They wont be coming?

As he said this, Gu Li seemed completely relaxed, even pleased. He stretched leisurely as if trying to convince Black Dragon he was telling the truth.

Theyll be too busy taking care of themselves. Surrounding us? That seems extremely unlikely.

Black Dragon, who was just about to retreat, came to a sudden stop, then signaled to his army.

The retreating soldiers stopped in their tracks. They couldnt for the life of them understand: what exactly was His Excellency, Black Dragon, up to? One moment he wanted to retreat, the next he wanted them to stop?

Gu Li, exactly how much are you still hiding from me? asked Black Dragon. He stared at Gu Li solemnly. For him to say something like they wont be coming with such certainty, it was clear hed made careful arrangements.

He might very well have already extended his reach into all three realms.

This kind of ability made Black Dragon uneasy. Were any of the demon soldiers behind him secretly loyal to Gu Li?

My dear Black Dragon, why are you looking at me like that for? Ive always been cowardly. What will you do if you scare me to death? said Gu Li with feigned indignation. Even if I possess a huge variety of methods, we arent enemies. Why take offense?

Since were allies, shouldnt we (ut everything out in the open? Black Dragon snorted irritably, expression grim. Im shocked. Gu Li, I never would have guessed your subordinates had already infiltrated all three realms. Should I admire you or should I admire you?

What are you saying? Either way, arent you still admiring me? Gu Li pressed his lips into a smile. Then, seeming to sense that Black Dragon wouldnt just let this slide, he laughed bitterly and shrugged.

Fine then, Ill tell you. In truth, I started infiltrating the Three Realms well over a year ago.

...

Boom.

Two fists collided.

Ox-head stared, his bovine eyes wide as cymbals, and blew two puffs of white air through his nostrils. Leopard Tail, one of the other Ten Ghost Marshalls, stood before him.

He was currently smiling and swinging his arms, his gaze filled with mockery. Youve actually got quite a bit of brute strength.

Leopard Tail, to think youd dare collude with demons!

One of Ox-heads horns was snapped in two. His gaze was listless and dispirited; clearly, his soul had been grievously wounded.

Not far off, Horse-face lay on the ground, unconscious. When Ox-head looked at his good brother, the friend whod accompanied him for the past tens of thousands of years, his eyes reddened.

An hour.

All of this had happened in just an hours worth of time. After receiving Ye Zichens messages, theyd asked the Fengdu Emperor of the Norths permission, then started leading the troops towards the Beast Region.

However, just one hour ago, Leopard Tail, Bird Beak, Fish Gill, and Hornet suddenly attacked. Horse-face had thrown himself directly into the line of fire to save Ox-head. As a result, he bore the full force of their joint assault.

He was injured so heavily, hed gone into a coma. He hadnt woken up since.

Worse yet, the ghost soldiers they led attacked as well. They, too, gave no indications of their plans before suddenly flinging themselves at Ox-head and the others. It was complete chaos!

Scram.

At that very moment, Black and White Impermanence attacked, forcing Fish Gill and Hornet to retreat, then hurried to Ox-heads side.

When they saw Horse-face lying on the ground, their pupils constricted. Almost immediately, though, they got their emotions back under control and stared intently at Leopard Tail and his companions.

This was just like what happened ten thousand years ago, when the Ghost Martials responsible for humanitys life and death collided with those responsible for controlling the fate of beasts and yao.

This scene is truly familiar, said Leopard Tail, baring his sharp teeth. He rubbed his jaw, face twisted into a hideous grin.

Leopard Tail, Great Sacred Emperor Equaling Heavens was kind enough to let you stay in the Underworld as Ghost Marshalls, yet you dared collude with demons? How will you face the Emperor after this? Xie Bian roared angrily. The enemy attacked so suddenly. Now, they were at an absolute disadvantage.

We naturally respect the Emperor. Hes the one who saved us from you people and the one who redeemed us, allowing us to become Ghost Marshalls. Its fair to say we were reborn through his kindness. We naturally havent forgotten this, said Leopard Tail sincerely.

Then he arched his brows. However, the Emperor is no longer here. Instead, the Fengdu Emperor of the North is currently in charge of the Underworld. Xie Bian, dont think I dont know how close the two of you are. I also know full well that he disdains us. We had no choice! We have to protect ourselves.

That all happened a long time ago. Since the Fengdu Emperor of the North has taken the Underworlds highest seat, hell naturally maintain impartiality. He wont discriminate against anyone. Furthermore, youve been Ghost Marshalls for ten thousand years. How could he possibly act against you? chastised Xie Bian.

Oh really? Hesitation flashed over Leopard Tails face.

Xie Bian pressed on, its not too late to stop now. When we get back, well plead with the Emperor on your behalf. Given all your contributions over the past ten thousand years, Im sure hell be lenient.

Then we..surrender? Leopard Tail acted as if hed been convinced. Soon, though, his lips twisted back into a grin as he laughed uproariously.

Hahaha, just kidding. Do you really think Im stupid enough to just give in without a fight? The Fengdu Emperor of the North has always detested us. Now that weve colluded with demons, he has an excuse to act against us. Hell be lenient? What a load of bullshit! Let me tell you, all of you are going to die today!

The Emperor is all-powerful! Are you truly so foolish as to believe he doesnt know whats going on here? Hell get here before too long! When that happens, youll have no way out!

Him? Hes got his own troubles to worry about. Do you really think hell come save you? Ludicrous.

Meanwhile, in the Underworld.

Hah? Four of the Five Ghost Emperors and three of the Six Ghost Gods? The Underworld hasnt been so lively for a long time. Go on then, take a seat!

Within the Underworlds main palace, the Fengdu Emperor of the North sat in the highest seat and looked down over the crowd. The ten Yama Kinds stood to the sides, visibly nervous. These new arrivals clearly had ill intentions.

Ksitigarbha was there as well. His mount, Diting, stood to his side and growled nervously.

I heard that Great Sacred Emperor Equaling Heavens ascended to godhood. Such a major event and we didnt even know about it? Were still the Five Ghost Emperors. Isnt this a little off?

The one whod just spoken was the Emperor of the East, Cai Yulei. He had a human body, a horses face, ox-horns, and was responsible for the gate to the afterlife on Mount Taozhi.

Dont you think this is just a little too cold-hearted?

This time it was the Emperor of the South, Du Ziren, who managed mount Luohu.

The Fengdu Emperor of the North looked at the two of them and smiled calmly. Our eldest brother loves quiet. Furthermore, his ascent to godhood was inevitable, so there was no need to make a fuss over it. This, too, is in keeping with our brothers character. Besides, his ascent shouldnt have much of an effect on you, so why disturb you with it? If this is all you came here for, please feel free to disperse. Hes already ascended; theres no need to linger here.

What do you mean, no need? asked the Eastern Ghost Emperor with a laugh. I just have one question: are you at ease on that throne?