Chapter 293: Farce

At the core of the Netherworld, Sognar, Rod, and Lucy exchanged polite gestures of deference. Outside, as a flash of white light appeared, another wave of turmoil ensued. What appeared before everyone was Zi Yang, causing an uproar.
“See? I was right, wasn’t I? This Zi Yang still wants to fight Rod? That’s like an egg hitting a rock—seeking death!” a man said proudly to his girlfriend, as if it were he who had won rather than Rod, acting arrogantly like a victorious rooster.
“It’s indeed Zi Yang. He seems to have suffered a lot!” another person said, observing Zi Yang’s gloomy expression.
“Hehe, the Purple-Winged Thunder Eagle has no chance this time.”
“Of course. Don’t you realize who Rod is? Even though there are three others in there now, it’s definitely Rod who will get the last chance!”
“That’s true. Everyone knows the relationship between Rod and the Dragon Clan as well as the Black Phoenix Clan. Hehe, Rod has won this time. I wonder what level he’ll reach once he comes out.”
“He must be at the Yin Yellow realm. Can’t you see that even Zi Yang can’t do anything to him? He’s surely at the divine perfection level now!”
Chatter filled the air below, with Rod once again becoming the focus of discussion. Thus, the relationship between Rod, the Dragon Clan, and the Black Phoenix Clan was brought up again.
There was nothing to do—the current situation was too ambiguous. Of the remaining three—one from the Dragon Clan, one from the Black Phoenix Clan, and Rod—given their relationships, even without competition, the spot was likely to go to Rod, given his sensitive status.
The next moment, rumors about Rod’s background resurfaced—claims that he was a bastard of the Dragon Clan, a son-in-law of the Black Phoenix Clan, or even a hybrid of both clans filled the air.
On stage, hearing the chatter below, Zi Yang, already annoyed, grew even darker in expression, his aura thick with hostility. Those around him could sense the coldness and murderous intent emanating from him.
“Zi Yang!” Merkel, the ancestor of the York Clan, asked anxiously from behind. Zi Yang failing as expected didn’t make him angry; instead, he seemed relieved.
Although the York Clan was powerful now, it still couldn’t compare to the major clans, especially the Four Great Clans and the Demon Clan. They urgently needed stronger forces to bolster their own power. They took in the remaining members of the Purple-Winged Thunder Eagle for this reason—though really, it was more for Zi Yang’s sake.

Ziyang is undoubtedly one of the top figures among the sources of darkness. In the York family, he is also the undisputed strongest person after himself. With him around, the York family’s strength has invisibly risen to a higher level. If Ziyang gets this chance, he will surely leave the York family after entering the Yin Huang realm to restore the glory of the Purple Wing Thunder Eagle. This is something he doesn’t want to see; if it fails, it will allow Ziyang to stay peacefully in the York family! In that case, he can become a powerful asset to the York family. These are the thoughts behind Merkel’s plan. The only annoyance might be that the last three people left are all his enemies—Rod aside, the Dragon clan and the Black Phoenix clan pose the greatest threats. Their strength is something even the demons don’t want to see.

“What benefits has he gained?” Merkel asked carefully as he approached Ziyang. At this moment, it was obvious that Ziyang was in a bad mood. He didn’t want to run into trouble, but out of temptation for benefits, he couldn’t help asking. You see, every time one enters the core area of the Nether Realm, even if they aren’t chosen in the end, they still receive some unexpected benefit—a benefit that others dream of! This is one of the reasons why the Nether Realm attracts so much attention.

Hearing this question, not only the people of the York family but everyone around pricked up their ears to listen. After all, in the past, those who entered the core of the Nether Realm always got something valuable! No one has obtained anything in recent decades, but decades ago, many people entered the core area and brought back treasures that made others envious. I remember the last time someone brought back a pill that could compare to the Lingxuan Pill—capable of reviving the dead and aiding in breakthroughs. Such temptations are irresistible. It is said that the person who got that pill has now become a strong warrior at the Yin Huang realm, only slightly behind those who were chosen.

“None!” Ziyang said with a dark face and a slightly hoarse voice. He had been kicked out like this? Had they forgotten the rules of the Nether Realm? He should have gotten at least some benefit. But now he’d been kicked out without getting anything at all. Ziyang felt like a victim—especially that old guy, who clearly wasn’t satisfied with him and favored Rod and the others. Everyone else was fine, but he was the only one kicked out without any benefits! Probably no one would believe this if he told them.

Sure enough, upon hearing Zi Yang’s words, everyone widened their eyes in disbelief, staring at him with a skeptical look. Could it be that this time’s item was even better, causing Zi Yang to worry about unnecessary trouble if others found out? Probably not.
But the next moment, everyone’s gaze shifted to Merkel of the York family, who wore an understanding expression. Could it be…? Many people suddenly realized—it might be that Zi Yang was lying because he feared the York family would pressure him to hand over the item.
“Zi Yang…” Even Merkel looked at him unbelieffully and asked again.
“If I say I don’t have it, I don’t have it! I’m leaving!” With a cold snort, already in a terrible mood, he was now poked at his pain points and doubted further, growing even more frustrated. After a grunt, he vanished into the distance.
The remaining people exchanged glances. The members of the York family all had dark expressions, especially Merkel, who watched Zi Yang leave with a cold look.
…
While the outside world was in turmoil, the core of the Netherworld still presented a touching scene.
Seeing Sognar’s firm determination, Rod knew he was fully committed this time. Moved, he glanced gratefully at Lucy, then at Sognar, nodding slightly—everything said without words.
Noticing Rod’s expression, Lucy smiled gently, feeling no disappointment only relief. Rod being happy was the greatest joy for her, even more so than her own chance to get this opportunity—without any pretense.
“You kid, remember this—you owe me one. I’ll make you pay back when I get the chance!” Sognar said irritably, pouting. He hated the way this kid acted smugly after gaining an advantage.
“Not bad. It’s rare to see such loyalty these days. Since you all have given up, only you remain! Hmm, excellent. You’re the best in a thousand years. Your talent is great—comparable to that girl from the Black Phoenix clan. Get ready; follow me!” After a moment’s thought, the old man nodded.
Turning to look at Sognar and Lucy, he showed a hint of approval. Selfless and straightforward—they were his type. The main reason he kicked Zi Yang out of the Netherworld so quickly was his dislike for Zi Yang’s personality.

After a moment of thought, he said, “Hmm, not bad. I’m satisfied with everyone this time. Upon entering the core area of the Nether Realm, each of you will receive a reward. This time’s reward is better than before—it’s the Li Xuan Dan. I believe you all know what this is. Reaching the Yin Huang realm will bring you great benefits. Let’s go!”
As he spoke, the old man waved his hand, and two jade boxes quickly flew toward Sognar and Lucy. A glint appeared in their eyes as they hurriedly reached for them. The Li Xuan Dan was truly a precious item—who didn’t know that?
“What’s the difference between this and the previous Fen Xuan Dan? Surely it’s not that there’s no Fen Xuan Dan, right? Old man, you’re not lying to me, are you?” Sognar asked doubtfully, holding the Li Xuan Dan in his hand. In the past, a few dragons had reached the core area, including Gary. Although they didn’t make it to the final stage, they still received corresponding benefits—the Fen Xuan Dan. Why was it the Li Xuan Dan this time?
“What do you know? Today, since I’m in a good mood, I’ll tell you for free. What are those Fen Xuan Dan things? Just trash. How can they compare to the Li Xuan Dan? Their effects are identical, but there’s a fundamental difference. After taking the Fen Xuan Dan, a warrior’s strength will hardly improve, and they’ll never be able to reach the Yang Xuan realm. Their daily training will also be a hundred times harder than ordinary people’s. The Li Xuan Dan is different—it won’t cause any side effects. You should understand that.”
“Why were there only ten Li Xuan Dan left outside by the trolls back then? And why were only eight truly preserved? That’s because refining the Li Xuan Dan is extremely difficult—only a few can be crafted in a hundred years. You’re lucky this time; some old fellow below happened to make a few as a gift for you!” The old man felt like spitting at Sognar’s mixed heritage. It’s not bad to compare things—what’s bad is not knowing their value!
“Well then, it seems we’ve made a huge profit!” After hearing this, even a fool would know they’d made a fortune. How could Sognar not understand?
“Hmm… Wait… There’s another one? That can’t be right!” Suddenly, the old man frowned in confusion upon seeing another Li Xuan Dan in his hand.
Hearing this, Rod and the others exchanged glances. Then, as if they realized something, their expressions changed dramatically, becoming extremely interesting. Sognar couldn’t help but laugh. Soon, Lucy and Rod also burst into laughter.