Chapter 57: The Sacred Land of the Nine Netherworlds

“Let me hold you—come on, let me hold you!” Gongsun Lin pleaded with Chen Mu.

Chen Mu, feeling a headache coming on, replied, “Since Rou’er is unwilling, you can’t force her.”

Rou’er cut in fiercely, “That’s right, that’s right! You wretched human, you’re still tens of thousands of years too early to think you can hold me…”

Gongsun Lin gazed at Chen Mu with her large, watery eyes, but Chen Mu pretended not to notice and said, “Sister Gongsun, even if you beg me, it’s no use if Rou’er is unwilling. Be careful not to push her too far, or she might send you flying with a swipe of her paw. As far as I know, there are Nascent Soul cultivators who’ve been swatted by her—and they came to a miserable end…”

On hearing this, Gongsun Lin shrank her neck, her girlish enthusiasm finally cooling a little.

Seeing that Gongsun Lin still looked aggrieved, Chen Mu said earnestly, “Rou’er may only be a third-rank spirit beast, but her strength is equal to a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator—she is your elder by any measure. Is it appropriate to demand a hug from a senior? Do you think she doesn’t care about her dignity?”

At these words, Gongsun Lin nodded in agreement. Though Rou’er’s body was small and adorable, she was, after all, a senior.

Seniors have their pride. Once she figured this out, Gongsun Lin stopped making unreasonable demands.

Seeing that Gongsun Lin had given up the idea of hugging her, Rou’er elegantly landed on Chen Mu’s hand, her little face pressing contentedly against his chest. The man and the fox walked together in peace toward the inn.

Witnessing this, Gongsun Lin felt both wronged and furious. What happened to all that talk about a senior’s dignity? How could she look so blissful in Chen Mu’s arms? Who was she trying to fool? Carrying her grievances and indignation, Gongsun Lin followed behind Chen Mu as they returned to the inn.

In the morning, Chen Mu set out with Xu Changye and the others for the Mingyue Empire.

After three days and two nights of travel, they arrived not far from the border.

Chen Mu dismounted from his fine eagle beast, stowed it away in his spirit beast bracelet, and changed into the attire of a Nine Nether Sacred Land disciple, thus resolving the issue of his identity.

All that remained was to wait for the War Demon Priest to arrive and receive them—then he could easily enter the Mingyue Empire.

Thus, Chen Mu waited with Gongsun Lin, Xu Changye, and the others for the arrival of the War Demon Priest.

A day later, a grand entourage from the Nine Nether Sacred Land came to welcome their young sect leader. The War Demon Priest brought ten elite cultivators at the Core Formation stage from the War Demon Hall, as well as a hundred full Foundation Establishment stage demon cultivators, and marched to the border.

The War Demon Priest, Su Ang, was himself an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, highly respected among the demon cultivators of Nine Nether Sacred Land. Though newly advanced, his popularity rivaled that of the veteran elders.

Seeing such a display, the military officers who had intended to block Gongsun Lin’s path were secretly alarmed.

One general stepped forward and said, “So it is the War Demon Priest from Nine Nether Sacred Land! I apologize for not coming out to greet you sooner. But, may I ask, what is the meaning of such a formidable show of force?”

“Heh, you and I both know the answer to that,” Su Ang sneered. “Your military has tried again and again to intercept our young sect leader, hoping to capture her and use her to control our lord. Quite a clever scheme. Fortunately, someone intervened, or she really would have fallen into your hands.”

The general stiffened, wiped his brow, and forced a laugh. “Priest, you must be joking. We would never dare to intercept the young sect leader—not in a hundred lifetimes.”

“Don’t pretend. We came because we received word from our young sect leader. You’re bolder than you let on.”

The general had nothing to say and could only stand there awkwardly.

“Step aside. Our young sect leader will soon arrive at the border. Don’t worry—we won’t trouble you small fry. But our lord will personally pay a visit to your royal family and demand an explanation.”

The general had no choice but to step aside, knowing full well that Nine Nether Sacred Land had been thoroughly provoked. If war broke out, the common people of the Mingyue Empire would suffer terribly.

With the path clear, Su Ang led the demon cultivators beyond the border to await Gongsun Lin.

In a tent among the refugees outside the border, Gongsun Lin and her companions saw that the War Demon Priest had come to meet them and were finally able to relax. They packed up their tent and headed straight toward Su Ang.

Along the way, they removed their outer robes, revealing the attire of Nine Nether Sacred Land disciples. Su Ang immediately caught sight of Gongsun Lin.

Seeing his young sect leader approach, Su Ang knelt on one knee and intoned, “With Nine Nether in our hearts, the Sacred Land endures!”

The demon cultivators behind him also knelt and recited the line.

Gongsun Lin, Xu Changye, and the others returned the salute. “With Nine Nether in our hearts, the Sacred Land endures! Uncle Priest, please rise.”

Su Ang clasped his fists and said, “Thank you, young sect leader!”

The demon cultivators stood as Su Ang did.

“Young sect leader, please allow us to escort you back to the Sacred Land.” With that, he ordered his men to surround and protect Gongsun Lin.

Gongsun Lin replied with poise, “Very well, let’s proceed.”

Thus, Chen Mu joined the procession as they entered the Mingyue Empire.

At that moment, a voice called out, “Wait!”

The words put all the demon cultivators instantly on alert, glaring at the general who spoke and filling the air with menace.

Su Ang’s presence alone commanded respect as he asked coldly, “What, does the Mingyue Empire still wish to detain us?”

The general broke into a cold sweat and hurried to explain, “No, no, Priest, you misunderstand. I would not dare. Of course, all of you from Nine Nether Sacred Land are free to pass. But this one man cannot! He slaughtered our soldiers and stole our prized eagle beast. If I don’t apprehend him, I’ll have a hard time explaining myself.”

The general was clearly referring to Chen Mu, who remained calm and watched to see how Su Ang would handle the matter.

“Hmph. So what if he killed your soldiers or took your eagle beast? Don’t you see he’s wearing the robes of Nine Nether Sacred Land? Since he is one of us, your military has no authority over him!” Su Ang declared, imperious and direct.

Chen Mu reflected that demon sects were always so forthright and domineering, unlike the so-called righteous sects who cloak their greed in grand principles. When they want to take something, they simply take it.

The general hesitated, stammering for a while, until Su Ang threatened, “What, do you want to start a war with Nine Nether Sacred Land?”

“No, no… Priest, please go ahead. Just pretend I never said anything,” the general answered with a bitter smile.

“Good. Let’s go!” Su Ang nodded, his gaze lingering on Chen Mu, noting his calm demeanor. Inwardly, he formed a favorable opinion of this young man’s courage.

Thus, Chen Mu set out with the demon cultivators on the road back to Nine Nether Sacred Land.

Along the way, Xu Changye asked Chen Mu about his plans. Chen Mu replied, “I don’t know yet. I intend to search for news about the Path of Immortals and Mortals.”

“Do you have a destination in mind?” Xu Changye inquired.

“No. I have no idea where to go,” Chen Mu shook his head.

“You’ll need manpower and an intelligence network to dig up information. Join us in Nine Nether Sacred Land—then you’ll have both,” Xu Changye urged, hoping to recruit Chen Mu into their ranks.

“Are there any restrictions on joining? I don’t want to be tied down or forced to reveal my secrets,” Chen Mu considered aloud.

“No one will pry into your secrets. Everyone has their own little mysteries, and we respect each other’s privacy. The only requirement is that you present yourself as a disciple of Nine Nether Sacred Land and profess allegiance to the demon path… But that’s just for appearances. What you truly believe in your heart doesn’t matter—as long as you remember the slogan, ‘With Nine Nether in our hearts, the Sacred Land endures!’ If you join, you certainly won’t be a mere disciple. You saved the young sect leader and your strength surpasses ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators; you’ve reached Core Formation battle power. I think you’ll easily secure a position of authority within the Sacred Land.”

“As long as I’m not required to change my cultivation method or practice demon techniques, I’m fine with it. I don’t want to abandon my main technique, though secret arts and spells are another matter. The more techniques, the more options.”

“Cultivation methods? There’s no requirement to change. So, does this mean you agree to join?”

“Yes. I want to become stronger, so having a powerful backer isn’t a bad idea.”

“Haha, excellent. I believe you’ll accomplish great things in the Sacred Land.”

“I’ll take that as a blessing from Uncle Xu.”

Xu Changye patted Chen Mu’s shoulder, sighing with admiration. Chen Mu’s prowess was the most monstrous he had ever seen—so young, yet capable of Core Formation-level combat. He’d never heard of anyone like that.

What was even more terrifying were Chen Mu’s hidden aces—those trump cards made even him feel threatened.

Upon arriving at the headquarters of Nine Nether Sacred Land, they noticed that every disciple they passed would bow in reverence.

It was remarkable. Chen Mu had never experienced a religious organization before. Fortunately, as a new recruit, he didn’t have to bow to everyone like the ordinary disciples—otherwise, he would have left at once.

He could also tell that, although Gongsun Lin appeared radiant on the surface, this constant state of reverence could be exhausting over time.

As soon as they entered Nine Nether Sacred Land, Chen Mu and the others were summoned to the main Demon Hall—the seat of the sect leader.

“Father.” Upon entering, Gongsun Lin hurried forward and threw herself into the arms of the elegant middle-aged man standing at the far end of the hall. This man was the sect leader, Gongsun Qingyang, and Gongsun Lin’s father.

Gongsun Qingyang affectionately patted her head. “Lin’er, you’re back. That’s all that matters. I heard the Mingyue Empire tried to capture you to threaten and control me? Hmph! If I don’t teach them a lesson, they’ll think I’m a paper tiger!”

“Lin’er is unharmed, all thanks to Chen Mu’s repeated help. Otherwise, I really would have ended up in the hands of the Mingyue Empire,” Gongsun Lin said sweetly.

“Oh? So this is Chen Mu?” Gongsun Qingyang glanced at Chen Mu, who was just approaching.

“Yes, and he’s so stingy,” Gongsun Lin pouted.

“Haha, if he can put our young lady at a disadvantage, he must be quite resourceful,” Gongsun Qingyang laughed.

Xu Changye, Chen Mu, and the others stepped forward and knelt on one knee, reciting, “With Nine Nether in our hearts, the Sacred Land endures!”

This time, Chen Mu joined in, following their example.