Gales and torrential rain whipped the sea into terrifying swells.
Beneath the turbulent surface, in the steadily deepening gloom, the ocean resounded ceaselessly with the roar of surging currents, punctuated by periodic, deafening crashes that sounded like underwater landslides.
The deep sea was far from quiet.
It was as though the clamor of destruction echoed endlessly through the abyss.
Yet amidst the eternal darkness and unrest, a wisp of pure white light quietly blossomed like a precious gem, its illusory radiance holding back the crushing weight of thousands of tons of seawater.
Step by step, it descended.
"The wondrous Dharma of Wulou Temple is profound indeed. Truly admirable."
From beneath an oil-painted mask came a completely indistinct voice. The figure, stooped like an old ape, hovered within the open pocket carved into the sea, clicking his tongue in admiration. "The Abyssal Depths lineage is exceedingly convenient, though having to handle everything personally is admittedly a bit troublesome. If Vina Du Luojia has need, I happen to have a few rare treasures on hand."
"The path of the True Dharma is fully endowed with divine powers. What need is there for external objects?"
The monk, crowned with a mani jewel atop his head, cast a cold glance at the old ape. "Elder Xiuyan, you had best refrain from flaunting those Profound tricks. Direct your thoughts instead toward how you intend to persuade that Tyrant you so thoroughly swindled."
"Heheh, do not worry, Vina. His Eminence the Abyssal Lord possesses a heart broad enough to encompass the four seas. How could he possibly fuss over fleeting gains and losses?"
"One would hope so."
The monk withdrew his gaze.
Bathed in the radiance of the mani jewel, his appearance was revealed.
Beneath solemn monastic robes and kasaya, the body was surprisingly that of a rather delicate, diminutive young girl. Auspicious patterns adorned her brow and eyes, while a golden brush had drawn a single vertical mark at the center of her forehead, like an eye.
Yet the voice that emerged was world-weary, hoarse, and deep.
Whether along the path of Ascension or that of the Abyss, once one reached the profound and distant realms, detaching the spirit from the flesh to act independently was hardly difficult. Whether one called it astral projection, the wandering of the yin spirit, or shedding the soul from its husk mattered little—they were merely differences in name.
Yet spiritual forms often came with numerous inconveniences. They were susceptible to interference and erosion from external elements, and any mishap risked damaging one's very foundation. As such, countless techniques and methods had been devised to address this.
This guardian manifestation of the three-eyed, human-faced Dakini was an example of extraordinary power. It could tread the empty sea with boundless might, uphold the Dharma, strike down all sentient beings, and travel wherever the beings of the ten directions could go!
Though she appeared as a petite young girl, if she were to reveal her true form, she would likely prove far more savage and terrifying than any Swarm or calamity beast.
Down in the abyssal depths, he ignored the bitter chill and crushing pressure, strolling leisurely downward as phantom lotuses bloomed and withered intermittently in the void.
Even the aberrant sea creatures and colossal calamity beasts were enticed by that illusory light. Involuntarily, they converged, drew close, and followed in his wake, throwing themselves beneath the feet of the Dakini guardian only to wither away and disintegrate into ash.
It bore not the slightest hint of cruelty or horror. Instead, it was remarkably serene—like the arising and ceasing of all dharmas, the coming together and ending of karmic conditions, thoroughly tranquil.
Ahead, Xiuyan, who was leading the way, paused slightly.
"We have arrived."
The deep sea lay desolate and grim. The rift-scarred seabed was covered in an expanse of dull gray. No trace remained of the former abyss or its magnificent structures; not a single sign of living creatures could be seen.
Du Luojia could not help but frown.
It was not that he suspected Xiuyan had led them astray, but rather that he marveled at how rumors sometimes held a grain of truth.
Tyrants—creatures who rode high when the wind was at their backs, cowered when the tide turned, acted like dogs in victory and retreated into their shells in defeat—were truly pathetic vermin.
And the Abyssal Lord was paramount among them. Having suffered merely a single defeat, he had immediately played the ostrich, burying himself in the oceanic trench without even daring to poke his head out.
What was he afraid of?
Could someone really march across a hundred and eight thousand li to bash down his door a second time?
Utterly disgraceful.
Even now, when they stood right outside his threshold, there was still not a peep. For all they knew, he was hiding behind some screen watching his surveillance feeds and playing dead!
Du Luojia could not help glaring at Xiuyan. *Look at the fine mess you made.*
Xiuyan chuckled as if nothing were amiss. Floating forward, he produced an insignia token, waved it, and sent forth a wisp of spiritus fluctuation.
"The guests have arrived at your door. Why is the Abyssal Lord so reluctant to grant an audience?"
The deep sea remained dead silent, without the slightest response.
"..."
Du Luojia frowned and looked back at Xiuyan.
Xiuyan was taken aback for a moment before dawning realization struck. He introduced, "This is the envoy of Dharma King Shanzhu of Wulou Temple, Master Du Luojia, Abbot of the Amrita Grove of the Upper Monastery.
"Having long heard of the Abyssal Lord's formidable might, he has come specifically to pay his respects. Please do not take offense."
As he spoke, he glanced at Du Luojia in silent urging. Du Luojia's face twitched slightly, and the jewel atop his head blazed with dazzling brilliance. The barren seabed was instantly carpeted in the Seven Treasures, breathtakingly magnificent, like a celestial realm.
He was displaying his status.
*Is this guy an Abyssal Lord or a shut-in? Refusing to show his face just because a stranger arrived—has he really grown this jumpy?*
Sure enough, just as Xiuyan had anticipated, the sea chasm split open that very instant. Boundless darkness surged forth like a geyser, erupting like a colossal pillar fraught with fury and hatred. From within the darkness, a blurred visage took shape.
The face shifted continuously, occasionally spiderwebbing with cracks as it expanded and contracted, its gaze locked dead onto Xiuyan.
Its venomous malice cut to the bone.
After a long time, a voice finally seemed to squeeze out from between clenched teeth:
"...You still dare to come?!"
The silhouette of a tower faintly materialized, and the savage decree of the Tyrant reached out from the void like an enraged beast, famished and thirsting to devour someone whole. Yet when set against how tightly he had sealed his gates and played dead moments earlier, the display inevitably came across as bluster and posturing.
"Oh? What does Your Eminence the Abyssal Lord mean by that?" Xiuyan feigned bewilderment. "I cannot recall offending Your Eminence in any way.
"Besides, I assumed Your Eminence was well aware of the perils on Luo Island."
The blurred face froze for an instant as if caught off guard, only to become all the more enraged.
The voice was a cacophony, like the collective shrieking of countless fish and humans intertwined.
"This seat went to immense lengths to finally reclaim Luo Island! You were clearly watching from the sidelines, so why did you not make a move?! Things have come to this—what else do you have to say for yourself!"
Xiuyan's movements hitched for an imperceptible fraction of a second.
He had not anticipated that the Tyrant's perception would be so uncanny. Or had he relied on some other method?
He had actually noticed him?
Even so, his voice never faltered; instead, it took on an air of consummate loyalty and helpless frustration.
"There is something the Tyrant does not know. The situation back then was dire; even had I stepped in, it would have been futile.
"Temporarily preserving myself was merely to keep a useful body alive. My journey here today comes only after exhausting every effort, traveling in all directions, all to help the Abyssal Lord reclaim his dignity and eradicate the traitors!"
"Ha!"
The Tyrant's visage sneered. "Then why don't I see you presenting Ji Jue's dog head before me?"
Xiuyan acted as if he had not heard, bowing respectfully. "To tell the truth, I have spent much time in deep remorse and anguish over our previous failure. My arrival today is precisely to offer a strategy for vanquishing the enemy.
"I only hope the Abyssal Lord can let bygones be bygones and hear me out once more!"
The Abyssal Lord's face looked down upon him. After a long pause, he said impassively:
"Speak!"
"...Here?"
Xiuyan paused, surveying the barren surroundings, and suddenly asked, "The Vina and I have come together with sincere hearts. Why is the Abyssal Lord unwilling to even let us step inside?"
It was hard to tell whether this was vigilance or an instinctual suspicion, as though some conjecture had begun to form in his mind.
Yet from that flat, indistinct voice, no inflection could be discerned.
Instantly, the Abyssal Lord's gaze turned chillingly cold.
As if restraining his fury, he looked down with a sinister glare.
After a long while, he let out a scoff.
"Fine. Then enter."
The sea chasm parted once more, revealing boundless darkness.
It was like a bottomless plunge...
Even Xiuyan, who had visited several times before, was slightly taken aback. Looking around, he could see nothing clearly; everything was shrouded in grayish-black fog.
Only the stone pavers beneath their feet displayed faint cracks, looking as though they had been ravaged by a tempest.
Sensing the venomous glare piercing through the far end of the fog, Du Luojia cast a strange look at Xiuyan.
*Are you doing this on purpose?*
Empowered by the True Dharma and the divine eye, even without activating a Blessing, he could still peer through the mist and make out the faint outlines of the architecture. It was full of damage and covered in scars.
It seemed the setback suffered on Luo Island had truly been massive, having even spilled over into the Tyrant's realm and inflicted grievous losses.
He glanced at Xiuyan with a silent warning: *The fact that he hasn't torn you dead monkey to shreds is already a display of magnanimity.*
*And yet you bastard just had to poke him right where it hurts?*
*You didn't come in your true body, but I projected my spirit here! Don't you dare set this Tyrant off and leave me to suffer the consequences!*
Stepping into the dilapidated grand hall, the throne atop the dais remained hidden in dense black fog, thoroughly obscured. Yet a gaze with tangible weight bore down from within.
Staring coldly at them.
*Say your piece and be done with it!*
Xiuyan also seemed to realize he had overstepped. Without further chatter, he took a step back, letting Du Luojia take the lead.
"This old monk, Du Luojia, comes on behalf of the Upper Monastery of Wulou Temple. Beyond converting the heterodox guardian once planted in Xiangzhou, I have come specifically to lend the Abyssal Lord a helping hand!"
"Just you alone?" Disappointment crept into the voice from the throne.
"Not so."
Du Luojia smiled faintly. "This old monk is merely a representative pushed forward by our peers. Aside from myself, Decaying Wind and Blood Eye will also assist. When the timing is right, we shall strike in unison. A mere Luo Island will pose no challenge, and sweeping across the Seven Cities will be as easy as turning over one's hand!"
"Fine words!" The black fog sneered. "Wulou Temple boasts such great renown, yet only sends a single Exalted like you? Even Badanta died at the hands of that artisan. What do you amount to?
"You throw around so many grand titles, yet not a soul is in sight. Why is it that you're the only one who came?"
"That was entirely my own initiative," Xiuyan sighed. "Coordinating between the various factions is a troublesome matter; gathering everyone will take time. Furthermore, the folk of Decaying Wind and Blood Eye are a crude bunch who pay no heed to rules. How could they have the privilege of setting foot in the abyss? If they were to offend the Abyssal Lord, it would only sour the occasion."
Though he phrased it courteously, it did not stop both of them from silently cursing inwardly.
*You old turtle, hiding to this degree—even with just Du Luojia here you're still cowering. If a whole crowd had marched in, would you have even dared to show your face?!*
Had it not been necessary to win the Abyssal Lord's trust, he would not have even wanted to bring Du Luojia.
"Still, there must be a proper plan and procedure, yes?"
The black fog demanded resentfully, squeezing out words from between clenched teeth: "Though that scoundrel Ji Jue is but usurping scum, his talent and aptitude are truly astonishing—a rare genius of the Embers, a stalwart pillar of the Federation... cough, cough. Not to mention his troublesome artifacts and the backing of the Lou family.
"May I ask what clever strategy the two of you have?"
"The Abyssal Lord need not worry."
Du Luojia gave a hearty laugh and pressed his palms together. Around him, eight eerie silhouettes faintly emerged. "Before departing, this old monk specifically petitioned Dharma King Shanzhu, who bestowed the Eight Legions of guardian hosts. Converting the heretic Ji Jue is guaranteed to succeed without fail!"
"Oh?"
The gaze within the black fog seemed to brighten slightly. "What miraculous properties do these Eight Legions possess?"
"Allow this humble monk to explain in detail."
Behind Du Luojia, guardian Vajra statues manifested one by one in the void as he spoke with eloquent ease: "The Deva host moves without form, capable of summoning thunder, driving creation, and manifesting earth, water, fire, and wind. The Naga host is peerlessly sturdy, immovable as Mount Tai; when submerged, they conceal their forms, and when soaring, they fill heaven and earth. The Yakshas move like lightning, unpredictable as gods and ghosts. The Asuras are frenzied and valiant, matchless in battle..."
Originating from the Lower Monastery of Wulou Temple, these guardians—passed down for centuries—could practically be called gods. Those bestowed by Guru Shanzhu specifically to reclaim the House God were the absolute cream of the crop.
The silence of Gloomy Frost, the vitality of the White Pavilion, the stealth and shifting of the Wolf, the cruelty and destruction of Frenzied Slaughter, the boundless indulgence of Weiyang, the untraceable nature of the Insect... They had captured the very essence. With the Eight Legions in hand, it was more than enough to control the situation and suppress any resistance or unexpected variables!
"And what else?"
The Abyssal Lord pressed on: "What arrangements have been made for the other factions? Who has Decaying Wind sent? How many troops does Blood Eye command?"
Xiuyan had never imagined the Abyssal Lord would be cautious to this extent, insisting on prying into every single detail. He was clearly adopting a stance of refusing to release the hawk until the rabbit was in sight.
Yet how could they lay bare all their trump cards? He could only pick trivial matters to disclose.
Consequently, the Abyssal Lord's attitude swiftly chilled. As if seeing right through his perfunctory answers, he said indifferently, "Since everything is prepared, you gentlemen may proceed on your own.
"With so many powerhouses supporting this grand venture, my presence is hardly necessary.
"Why bother dragging me in?
"This seat shall quietly await the good news in the sea chasm, anticipating your triumphant return.
"The hour grows late. You two may see yourselves out."
Xiuyan fell silent for a moment. Gritting his teeth, he spoke once more: "Abyssal Lord, wait! With the factions assembled, what we lack is a central axis and commander such as yourself!"
"Is that so? Even I didn't know I was so important."
The Abyssal Lord sounded amused, speaking unhurriedly. "Then tell me, just how important am I?"
*You bastard...*
Xiuyan nearly ground his teeth to dust, feeling utterly exhausted.
*I exhausted so much effort pulling together a table and assembling a team, everything was ready to go, and now you start acting haughty and putting on airs... You're demanding more pay, aren't you?!*
Yet before he could speak, a sigh drifted down from the throne.
"This seat is well aware of your earnest sincerity. Faced with such a grand endeavor, I ought not to hesitate. Alas, the previous defeat cost me dearly."
Amidst the bitter sigh, the black fog parted slightly, revealing the wretched state of his domain: "Presently, I have the heart to join this grand undertaking, but truly lack the strength to assist. I hope you two will understand."
When the old Abyssal Lord was obsessed with saving face while suffering in silence, he was easy to hoodwink. But now that he was suddenly crying poor and playing the victim... Xiuyan's scalp began to tingle with unease.
Yet he could not put his finger on what was wrong.
When his gaze fell upon the black fog, his words suddenly halted, his tone turning peculiar. "I have known the Abyssal Lord for so long. Why are you treating me like a stranger this time?"
"..."
The black fog fell silent for a moment before a cold voice emerged: "What do you mean?"
Xiuyan pressed, "Merely a doubt in my heart. I wonder what I have done wrong to make the Abyssal Lord unwilling to show his face even once?"
Silence.
In the protracted silence, no one spoke.
Xiuyan said nothing, taking a subtle step back. Du Luojia lowered his gaze, his hands already clasped together in prayer.
Then, a hoarse chuckle seemed to echo from within the darkness.
"...Very well."
The dense darkness gradually thinned, revealing a vague silhouette. "Step forward and see for yourself, then. I grant you the honor of an audience."
The Abyssal Lord's smile was gentle as he beckoned with warm cordiality: "That way you can look closely and clearly, so you don't miss a thing."
Though the words were so mild, they sent waves of bone-chilling dread through the air.
"No, that won't be necessary," Xiuyan waved his hands repeatedly, seemingly regretting his words.
"Why not take a look?"
The Abyssal Lord invited him again: "Since you're already here."
"There is no need!"
Xiuyan shook his head resolutely. Through the perception shared by Du Luojia, he had already seen... beneath that thin veil of mist, mangled flesh entwined with countless Tyrant decrees, a bloody and mutilated face, a skull with exposed white bone.
And an expression of uncontainable fury and savagery!
Hungering to devour someone whole!
*You bastard, what the hell are you playing at?!*
Du Luojia's telepathic rebuke roared directly into his mind. *You said you wanted to bring in strong reinforcement and asked me to accompany you, yet you go out of your way to offend him time and again?*
*If the Abyssal Lord truly flips the table, don't blame this old monk for turning around and walking away!*
Everyone knew that Tyrants cared about face more than anything else. Poking his sore spots twice in a row—was he trying to get them into a lethal brawl?!
Where was his brain?!
Had it been tossed into the Stagnant Rot Hearth as firewood?!
"To tell the truth, there is one more matter regarding my visit today... By stroke of fortune, I obtained a certain item, and have brought it specifically for the Abyssal Lord's appreciation!"
Xiuyan took a substantial step back. Bowing, he endured the ache in his heart and raised both hands. From the void beneath his black robe, he drew out a brocade box.
As the box opened, a cracked and damaged tiger tally was revealed, causing the fury within the black fog to come to an abrupt halt.
Those famished eyes were illuminated by the treasure's glow.
A treasure from beneath the Vortex, a fragment cast down when the Tower of Tianyuan shattered in ancient times, the authority surviving from the fall and annihilation of the Eternal Empire!
To any Tyrant, this was an invaluable treasure for elevating oneself, consolidating authority, and expanding one's domain!
Even Du Luojia's eyelids twitched slightly. He had not expected this dog to invest so heavily; he truly wanted that artisan named Ji dead.
Under normal circumstances, an item like this would have been enough to provoke another bloody feud among old dynastic remnants like the Duke of Changle and Duke Anguo!
The black fog shuddered once, then twice!
Without the slightest hesitation, it swept up the tiger tally, clutching it tightly, unwilling to let go.
"Good, very good, truly a fine treas..." The laughter caught for an instant, turning into irritation: "What is the meaning of this?"
Xiuyan had not let go either. Gripping the tiger tally, he raised his head to stare straight at the Abyssal Lord. "Things having reached this stage, the Abyssal Lord must give everyone a guarantee, surely?"
The Abyssal Lord snapped, "A ruler does not speak in jest! Having promised you, how could my word not hold!"
Xiuyan refused to yield an inch, demanding resolutely, "Then please burn a memorial and swear a covenant before the Tower!"
Locked in a standoff, two pairs of eyes stared each other down until the Abyssal Lord's voice, thick with suppressed rage, rang out: "Fine! It shall be as you say!"
*Smack!*
A parchment scroll emerged from the black fog and was cast out.
The aura of Tyrant authority coiled about it, pointing unmistakably toward the towering spire—the source and final resting place of all Tyrants. Pledging the Abyssal Lord's own authority as collateral and proof, both sides would join forces to sweep across Luo Island!
At Xiuyan's insistence, an additional clause was even appended: If either party flinched and caused the grand design to fail through their own fault, they would forfeit all authority, falling forever into the shadow of the Tower, never to find release!
"..."
After a long, agonizing hesitation, a crack-covered hand reached out from the black fog, pressing onto the covenant and leaving behind his true name!
"Your turn," the Abyssal Lord said through gritted teeth, glaring at him coldly. "You surely wouldn't try to pull any tricks on a covenant, would you?"
Xiuyan smiled faintly. Reaching out, his hand also pressed onto the parchment, leaving behind the title bestowed upon him by the Great Sin.
[Dragon Poison]
*At last...*
The gaze within the black fog fell upon the covenant, letting out a silent sigh.
*I've finally caught you...*
Soon, as the scroll ignited without wind and offered itself up to the shadow of the Tower, both parties felt as though an extra shackle had clamped onto their souls.
Xiuyan resumed his deferential demeanor, bowing as if helplessly. "This concerns the grand design for the Seven Cities. If I have caused any offense, I beg the Abyssal Lord's pardon."
"Let us hope so."
The Abyssal Lord spoke impassively, gripping the tiger tally tightly as he posed a final question: "Things having come to this, when do you intend to strike?"
"Ten days!"
Xiuyan laughed aloud, offering a resolute guarantee: "Give me ten days!"
With that, the pledge and promise were set.
Ten days hence, take the Seven Cities!
Chapter 768