Chapter 1800: Chapter 1797: The Demon Descends
The Netherworld Market is located on the west side of Netherworld City, an expansive open-air market.
It seems like a massive whirlpool, drawing in all sorts of people from the Netherworld, with an array of rare artifacts and secret technique manuals dazzling to the eye. However, amongst these treasures, truth and falsehoods are woven together, and the slightest carelessness can lead one into a trap.
Xu Wendong donned a black robe, concealing his face in darkness, and with steady steps, wandered through the bustling streets.
In his ears, the calls of vendors surged like tides: "Premium Netherworld Artifact, only one thousand Nether Crystals!"
"Soul Transformation Realm Cultivation Technique, learn with guaranteed success!"
"Three-Life Stone Fragment, genuine product!"
Hearing the words "Three-Life Stone," Xu Wendong abruptly halted, as if pulled by an invisible thread, his eyes swiftly locked onto the direction of the voice.
It was an unremarkable small stall, the stall owner a middle-aged man with a rat-like face, a sycophantic smile plastered on his face.
"Dear customer, would you like to take a look?" The stall owner eagerly approached, greed flashing in his eyes: "This is an authentic piece that leaked from the Reincarnation Hall, you won’t find a second one in the entire Netherworld Market!"
Without betraying any emotion, Xu Wendong picked up the so-called "Three-Life Stone Fragment," a chilling cold seeped into his hand, the surface engraved with intricate patterns, lending it an air of mystery at first glance.
However, with a slight mobilization of Netherworld Power, he quickly sensed the anomaly, realizing it was merely an ordinary Netherworld Stone cleverly disguised.
"How much?" His demeanor was calm, his voice deep, as if discussing a trivial matter.
"Ten thousand Nether Crystals!" The stall owner held up two fingers, waving them in the air: "Since you look friendly, how about a discount to eight thousand! It’s a big sale, miss it and you’ll regret it!"
Xu Wendong sneered, a hint of disdain flashing through his eyes as he tossed the fragment back onto the stall: "Do you take me for a fool who just arrived? Trying to fool me with this."
The stall owner’s face instantly turned sullen, the previously smiling face contorting.
Just about to retort, he suddenly spotted a glimmer of cold light in Xu Wendong’s eyes, a chill that seemed to emanate from the Nine Nether Hell, freezing him in place and swallowing back his words.
At this moment, a gentle and aged voice floated over: "Young friend, are you interested in the Three-Life Stone?"
Xu Wendong turned to see an elderly man with snow-white hair smiling at him.
The old man wore a simple gray robe and held a primitive Dragon Head Cane.
He looked ordinary, yet Xu Wendong could sense an unfathomable aura emanating from him, as though this elder was a towering mountain hidden in mist, its roots and depths a mystery.
"What guidance does the elder have for me?" Xu Wendong hurriedly cupped his hands, asking with a respectful attitude.
The old man stroked his beard, with an indifferent expression: "The Three-Life Stone is a Supreme Treasure of the Netherworld, not something these mundane folks can easily obtain. If the young friend is truly seeking its whereabouts, perhaps you might visit the Netherworld Pavilion."
"The Netherworld Pavilion?" Xu Wendong’s heart skipped a beat, for he had heard of this place, the largest intelligence organization in the Netherworld.
It’s said that with the right price, there is nothing they cannot uncover, akin to the intelligence hub of the Netherworld.
"Thank you, elder, for your guidance." Xu Wendong once again cupped his hands in thanks, eyes filled with gratitude.
The old man waved his hand, a gentle smile on his face: "No need for politeness. This old man perceives a great fate upon you, but..."
He paused slightly, his gaze sharp as a blade, fixing on Xu Wendong: "It seems the young friend carries a faint trace of ominousness. Have you encountered anything strange recently?"
The image of a strange shadow during the collapse of the cave flashed across Xu Wendong’s mind, causing a sharp chill as he realized this elder was no ordinary figure: "Elder’s gaze is sharp indeed; I have encountered some inexplicable events."
The old man nodded, a touch of concern in his eyes: "If you trust this old man, perhaps you can share the details over a cup of tea."
Xu Wendong hesitated briefly, weighing the pros and cons before agreeing.
He could clearly feel that this elder bore no malice, instead exuding a hint of goodwill, and might know some undisclosed secrets.
The two arrived at a secluded teahouse, the faint aroma of tea wafting within, an oasis of tranquility, isolating them from the outside world’s clamor.
The old man ordered a pot of "Forget River Tea," pouring the steaming tea into cups, its aroma spiraling with a hint of bitterness.
"Does the young friend know what was sealed within the cave?" the old man asked directly, his gaze fixed intently on Xu Wendong, his expression grave.
Xu Wendong slowly shook his head, his eyes filled with confusion: "I do not know; I hope the elder can enlighten me."
"It was the ’Soul Devouring Ancestor,’ a demon from a thousand years ago that wrought havoc on the Netherworld," the old man sighed, eyes reflecting a trace of reminiscence and sentiment: "In those days, the ten greatest masters of the Netherworld joined forces, enduring arduous battles, to finally seal it. Who would’ve thought..."
Xu Wendong was startled, a trace of shock appearing on his face: "Elder, do you mean to say the demon has broken the seal?"
The old man gravely nodded: "Indeed."
"The aura clinging to you is his."
"However, there is no need for excessive worry; the demon, having just broken the seal, is much weakened and unable to stir any major trouble for now."
Xu Wendong breathed a sigh of relief, his tense heart easing slightly, yet he furrowed his brow again, filled with questions: "Why does the elder share this with me?"
The old man subtly smiled, his eyes glinting with a deeper meaning: "Because you have a special destiny; the Soul Devouring Ancestor broke free because of you. In both reason and emotion, you deserve to know!"
Xu Wendong’s face showed no emotion, but internally he was shaken. What did he mean by having a special destiny?
Could he have seen through that I come from the mortal world?
Even so, Xu Wendong did not inquire further, as it was getting late, he rose and cupped his hands: "Thank you for the tea, elder. I have other matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave!"
The old man smiled and nodded, subsequently watching Xu Wendong disappear into the Netherworld Market, a knowing smile in his eyes: "An indeed unique young fellow!"
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On the other side.
Xu Wendong returned to the Lin Family according to the memories of the original owner.
As the foremost family in Netherworld City, the Lin Family’s influence was paramount throughout the city, their residence grand and majestic, akin to a palace.
At the entrance stood two statues of Tittivilla, each a few meters high, exuding an unparalleled aura.
As soon as Xu Wendong appeared, a guard recognized him, a murderous intent flashing in his eyes: "Lin Mo, you dared to return after stealing the family’s Soul Condensing Pearl?"
