Chapter Forty-Three: Entering the Cycle Once More

"Die for me!"

With a thunderous roar, the Lord of the Immortal Cloud Realm surged forward, his eyes blazing with unprecedented murderous intent. He stepped forth, gritting his teeth against the pain that penetrated to his very bones, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Mo Yuan as he hurled his fist forward.

“Insect…”

A chill flashed in Mo Yuan’s crimson eyes at this, and he grinned mockingly, his raspy voice laced with scorn before his figure vanished once more.

When he reappeared, he was already behind the Lord of the Immortal Cloud Realm. His long blade rose, descending in a decisive arc toward his opponent.

As the blade fell, heaven and earth resonated with its might. The boundless forces of the world converged, and in a single instant, the Lord of the Immortal Cloud Realm was struck down, his body shattered and dispersed!

A terrifying wave of power swept out. The Lord of the Immortal Cloud Realm did not even have a chance to resist before he was annihilated.

This scene left all who witnessed it utterly stunned.

Fear and dread instantly swept through the hearts of the onlookers below, while the Yin soldiers were incited to fervor.

“I have already surrendered to the Emperor. Why must you continue to press me so?”

At that moment, the void in the far distance quivered, and the disheveled figure of a young man in plain white garments emerged. A flicker of bitterness passed through his eyes as he spoke in a hoarse voice.

“Mo Yuan.”

Almost simultaneously, a chilling aura unlike any before rapidly descended upon the world. In the distant sky, a man in a black and gold embroidered robe strode forward, swiftly approaching Mo Yuan.

Upon closer inspection, it was none other than the Emperor of the Underworld.

The Emperor’s expression remained indifferent, as though nothing in this world could stir his heart.

“My lord…”

Mo Yuan was taken aback. After a brief pause, he stepped forward, appearing before the Emperor of the Underworld. He dropped to one knee, his right hand pressed to his chest in a gesture of utmost respect.

“This one has surrendered his life imprint; from this day forth, he will serve under Qing Li’s command,” the Emperor said impassively to Mo Yuan, then spoke no more.

Mo Yuan glanced in surprise at Qing Li, who stood behind the Emperor, then clasped his hands and bowed deeply.

“I was unaware of your Majesty’s command. I am willing to accept punishment in the Yellow Springs of the Underworld.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

With a wave of his hand, the Emperor of the Underworld sent out a current of spiritual energy, raising Mo Yuan to his feet. His eyes glimmered with contemplation as he spoke evenly, “From this day forth, she is your master. Should any harm befall her, you will learn the true meaning of cruelty.”

“Yes…”

The Lord of the Immortal Cloud Realm dared not hesitate. Terror flickered in his eyes as his body trembled uncontrollably. He bowed deeply to the silver-robed lady, his voice quivering as he spoke.

“Mo Yuan, return to Tianyuan and hold the fort,” commanded the Emperor after a pause, dismissing Mo Yuan with a wave.

“At your command!”

Mo Yuan did not dare linger; he bowed deeply to the Emperor of the Underworld and then turned, striding across the sky toward the distant horizon.

“Pacify this realm. In one day, I expect to see your sincerity. You may enter the Yellow Springs and act as spirit in its stead for now,” the Emperor said to Han Lin behind him before wasting no more time. He took Qing Li with him and departed, their figures vanishing swiftly into the distance.

Only after a long while did the Lord of the Immortal Cloud Realm slowly rise. He bowed to the place where the Emperor had vanished, fear flashing in his eyes as he pondered deeply.

The Emperor of the Underworld was so protective of his own…

It was clearly his ghost general who suffered first, yet in the end it was he who was required to prove his loyalty. He hadn’t even asked about his injuries…

The more he thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt. If things continued this way, and he risked his life for this person, would there be anyone left to pick up his corpse?

“No, I cannot rely solely on the Underworld…”

“I must placate these people for now, and find another way later…”

A shadow flickered deep in the Lord of the Immortal Cloud Realm’s eyes. After a brief pause, he gradually composed himself, forcing a smile for Han Lin at his side before turning and heading toward the city.

Meanwhile, far away by a lakeside, a figure in a black and gold embroidered robe sat quietly at a stone table.

Beside him stood a graceful young maiden in a blue palace gown, attending him with great respect.

These two were none other than the Emperor of the Underworld and Qing Li.

“This attire suits you best,” the Emperor remarked casually, his gaze sweeping over Qing Li’s elegant, curvaceous form before he smiled, looking out toward the horizon.

“My lord, there is something I do not understand…” After a slight hesitation, Qing Li bowed respectfully with hands clasped, her gentle voice sounding softly.

“You wish to ask why I spared that man’s life, do you not?” The Emperor did not answer at once. After a long silence, a trace of a smile appeared in his eyes as he replied calmly.

“Yes…”

Qing Li nodded. She truly could not understand. The Emperor of the Underworld was always decisive and ruthless, yet he had let this man live—how odd.

But as for why the Emperor insisted on keeping this man alive, her heart was full of questions.

“I will teach you a method. You can refine his life force for your own use. His life is yours to command, and you may draw upon it at any time.”

The Emperor shook his head gently. As a profound light gradually surfaced in his gaze, he spoke with quiet deliberation.

At these words, Qing Li’s heart stirred, her beautiful eyes shimmering as she dropped to one knee before the Emperor, bowing deeply.

“Qing Li is unworthy…”

Her delicate form trembled, her voice unsteady, yet her eyes were filled with deep emotion.

“There’s no need for this. But you should make your preparations,” the Emperor said, after a slight pause, his gaze growing grave.

“Please instruct me, my lord,” Qing Li said, bowing respectfully and awaiting guidance.

“The Lord of the Divine Dynasty will soon emerge from seclusion.”

The Emperor’s eyes grew unfathomable, his voice drifting softly into the air as an unprecedented aura of illusion spread around him.

In the next instant, the very heavens and earth responded. Before him, a vortex of unreality formed, swirling with immense power.

“There is not enough time.”

“Endless cycles of rebirth, living through myriad worlds.”

“Each life is a new beginning.”

“I have sensed, within the cycle, an opportunity to transcend.”

“It may be a matter of days, or it may be countless ages.”

“After I leave, the Underworld shall be under your care.”

As the Emperor spoke, the light in his eyes deepened still further. But standing beside him, Qing Li’s slender form trembled uncontrollably, her eyes wide with disbelief…