First Entry into Soul Return Town (Part 1)

"Action!"

With Zhao Yan's roar.

"Click!"

Xin An slammed his hand on the red button on the Main Control Console.

Automatic cruise control was activated, and it locked onto the chain behind it!

At the same time, he also activated the self-destruct program!

"Ten seconds left! Everyone, prepare to abandon the vehicles and break out!"

Xin An shouted.

"Nine!"

"Eight!"

Outside the car window, the sound of earth breaking was already very close.

Countless coffin nail chains strangled the fortress's armor!

"Three!"

"Two!"

"Now! Jump!!!"

Zhao Yan pushed open the side hatch that had been there all along.

"Boom!!!"

At the same instant that the five men jumped out of the hatch.

The mobile fortress immediately began to rush backward!

Block all those chains.

It simultaneously transformed into a giant incendiary bomb!

It exploded with a loud bang 50 meters away!

The nearest graves were all blown into the air!

"Use the shockwave! Charge towards the gate!!!"

Zhao Yan roared in mid-air, using the force of the explosion to sprint toward the gate of Soul Return Town, a hundred meters away!

The others also used their own unique skills, sprinting forward with all their might.

And it was in this race against time that life and death were intertwined.

Only one bolt of lightning broke away from the formation and did not run towards the gate.

Instead, relying on the [Dragonblood Soft Armor] he was wearing, he took the initiative to meet the newly emerged chains head-on!

It was Liu Ruyan!

"You mere Guard Dog, how dare you stop me?!"

Liu Ruyan was bursting with confidence at this moment, and she gripped the [Bamboo Thunder Sword].

I feel like a peerless sword immortal who vanquishes demons and monsters!

"The Heavenly Dao has collapsed; I, Liu Ruyan, have only one sword left!"

"Today, I'll use you bunch of trash as a sacrifice for my new equipment!"

Liu Ruyan let out a delicate shout, Bamboo Thunder Sword in her hand crackled with lightning as she swept it horizontally!

"Snap!"

A dozen or so coffin nail chains were wrapped around it!

Under the power of this S-class lightning-attribute longsword, it was indeed cleanly severed, with charred blue smoke rising from the broken edge.

"Hahaha! See that? This is my true power! utterly pathetic..."

Liu Ruyan's triumphant laughter hadn't even faded yet.

"Roar!"

A roar suddenly came from a deep pit less than three meters in front of her!

The next second, a creature over three meters tall appeared.

A tomb-guarding Flying Jiangshi covered in dark green fur emerged from the ground!

Its eyes were fixed on Liu Ruyan, completely ignoring her Bamboo Thunder Sword!

He slapped Liu Ruyan on the back!

"Bang!"

Although the [Dragonblood Soft Armor] protected Liu Ruyan's heart at the most critical moment, saving her life.

But the force of that impact sent Liu Ruyan flying!

She flew a good thirty or forty meters through the air before crashing in front of a huge tombstone!

"Cough cough... cough cough cough!"

Liu Ruyan was thrown around so hard she was dizzy and her mouth was full of dirt.

She raised her head and spat out the soil from the grave in her mouth.

"Damn it... he ambushed me!"

Liu Ruyan was just about to struggle to get up.

However, when she glanced at the blue stone tombstone in front of her...

He was completely stunned!

Staring at the words on the tombstone and the black-and-white photograph.

[First examine the Tang Clan Sirui's Tomb]

[Birth and death dates: unknown]

[Erected by: Widow Tu Xiaowu]

"Tang... Tang Sirui?!"

Liu Ruyan was numb.

How could his grave be in the cemetery on the outskirts of Soul Return Town?!

Does that mean he's dead?

Moreover, the person who erected this monument...

Who is Tu Xiaowu?!

How could she present herself as a widow?

They even erected a monument for him on the outskirts of Soul Return Town?!

Just as Liu Ruyan was getting curious and considering throwing something on his grave to test it out...

"Roar!"

The Flying Jiangshi guarding the tomb has caught up!

The giant claw slashed down at Liu Ruyan, who was still in a daze!

"Bang!

A sonic boom rang out above Liu Ruyan's head!

Yue Tian delivered a powerful downward tomahawk kick, striking the tomb-guarding Flying Jiangshi in the head!

"Snap!"

The Flying Jiangshi's skull cracked with a sound!

He was kicked away from mid-air by Yue Tian's kick.

He plowed a deep furrow in the ground and couldn't get up for a long time!

"Standing there in a daze on the battlefield? Do you think you've got too long to live?!"

Yue Tian didn't even turn his head, "Hurry up and get up and catch up with the group!"

"I... I understand."

Liu Ruyan scrambled up from in front of the tombstone.

No longer daring to be arrogant, he ran wildly towards the gate.

At the same time, the road leading to the gate was not an easy one.

Awakened by the explosion, countless underground monsters went berserk, blocking the road to the city gate.

"Shadow! Cover!"

Zhao Yan took the lead, his battle blade unleashing Gang Qi that severed several chains that were strangling him.

"Clear!"

With each flicker of Shadow, it bound the strange creatures that attempted to ambush Zhao Yan with its shadow threads!

"Captain! Thirty meters to the left front! That's a blind spot in the law of cause and effect; there are no underground monsters there!"

Having unlocked the Map Comprehension, Xin An has found a tricky Path to Survival!

"Charge with me!"

Guided by Xin An, Zhao Yan and Shadow tore a bloody path through the monster horde!

Yue Tian walked at the back, guarding against anything that dared to approach.

They were all reduced to ashes by his superb physical abilities.

"Enter!"

At the last moment, the five people crossed the gate of Soul Return Town almost simultaneously.

"Call!"

But strangely enough...

Those coffin nails, chains, and Flying Jiangshi that had been chasing them stopped less than an inch from the threshold of the gate...

They seemed to shrink back, retreating underground in fear, never daring to cross the line again.

"Phew... phew... I survived!"

Xin An sat on the bluestone slab, looking as if she had been pulled out of the water.

Zhao Yan also wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

Is everyone alright?

Zhao Yan turned around as he inspected the weapons.

However.

Once everyone had steadied themselves, raised their heads, and cautiously surveyed the interior of this [Soul Return Town].

The entire Sharp Blade Squad, including the well-informed Yue Tian, was stunned.

What they saw was nothing like the dilapidated ghost town they had imagined!

On the contrary.

Along both sides of the long bluestone street, rows of festive red lanterns were hung high!

The shops on both sides of the street were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and even the eaves were adorned with red silk ribbons.

Countless paper figures and townspeople dressed in festive red robes are busily moving about the streets.

It seems they are preparing for a grand and unprecedented wedding!

The entire Soul Return Town was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the sound of gongs and drums filled the air!

And just as the five uninvited guests from the Sharp Blade Squad stepped across the threshold...

The townspeople and paper figures, who were busy all day, Time Stop they were pasting up the character for "double happiness".

Hundreds of smiling heads turned around in unison.

They kept their eyes fixed on the Sharp Blade Squad standing at the door.

"Welcome, distinguished guest, to this event..."

"Lady Phoenix Emperor... is marrying her groom..."

"The big day..."

"All alert!!!"

Faced with this completely illogical scene, Zhao Yan immediately issued the battle order!

"Clang! Crack!"

The members of the Sharp Blade Squad drew their weapons and stared at the paper figures and townspeople around them.

Even Yue Tian, who was well-informed and experienced, had a serious expression.

How could such a thing possibly appear on this Weird Island, known as a forbidden zone for life...?

A place that seems like a paradise?

His intuition told him that this seemingly peaceful and Soul Return Town was definitely hiding some kind of terrifying murderous intent!

However, the next moment, something completely unexpected happened.

After welcoming the distinguished guests, the townspeople and paper figures acted as if they were NPCs who had completed some kind of check-in...

Turning back, everyone went about their own business again!

The paper figures continued to work diligently carrying the betrothal gift boxes tied with red ribbons.

The townspeople continued to paste the double happiness symbol under the eaves.

It was as if the collective attention from the crowd had never existed.

"..."

Zhao Yan looked around and, after confirming that the other party had no intention of attacking, made a hand gesture.

Lay down your weapons.

"Are these things living people or monsters? This Soul Return Town is really strange!"

Zhao Yan looked completely puzzled.

Xin An shook his head as he looked at the Complete Map Analysis without any red dots.

"It's unclear; we can't determine their vital signs."

"Chief Yue, have you ever seen this situation before?"

Yue Tian withdrew his scrutinizing gaze and said in a deep voice, "This is the first time I've ever seen anything like it."

"But the more harmless a place seems, the more likely it is to devour people, leaving not even a bone fragment."

Everyone must be extremely careful.

With the crisis temporarily averted, Shadow breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Liu Ruyan, who was still in a daze beside her.

"What? Were you scared out of your wits by that Flying Jiangshi outside? Haven't you recovered yet?"

"You're the one who's scared! That was a strategic retreat!"

Liu Ruyan immediately breathed out and then lowered her voice to say something.

"Just now..."

"I saw a person on that tombstone outside!"

Next, Liu Ruyan took out the black and white photo of Tang Sirui engraved on the statue.

Furthermore, the story of the person who erected the monument writing "[The widow Tu Xiaowu]" was told to everyone in detail.

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yan and Xin An's expressions changed drastically, their pupils dilating violently.

"That brat... is dead?!"

Zhao Yan felt a jolt in his heart and even staggered back a step.

Although Tang Sirui was a troublemaker who caused trouble everywhere.

But those were elite juniors he had personally trained!

"No way! I absolutely don't believe it!"

Zhao Yan, her eyes red, suddenly turned around.

"That kid's got the Second Base's arsenal in his hands!"

"How could he just die out there so silently! I have to go out and find him!"

However, when Zhao Yan turned around, intending to rush out of the city gate along the same route, he stopped in his tracks!

"The door... where's the door?!"

To everyone's horror, they discovered the path they had taken.

They've vanished into thin air without anyone knowing when!

Instead, there was a high wall blocking the dead end!

"Calm."

Yue Tian patted Zhao Yan on the shoulder, calming him down.

"A mere tombstone proves nothing."

"The fact that a girl named Tu Xiaowu was able to erect a monument suggests that things aren't that simple."

"Since we're here, let's make the best of it. Our top priority now is to explore the true nature of this Soul Return Town."

"Find out why there are so many living people here..."

"Or perhaps, it's the eeriness of someone disguised as a living person!"

Zhao Yan took a few deep breaths.

"The Chief is right; I lost my composure."

For safety's sake, Zhao Yan looked at the storage ring on his finger and touched it.

"Chief Wan lent me even his most treasured possessions; I can't let him down."

Zhao Yan took out five black cloaks that emitted a faint fishy smell from the ring.

"This is a Class B Weird Artifact [Ghost-Repelling Robe]."

"It's been soaked in black dog blood, which helps to mask the scent of living people on us as much as possible."

"Everyone, quickly put them on and cover your faces."

The group nodded, quickly donned their black robes, and pulled their hoods down low.

The five people, like ghosts, began to wander through the extremely noisy, brightly lit streets of the ancient town.

The cries of vendors lining both sides of the street filled the air.

"Selling steamed buns! Freshly steamed meat buns, would you like a couple, sir?"

A vendor with a grin on his face waved enthusiastically at Zhao Yan.

"The finest rouge and face powder!"

"Sir, would you like to buy one for your wife?"

Liu Ruyan, hiding in her cloak, looked at the realistic scene of everyday life and couldn't help but complain.

"This place..."

"It's like we're actually filming an ancient drama, it's so eerie."

The Shadow didn't speak; she cautiously scanned her surroundings.

As she passed a bundle of straw selling candied hawthorns, her attention was briefly drawn to it for half a second.

And right in the middle of it all!

A filthy beggar, his face smeared with black ash, darted out from the alleyway beside him.

He bumped into the Shadow's shoulder!

"Ugh!"

The beggar was incredibly strong; his Shadow was knocked off balance and nearly fell over.

After hitting the person, the beggar not only didn't apologize, but instead slipped into the crowd and ran away!

Liu Ruyan quickly caught Shadow and disgustedly brushed the dust off her clothes.

"Where did this filthy beggar come from? Can't you watch where you're going?! You're disgusting!"

However, the Shadow that was hit completely ignored Liu Ruyan's complaints.

Her hand swiftly reached behind her back, and the next second, Shadow's eyes flashed with murderous intent!

"Court death!!!"

Boom!

With a sharp cry from the Shadow, the Moon-Devouring Heavenly Hound materialized from her Shadow!

The Shadow flipped over and mounted the back of the tengu.

Completely disregarding any secrecy, they chased after the beggar in the direction he had fled!

"Hey! Are you crazy?!"

Liu Ruyan was startled by the scene and muttered in confusion.

"It was just a beggar bumping into me, wasn't it?"

"Is this woman going through early menopause? She breathes even more hotter than I do!"

However, the next moment, when Liu Ruyan saw the Shadow's back, she realized something was wrong!

The special safe on her back... is gone!!!

That contains the Dragon God's right arm and the [Watcher Eye]!!!

"Whoosh!"

Before Liu Ruyan could even cry out in surprise, a black blur swept past her!

Without even a greeting, Elder Yue Tian exerted force with both legs, crushing several bluestone slabs into dust!

With a few swift flips, he leaped onto the rooftops of nearby buildings and began his pursuit!

"Wait for me! I'm coming too!"

Not to be outdone, Liu Ruyan formed a sword incantation, drew the [Bamboo Thunder Sword], and directly mounted the sword to take off.

He transformed into a bolt of lightning and followed!

Chaos erupted instantly in the streets as townspeople scattered in terror.

Seeing this, Zhao Yan hurriedly drew his sword and wanted to chase after them, but Xin An grabbed him from the side.

"Captain! Stop chasing them! Let's wait for them here!"

Xin An said, panting.

"Are you crazy?! That's the Dragon God's arm!"

Zhao Yan stared wide-eyed in anxiety.

Xin An smiled.

He pointed to his temple, activating Map Comprehension.

It can detect the alignment fluctuations of every life form.

Xin An gazed at the few blue dots that were chasing each other in his mind.

"Don't worry, Captain, I have good news..."

Meanwhile, the eaves of the buildings in Soul Return Town.

The little beggar is incredibly fast!

Weaving through the intricate network of rooftops and alleyways.

"You little thief! Where do you think you're going!"

However, in the face of an absolute disparity in strength, all the fancy tricks are in vain.

"Boom!"

The roof tiles exploded with a loud crash!

Yue Tian descended from the sky, actually predicting where the little beggar would land!

"Get down on your knees!"

Yue Tian grabbed the little beggar's shoulder and slammed him to the ground!

"Bang!" The little beggar was shoved onto the roof in a sorry state, and the black box in his hand slipped from his grasp.

Shadow rode the Tengu and arrived instantly, carefully taking the box back into his arms.

Liu Ruyan also landed on her sword, her thunderous sword pointing at the thief on the ground.

"You've got some nerve! You even dare to steal from us!"

Liu Ruyan gritted her teeth.

"Ouch! That hurts! Be gentle!"

"Grandpa, you're too strong! Your bones are going to break!"

The little beggar, pinned to the ground, screamed as he struggled to lift his head.

During the intense friction, most of the soot and dirt on his face were rubbed off.

A familiar yet infuriating face was revealed.

When everyone saw the thief's true face, they were all stunned.

"Tang... Tang Sirui?!"

The Shadow cried out in alarm, "Didn't you die in the graveyard outside?!"

"Died in an outside grave?"