously explained.

Second Master pondered for a moment and then nodded. "If that's the case, then we must be even more vigilant. Since the underworld has undergone such a drastic change, we must make corresponding preparations."

"Preparations?" Hu Ma asked, puzzled.

"Yes, preparations." Second Master's gaze was solemn. "I heard that many cultivators went to Jishan (Sacrifice Mountain) some time ago, but none succeeded. There must be something hidden here. We must investigate."

"Jishan?" Hu Ma was slightly taken aback. "Could it be the legendary sacrificial mountain?"

"That's right, the sacrificial mountain." Second Master nodded. "It is said that only on the sacrificial mountain can one communicate with the spirit of heaven and earth and receive the blessings of heaven and earth. But recently, none of the cultivators who went there have succeeded. There must be something hidden here."

"When shall we depart?" Hu Ma asked, his heart stirred, immediately expressing his willingness to accompany him.

"Early tomorrow morning." Second Master said in a deep voice, "This matter is of great importance and brooks no mistakes. We must go as soon as possible to see what exactly is happening."

Early the next morning, Second Master led Hu Ma and several confidants on a journey to the sacrificial mountain. Along the way, they were careful and vigilant, constantly on guard against possible dangers.

Finally, after several days of arduous trekking, they arrived at the foot of the sacrificial mountain. The mountain was majestic and surrounded by clouds, giving people a sacred and solemn feeling.

"We're here." Second Master looked around, his eyes solemn. "It is said that only at the top of the mountain can one communicate with the spirit of heaven and earth. We must be careful and not make any mistakes."

Hu Ma nodded and followed Second Master as they slowly climbed the mountain.

However, just as they had climbed the mountain path, they were suddenly met with a powerful obstruction. An invisible force, as if tangible, held them firmly in place, unable to move.

"What!" Second Master frowned and immediately used all his strength to try to break through the resistance.

But no matter how hard he tried, he could not break through. Instead, the force became stronger and stronger, as if to crush them completely.

"What kind of power is this?" Second Master gritted his teeth, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes.

Hu Ma also looked horrified; he had never seen such a powerful force. What exactly was going on? Could there really be something hidden?

Just as the two were extremely anxious, an old and majestic voice came from the mountains: "Who dares to trespass on Jishan (Sacrifice Mountain)!"

Second Master and Hu Ma looked in the direction of the voice and saw an old man with white hair and beard slowly approaching, emanating a powerful aura.

"Senior, we are cultivators who have come to worship heaven and earth and have no malicious intentions. Please, senior, have mercy and allow us to climb the mountain," Second Master said respectfully.

The old man frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: "Jishan (Sacrifice Mountain) is the residence of the spirits of heaven and earth, and mortals cannot enter it without permission. Since you have trespassed here, you intend to offend heaven and earth, which is unforgivable!"

After saying that, the old man waved his hand, and the invisible force instantly strengthened. Second Master and Hu Ma suddenly felt difficulty breathing, as if they were about to be crushed.

"Senior, we really have no intention of offending, please have mercy and forgive us!" Hu Ma hurriedly knelt down and begged for mercy.

The old man snorted coldly: "Since that's the case, then kneel down and repent, and wait for the judgment of the spirits of heaven and earth."

Second Master and Hu Ma looked at each other, their hearts filled with despair. They never expected that coming to worship heaven and earth would be treated so harshly. Was there really something hidden that could not be revealed?

Just as the two were in despair, suddenly a dazzling light descended from the top of the mountain and directly enveloped the old man. The old man's expression changed drastically, and he quickly knelt down and kowtowed, respectfully saying: "This subordinate has failed to welcome you from afar, please forgive me, Spirit of Heaven and Earth!"

Second Master and Hu Ma were greatly surprised when they saw this. Could this old man be a servant of the spirits of heaven and earth?

Just as they were wondering, the light gradually disappeared, and the old man stood up with an apologetic look in his eyes and said to Second Master and Hu Ma, "The two seniors are truly disrespectful. I am a servant of the spirits of heaven and earth and am ordered to guard Jishan (Sacrifice Mountain) here. It's just that recently, many demons and monsters disguised as cultivators have come to make trouble, so I have to be so strict to prevent them. Please forgive me, two seniors.”

Hearing the old man's explanation, Second Master and Hu Ma breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out that this old man was not a bad person, but was ordered by the spirits of heaven and earth to guard Jishan (Sacrifice Mountain) here.

"If that's the case, then we don't need to say much more." Second Master smiled slightly. "We are true cultivators who have come to worship heaven and earth. Please, senior, have mercy and allow us to climb the mountain."

The old man nodded, "If that's the case, then follow me." After saying that, he turned around and led Second Master and Hu Ma slowly up the mountain.

As they climbed, the mountain became steeper and the clouds became thicker. Second Master and Hu Ma couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, as if this mountain was the passage to the heavenly realm.

Finally, after reaching the top of the mountain, a majestic altar appeared before them. The altar was surrounded by circles of light, as if it were the protection of the spirits of heaven and earth.

"This is the altar of Jishan (Sacrifice Mountain)." The old man said slowly, "Only here can one communicate with the spirits of heaven and earth and receive the blessings of heaven and earth."

Second Master and Hu Ma were immediately excited. This was the opportunity they had dreamed of.

"Then can we start worshiping now?" Hu Ma asked impatiently.

The old man shook his head: "It's not that simple. Before worshiping, you must first pass the test of the spirits of heaven and earth. Only by passing the test can you truly receive the blessings of heaven and earth."

"Test?" Second Master frowned. "What kind of test?"

"I'm not too sure about this." The old man sighed, "It is said that the tests that everyone faces are different and require one's own cultivation and character to pass."

Second Master and Hu Ma looked at each other, feeling a little worried. Although their cultivation was extraordinary, passing the test of the spirits of heaven and earth would not be easy.

"Then let's start now." Second Master took a deep breath. "No matter what, we must pass this test and receive the blessings of heaven and earth."

The old man nodded: "Very good, then let's begin." After saying that, he walked to the altar and began to recite some ancient incantations.

Second Master and Hu Ma also knelt down and began to pray devoutly. Their hearts were full of anticipation, hoping to pass this test and be recognized by heaven and earth.