Elder Gu softly called out, bringing Li Hao suddenly out of his deep thoughts.
"My apologies, it was rude of me."
Elder Gu curiously inquired, "What did City Lord Li see?"
"I saw a figure that seemed familiar, but I must have been mistaken."
Shaking his head lightly, noticing that various factions seemed somewhat interested in his momentary distraction, Li Hao quickly changed the subject by saying:
"Before the Envoy left, he assigned a task. I wonder if any of you would be interested in taking a look?"
With these words, all the Golden Core cultivators present immediately became interested.
"What kind of task is it?" Chapters fırst released on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⁂𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱
"Of course, we are interested."
"Please, City Lord Li, lead the way!"
With words and laughter, Li Hao led everyone towards the center of the Nine Nether Immortal City.
The grand temple stood majestically, wholly cast from the dark Profound Iron Essence Stone, each stone engraved with the Night Parade of Hundred Demons Scrolls. The temple body reached tens of feet high, and its nine-tiered eaves pointed skyward like sharp swords, countless copper bells hanging from the eaves, swaying in the wind and producing solemn sacred sounds.
The Golden Core cultivators all displayed a hint of surprise in their eyes; they had noticed this imposing temple early upon their arrival at the Nine Nether Immortal City. It was said to enshrine the statue of the Underworld Envoy, with worshipers visiting day and night.
They had also entered the temple, finding nothing special besides the dense Wish Power from incense, so they did not pay much heed.
The temple seemed to have just been cleaned, as there were no signs of the usual bustling worshipers today, with only Li Hao and the Golden Core cultivators walking across the square in front of the temple.
With inquiries in their hearts, the Golden Core cultivators stepped into the temple, instantly sensing something different from before.
A solemn aura from the Netherworld surged forth, and though it was just a threshold away, stepping into this place seemed to traverse the Yin and Yang Realms.
They looked up ahead, and in the next moment, they felt an intense tremor in their minds.
A giant statue sat dignified atop nine jade steps, exuding imposing and solemn authority.
The Emperor adorned a crown, with flowing jewels transforming into the Stars of the Celestial Sphere above; dressed in a dark Emperor's Robe, the robe's surface was outlined with gold threads, seemingly interwoven by infinite Dao Principles, manifesting the essence of the great Dao.
Though the statue was close, its visage was curiously elusive.
As if obscured by some mysterious force, it appeared clear yet indistinct at times, much like the true appearance of the Lord of the Netherworld, incomprehensible to mortal eyes. Only those deep eyes revealed a profound insight within the hazy visage, seemingly capable of seeing through the cycle of life and death.
Everyone was engrossed in the awe of this divine statue, even Li Hao, who had led them here, was not immune to its influence.
This statue was constructed under his direct supervision, yet the materials used were not any Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.
But at the moment the statue took form, it seemed as if a mighty will from the beyond transcended time and space, descending upon this statue.
Originally just an ordinary Spirit Wood statue, it seemed bestowed with a sacred symbol Li Hao couldn't comprehend.
Having just glimpsed that familiar figure outside the Nine Nether Immortal City, Li Hao acutely sensed a growing unease.
Bringing everyone into this newly completed temple was merely a means to intimidate and eliminate this unease among the Golden Core cultivators.
As it turns out, it was exceptionally effective.
Sweeping his gaze over all the major sects' Golden Core cultivators, Li Hao suddenly froze with shock, for some unknown reason, an additional figure had joined what should have been fourteen Golden Core cultivators.
A young man with jade-like features, dressed in a moon-white long robe with a sword case on his back, stood before the nine jade steps.
His gentle eyes met those of the Emperor's divine statue with mutual recognition, a curious smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
Li Hao was shocked and couldn't help but blurt out the question.
The young man slowly withdrew his gaze, and with one step, his figure melted into illusion and vanished within the Netherworld Divine Hall.