Chapter 126: The Underworld Ghost Realm, the Six Paths of Reincarnation, and the Threat of Death

Jun Qiye’s methods were bizarre.

It was not an illusion, nor did it involve any psychic power, yet he could often defeat his enemies with ease, remaining unpredictable and unfathomable.

On the battle stage:

"Brother Jiang, I won't hold back!" Jun Qiye cupped his hands, a strange smile plastered on his face.

He did not choose any weapon.

As his voice trailed off, the corners of his mouth split open all the way to his earlobes, revealing two rows of dagger-like teeth.

This sight caused Jiang Ming to raise an eyebrow.

Immediately after, he noticed the surrounding environment shifting; the sky and the earth turned grey, a hazy, desolate, and deathly silence descending upon them.

The battle stage vanished. The audience vanished.

It was as if he had been transported to another world.

"A domain? No, that’s not right. When you were fighting before, this method never appeared. Is this something that only manifests in the mind?" Jiang Ming asked, his heart filled with vigilance.

"This is the special ability inherent in my Supreme Ghost Physique. It is neither spiritual nor psychic, yet it can create a 'Ghost Domain.' While it acts upon the mind, it can pull one's physical body into it. I call it the Netherworld Ghost Domain." Jun Qiye did not hide the truth. "It resembles a domain, but it is far more powerful."

"I have encountered Ran Xin’s psychic powers before."

"She pulled me into her sea of consciousness, and in return, I pulled her into my Netherworld Ghost Domain. That battle was truly unique and immensely dangerous."

"It was even more perilous than when I faced Bai Bing and Ji Junning!"

"Here, I am the master!"

"In the Netherworld Ghost Domain, no living soul may enter!"

Jun Qiye chuckled as he spoke.

The next moment, a chill gripped Jiang Ming’s heart as he felt something within his body rapidly draining away.

It was his vitality!

Jiang Ming understood instantly.

*No living soul may enter?*

If one did enter, would their life force be stripped away?

"A curse!" Jiang Ming’s expression grew stern. He channeled his vast blood energy, forming a barrier outside his body, though it only slightly slowed the drainage.

He then unleashed the power of Yin and Yang, forming a Taiji diagram. The rate at which his vitality flowed away slowed significantly.

Yet, it could not be stopped entirely.

"Something like that, yes!" Jun Qiye remarked. "The Yin-Yang artistic conception—the most supreme power of Dao rhymes. It is truly annoying. It can even block my method of stripping away life force!"

"In that case..."

"Decay!"

"Wither!"

"Death!"

"Despair!"

"Fear!"

"Weakness!"

"Descend!"

Jun Qiye waved his hand, and a swarm of strange powers surged forth, piercing through the Yin-Yang Taiji diagram and flowing into Jiang Ming’s body.

Various negative forces erupted instantly.

"Your ability is truly hard to guard against," Jiang Ming frowned. "Especially when used in a sneak attack, it would be even more terrifying."

As he spoke, he channeled his entire reservoir of blood energy to suppress the discomfort, pushing his internal energy to its absolute limit.

But the effect was minimal.

Even the power of his Yin-Yang artistic conception struggled to suppress it completely.

"That is why I say this tournament format is unfavorable for me," Jun Qiye said, shaking his head. "If even this cannot make you falter, then I truly have no way to deal with you."

"Indeed," Jiang Ming nodded. "Even without using restraining powers, with my dense blood energy and boundless internal energy, it would be difficult to kill me. Ultimately, you are simply not strong enough."

Jun Qiye was speechless. He stomped his foot, causing the ground to quake. From the churning soil, skeletons crawled out—some leaping, some running—all charging toward Jiang Ming.

He waved his hand again, and the sky filled with circling specters, their shrill shrieks forming a terrifying shockwave that pierced deep into the soul.

"Curses, weakening, crowd control—your methods are truly significant. The best way to deal with you would be a swift battle. But since we are inside your Netherworld Ghost Domain, finishing you off quickly is far from easy," Jiang Ming said. Yin-Yang sword energy swirled around his body, shredding the skeletons and destroying the specters.

But there were too many; they seemed endless.

Coupled with the various negative forces acting upon his body, he would inevitably be defeated if this dragged on.

"If I didn't have the means to restrain you, you would indeed be difficult to handle," Jiang Ming added. "For a human to master such terrifying ghost-path techniques—if you were to enter a world with a Nether Realm, you would surely be like a fish in water!"

"If I could truly enter such a world, my strength would skyrocket—insanely so!" Jun Qiye said. "However, this ability causes a significant backlash, which is why I have always kept a low profile and avoided major actions."

"Side effects? Tell me about them." Jiang Ming stood motionless, analyzing while he continued to slaughter the onslaught.

"Backlash, changes in personality, the corrosion of vitality, and so on," Jun Qiye said with a bitter smile. "Mastering this power is strong, but the side effects are truly severe! I fear that one day, I will become neither human nor ghost—that is the price of wielding this power."

"Is there any way to alleviate it?"

"There is, but it is too difficult!"

"Tell me?"

"In my condition, the powers of Light and Life could naturally alleviate or even completely suppress it. But those are powers that restrain me; they would severely injure or even kill me. The best method would be the Dao of Light and Darkness—using Darkness to harmonize and suppress, and Light to purify. Alternatively, the power of Life and Death—the cycle of life and death could wear away the death energy and bring forth vitality. Alas, it is a pity; the Daos of Life and Death and Light and Darkness are among the Ten Great Artistic Conceptions, rare in this world—they are things one can only hope for, not seek."

"Alas, is that all? That’s simple!"

"Simple?" Jun Qiye was stunned, then filled with wild joy. "Brother Jiang, you don't mean you have mastered one of those, do you?"

"Who are you looking down on?" Jiang Ming laughed.

"Holy cow! You've mastered both!" Jun Qiye was dumbfounded. He waved his hand, causing all the skeletons and specters to vanish, and rushed to Jiang Ming’s side. "Brother Jiang, are you for real?"

At this moment, the match, the competition—he cared about none of it.

"Look!" Jiang Ming said. The power of Light and Darkness flowed out, forming a space.

Half darkness, half light.

This was the Grand Barrier of Light and Darkness.

With a flash of light, the power of Light and Darkness vanished, replaced by the power of Life and Death. In their rotation, the cycle of life, growth, and decay occurred with orderly impermanence.

"It really is Light and Darkness, and Life and Death... truly... *sob*... I don't have to become a ghost." Jun Qiye wept with excitement. "You have no idea how much effort my clan spent searching for these two powers, all to no avail. Brother Jiang, I never expected you to have comprehended both. From now on, you are my brother—my own blood brother."

"Small matter. Later, I will help you comprehend Life and Death or Yin and Yang," Jiang Ming said with a smile, though he mused to himself: *He is, after all, only a youth of sixteen or seventeen.*

Jun Qiye grew even more excited.

This was not just treatment; it was mentorship—a fundamental cure.

If he could master the Dao of Life and Death, his Supreme Ghost Physique would undergo a qualitative change.

Without another word, Jun Qiye conceded.

Arrogant as he was, in the face of these two powers, he was helpless.

Outside the domain.

The onlookers were confused.

They had only exchanged a glance, then grey mist had erupted from Jun Qiye, shrouding the battlefield, only to dissipate in an instant.

He had already conceded.

It was inexplicable.

But they were getting used to it.

After all, several others had been acting exactly the same way.

The next day, Jiang Ming’s opponent was Wang Qiutong, who possessed not only an Innate Dao Physique but also a pair of Divine Eyes.

More terrifyingly, she had opened all three hundred and sixty-five of her acupoints and had taken a step further, entering the sixth level of the Martial Dao: the Celestial Phenomenon Realm.

"You have improved quite rapidly!" Jiang Ming said, his expression complex.

"I have always had all my meridians and acupoints clear, but I wanted to settle down and comprehend the Dao of artistic conceptions. Who knew so many monsters would appear in this major examination? To secure a good ranking, I refined many great elixirs, quickly filling my acupoints, and then realized the Dao of Celestial Phenomena!" Wang Qiutong smiled. "I, too, want to compete for the first place."

As she spoke, the pressure of a Celestial Phenomenon descended.

Above her head appeared a brilliant array of colors, five hues flowing together.

"You formed a Celestial Phenomenon using the Five Elements artistic conception?" Jiang Ming felt his body grow heavy, subjected to immense pressure.

He had experienced this feeling before.

However, Wang Qiutong’s pressure was stronger, for she had mastered the Dao of the Five Elements, which was comparable to the Ten Great Artistic Conceptions.

"Yes!" Wang Qiutong nodded. "My goal is the Dao of Yin and Yang and the Dao of the World, but they are too difficult to comprehend. I have only just begun to grasp Yin and Yang, and I have no clue about the World. Brother Jiang, after the exam, could you teach me?"

Her eyes were burning with anticipation, carrying a hint of pleading.

"Of course!" Jiang Ming was more than willing. "But if this is all you have, you won't be able to take me down!"

"Thank you!" Wang Qiutong beamed with joy, then pointed to her eyes. "What about adding these?"

A divine light flowed from her eyes.

"I can see the trajectory of your attacks, and even more, I can see your weaknesses," Wang Qiutong said, not hiding it, though she used a mental transmission.

"Still not enough. In the face of absolute power, it falls short!" Jiang Ming shook his head.

"Brother Jiang, you have peerless talent and unparalleled comprehension; you can create all sorts of incredible methods, but I am not bad either." Wang Qiutong crinkled her nose. "I have had an affinity with the Dao of Heaven and Earth since I was young. I can learn anything instantly; the methods I have mastered are no worse than yours!"

"Then let's go!"

"Alright!"

The two clashed.

This time, Jiang Ming unleashed various sword arts, from Sword One all the way to Sword Seventeen, leaving the onlookers dazzled.

Those who practiced the sword were particularly shocked and struck with awe.

"He has actually comprehended so many series of sword arts? Unbelievable!" The most shocked was Ji Junning. "Impressive, classmate Jiang!"

Following that came the Swords of Executing, Slaughtering, Trapping, and Ending Immortals, which decisively cut down Wang Qiutong.

"I opened all my acupoints—in terms of the sheer quantity of internal energy, you are even more vast than I am. I possess an Innate Dao Physique, and the quality of my energy is far beyond that of ordinary people, but yours is not a bit inferior to mine. I had the pressure of a Celestial Phenomenon, and you countered it by integrating the Dao of the World with multiple artistic conceptions..." Returning after the match, Wang Qiutong looked at Jiang Ming with a long gaze. "In martial arts alone, I was defeated by you—thoroughly beaten. Brother Jiang, what should I do if I want to cry?"

"How about I lend you my shoulder?" Jiang Ming whispered.

Wang Qiutong rolled her eyes.

The subsequent matches were even more intense.

In this round, Jiang Ming faced the Reincarnation Physique, Chen Bei.

The two were already familiar with each other, and on the battle stage, they didn't stand on ceremony; after cupping their hands, they attacked immediately.

"Reincarnation Fist!"

Chen Bei exploded with power.

His fist technique was terrifying; the power of each punch recycled and multiplied, and he was able to absorb scattered energy for his own use.

Each punch was stronger than the last.

By the thirty-sixth punch, even Jiang Ming was shocked.

It was too terrifying.

It was stronger than his own Inch Fist when not utilizing the Boundless artistic conception.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

The two collided repeatedly, the resulting shockwaves causing the heavens and earth to tremble and the void to warp—it was terrifying to the extreme.

"As expected of Brother Jiang, you are strong enough." Chen Bei’s blood was boiling. "Warm-up over, Brother Jiang, I am going to truly unleash my power."

"Six Paths of Reincarnation Fist!"

"Hell Fist!"

This punch was filled with ghostly energy, shaking the mind and draining life force.

Jiang Ming’s eyes lit up.

He had been immensely curious about this opponent.

He shifted his fist technique, using the Nine Suns Divine Fist to counter.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

"Evil Ghost Fist!"

This punch emitted a piercing shriek, disrupting the mind.

"Beast Fist!"

This punch was filled with chaotic and violent force, wild and untamed.

"Asura Fist!"

"Human Fist!"

"Heavenly Dao Fist!"

The Asura Path was filled with endless malice and killing intent; the Human Path was permeated with endless desire, causing one to sink into it involuntarily; the Heavenly Dao Fist seemed to contain the power of the endless firmament, high above, suppressing everything—it was a pressure from the soul.

One punch, one artistic conception.

Even Jiang Ming was shocked.

If it were anyone else, under this Six Paths of Reincarnation Fist, their willpower would surely collapse. The supreme power, combined with the various Daos that shook the will—it was impossible to guard against.

"You still aren't beaten? Brother Jiang, I have one last punch!" Chen Bei roared, his momentum climbing even higher beyond its peak. "Six Paths of Reincarnation, All Living Things Follow!"

His chest exploded outward, shooting out points of light that transformed—some into animals, some into plants, some into humanoid beings, some into monsters, and so on.

In an instant, Chen Bei was surrounded by the phantoms of various creatures, each possessing a powerful aura.

*Boom!*

Chen Bei threw a punch into the void, as if he could shatter the world. At the same time, the manifested creatures erupted along with him, all throwing a punch in unison.

Their powers connected, yet they were entirely different.

They appeared to cover the entire area, yet they could merge into one at any moment—it was extremely bizarre.

"These are not illusions; they are real!"

Jiang Ming was very surprised.

He also discovered that every phantom creature had a complete soul.

*Reincarnation Physique? Could there really be a reincarnation world inside his body?*

Jiang Ming’s mouth twitched.

Chen Bei’s ability truly surprised him.

His opponent’s punch also made him feel a genuine threat.

"Inch Fist, Nineteenth Layer!"

"Boundless artistic conception!"

"Open!"

Jiang Ming also unleashed his strongest power.

*Boom!*

As the power exploded, his expression changed, and he retreated continuously.

His supreme power was actually being bested.

"Brother Jiang, you are truly strong, but try this strike!" Chen Bei’s eyes narrowed. He pointed a finger and shouted, "Six Paths Impact!"

*Hum...*

Countless phantom creatures merged into a single point of light, forming a river that flashed toward the space between Jiang Ming’s eyebrows.

Unaccountably, his brow throbbed violently.

This threat was even greater.

"Soul Domain!"

"World artistic conception, integrate!"

"Light and Darkness artistic conception, integrate!"

Jiang Ming held nothing back, forming a domain-world outside his body. From the outside, one could only see a blurry shadow of a forbidden domain, but inside, it evolved into a myriad of things, as if it had become a real world.

The defense had just been completed when it was torn apart, and the river formed by the points of light surged in.

*These thousands of souls can resonate and act as one?*

After carefully sensing it, Jiang Ming was greatly astonished.

The major examination was coming to an end.

These geniuses had to have their abilities explained; each was different, evolving into terrifying powers.

If they weren't clarified, it would be impossible to write about them later.

After the examination, how about entering the Comprehensive Martial Arts world?

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