After Failing to Find Immortality 114

Chapter 114: Netherworld Miasma, A Realm of Shadows

Netherworld… Realm?

Mao Ruoyu’s expression froze.

Whether during her years of wandering or her decade of cultivation in the Lunar Valley, she had never heard of this strange place.

And according to the woman’s description, it was incredibly dangerous and mysterious, not even part of the mortal world. How had she ended up here?

Seemingly sensing her confusion, the white-haired woman smiled faintly. “I don’t know what happened to you, young lady. But entering the Netherworld is incredibly difficult, almost impossible.

This realm has been severed from the mortal world and forcefully sealed. Even those with divine powers would struggle to reach this place.”

“Then why am I…”

“Although it’s impossible to forcefully enter the Netherworld, certain secret techniques can temporarily open a passage between this realm and the mortal world. However, after centuries, and with insufficient Yin energy, the passage has become unstable. Perhaps that’s why you were accidentally dragged in.”

Mao Ruoyu’s expression flickered.

Could the strange commotion she heard outside the restaurant have been someone casting such a technique in the county?

And she was caught in the crossfire?

“But if a mortal were to enter the Netherworld, they would surely perish. Even if a demon or ghost accidentally enters, they would be reduced to ashes, their soul trapped within the cliffs.”

The white-haired woman tilted her head upwards, gesturing towards the frozen cave entrance above. “This Netherworld is filled with miasma, far more corrosive than ordinary Yin energy. Those creatures chasing you weren’t originally from the Netherworld. They were demons, ghosts, and souls who had their sense of self devoured by the miasma. They can’t escape, they can’t be reborn, they can only be trapped here for eternity, until they completely decay and turn to dust.”

Mao Ruoyu’s face turned even paler.

So that meant she was…

“For a ghost practitioner to enter the Netherworld, they either need extraordinary strength or a protective treasure, or they must possess a strong soul.

Those with weak souls would go mad within moments in this Netherworld, eventually becoming part of the demonic horde.”

The white-haired woman looked at her with approval. “But your eyes are clear, young lady, your mind unaffected. This proves that you possess an extraordinary talent. There’s no need to worry about the miasma affecting you.”

Mao Ruoyu was surprised.

She actually had such a rare talent?

She was about to say something when she suddenly felt a sharp, icy pain in her legs.

“Ugh?!”

She couldn’t help but moan, looking down in alarm.

The skirt soaked in the lake water had somehow disintegrated, and her fair, plump legs were covered in blisters, as if being corroded.

“Wha—”

Only then did she realize with horror that the lake water was filled with an incredibly high concentration of Yin energy, now actively eroding her body!

The stinging pain made her face pale, and she almost lost her balance.

But there was nowhere to stand except for the spot where the white-haired woman sat in the middle of the lake. To reach the shore, she would have to swim through dozens of feet of this corrosive water.

“Don’t be afraid, young lady.”

The white-haired woman quickly reassured her. “This lake water is formed from countless treasures, even containing traces of the Essence of Yin. It’s deadly poison to ordinary people, but for you, although it will be painful at first, even a little contact can greatly enhance your cultivation, even transform your body completely.”

“Thank you… Senior, for explaining.”

Mao Ruoyu gritted her teeth, her legs still trembling slightly.

Seeing her trembling, the white-haired woman sighed softly.

“But enduring such pain is too much to ask of you.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Mao Ruoyu felt a gentle force lifting her up, carrying her across the lake and gently placing her beside the white-haired woman.

“My name is Yun Yue. May I know your name, young lady?”

Mao Ruoyu quickly steadied herself and bowed.

“My name is Mao Ruoyu. Thank you for your kindness, Senior.”

“It’s rare to see a living person. I can’t help but feel a bit of sympathy for you.”

Yun Yue smiled faintly. “And now that I see you up close, you’re truly a beauty. I can’t bear to see you suffer.”

Although this stranger seemed cold and aloof, like a celestial being, she was surprisingly humble and gentle, her words filled with kindness.

Mao Ruoyu was a bit surprised, but also relieved.

Fortunately, this woman didn’t seem to have any malicious intent. With her strength, she would be completely helpless against her.

But her eyes flickered, and a blush crept onto her cheeks.

From a distance, she had only seen a blurry image. But now, up close, she realized how seductive the woman’s attire was.

The thin gauze draped over her shoulders, crisscrossing and barely covering her ample bosom, revealing her skin.

Only a few silk ribbons at her waist held her robe together, and her kneeling posture pushed her rounded buttocks up, most of it spilling out of her skirt. The curves were like a full moon, a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

Sensing her gaze, Yun Yue saw the blush on her face and chuckled softly, brushing her hair back. “We’re both women, Mao Ruoyu, why are you so shy?”

“I-it’s just your clothes, Senior…”

“I’m the only one here all year round, so I dress casually.”

Yun Yue tilted her head slightly. “But your shyness, Mao Ruoyu, might be due to the difference in our eras. And besides—”

A playful smile appeared on her lips.

Then, to Mao Ruoyu’s surprise, a fluffy fox tail materialized behind her, seemingly made of azure flames, its tip flickering with light.

“I have a bit of demon blood in me. Naturally, I’m different from ordinary people.”

“Senior, you’re actually… a demon?!”

“Indeed.”

Mao Ruoyu murmured, “There really are such things in this world…”

Seeing her shocked expression, Yun Yue’s eyes flickered, and she sighed. “It seems time truly flows differently here.

I’ve been trapped in this place for centuries, completely unaware of what’s happening in the outside world. It’s rare to meet someone like you. Would you like to sit down and chat with me?”

Mao Ruoyu snapped back to reality and quickly apologized.

“Please forgive me, Senior. I have a companion waiting for me outside. I can’t stay here for too long…”

Yun Yue shook her head. “Give up those thoughts, young lady.”

“W-why?”

“Even though a technique was used to forcefully open the passage, once you enter the Netherworld, the seal between the two realms will reactivate, turning this place back into a prison, isolated from the mortal world.”

The gentle smile on Yun Yue’s face faded, replaced by a look of pity. “In other words, you have no way out, young lady. You can never leave the Netherworld.”

Mao Ruoyu froze, her heart trembling.

She… couldn’t leave?

This Netherworld was a one-way street. Could it be that she was really…

Going to be stuck here for centuries, just like Senior Yun Yue?!

…

Boom!

The celestial phenomenon intensified, the surging black mist showing no signs of receding, its power only growing!

Yang Chanzhen danced her sleeves, summoning streaks of azure light to disperse the overflowing black mist, refusing to retreat.

But Shang Yan was on the verge of collapsing, repeatedly falling to his knees from exhaustion. To help, he had even taken out the precious jade he used to preside over the Path of the Netherworld ritual, channeling all his power into his Yin techniques.

But…

His techniques were on the verge of collapsing, and something seemed to be stirring within the Netherworld passage, greedily absorbing the surrounding life essence and Yin energy!

“…”

Shang Yan stood there as if oblivious, clutching the jade sphere tightly, his mind racing.

“The Netherworld is opening… unstoppable… fate is changing.”

His face turned pale, and a look of fear appeared in his eyes.

“Could it be that the legendary upheaval is truly upon us? Even the demons of the Netherworld are trying to seize this opportunity to return and claim their destiny?!”

His technique suddenly shattered, and he was thrown back several feet, collapsing onto the ground, trembling.

Shang Han, who had been protected behind him, coughed up blood and staggered towards him.

“Miss Shang, stop.”

Yang Chanzhen’s voice rang out beside her ear.

“Your determination is admirable. But you’re no match for the Netherworld miasma. Fighting any further will only lead to your death.”

“But Grandpa—”

“Han’er.”

But Shang Yan had calmed down.

He exhaled slowly, placing his hand on her shoulder with a serious expression. “Let me ask you, do you have the courage to fight and kill in this chaotic world?”

Shang Han looked at him in surprise. “Grandpa, what are you talking about…”

“I raised you from childhood and guided you on the path of a ghost practitioner.”

Shang Yan’s voice was heavy. “After the new year, great changes will occur. The order that has stood for centuries might be completely overturned. You will inevitably face battles and struggles, and you will inevitably encounter situations like this again.”

“Look at this Netherworld. Are you afraid?”

Shang Han froze, instinctively looking up.

A moment later, she was drenched in cold sweat, her limbs trembling. The terrifying aura of the abyss almost made her collapse.

“You… are just like other ghost practitioners.”

Shang Yan sighed sadly, his figure seeming to shrink even further.

Shang Han gritted her teeth and said with difficulty, “I know my talent is mediocre, and I’m ashamed to have disappointed you, Grandpa. But you’re seriously injured. We need to leave—”

“Others can retreat, but I can’t.”

Shang Yan sighed. “This Jianggai County is under my jurisdiction. Although the lives of mortals don’t concern me, if the Netherworld passage goes completely out of control, half the town will be dragged in, with countless casualties. I have a duty to stay here.”

“Grandpa!”

“Han’er, you’re no longer able to fight. Retreat now, as far as you can.”

Shang Yan flicked his sleeve, pushing her back forcefully. “This Netherworld is incredibly dangerous. If your aura leaks out, even you will be instantly destroyed. This place— Eh?”

He suddenly stopped speaking.

A bewildered look appeared on his aged face.

Because out of the corner of his eye, he saw a handsome scholar walking towards them, completely unfazed by the raging wind and thunder!