Chapter 73: Talking Nonsense and Picking Up Equipment Everywhere

Zhang Kai dashed at full speed along the way. There were still several hours left before the Emperor’s birthday, and if the ghost officers of Luofu City discovered his absence, they would surely pursue him. After all, this was their territory, and Zhang Kai felt the farther he ran, the better.

He transformed into Ultraman and soared skyward, his speed incredible—within moments, he had left the region around Luofu City far behind. Following the map provided by the underworld soldiers, Zhang Kai flew for over half an hour before descending before a terrifying canyon. This was precisely the entrance to the Netherworld the soldiers had described.

The Black Abyss.

The so-called Black Abyss, also known as a spatial rift, existed only where the realms of the Netherworld and the human world intersected. By passing through the Black Abyss, one could enter the Netherworld.

Arriving here, Zhang Kai no longer hurried. Once he leapt down, he would leave the Youquan Cave Heaven, but entering the Netherworld was something that required preparation.

The first necessity was oxygen. Whether a living human could survive in the Netherworld was still an unknown. However, Zhang Kai had discovered something miraculous. In the human world, his Ultraman transformation could only be maintained for three minutes, but in the Youquan Cave Heaven, half an hour had passed and he was still fine. He even felt he could use Ultraman’s abilities now.

Could it be that as long as he left the human world, Ultraman’s transformation could be used indefinitely? That didn’t fit Ultraman’s established rules, did it? He couldn’t understand the logic, but was nonetheless pleased, as it solved his breathing issue.

Ultraman did not require oxygen; he didn’t even need to breathe, as Ultraman had no nose.

The second problem to solve was the matter of combat. The Netherworld was not like the human world; only the most ruthless and vicious could thrive there, so conflicts were bound to be frequent and violent. Although his abilities were decent now, if he faced a ferocious battle, they might not be enough.

Therefore, he needed a powerful weapon—something that could intimidate even the gods and ghosts. Such things were not in short supply. Zhang Kai had previously downloaded some science videos about the solar system, each featuring the sun. This was the ultimate weapon, his ace in the hole.

If faced with a life-or-death crisis, he could simply extract the sun from one of the videos and throw it out. He refused to believe that any ghost or spirit could withstand the sun’s suppression.

He took out his phone, pulled up those videos, and paused them, feeling much more at ease.

Without hesitation, Zhang Kai dove headfirst into the Black Abyss, flying rapidly. Within the abyss, the air was thick with shadowy energy, like dense smog. Zhang Kai pressed forward, moving at great speed.

He did not know how long it took, but eventually he pierced through the layer of shadow and entered an immense world. Here, the heavens and earth were dim—not pitch-black, but pervaded by a gloom that marked it as distinct from the human realm.

No sooner had he arrived than a harsh voice barked, “What rat dares trespass into the Netherworld?”

With the sound, a towering ghostly figure appeared, clad in full armor, radiating a terrifying aura. Behind it stretched a vast encampment, with countless underworld soldiers faintly visible.

Zhang Kai was stunned. There was actually a guard at this entrance—a detail the underworld soldier had failed to mention.

Thinking quickly, Zhang Kai responded decisively, “How dare you! Who gave you the courage to speak to me like that?”

The towering ghost was taken aback. So brazen? Who is this “esteemed lord”? The aura wasn’t even of the Netherworld, yet he dared act so arrogantly?

“I am the Holy Lord of Luofu, sworn brother to the Emperor of Luofu City,” Zhang Kai continued, spinning a tall tale.

At this, the ghost was utterly dumbfounded, staring at Zhang Kai in disbelief.

“You’re the Emperor’s sworn brother? What proof do you have?” the ghost asked skeptically.

Zhang Kai sneered, “What, do you think anyone in the Netherworld would dare impersonate the Emperor’s brother? Fool, are your eyes blind?”

The ghost suddenly came to his senses. Indeed, the Emperor was an extraordinary figure. If anyone tarnished his reputation, word would reach him instantly, and such a person would have no place in the entire Netherworld. Who would dare take such a risk?

Thinking this, the ghost felt uneasy and hurriedly bowed. “I am the General guarding the Black Abyss. Greetings, Holy Lord. I have never met the Holy Lord before; if I have offended, please forgive me.”

Zhang Kai clasped his hands behind his back and replied calmly, “Enough. The Emperor and I only recently became sworn brothers; it’s natural you haven’t heard. But you should spread the word, lest some fool offend the Holy Lord. If that happens, I won’t be so forgiving.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll certainly pass it on. Holy Lord, are you traveling somewhere? Would you care to rest here for a while, so I may offer my humble hospitality?” the ghost general asked meekly.

“I’ve come to the Netherworld to explore,” Zhang Kai said. “Very well, arrange something for me, and tell me about the current state of the Netherworld—where are the interesting places?”

“Thank you for the honor, Holy Lord. Please, this way,” the ghost general said, delighted.

Zhang Kai nodded slightly and followed him down.

Entering the underworld soldiers’ camp, he was taken into a massive tent—clearly a magical artifact, with a vast internal space and a layout reminiscent of an ancient courtyard. Upon entry, he saw beautiful maidservants busy at work.

“Holy Lord, this bitter and cold place offers little scenery. My spirit tent is something of a rare treasure; it should suffice for your rest. Please do not disdain it,” the ghost general said, shrinking to human size and removing his helmet to reveal an honest, middle-aged face.

Zhang Kai smiled, “No matter, your place is quite impressive.”

The ghost general beamed with pleasure; praise from a high-ranking figure was immensely gratifying.

They came to a guest hall, and at the general’s command, fine wine and delicious food were promptly served. Zhang Kai consulted the ghost general about the Netherworld, learning much from his host’s accounts.

To his surprise, Zhang Kai discovered that the Netherworld had also been invaded by the Alliance of the Heavens. Many regions were currently occupied by foreign spirits, forming an opposition to the Netherworld.

Although the Netherworld was its own realm—far larger than the human world—it was still one of the Three Realms. Thus, it forbade the presence of anyone above the immortal level, forcing all powerful ghosts and gods to seclude themselves in forbidden domains, leaving only lesser spirits as the main inhabitants. Naturally, the invading foreign spirits were likewise restricted, or else the Netherworld would have descended into utter chaos.

This situation made Zhang Kai sigh inwardly; indeed, none of the Three Realms were at peace—though the Netherworld was only marginally better than the human realm.

Still, this reassured Zhang Kai; at least the threat was smaller.

After several rounds of wine and dishes, Zhang Kai drank moderately, but the ghost general drank heavily, and soon became intoxicated, calling Zhang Kai brother and acting thoroughly drunk.

Sensing an opportunity, Zhang Kai began to probe about the tent. The ghost general, lacking suspicion and eager to boast, not only explained the tent’s magical properties but even revealed the incantations for its use.

Zhang Kai expressed great admiration, then plied the general with more wine until he finally passed out.

Zhang Kai summoned a beautiful maidservant and instructed her to call a few underworld soldiers, telling them the general wished to sleep among the troops, and had them carry him away.

Afterward, Zhang Kai recited the incantation he had coaxed from the general, finding it remarkably easy to use. The tent transformed into a compact object that rested in his hand.

Then, Zhang Kai transformed into Ultraman once more, soared into the sky, and escaped.