491: Seventh-rank divine power, returning to the palace to report.

He wore a horse-head mask, the material of which was hard to discern, dark and gleaming coldly. Two holes were cut out for the eyes, where two points of crimson light flickered intermittently.

The horse mouth was stretched into a grin, revealing stark white fangs, giving it a fierce appearance.

In his hand, he held a twelve-foot long spear. The shaft was jet black, and the tip emitted a cold, flickering light.

Just standing there, a murderous aura assaulted the senses, and the lingering Yin wind within the ridge swirled around him. Ma Sanqiang turned his neck, causing the mask to emit a 'creak' sound of friction.

"I've been holding it in for years." When he spoke, the voice filtered by the mask was muffled and hoarse, like sandpaper repeatedly scraping against rotten wood.

"I finally made it through."

Niu Mengmeng let out an "Mm," closing her fingers. The earthy yellow orb of light in her palm scattered into specks of light with a 'poof.'

She raised her eyes toward the direction outside the ridge, the daylight reflecting in her round eyes.

"It's getting late. We should go report to Jiaotai Palace."

"Let's go!"

The two walked out, one following the other.

Their boots stepped over the muddy ground littered with broken bones, leaving deep footprints. Niu Mengmeng stopped when they passed the sheltered slope where the pack of dogs used to gather.

The clearing was empty. A thin layer of dust covered the grass nests, and half a teething bone was still lying there.

She glanced around, said nothing, and continued walking.

Ma Sanqiang dragged the tip of his spear across the ground, carving a long, thin mark. He muttered, "Big Dog and his gang skipped out again? There's no trace of them. Where did they wander off to?"

Niu Mengmeng tapped the token at her waist, instantly knowing the reason. She casually replied, "They went to the Logistics Department. They're busy moving building materials right now."

The crimson light beneath Ma Sanqiang's mask flickered, and he chuckled softly, "Serves them right! Those lazy bones should have been dragged off to do some heavy labor long ago."

Leaving Evil Dog Ridge, the outline of Fengdu City emerged in the distance.

The two did not use magic to travel but walked forward step by step. The divine power gained after their breakthrough surged through their meridians.

The Ghost Messengers they encountered along the way quickly moved aside, bowed, and spoke with reverence: "Marshal Niu! General Ma! Congratulations on ending your seclusion."

"My heavens, that presence... definitely a Seventh-Tier Yin God!!!"

"Heh, our Underworld has two more big shots holding down the fort."

"Marshal Niu's face is still so deceptive, but today her aura is nine feet tall! Sister is so fierce!"

"General Ma's mask seems brighter? That crimson light—my soul body is trembling from three streets away. He's incredibly cool!"

A young Ghost Messenger who had just passed the Underworld entrance exam secretly looked up, observing Niu Mengmeng's delicate maiden face paired with her overwhelmingly muscular frame. His expression instantly lost control, and he mumbled, "Th-this is the legendary King Kong Barbie... wait, no, it's Marshal Niu! Seeing is believing. This contrast... no, this majestic and heroic bearing!"

His companion desperately grabbed him, urging, "Do you not want your paycheck?! How dare you mention 'Barbie'? Marshal Niu's girlfriend hates it when people say that."

The young Ghost Messenger shivered in fear, meeting the chilling crimson gaze sweeping out from under Ma Sanqiang's mask. He quickly pulled in his neck, wishing he could bury his head in his chest, wailing internally.

[It's over, it's over! I'm going to lose points on my performance review!]

More Ghost Messengers were full of pride, gathering on both sides of the road, their whispers filled with joy: "This is great! Marshal Niu and General Ma are the stabilizing anchors of the Ghost Region."

"With their breakthrough, the Yin Soldiers can stand three inches taller."

"Exactly! Next time we go to another department to work, if we mention our Ghost Region has two Seventh-Tiers, let's see who still dares call us mere muscle-heads who only drill."

"More than that! Did you feel the energy fluctuation? It's steady and profound, yet sharp—definitely not the unstable appearance of someone who just entered the Seventh-Tier. Lord Niu and Lord Ma's foundations are too solid."

"Marshal Niu, look over here! The Logistics Department just received a new batch of building materials..." A clearly familiar Ghost Messenger shouted bravely.

Hearing this, Niu Mengmeng slightly tilted her head, glanced at the Ghost Messenger with her round eyes, curved the corner of her mouth slightly upward, and continued forward.

Ma Sanqiang, however, let out a "Heh." He lightly tapped the ground with his spear tip: "Building materials? Prioritize the Malice Bricks for the training grounds. Formation drilling is the top priority." Although his tone was stern, there was no intent to blame.

"Understood! General Ma, don't worry. Minister Ming Xuan already instructed us to prioritize supplies for the Ghost Region." The Ghost Messenger puffed out his chest and responded loudly, beaming.

Other Ghost Messengers were excitedly gesturing in the distance: "Did you record it? That moment Marshal Niu crushed the energy ball! The control is incredible!"

"Later, we'll edit a 'Supercut of Underworld Big Shots Exiting Seclusion.' The click rate will definitely explode!!!"

"Recorded, recorded."

"But General Ma's spear... the moment I aimed my lens, the murderous aura nearly malfunctioned the Recording Stone. That deterrence is truly 'blinding' on a physical level."

"How do you think Marshal Niu maintains this physique? She didn't drink or eat for several years in seclusion, yet she didn't shrink at all?"

"Those muscle lines, I'm envious, so envious."

"Your focus is misplaced, brother! But... she's truly peak. I hereby declare that starting today, Marshal Niu is the goal template for our Underworld Civil Servant physical training."

"What exactly is the material of General Ma's mask?"

"Is it produced by the Research Institute? It looks fierce and cool, and it even has a red light effect. Can we apply for the same model? If we wear it while on duty, evil spirits will definitely give up resisting instantly."

"What are you thinking? This is one of General Ma's Natal Artifacts, are you kidding? Though... the title 'Cold-Faced Horse-Head War God' is becoming increasingly fitting."

Shop owners along the way also poked their heads out, smiling widely: "Marshal Niu, congratulations on leaving seclusion! Our small shop just got a new batch of special brew. Should we save two jars for you two Lords?"

"If the two Lords have time, come try the newly arrived Netherworld Spirit Fruits. Bring your family and enjoy a 25% discount."

The atmosphere of joy spread across the streets of Fengdu City. The Ghost Messengers were genuinely excited by the increase in the Underworld's top combat strength.

The breakthrough of Niu Mengmeng and Ma Sanqiang not only signified a leap in their personal strength but also gave the entire Underworld more confidence when facing potential future turmoil.

Although the two involved parties—one expressionless, the other with a mask covering his face—the invisible pressure they exuded was already the best response.

Niu Mengmeng still kept her eyes straight ahead, her steps steady, the cold, rigid aura around her seeming to soften just a tiny bit. The 'sizzle' sound of Ma Sanqiang's spear tip dragging against the flagstones also seemed to carry a slightly lighter rhythm.

Jiaotai Palace was right before them.

The Maidservant on duty beneath the corridor saw the two, quickly came forward, curtsied, and saluted: "My Lords, His Majesty is waiting in the Inner Hall. Please allow this servant to go in and announce you."

"Thank you for your trouble."

Niu Mengmeng replied in a calm tone.

The Maidservant went in for a moment, then lifted the curtain and came out: "His Majesty invites the two Lords inside."

Niu Mengmeng took the lead and stepped inside.

Ma Sanqiang put away his long spear and followed closely behind.

Shang Wan Ning sat behind the desk, currently flipping through a scroll of jade slips. Hearing the footsteps, she looked up, her gaze lingering briefly on the two of them. Especially when she glanced at Ma Sanqiang's horse-head mask, a faint smile crossed her eyes.

"This breakthrough was rushed. Have either of you sustained any injuries?"