522: The true God proclaims: The Year of the Rat opens the heavens.

"Perhaps you can first look at this scroll." Wu Xian released Queen of the Underworld Persephone. "This scroll is the Queen of the Underworld, and that little brother's lifebound scroll is the prototype of the King of the Underworld."

"King of the Underworld and Queen of the Underworld?" The Abyssal Demon Lord's expression was strange.

Just as the Azure Tree King did not understand the prototype of his own World Tree power, the Abyssal Demon Lord also did not know the origin and background of his own power.

But as a Divine Rank powerhouse, the Abyssal Demon Lord naturally felt the aura of the same origin and lineage coming from the Queen of the Underworld.

"Good, good, good," the Abyssal Demon Lord praised repeatedly. "But judging by what you've said, your Will of a True God seems to know something about the development path of my Law?"

"Something like that," Wu Xian explained. "The Divine Domain world corresponding to Your Excellency is neighbors with my side, so we have some understanding of each other."

"So that's how it is."

The Abyssal Demon Lord was inevitably excited and asked for more information regarding the prototype of his power.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

After Monkey escaped the Gates of Hell, he was startled by the hundreds of thousands of Netherworld Soldiers stationed outside the gates.

He originally thought they were there to intercept him, but upon closer inspection, he found that Xue Lingling was leading the troops.

"Sister, are you going to stop I, Old Sun?" Monkey asked, confused.

"How dare you, you mischievous monkey, act presumptuously in the Netherworld!" Xue Lingling declared righteously. "All troops, attack! Don't let this mischievous monkey escape!"

Following Xue Lingling's order, hundreds of thousands of Netherworld Soldiers, led by the Ghost Emperors and Ghost Kings, surged forward to surround Monkey.

Monkey was initially a bit dumbfounded, but after seeing Xue Lingling's subtle glance, he immediately understood.

Just going through the motions, I, Old Sun, get it~!

And so, Monkey swung his Ruyi Jingu Bang, controlling the force of his attack, scattering hundreds of thousands of Netherworld Soldiers as he made his swift escape.

Watching Monkey leave, Xue Lingling didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "What a commotion!"

Originally, she just needed to watch in secret and stay put; she had no part in this grand show.

However, the Abyssal Demon Lord's sudden move earlier truly startled her, so she immediately gathered the Netherworld's forces, preparing to rush over and offer support.

However, just as she finished gathering the hundreds of thousands of Netherworld Soldiers, the commotion on the other side subsided.

And then, she happened to run into Monkey, who was fleeing.

So, she decided to play along with the act.

There was no choice. As the second major shareholder and military representative of the Underworld Outpost, she could sense the series of shifts in order occurring within the Underworld Outpost at that moment.

It would have been fine if she hadn't encountered Monkey, but since she did, she definitely had to put on a show.

Otherwise, various repercussions from the Laws of Heaven and Earth would be inflicted upon the Underworld Outpost.

But after putting on a show, the repercussions from the Laws of Heaven and Earth were all shouldered by Monkey.

"By the way, is this really okay?" Xue Lingling couldn't help but worry about Monkey.

Little did she know, Monkey was incredibly resilient and had an incredibly powerful background; this minor transgression was nothing to him.

"Such an open and blatant farce," Xue Lingling's expression was strange. "Why does it feel like this Netherworld is just a pure Amateur Organization?"

The Netherworld had always been a majestic and sacred place in her eyes.

But after today's farce, she was left with deep self-doubt.

In fact, the Netherworld is indeed majestic and sacred, and should not be violated in principle.

But that depends on who it is... In the Hall of Yama, Wu Xian briefly introduced the Abyssal Demon Lord to some of the background stories of Greek Mythology, opening a door to a new world for the Abyssal Demon Lord.

"Tartarus, the synonym for Hell and the Abyss, the final resting place of departed souls," the Abyssal Demon Lord grew more excited the more he listened. "Isn't that me? Haha, Tartarus, that name is good. I shall adopt it."

Wu Xian nodded and smiled, having no objections.

After all, the Abyssal Demon Lord was originally the prototype of Tartarus, so calling himself this name was fine.

Moreover, the Four Great True Gods have always only had titles, never a definite name.

"Excellent, excellent. Tell me more stories about that Greek Mythology world in the future. I love hearing them," the Abyssal Demon Lord said excitedly. "I'm thinking, why don't I just change the name of the Eerie Domain to the Netherworld? What do you think?"

"If you want to change it, naturally no one can stop you." Wu Xian smiled, spreading his hands.

In fact, the various different dimensions truly lacked a clear official designation.

Humans call this place the Mysterious Abyss, while the beings of the Mysterious Abyss call it the Eerie Domain.

And as the True God of the Eerie Domain, it was reasonable for the Abyssal Demon Lord to take the lead in officially establishing the name of the Mysterious Abyss.

"Alright, it's settled then!"

The Abyssal Demon Lord chuckled happily. Immediately after, the True God's Voice of the Abyssal Demon Lord echoed throughout every corner of the scroll world, and the power of heaven and earth throughout the entire Eerie Domain underwent subtle shifts.

For a time, people all over the Human World and the various different dimensions heard this decision and change made by the Abyssal Demon Lord.

"I, the Abyssal Demon Lord—Tartarus, hereby formally rename the Eerie Domain to the Netherworld, effective immediately. This is hereby proclaimed to all beings in all realms..."

The sudden True God's Proclamation left beings in all realms shocked and suspicious.

Especially in the Human World, many people were paying attention to the live broadcast of the Netherworld.

This sudden proclamation by the Abyssal Demon Lord naturally left all parties feeling uncertain and surprised.

"What happened? What did Wu Xian say to the Abyssal Demon Lord? Why was the Mysterious Abyss suddenly given an official name?"

"Not only was the Eerie Domain officially named, but His Highness the Abyssal Demon Lord also announced his new title."

"Tartarus? What a bizarre name, how strange."

"It is quite strange. It doesn't sound like a name from our Human World; it seems more like a name from some remote human tribe."

"The Netherworld? It sounds quite evocative, and it's simple and catchy."

In contrast, the people of the Demon God Dojo all wore strange expressions and exchanged surprised glances.

After all, not long ago, their Queen of the Underworld Your Highness was just named: Persephone.

Although they didn't know the meaning of this strange name, Her Highness the Queen of the Underworld had already approved it.

Now, upon learning the Abyssal Demon Lord's new title, the people of the Demon God Dojo unanimously thought of the revered name of Her Highness the Queen of the Underworld.

These two names clearly followed the same style and lineage.

"Could it be that His Highness the Abyssal Demon Lord has some connection with the Legacy of our Demon God Dojo?" The Elders of the Demon God Dojo asked excitedly.

"It's highly possible," Old Ancestor Zhang also became inexplicably excited. "Just now, that kid Wu Xian specifically summoned Her Highness the Queen of the Underworld and let the Abyssal Demon Lord take a look."

"If that's the case, then couldn't we..." The surrounding Elders' eyes lit up.

Being able to trace a connection to the Abyssal Demon Lord was naturally a huge boon for the Demon God Dojo.

But the problem was that they themselves didn't know about this connection, and even the Abyssal Demon Lord might not know.

Instead, Wu Xian, this "outsider," knew more than both sides combined.

"It seems necessary to have a good chat with our external scroll-Holding Elder." Old Ancestor Zhang narrowed his eyes in deep thought.

Meanwhile, the other parties were still shocked by the Abyssal Demon Lord's sudden proclamation.

The content of the proclamation wasn't the main point; the key was that this proclamation seemed directly related to Wu Xian.

Judging from the projected image just now, it was clear that Wu Xian had said something to the Abyssal Demon Lord, which led the Abyssal Demon Lord to make such an important decision.

"Damn it, is this kid on such good terms with the Abyssal Demon Lord?" Zhao Qinghe and the members of the Zhao Family looked terrible.

Previously, all parties thought that Wu Xian had only had some minor interaction with the Four Great True Gods—a casual acquaintance.

After all, what was the status of the Four Great True Gods? And what was Wu Xian's status?

Whether in terms of seniority or position, the difference was enormous.

Yet, the scene that unfolded today made them realize that Wu Xian's relationship with the Four Great True Gods was probably not that simple.

Inside the Underworld Outpost.

After confirming Monkey's safe departure, the worry in Wu Xian's heart finally subsided.

Seeing Wu Xian and the Abyssal Demon Lord chatting back and forth, Tooth of the Azure Sea and Emperor Spirit of the Void couldn't help but become interested. "Little Father-in-Law, what about Dragon Brother and me? Do we have similar mythological origins?"

"For the two of you, I really can't see anything right now," Wu Xian pondered. "Perhaps the origin of your power isn't related to my Will of a True God's side."

Hearing this, Tooth of the Azure Sea and Emperor Spirit of the Void secretly felt regretful.

Regarding Tooth of the Azure Sea, Wu Xian had seen its true body before, which clearly bore some resemblance to a True Dragon, but because certain powers and features were not yet obvious, he couldn't currently figure out its nature.

As for Emperor Spirit of the Void, Wu Xian had truly never seen his true body.

"Perhaps... Senior Emperor Spirit of the Void could let me see your true form?" Wu Xian mused.

"Oh, right," Emperor Spirit of the Void realized suddenly. "I seem to have never displayed my True Spirit Form in front of Father-in-Law."

As he spoke, powerful Divine Might of a True God surged from within him, and the surrounding space rippled like water.

Immediately afterward, a small, exquisite, gray-black Rat appeared before everyone.

At first glance, it was just a very ordinary rat, but precisely because of this, Wu Xian felt surprised.

After all, in his impression, the Emperor Spirit of the Void was the True God of the Elf Realm, and should logically possess some elements and style of a 2D Cartoon.

But looking at it now, it was completely the image of a very ordinary House Mouse.

Its appearance was absolutely standard and exemplary.

It was naturally fine for a normal rat to look like this, but for the Emperor Spirit of the Void, as a True God of this era and a Great Demon of the Elf Realm, looking like this was intriguing and worth pondering.

In his Sea of Consciousness, the Will of the God of Wealth clearly realized this too, and proactively transformed into the natal god of wealth scroll to observe closely.

"Is Your Excellency the Will of the True God of the Little Father-in-Law?" Emperor Spirit of the Void spoke in human language. "My apologies! My apologies!"

The God of Wealth cupped his hands and bowed to show respect, his gaze fixed intently on the Emperor Spirit of the Void's true body, seemingly trying to discern something.

Seeing this, the Abyssal Demon Lord on the side teased proudly, "Alright, you dead rat, what kind of great origin could a dead rat like you have? Only beings like me and Old Brother Azure Tree are worthy of such awesome and cool origins and backgrounds."

"Look at you gloating," Emperor Spirit of the Void retorted crankily. "The Incarnation of the Abyss and Hell, you think you're worthy?"

The two were old acquaintances and bickered with mutual disdain.

Wu Xian and the God of Wealth, meanwhile, were observing the true form of the Emperor Spirit of the Void with serious expressions, as well as the aura of Law power emanating from its body.

"How is it, God of Wealth? Any clues?" Wu Xian asked.

"Hmm... I vaguely sense a slight aura of the Zi Rat, but it doesn't quite resemble it..." the God of Wealth said.

"So it's the Zi Rat of the Twelve Earthly Branches?" Wu Xian's eyes flickered. "Since it's just a prototype, it's normal for it not to resemble it perfectly."

"No, no, no, the 'doesn't resemble' I mean isn't the way you understand it," the God of Wealth analyzed gravely. "The foundation of this True God Your Excellency's power is probably not the Zi Rat that you and I are familiar with."

Wu Xian was completely confused. "Not the power lineage of the Zi Rat that we are familiar with?"

"It seems to be more ancient and deeper."

"More ancient? And the power of Law is also deeper?" Wu Xian pondered, then, recalling the authority of the Emperor Spirit of the Void over the Law of Space, he suddenly thought of something. "Senior Emperor Spirit, besides the power of the Law of Space, do you possess power on other levels."

Hearing this, Emperor Spirit of the Void replied without hesitation, "Of course, some Laws related to space are involved, but currently I only wield the full authority of the Law of Space."

"Law powers related to Time, the Void Realm, and Chaos?" Wu Xian pressed.

Emperor Spirit of the Void nodded. "Time and Chaos are too profound, and I am currently still in the exploratory stage, but there are indeed related Law lineages. As for the Law of the Void Realm, I am quite proficient.

After all, relying solely on the power of the Law of Space wouldn't be enough to cut off the Upper Realm's food supply."

"I see." Wu Xian took a deep breath, vaguely understanding something.

Simply put, the components of the Emperor Spirit of the Void's power were somewhat complex. Although his future direction could not yet be definitively judged, there was a subtle trend toward ancient power.

"What, Little Father-in-Law, do you have a clue?" Emperor Spirit of the Void asked excitedly.

Wu Xian shook his head. "I vaguely recall something, but I can't think of it right now."

"No matter, you can think about it later."

Emperor Spirit of the Void sighed softly, not dwelling on the matter.

Soon after, he left the Underworld Outpost and returned to the Club.

There was still some follow-up plot regarding the flower fruit mountain instance.

After exchanging a few greetings with the Four Great True Gods, he led the Club members back into the Tier 6 flower fruit mountain instance.

On the way to meet Monkey, the God of Wealth in his Sea of Consciousness couldn't help but ask doubtfully, "Did you guess the path of that Emperor Spirit of the Void?"

"I do have an idea," Wu Xian mused. "I wonder if the God of Wealth has ever heard of the saying 'Zi Rat Opens the Heavens'?"

"Hmm?!" The God of Wealth was surprised. "There is such a saying?"

"There is indeed a Creation Myth about a rat biting open the heavens," Wu Xian said.

However, this mythological legend derived from the Twelve Zodiacs clearly did not belong to the "orthodox" concept commonly recognized by later generations.

However, Chinese Mythological Legends are inherently complicated, and there is no such thing as orthodoxy.

Whichever myth you consider orthodox, that one is orthodox.

Currently, the Emperor Spirit of the Void is clearly developing toward the path of "Zi Rat Opens the Heavens."

Furthermore, the rank of Dao attainment for the Emperor Spirit of the Void is "True Spirit," not a definitive Godhood, which further confirms Wu Xian's deduction.

To put it plainly, the Emperor Spirit of the Void is following the "Sacred Spirit" path, similar to the four spirits of heaven.

Previously, I felt that the Emperor Spirit of the Void was slightly unworthy of our Void Sun Star Lord, but now it seems that our Void Sun Star Lord is the one reaching too high.

But then again, the set of Twenty-Eight Mansions he currently possesses is also following the "Sacred Spirit" path.

If the Void Sun Rat is considered part of the [Black Tortoise Sacred Spirit], then the two sides can be considered a perfect match.

Looking at it this way, the Emperor Spirit of the Void and the Void Sun Rat truly feel like a match made in heaven, guided by fate.