Of course, such rules are not absolute, and Ye Jingyu, at least, is not bound by the Laws of Heaven. Zhurong, Hanba, and even Dugu Ba Chen, who inherited the Primordial Saber God’s mantle, are exceptions. After all, whether they possess the Primordial Witch Body or cultivate the Primordial Saber Arts, their core cultivation methods existed long before the Laws of Heaven were established, thus remaining unrestrained by them.

“Where is Xiao Tao Tao?” Seeing the cultivation level Reverse Reb has achieved, Ye Jingyu was reminded of Taotie. Although that fellow is lazy, his talent is undeniably immense; he only needs to consume endlessly to evolve continuously. Now that Reverse Reb has reached the Desolate rank, Xiao Tao Tao shouldn't be far behind, right?

“He is still in deep slumber, but he should awaken soon. When he does, I will certainly challenge him to a proper fight!” Xiao Hei’s eyes burned with intense fighting spirit.

Observing the battle intent flickering in Xiao Hei’s eyes, a faint smile touched Ye Jingyu’s lips, and memories of the first time Xiao Hei met Xiao Tao Tao surfaced in his mind…

Time flows swiftly, indeed…

A short distance away, Ying Kongshi and Yan Senxu noticed the changes happening to Reverse Reb, and as if sensing something more, they approached Ye Jingyu, exchanged greetings, and then respectfully withdrew.

Naturally, Luo Ruofeng took Ye Jingyu by the hand and led him toward his palace in Storm City, using the journey to recount everything that had transpired in the mortal realm during their absence.

Especially concerning the great barrier hovering above the Nine Provinces. This barrier had materialized out of thin air when the demon army invaded, making it impossible for the demons to break through, regardless of how many troops they deployed. The sole weak point in this formidable shield, however, was Storm City itself.

Hearing all this, Ye Jingyu felt an indistinct sense of unease, yet he couldn't pinpoint exactly what felt wrong. He even summoned his Eye of Reincarnation to peer at the invisible barrier overhead, but given his current level of cultivation, he could discern nothing.

However, Luo Ruofeng did share that over the years of careful management, they had amassed a truly formidable force. The Iron Army, in particular, trained by Chief Minister Fang, had reached a state of might almost unimaginable to ordinary men. Yet, these were their trump cards, which Luo Ruofeng would not reveal easily.

Finally, he inquired about Zhuge Yishi and even Hei Mingyingjie. Unfortunately, Hei Mingyingjie had not accompanied Yan Senxu and the others to the human realm, and her status—alive or dead—was unknown. As for Zhuge Yishi, he remained untraceable; even with Luo Ruofeng’s current influence, there was no news to be found.

Just as Ye Jingyu and his companions entered Storm City, on the vast Red Plain, outside the perimeter of the Twelve Sky Witches Annihilation Array, a figure entirely cloaked in golden light sat cross-legged, steadily absorbing the floating specters, death qi, malevolent energy, and blood essence drifting between heaven and earth.

His eyes held an absolute coldness, revealing only a trace of warmth when they occasionally drifted toward Storm City. This person was Bing Ming, who had secretly remained near Ye Jingyu all along—the same one who had covertly guarded Ye Jingyu when he slew those family heads on the Ancient China Continent. Had he not been present then, Yuan, who arrived later, might have already struck to kill Ye Jingyu.

Bing Ming had followed Ye Jingyu all the way into the Abyss, intending to reveal himself only if Ye Jingyu’s life was in grave danger. But on that fateful day when he was being hunted by Yan, just as Bing Ming prepared to intervene, Dugu Ba Chen appeared instead.

Though his current power was formidable, he still lagged significantly behind Dugu Ba Chen and therefore refrained from forcing the issue. Nevertheless, thanks to his unique core technique, even Dugu Ba Chen, at his current level, could barely detect his presence.

It was precisely for this reason that he had been able to stay close to Ye Jingyu all this time.

Now that so many had perished on the battlefield, the Twelve Sky Witches Annihilation Array could not possibly absorb all the resentment, blood qi, and malevolent energy. Inheriting a tenth of the power of the Ten Underworld Kings, he naturally needed to absorb these residual energies thoroughly to strive for further cultivation advancement…

But at that moment, a sudden, agonizing pain shot through his chest, feeling as if something vital had been ripped apart. The power within him surged restlessly, causing him intense discomfort, and a chilling premonition flashed across his mind.

The Underworld Realm, stripped of the Heavenly Court’s control following its disappearance, had already descended into utter chaos. The Ten Underworld Kings—the legendary Yama Kings—barely managed to maintain order. However, with the arrival of two baleful stars, the already turbulent Underworld descended into complete disarray…

In the palace of the Tenth Hall King, the Wheel-Turning King, clad in his black royal robes, lay sprawled on the floor, continuously spitting out golden blood, his face deathly pale.

Upon his throne sat a middle-aged man in silver robes with flowing silver hair. In his hands, he cradled a book emanating a blood-red glow. This man was Jin Lisi Jun, who had already ascended to the Demon Emperor rank.

To his left stood a man with a ashen face and a sullen expression—Gui Jianchou. In his hand, he held a golden Dharma Wheel, from which faint streaks of blood light occasionally emanated, while strange runes continuously flowed across its surface…

“Is this the Wheel of Life and Death?” Gui Jianchou asked softly, gazing at the wheel in his hands.

“Indeed. The transmigration of all souls must pass through this wheel… With this Dharma Wheel, the might of your Demon Heaven Wheel of Life and Death will increase severalfold…” Jin Lisi Jun smiled faintly.

“You are of the Demon Race; you claim you never left the Demon Realm before. How do you know of these things?” Gui Jianchou suddenly lifted his head, his icy eyes fixing upon Jin Lisi Jun.

“Because of this…” Jin Lisi Jun pointed to the blood-red book in his hands.

“Very well, then how should this one be dealt with?” Gui Jianchou nodded, gesturing toward the Wheel-Turning King crumpled on the ground.

“Heh heh, you’ve already slain nine; why hesitate over this last one? Kill him, devour his power, and your strength will reach a terrifying new peak,” Jin Lisi Jun replied dismissively.

“Aren't you afraid that after I absorb his power, I will surpass you?” Seeing Jin Lisi Jun so supremely confident, Gui Jianchou inquired again.

“Hahahaha… Killing me might yield you some small benefit, but if you spare me, the gains will be far greater. You are a shrewd man, so I trust you won’t do anything foolish. Besides,” Jin Lisi Jun’s expression remained utterly placid, showing no concern for Gui Jianchou’s disrespectful tone, “do you truly believe you can kill me?”

Gui Jianchou scrutinized Jin Lisi Jun carefully, then said no more. He turned and walked toward the Wheel-Turning King, who lay defeated, his power completely sealed. Looking at this legendary Underworld King who governed life and death, a sinister, ferocious smile stretched across Gui Jianchou’s lips…

(Ugh, this section has been all about transitions and clarifying context, which feels a bit heavy. It’s like the quiet before the storm. Readers, hold on tight! Last week, the highest single-day contribution reached 1,600—can we break that record, brothers and sisters? I’ll keep writing, and I rely on your support today too!) [Ti: Dear Reader, the current chapter has reached the last page of this book]