Chapter Twenty: The Monument of Heavenly Merit

Until this moment, Wan Yi finally understood the other’s intention—it was a proposal to form an alliance. As for himself, he too needed external support for the time being. At the very least, before he could grow stronger, he had to find a powerful faction to shelter him.

Although Yan Wuji’s move perfectly suited his needs, Wan Yi still harbored some unresolved doubts. So, he did not rush to agree but instead said, “Brother Yan, I have some questions in my heart. I hope you can speak openly and honestly.”

Yan Wuji smiled faintly. “Feel free to ask.”

“Brother, considering how vast and boundless the Netherworld is, teeming with experts, is there truly no Emperor-level ghost cultivator among them? If there are, why don’t you let them take action? Wouldn’t that also serve your purpose, the rise and fall of forces balancing out?”

Hearing this, Yan Wuji shook his head slightly and walked to a stone monument nearby. He reached out to gently stroke its surface and sighed, “My younger brother, there are things you don’t know.

This monument is called the Heavenly Dao Merit Stele. It was erected here at the dawn of heaven and earth to suppress the Heavenly Dao’s fate energy in the Netherworld. With it standing here, ghost cultivators in the Netherworld cannot break through to the Emperor realm!”

At this, a trace of regret appeared on Yan Wuji’s face. Then he continued, “Originally, there were two such steles—one in the Netherworld, and the other in your mortal realm.

But, alas, during the four-hundred-year age of darkness tens of thousands of years ago, the Heavenly Dao Merit Stele in the mortal realm was destroyed for unknown reasons!

It is precisely because the stele in the mortal realm was destroyed and the suppression of the Heavenly Dao fate was lost that Emperor-level cultivators appeared!”

Wan Yi was shocked to hear this and blurted out, “Such a divine artifact could be destroyed? How powerful must the one who struck it down be?”

At this moment, he paused, then shook his head repeatedly. “No, no! There’s something strange about this! The four hundred years of darkness, the destruction of the stele, the severing of the immortal path, the emergence of Emperor-level cultivators—all these are connected. It’s terrifying to think about. Could there be some grand conspiracy behind it?!”

Seeing Wan Yi’s fearful expression, Yan Wuji smiled wryly. “You are indeed sharp. This issue attracted the attention of the Netherworld tens of thousands of years ago. Since then, the higher-ups have been investigating it, but so far, they have found nothing.”

Then Yan Wuji changed his tone and smiled at Wan Yi. “Do you have any other questions? Feel free to ask. Since you and I want to cooperate, I will be completely honest.”

Seeing the other deliberately changing the subject, Wan Yi no longer pressed further. After all, such a monumental matter was far beyond the concern of a small person like himself.

He gave a wry smile. “Brother Yan, I do have one more thing unclear in my heart.”

Yan Wuji’s eyes deepened as he looked at Wan Yi, his gaze seeming to pierce through everything. He smiled, “Are you wondering why I didn’t seek out your master back then?”

Wan Yi nodded repeatedly.

Yan Wuji’s face filled with regret. “Your master appeared abruptly and fell before the Netherworld could react.

Fortunately, the Reincarnation Mirror foretold that his attachment would transform into a wisp of lingering soul, preserving his legacy as he fled far away.

However, because your master had a profound karmic link with Emperor-level cultivators, the Reincarnation Mirror cannot precisely trace his past.

Thus, for so many years, we have been waiting.

Until your appearance was sensed by the Reincarnation Mirror, I then ordered someone to find you.”

After hearing this, Wan Yi glanced at the Reincarnation Mirror not far away and asked, “Do you mean to say that the Reincarnation Mirror cannot see the karma of Emperor-level cultivators?”

Yan Wuji nodded. “Exactly. Although it is a supreme treasure of heaven and earth, capable of glimpsing the past of all living beings, Emperor-level cultivators have already broken free from this realm’s Heavenly Dao constraints. Therefore, the Reincarnation Mirror cannot detect their information or whereabouts.

Moreover, those like your master, who are deeply entangled with Emperor-level cultivators’ karma, cannot be fully seen by the mirror.

You are the same now. The mirror can barely glimpse fragments of your story. As for your past, it is all a void.”

Hearing this, Wan Yi secretly sighed with relief. “Good, it’s like this. Otherwise, my identity as a transmigrator would be exposed. If that were known, it would be even more explosive than the ‘Emperor Severing Art’!”

At this, Yan Wuji spoke solemnly, “Young brother, now that your doubts are cleared, are you willing to cooperate with me?”

Wan Yi nodded. “Cooperation is agreeable, but I don’t know what exactly you have in mind.”

Yan Wuji was delighted and quickly said, “Don’t worry, brother. Since this is cooperation, I will make sure you don’t suffer losses.

Your cultivation is still low, and you cannot protect yourself. The Soul-Harvesting Division will spare no effort in nurturing you.

Before you grow strong, I will also assign a team of Tribulation-stage ghost cultivators to secretly protect you, under your command.

As for hunting Emperor-level cultivators, we can plan that carefully over time.”

Wan Yi nodded eagerly. “A secret path? Sounds good, I like it!”

Yan Wuji continued, “Those newly risen Emperor-level cultivators are still shallow in their cultivation. Their threat is far less than the veteran first and second generation Emperor-level cultivators. So, I plan for you to focus on hunting the new ones first.”

At this, Yan Wuji glanced cautiously at Wan Yi, worried that he might be frightened and back out after hearing the plan.

Wan Yi didn’t pay much heed, after all, his late master had the same idea.

But now, two points troubled him, and he furrowed his brows. “Brother Yan, to be honest, the cultivation technique my master passed on to me is somewhat special. The ‘Emperor Severing Art’ only works on cultivators above the Emperor realm. If I face those below the Emperor realm, with my current level, I’m as good as dead!

Also, the veteran Emperor-level cultivators hide extremely well.

For tens of thousands of years, they have lurked across the four seas and eight wildernesses. Some conceal their identities and play among mortals, others remain deeply hidden and difficult to track.

If it’s just me alone, I’m afraid I’d be spread too thin to root them out.”

Hearing this, Yan Wuji laughed heartily. “Brother, rest assured, I’ve thought of all this long ago.

Our Netherworld patrol spirits are everywhere across the four seas and eight wildernesses. They monitor the mortal realm and capture wandering souls. From now on, they will pay extra attention and can track down those fellows.

As for your cultivation technique, that’s easy to handle. I will dispatch a team to support you, helping you fend off the disciples of those Emperor-level cultivators. You just focus on hunting the Emperor-level cultivators themselves!”

With misunderstandings cleared and terms agreed, both parties reached a consensus.

Yan Wuji then took a token from his bosom and handed it to Wan Yi. “Brother, a name must be correct for words to be smooth.

Since you will lead our Netherworld’s ghostly agents, I will give you an identity.

From this moment, you are a Netherworld Enforcer of my Soul-Harvesting Division, commanding a hundred ghostly agents under you. With this token, you can dispatch them and freely travel between the two realms.

Additionally, I hold the position of Underworld Envoy in the Yin Office. I represent the Soul-Harvesting Division in patrolling the mortal realm. If you encounter ghost cultivators or wandering souls, you may capture or even kill them!”

To be continued...