Chapter 140: The Ghost King in Peril

At this moment in the Underworld, within the Kingdom of Si, following Jiang Xiaofei's orders, the entire city began to tighten its defenses. After all, the Netherworld Kingdom was powerful; without thorough preparation, they would stand no chance even against a fraction of their force. Despite this, unease gripped everyone’s hearts, casting a heavy atmosphere over the entire city.

Inside the council hall of the Si Mansion, the chamber was filled with distinguished guests, all intently listening to Jiang Xiaofei’s speech. Seeing this, Jiang Xiaofei nodded with some satisfaction and said, “You are all subjects of the Kingdom of Si, but facing the crisis brought by the Netherworld Kingdom, even I cannot guarantee we will withstand it. If anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the last chance.”

After a brief hesitation, the crowd responded in unison, “We swear to defend the Kingdom of Si to the death. As long as the kingdom lives, we live; if the kingdom falls, we will not survive dishonorably.”

“Good.” Seeing their unwavering loyalty, Jiang Xiaofei was deeply moved and nodded approvingly. “I am heartened by your resolve. Once the kingdom is secure, generous rewards await. But for now, as the crisis looms, I hope everyone will contribute their utmost to resolve it.”

“We shall give our all to repel the enemy,” they replied respectfully to express their determination.

Satisfied, Jiang Xiaofei nodded again. “Very well, there is nothing more for now. Everyone may prepare the defenses. I will confer with Elder Su to devise a countermeasure.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Upon Jiang Xiaofei’s command, the assembly rose and took their leave.

Once the hall emptied, Jiang Xiaofei sank into his chair, his body slack. Though he sought a strategy, with the current strength of the Kingdom of Si, what means did he have to resist the Netherworld Kingdom? Was it to sacrifice lives? Or rely on Elder Feng, who was a half-step deity?

Though Elder Feng was powerful, the Netherworld Kingdom had more than one half-step deity. The Underworld King himself had once defeated Elder Feng, and now was likely even stronger. Moreover, the Netherworld’s vast armies far surpassed what the Kingdom of Si could match.

Sensing Jiang Xiaofei’s worry, Elder Feng smiled gently and said, “Young master, do not fret. Am I not here to help you hold the Kingdom of Si?”

Even so, Jiang Xiaofei’s concern remained. This crisis threatened the very survival of the Kingdom of Si. Victory would be great; defeat meant ruin.

He could not help but regret having killed Young Master Changyuan. Perhaps if he hadn’t, this crisis might not have arisen. But if he spared Changyuan, would the Netherworld Kingdom have simply let the Kingdom of Si be?

These thoughts had crossed Jiang Xiaofei’s mind more than once. The Netherworld Kingdom’s might was immense, and pressure weighed heavily.

At this moment, Jun Yao spoke up, “Enough. Though you worry about the larger picture, at this point, resistance is the only option. And we are not without hope.”

“How so?” Jiang Xiaofei’s interest was immediately piqued, and the others turned to Jun Yao with curiosity. Though they doubted her method’s efficacy, at least it offered a glimmer of hope.

Seeing all eyes on her, Jun Yao smiled and said, “Have you forgotten that you possess the ‘Underworld Spirit Path,’ truly the king of the Underworld? If you master the power of the Domain, what is there to fear from the Netherworld Kingdom?”

“The power of the Domain?” The crowd was startled. They well understood what that meant—a force of a realm. Even a half-step deity would hesitate before it.

Their eyes now fixed on Jiang Xiaofei, placing their hopes upon him.

Jiang Xiaofei could feel their expectations but was troubled. Though the power of the Domain was formidable, mastering it was nearly impossible. If it were easy, he would have used it on the Ghost Abyss Platform to obliterate Ye Changkong and Young Master Changyuan long ago.

He forced a wry smile and said, “But with my strength, I cannot grasp the power of the Domain. You’re making things difficult for me.”

Jun Yao smiled back, “Then hurry to improve your strength, and then master the power of the Domain.”

“Very well,” Jiang Xiaofei said with some helplessness and nodded.

Just then, a female guard burst in, kneeling on one knee. “Report, Lord Fei. A lady named Yan Xuanfei, claiming to be the Underworld Guardian, requests an audience.”

“What?” Jiang Xiaofei was surprised.

“She insists on seeing you, Lord Fei,” the guard repeated.

After regaining composure, Jiang Xiaofei said immediately, “Bring her in at once.”

“Yes, my lord.” The guard bowed and withdrew.

Jiang Xiaofei then looked at Jun Yao, whose grave expression revealed that Yan Xuanfei’s unprecedented visit to the Underworld signaled a major crisis in the Ghost Realm, forcing them to seek help from the Underworld.

At that moment, a woman dressed in bright red entered, immediately drawing all eyes.

It was Yan Xuanfei, though she looked disheveled and bore bloodstains at the corner of her mouth.

Jiang Xiaofei frowned and asked, “What brings you here?”

Yan Xuanfei did not answer immediately but instead knelt with a thud. “Please, Lord Fei, save my master.”

Jiang Xiaofei knew who she meant and frowned. “Stand and speak. What happened?”

She rose and said, “Yesterday, Maoshan attacked my Ghost Realm, killing all our disciples and threatening that if we do not surrender the Ghost Immortal, they will kill my master.”

“What?” Jiang Xiaofei was furious. Jun Yao also frowned in anger. “What else did they say?”

Yan Xuanfei hesitated, then said, “They demanded you exchange yourself for my master. If you refuse, they will kill him.”

“This Maoshan is utterly outrageous!” Jiang Xiaofei’s eyes blazed with murderous intent.

His intense aura caused everyone present to tremble.

Yan Xuanfei stepped back, frightened. “Please, Lord Fei, save my master.”

Jiang Xiaofei hesitated. The Ghost King must be saved—there was no question of that—but with the looming crisis from the Netherworld Kingdom, he could not leave.

Jun Yao, sensing his concern, said, “They want me. Let me go.”

“No, I don’t trust you going alone,” Jiang Xiaofei said firmly.

Seeing this, Jun Yao understood his worry and smiled, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

“No, it’s not allowed.”

Jun Yao grew anxious. “I know you worry, but no matter what, I must save my sister.”

Jiang Xiaofei frowned. “Of course we must save her, but don’t you find this suspicious?”

Jun Yao hesitated. “Even if there is a plot, I still must save my sister.”

Seeing her resolve, Jiang Xiaofei was at a loss. Saving the Ghost King was imperative, but with the Netherworld crisis imminent, what if they attacked while she was gone?

At that moment, the Corpse King spoke, “Let me lead a group to Maoshan to rescue the Ghost King.”

“Then we entrust this to you, Corpse King,” Jiang Xiaofei nodded slightly.

But Yan Xuanfei quickly shook her head, “That won’t work.”

“Why not?” Jiang Xiaofei frowned, and Jun Yao looked toward Yan Xuanfei.

Yan Xuanfei answered, “Because Ye Qingzi insists on seeing the Ghost Immortal before releasing the master. If he cannot see him, he will kill him.”

(End of chapter)