Section 107 (Part One): An SSS-Rank Disaster! The Emperor of the Underworld!

At this moment, the military commander of Jiang City felt a chill run down his spine.

“If it weren’t for this letter, I would never have realized its existence. If it had silently infected a Yue-level powerhouse, then... I’m afraid the entire Jiang City would have been overrun by the Scale-Skinned Demons!”

The commander gasped sharply, immediately sensing that a master was guiding him from behind the scenes.

“Who could it be? Could it be the Goddess Ning Luo? Only she would know the minute details from over a decade ago so clearly, right? It must be her. Could it be… that the Goddess Ning Luo has feelings for me?”

At that moment, a dazzling delusion blossomed in the commander’s heart—she likes me!

His heart surged with excitement.

But then, another suspicion quickly surfaced.

“Or perhaps, it’s another mastermind behind the curtain with a rare and extraordinary talent…”

With this possibility in mind, the commander began to reason through the situation carefully.

“Would the Goddess Ning Luo truly like me? Probably not. We haven’t exchanged letters for over ten years…”

“Perhaps she hasn’t contacted me at all…”

“It’s just my one-sided longing…”

“If it’s not the Goddess Ning Luo, then this mastermind is far too terrifying!”

At this thought, the commander’s face turned pale with fear.

If it wasn’t Ning Luo, then the truth was even more dreadful.

Only the heavens, earth, himself, and Ning Luo knew the details from a decade ago.

Yet this person was intimately familiar with them.

More than that, this stranger not only uncovered his secrets but seemed to know even the Goddess Ning Luo’s most private matters in perfect detail!

Otherwise, how could a forged letter so flawlessly mirror Ning Luo’s thoughts and emotions without a single flaw?

His scalp tingled.

If the mastermind had only accessed his information, it wouldn’t be so alarming.

After all, he was just a minor military commander of Jiang City; some leaks in intelligence were inevitable.

But the Goddess Ning Luo was different.

She possessed an SSS-level talent and was one of the top-tier elites of China.

Beyond publicly known information, every detail was strictly confidential.

For the mastermind to imitate Ning Luo flawlessly meant that they had mastered all of her secrets!

At the same time, judging from the letter’s contents, the mastermind’s insight into human nature was terrifyingly profound!

They perfectly mimicked Ning Luo’s character and tone across different periods and emotional states!

They even grasped his innermost thoughts fundamentally.

With just one letter—a single key—they pinpointed his exact location at a hotel, at the precise moment before the Scale-Skinned Demon struck!

Such a dreadful calculation conjured a vivid image in the commander’s mind.

The scene was pitch black.

The mastermind, perfectly concealed in the shadows, like a ruler over all, watched over everything, manipulating powerful divine-level warriors like chess pieces, controlling the fate of the world...

The commander was horrified.

His mind was turbulent with waves of dread.

A sensation of helplessness and numbness rose from his core.

“Fortunately, it seems this mastermind harbors no hostility toward humanity or Jiang City and is even acting to save Jiang City…”

The commander’s gaze burned as he looked at the Scale-Skinned Demon’s mutilated corpse on the ground.

The Scale-Skinned Demon was a high-level demon with an incredibly terrifying ability to hide.

Humans had only ever captured one such demon once, and that was due to the SSS-level Demon Hunter Alliance leader, who sacrificed fifty years of his own life using the “Words Become Law” talent to barely capture it.

Such a fearful price was not something the ancient leader wished to pay again.

Yet now, the mastermind had a perfect grasp of the demon’s movements.

They even schemed to lure the commander here and slay the demon!

Such meticulous planning, profound cunning, and horrifying means were simply outrageous!

“Why would such a master appear in a small place like Jiang City?”

Suddenly, the commander’s expression changed sharply.

“Perhaps, the mastermind has never set foot in Jiang City at all!”

“He’s been orchestrating everything from thousands of miles away!”

At this realization, the commander was even more stunned.

Not being in Jiang City, yet discovering demons inside its borders?

What a terrifying ability!

Is it talent?

Wisdom?

Or both combined?

The commander could no longer think further; the mastermind’s power had transcended his comprehension.

In his eyes, the puppet master behind the scenes was likely no weaker than the highest echelons of humanity!

“This incident is grave! I must report it!”

Once calm, the commander promptly reported the matter to his superiors.

However, uncertain why the mastermind had not revealed themselves directly to explain the demonic threat, the commander chose to withhold the mastermind’s identity.

In his office within the military command mansion, the commander sat before a screen, reporting to the high-ranking officials of the Southern Alliance.

“I unexpectedly discovered traces of a Scale-Skinned Demon and eliminated it. The corpse is right behind me. Lords, you can see for yourselves.”

His expression was somewhat excited.

The screen was divided into several frames, each showing a figure far superior in rank to himself.

“Who would have thought such a small city like Jiang City would harbor such a high-level demon? It’s probably because of the Emerald Lake incident… that attracted the demon’s attention. But to think you actually managed to kill it…”

The officials were somewhat astonished.

This commander’s luck was incredible.

Under his command was the “Shanhai” Demon Hunting Squad, which had resolved the Emerald Lake crisis and nationwide lake issues.

Now, by sheer coincidence, he had slain a Scale-Skinned Demon.

Two major achievements—he might join the Southern Alliance’s high ranks within a few years.

After some discussion, the officials nodded to the commander.

“We will alert the awakened and demon hunters in all districts and regions to enhance vigilance and monitoring.”

“Furthermore, for your great merit this time, the Southern Alliance will award you three special merit prizes. Additionally, you may select one supreme treasure as an extra reward.”

“We will send a special envoy to deliver the treasure. When they arrive, you can hand over the Scale-Skinned Demon’s corpse. We need it for research—it’s a rare treasure, as there are only two such corpses nationwide!”

The Scale-Skinned Demon was rarely captured, making its research value immense.

“Thank you all for your generous rewards!”

With that, the officials nodded and ended the video call.

Alone in his office, the commander laughed heartily.

The rewards were extraordinarily generous—three special merits plus a supreme treasure of his choice!

Such treatment was rare even for those one or two ranks above him.

He was ecstatic, grinning widely.

Of course, he remained humble.

He knew all this was truly thanks to the mastermind.

“Thank you, great one, thank you! If you can hear me, I am willing to serve you faithfully, without betraying humanity or violating my principles!”

He expressed his gratitude profusely.

Undoubtedly, he would remember this debt deeply.

Just then, as his emotions swelled, the video call rang again.

He glanced and quickly answered.

On screen appeared a middle-aged man in military uniform, his gaze piercing and terrifying as he stared intently at the commander.

“Has there been any suspicious person appearing in Jiang City recently?”

Having just received his rewards, the commander shuddered at the question.

What did that mean? Why ask such a thing?

His heart trembled.

Could it be that the higher-ups already knew about the mastermind?

He wasn’t sure why they asked, but decided to conceal the truth.

“Sir, I don’t know. Nothing suspicious recently.”

“Oh? Then why does the information I received say otherwise?”

The officer’s expression darkened. The others on screen shifted their gaze to him in unison.

The commander’s heart sank.

“I really don’t know, sir.”

The officer chuckled darkly.

“Hmm, your ignorance is understandable. I’ve come to the Southern Alliance to investigate one thing.”

“Awakened have recently discovered a suspected unregistered SSS-level awakened!”

“This individual is not aligned with humanity. Their talent is corpse manipulation, self-styled the Underworld Sovereign. Their ability is developed beyond ninety-five percent. Many large cemeteries have been robbed by him lately, even those of awakened individuals.”

“The southern region has many large cemeteries, where over twenty SS-level generals are buried. I’m here to prevent this person from robbing graves and controlling the corpses of SS-level generals.”

Hearing this, the commander was shocked.

“Such a terrifying talent? This is a disaster!”

“His talent must be beyond SSS-level?”

The officer nodded slightly.

“Yes, a tremendous threat. If his zombie army forms, humanity will surely be defeated!”

“Commander of Jiang City! You’re impressive! Your ‘Shanhai’ Demon Hunting Squad and your recent slaying of the Scale-Skinned Demon have caught my attention. I hope you will strategize with them to eliminate this disaster.”

Without a doubt, the officer placed great hopes on the commander and his squad.

As he spoke, he displayed some footage.

In it were zombies controlled by the Underworld Sovereign.

They appeared as ancient zombies, some covered in white fur, others black, green, or red.

The red ones’ combat power rivaled Yue-level strongmen!

Their bodies were incredibly tough, and their ferocity was awe-inspiring.

They invaded cities, slaughtering civilians, turning entire cities into zombie paradises.

The commander gritted his teeth.

“So terrifying!”

“Could this be the mastermind?”

“No, it can’t be.”

“The mastermind is the one who killed the Scale-Skinned Demon!”

He shook his head firmly.

“Sir, I will wholeheartedly assist you in capturing this villain!”

The commander was confident.

After all, he had the mastermind behind him.

No matter how powerful an SSS-level talent or the Underworld Sovereign was, facing the mastermind meant severe blows.

…

While the Chinese high command discussed the unknown awakened’s case, Lin Qiye was rare in taking a break.

After days of intense cultivation, he felt physically and mentally exhausted.

Stretching lazily, just as he prepared to continue training, a prompt from the Life Lamp Gemstone sounded in his mind.

“Fate Reversal Successful: At two years and nine months, you schemed and successfully eliminated the royal-level Scale-Skinned Demon, altering China’s history.”

“You have received a reward: a Shadow Crow Egg. Upon hatching, it will produce a Shadow Crow possessing the ‘Eavesdrop’ talent, able to overhear all surrounding sounds, including demonic traces, and share them with its master.”

“You have gained 500,000 Walking Points. Remaining Walking Points: 2,450,000.”

“Ah—rewards have arrived!”

After delivering the letter to the commander’s mansion, Lin Qiye had been waiting for this reward.

Half a million Walking Points was a huge sum, allowing him to use “Genesis” divination with greater confidence and flair.

After all, the Empress’s universe was fraught with crises, far more dangerous than previous travels.

With “Genesis Divination,” the more Walking Points, the stronger his survival ability.

Moreover, besides the points, the Shadow Crow Egg was a delightful surprise.

Once hatched and matured, the crow could eavesdrop on all nearby sounds—including the presence of demons!

This was a demon nemesis, a walking radar!

Perfect timing!

Lin Qiye smiled.

No matter what Scale-Skinned or other disguised demons appeared, as long as he had the Shadow Crow, no hiding would be possible—it would shine like a beacon before his eyes!

“How interesting. This time, I’m truly blessed by fortune, receiving an artifact targeting demons! It saves massive Walking Points and can exterminate demons!”

He chuckled softly.

Then, the Life Lamp Gemstone’s prompt sounded again instantly.

“Life Lamp Gemstone Alert: At three years and three months, an unknown zombie horde appeared outside Jiang City. Awakened fought fiercely against the horde. They discovered that fallen corpses would transform into zombies!”

“In just three days, Jiang City's Yue-level demon hunters were wiped out. The military commander was severely wounded and infected with corpse poison. Jiang City nearly fell until SSS-level reinforcements from Yanjing arrived and drove off the horde.”

“During this time, you learned the culprit was an SSS-level awakened calling himself the ‘Underworld Sovereign.’ He controls zombies—a disaster-level awakened. If he continues to grow, the world will plunge into chaos!”

“At three years and six months, the corpse poison left by the Underworld Sovereign in Jiang City erupted, turning half the city into a zombie haven. The Empress died in this turmoil. Your current life’s journey failed; you are lost in time and space.”

Hmm?

What’s this?

Lin Qiye frowned, puzzled by the Life Lamp Gemstone’s report.

An SSS-level awakened Underworld Sovereign?

Controlling zombies?

Even able to convert demons into zombies to control them?

Such an ability was utterly monstrous!

Even he felt daunted.

“Can he control divine-level corpses? If he had a zombie army, wouldn’t he be invincible?”

Lin Qiye’s brow tightened.

His intuition told him this threat was exceptionally difficult to deal with.

…

.bqkan8..bqkan8.

Le Wen