Chapter 245: Insights into the Netherworld

“Rod, it’s time you seriously consider the Netherworld. You can put other matters aside for now. If you can enter the Netherworld this time, I won’t claim much, but reaching the next stage of the divine realm shouldn’t be a problem!” After a moment of thought, Melon nodded repeatedly, clearly agreeing with Sognar’s view.
“That’s true. The Yin-Yellow realm is beyond our reach since we’re not yet at the next stage of the divine realm. But the next stage isn’t a problem—just prepare well; it won’t be easy!” Lilith said calmly, her gaze drifting as if lost in thought, perhaps reminiscing about something.
“The Netherworld…” Rod looked at them in confusion. He had long known it would be difficult to enter the Netherworld, and he had only just taken the first step. But what challenges lay ahead? Maybe these people knew something. If he could get some information, his chances would surely increase.
“The Netherworld— the sacred land of the demons, once the habitat of the trolls. It’s said that many powerful beings above the Yin-Yellow realm hide there, and there are even quite a few from the Yang-Xuan realm. As for the Xuan-Huang realm, we don’t know if it exists, but it’s very likely. The benefits of entering are self-evident. Back then, Melon got in by sheer luck and broke through to the Yin-Yellow realm after leaving!” Lilith said with a hint of envy.
This surprised Rod. He looked up at Melon, filled with disbelief. Melon had actually entered the Netherworld and broken through to the Yin-Yellow realm after returning? Was the Netherworld really that amazing?
Looking at Melon, Rod seemed to want to ask something, but all he saw was a wry smile. Finally, Melon sighed, “Don’t ask me. I won’t say anything. That’s the rule. Otherwise, I’d face pursuit from the entire Netherworld. Let me tell you—if the Netherworld launches a pursuit, even the four great families and the demons combined can’t protect you. The power of the Netherworld is beyond anyone’s imagination!”
These words weighed heavily on Rod’s heart, filling him with even more confusion. The Netherworld—was it really that powerful? Even the four great families and the demons combined couldn’t protect one person? What kind of monstrous existence was that? It defied logic. But if they were so powerful, why hadn’t they helped the demons conquer the Source of Darkness? Could there be some hidden reasons? It seemed he would only find out by entering the Netherworld himself. At that moment, Rod was filled with longing for the Netherworld.

“Well, I’ll tell you some things and steps to keep in mind when entering the Netherworld!” Finally, after a sigh, Melon said. Internal matters couldn’t be revealed, but it was fine to talk about these things. Not only Rod but also Sognar, Lilith, and Aida all pricked up their ears to listen. Although they hadn’t entered yet and didn’t have the chance at the moment, it was hard to say there wouldn’t be a chance in the future. To reach the Yin Huang realm, aside from accumulating sheer luck over thousands of years, the most direct method might be to enter the Netherworld and seek ways to make breakthroughs there. This was a function none of the four great families’ sacred lands had—only the Netherworld possessed it, which was why it was so sought after. That’s why so many people were desperate to get in.

“Entering the Netherworld and obtaining the qualifications is just the most basic requirement. Four members from each of the four great families, eight from the four major demon cities, plus the two you choose—sixteen people in total set off together. After entering the gates of the Netherworld, there will be many tests, each time different, and everyone will face different challenges. You’ll have to face them on your own. There are three levels in total, and only by passing all three can you enter the core area—where the real Netherworld lies! But very few people can pass these three levels. Even if you’re the best among the Sources of Darkness, it’s still hard. The largest group to enter the core area in the past was only five people! That was thousands of years ago, when the strongest warriors from all sides were at their peak. Back then, even the weakest of the sixteen who entered the Netherworld was at the upper stage of the divine realm, while the rest were at the highest stage of that realm! It gives you an idea. My brother alone had exceptional talent; all five of those who entered were extremely powerful. Those five later became legendary figures, reaching the pinnacle of the Sources of Darkness. But not all five reaped the benefits of the Netherworld. Only one person could benefit each time, and once inside the core, those inside had to choose who to give it to—only one per time. Yet even so, the other four still thrived, showing just how strong they were. After that incident thousands of years ago, such a scene has never repeated. At most, three people have managed to enter, and that’s already considered a lot. It doesn’t happen often, and often not a single person can even reach the core area.”

Over thousands of years, it has been passed down countless times, yet less than a hundred people have received the final transmission. Especially in the past century, only thirty people have succeeded, with a success rate of thirty percent—just think about how difficult that is! As he spoke, Melon sighed deeply, his gaze distant, seemingly recalling his own experiences from those days. The others present looked troubled; the difficulty seemed beyond anyone’s imagination. Such an extreme challenge… it was hard to describe. At the same time, their gaze toward Melon changed as well. The fact that he had earned the right to enter the Nether Realm solely through his own strength showed just how formidable he was. He had even passed three trials in a row and stood out in the final competition—proving that true strength often remains hidden. Their respect for him grew even more. “I don’t have much to offer you, but I’ll give you one piece of advice, hoping it will help!” Seeing Rod’s bitter expression, Melon pondered for a moment before saying, “Persevere and conquer yourself!” Those simple eight words, known to many, carried a special meaning when spoken by him, filled with hidden significance. “Thank you!” Rod stood up and bowed respectfully, knowing that this was all Melon could do—he had already done his best. He ultimately had to go to the Nether Realm. He remembered the shadow he saw when opening that small iron box in the Void Space—it was waiting for him. Perhaps his father was there too, along with the old man, and all the secrets might be uncovered there. He had to go in and figure everything out. He needed to strengthen his abilities. Time was running out. The continent was in turmoil, and he might need to level up soon. He had to resolve matters in the Nether Realm quickly to focus on what he needed to do. Outside, Nightingale and the others were waiting for him. Were they worried about him? Rod thought to himself. “There’s still over two months left. You need to train hard, or you’ll likely be eliminated at the first trial!” Melon’s words made Rod groan inwardly. Frowning, he asked Melon, “Is there any solution?” “No. You can only improve your strength! Maximize your progress within two months, no matter how much, and also enhance your combat skills!” “Any suggestions?” Lilith asked on Rod’s behalf. “Follow me. I’ll take you for special training for a while—it might help!”

“Okay, he can follow you. Sognar and I happen to need to return to the Dragon Clan for a while; we’ll come find you then!”
“Me and Heiyin too. With you here, we won’t worry. The lady asked us to come out before going into seclusion to protect Young Master Rod. Now that you’re here, we can return in peace and fulfill our duties!” Heiyao said soothingly.
“We also need to go back. Our father has many troubles that require our help right now!” Aida and Eirwen also left enough space and time for Rod to train.
“Alright, that’s settled then. If anyone finishes their tasks early, they can come to me. Rod and I will be training outside Dark Moon City; I can sense you there!
If not, we can meet in Ice City on the day the Netherworld opens!” After making all the decisions, Melon gave orders.
No one objected, and everyone quickly agreed to this plan.
“When do we set off?” Lilith asked after some thought.
“In three days! There’s no rush in these three days!” Melon said, looking at Rod, as if hiding something.
But no one tried to guess too much. All they needed to know was that Melon wouldn’t harm Rod. If he wanted to harm anyone, no one could stop him.
The breakfast ended in a very serious atmosphere. Rod felt somewhat heavy-hearted, worried about his future, the Netherworld, or what lay ahead.
After breakfast, just as everyone planned to relax for the day, an uninvited guest arrived, disrupting everyone’s routine and making their hearts worry again.
It was someone from the Scorpion King clan. They came specifically to see Rod—those two bald brothers from before, Locke and Robby, who had taken Rod away from Dark Moon City last time. Everyone thought something would happen, but nothing did. What did they want this time?
Everyone guessed secretly, feeling a bit wary. They just hoped nothing bad would happen. Seeing those two old guys come straight to demand to see Rod with such an unyielding attitude, everyone became quietly alert, ready to resist if necessary.
“Two elders, what do you want?” Rod asked with a wry smile as he looked at Locke and Robby. Troublesome guys.
“Nothing much. Just come with us. How about that?” The lead bald man, Locke, said, looking at Rod.

“There’s nothing to discuss here!” While Rod was at a loss, Melon stepped forward and blocked Rod’s path, saying, “He needs to train with me for the next while and doesn’t have time to go with you!” That statement relieved Rod from the predicament, but the atmosphere became tense.