I, the Reborn Villain, After Nine Lifetimes of Simping Over the Empress, Crushed the System and Escaped - Chapter 15:

Chapter 15: Messenger of the Nine Netherworlds

At early dawn, the City Lord’s mansion in Qingyang City bustled with excitement. Lu Zhantian, as City Lord, had both his children admitted into the Azure Cloud Sect as inner disciples. Their future was destined to be bright, so countless powers came to extend their goodwill.

From the Xia family of the Ziyuan Empire’s Imperial Capital, the Gu family of the Heavenly Dominion Empire, the Azure Cloud Sect itself, the Jiang imperial clan of the Great Xia Empire, and even the Qin family of the Icefield Empire—representatives of ancient clans that had stood for a thousand years all arrived. Under the guise of offering birthday congratulations, they came to strengthen ties with the Lu family.

“The Xia family of the Ziyuan Empire’s Imperial Capital, eldest son Xia Tounan, presents a pair of Purple-Heart Glazed Jades, wishing City Lord Lu blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and a long life like the Southern Mountain.”

“Azure Cloud Sect elder, Mo Xinchen, offers one bottle of Jade Spirit Powder and one Profound Origin Pill, to congratulate City Lord Lu on his joyous birthday.”

“The Heavenly Dominion Empire’s Gu Yunxiao gifts one stalk of Dragon Beard Grass, wishing City Lord Lu longevity.”

“The Icefield Empire’s Prince Qin Feng presents one Grass Restoration Pill, wishing City Lord Lu vigor in his later years.”

“The Great Xia Empire’s Fourth Prince Chu Sheng has arrived, bringing with him…”

Every announcement from the attendants meant another priceless treasure had entered the mansion. More importantly, each gift represented powerful backing that could not be taken lightly.

Lu Zhantian enthusiastically led these important guests into the inner hall for personal exchanges. Meanwhile, in the spacious courtyard of the Lu residence, banquet tables stretched in long rows. All commoners of Qingyang City, regardless of status, were welcome to eat. It reflected the Lu family’s generous character and showed how well the city was governed.

“Make way…” Ding Buer squeezed himself onto a table crowded with wealthy families from the city. With an overly friendly smile, he began pulling Shen Zhao into his schemes.

“Friend, judging from your attire, you must be a cultivator who travels the martial world year-round. The roads are dangerous, blades and swords have no eyes—who can guarantee accidents won’t happen? Look, I have here fine medicines, whether for internal or external injuries, everything is effective… What did you say? Don’t worry, my medicine isn’t exaggerated. Even nobles of the Heavenly Dominion Empire have used it and praised it. Would you like some?”

Seeing the other hesitate, Ding Buer quickly pressed on, “Hey now, I’m not lying. Rest assured. What? You already have a contract with Azure Cloud Sect and Medicine King Valley, and you only recognize their pills? That’s a shame. Mine aren’t inferior, and they’re cheaper too…”

He leaned closer, lowering his voice, “Fine, let’s not argue. When the banquet ends, follow me. I’ll take you to see something worth your while. Just looking doesn’t cost you a coin. If you’re not satisfied, you can leave immediately, alright?”

When the other party nodded, Ding Buer grinned, “Great! I’ll wait outside after the banquet. I’ve already prepared a carriage for you, don’t worry.”

In a short time, relying on his slick tongue, Ding Buer had already persuaded several powerful families to check out his so-called medicines.

The banquet hall grew ever more lively. Cooks rushed back and forth, servants carried dishes, and the atmosphere climbed to its peak.

Just then, a thunderous wave of sound swept from outside the Lu residence.

“Messenger of the Netherworld arrives! City Lord Lu Zhantian, come out and greet at once!”

The ear-piercing sound shook the banquet, overturning rows of tables and plunging the scene into chaos.

“Who dares cause trouble at the City Lord’s mansion!”

In the next instant, a surge of righteous qi burst forth, dispersing the sinister sound. Lu Zhantian appeared at the forefront, with the major powers standing behind him, all glaring coldly toward the gate.

Ding Buer, who saw this, was so terrified he dove under the table, hugging his head while peeking out. “Why is my luck so rotten? Even having a free meal can cost me my life…”

At the entrance stood five figures cloaked in black robes. They walked with eerie steps, their bodies exuding an ominous aura.

“Lu Zhantian! The Messengers of the Netherworld are here. Come out and kneel to greet us!”

Their voices, neither male nor female, echoed like soul-reaping chants. Even Mo Xinchen, the Azure Cloud Sect elder with the highest cultivation present, felt his mind tremble. He staggered back several steps before barely resisting the soul-seizing force.

Around him, Lu Zhantian and the others were already drenched in cold sweat. Simply resisting the pressure nearly drained all their spiritual power.

Lu Zhantian gritted his teeth, took a step forward, and said, “You are messengers of the Nine Netherworlds?”

“Since you know who we are, then you understand why we came. By order of the Netherworld Sacred Land, the Lu family shall become servants of the Netherworld. You, Lu Zhantian, shall be their head slave. Kneel now and give thanks for this honor!”

A strange violet-gold token carved with a skull shot toward him. Lu Zhantian’s eyes narrowed as he kicked the token aside.

“Forgive me. Though the Lu family is humble, for four hundred years since our ancestor’s time, we have never consorted with evil. Your so-called goodwill is noted, but I must decline.”

“Lu Zhantian, you dare to oppose the Netherworld Sacred Land, and by extension, the entire Nine Netherworlds?!”

Before he could answer, Lu Chen stepped forward, “Presumptuous! You androgynous fiends dare run wild in my Lu household? Good and evil cannot coexist. Since you’ve come today, don’t even think of leaving!”

“Insolent! Such arrogance from a brat!”

A stream of sinister light surged forth, transforming into a skeleton shrouded in green flames that lunged at Lu Chen.

“Chen’er, be careful!”

At the critical moment, Mo Xinchen rushed forward. With a sweep of her horsetail whisk, spiritual power burst out.

BOOM!

A deafening explosion rocked the courtyard. Mo Xinchen coughed blood and staggered back over ten steps, eyes filled with shock.

“Master!” Lu Chen quickly caught her, but when his hand touched her arm, an icy chill pierced his bones.

“Chen’er, take Xuanji and flee to the Azure Cloud Sect at once. Their cultivation far surpasses mine. Today will not end well.”

“Master, you—”

“My life force has already been corroded by cold poison from that strike. I can no longer protect you. You and Xuanji are the hope of the Azure Cloud Sect’s future. You must survive. Listen carefully—report today’s events to the Sect Master. Do you understand?”

As their hushed exchange went on, the atmosphere in the courtyard grew tense. Righteous and evil forces stood locked in confrontation.

The messenger’s cold voice echoed, “Lu Zhantian, accept the goodwill of the Netherworld Sacred Land. Hand over Lu Xuanji and sever ties with the righteous path. In return, you will gain supreme glory.”

Lu Zhantian spat, “Bah! Even if my Lu family is annihilated, we will never become dogs of the Nine Netherworlds!”

“In that case, by decree of the Sacred Land, the Lu family shall be erased from the Immortal Martial Continent today!”

The messenger’s gaze swept toward the other faction representatives. “And you? Do you all wish to make enemies of the Nine Netherworlds as well?”

The question froze everyone. The terror of the Nine Netherworlds was known across the Immortal Martial Continent. No single force could provoke them. Once targeted, it meant the extermination of nine generations.

For the sake of the Lu family, was it worth it?

Gu Yunxiao almost stepped forward, but a servant pulled at his sleeve. “Young Lord, you must not. The Heavenly Dominion Empire has only just begun to flourish. If you clash with the Nine Netherworlds now, would you see the Gu family and the empire destroyed?”

Gu Yunxiao gritted his teeth but held back, unable to take a single step toward Lu Zhantian’s side.

The messengers sneered, “At least you know your place. Once the Nine Netherworlds unify the world, you will be allowed to live like ants. Hahaha…”

“Today, the Lu family shall be destroyed!”

Lu Zhantian’s brows furrowed tightly, but his gaze remained unyielding. Even if he died today, he would never kneel. “Children of the Lu family, hear my command! Follow me to slay demons and uphold righteousness!”

Suddenly, a violent gale surged, striking the Netherworld messengers from behind.

“Who goes there!”

“Your father!”

BOOM!

Before the words fully landed, one of the messengers was blasted into the air with a single punch. With a muffled explosion, his body burst apart into a rain of blood, scattering across the sky.