Nine Burials: The Celestial Odyssey

Blood Rain Falls, Heaven and Earth Tremble

The black sacrificial altar crumbled amidst the torrential blood rain, and the air was thick with the stench of death.

Standing amidst the ruins, Zang Jiuge's long white hair fluttered in the wind, while the nine crimson burial marks on his forehead pulsated faintly, as if they were alive.

"Burying the living…"

He murmured, the scene of his first use of the Burial of Man technique still vivid in his mind.

Those black-robed cultists—once full of vitality—had been reduced to withered husks in an instant, their lives extinguished in the blink of an eye!

"This power… it's terrifying beyond imagination!"

His heart pounded wildly. While he was shaken by his newfound strength, he also felt an overwhelming weakness spreading through his body—

After using "Burial of Man", his life force had been severely depleted, leaving him feeling hollow and drained.

Not only that, but he could sense that the Nine Burials Secret Art within his mind was not something he could wield freely.

"This power is immense, but it comes at a heavy cost. I can't use it recklessly."

Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the weakness within him and pulled his trembling sister into his embrace.

"Brother…" The young girl's voice was laced with lingering fear, her eyes still filled with terror.

"It's over now." His voice was gentle, but his gaze was as sharp as a blade.

They dared to sacrifice his sister as an offering?

They would pay the price in blood!

But at that moment—

Boom!!!

The sky split apart!

Amidst the downpour of blood rain, golden lightning descended, shaking the heavens and the earth!

Zang Jiuge's head snapped upward, only to see a colossal golden celestial eye opening in the sky, its gaze vast and indifferent. A chilling pressure surged forth, enveloping everything below.

—"The Celestial Watch has detected the emergence of an 'Alpha-Class Forsaken One' and is initiating divine suppression!"

The Celestial Watch, Sentencing the Forsaken

The Celestial Watch—the enforcers of fate within the world of Blue Star—operated under the will of the Upper Realms, tasked with eradicating all who dared defy their destiny.

Throughout history, anyone branded as a Forsaken One was destined for annihilation.

And now, Zang Jiuge had been classified as an Alpha-Class Forsaken One—the highest threat level!

Boom!

Four radiant beams of light pierced through the void, hurtling toward the ruined sacrificial site at breakneck speed!

In the next moment, four figures materialized in mid-air, clad in golden celestial armor, wielding divine decree banners. Their eyes were devoid of emotion, their aura cold and absolute.

"Zang Jiuge, Forsaken One of the highest order…"

One of the Celestial Watch enforcers spoke in a chilling voice, locking his gaze onto Zang Jiuge.

"You have committed the ultimate crime against the heavenly order. Accept your divine judgment and return your soul to the heavens!"

The instant those words fell, the four enforcers raised their decree banners in unison—

"Heavenly Law Suppression: Divine Judgment!"

Boom!!

Golden chains rained down from the sky, weaving into a vast celestial net that descended upon Zang Jiuge!

A Battle Against Fate, The Return of the Burial Art

Zang Jiuge's pupils shrank!

This was the Celestial Watch's ultimate execution technique—Heaven's Chains of Judgment!

Once bound by these chains, all cultivation would be sealed, and even the soul would be crushed by the celestial laws, leaving nothing behind!

But there was no turning back now.

He took a deep breath as the last vestiges of his strength ignited within him. Blood surged violently through his veins as he clenched his teeth and roared—

"Burial of Man!"

BOOM!!!

The world darkened as an invisible force of death erupted from within him, freezing everything in a hundred-meter radius!

The moment the celestial chains descended, they withered midair, corroding into nothingness before they could even reach him!

The faces of the four Celestial Watch enforcers twisted in shock as they hastily retreated!

But Zang Jiuge did not pursue. His body trembled violently, and with a sharp gasp, he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"Brother!" His sister cried out, supporting him anxiously.

The backlash had begun.

The Burial of Man had drained his life force—he had pushed himself beyond his limits.

But there was no time to recover. The Celestial Watch was already preparing another strike!

"You, a mere mortal, dare to defy the heavenly order?" the lead enforcer bellowed, his decree banner radiating a blinding divine light.

Zang Jiuge's eyes turned icy cold.

He knew full well that in his current state, he could not withstand another attack.

He had to escape.

"I have no choice…"

With a deep breath, he bit his tongue, using his own blood to forcibly activate the Nine Burials Secret Art!

[Ding! Host is in critical condition. Activating hidden ability of the Nine Burials Tome—"Burial Calamity Void Escape"!]

[Activate?]

"DO IT!"

BOOM!

In an instant, Zang Jiuge's body transformed into a streak of crimson light and vanished from sight!

The faces of the four Celestial Watch enforcers contorted in fury!

"What?! He escaped?!"

"Find him! NOW!"

But no matter how far they stretched their divine senses, Zang Jiuge's presence had completely disappeared. It was as if he had been erased from the fabric of existence itself.

High above, the massive celestial eye trembled slightly—then slowly closed. The blood rain ceased, and silence returned to the heavens.

Rebirth from Despair, A Mysterious Encounter

Far away, in a desolate mountain forest—

A streak of crimson light shot through the void and crashed into the earth with a thunderous impact, sending dust and debris flying.

"Khack…!"

Zang Jiuge struggled to his feet, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His entire body felt like it was on the verge of collapse.

But he had survived.

For now, the Celestial Watch had lost his trail. He had won a brief reprieve.

"Damn that heavenly order… do they think they can suppress me so easily?"

A cold, defiant smile curled his lips, a flicker of madness burning in his eyes.

From this day forth—Zang Jiuge would stand against the very heavens themselves!

But before he could stabilize his injuries, a deep voice suddenly echoed from behind him—

"Interesting… someone actually escaped the Celestial Watch's grasp?"

Zang Jiuge's heart pounded as he spun around!

Emerging from the darkness was a figure shrouded in mystery, eyes deep and unfathomable, lips curved into a cryptic smile…