Its really that simple?

Was he really offering them the highest seat in the Underworld on a silver platter, and in such a simple way at that?

The Ghost Emperor of the East looked at the Fengdu Emperor of the North, trying to glean hints from his expression. Unfortunately, the Great Emperor had long since learned to mask his emotions. It was far, far too difficult to discern anything from his facial expressions.

Northern Fengdu. Ksitigarbha couldnt help but frown. This was the highest position in the Underworld! It meant absolute authority over the realms decision-making!

The way Ksitigarbha saw it, in the entire Underworld, only the Northern Fengdu Emperor was qualified to sit there.

As for the other Ghost Emperors of the Five Directions, he honestly didnt think particularly highly of them.

Nevermind the rest, their temperaments alone meant they were unsuited for the throne.

The Ghost Emperors of the Five Directions each managed one of the Five Hells. They saw nothing but the ugliest, basest face of the world. Who knew? Their souls might very well have grown twisted after living in such an environment for so long.

When the former Great Emperor ascended and passed his throne to the Fengdu Emperor of the North, Ksitigarbha had approved wholeheartedly.

Yet now, shockingly, the Fengdu Emperor of the North wanted to give the position away, and in such a simple manner at that.

So long as Cai Yulei dared walk up and sit down, the throne would belong to him.

Ksitigarbha, Im afraid I might have to disappoint you. I truly have no fondness for this position. The Fengdu Emperor of the North smiled apologetically at the Bodhisattva, then looked at Cal Yulei and gestured at the throne. Please, go ahead.

Thirty meters.

The Ghost Emperor of the East, Cai Yulei, was only thirty meters away from the highest-ranked seat in the Underworld. These thirty meters were to determine his future position.

Would he return to his position as a Ghost Emperor, immersed in the ugliest aspects of human nature?

Or sit atop the highest seat in all the Underworld, managing its life and death, basking in the thrones limitless glory?

However, Northern Fengdus conditions were far too simple. Hed freely abdicate so long as someone dared sit atop the throne? Cai Yulei thought to himself, if he were in Northern Fengdus shoes, could he give such a position away so casually? He couldnt.

There might very well be some sort of catch.

What is it? I already made space for you. Why arent you moving? Didnt you come here specifically for this throne? With that, his gaze fell on Du ZIren and the Guardian Gods of the various Heavenly Palaces.

Cai Yulei wont take action but that doesnt mean you cant. Whoever takes the throne shall be the future ruler of the Underworld. If anyone dares rebel, hell have to get through me first. Go on then, the opportunity is right before your eyes. Youd best learn to treasure it.

Ill take it.

The Ghost Emperor of the South, Du ZIren, gnashed his teeth and strode forth. When Cai Yulei saw this, he couldnt help but himself in the chest, cursing his excessive caution. Hed let someone else steal the initiative!

With that, he hurtled toward the throne as fast as he possibly could.

This was the highest seat in all the Underworld! He couldnt let anyone else take it.

When Du Ziren saw Cai Yulei rushing towards him, he increased his speed..

Ah..

But then, the instant Du Zirens foot touched the stairs, he let out a bitter shriek. White smoke gushed out of his body.

When he saw this, Cai Yulei came to a sudden stop and stared, dumbfounded, as Du Ziren knelt to the ground, roaring in agony. Then he turned, eyes bloodshot, and glared at the Fengdu Emperor of the North.

Northern Fengdu, you tricked us!

I didnt. The Fengdu Emperor of the North simply smiled in response. Did you really think it was so easy to sit upon that throne? These nine stairs each contain one of the Underworlds Nine Great Punishments. If you want to rule the Underworld, you first need to accept their baptism. I didnt trick you; when I first sat upon this seat, I, too, had to undergo this baptism. Its similar to how anyone who takes the throne of the Heavenly Court must first undergo trial by ninety-nine heavenly flames.

Bullshit! roared Cai Yulei. Ive lived in the Underworld for so long, why havent I ever heard of such a thing?

Youve been in the Underworld for so long but how many times has the throne changed hands? Its been Great Sacred Emperor Equaling Heavens right from the start, hasnt it? Ill repeat myself once more: if you want to sit in this highest of seats, you must first endure the nine steps trial. Arguing wont change anything.

Cai Yuleis gaze fell on Du Ziren, who lay on the ground, unconscious.

His heart jumped in fear. After a moment, he looked away, expression cold as he snorted, youre bluffing. Northern Fengdu, I really almost believed you. You definitely placed some sort of restriction on the throne. Otherwise, how could you possibly hand it over so casually? How sinister of you. But it doesnt matter. Du Ziren has fallen but Im still here. So what if you placed a restriction? So long as I defeat you, Ill be master of the Underworld regardless!

Rumble.

Intense spiritual energy billowed off Cai Yulei. Before long, a light blue, horse-headed illusory figure manifested behind him.

The horse scraped its feet against the ground, a demonic red light flashing through its eyes.

Violent gusts swept through the hall. All ten Yama Kings paled in the face of such terrifying spiritual pressure.

An immortal king.

He was at least an immortal king level expert.

So were fighting after all? The Fengdu Emperor of the North sighed helplessly. Thats fine then. Ill deal with you as soon as possible. Ive got other business to attend to do.

With that, he reached out and drew a circle in the air. Then he reached into the circle and drew a fish.

Fierce torrents of water gushed out of the circle. Before long, the water reached the onlookers shoulders.

A grand gate sat on the waters surface.

Soon, bubbles floated up from the bottom of the river in a non-stop stream.

Splash.

A carp burst out of the water, leaped over the gate, and transformed into a dragon!

The carp leaped over the dragons gate!

A deafening draconic roar reverberated through their ears!

At the same time, the Fengdu Emperor of the North turned to his assailants and beckoned them over.

Alright then, you can all attack together.

.

Hell have a hard enough time just saving himself.

Xie Bian faced Leopard Tail. When he heard this, his expression sunk.

Then he narrowed his eyes and roared, Leopard Tail!

Xie Bian, do you really think thatll scare me? Leopard tail snorted inquisitively. How about I tell you why I said hes in trouble? In truth, the Ghost Emperors of the East and North, as well as several of the Northern Fengdus subordinates from Mount Luofeng, the guardian deities of the Zhou Jue Yin, Tai Sha Liang, and Zong Ling Seventh Heaven palaces, have all gathered to force the emperor to abdicate. Got it? The Great Emperor youve been relying on cant possibly save you.

Are you saying they..

No need to overthink it. How could all of them possibly be colluding with demons? Theyre working together briefly is all, said Leopard Tail through narrowed eyes.

Xie Bians heart sank. Even the Ghost Emperors were consorting with demons? How was that possible?

Youd best give up without a fight. That way, we can keep this friendly.

It seems we have no other choice. Xie Bians expression darkened. Instantly, terrifying spiritual energy burst from his body, so intense, even the heavens themselves changed color.

Xie Bian, the mightiest of the Ghost Martials, had made his move.