Chapter 76: The Forbidden River of the Underworld

Leaving the Netherworld, Zhang Kai continued to fly onward.

He had no knowledge of the Underworld’s map, so he simply traveled in a straight line. Yet the forest bordering the Netherworld was vast beyond measure. Even at the speed of an Ultraman, he had already flown over a hundred thousand miles and was still deep within the mountains.

This astonished Zhang Kai.

Just how immense was the Underworld?

One thing was certain: it was larger than the mortal realm. If so, why was the mortal realm still counted among the Three Realms? Moreover, it seemed to hold great importance.

These were ancient secrets.

Zhang Kai could only speculate blindly.

Suddenly, as he flew, a massive ghost city appeared ahead.

It resembled a city from the mortal world, yet it was built among mountains, occupying countless peaks, with houses, bridges, all constructed in an antique style. The harmonious integration of architecture and landscape was a marvel of craftsmanship.

His senses revealed that the city was enormous, teeming with spirits. The aura of ghost kings numbered in the thousands. Yet above the city, countless prohibitions overlapped, forming a vast forbidden zone that made Zhang Kai’s heart race.

There was surely a powerful figure lurking here.

After a brief contemplation, Zhang Kai assumed his true form.

With his current cultivation, he no longer had previous concerns.

He strode boldly toward the city.

Because it was built around mountain peaks, there were no city walls—a unique design. Yet ghost soldiers patrolled everywhere. Ordinary spirits went about their business, creating a scene of prosperity.

“Stop right there.” As soon as Zhang Kai landed on an enormous bridge spanning two mountains, a squad of ghost soldiers blocked his path.

“Where are you from? What is your identity?” they demanded.

Zhang Kai smiled. “I am the honored Diga, sworn brother of the Netherworld’s master.”

The ghost soldiers were speechless.

Far away, over a hundred thousand miles, the Netherworld’s master was baffled.

“What is this Buddhist brat talking about? What nonsense is he spouting?” The Netherworld stirred with confusion.

The ghost soldiers regained their composure and asked suspiciously, “Sworn brother of the Netherworld? Why have we never heard of you?”

Zhang Kai raised an eyebrow. “What? You, a mere ghost soldier, presume to question the Netherworld’s master? Should I take you to him for answers?”

“We dare not. But in Shanyin City, strangers are not permitted. That is the rule.”

“Oh, that’s interesting,” Zhang Kai’s tone grew sharper. “I’ve told you—Diga, the Netherworld’s younger brother. Am I a stranger? What are you implying? Is Shanyin City so impressive that it looks down on the Netherworld?”

The ghost soldiers hurriedly replied, “We wouldn’t dare disrespect the master of the Netherworld, but your identity is suspect.”

Zhang Kai smiled. In an instant, his thousand-year cultivation erupted, a terrifying aura surged skyward, enveloping a hundred miles. Countless spirits sensed it, staring in astonishment.

The squad of ghost soldiers facing him were crushed to the ground, unable to rise.

“If you wish to disdain me, you must have the ability. Now tell me, how should I prove that I am the Netherworld’s younger brother?” Zhang Kai spoke with a cold expression.

The ghost soldiers were terrified.

They could not tell before—but now, they felt it.

Too powerful.

Stronger even than their generals.

This was undoubtedly a mighty figure of the Underworld.

They had kicked an iron wall.

“Forgive us, Honored One. We were blind to your greatness. Please withdraw your divine power,” the ghost soldiers pleaded.

Zhang Kai snorted and withdrew his aura, then said, “Remember, do not question people lightly. Some identities cannot be spoken of casually. Look, I claim the Netherworld is my elder brother—did he object? He did not, because it is true. He will not come out to refute me. Couldn’t you have thought of that?”

The ghost soldiers laughed nervously, not daring to retort.

Just as Zhang Kai was about to continue, a stream of light appeared, solidifying the space around him. All spirits within several hundred meters were frozen, unable to move.

At that moment, the city’s esteemed figures all looked on in shock.

It was the master of the Netherworld, who rarely left his domain—how had he arrived at Shanyin City?

“Diga? When did I become sworn brothers with you?” The Netherworld’s voice rang out.

Zhang Kai smiled, “Brother, you’re here.”

“Don’t call me that. You haven’t answered my question,” the Netherworld replied.

Zhang Kai said, “As the saying goes, acquaintance arises from conflict, friendship follows, and friends become sworn brothers under heaven.”

The Netherworld was frustrated. “How did we become sworn brothers? Stop talking nonsense.”

“It’s assumed, since you didn’t refuse. Naturally, in my heart, you’re my elder brother,” Zhang Kai replied matter-of-factly.

The Netherworld was speechless.

Was it possible to operate like this?

If you assume it, is it so?

What do you take me for?

“I do not agree. I refuse now,” the Netherworld answered coldly.

Zhang Kai laughed, “Brother, don’t be angry. It’s just a small misunderstanding. I already think of myself as your younger brother—what elder brother bullies his younger brother? You go back first. When I find something good, I’ll bring it to you as a gift.”

“I have no need, and you mustn’t speak nonsense,” the Netherworld was not swayed.

Zhang Kai said, “Fine, fine, you refuse, I won’t say it again. Is that alright, brother?”

“Don’t call me brother.”

“What should I call you then?”

“The master of the Netherworld. Boy, don’t think that just because you have something to threaten me, you can speak carelessly. I have no karmic ties with you, nothing connects us,” the Netherworld replied decisively.

Zhang Kai sighed, “Very well. Let me fend for myself out here. You needn’t bother with me.”

The Netherworld: What does that mean? Why does it sound so misleading?

“Go on, be the master of the Netherworld. Let’s pretend we’ve never met, nothing ever happened. I swear I’ll never set foot in the Netherworld again. If anyone mentions it in front of me, I’ll ignore them and you too,” Zhang Kai continued, looking aggrieved.

The Netherworld: ...

A gentle cough sounded from within Shanyin City. “Since you’ve come to my Shanyin City, why not join me for a gathering? This young brother Diga is welcome as well,” a voice spoke kindly.

The Netherworld said, “I’m not interested, and this isn’t—never mind. Dammit, I must have lost my mind to come here.”

The frustrated Netherworld master could not find a way to retort. This Buddhist youth was too difficult. If he continued, the outside world wouldn’t just think they were brothers—perhaps forbidden scenarios would arise, unthinkable things.

The more he considered it, the stranger it felt. The Netherworld master quickly departed.

In the next moment, the frozen spirits regained their freedom, each looking in shock toward where Zhang Kai stood.

What was the relationship between this man and the Netherworld’s master?

Yet now, naturally, they accepted Zhang Kai’s identity.

He was, indeed, a powerful figure.

Zhang Kai continued to stand there, aggrieved. After a moment, he looked toward the anxious squad of ghost soldiers and asked, “Is there anything else you need to ask?”

“No, not at all. Please proceed as you like,” the ghost soldiers answered quickly.

Zhang Kai was about to leave when, in a flash, he vanished.

He reappeared within a mountain pavilion.

Here, a middle-aged man in ancient attire and brocade was brewing tea, while a beautiful woman in traditional dress played the zither, her melody elegant.

The brocade-clad man looked at Zhang Kai and smiled, “It has been years since a human has entered the Underworld, young man.”

Zhang Kai was startled, then composed himself.

This must be the city’s great figure.

Surely an emperor of some sort, to see through him at a glance.

Smiling, Zhang Kai bowed, “Pardon my intrusion. I am Diga, a human cultivator. May I ask your name?”

The man replied, “You may call me Beiyin.”