Village Chief followed the burly man forward, noticing battle scars all over Nether City. Here and there, gods and demons were hunting down paper men and paper horses, leaving him puzzled.
"Nether City just went through a great war. Lord Hades himself led us against the Netherworld."
"This wasn't the first time. We've fought many battles before. This time, Netherworld invaded, believing the Everpeace Cataclysm is about to erupt and came to harvest souls, but we drove them back."
Village Chief was stunned. Nether City and the Netherworld at war?
He had no idea such things had happened in the darkness of the Great Ruins!
Despite two worlds at war, the Great Ruins remained eerily calm, with no trace of turmoil—truly unbelievable.
As for the Everpeace Cataclysm and soul harvesting his master mentioned, that was even more frightening, sending chills down his spine. There was too much information packed into those few words, forcing him to think deeply.
Nether City had fought Netherworld many times before, and many secrets remained buried within these battles.
They arrived at a mansion, and the burly man slapped open the door, grinning at the elder who answered: "Old stubborn, I brought your grand-disciple to see you! Good disciple, come greet your grand-master!"
Village Chief kicked him on the rear and scolded, "How can you speak to my grand-master like that? My grand-master is also your master—show some respect!"
The burly man retorted angrily, "He tricked me into becoming Human Emperor! Do you know how much I've suffered? My family torn apart, friends all dead—calling him 'old stubborn' is merciful! Besides, I'm your master—where's your respect? You've got a temper that needs fixing!"
"Enough arguing!"
The elder was furious too. "All Human Emperors do is argue and brawl when they meet—what a disgrace! I'll take you to see my master. That old bastard will be thrilled to see you, even if he's dead!"
Village Chief and the burly man looked displeased. Village Chief said, "Grand-master, though he is your master, he's also my ancestor. Calling him an old bastard is a bit much."
The elder sneered, "That old bastard tricked me into becoming Human Emperor, making my life miserable. If he weren't already dead, I'd beat him to death myself! Come, I'll take you to see him!"
Village Chief and the burly man exchanged glances. The burly man adjusted his clothes and quietly asked, "Good disciple, have you passed on the Human Emperor title yet?"
Village Chief nodded.
The burly man exhaled heavily. "After your disciple dies, he'll come here to curse you and beat you, saying you ruined his life."
Village Chief grew anxious and shook his head. "Quinn is a good child; he wouldn't do that. He's always been the most filial..."
The burly man sneered, "I thought when you died and came here, you'd hug me and cry, but you kicked me instead! If even you act like this, what about your disciple? Just wait until he comes to beat you after he dies! By the way, have you ever lied to him?"