Chapter 141: The Path of No Return, A Strange Sight
Drip, drip…
Beads of sweat dripped from Zhao Wuhen’s forehead, splattering onto the ancient, dull stone steps.
“Ha… ha…”
He was no longer the charming and handsome ghost practitioner he once was. His face was covered in sweat as he knelt on the ground, desperately circulating his Yin energy to alleviate the terrifying pressure bearing down on him.
It had been about half an hour since he entered the Path of the Netherworld. He had traveled with other demons and ghosts, facing unpredictable dangers, but also reaping some rewards.
And now, he was alone, having entered the exclusive secret realm of the Zhaoxiao Courtyard.
But he hadn’t expected to be greeted by such an overwhelming pressure, almost crushing him to the ground.
After only a few dozen steps, his body was creaking, as if it would shatter at any moment, his soul scattered into oblivion!
“I didn’t expect this disrupted Path of the Netherworld to be… so dangerous!”
He opened his eyes and wiped the sweat from his face.
Looking at the seemingly endless dark tunnel ahead, fear crept into his heart.
The wind howled, and ghostly whispers echoed around him. Even though he had been a ghost practitioner for many years, he couldn’t help but tremble.
“Damn it! I can only go this far, even with all my strength!”
He slammed his fist on the ground, gritting his teeth.
But no matter how unwilling he was, this cruel reality prevented him from taking another step forward.
“Even I, at the peak of the Evil Spirit realm, can only reach this point. Who else could possibly find the Land of Wandering Souls—”
Zhao Wuhen’s face froze, and the image of that man flashed through his mind. He shuddered, his face pale with fear, and quickly closed his eyes, sitting down to meditate and calm himself.
“Compared to that man, this Path of the Netherworld doesn’t seem so scary anymore…”
Perhaps with that man’s extraordinary abilities, he could truly traverse this path of no return.
…
On the Path of Returning Souls, leading to the Land of Wandering Souls…
Several figures stumbled forward, their faces grim.
The terrifying pressure bearing down on their souls made it almost impossible to move. Every step was like carrying a thousand pounds.
But danger lurked all around!
“Hiss—”
A cold and eerie whisper sounded right beside their ears. They swung their arms, but there was nothing there.
The surroundings were pitch black, making it impossible to see.
Even though they were ghost practitioners and demons, they felt lost and helpless in the face of the Path of Returning Souls’ power.
It was as if a single moment of carelessness would result in their souls being devoured, trapped in the Land of Wandering Souls as lost and wandering spirits, forever unable to escape, doomed to a miserable and lonely fate.
“This Path of the Netherworld… is truly terrifying.”
Xie Wen looked back to see that the figures who had been following them had vanished without a trace.
He sighed. “If we didn’t have the Crimson Sun Essence protecting us, we would have met the same fate as them, dying without a sound, decades of cultivation wasted.”
“Seeking immortality as a demon or ghost is always fraught with danger. Whether we die on the Path of the Netherworld or from some other calamity, it makes no difference.”
Meng Jiangliang, who was beside him, spoke calmly, but his eyes were filled with worry. “This Path of the Netherworld might have fewer rituals, but it’s definitely more dangerous than before. Especially this Path of Returning Souls… It truly claims souls, like stepping into an endless hell, filled with despair.”
Only darkness lay ahead.
No matter how far they walked, they couldn’t see the end of this path.
And as they continued forward, the soul-crushing pressure warned them that taking another step would mean…
Death.
They exchanged glances, then sat down cross-legged.
Even with their Crimson Demon realm cultivation, they could go no further.
…
Outside the Path of the Netherworld…
A gentle night breeze carried a hint of coolness.
On the roof of the academy in the county town, a lone figure stood quietly, her gaze fixed on the distant riverbank.
She could see the Yin energy of the entire town flowing towards the river like a torrent, condensing into a strange and eerie glow, shrouded in mist, like a path leading to the underworld, a terrifying and wondrous sight.
Yang Chanzhen wasn’t participating in the Path of the Netherworld.
She was simply fulfilling her promise, protecting the academy from harm, ensuring the safety of the scholars within.
But as she gazed at the grand spectacle, she couldn’t help but take out the jade pendant from her pocket, her eyes filled with a distant look.
Lin Tianlu…
That name couldn’t be wrong.
“Mother, I found him, but he’s not what you described.”
She clutched the jade pendant and sighed softly.
“This Path of the Netherworld is far more dangerous than usual. I hope Sir and the others… will be safe.”
Rustle, rustle
A faint sound reached her ears. She glanced sideways to see a demon using Yin techniques to sneak into the academy.
“Old Master Shang’s predictions were accurate. There are indeed those who dare to target the academy.”
She flicked her sleeve and gracefully descended into the courtyard.
…
At the riverbank…
Shang Yan’s expression was grave.
The scale of this Path of the Netherworld was far greater than he had imagined. The intensity of the Yin energy, even from a distance, made him uneasy.
“It seems the sudden opening of the Netherworld has completely disrupted the local ley lines.”
A calm voice sounded.
Shang Yan glanced sideways to see Ye Xiao of the Crimson Feather Sect approaching, his expression equally serious. “There are still many flaws in this Path of the Netherworld ritual. If someone were to exploit them, it could become a very dangerous place.”
“Opportunity always comes with danger. Those who participate in the Path of the Netherworld must be prepared.”
Shang Yan’s eyes flickered slightly. “But with such danger… I will submit my resignation to the Luo Xing after this.
Jianggai County can’t withstand another disaster, and I don’t have the energy to manage this ritual anymore. I’m not up to the task.”
“A wise decision, Old Master Shang. Retreating while you’re ahead.”
Ye Xiao smiled and bowed. “I hope you can enjoy your retirement and continue to govern Jianggai County well.”
“There’s no need for such pleasantries. I know what you’re thinking.”
Shang Yan snorted. “There might be a great change coming after the new year. You should focus on your own affairs. Your Crimson Feather Sect has been too ambitious lately, recruiting many unsavory individuals. Be careful not to be devoured by your own greed.”
“I’ll heed your words, Old Master.”
Ye Xiao pondered for a moment, then asked, “But, Old Master Shang, could you tell me more about… that Master Lin?”
“You’ve had your people investigating him for a day. Do you need me to repeat myself?”
“I’ve heard rumors about his extraordinary abilities.” Ye Xiao’s expression turned strange. “But is he truly that powerful?”
Since Changling and Jianggai were not far apart, information could be easily gathered.
But the more he learned, the more shocked he became.
This…
Was he really just a scholar?!
“You saw his power for yourself that day.” Shang Yan sighed. “Even the Netherworld couldn’t stop him. Do you think he’s an ordinary person? He might even surpass those Luo Xing Soultakers.”
Ye Xiao’s expression was complex. After a long silence, he clicked his tongue. “It seems I must report this matter to the elders. We must avoid any conflict with this Master Lin. Provoking him could be the greatest disaster our Crimson Feather Sect has faced in a hundred years.”
“It’s good that you can make the right judgment—”
Crack!!
A sudden clap of thunder made both Shang Yan and Ye Xiao’s expressions change. They quickly looked towards the river.
Then, they saw something unbelievable, their faces filled with horror.
The Path of the Netherworld ritual…
Had collapsed?!
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