Undying Life

Chapter 996: Chapter 996: The Sixth Divine Power, Love Awakens

"My name is Zhong Shan!" Zhong Shan declared, his voice deep as he stepped closer and closer to Nian Youyou.

Zhong Shan? Most of the ghost cultivators were puzzled. The news of Zhong Shan's exploits at Sacred Corpse Mountain hadn't yet spread due to the distance and the short time since the event. While Burning Lamp and the others were aware of the incident, there was no reason for them to share this with the unfamiliar ghost cultivators.

Everyone assumed Zhong Shan was just another challenger like Zhao Da Toad and Bai Gu, someone who had come to disrupt the wedding. Many nodded in approval as they looked at Zhong Shan.

Indeed, his appearance seemed fitting for someone attempting to steal the bride. Unlike that toad-headed fool who claimed to be handsome and wanted to give Nian Youyou happiness.

So, how many moves would it take for this new challenger to be defeated by King Yama?

Judge Lu realized that Zhong Shan was serious about stealing the bride, but he could only hope that Zhong Shan was not powerful enough to be a match for King Yama—otherwise, things would turn disastrous for him.

Nian Ben and the Crown Prince remained silent. On one hand, they were hesitant to expose Zhong Shan; on the other hand, the Crown Prince sensed something unusual between Nian Youyou and Zhong Shan, which had prompted him to keep an eye on the Daeng Empire in the past. Now, he was curious to see how things would unfold.

Burning Lamp, Maitreya Buddha, Bull Demon King, and Nezha had initially planned to intervene, each with their own reasons. However, after King Yama insisted on handling it himself, they all decided to watch in silence.

The atmosphere in the plaza outside Yama Hall grew increasingly tense.

Another wedding disruptor had arrived!

Nian Youyou's emotions were a tangled mess, but she couldn't take her eyes off Zhong Shan. Her heart was filled with excitement, fear, sweetness, and bitterness all at once.

Zhong Shan's imposing presence as a true man was stirring something within King Yama.

When King Yama glanced at Nian Youyou, he noticed that she was staring intently at Zhong Shan, which ignited a surge of anger within him. What was Judge Lu doing? How had he let this happen?

This pretty boy arrives, and Nian Youyou's soul is already captivated by him? Damn it, this man needs to be taught a lesson!

"Zhong Shan? You're brave, but if you think you can steal my queen, you're far from qualified!" King Yama said, positioning himself between Zhong Shan and Nian Youyou, trying to block her view.

But Nian Youyou instinctively shifted to the side, immediately regaining sight of Zhong Shan.

Though it was a small movement, it didn't go unnoticed by those who were observant. King Yama's face flushed red—his dark complexion turning crimson in a way that looked particularly odd.

Zhong Shan, however, paid no attention to King Yama and continued walking forward.

Burning Lamp and the others had strange expressions—should they intervene or not?

"King Yama, I think—" Bull Demon King began, intending to offer a warning.

"No need for your advice, I'll handle this myself!" King Yama interrupted him.

Alright then, handle it yourself! Bull Demon King, who had intended to speak further, decided to remain silent.

Zhong Shan had now reached the plaza. With a flick of his wrist, he produced an ice crystal!

Within the ice crystal was a pitch-black rose, though dark, it shimmered with an eerie, seductive allure.

"Look at that, this guy knows what he's doing. Unlike the last one who just charged in, this Zhong Shan even brought a flower!" commented one ghost cultivator from the distance.

"Yeah! Look at Nian Youyou's expression—she seems really taken with it!"

"Could it be that this time the bride will actually be stolen?"

...

The crowd buzzed with discussion, while King Yama's expression grew increasingly sour.

"Kid, if you're here to steal my bride, then show me what you've got!" King Yama shouted, his anger barely contained.

By this time, Zhong Shan had reached Nian Youyou. Ignoring King Yama, he simply looked at her.

Nian Youyou's expression was complex, but she kept her gaze fixed on Zhong Shan. The scene was one of mutual affection, leaving the distant cultivators utterly stunned.

Could it be true? Had Zhong Shan, without saying a word, already won over the bride of the day?

"I've walked countless trillions of miles, enduring the long, monotonous journey. At first, I was lost, questioning the heavens, the earth, and my own heart, asking why I came here. Today, I finally understand—everything was destined. This journey wasn't to celebrate a birthday, or to see the world, or anything else. It was simply to bring this rose in my hand to you. This is my two thousand nine hundred and ninety-eighth rose. I've brought it to you, and now it's yours," Zhong Shan said, his deep, magnetic voice resonating with steady conviction.

Nian Youyou, already moved to tears, reached out and took the ice sculpture from Zhong Shan.

By now, the entire surrounding area had fallen into absolute silence.

Every ghost cultivator's eyes were wide open—this was...?

"He really is a master of romance, truly seductive!"

"He's got such charisma, it's incredibly moving!"

"Why haven't you ever said such romantic things to me, you old ghost?"

...

After the initial shock, the crowd erupted like boiling water, with discussions breaking out all around. Many gazed at Nian Youyou with a mixture of envy and bewilderment.

Nian Ben and the Crown Prince's faces darkened slightly. The situation had escalated far too quickly. No one had expected Zhong Shan to step forward and deliver such a heartfelt declaration in front of the entire underworld. Was this for real? Zhong Shan was being overly dramatic!

Maitreya Buddha's eyes widened, Burning Lamp uttered a Buddhist chant, Nezha's face was complicated, and Bull Demon King looked on with a strange expression.

Judge Lu's face turned ashen—he knew he was in big trouble now. No matter the outcome, King Yama was sure to blame him for this disastrous idea.

Even Zhong Shan's three subordinates watched intently.

Mr. Corpse and Nangong Sheng remained composed, but Luo Xingchen carefully absorbed every word Zhong Shan spoke, thinking to himself that if he could learn even a tenth of the Holy King's skill, he would be content.

Nian Youyou's face was naturally full of sweetness as she held the rose within the ice sculpture, overwhelmed with emotion.

While Nian Youyou was deeply moved, King Yama's face had turned completely black. How dare this man flirt with his bride right in front of him?

"Boy, you're courting death!" King Yama shouted as he reached out with a palm strike aimed at Zhong Shan.

The strike unleashed a violent gust of wind, spreading in all directions, with his hand turning dark as it emitted streams of malicious energy.

As the palm descended, everyone fell silent, eyes wide in anticipation.

In the distance, Zhao Da Toad, Bai Gu, and the other defeated challengers felt a chill run down their spines. Zhong Shan was in for it now. King Yama didn't even use such force against them—this was a sure death sentence.

To the ghost cultivators, King Yama's power was immense. With this strike, Zhong Shan would either be dead or severely injured.

Was King Yama really that powerful? He was merely a puppet of the Heavenly Court. Back in the day, when Sun Wukong had first attained his Dao, his physical body hadn't even entered the underworld—his spirit alone had been summoned. Yet even then, he had beaten King Yama without giving him a chance to fight back. And now, King Yama dared to strike at Zhong Shan?

"Boom!"

A massive explosion resounded as King Yama's palm collided with Zhong Shan's. But instead of being blown away, Zhong Shan caught King Yama's hand with his own, freezing it in midair. The only result of the clash was a gust of wind that knocked Nian Youyou's phoenix crown off her head.

Nian Youyou stared at Zhong Shan in stunned silence.

Though she was excited, she was also worried that Zhong Shan might be angry with her. She didn't dare to speak.

"Don't go through with the wedding—come with me!" Zhong Shan said as he effortlessly held back King Yama's descending palm with one hand while grabbing Nian Youyou's hand with the other.

"Yes!" Nian Youyou nodded.

The moment she nodded, Luo Xingchen, standing behind Zhong Shan, was completely convinced.

"Wow~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"

The ghost cultivators erupted in shock. The scene before them was too overwhelming. Zhong Shan had not only blocked King Yama's strike with ease but was also about to walk away with the bride of the day right in front of everyone!

"Is this for real?"

"Zhong Shan? He's ridiculously powerful!"

"How is this even possible?"

...

The crowd buzzed with disbelief.

Judge Lu was utterly devastated—he knew he was doomed.

Maitreya Buddha's eyelids twitched as he muttered, "The sixth divine power in the world? Love's Awakening?"

"The sixth divine power in the world? Love's Awakening? Could it be?" Burning Lamp also showed a hint of surprise.

"Master, may I ask, what is this sixth divine power, Love's Awakening?" Nezha asked, addressing Burning Lamp with the respect due to a senior.

Burning Lamp looked at Nezha and explained, "Love's Awakening is considered the sixth divine power because it has the ability to change a person's heart. In this world, everything can be changed, including time and space, but the heart is the most difficult to alter. When Love's Awakening is used, the target will fall hopelessly in love with the one who cast the divine power. It's said that a female Ancestor Immortal who mastered Love's Awakening once had fifteen male Ancestor Immortals devoted to her, forming an incredibly powerful force. Because of this, Love's Awakening is revered as the sixth divine power in the world."

"Is that what's happening here?" Nezha asked, his tone skeptical.

"I'm not sure. It depends on whether they know each other or not—I can't tell," Burning Lamp replied, shaking his head.

Nian Ben and the Crown Prince exchanged glances. Neither had anticipated this outcome, and anger quickly boiled over within them.

But the most furious of all was King Yama.

He swiftly pulled his hand from Zhong Shan's grip and shouted, "You scoundrel! Men, arrest Zhong Shan! Capture him immediately!"

"Roar!" A large number of ghost guards charged forward.

Zhong Shan let out a cold smile, not even needing to lift a finger. Luo Xingchen stepped forward, unleashing a powerful aura that sent the ghost guards flying.

Even King Yama, at the peak of Heavenly Immortal cultivation, was forced back ten zhang by Luo Xingchen's aura before he could steady himself.

"Rebellion! Rebellion! Men, kill them! Kill them all!" King Yama roared, his eyes red with rage.

If Nian Youyou was taken from him, his reputation would be utterly destroyed. With a furious scream, even more ghost guards rushed forward, intent on killing Zhong Shan on the spot.

But how many powerful warriors could a puppet city like Yama Hall possibly have?

"Zhong Shan, let go of my sister!" Nian Ben suddenly shouted.

As he stepped forward, the powerful aura of an Ancient Immortal surged toward Luo Xingchen.

The Crown Prince also stepped forward, his Ancient Immortal aura pressing down on Luo Xingchen as well.

With the three Ancient Immortals now revealing their power, the plaza around Yama Hall erupted into chaos. The countless ghost cultivators retreated again and again. Some of the musicians were knocked off balance, while smaller buildings began to collapse.

King Yama and the others looked at the two brothers in astonishment—were they really this strong?

"Someone, summon the Heart-Piercing Envoys from the Sixteen Heart-Piercing Hells!" King Yama shouted.

"Yes, sir!"

At this moment, Maitreya Buddha and Burning Lamp exchanged a look, and after some consideration, they both stepped forward. Though Burning Lamp did not wish to oppose Zhong Shan, being part of the Great Thunderclap Temple meant he had no choice but to stand on King Yama's side.

Now, Zhong Shan and his group faced off against four Ancient Immortals!

To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/GnU613H6xm8