"The Underworld?"
Electrolux's expression shifted slightly, then he fell into contemplation.
"This name… not bad."
Xu Cheng smiled.
Regardless of Tang San's true motives, the fact that the Abyss Plane was interacting early with the Douluo Planet was a good thing. The God Realm still existed now, and the Abyss Plane was far from its state thousands of years in the future.
In other words, it wouldn't be nearly as tragic as in the original story.
And the Abyss Plane was a prime, natural energy source.
Originating from the depths of the universe and evolving through cosmic energy devouring, such a pure energy source gave Xu Cheng hope for building the River of the Underworld.
Death laws — Judgment, Reincarnation
River tributaries — Devouring
If this could truly be achieved, the general framework of the Underworld would be established.
"Of course, the junction point of the Underworld must anchor to a point in the real world…" Xu Cheng grew increasingly excited.
"Perhaps, the Lake of Life can play that role. That would form a true boundary between life and death—Judgment → Reincarnation → Punishment → Passage. That is a true Underworld!"
If this vision came to fruition…
Then, even Elder Yi might need a new title:
Lord of the Underworld.
To rule the Underworld, to truly grasp the authority of death and reincarnation.
This power might even expand, and once it spread across the universe, Xu Cheng believed it would encompass all death-related powers and become the true King of the Underworld.
"Not bad, quite the concept," Electrolux smiled, stroking his chin. "Although the current God Realm is largely in name only. It's like a region-bound divine realm, with authority limited to Douluo Planet and related systems. Spreading across the entire universe is still a distant goal."
"If you can do this, it would be a whole new kind of order. Even with your divine consciousness damaged, you'd still be at least a First-Class God. The God Realm underestimates the power of life and death—or perhaps, they've never truly harnessed the full potential of their divine authorities…" Xu Cheng mused.
The Underworld's core authority—Judgment—was the true force that stripped beings of life and death. It far outclassed the so-called "Righteous Judgment" of the Six-Winged Angel.
Compared to creators, these gods were more like admins, temporarily granted permissions, but far from understanding the source code.
As for why there was no God of Death position in the God Realm? Was it because they looked down on it?
Xu Cheng believed it was more likely because they didn't know how to control death's authority. Like the Rakshasa God—if a proper handover had occurred between the old and new gods, there would've been no issue. But if the old god died unexpectedly, then they were left clueless.
Just like coders copying snippets from elsewhere, they might figure out a few simple functions, but once the logic got complex, they were helpless.
In the original story, the Rakshasa God's position was left vacant for over ten thousand years. And even after decades in the God Realm, not once did the five around the round table mention it. That was likely the core of the issue.
Why is Douluo Dalu often mocked for being low-tier fantasy? Because the gods don't feel like real gods (remember the Sea God's full-powered strike that merely made a wall tremble).
If Electrolux could truly create the Underworld and govern an entire star system, Xu Cheng believed his power would rival—or surpass—the God Kings.
"Abyss Plane has its laws, possibly centred on Devouring. If we can absorb and master it, maybe it will fill in the missing pieces of the death god's control over 'Termination' and 'Oblivion'…"
Watching his teacher fall into rambling thoughts again, Xu Cheng said nothing more.
He only needed to construct the vision—the rest, he'd leave to Old Yi.
Someone like Electrolux, who could manifest a death god form in another plane and conjure space with a wave, was legendary. If even he couldn't do it, no one could.
Meanwhile, in the office—
"Why the constant frowning lately?"
Zhang Lexuan sat on Xu Cheng's lap, her long, slender legs gracefully tilted to the side. She reached out her smooth, fair hand and gently smoothed his furrowed brow with concern.
"Things might get troublesome soon." Xu Cheng clasped her delicate hand and sighed softly.
Including Mu En, they were likely facing at least three Limit Douluo.
As for other high-level powerhouses, given Shrek Academy's massive influence, there would be no shortage. Along with major powers, there would be dozens of Title Douluo at least.
Xu Cheng had some covert agents in the three kingdoms of the old continent.
Yet, no intelligence had come through.
That meant Shrek, the Body Sect, etc., were going all-in, like in the original timeline where they staked everything during Xu Tianran's enthronement.
But in front of Limit Douluo, the Sun Moon Empire's soul tool corps was quite restricted.
Because the current linked defense systems couldn't hold against Limit Douluo.
Even if they rushed development over the next day or two, it wouldn't be enough.
Even if successful, the Limit Douluo's mobility would render those defenses useless. Unless the defense area covered the entire outskirts of Mingdu, they could just attack from wherever was unguarded. The soul tool corps was bulky and slow—they couldn't keep up.
Even though Jing Hongchen reinforced Mingdu's underground defenses, Xu Cheng was still preparing for a breach in his strategy.
Against Limit Douluo, even the strongest walls were not invincible.
As always, the problem was that Mingdu was too big, and the bigger it was, the more weaknesses it had.
Still, despite the worry, all defensive deployments had long been made. The entire Mingdu had become fully militarized, reaching peak combat readiness. Xu Cheng was simply working to minimize casualties.
"This probably involves Shrek Academy, too, right?" Zhang Lexuan asked softly.
"Yes." Xu Cheng nodded slightly.
He glanced at her, a bit lost in thought, then pulled her into his arms, lifting her chin with a grin:
"So… what do you think of Mu En now?"
"If possible… I want to end him personally…" Zhang Lexuan's eyes grew from confused to resolute.
The Inner Court's senior sister stared into Xu Cheng's eyes and gently caressed his cheek.
"I want to avenge my foster parents. After that, I want to serve my mother for a hundred years, stay with my brothers—and of course, with you… I'm so grateful to have met you in this life. Being able to spend it with you is my greatest wish."
"You seem to be missing one important part," Xu Cheng raised an eyebrow.
"Huh?" Zhang Lexuan blinked.
"Have a litter of baby moons." Xu Cheng grinned mischievously.
"I'm not a soul beast!" she blushed furiously. "A litter? What do you think I am?!"
"Sigh, well, Qiu'er said she wants to give me a litter of baby divine beasts. I was kind of looking forward to it. If you can't, then fine I guess…" Xu Cheng looked off dramatically, sighing.
"Ugh, you're the worst!" Zhang Lexuan's cheeks were bright red.
"Th-that's not impossible…" She turned away, unable to meet his eyes, whispering.
"Oh?" Xu Cheng beamed.
"Mm…" She looked like steam would rise off her head.
"Hehehe, well then—we better start this major project soon." Xu Cheng turned her to face him.
"You've got the tools ready, right?"
"They've always been in my storage ring! Never put them away!" she growled softly.
"Tonight we try a new script. I'm the Hero. My skill is healing support. I enter the kingdom to cure the princess… but the evil princess sets her sights on me, locks me in a dungeon and tortures me (rage meter builds)… eventually I escape, secretly copying her powers and those of other heroes, then come back for revenge…"
"Start from when the Hero is imprisoned?" Zhang Lexuan swallowed.
"Of course not," Xu Cheng rolled his eyes. "We start from when he escapes and finds the princess."
"Aw…"
Zhang Lexuan looked slightly disappointed, but Xu Cheng caught a flicker of excitement in her eyes.
"You like it, don't you?" he teased.
"Wha—no way! I-I don't like that stuff! I'm just playing along with you!" she shook her head vigorously.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
Her voice turned panicked—Xu Cheng had somehow caught both her wrists behind her back. His face inched closer…
Scene transition—
When she opened her eyes again, the surroundings had changed.
A fireplace blazed nearby.
Xu Cheng stood in front of her, muttering: "Seems like I'm still missing a fire poker…"
Outside the office.
Ma Xiaotao's cheeks were flushed.
"Again? In broad daylight? Damn it!"
Hearing the sounds from the office, she bit her lip hard.
If it was just ordinary sounds, she'd ignore them—she wasn't a stranger to such things. But this level of... intensity—cough cough—even she…
No! That's not why she came!
She was here for serious business!
She raised her hand to knock—to remind those two of shame!
But her fair hand paused just before touching the door. "Forget it, better wait…" Her cheeks burned red. "I just don't want to embarrass them. Yes, that's it. I, Ma Xiaotao, am polite and tactful. I would never barge in like a shrew!"
"…Maybe I'll listen a bit lo—ahem, wait a bit longer."
She even glanced down the corridor.
Xu Cheng's office was in the heart of the Sun Moon Empire's Royal Academy. Few people passed by—most didn't have access. Only a handful came by every hour.
This entire floor only had Xu Cheng—surrounding rooms were labs and lounges.
She waited so long her legs nearly went numb.
Finally, the door opened.
"Come in," Xu Cheng grinned. "Thanks for waiting."
"You knew I was here?!" Ma Xiaotao froze.
"Duh. You forgot my martial soul?" Xu Cheng shrugged.
He glanced at her—tall, curvy, and trembling slightly. His smile grew wider.
"Alright, come in."