The Eighth Layer of the Spirit Shrine, the most beautiful and peaceful layer, changed completely in just a few short minutes.
Everything beautiful in Gao Ming's eyes turned into calamities and horrors connected to the ghost gods. The earth, the trees, the streams—even the wind in the air became their soul banners.
"Maybe this is what the Spirit Shrine really looks like." Gao Ming grabbed a handful of shrubs. They were all ashes left behind by burning spirit money, crumbling at his touch. "The ghost gods in Dreamfold Town really are different from the ordinary townspeople. They were never deceived by the Spirit Shrine, not for a moment. They didn't come here to become immortals, but to claim the Nine-Story Spirit Shrine for themselves."
Stroking the trembling Deer, Gao Ming comforted it softly. "Don't be afraid. Whatever your true form is, I'll keep you safe."
With that, Gao Ming hid beneath the Deer's body. He didn't want to reveal himself too soon.
Looking around, Gao Ming saw no sign of Dreamfold Town's ghost gods. "Who knows how long they've been alive? Every last one is a crafty old fox. I can't be the first to stick my neck out."
Gao Ming hid beneath the Deer's belly, and the Deer followed his example. Like a crab that liked burrowing into sand, it pushed the surrounding spirit-money ashes and dirt over itself, covering its beautiful markings.
What had been a perfectly fine Immortal Deer now looked more like a filthy black donkey.
Stroking the Deer's gradually blackening fur, Gao Ming vaguely felt that this clever Deer seemed familiar. It bore an uncanny resemblance to an "old acquaintance."
Without the interference of the rosy radiance, Gao Ming's body recovered at an absurd speed. He could clearly see his flesh growing with the naked