Chapter 147: The Former King of the Underworld

Van Yunshan’s hand gripping the greatsword trembled faintly—an uncharacteristic quiver that quickly steadied, yet betrayed the turmoil roiling within him.

The atmosphere grew increasingly strange, almost surreal. For a time, he made no move, his gaze locked intently on the Skeleton King before him. From the Skeleton King emanated a dangerous yet alluring aura that forced Van Yunshan to fix all his attention on him.

“All right, kid, I’m not what you think I am. Step back now,” the Skeleton King said, seemingly perceiving the unrest in Van Yunshan’s heart and understanding his thoughts. With a casual wave of his hand, as if speaking to a junior, he dismissed him. Van Yunshan, still puzzled, inexplicably obeyed, retreating as if driven by instinct alone.

No one present found fault with Van Yunshan’s retreat; the entire scene was bizarre beyond explanation.

Now, only Li Ren stood face to face with the Skeleton King. The two mirrored each other’s stance, like reflections in a mirror, eyes locked in a strange, intense confrontation.

“Are you ready now?” the Skeleton King suddenly asked, his words seemingly disconnected from the moment.

Li Ren remained silent, his mind in turmoil, especially as he regarded the transformed figure before him.

“Seems you’re still not ready,” the Skeleton King’s voice darkened, a sigh escaping him. His tone held an indistinct blend of disappointment or perhaps something else.

“Maybe that’s true. I don’t even know how to put it into words,” Li Ren shook his head, evading the Skeleton King’s gaze.

At that moment, a figure swiftly darted in from outside the Skeleton Cave. Neither Li Ren nor the Skeleton King paid attention to the newcomer.

Lantis glanced briefly at the newcomer beside her before withdrawing her gaze.

The arrival was none other than Moran, an enforcer among the players from the Underworld.

Moran said nothing upon arrival and simply observed the eerie scene before her. For now, not knowing the full situation, watching silently was undoubtedly the wisest choice.

“There’s probably no time left. If you still can’t make up your mind, then your chances may truly be gone,” the Skeleton King’s low voice echoed through the hall, reverberating sharply in Li Ren’s ears, tightening the tension within him.

“You’ve already cut once; why hesitate now...” Li Ren’s voice trembled with agitation, though even he wasn’t sure what stirred his emotions.

“Perhaps this is fate,” the Skeleton King mused. “If I truly could have cut it down, maybe I shouldn’t be here now. But since I have appeared, there must be something I am meant to do. In that sense, isn’t everything predetermined?”

“I refuse to believe in that nonsense. I’d rather believe the path is forged by one’s own steps. To me, all this is nothing but illusion!” Li Ren’s breath grew unstable.

“Is that so? If you truly consider all this an illusion, then why push yourself so hard to grow stronger? Wouldn’t it be easier, more fitting for you, to simply not try?” The Skeleton King merely smiled at Li Ren’s outburst, unmoved by his fervor.

“Fine, if you insist on clinging to such a ridiculous notion, then keep it. But if you truly believe that, I’ll have to continue this fate by other means.” His tone turned cold as a faint killing intent began to radiate from him, growing ever stronger until it felt like icy wind capable of freezing one’s very soul.

The atmosphere shifted instantly—from baffling conversation to a palpable tension bristling like a drawn bowstring. As the crowd reeled, the Skeleton King struck first.

Like a thunderclap, he vanished from his spot, reappearing swiftly before Li Ren.

Van Yunshan barely had time to warn Li Ren; he only tightened his grip on his greatsword slightly but remained rooted in place.

What he saw shocked him.

Li Ren actually blocked the Skeleton King’s fierce strike! Everyone expected Li Ren to suffer grievous injury, but the scene before their eyes stunned them all.

No wonder. Since Li Ren’s advancement, Van Yunshan had only ever seen him dull and spiritless—half of his soul’s flame stolen, naturally sapping his vitality. Judging from Li Ren’s spirit, Van Yunshan never imagined he could still wield such formidable power.

From the moment they saw Li Ren, the crowd’s initial bias was shaken. They observed his deepening silence and, though relieved he was alive, knew his listlessness was caused by the Skeleton King’s presence and had subconsciously discounted Li Ren’s strength.

In Li Ren’s right hand, the Purple-Gold Winged God suddenly sprang forth. With a sharp clang, the Skeleton King’s bone blade crashed fiercely against it.

Both figures vanished from sight.

“Hmph, if you keep performing like this, I’ll take away all your spiritual fire today. It’s useless to you anyway.” The Skeleton King’s form reappeared in the distance, his bone blade planted at his side, gleaming with deadly sharpness.

“Even if I do it for no one but myself, I won’t let you succeed so easily!” Li Ren gritted his teeth, trembling as he appeared elsewhere, his eyes flashing with icy resolve.

To someone truly intent on ending his life, words had become hollow and meaningless. What use was there in continuing?

Li Ren was no passive victim nor despairing soul; despite the turmoil within, he would resist with all his might, though the deep conflict had long since taken root in his heart.

This inner struggle had persisted since the beginning—intensified by the trials within the World Tower and the appearance of the one who once severed his own self. He had reached a crescendo of emotion.

Only now, with that deeply buried figure manifesting before him, did fear and contradiction erupt fully. He truly no longer knew how to proceed.