One Soul Extinguished! Spirit-Linked Nether Mussel! The Encirclement and Annihilation Is About to Begin

"Hehehe--It's truly a stroke of luck that Heaven spared my Nascent Soul Body Seizing. Since I regained my Nascent Soul and started cultivating again, it seems the tide has turned. I escaped even after such a calamity; a great life is sure to bring good fortune."

On a steep, precarious cliff, the Soul Devouring Old Devil, who had just escaped, let out a strange laugh.

The stubborn pine tree in front of me pierced through the white mist, swaying and dancing amidst bursts of laughter.

He was laughing when he suddenly stared at the pine tree in front of him, and his laughter gradually subsided.

I feel like this pine tree now. Despite the many twists and turns of my life and the Body Seizing, I still hold fast to the green hills and never give up. I am tenacious and stubborn. As long as I persevere, I will surely be rewarded in the future.

At the same time, Spiritual Light flew swiftly from the distant temple, spreading waves of Buddhist power that brought peace and tranquility.

A faint, Incense and Faith seemed to rise in the air, and even the pine trees on the cliff suddenly stopped swaying, giving rise to a fragrant incense scent.

"Vajra Putuo Gate!"

The Soul Devouring Old Devil was immediately alarmed, sensing the rapidly increasing repulsive force, even a kind of bewitching impulse that made him want to immediately lay down his butcher's knife and become a Buddha.

In the eyes of the Soul Devouring Old Devil, this intense power of faith was even stronger than that of the former Blood God, perhaps comparable to that of the Mingguang Shangren of the Eastern Immortal Sea, and only the Demon Lord could surpass it.

He immediately took flight, discerned a direction in the air, gritted his teeth, and flew away from the territory of the Vajra Putuo Gate, fleeing towards the far south of the Southern Region.

Now that the Outer Domain Evil Cultivator have fled back to the outer realm with the Demon Lord, they have lost their momentum.

Only powerful forces like the Heavenly Devil Gate, the Three Saints Palace, the Heaven and Earth Sword Hall, and the Mochao Kingdom, with their own Spirit Transmutation Dao Lord in charge, were able to withstand the counterattack from the Counterattack Cultivator Alliance.

However, even these top sects can only protect their own small territory.

All the resources and territory they had once seized had been surrendered, and it seemed that complete defeat and surrender were not far off.

He, the Soul Devouring Old Devil- Body Seizing Demon, had rebuilt his Nascent Soul by seizing another body, but he was already in dire need of protection. He dared not even stay in his sect, and was not welcomed anywhere else.

Now it seems that the only option is to hide in the far south, in the edge of the realm ruled by the Senluo True Body, and eke out a living.

Human Heart Hall, Chen Dengming slowly withdrew the mental power that had invaded the depths of the Soul Devouring Old Devil's mind, lost in thought.

"That Buddha Venerable Putuo of the Vajra Putuo Gate has already encompassed the entire Incense Realm; he truly considers that region his own territory."

But right at their doorstep, so many people have vanished without a trace, living in a living hell, yet they turn a blind eye?"

Chen Dengming was not particularly fond of either the Buddha Venerable Putuo or the Living Buddha Venerable of Sumeru Island.

This was because both master and disciple chose to remain neutral when Evil Cultivator invaded, leading to the rapid fall of the four regions.

If the Buddha Venerable Putuo had not been afraid of the threat of the Five Elements Sword Lord's visit and had been willing to lend a helping hand back then, perhaps the Four Regions would not have fallen so quickly, and at least the major sects would have had a period of safe evacuation.

However, now that time has passed, Dongfang Huayuan mentions that the Living Buddha Venerable on Sumeru Island actually intervened to stop the mysterious enemy cultivator, as if there were other hidden reasons and difficulties.

Chen Dengming remained skeptical and disliked the monks' behavior.

However, he disliked this kind of power struggle at the Spirit Transformation level, but for the time being, he couldn't interfere. He still needed to discipline those who were disobedient.

By invading the mind of the Soul Devouring Old Devil, he had grasped the Old Devil's thoughts.

Chen Dengming naturally disagreed with the other party's intention to flee to the far south and seek refuge in the territory of the Senluo True Body.

If these hidden agents are to hide, then what kind of hidden agents are they? They lose their value.

Immediately, he withdrew his mind from the Human Heart Hall, took a Heart Mending Pill to restore the mental Mental Strength depleted by the invasion, and at the same time activated the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman to contact Zuo Qiu Ling.

"Elder Zuo, my undercover agents are not being honest. They plan to flee to the far south, hoping to survive under the intimidation of Senluo."

"You should arrange for some people to increase patrols and searches in that area. Don't engage him in battle; let him back down and return to his Evil Cultivator's Lair to provide us with intelligence."

Zuo Qiu Ling was also taken aback when he received the message.

Judging from Chen Dengming's words, it seems that he does not have control over this mole, but rather that he steals intelligence through some special means without the other party's knowledge.

Although surprised, Zuo Qiu Ling immediately cooperated, dispatching cultivators to patrol and intimidate the area, and relaying the message.

"After Senluo was driven out of the Border Town in the far east by Senior Qu and others, part of his body moved to the far south and took root there."

This beast is not honest either. We have confirmed with Senior Qu that the Outer Realm Devil Venerable used this beast as a cover to secretly nurture a flawed Flesh and Blood Devil Fetus, which possesses the strength of a half-step Dao Integration Realm cultivator.

Once we've dealt with the plan to eradicate the Evil Cultivator, we'll have to settle accounts with this beast sooner or later!

This was the first time Chen Dengming had heard such news. Although he was surprised at the moment, after thinking about it carefully, he was not surprised at all.

Senluo is, after all, a sacred beast of the ghost path born from the River Styx, and if the mysterious expert who severely injured Dongfang Huayuan is indeed the Ghost Emperor Yuan, he can most likely also command Senluo.

Perhaps it was this person who helped the Demon Lord create the Flesh and Blood Devil Fetus through the Senluo True Body.

Thinking about it this way, many things are inextricably linked to that mysterious powerful figure.

"Even if one Demon Lord escapes, it doesn't necessarily mean we're truly safe and secure. However, since Senior Qu is aware of this matter, he must have taken some precautions."

Chen Dengming guessed in his heart that he had chatted with Zuo Qiu Ling for a few more minutes, only to be taken advantage of and conscripted into the army.

"Sect Leader Chen, this encirclement plan truly requires your presence. If you don't go, the others are very likely to fail, after all, everyone has witnessed your spiritual cultivation."

Chen Dengming frowned. "I still have some things to take care of. Tell me first, who is the target?"

"Since you've already sent Elder Mo of the Shu Sword Pavilion, the Sect Master of the Bright Light Sect, and the Seven-eyed True Lord, this lineup is already powerful enough. Do you really need me?"

The encirclement and suppression plan had been underway for four or five months, but Chen Dengming had not participated in it at all.

Now that Zuo Qiu Ling has formally spoken again, it's indeed difficult to refuse.

"The targets this time are the Nightmare Country Lord and the Northern Yin Holy Mother."

Zuo Qiu Ling's tone was heavy.

Chen Dengming's expression changed slightly.

It turned out to be those two old monsters.

No wonder Zuo Qiu Ling was so cautious.

Thinking back to his two or three encounters with the Northern Yin Holy Mother, he realized that he had not gained any advantage and had not been able to defeat her.

After frowning and pondering for a moment, Chen Dengming transmitted his voice, "When will the plan begin?"

Within five days.

I will give you an answer within three days.

After speaking, Chen Dengming put away the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman, took a deep breath, and looked at the misty Changqing Peak in the distance.

Numerous disciples from various sects circled around the mountaintop, working with the sect's artifact cultivators to rebuild the sect's floating island.

"Ling'er, you stay where you are. I'll try contacting Old Zhu again inside the Human Heart Hall."

Chen Dengming thought for Little Array Spirit, then spoke to Xiao Zhenling, who was dancing in the wind among the dandelions on the nearby hillside.

The next moment, he calmed his mind, guarded his heart without any thought, and his figure disappeared in a flash of Silver Light. His consciousness turned into countless tiny bubble-like dots, rising upwards and entering the Human Heart Hall.

Below the Yin Spring, in the River Styx, which is as still as a vast mirror, a ghostly aura and a chilling atmosphere pervade the air.

Numerous strange and unusual ghosts of varying shapes and sizes floated and sank within the River Styx.

Some of these ghosts, either half-bodied or disheveled, are the most pitiful, being wanderers in the River Styx, destined only to become food for powerful ghosts.

At this moment, squads of heavily armed ghosts, riding enormous underworld beasts, roared across the River Styx with overwhelming force, disturbing the calm river and causing countless wanderers to flee in terror.

Nearby, in a dark, hill-like cave in the River Styx, two Ghost Bride calmly observed the situation outside, whispering to each other.

"The eldest master has been in seclusion for four months and has not yet awakened. Right now, the Ghost King of the Ink River has already begun attacking the Undercurrent Old Ghost. If the Ghost King of the Ink River succeeds, the eldest master will miss his chance."

"Missing the opportunity is unavoidable. The discovery of the Yuanming Stone Marrow is also a matter of fortuitous opportunity. Whether the eldest master can transform into a Nascent Soul depends on this. Without this fortuitous opportunity, the eldest master would not be able to transform into a Nascent Soul, and would not even have the qualification to snatch chestnuts from the fire."

"That's true. Now we can only wait. My husband's breakthrough is the most important thing, so we mustn't disturb him. Hey, quickly take a look at my makeup here, how is it?"

"Your face is all smudged. Here, let me touch up your makeup."

The two heavily made-up Ghost Bride eventually started talking about a topic that all women care about.

Just as they were chatting happily, a suppressed aura of spiritual power suddenly emanated from the depths of the cave.

The shockwave immediately stirred up the surrounding Nether River Water, raising dust that impacted the cave's perimeter, only to be neutralized by the Formation.

The two Ghost Bride froze, their bodies weakened by the sheer power of the pure spiritual energy.

This is the spiritual power and pressure of a high-level ghost, and the power of the Ghost Infant within it is terrifying.

"My lord has broken through!"

The two Ghost Bride were overjoyed and turned to rush into the depths of the cave.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh--

Deep within the cave, a Soul Guiding Banner fluttered without wind.

Beside the banner, a muscular, muscular demon with arms as thick as pillars, a fierce and menacing face, and sharp fangs sat cross-legged on the ground, its body crackling with black arcs of electricity, radiating a terrifying spiritual power.

"My lord!"

"Congratulations, my lord, on successfully transforming into an infant!"

Two Ghost Bride pounced into the arms of the Fierce Ghost Zhu Xun. Their petite figures, compared to Zhu Xun, made them a perfect pairing of beauty and the beast.

"Thank you for your hard work, lady, guarding the cave!"

A Zhu Xun gentleness flashed in Zhu Xun's fierce eyes, and he spoke in a deep, muffled voice.

Before the three ghosts could even whisper sweet nothings to each other, Zhu Xun's Ghost Body suddenly trembled. He felt a call from within his mind and immediately pushed away the two Ghost Bride, responding excitedly.

"Heh! Fellow Daoist Chen, you sensed me as soon as I reached the Nascent Soul stage."

The two Ghost Bride were pushed to the ground, their faces pale with shock, and they were secretly furious.

This man is far too loyal to his brothers and neglects women. He had just thanked the two women, and when his brother called out to him, he pushed them away.

Human Heart Hall, Chen Dengming breathed a sigh of relief.

They finally managed to contact the Fierce Ghost Zhu Xun.

I thought something had happened to Old Zhu, but now he has finally succeeded in transforming into a Nascent Soul, which is truly good news.

He quickly inquired about the two souls of the Little Array Spirit from Zhu Xun.

However, this inquiry yielded two results, one good and one bad.

Bad results are disheartening, while good results are invigorating.

It turns out that one of the Little Array Spirit may indeed have perished, and not in a normal way, but by a ghost king known as the Undercurrent Old Ghost.

Zhu Xun used the Soul Power token given to him by the Little Array Spirit to enter the cave where one of his souls had been hidden in the past, and obtained the remaining Yuanming Stone Marrow, thus gaining the opportunity to transform into a Nascent Soul.

Now that the Little Array Spirit's soul has been destroyed, it means that it will be difficult for Seven Souls to remain intact and form Ghost Infant in the future.

The good news, however, came from a message left inside the cave. Zhu Xun learned that there was a Spiritual Nether Mussel in the treasure Treasure Vault of the Undercurrent Old Ghost's lair.

One of the spirits of the Little Array Spirit was killed by the Undercurrent Old Ghost during the struggle for the Spiritual Nether Mussel.

Within the Spiritual Nether Mussel, Soul Mussel Pearl will be nurtured.

This bead is a treasure on par with the Nether River Soul Lamp Grass, capable of helping Ghost Soul to reassemble its soul.

Upon hearing this, Chen Dengming sighed inwardly.

Every sip and every bite seems to be preordained by the Unseen.

One of the Little Array Spirit died while fighting for the Spiritual Nether Mussel.

Years later, he sent the Fierce Ghost Zhu Xun search for the soul, but to no avail. However, he happened to find the whereabouts of the Spiritual Nether Mussel and wanted to use the Spiritual Nether Mussel to help the Little Array Spirit restore its soul. It was truly a twist of fate.

Having a chance is better than having no chance at all.

"Hopefully the other soul is safe, otherwise finding similar rare Spiritual Material will be too difficult. These kinds of Spiritual Material are very rare to be born, so it's truly a strange thing that the Undercurrent Old Ghost obtained them."

After listening to Old Zhu 'Zhu Xun plan, Chen Dengming felt relieved for the time being.

Considering that Old Zhu is often prone to getting carried away, and while he is brave, he lacks composure.

He instructed the other party to act according to the situation, and if anything went wrong, to protect themselves first and not to act recklessly.

According to Zhu Xun's confession, there is now an even more powerful Mohe Ghost King who has also set his sights on the Spiritual Nether Mussel and is gathering a large army of ghosts to attack the Undercurrent Old Ghost.

Zhu Xun planned to take advantage of the chaos while the two ghost kings were fighting fiercely to steal the Spiritual Nether Mussel.

With his current strength as Ghost Infant, he can be considered half a Nascent Soul expert, and he does indeed have a sliver of a chance.

After leaving the Human Heart Hall, they faced a cheerful and optimistic Little Array Spirit who came to inquire about their situation.

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Dengming decided to conceal the situation for the time being, saying that he had not yet been able to contact the Fierce Ghost Zhu Xun and would have to wait a while longer.

The destruction of this soul was undoubtedly a heavy blow to the Little Array Spirit.

Even upon hearing news of the Spiritual Nether Mussel again, he couldn't help but feel emotionally turbulent, and from then on, he was preoccupied with it.

If Zhu Xun ultimately fails to obtain the Spiritual Nether Mussel, wouldn't that be an even greater disappointment?

Chen Dengming decided to Zhu Xun until Zhu Xun succeeded before telling the Little Array Spirit, so as not to disappoint it.

"Fellow Daoist Zhu, your breakthrough is of utmost importance. It's alright. I've waited for so many years, what's a little longer? As long as they're all safe, that's all that matters."

"Fellow Daoist, look, even though these dandelions were blown away, I've retrieved them all."

The Little Array Spirit was very sensible, with a bright smile and expectant eyes. She raised her fair hands, opened them, and revealed a dandelion pieced together in her palms.

She pouted and pretended to blow on it, then laughed, "As long as we have the will, those two souls, and Sister Xu Wei, will be found, and we will all be reunited."

"As long as you have the will." Chen Dengming nodded slightly, put his hands behind his back, and looked into the distance.

He was a thoughtful person, and he did fulfill the wishes of some truly kind-hearted people.

Unfortunately, sometimes good intentions don't guarantee the desired reward.

Just then, a beam of light flew over from the horizon and landed in Chen Dengming's eyes.

It was as if Chen Dengming had anticipated this and had been waiting for a long time.

That was an avatar that had previously participated in the pursuit and extermination plan with Mi Changzai, and now it had returned with Cheng Yun Xue's body.

Three days later.

An ordinary-looking spirit boat broke through the sea of clouds and sped past.

Finally, it landed on the banks of a valley covered in lush green moss.

A group of people had been waiting in the valley for some time.

At this moment, as they saw Chen Dengming's iconic, robust figure with white hair at his temples appear on the spirit boat, their eyes filled with warmth, respect, and excitement.

"They've finally arrived! All that's missing is him to Fighting Longevity Lord!"

"It's good that you're here, then we can set off."

As the group chatted and laughed, a tall, imposing figure stepped forward, greeting them with a rather flamboyant and exaggerated tone, clearly familiar with them. "Haha, Sect Leader Chen! It's been so many years, I've missed you dearly! You haven't changed a bit, but you've gotten even stronger."

But this man had thick eyebrows and a rugged face, as if carved by a knife and axe; he was none other than Qiao Zhaoxian.

"Old Qiao, you're implying something, are you saying I'm old, that I haven't changed at all, right?"

A hint of a smile appeared in Chen Dengming's eyes as he leaped off the spirit boat.

The spirit boat rapidly shrank, transforming into a beam of light that disappeared into his large sleeve.

"How dare I! You are the Fighting Longevity Lord, I would never dare to offend you!"

Qiao Zhaoxian's seemingly flattering but actually sarcastic remarks clearly demonstrate a "friend-bashing" attitude, showing that his extraordinary friendship with Chen Dengming remains unchanged.

"Of course! You're still only at the Nascent Soul stage. If you offend me, the Nascent Soul Butcher, I might prevent you from ever reaching that stage."

The two teased each other, but upon approaching, they both laughed heartily and clapped their hands together in the air, recreating the gesture they used when fighting side by side, rather than the usual bowing between ordinary cultivators.

Seeing this, the people in the group behind all had different expressions.

The Bright Light Sect Saintess Bai Zhi of the Bright Light Sect leader Yin Chenguang, had a look of envy and longing in her beautiful eyes.

Given Chen Dengming's current status and strength, it seemed unlikely that Qiao Zhaoxian could still greet and joke with him as casually as before.

Chen Dengming, however, was able to appear indifferent.

This is a truly deep friendship, one that is the envy of many.

Unlike her, she no longer has the courage to talk and laugh so eloquently, and even to seduce and flirt with others on several occasions.

If she dares to seduce or tease again now, she might end up ruining herself. Not only would the Bright Light Sect not object, but they would probably be happy to see it happen.