"Though still somewhat immature, its power is unquestionable. However, from the spell I just cast, I've begun to see a few clues as to why Mr. Han remains unharmed by the divine thunder. When Mr. Han first cultivated his Golden Thunder Bamboo artifact, did his own internal energy already surpass that of peers by several multiples, as it does now?" Six-Zhu nodded and suddenly asked. "Indeed, in my early years, I did practice a rather unusual cultivation method. Though my progress was slower than that of ordinary practitioners, my attainment was certainly deeper and more solid compared to my contemporaries. My ability to withstand the divine thunder stems precisely from this." Mr. Han, now standing on the ground, spoke in surprise. "While not the sole cause, this certainly constitutes a significant factor. After all, internal energy forms the very foundation of all magical abilities. The same technique, when performed by individuals of differing levels of cultivation, yields vastly different results. By drawing upon internal energy far exceeding his current level, Mr. Han is able to effectively counteract the divine thunder's counter-effect."
"In addition, since your friend Han has long been unaware of the true method of driving lightning, the possibility of reversal is likely even more negligible," Six-Foot explained calmly. "Then it seems that, even in the future, when I perform the ritual of summoning lightning, I might still experience reversal." Han's face grew pale. "That's not necessarily the case. Your ability to remain unharmed thus far may stem not only from your strong internal energy, but also from having consumed certain rare materials or possessing some extraordinary treasures or unique cultivation techniques that have continuously suppressed the reversal. At least, during your recent performance of the ritual, I did not observe any signs of reversal. While I cannot predict what may happen in the future, at present, within your current stage of cultivation, you have absolutely no cause for concern regarding this matter." Six-Foot's voice remained steady and composed. Though Han could not fully believe what he had just heard, his expression had naturally grown serious.
The other's words were clear—he might be free now, but it remained uncertain whether he could continue to suppress the counter-effects of the Divine Exorcising Thunder as he advanced further.
Upon hearing Six-Feet's words, the white-haired woman narrowed her eyes slightly, then suddenly turned to the woman in the dark light and coldly asked,
"Wood-Young sister, you gathered us here today—not merely to have Han Dao-ji demonstrate his Thunder Ritual. Is there something else you wish to say?"
Upon hearing this, Wood-Young was momentarily startled, then smiled gently.
"Indeed, I do have a few things I'd like to share with each of you. Since even Six-Feet considers Han Dao-ji fully capable of harnessing the full power of the Divine Exorcising Thunder, I believe he need not visit Blue Sister again for the next two years. For the remaining years, I shall have him settle in my Wood-Refined Cavern, thoroughly familiarizing himself with the art of commanding thunder. What do you think?"
Wood-Young spoke with no intention of concealing her intentions, calmly and composedly.
"Even if Mr. Han has mastered the art of summoning thunder, the subtle nuances of our own method of channeling thunder still differ. It would not be unreasonable to have Mr. Han learn from both of us for another two years. After all, the matter was previously agreed upon! If Miss Mu wishes to back out, I must still agree." The elderly woman with white hair frowned, her tone stern.
A blood-robed figure chuckled lightly and casually declined, appearing entirely unconcerned about getting involved in the dispute between Mu Qing and the beautiful elder woman. Upon seeing this, the white-haired woman was momentarily startled, a flicker of doubt passing through her eyes, before her gaze shifted to the mysterious figure with six feet. The one draped in a black cloak was bowing slightly, deep in thought. "Both of you have valid points," he said. "On one hand, Han has already mastered the Divine-Defying Thunder; staying under Lan's guidance for another two years seems somewhat unnecessary. On the other hand, altering the original agreement would not be easy to explain to Lan. How about this—two years is excessive. Lan need only guide Han for one year, and thereafter, Han may settle independently in one place." The figure finally raised his head and spoke thus. Upon hearing this, the white-haired woman furrowed her brows, while Mu Qing fell silent. "I know both of you are reluctant to accept this condition."
But don't forget—great events loom, and even whether we can truly reach the realm of the Underworld remains uncertain. Should you harbor grievances and thus falter in your cooperation, no matter how well-laid your plans, they would merely be illusions—like reflections on water or misty flowers in the air. Do you really intend to let go of this once-in-a-ten-thousand-years opportunity? Six-footed, before the two goddesses could speak another word, her tone suddenly grew icy. Upon hearing this, both goddesses exchanged a glance. The beautiful woman blinked several times, then suddenly moved her lips slightly, and transmitted a message directly to Mu Qing. As soon as Mu Qing heard the message, the goddess's expression changed dramatically. After a long pause, she hesitated before speaking: "You are right—such a thing truly exists, and you are willing to part with it. "Mu, I believe you well know that I am of the Ghost Path. Even if this item were supremely marvelous, it would hold little value for me." The white-haired goddess replied calmly. "Then, as Blue Sister has suggested, I shall accept this condition."
"It seemed that the white-haired lady's words were of great importance to Mu Qing, and she had only slightly pondered before readily agreeing.
"Then, I believe Mu Qing sister will not falter this time." The white-haired lady smiled gracefully, rising into the air with the shifting wind, transforming into a streak of gray light and vanishing instantly.
Witnessing this, the two blood-robed figures were momentarily stunned, yet their six legs showed no sign of disturbance, as if the lady's departure had never occurred.
"Both of you, my sister has already discussed the matter with Lan sister. Brother Han need not go to her again. For the remainder of the time, I suggest Brother Han settle alone, to become familiar with the art of commanding lightning. What do you think?" Mu Qing asked with a warm smile.
"Hmm, I still say the same thing—I will let both of you handle everything, and I will not interfere." The blood-robed figure's expression returned to its usual calm, and he chuckled with a strange, dry sound.
"As long as it doesn't affect the major matters, I have no objections either," the six-legged figure added, his tone remaining cold.
Mu Qing naturally expressed great joy upon hearing this. Yet Han Li stood in place, silently sighing. It was clearly evident that, without his knowledge, Mu Qing had reached an agreement with the white-haired beauty regarding him. This left him both uneasy and restless. Soon afterward, the six-legged figure and the two clad in crimson robes also departed. At Mu Qing's invitation, Han Li followed her into the great hall.
"Indeed, over the past two years I have taught you the art of commanding lightning and given you numerous pointers on various cultivation aspects. Adding to that, I've asked you to answer three questions and carry out a task for me—this surely isn't too much to ask," said Mu Qing, her beautiful eyes fixed steadily on Han Li as she spoke slowly.
"But that doesn't matter either. Ask your questions," Mu Qing said with a sly smile, arms folded. "I'd like to know what the place of the River of the Underworld truly is, and what dangers lie there." Han Li raised his head and locked eyes with Mu Qing, then asked two questions in succession. "The River of the Underworld is an independent realm we stumbled upon by accident hundreds of years ago, deep within the heart of the Earth's abyss. It's filled with pervasive negative qi, housing various malevolent spirits and fierce ghost deities. As for the dangers—well, they are countless. Not only do some ghost kings and spirit demons possess power equal to or even surpassing ours, but certain areas are so perilous that even we have to shy away from them. To put it plainly, when we first discovered this realm, the number of powerful spirit kings in our Earth's abyss was five—not four. In fact, one of them perished during our very first expedition into this space. Though at the time we were unfamiliar with the realm and lacked adequate preparations, the dangers we encountered were truly formidable.
Mu Qing found no strange at all in Han Li’s question, merely delivering a serious explanation. Upon hearing these words, Han Li felt his heart sink slightly, yet he remained puzzled and asked, “This place, the Yin He realm—was it named by several of your seniors on their own initiative? If so, then surely there must be some reason behind this name!”
“Ah, Han junior, does this question count as your third inquiry?” Mu Qing emitted a pleasant, clear laugh.
“Of course not—my third question is…” Han Li quickly denied, eager to put forth his third question. But Mu Qing paused her laughter, softened her tone, and then said, “Well, then, let’s just say your question doesn’t count as a real one. I’ll gladly explain it for you. The space is enveloped by a strange aura, thick and spanning roughly ten thousand zhang. Ordinary people, once they enter the water, have their three souls and six spirits instantly swept away, their bodies transforming into shadow corpses, drifting eternally within this aura. That is why we refer to this space as the Yin He realm.”