Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2166 Chapter 1017: Underworld

The Feng family's cave residence.

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 concern.

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

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 slow nod, his voice low and grave: "It appears that forces are at work to unlock the 'Underworld' passage right here in Kan State..."

Elder Feng's frown deepened, "Who could it be?"

Great Elder Zhang shook his head, "The ancestors themselves can't foresee it..."

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

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

"Ancient scrolls from over ten thousand years past do reference the 'Underworld', portraying it as a catastrophic event that wipes out entire state borders."

"Yet what precisely is this 'Underworld'?"

"Could it be a colossal demon, a mighty specter, or perhaps a gigantic undead husk?"

"Or is it a lair of fiends, some forgotten immortal practitioner, a heavenly tribulation, or a curse of fate... the truth eludes everyone."

"The method to unleash the Underworld path and its actual nature remain enigmas to me."

Elder Feng responded, "With so little known... Brother Zhang, how did you learn of the impending 'Underworld' path in Kan State?"

Great Elder Zhang's tone grew icy, "An ancestor appeared to me in a vision, delivering a dire warning. The Canglan state border fell to ruin, and the sinister Netherworld Water surged through the earthly streams, warping every form of life across Kan State."

"Kan State would transform into a full Underworld realm, where the boundaries of Yin and Yang blur, and the living mingle indistinguishably with the dead..."

The mere image of such horror sent a faint tremor through Elder Feng.

Great Elder Zhang let out a heavy sigh, "Records of the Underworld calamity appear in the oldest writings of every state."

"The world of Cultivation spans the Nine States, centered by the Taoist State, with the remaining eight arranged around it following the Eight Trigrams pattern."

"My Zhang Family makes its home in Kan State. The Kan position represents water."

"The Underworld ties to the waters of the Nine Nether as well."

"By the laws of the Eight Trigrams, the Underworld catastrophe begins in Kan State. It serves as the wellspring of the Nine Nether and the birthplace of the Underworld."

"Should Kan State face the Underworld's wrath, my Zhang Family would suffer first and foremost. Our ancestral roots lie here, so I must spare no effort in confronting this threat..."

Elder Feng reflected briefly, his eyes filled with anxiety yet tinged with bewilderment:

"Brother Zhang, one aspect puzzles me."

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

Elder Feng continued, "From the vantage of Qianxue State Boundary, the land looks vibrant and thriving, indicating a serene realm where the Nine States flourish and all prospers..."

"However..." Elder Feng's brow creased again, "as you've described, Kan State looms under the shadow of the Underworld, Li State grapples with turmoil from the Southern Wilderness, and various areas sporadically face issues with Taoist..."

Elder Feng paused, seeming hesitant to utter those two words, but gathering resolve, he whispered:

"Taoist Demon disturbances..."

"Thus, is this realm truly at peace and in bloom, or does it brim with chaos and calamities?"

Elder Feng's words echoed with profound uncertainty.

Great Elder Zhang fell quiet for a beat, 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 carefully, each syllable measured:

"The noble clans thrive, and as a leader in one, you perceive the Cultivation World as booming."

"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 deep wisdom, his words laden with implication.

While some revel in abundance, others pay the heavy price. This imbalance fuels the Cultivation World's instability and signals the Underworld's stirrings in Kan State.

Elder Feng appeared lost in thought, though comprehension seemed partial at best.

Great Elder Zhang saw no point in probing further; his priorities stayed locked on Kan State.

With another sigh, Great Elder Zhang spoke candidly:

"Truth be told, Brother Feng, my journey to Qianxue State Boundary served three purposes. First, to join the sword conference, letting my family's disciples behold the prowess of Qianxue's prodigies, grasp that superiors always exist, and fuel their drive toward the Dao..."

"Second, to reconnect with longtime allies;"

"Third, concerning this Underworld peril."

Great Elder Zhang regarded Elder Feng with earnest gravity, "Qianxue State Boundary holds Fifth Grade status, boasting deep-rooted clans and sects, so its Taoist Repository surely houses countless ancient volumes and lore."

"If possible, I'd like to delve into some studies."

"Certain seniors and wise acquaintances in Qianxue State Boundary—should the moment allow, I ask Brother Feng to make introductions."

"Through this, I aim to trace the roots of 'Underworld'..."

"The Underworld disaster, vague though it may be, is preferable if it proves nonexistent."

"But should it lurk in reality, it promises immense devastation. My Zhang Family has dwelled in Kan State across generations, obligating us to seek countermeasures, to avert calamity for our state and beyond."

Rising in his Feather Transformation Realm cultivation, Great Elder Zhang offered a respectful bow to Elder Feng, "I sincerely seek Brother Feng's aid."

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

After careful consideration, he admitted plainly, "Frankly, on a matter as weighty as the Underworld, my cultivation and connections fall short of helping Brother Zhang."

"Yet for perusing old texts and linking with fellow elders, I won't turn you away."

Relief washed over Great Elder Zhang as he cupped his hands gratefully, "My thanks!"

Beneath the veil of darkness, the pair hashed out details for a bit more until the hour grew late, then parted ways with farewells.

Great Elder Zhang made his way back to the Zhang Family's guest quarters and, following custom, took attendance first.

The time had ticked past 10 p.m., and nearly all family members and disciples had returned punctually, save for a single absence.

Great Elder Zhang's eyes narrowed sharply, "Where's Zhang Lan?"

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

It stemmed not from a desire to conceal, but because their modest skills and power paled before the Great Elder, and any lie would unravel instantly upon speaking.

Honesty proved the wiser path.

Hiding the facts would only bring punishment to all.