Chapter 142: Shattering Illusions, The Soultaker Retreats
Boom!
A deafening roar shook the heavens as a torrent of Yin energy erupted skyward.
A shadowy image of the Land of Wandering Souls flickered into existence, a vast and eerie expanse that almost covered the night sky. Dark clouds gathered, lightning flashed, and a chorus of ghostly wails filled the air. Then, a brilliant light pierced through the clouds, descending from the heavens, shattering the illusion!
In an instant, the Land of Wandering Souls was obliterated!
Shattered fragments rained down, accompanied by a series of explosions. The river churned violently, a powerful storm engulfing the entire town!
Shang Yan and Ye Xiao raised their hands to shield themselves, but they were still thrown back by the sudden shockwave, nearly falling to the ground.
Hum
The mystical array formation above the river, representing the Path of the Netherworld, flickered, then collapsed completely!
“Aah!”
Panicked screams erupted from the river.
Countless ghosts and ghost practitioners were thrown out of the water, tumbling helplessly onto the riverbank. The shockwave had knocked most of them unconscious, their bodies lying limp like corpses, only faint groans and gasps for air breaking the silence.
As they slowly regained their senses, they looked at the river, now calm and peaceful.
It was as if everything had been an illusion.
“…”
Ye Xiao swallowed hard, his face pale. “W-what happened?! Why did the Path of the Netherworld…”
“I have no idea.”
Shang Yan was stunned.
Although he was the one who presided over the Path of the Netherworld ritual, he hadn’t created it. It was a technique passed down by the Luo Xing’s higher-ups.
Once the ritual was activated, his job was done. The technique itself would draw upon the county’s Yin energy and ley lines, using the river as a medium to create a passage to the Land of Wandering Souls. But now, the ritual had been completely destroyed!
“This… is truly…”
Footsteps sounded behind them.
Shang Yan turned around to see Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu standing there, unharmed.
“M-Master Lin?”
His face was filled with surprise.
Then, a shocking thought crossed his mind.
“Could it be that you were the one who destroyed the ritual, Sir?”
“A high-ranking member of the Luo Xing warned me that there was a problem with the ritual here. If it continued, it would endanger Jianggai and countless lives would be lost.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious, and he bowed slightly. “I investigated and discovered that the Path of the Netherworld technique was indeed flawed, so I destroyed it. I hope you can understand, Old Master Shang.”
Shang Yan was speechless.
It was truly Master Lin who had destroyed it?!
Once activated, the Path of the Netherworld ritual was like a separate realm, similar to the Netherworld. Although it was an illusion, it couldn’t be broken by external forces.
But how…
Wait!
A sudden realization dawned on the old man.
Master Lin said that the Path of the Netherworld had been affected to such an extent?!
But the other Luo Xing members had inspected it, even the Soultaker who had arrived last night had said it was still functional…
“You… are the so-called Master Lin?”
A calm and deep voice echoed through the air, like a demonic chant, reverberating across the riverbank.
Several Luo Xing members quickly surrounded them, their faces grim, their eyes filled with a chilling intent.
Seeing this sudden confrontation, Shang Yan’s expression changed drastically.
Had they been set up?!
One of the reasons the Path of the Netherworld ritual had continued was because of Master Lin!
He quickly sent a secret message to Lin Tianlu. “Sir, it’s a Luo Xing Soultaker—”
“Please step back, Old Master Shang, so you won’t be caught in the crossfire.”
Lin Tianlu waved his hand dismissively, a smile on his face. “It seems the Luo Xing has some private matters to discuss with me.”
“I didn’t expect you to prepare such a grand welcome ceremony.”
He glanced at the surrounding Luo Xing members and chuckled. “So what’s your decision? Are you going to attack us?”
“—No.”
But to Lin Tianlu’s surprise, the Luo Xing members bowed respectfully.
He looked to the side.
A middle-aged man in luxurious robes emerged from the darkness. His tall and imposing figure, his sharp eyes and dignified aura, hinted at the handsome scholar he must have been in his youth.
“With your extraordinary cultivation, Sir, having escaped the Netherworld and destroyed the Path of the Netherworld, I wouldn’t dare to act rashly.”
The middle-aged man stopped, his expression solemn as he bowed deeply. “I’m here to make your acquaintance, Master Lin.”
He glanced at Mao Ruoyu, then quickly averted his gaze and bowed again. “Madam Lin, I hope our little disruption of the Path of the Netherworld didn’t alarm you.”
Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes, surprised.
Seeing the tense atmosphere earlier, she had thought the Luo Xing was about to attack. She had even prepared herself for a fight.
But now…
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “You’re a Soultaker of the Luo Xing. Instead of being angry that I destroyed your ritual, you’re greeting me with courtesy?”
“The Path of the Netherworld is important, but it’s not the foundation of our Luo Xing.”
The middle-aged man said in a deep voice, “Besides, with your power, Sir, we wouldn’t dare to offend you. We only seek peace. Perhaps we can share a drink someday as a sign of respect.”
Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes slightly.
“You’re quite different from Yan Yi.”
The middle-aged man’s eyes flickered, but he remained calm and composed. “I’m not a warmonger. I believe in seeking common ground. I value talent.
And someone with your extraordinary abilities, Sir, is someone I would like to befriend. Even if you harbor some resentment towards us, I’ll do my best to mend our relationship. I’m willing to offer you gifts and territory, hoping to earn your favor.”
He flicked his sleeve and said coldly, “Members of the Luo Xing, listen! From now on, the area within a hundred miles of Changling County, including all towns and villages, is under the jurisdiction of Master Lin. We shall not interfere in his affairs!”
“Yes, Sir!”
The Luo Xing members responded loudly.
Shang Yan was about to speak, but Lin Tianlu quickly stopped him. “Old Master Shang, you can continue to manage Jianggai County.”
The middle-aged man’s eyes flickered, then he nodded immediately. “I’ll respect your decision, Master Lin. Shang Yan!”
“I’m here.”
“Manage Jianggai County well. And if you have time, visit Master Lin in Changling County.”
“I understand.” Shang Yan bowed in response, sighing in relief.
The middle-aged man turned back to Lin Tianlu. “Master Lin, now that the Path of the Netherworld is destroyed, and the area around Changling is under your control, it’s not appropriate for us outsiders to linger.”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “You’re leaving already, Soultaker?”
“I was just passing through, and I stayed a little longer after hearing about your exploits.”
The middle-aged man pondered for a moment, then continued, “My name is Yu Hanyi. If you ever travel to Guangji Prefecture, Sir, please look for me. I’ll host a banquet in your honor.”
Lin Tianlu looked at him intently.
“You’re a pragmatic man.”
His words made Yu Hanyi’s heart tremble. He staggered back two steps and bowed deeply. “Please forgive me, Sir.”
“…”
After a moment, Lin Tianlu smiled and returned the gesture. “Farewell, Master Yu. Perhaps we’ll meet again.”
“Master Lin, Madam Lin, take care.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Hanyi flicked his sleeve, and he vanished into a cloud of smoke along with the other Luo Xing members.
Mao Ruoyu watched them disappear, murmuring, “They left quite decisively.”
“Perhaps… that Soultaker was also afraid.”
Shang Yan stepped forward, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions. “Master Lin, you truly… are a god among men!”
His words were filled with awe and respect.
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “There’s no need for such praise, Old Master.”
After the Soultaker left, the oppressive pressure surrounding them gradually dissipated.
Ye Xiao, who had retreated earlier, quickly returned and bowed respectfully. “Master Lin, I haven’t had the chance to greet you properly. I am Ye Xiao of the Crimson Feather Sect.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow. “Crimson Feather?”
A bad feeling arose in Ye Xiao’s heart. “You know of the Crimson Feather Sect, Sir?”
“Of course.” Lin Tianlu smiled. “A while ago, a disciple claiming to be from your sect trespassed in Changling County and tried to harm my wife. I haven’t forgotten about your Crimson Feather Sect.”
“What—”
Ye Xiao’s pupils constricted, and he bowed deeply. “Please forgive us, Master Lin. We bear no ill will towards you. Our sect has many disciples, and we were unaware of this transgression.”
“Chen Zixiao. Do you know him, Master Ye?”
“Chen… Zixiao?”
Ye Xiao’s eyes widened, then he said with a guilty expression, “Please don’t blame us, Master Lin. He was once a disciple of our sect, but he betrayed us and fled about half a year ago. Out of respect for our past relationship, we didn’t punish him. We never imagined he would cause trouble in your residence—”
Lin Tianlu’s smile faded, and he said calmly, “He’s dead now.”
“…He deserved his fate for trying to harm your family, Master Lin.” Ye Xiao said in a deep voice, “If you’re still dissatisfied, our Crimson Feather Sect will personally come to apologize and seek your forgiveness.”
“There’s no need for a personal apology.”
Lin Tianlu’s gaze sharpened. “But you should learn to control your disciples, Master Ye. If they continue to act recklessly, I might have to pay your Crimson Feather Sect a visit.”
Ye Xiao shuddered, a chill running down his spine, a primal fear gripping his heart.
The terrifying scene of Lin Tianlu destroying the Path of the Netherworld, and the Soultaker’s hasty retreat, had shaken him to his core.
After a moment of silence, he stammered, “Please rest assured, Master Lin. I will strictly discipline our disciples and prevent them from causing trouble or harming innocent lives.”