The third tier—equivalent to the Life Chart Realm—was the minimum needed to move about the foot of the mountain. Of course, that only applied to survival at the base. To climb higher required even greater cultivation. Otherwise, one would be forcefully suppressed by the pressure of Yin Mountain, unable to advance a single step. The power of Yin Mountain was indeed awe-inspiring.
"It's said that around Buzhou Mountain, one experiences a similar kind of pressure. Just like Yin Mountain. These two divine mountains—one in the netherworld, one in the mortal realm—are truly beyond comprehension. Could Yin Mountain be the reverse side of Buzhou Mountain?"Yi Tianxing couldn't help but entertain the idea.
It was a bold theory, but not entirely impossible. Still, it wasn't something he needed to concern himself with at this moment.
"Yin Mountain is vast beyond imagining. Every major force and race in the underworld has established strongholds here—even their true headquarters. For example, our Underworld King lineage and the ghost officials' faction both built the Underworld King Hall and Ghost Gate Pass here,"Zhao Li explained.
This wasn't the Underworld King Hall itself. Ghost Gate Pass, a top-tier innate spiritual treasure, truly resided within Yin Mountain. What appeared outside was only a projection. Where the original actually was—no one except the Underworld King knew, not even Zhao Li.
But that didn't prevent them from using the gate.
"Further ahead lies the Ghost Hole. But once you enter, it's incredibly easy to lose your way. We'll need to find a method to avoid disorientation."Acha exhaled deeply.
This was the key to subduing the Ghost Mother. If they couldn't solve this issue, everything else would be in vain.
Yi Tianxing said nothing more and simply turned to observe the surroundings. He noted that Yin Mountain wasn't barren at all. Though it leaned toward a cold and yin-heavy nature, it still held lush vegetation—albeit of a strange kind. Unlike the trees of the living world, these exuded coldness and gloom. To an underworld lifeform, they were natural. To the living, however, standing beneath one would feel like chilling energy constantly piercing into the body.
These trees didn't lack life, but their essence was yin-based. They could bloom and bear fruit. Most leaves weren't green, but instead black, blue, blood-red, or gray—rarely any green. This was because Yin Mountain was illuminated by the Nether Moon. If a sun appeared here, it would be a catastrophe for the underworld races.
Most of the ancient trees on Yin Mountain were called Silver Willows, tall willows with silver-white branches and leaves that swayed gently in the wind, giving off a strange beauty.
But these silver willows were no ordinary trees—they were treasures. Their trunks could be refined into magical weapons; their branches used to craft underworld garments; their sap could nourish the soul, enhance divine sense, and accelerate cultivation. They were sacred trees for cultivation and held immense importance.
There were also Face Flowers, Ghost Hand Vines, White Bone Thorns, Three-Yin Trees, and other eerie flora. Though fewer than those in the mortal realm, the underworld's plant life was not lacking. In fact, many of these—if brought to the mortal world—would be considered priceless spiritual treasures.
Now that the Yin-Yang market was open, exchanges between realms had skyrocketed in value.
While many underworld cultivators were currently harvesting such materials on Yin Mountain, Yi Tianxing only glanced around briefly before moving on.
Swoosh swoosh swoosh—
Brilliant light flickered from within the Ghost Gate. One after another, ghost officials emerged—each wearing the official robes of ghost emissaries and holding soul-hooking chains. These were elite troops under the Underworld King's command. Every one of them had cultivated virtue.
Escorting souls to reincarnation accrued merit. Though each instance yielded only a sliver of merit—barely perceptible—it built up over time.
This merit brought immense benefits to cultivation: smoother breakthroughs, fewer tribulations, reduced danger—everything became easier.
This was one of the major reasons so many underworld cultivators sought to join the ghost official faction.
The ghost officials arriving now were all at the fourth realm of strength or higher. Some had fifth- or even sixth-realm power. This alone showed the terrifying depth of the ghost army. Underestimating them would bring a bitter price.
There were definitely ghost officials of lower rank, but they had not been summoned for this operation. Those below the fourth rank likely wouldn't be of much use here.
"Such incredible strength… As expected of the Underworld King Hall. No wonder the ghost officials are so feared in the underworld. To gather so many powerful emissaries—this is no small feat."Yi Tianxing's eyes narrowed.
The number surged:
10,000
20,000
100,000
1,000,000...
In mere moments, the army grew to over eight million ghost officials—all fourth rank and above. This didn't even include those who had yet to arrive. The true total was a mystery known only to the Underworld King Hall.
But one thing was clear: when this army moved, its presence alone was enough to deter any force. Striking them meant incurring a karmic backlash due to their accumulated virtue—and that would bring severe consequences.
"Advance. Surround the Ghost Hole!"
Underworld King Acha commanded once the army was in place.
Millions of ghost officials surged toward the Ghost Hole, surrounding it completely.
The entire underworld was shaken.
All who witnessed this were dumbstruck—skeletons' jaws dropped, zombies' eyes bulged.
"Good heavens! What's the Underworld King planning? This is a full-scale war! Millions of ghost emissaries—all elites. Are we going to war with the Ghost Mother?"
"I'm dead scared. Back to my coffin—it's much safer in there. I'm going into a ten-year slumber. I'll peek out after the dust settles."
"Quick! Spread the word! The Underworld King is moving on the Ghost Hole. This is going to be huge!"
Countless underworld cultivators were stunned, their souls trembling from excitement. It was overwhelming.
Meanwhile, deep within the Ghost Hole—
Numerous mysterious tunnels crisscrossed through the earth and void of Yin Mountain. At its deepest point lay a vast space with a massive palace.
This palace was built from pitch-black Nether Soul Sand, and the giant pillars were engraved with patterns of the Nether Serpent. Sacred and mysterious.
At the top of the palace sat a woman in sheer black robes. Even veiled, she radiated an aura of divine maternity—so powerful that anyone who laid eyes on her felt reverent.
The maternal spirit… one of the most sacred forces in existence.
Just gazing upon her, one felt a desire to kneel.
Nine figures stood reverently below her—four men and five women—all with devout and filial expressions.
In her arms was the newborn baby. Despite being freshly born, the infant radiated faint divine light, mysterious runes flickering across his body. His pupils held the image of a vast purgatory, exuding terrifying majesty. Yet he did not cry—he simply stared quietly at the woman with wide eyes, as if curious, observing.
"Mother, the Yi Emperor and the Underworld King have come. The ghost army has completely surrounded the Ghost Hole—nothing can get in or out. Clearly, they've come in fury. They won't let this go easily,"said a young girl, her voice tinged with concern.
"Hmph. What's there to be afraid of? This is the Ghost Hole. Without our guidance, even if they send billions, they'll never find us. They'll be lost forever in the maze. Let them come—we'll bury them all."A young man scoffed arrogantly.