Chapter 139: The Path of Returning Souls, An Array of Weapons
Lin Tianlu surveyed their surroundings.
Before entering the Path of the Netherworld, he had learned about its stages from Yang Chanzhen.
‘Human Night,’ ‘Ghost Day,’ and ‘Path of Returning Souls’ — these were the three main stages, the three trials that must be overcome.
Only by passing these three trials could one enter the Land of Wandering Souls and seek great opportunities.
Along the way, there were also secret realms controlled by various factions, accessible with tokens and containing valuable treasures.
But this time, the Path of the Netherworld was affected by the opening of the Netherworld. The Human Night stage was closed, the Ghost Day stage was fraught with danger, and what lay before them now…
…was likely the ‘Path of Returning Souls.’
“This Path of the Netherworld technique is truly profound,” murmured Yun Yue, who was coiled around his neck. “I’ve been observing carefully. This technique draws upon the Earth’s ley lines and the Yin energy of an entire county, using the power of four interconnected Nether Stars to connect to the Land of Wandering Souls. The combination of hundreds of techniques is ingenious, flawless.
I didn’t expect that after a thousand years, the Realm of Demons and Ghosts has not only not regressed but has actually advanced. This tide of change is unstoppable. No wonder the Eight Ancient Xuan Clans have gradually faded from view, replaced by this Luo Xing organization.”
“And what about this so-called Land of Wandering Souls?”
“It’s the boundary between the underworld and the mortal world, the true path of returning souls.”
Her gaze deepened as she looked ahead. “This path is likely filled with dangers. The pressure Ruoyu is feeling must be the Land of Wandering Souls’ rejection of living beings and demon-ghost hybrids.”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “Will there be danger?”
“No.”
Yun Yue shook her head. “This pressure is an obstacle, but also a test. Judging by this Path of the Netherworld technique, there will be rewards for those who overcome it.”
“I’ll do my best,” said Mao Ruoyu, who had overheard their conversation. She took a deep breath and continued walking.
…
They walked on, without stopping. The Path of Returning Souls seemed endless, only darkness ahead.
But as they walked, Mao Ruoyu’s expression became more and more serious, her breathing slightly labored.
Seeing her slowing down, Lin Tianlu said softly, “If you’re feeling unwell, rest for a while.”
“I’m fine for now.”
Mao Ruoyu shook her head and smiled gently.
Now that their relationship was official, she felt a surge of sweetness at his concern.
“With the help of Miss Yu and that mysterious woman, my Yin energy is abundant. I can withstand this pressure.”
Yun Yue gracefully jumped down and landed on Mao Ruoyu’s chest, her fluffy paws pressing against her ample bosom as she wrapped her tail around her neck.
“Sister Yun?”
“I’ll help you if you need it.”
“Mm.”
Seeing her determination, Lin Tianlu chuckled. “Let’s continue then.”
…
Time passed, and they walked for an unknown distance.
The oppressive pressure surrounding them had become incredibly intense, like a tangible gray mist, making beads of sweat appear on Mao Ruoyu’s forehead.
“Mmm—”
She felt a surge of defiance, her eyes darkening, a strange aura emanating from her.
With every breath, a chaotic and violent emotion seemed to grow within her, making her smile seductively.
As she took the final step, the pressure suddenly lifted, and a torrent of Yin energy surged towards her like a whirlwind.
“Oh?” Lin Tianlu looked at Mao Ruoyu, her hair and robes billowing in the wind, his eyes widening in surprise.
Did the Path of Returning Souls truly offer rewards for those who passed?
After a moment, Mao Ruoyu exhaled slowly, her hand on her chest, her expression astonished.
“How do you feel?”
“My cultivation hasn’t increased, but I can feel that my Yin energy is even more abundant, and—”
She squeezed her arm gently. “It seems even my physical strength has grown?”
“Really?”
Lin Tianlu reached out and squeezed her arm, feeling its soft and supple texture, like a jiggly pudding.
But this action made Mao Ruoyu blush furiously, and she quickly pulled her arm back. “S-Sir, please don’t squeeze my arm. What if I gain weight…”
“You’ll be even more beautiful, Madam.”
She playfully punched his chest.
Lin Tianlu stopped teasing her and turned his attention back to the path ahead.
No longer a dark and hazy tunnel, it was now a moss-covered stone passage, silent and serene, leading to an unknown destination.
“Is this the path chosen for us by the Path of the Netherworld?”
“Perhaps it’s the Luo Xing token taking effect?”
Lin Tianlu took out the token from his pocket. It was trembling slightly, emitting a faint light.
“Maybe there’s a secret realm controlled by the Luo Xing ahead.”
They exchanged glances and continued walking.
Soon, they reached a stone door. Lin Tianlu pushed it open, and it swung inward.
A cave appeared before them. An elderly man sat cross-legged in the center, his eyes closed.
There was no aura emanating from him.
Lin Tianlu sensed him briefly and confirmed that he was just a remnant soul, without any consciousness.
“Be careful, this place is an illusionary realm, both real and fake, quite ingenious,” Yun Yue whispered. “That old man has used a secret technique to regain his strength from his previous life. His cultivation has reached the Savage Realm.”
This was probably… the demon-ghost version of a hidden master offering his inheritance?
Feeling a bit strange, he was about to enter the cave when the old man suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on Mao Ruoyu, his eyes empty and lifeless.
“Th-this is…” Mao Ruoyu felt a chill run down her spine and instinctively moved closer to Lin Tianlu.
The old man spoke, his voice booming like a bell. “Excellent constitution, strong soul, a rare talent. By the grace of the Luo Xing, choose your weapon!”
As soon as he finished speaking, several streaks of light shot out from the back of the cave, accompanied by a series of clanging sounds. A dozen strange weapons embedded themselves in the ground, their blades trembling and humming.
Mao Ruoyu stared at the weapons before her, her lips parted in surprise.
Lin Tianlu stroked his chin and chuckled. “The Luo Xing is quite generous. They’re giving away gifts to anyone with talent?”
He glanced at the weapons casually. There were swords, daggers, sabers, spears… almost every type of weapon imaginable.
And judging by their appearance, they were all high-quality items.
“Madam, choose one?”
“I… I don’t really like these weapons.” Mao Ruoyu looked around, her expression troubled.
She wasn’t skilled in using weapons and had never learned any close combat techniques.
Even if she had a weapon, she would probably just swing it around randomly.
She said with a conflicted look, “Perhaps I should choose one for Miss Hua and the others?”
“Of course. But…”
Lin Tianlu looked around the cave, then smiled and pointed at a carved stone pillar. “Why don’t you take a look over there, Madam?”
“Hmm?”
Mao Ruoyu followed his gaze and saw a delicate jade flute carved on the pillar, held in the claws of a dragon sculpture.
“If you don’t like weapons, Madam, a musical instrument is also a good choice.”
“But wouldn’t that—”
Rumble!
Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet trembled.
The old man on the stone platform looked up in shock, his eyes widening. He roared, “You are not a member of the Luo Xing! You dare to trespass in our sacred ground? You shall be executed!”
He raised his hand, and a spectral blade condensed, arcs of electricity crackling through the cave. Whoosh—!
The blade shot towards Mao Ruoyu!
Mao Ruoyu’s expression changed, and she instinctively raised her hand to block the attack.
With a flash of light, Yun Yue appeared, her graceful figure swaying as she flicked her sleeve, deflecting the blade.
“Die!”
The old man charged towards them, his sword flashing with lightning speed!
Yun Yue’s eyes narrowed, and she formed hand seals, manipulating the lightning energy that filled the cave, preparing to counter his attack.
But…
The old man’s blade suddenly changed direction, aiming for Lin Tianlu’s forehead.
His movements froze, his face contorted in horror, his eyes wide with shock. His body cracked, and he vanished into dust along with his sword.
“…”
Mao Ruoyu stood there frozen, her hand outstretched, even Yun Yue was speechless.
This remnant soul…
Was he trying to pull a surprise attack?
But hadn’t he… chosen the wrong target?
“He was too fast.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but sigh.
He hadn’t even had time to react before the old man had shattered himself with his own attack.
“Miss Yun Yue, can you put his soul back together? I wanted to ask him a few more questions about the Luo Xing.”
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