Chapter 324

Chapter 324: The Sudden Crisis

As You You observed the Immortal Blessing Sect immersed in productive studies, she believed they might achieve their goals ahead of schedule—unless complications arose.

But then… complications arose.

"Sect Master! Divine Master Yu Hao reports anomalies in Heaven’s Sacred Mountain’s seal!" A disciple rushed into the hall.

"What?" The group drafting teaching assignments froze. Such timing!

You You dropped her documents and sprinted to the teleportation array. Others followed immediately, arriving at Heaven’s Sacred Mountain moments later.

Unlike the last time they came, when demonic energy filled the sky, the mountain now basked in clear sunlight. Celestial energy drifted through the air instead of darkness. No immediate danger seemed present.

"Took you long enough." Yu Hao approached with stern-faced immortals as they exited the array.

After Long Ting’s attempt to breach the seal using the Thunder Phoenix, You You had requested the Heavenly Emperors to station rotating guards—selected immortals and Feng Clan members. Yu Hao, teaching in the Immortal Realm but distrustful of the Divine Clan, often volunteered to monitor the seal.

"What happened?" You You scanned the peaceful scenery. "Are demons attacking again?"

"Not exactly." Yu Hao’s frown deepened as he gestured toward the peak. "Easier to show you at the formation’s core."

He soared upward. The group followed via sword flight to the familiar cave—the same place You You had accidentally entered the Demon Realm. She kept distance from the stone walls’ glowing patterns, wary of repeating that mishap.

"Where’s the problem?" She saw no signs of intrusion.

Yuan Papa stepped forward, brow furrowed. "The seal’s power is diminishing."

"What?!" The group echoed in alarm.

"Correct." Yu Hao nodded grimly. "The change was imperceptible until I returned after months in the Immortal Realm."

Yuan Papa pressed a palm to the stone wall, golden light flickering around his fingers. After moments, he turned soberly. "At this rate, the seal will collapse within ten years."

"Ten years?!" Ling Qi blurted. The sect’s five-century improvement plan suddenly seemed hopelessly slow.

"Yuan Papa…" You You’s voice tightened. "Can we reinforce it?"

He shook his head. "This isn’t damage—it’s expiration. Only the original caster could renew it."

Feng Rong crossed his arms. "Meaning we need Saint Xuan Ling herself."

Silence fell. The Saint who’d created the seal millennia ago was likely long gone from the mortal realm.

"But the seal holds for ten years, right?" You You pressed.

Yuan Papa’s gaze darkened. "Unless Demon King Long Ting awakens earlier."

Cold dread washed over You You. The weakening seal meant demons could break through before its predicted collapse—especially with the Bone Dragon waiting. Once roused, Long Ting would likely shatter the barrier instantly, regardless of Gong Xi’s rival claim. Invasion would be inevitable.

Desperation clawed at her. Becoming the Demon God might repel them, but how? The Nether King claimed her powers were half-restored, yet she felt no different. Had he deceived her?

"You You." Yuan Papa interrupted her spiraling thoughts. "The Nether King assisted Saint Xuan Ling after the World-destroying Calamity. He might know sealcraft."

"Right!" Feng Rong snapped his fingers. "He helped rebuild the Three Realms!"

You You retrieved the ‘Not Working’ Yin volume—its title now oddly bolded. Before she could activate it, shadows coalesced behind them. A rift tore open, emitting waves of dark energy.

The Messenger of the Underworld stumbled out, transformed. His pale face sported deeper shadows, posture slumped, black robes disheveled. Where ominous aura once radiated, now only exhaustion remained.

"Don’t bother, Noble Lady." His voice rasped. "Master won’t wake."

"What happened to you?" You You blinked.

"Master revoked all my soul clones before leaving." The messenger moaned. "I’m drowning in work! Even Soul Beasts are striking! That ghost cultivator in your sect—when will he die properly? Tell him to hurry up and perish!"

"…" Karma for harassing a vacationing deity, perhaps?