Chapter 347: Soul Division Reincarnation, Probing the Netherworld
Chapter 347: Divided Soul Reincarnation, A Glimpse into the Netherworld
Jiangnan, Hidden Sword Manor.
"A golden age is coming."
Lü Yang's celestial spirit main body gazed into the distance, sensing the explosive surges of qi from all directions. Chongguang's actions had ignited a powder keg!
Under the watchful eyes of True Lords, nearly all Foundation Establishment True Persons lived as if shackled—especially those at the perfected Foundation Establishment stage, the Grand True Persons. They were under constant surveillance by the True Lords across the land, where one misstep could trigger a chain reaction. How few truly had the opportunity to pursue Golden Core? In the end, they were merely more useful tools.
They weren't even as free as Grand True Persons at the late Foundation Establishment stage!
But now, things were different.
"Sixty years without True Lords—though it doesn't sound long, for Grand True Persons at late Foundation Establishment, this timeframe is more than ample."
"Unfortunately, it has little to do with me..."
Lü Yang was self-aware. He didn't expect to achieve Golden Core in sixty years, but reaching perfected Foundation Establishment within that span? That seemed attainable.
"I already possess [Geng Metal] and [Shen Metal]."
"The next step, [Xin Metal], is in Uncle Chongguang's hands. I should have a chance to obtain it later. That would make three Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend essences!"
If he could find [You Metal] and complete the set of four...
As a celestial spirit, he would achieve perfection!
Once he comprehended his Life Essence divine ability, he could immediately emerge to pursue Golden Core!
"If I can gather them, I'd be willing to die for it. After all, I could use the Book of a Hundred Lifetimes to carry all my cultivation back. No matter how you look at it, it's a massive win."
Because the [Heavenly Dominion Omnipresent Dharma Body] was both a divine ability and a spiritual treasure, embodying the traits of both.
And the Book of a Hundred Lifetimes' cultivation option included mastered divine abilities!
'In other words, if I choose cultivation, I can take the [Heavenly Dominion Omnipresent Dharma Body] with me without worrying about wasting it!'
At this thought, Lü Yang's spirits lifted.
"Finally, an opportunity..."
He then glanced at Ancestor Nether Whisper, who was still calculating something with his fingers, evidently absorbed in Chongguang's earlier actions.
"..."
Truthfully, Lü Yang felt little about it.
Of course, he was grateful for Chongguang's move, but whether it was Chongguang or Mu Changsheng, their goals and ambitions were simply too lofty.
Too distant from him.
'Perhaps only a prodigy like the Ancestor could resonate with them... Sadly, compared to grand ambitions, I care more about daily necessities.'
For Lü Yang, he merely wanted to advance step by step.
Climbing to the highest point at any cost!
Thus, compared to Chongguang and Mu Changsheng, the one he resonated with most was actually Suo Huan... Those struggling to survive hardly have the mind for grand designs.
"Haah..."
Setting aside these thoughts, Lü Yang refocused and reactivated [Puppet on Strings], shifting his attention back to his avatar inside the [Southern Heavenly Gate].
With the True Lords withdrawing from the world, the immense power previously exerted on the [Southern Heavenly Gate] had dissipated, no longer isolating it. Lü Yang could now end his avatar's life.
"Pfft!"
The next moment, Lü Yang manipulated his avatar to shatter its internal organs. Cracks spread across its body, and in an instant, it became a bloodied wreck—a gruesome sight.
After accomplishing this, he led the Yun Family Patriarch and True Person Xiuxin out of the [Southern Heavenly Gate].
Outside, True Person Dangmo's gaze immediately locked onto Lü Yang. First came confusion, then anger:
"Why are only the three of you here?"
Lü Yang didn't let his avatar answer. Instead, True Person Xiuxin beside him spoke: "Senior Sister Ye was killed by the Demon Sect's Mending Heaven Peak Master. The other True Persons were scattered..."
Before she could finish, the [Southern Heavenly Gate] trembled again.
Several streaks of light shot out—the Sword Pavilion True Persons who had fled after Ye Guyue's death, deliberately spared by Lü Yang.
Perfect timing.
With their accounts, Ye Guyue's death was swiftly concluded: slain by the Demon Sect's Mending Heaven Peak Master, witnessed by many, without a shred of doubt.
True Person Dangmo could only sigh deeply. He looked at Lü Yang kindly and said, "The Demon Sect's power is immense. For Fellow Daoist Lü to preserve his life is already remarkable. This defeat in the [Southern Heavenly Gate] is my responsibility. Upon returning, I will plead guilty. For now, accompany me back to the Sword Pavilion to recuperate."
"True Person, you misunderstand!"
Again, Lü Yang remained silent, letting the Yun Family Patriarch beside him speak: "How can this be called a defeat for our Sword Pavilion? It should be considered a great victory!"
Silence fell over the crowd.
True Person Dangmo blinked in surprise, then his eyes gleamed with intrigue: "Fellow Daoist Yun means..."
"Ahem, ahem."
Only now did Lü Yang finally speak. Trembling, he retrieved a storage pouch and gently shook it, releasing a dazzling array of treasures.
True Person Dangmo stared blankly for a moment before smiling warmly: "Excellent!"
Lü Yang clasped his hands weakly and said, "The Mending Heaven Peak Master who killed Senior Sister Ye has fallen by my hand, avenging her."
"Alas, these are all the spiritual materials I managed to retrieve from the [Southern Heavenly Gate]..."
He understood the principle of lowering expectations before exceeding them. If he had presented the spoils upfront, a careful count would reveal that much was missing—only thirty percent remained. But by first making everyone believe nothing had been gained, then revealing the haul, the effect was entirely different.
Coupled with his near-death appearance, who could possibly fault him?
What? Seventy percent of the materials are missing?
Be grateful for the thirty percent! What? You think I embezzled them?
"You've suffered!" True Person Dangmo grasped Lü Yang's hand firmly.
Seizing the moment, Lü Yang pressed on: "Senior... This junior has fulfilled his duty. Though my lamp is nearly extinguished, I've still contributed to the Sword Pavilion."
"I only ask that in my next life, I may join the Sword Pavilion and obtain a sliver of Dao affinity."
Lü Yang's words were so heartfelt that True Person Dangmo was visibly moved. After a long pause, he murmured, "If you don't wish to die, perhaps I should kill you instead..."
Lü Yang: "???"
"Absolutely unnecessary!"
Fearing True Person Dangmo might raise his sword, Lü Yang hastily declined: "This junior aspires to the Great Dao and only seeks to join the Sword Pavilion. I beg for your guidance, Senior."
"...Very well, I promise you."
True Person Dangmo's expression turned solemn: "After your reincarnation, I will personally retrieve you and take you as my disciple. From then on, you shall be a True Disciple of our Sword Pavilion."
'This is even better than I hoped!'
Ecstasy surged in Lü Yang's heart. He frantically recalled his encounters with [Ang Xiao] to suppress the grin threatening to break across his face.
"Then... many thanks, Senior..."
Before he could finish, Lü Yang eagerly let his head loll to the side.
The [Netherworld] opened!
Through his divided soul's perspective, Lü Yang witnessed the Netherworld for the first time—a pitch-black gate visible only to the souls of the deceased.
'At last, I can officially cleanse my reputation and join the Sword Pavilion!'
'[Xin Metal] is already secured, and the final [You Metal] might well lie within the Sword Pavilion. Not to mention, I've long coveted their cultivation techniques...'
Beyond that, there was another goal that intrigued Lü Yang:
'...To explore reincarnation itself!'
Ordinary souls enter the cycle of rebirth in a daze, unaware of themselves. Even divided souls lose connection with their main body, let alone remote control.
But Lü Yang was different.
Through [Puppet on Strings], he could manipulate his divided soul's actions and directly observe the workings of reincarnation!
'Better safe than sorry.'
'If [Ang Xiao] is scheming against the Netherworld, why can't I? Scout the path now, and by Golden Core, perhaps I can seize it for myself...'
Countless thoughts flashed through Lü Yang's mind.
The next instant, as his divided soul drifted into the [Netherworld], darkness briefly enveloped his vision before he found himself in a shadowy hall.
Before him was a pair of scrutinizing eyes.
'...Hm?'
Through [Puppet on Strings], Lü Yang watched as the figure shrouded in mist—revealing only those eyes—suddenly closed the distance.
The eyes flickered between azure and pale hues.
In their shimmering depths, Lü Yang could clearly see the reflection of his divided soul, now less than an inch away.
"...Fellow Daoist?"