Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2166 Chapter 1017: Underworld

Inside the Feng family's cave abode.

In the depths of the night, Great Elder Zhang and Elder Feng faced one another across a table, sharing wine while their faces showed deep solemnity.

"Brother Zhang, are you referring to... the Underworld?" Elder Feng's brow furrowed intensely.

The moment the term "Underworld" escaped his lips, a chill seemed to seep into the chamber, dropping the temperature noticeably.

Great Elder Zhang gave a nod, his voice low and grave: "It appears that certain forces aim to unlock the 'Underworld' pathway right here in Kan State..."

Elder Feng's frown deepened. "Who could that be?"

Great Elder Zhang shook his head slowly. "Not even the ancestors can foresee it..."

A heavier shadow crossed Elder Feng's features, and after a brief pause, he posed the question with utmost seriousness: "Does something like the 'Underworld'... truly exist?"

Great Elder Zhang's expression turned even more severe as he replied deliberately:

"Ancient scrolls from over ten thousand years past do reference the 'Underworld,' portraying it as a colossal calamity capable of wiping out entire state boundaries."

"Yet, what precisely constitutes this 'Underworld'?"

"Could it be some immense Demon, a formidable Ghost, or perhaps a gigantic corpse?"

"Might it represent a Demon's Lair, an ancient curse from Taoists, or a heavenly tribulation, a karmic catastrophe... the truth eludes everyone."

"The method to activate the Underworld pathway and its actual implications remain shrouded in enigma for me."

Elder Feng responded, "Given our complete ignorance on the matter... Brother Zhang, how exactly did you learn of these indications that the 'Underworld' pathway is stirring in Kan State?"

Great Elder Zhang's tone grew icy as he explained, "One of the ancestors appeared to me in a dream, delivering a foreboding warning. The Canglan state boundary lay in ruins, with sinister Netherworld Water surging through the earthly rivers, warping every form of life across Kan State."

"The whole of Kan State would transform into an Underworld realm of chaos, where Yin and Yang blend indistinguishably, and the boundaries between humans and ghosts dissolve..."

Merely envisioning such a horror caused Elder Feng to tremble faintly.

Great Elder Zhang let out a heavy sigh. "Every ancient chronicle from all the states documents the Underworld calamity."

"The Cultivation World spans the Nine States, centered by the Taoist State, with the remaining eight encircling it in harmony with the Eight Trigrams' layout."

"Our Zhang Family makes its home in Kan State, where Kan embodies the essence of water."

"The Underworld draws from the waters of the Nine Nether as well."

"By the logic of the Eight Trigrams, the Underworld disaster is destined to ignite first in Kan State, serving as the wellspring of the Nine Nether and the birthplace of the Underworld itself."

"Should Kan State fall to the Underworld's wrath, the Zhang Family would face the fiercest onslaught. With our ancestral roots planted here, I can spare no effort in confronting this threat..."

Elder Feng mulled it over briefly, his eyes reflecting concern mingled with bewilderment:

"Brother Zhang, there's something that escapes my understanding."

"Go ahead, Brother Feng," Great Elder Zhang encouraged.

Elder Feng continued, "From the vantage of the Qianxue State Boundary, the view is one of vibrant activity, implying a realm at peace, the Nine States thriving, and all things blooming in abundance..."

"However..." Elder Feng creased his forehead. "As you've described, Kan State harbors the peril of the Underworld, Li State grapples with turmoil from the Southern Wilderness, and various areas sporadically encounter Taoist..."

Elder Feng paused, seemingly hesitant to utter those particular words, yet summoning resolve, he whispered:

"Taoist Demon disturbances..."

"Thus, is this world genuinely serene and bountiful, or does it brim with turmoil and calamities?"

Elder Feng's words echoed with profound uncertainty.

Great Elder Zhang fell quiet for a spell, then fixed Elder Feng with an intense stare. "Brother Feng, are you truly unaware?"

Elder Feng's gaze wavered, yet he denied it with a shake of his head.

Great Elder Zhang articulated each syllable carefully:

"The noble clans flourish, and as an elder in one such lineage, you perceive the Cultivation World as thriving."

"However, this clan prosperity demands a toll."

"And it's the ones paying that toll who shoulder the chaos and catastrophes..."

Great Elder Zhang's eyes held a depth of insight, his voice laced with layers of implication.

While some revel in abundance, others foot the bill. This imbalance fuels the Cultivation World's instability and signals the Underworld's emergence in Kan State.

Elder Feng appeared lost in thought, though clarity seemed to elude him fully.

Great Elder Zhang had no desire to probe further into these depths; his attention stayed locked on Kan State's plight.

Great Elder Zhang exhaled deeply and spoke with earnest resolve:

"Truth be told, Brother Feng, my journey to the Qianxue State Boundary this time served three purposes: first, to join the sword discourse, letting my family's disciples behold the prowess of Qianxue's prodigies, grasp that superiors always exist beyond oneself, and fuel their relentless chase of the Dao..."

"Second, to reconnect with longtime allies;"

"Third, to probe this looming Underworld catastrophe."

Great Elder Zhang regarded Elder Feng with grave intent. "The Qianxue State Boundary holds Fifth Grade status, steeped in legacies of clans and sects, surely brimming with venerable tomes and scrolls in its Taoist Repository."

"Should an opening present itself, I'd like to delve into some investigations."

"Among the Qianxue State Boundary's elders and wise acquaintances, if the moment allows, I beseech Brother Feng to make introductions."

"Through such means, I aim to trace the roots of the 'Underworld' term..."

"This Underworld calamity, vague though it remains, would be ideal if it proved mere myth."

"Yet if reality confirms it, then it spells an immense cataclysm. Having dwelled in Kan State across generations, my Zhang Family bears the obligation to uncover methods of containment, to avert the ruin of a single state and safeguard the broader world."

From his position in the Feather Transformation Realm, Great Elder Zhang stood and offered a respectful bow to Elder Feng. "I earnestly seek Brother Feng's aid."

Elder Feng quickly rose and stepped back to evade the gesture, replying in haste, "Brother Zhang, please, this is unnecessary—I truly cannot accept such formality."

After careful deliberation, he admitted candidly, "Frankly speaking, on an issue as weighty as the Underworld, my modest cultivation and connections fall short of aiding Brother Zhang effectively."

"That said, if it involves perusing old texts and records, or facilitating meetings with fellow elders, then I must agree without hesitation."

Relief washed over Great Elder Zhang as he cupped his hands in gratitude. "My thanks!"

Beneath the veil of darkness, the pair conferred on practical details a bit longer until the hour grew late, at which point they parted ways.

Great Elder Zhang made his way back to the Zhang Family's guest quarters and, following custom, conducted the evening muster.

By this point, it was already 10 p.m., and nearly all clan members and disciples had returned punctually—save for one notable absence.

Great Elder Zhang's eyes narrowed ominously. "Where is Zhang Lan?"

The Zhang Family members exchanged uneasy glances, none bold enough to reply.

It wasn't out of intent to conceal, but their minor abilities and levels of cultivation paled before the Great Elder; any falsehood would unravel the instant they spoke.

Silence was wiser than deception.

Any cover-up would bring punishment upon them all.