Dry Bones Hidden in the Valley Shrine; A Wraith Hooks Souls in the Old Alley

After leaving the Perilous Hall, Chen Dengming felt quite heavy-hearted. His Martial Aunt Su was trying to secure a better cultivation environment and more time for him.

However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease.

Even if he manages to seize the opportunity and time to cultivate, given the current situation, the time and space available for future development are becoming increasingly limited.

What's the point of all this fighting? Wouldn't it be better if everyone just stayed in their own little corner and cultivated their skills?

Wouldn't it be better if both sides were at peace? Why go through the hardship of cultivation only to lose your life and fortune in battle?

Many people have asked this question in their hearts, but it is actually the most naive question.

Just like the Principle of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak, and the Principle of the ocean where the big fish eat the small fish, the same applies to the Cultivation World.

An adult blue whale needs to eat nearly seven tons of small fish a day to survive. How much Spiritual Qi does a cultivator who has surpassed the Spirit Transformation Soul stage need to absorb in a single breath to sustain themselves?

It's even possible that what those powerful beings need is no longer Spiritual Qi, but rather the precious Dao power left behind by immortals.

When the power of the Dao is scarce, competition naturally arises. Even if such a top-tier expert only has a thought and has not yet taken action, the waves he stirs up have already swept across the entire Four Seas, Four Domains, and beyond.

"Your Highness Daozi."

Just as they flew above the mountain path, a call came from below.

Chen Dengming looked down in surprise and saw True Man Yu Ding Ye Yong, flying up from below, rubbing his hands together and chuckling dryly.

"Your Highness Daozi, alas, looking back on the days when we shared weal and woe in the wilderness, joining forces to defeat the Blazing Flame Blood Devil, all those experiences seem like fleeting clouds, and so many years have passed in the blink of an eye."

Chen Dengming was taken aback and looked at True Man Yu Ding with surprise as he suddenly started talking about the past.

Based on his experience in dealing with people, he could naturally tell that the other party probably wanted something from him but didn't know how to bring it up. So he could only talk about the only time they had fought side by side in the past to get closer to him.

Chen Dengming smiled slightly, giving the other party face by agreeing, "Yes, I was also a novice back then. Fortunately, Elder Ye arrived in time, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable, and I would not have achieved what I have today."

"This, this is too much, Your Highness Daozi, you flatter me."

True Man Yu Ding quickly waved his hand, but his smile was bright. He breathed a long sigh of relief and secretly praised His Your Highness Daozi for being as humble and polite as ever. It was true that his vote for the Longevity Seed was worthwhile.

"Elder Ye, is there something you need?" Chen Dengming Open Door directly.

"Well, it's nothing serious, just something that needs to be addressed."

Ye Yong chuckled dryly, then stopped being coy and revealed what he wanted.

A moment later, amidst the grateful words of True Man Yu Ding Ye Yong, Chen Dengming politely declined the gift and left.

What the True Man Yu Ding was asking for was that he send out an avatar to assist him in investigating a matter involving Devil Cultivator's rituals.

This matter is quite risky, and it is inappropriate to invite others to investigate together, nor is it safe to go alone. Therefore, they thought of asking Chen Dengming to send out a clone.

Even if the clone is sacrificed, the loss is not significant, which is better than the sect directly losing a pseudo-core cultivator. Chen Dengming was naturally willing to agree to this.

However, this was also out of True Man Yu Ding.

If it were anyone else, Chen Dengming might not necessarily do this favor, as creating clones also requires expending Dao power.

In addition, he himself was also very eager to see the Devil Cultivator had recently been wreaking havoc across the world. He had heard that these Devil Cultivator possessed strange powers that could inexplicably drive people insane and turn them into members of the demonic path.

It is also necessary to understand this strange situation; only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you win every battle.

"We've only had a year of peaceful cultivation, and it seems like things are about to get turbulent again. Fortunately, Martial Aunt Su said there's still some time to adjust."

Chen Dengming's brows furrowed. "A counterattack. If the counterattack really begins, a cultivator like me, who has come from the four Inner Domain, will definitely be at the forefront."

Seeing that they had reached the cave abode, Chen Dengming slowed down and landed on the mountain path, pacing and pondering, not wanting his current mood to affect his senior sister He Yingyu.

He asked himself honestly, and realized that as a nobody with no grand vision, only considering his own interests, he was actually not very willing to fight back too soon.

After all, he felt that his strength was still very weak. With a strength that was not even at the Nascent Soul, it would be too dangerous for him to fight his way back to the Four Domains in the future.

However, this matter was decided by the Four Seas Cultivation Alliance, and even the elders of the sects might not have a say in it, so he had no way to say 'no'.

He didn't know how many people in the Longevity Sect were willing to fight back; perhaps quite a few, after all, it was the hometown where many people had lived and grown up since childhood.

But for him, his feelings for the land of the Four Regions were perhaps not as deep as those for Nan Xun.

It should be noted that he only cultivated and lived in the Four Domains for seventeen years, but he lived in Nanxun for more than eighty years.

Now, the Longevity Sect has finally gained a foothold overseas, possesses Fourth-Rank Spirit Vein blessed land for cultivation, and has also developed many dependent forces.

If we were to fight back, we would likely lose these hard-won resources again.

"It's a pity that the First Ancestor hasn't returned yet, otherwise our sect would have a lot of say. Now we can only wait and see how the seniors from the four regions fared in the negotiations at the alliance meeting."

Chen Dengming thought of the Divine Sword Dao Lord of the Shu Sword Pavilion, the Five Elements Dao Lord of the Five Elements Escape Sect, and the senior of the Qu Shenzong.

These Spirit Transmutation Dao Lord would never sit idly by and watch their own people suffer too much. What is he, a mere Golden Core cultivator, worrying about?

"He really thinks he's some kind of Longevity Old Ancestor."

Chen Dengming chuckled self-deprecatingly, regained his composure, and headed towards the cave abode. He could already smell the aroma of spiritual vegetables and dishes, as well as the familiar fragrance of Spirit Fish wafting from cave abode.

The familiar and delicious aroma of the fish soup stirred something within Chen Dengming, reminding him of his days as a lowly figure in the southern Gathering Place.

Back then, the fish soup had very few seasonings, and the broth was made from the purest natural flavor of the fish itself. The fish slices were also tender and smooth, retaining the original taste.

The fish soup tastes different now.

Have people's hearts changed as well?

Chen Dengming walked with his hands behind his back, his brows furrowed in thought, once again questioning himself.

This kind of spiritual introspection and self-examination often happens to him, which may be the reason why he was able to Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage.

Several days later.

Deep within a secluded, endless valley in the calm sea, mysterious and eerie murmurings emanate from the valley.

This place is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Looking across the entire valley, the only narrow path leads to the bottom, with lush vegetation, colorful flowers, and babbling brooks along the way, creating a tranquil and charming atmosphere.

But deep in the valley, a cluster of simple Wooden House came into view.

In the open space in front of and behind the house, a number of monks wearing evil masks formed a circle, with a large bonfire burning in the center of the circle.

On the high altar erected above the campfire, many men and women were restrained and bound, emitting whimpering sounds of struggle.

These people gathered together chanting some kind of incantation, and a strange aura filled the air, creating a ritualistic atmosphere.

As night fell, the ritual reached its climax. The flames crackled and burned, casting long, fiery shadows that pierced the masks, making them appear quite menacing.

Moonlight shone through the clouds in the valley, casting an eerie and unsettling glow.

However, this did not diminish the fanaticism of these mad monks.

After the sacrificial ceremony, the cultivators on the high platform had mysteriously turned into a pile of withered bones.

Some masked monks picked up the bones and took them into the deep forests of the valley.

Many masked monks stayed in the Wooden House to keep watch, as if guarding some secret deep in the forest.

From the mist in the deep forest, faint sounds occasionally drifted out, like the howling of a raging storm. Under the moonlight, a huge shadow seemed to sweep across, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

Dozens of miles away, True Man Yu Ding Ye Yong and a Heavenly Immortal Clone of Chen Dengming hid in the clouds, Divine Sense observing the mysterious valley that held unknown dangers.

Ye Yong's expression was solemn. He could vaguely sense a strange and fierce aura emanating from the depths of the valley, as if a powerful Devil Creature was lurking there. He couldn't help but look at Chen Dengming.

"Your Highness Daozi, it seems there might be a ferocious beast lurking deep within that valley. We wonder what its strength is. Should we report this now, or should we probe further?"

Chen Dengming had already remotely entered his clone to watch the excitement.

During his years of secluded cultivation, he would often use his spare time to enter his clone body, thus escaping the monotonous state of cultivation and finding some enjoyment in the outside world.

But upon hearing True Man Yu Ding Ye Yong's question, he was speechless.

This True Man Yu Ding is really quite interesting. It's clear that this mission is mainly the other party's, and it's already quite generous of him to send a clone to help out. Yet the other party actually asked for the clone's opinion, as if he's now in charge.

Chen Dengming controlled his clone to glance at True Man Yu Ding, his eyes indifferent.

It conveys the message, "I am an alternate version of myself, devoid of emotion, so don't ask me anything."

True Man Yu Ding was rebuffed and felt embarrassed and puzzled. "That's not right. I remember your Dao Child was very agile before, so why can't it discuss plans?"

Chen Dengming glanced at True Man Yu Ding and said calmly, "The order I received from the Venerable One is to cooperate with your actions and sacrifice myself to protect you when you are in danger. You must make your own decisions on everything else; I cannot offer any correct advice."

Upon hearing this, True Man Yu Ding was deeply moved. Even though it was just a clone of himself who sacrificed himself to protect him, he felt the respect and love from His Your Highness Daozi.

"Let's test the waters first. These Devil Cultivator are abducting cultivators everywhere, not even sparing mortals. What are they planning to invent such an evil ritual?"

The Rogue Cultivator households area in the western part of Evergreen City.

A suffocating and strange atmosphere was brewing deep in the old alley, with a chill in the air and a biting wind blowing in your face.

Deep in the alley, a small, single-doored house stood with its door half-open. The dim light behind the paper windows barely illuminated a few steps, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

The surrounding low houses were deserted, and talismans were pasted on the windows and doors of every household, and a layer of talismanic salt was sprinkled on them to ward off evil spirits.

In a nearby alley, a dozen or so people huddled together, watching the situation at the house with trepidation.

Among the crowd, a pretty girl with bright eyes and slightly protruding white teeth stood out. At this moment, she was also nervously staring at the situation in front of her, baring her teeth, and whispering.

"Really, really do the Black and White Impermanence come out to collect people's souls?"

The Rogue Cultivator gathered nearby were also quite nervous. Upon hearing this, they said, "It's true, it's true. In just the last few days, several people have already gone missing."

The night before, Bai Gouzi encountered another man who seemed to have lost his soul, leaving the city and going into the sea. Bai Gouzi couldn't persuade him to stop; the man was very deranged.

Unexpectedly, it's the white dog's turn today?

Another person asked curiously, "How did you know that the Black and White Impermanence would come to collect the white dog's soul?"

"I... I know, because of the roadblock!"

"A roadblock ghost?"

"The people who went missing before were said to have blocked the way of the Black and White Impermanence, who were collecting souls. They blocked the path of those who had lost their souls, so the Black and White Impermanence came knocking on their door the following night. They are said to be road-blocking ghosts."

"Are there really ghosts blocking the way?"

The girl in the crowd was pale and unconsciously swallowed.

"Miss Chen, didn't you say you had a powerful background and weren't afraid of ghosts? Why are you scared now?"

A Rogue Cultivator then made a joke with a laugh.

Chen Yiran, standing in the crowd, blushed instantly and scoffed, "I... of course I'm not afraid. If anyone's afraid, it's you guys."

On a rooftop not far away, Black Cloud Leopard, its body shrunk several times over, yawned listlessly.

Under the eaves, the hunchback and several cultivators observed Chen Yiran's situation from a distance, feeling helpless for this young lady who had to come out and join in the fun in the middle of the night.

What's with all this talk of Black and White Impermanence, Ghost Soul and Ghost Soul?

Miss, don't you know how many ghosts your father has imprisoned in his banner? Even the Black and White Impermanence would call him a ruthless man and would have to go around him.

The hunchback and his companions were all former Rogue Cultivator. They knew that Rogue Cultivator were generally inexperienced and prone to making a big fuss over trivial matters, spreading bizarre rumors about Black and White Impermanence.

Moreover, independent Rogue Cultivator are inherently wandering and homeless, with several disappearing every day. They might suddenly run off to other places, or even commit crimes and offend people, forcing them to flee immediately. It's not unusual for a few to disappear.

As the group was thinking dismissively,

Suddenly, I felt a chilling wind blowing from the alley entrance, making me feel dizzy and disoriented.

In a daze, it seemed as if snowflakes were falling from the sky, and the wind was like flying knives and arrows, chilling one's face.

In the dimly lit alleyway in the distance, there seemed to be gusts of wind, the sound faint and buzzing.

'Squeak'--

The door of the single-room house suddenly opened, and before Chen Yiran and the others could react and their eyes widened, a person behaving strangely walked out of the room and headed towards the direction from which the sound came from deep within the alley.

"Towering--"

On the rooftop, the Black Cloud Leopard, which was almost asleep, suddenly sat up halfway, staring with suspicion at the figure walking into the depths of the alley ahead.

Deep within that alley, a sinister aura permeated the air, both threatening and strangely alluring, seemingly beckoning it closer.

"White dog!"

Some people were so terrified that their teeth chattered, and they uttered the monk's name. Then, their expressions became dazed, and they subconsciously took a step into the alley.

The numerous Rogue Cultivator beside him seemed to have lost their souls, their bodies swaying unsteadily, as if they wanted to follow the white dog.

The hunchback and the others not far away, though not following suit, all stood there with blank and bewildered eyes, somewhat lost in thought.

Chen Yiran mingled in the crowd, her expression completely bewildered.

If it weren't for the gemstone on the necklace around her neck still radiating a soft glow, holding her in place, she would have already left with the crowd.

"Roar!--"

A furious roar suddenly exploded in the air.

The Black Cloud Leopard whipped up a gust of wind and flew down from the rooftop, instantly appearing in front of Chen Yiran. With a swift paw, it scooped her up and carried her away without exploring the secrets deep within the alley.

This interruption brought many of the previously bewildered Rogue Cultivator back to their senses. Some were so terrified that they collapsed to the ground, while others suddenly became ferocious and crazed, their veins bulging on their faces, and they rushed towards the alleyway ahead like madmen.

"What's going on!?"

The hunchback and the others were also suddenly jolted awake. Seeing the chaotic scene opposite them, the bewilderment in their eyes gradually turned into horror.

The group immediately looked up and saw the Black Cloud Leopard carrying Chen Yiran away. They breathed a sigh of relief and almost collapsed to the ground.

If Miss Chen gets lost, even if they weren't completely out of their minds just now, they'll be dead very soon.

Even if the humble Your Highness Daozi doesn't interfere with them, Boss Black Wind will definitely not let them off the hook.

Thankfully, the Foundation Establishment Late Stage expert, Senior Black Panther, was there to oversee things...

Perilous Peak.

Chen Dengming, who was in the middle of cultivation, was suddenly awakened from a state of palpitation.

Two sharp glints seemed to flash by in the night. Chen Dengming opened his bright eyes, his gaze filled with surprise as he made a hand seal, his expression changing slightly.

On the bed beside her, He Yingyu opened her beautiful eyes in surprise, "What's wrong?"

Chen Dengming's face darkened. He stood up abruptly, and with a wave of his hand, the Ruyi Treasure Armor hanging on the opposite row of clothes racks flew over with a clang.

The robes, too, moved without wind, shimmering with spiritual light, as they flew over.

As Chen Dengming tied his hair up and smoothed the white hairs at his temples, he tried to remain calm and said, "The mind-stabilizing bead you crafted for Yiran has been activated."

"What!?"

He Yingyu's pretty face turned cold, and she quickly stood up, revealing her graceful figure under her bodice, and quickly put on her robe.

Chen Dengming frowned. "I'll go."

He Yingyu quickly dressed, casting two Cleansing Techniques with hand gestures, disregarding her makeup. "No way. You're Yiran's father, and I'm her mother. I won't let anyone who threatens Yiran's safety get away with it!"