Divine King of Honour Chapter 1856: The Mysterious Elder

Xu Nian accompanied the Lei Family Ancestor into Tianbei City. Though not vast in size, Tianbei City teemed with activity, and the practitioners of the Netherworld found within were predominantly at the Heavenly Immortal level and above. It was indeed a rarity to encounter anyone below that threshold.

"Brother Lei, is the individual you are introducing me to also a Divine-level expert?" Xu Nian inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Indeed, a Divine-level expert as well, though not affiliated with the Qin Family. He is an old acquaintance of mine. The Divine-level experts in Qing State are not solely confined to the three major powers; there exist several individuals who prefer to operate from the shadows," the Lei Family Ancestor explained with a smile.

Xu Nian nodded in understanding. To the general populace, the presence of Divine-level experts in Qing State was attributed only to the Qin Family, Chaoyang Sect, and Moyang Sword Academy. However, the existence of certain hidden Divine-level cultivators remained largely unknown to the public.

It was evident that this friend of the Lei Family Ancestor belonged to this clandestine group of experts.

"Brother Lei, what knowledge does your friend possess regarding the Netherworld Lord?" Xu Nian questioned further.

"I am uncertain of the precise extent of his knowledge. This individual spent a period within the Netherworld God Temple some time ago, so it is probable he has some awareness. However, his disposition is rather peculiar, making the acquisition of information from him potentially challenging," the Lei Family Ancestor responded.

"Peculiar?" Xu Nian mused internally upon hearing this description.

The Lei Family Ancestor's friend now held an even greater allure for Xu Nian.

Regardless, he would ascertain more once they met.

Soon, they reached a secluded and tranquil dwelling.

Within the residence, an elder was seated.

This elder possessed white hair and a matching beard, yet his eyes radiated an uncommon sharpness.

He held a simple yet ancient string of prayer beads. These beads emanated potent energy fluctuations, and each one appeared to be etched with a formidable divine pattern. These patterns were ancient and distinct from one another.

"This is undoubtedly a highly potent ancient artifact," Xu Nian marveled silently.

With eighteen beads, the string represented eighteen powerful divine patterns. The creation of such an ancient artifact was truly astonishing.

Naturally, Xu Nian also perceived that this ancient artifact seemed to bear a defect. If his assessment was correct, this artifact, in its prime, should have been a Top-Grade Heavenly Divine Artifact. However, it now seemed to be merely a Low Grade Divine Artifact.

"Old immortal, still engrossed with your prayer beads. You've been studying those beads for hundreds of thousands of years, haven't you?" the Lei Family Ancestor remarked.

The elder looked up at the Lei Family Ancestor and immediately broke into a smile, "Well, well, if it isn't the old Lei immortal. You're still alive?"

"Hmph, if you are still alive, why would I perish?" the Lei Family Ancestor retorted without missing a beat.

"Haha, my destiny is to outlive you. Tell me, what brings you here instead of remaining at your Thunder Pond cultivating?" the elder chuckled.

"Can't I simply pay a visit?" the Lei Family Ancestor replied with a grin, taking a drink from his wine jug.

With a swift movement, the elder's figure blurred, appearing instantly before the Lei Family Ancestor. He snatched the wine jug and took a hefty draught.

"Magnificent wine! I've never tasted anything this potent," the elder exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with delight.

"The first thing you do upon meeting is pilfer my wine, you old immortal," the Lei Family Ancestor retrieved the jug, fixing the elder with a stern look.

"Still as miserly as ever, I see," the elder shot back immediately.

Observing their exchange, a faint smile touched Xu Nian's lips.

It appeared that the Lei Family Ancestor and this elder shared a remarkably close bond.

Only through genuine friendship could such playful bickering occur.

"Old Lei, is this young descendant from your Lei Family? Not bad, already at the Nether Emperor Perfection stage. It seems you have a prodigy among you. Is this the reason for your visit?" the elder, identified as Tang Wu, inquired with a smile.

"He is not a member of my Lei Family; my family could not produce such a talent. However, my visit is indeed related to him. He is a new companion, named Xu Fenn, and he wishes to inquire about something," the Lei Family Ancestor clarified.

"Oh? A newly acquired friend from a different generation?" Tang Wu displayed a flicker of surprise before scrutinizing Xu Nian more intently.

"Junior Xu Fenn pays his respects to the esteemed elder," Xu Nian said with a polite smile.

"It appears Old Lei holds you in high esteem. I have never heard him praise anyone in such a manner before. What is it that brings you to me?" Tang Wu asked.

"I wish to seek the elder's insights regarding the Netherworld God Temple and the Netherworld Lord," Xu Nian stated.

Upon hearing Xu Nian's words, Tang Wu's expression shifted dramatically.

"I cannot provide you with that information. You should depart; I know nothing," Tang Wu flatly refused.

Xu Nian's demeanor shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. He hadn't expected Tang Wu's mood to turn on a dime like that. Was there a forbidden subject concerning the Netherworld God Temple and the Netherworld Lord? If not, why would Tang Wu evade it with such vehemence?

"Old Tang, that's hardly correct. Didn't you spend a good deal of time within the Netherworld God Temple yourself? How could you possibly not know?" the Lei Family Ancestor interjected, his voice sharp.

"Hmph, Old Lei, what business is it of yours? I'd advise you against poking your nose into certain affairs. As for you, young man, some questions are worth asking, while others are not. Consider carefully, lest you find yourself losing your life," Tang Wu stated, his tone turning icy. He directed this warning specifically at Xu Nian.

Xu Nian was taken aback once more. Tang Wu's implicit message was undeniably clear: any further inquiries into the Netherworld God Temple would invite perilous consequences. It was evident why Tang Wu himself was so reluctant to discuss the matter.

"Elder, I genuinely have a most crucial reason for seeking the Netherworld Lord. It is a matter more important than my very life, and therefore, I must ascertain the truth," Xu Nian declared without hesitation.

"Hmph, and what concern is that of mine?" Tang Wu retorted coldly.

"As I've already told you, this fellow is quite eccentric. If he has no desire to speak, you'll likely find it impossible to persuade him," the Lei Family Ancestor remarked with a sigh of resignation.

"Noted. In that case, you would be best advised to depart now," Tang Wu commanded, signaling for them to leave.

Xu Nian's expression became one of deep contemplation.

"Elder, do you happen to be studying divine patterns? Might you have an interest in the ancient divine patterns found on archaic artifacts?" Xu Nian inquired, a smile playing on his lips.

"Huh? You possess ancient divine patterns from archaic artifacts?" Tang Wu's eyes suddenly widened, a spark of keen interest igniting within them.

He appeared visibly intrigued by the proposition.

"Indeed, I do. However, since the Elder does not seem to welcome our presence, I suppose we must take our leave," Xu Nian replied with a polite smile. He had observed the elder earlier, handling prayer beads, a clear indication of his studies into divine patterns. Ancient divine patterns from archaic artifacts would undoubtedly hold an irresistible allure for anyone dedicated to comprehending such mystic arts. Therefore, by mentioning his possession of these patterns, he was confident the elder would be swayed.

"Wait a moment, lad, don't be so hasty to depart. Weren't you curious about the Netherworld God Temple? It's not entirely impossible for me to enlighten you," the elder declared, quickly calling out to halt Xu Nian.

Upon hearing this, Xu Nian's smile broadened considerably.

The Lei Family Ancestor let out a hearty burst of laughter as well.