476: Netherworld Catastrophe

During this period, Lin Feng also discovered some problems and challenges faced by the Human Race. Some problems were caused by resource scarcity, while others were triggered by conflicts with other races. Lin Feng knew that if these problems were not resolved in time, they would have a significant impact on the future development of the Human Race.

These were not problems that could be solved in a short time. Since the Human Race was not facing any major crises, Lin Feng returned to Azure Dragon City, the Human Race city under his control.

As the City Lord of Azure Dragon City, Lin Feng had been away for almost three thousand years. During these years, Disciples of the Hundred Refinements Sect had been helping him look after Azure Dragon City.

Therefore, as soon as Lin Feng returned, he immediately summoned his Disciples to inquire about the development of Azure Dragon City over the years. Upon seeing Lin Feng's return, the Disciples were all excited, stepping forward to salute him. They knew that Lin Feng was not only the City Lord of Azure Dragon City but also their idol and role model.

Lin Feng listened carefully to the Disciples' reports, nodding in approval from time to time. He learned that during his absence, Azure Dragon City had made considerable progress under the joint efforts of the Disciples. Not only had there been more investment in urban construction, but also more accumulation of Cultivation resources, providing better conditions for the Cultivation of the clansmen.

After hearing this, Lin Feng was quite satisfied. He knew that these achievements were inseparable from the efforts and dedication of his Disciples. Thus, he encouraged his Disciples to continue to carry forward their work and contribute more to the future development of Azure Dragon City.

Now that he was a Mahayana Middle Stage Cultivator, with both his Cultivation and strength firmly establishing him as the Human Race's foremost Cultivator, Lin Feng's return prompted the other three Mahayana Old Ancestors of the Human Race—Old Ancestor Xuan Tian, Old Ancestor Chi Huo, and Old Ancestor Cang Hai—to come and visit him. The three Old Ancestors all showed joyful expressions upon seeing Lin Feng's return.

They knew what Lin Feng's strength and potential meant for the Human Race. Lin Feng and the three Old Ancestors chatted happily, jointly discussing the future development direction of the Human Race.

Old Ancestor Xuan Tian was the first to speak: "Lin Feng, you are now a Mahayana Middle Stage Cultivator, with extraordinary strength. It is truly a great fortune for our Human Race to have you. What are your insights regarding the future development of the Human Race?"

Lin Feng smiled slightly and said, "Old Ancestor, you flatter me. In my opinion, for the Human Race to gain a foothold in the Cultivation World, it not only needs powerful strength but also unity and wisdom. We need to strengthen communication and cooperation with other races, jointly resist external enemies, and at the same time, focus on the accumulation and development of Cultivation resources to provide better conditions for the Cultivation of our clansmen."

Old Ancestor Chi Huo nodded in agreement: "Lin Feng's words are absolutely correct. Although our Human Race is weak, as long as we unite and work together, we will definitely carve out a place for ourselves in the Cultivation World."

Old Ancestor Cang Hai also said, "Indeed. Moreover, we also need to focus on cultivating the younger generation. They are our future and hope. Only by allowing the younger generation to continuously grow and progress can our Human Race continue to prosper and develop."

After hearing this, Lin Feng secretly nodded. He knew that what the three Old Ancestors said was from the bottom of their hearts and was also the key to the future development of the Human Race.

Therefore, he said, "Rest assured, three Old Ancestors, I will do my best to contribute my strength to the future development of the Human Race. At the same time, I will also focus on cultivating the younger generation, so that they can become the pillars of our Human Race."

Over these years, Lin Feng had traveled through various realms and acquired many good things. He and the three Mahayana Old Ancestors shared and exchanged items, including some rare Cultivation resources and Magic Treasures. The four of them chatted and admired these treasures, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

The previous conversations were all about trivial topics. After they chatted for a while, Old Ancestor Xuan Tian proactively brought up a major event that the Hundred Spirits World would soon encounter, which was also an extraordinary catastrophe that the Human Race would face every ten thousand years.

Old Ancestor Xuan Tian said with a solemn expression, "Lin Feng, are you aware that our Hundred Spirits World is about to face an unprecedented great catastrophe?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Feng's heart sank slightly. He looked at Old Ancestor Xuan Tian, his expression also becoming serious, and said, "Old Ancestor, please elaborate on this matter."

Old Ancestor Xuan Tian sighed and slowly said, "According to the information we have received, the spatial barriers between the Hundred Spirits World and several neighboring realms are gradually weakening. It probably won't be long before these realms connect with each other, and every ten thousand years, the many races of the Hundred Spirits World will suffer invasions from the Netherworld."

Upon hearing this, Lin Feng suddenly remembered that when he had just Ascended, he had just experienced an invasion from the Netherworld. At that time, he was still in the Human Realm, fighting bitterly with the Nether Race from the Lower Realm for countless years. Now, the Upper Realm's Hundred Spirits World was facing the crisis of a Netherworld invasion. Lin Feng knew that the Netherworld's strength was formidable, and without sufficient preparation, the Human Race would likely struggle to resist.

He was silent for a moment, then asked, "Old Ancestor, are the other races prepared for this matter?"

Old Ancestor Xuan Tian nodded: "They are naturally prepared. After all, the Netherworld's invasion is no secret; it happens once every ten thousand years. The major races all have their own countermeasures."

After hearing this, Lin Feng felt a little relieved. But then, he thought of another question: "Old Ancestor, why does the Netherworld invade our Hundred Spirits World every ten thousand years? Is there a reason for this?"

Upon hearing this, Old Ancestor Xuan Tian's expression became even more solemn: "Regarding this, we have also conducted in-depth research. According to ancient records, there seems to be some mysterious connection between the Netherworld and our Hundred Spirits World. And every ten thousand years, this connection becomes exceptionally strong, leading to the Netherworld's invasion. But what the specific reason is, we still haven't figured it out."

After hearing this, a sense of crisis welled up in Lin Feng's heart. He knew that if the true reason for the Netherworld's invasion was not uncovered, the Human Race might never be able to escape this once-in-ten-thousand-years catastrophe.

Therefore, he said, "Old Ancestor, I think we should strengthen our research on the Netherworld and strive to find the true reason for their invasion, so as to formulate more effective countermeasures."

Old Ancestor Xuan Tian nodded in agreement: "Your idea is good. But the Netherworld is mysterious and unpredictable, and researching them is not easy. However, no matter what, we must do our best."

Lin Feng inquired, "Fellow Daoists, you must have experienced many catastrophes. I would like to ask when the next catastrophe will arrive?"

Old Ancestor Xuan Tian pondered for a moment and said, "Based on past experience, the next invasion from the Netherworld should not be too far off. Perhaps within a thousand years."

Upon hearing this, Lin Feng felt an even greater sense of urgency. He knew that time was pressing, and countermeasures had to be formulated as soon as possible.