Ahead, two rows of lush green willows stood in straight lines, framing a broad, bright avenue.
At the end of the avenue, a pagoda wreathed in billowing black mist stood squarely in the center, radiating intense evil aura.
Before the pagoda lay a dark, cavernous opening, where a neat flight of narrow steps was faintly visible.
Following those steps down would surely lead them to Venerable Buyi.
Excitement stirred in Lin Mo's heart, and his steps quickened of their own accord.
But when he was still ten paces from the underground palace's entrance, the black pagoda seemed to sense his presence and flashed with dazzling black light.
Three black beams shot out, turning into three figures that blocked Lin Mo's path.
All three men had blood-red eyes and dark blue-green skin. They were unmistakably soul slaves controlled by evil soul seals.
One was tall and burly, with powerful muscles; another was thin and refined; the third was a stooped old man.
Though their appearances differed, each wore a pair of Black-Iron Shackles and dragged two long iron chains. Yet what they radiated was not evil aura, but an ancient presence, powerful and ponderously heavy.
"Miss Gongsun, be careful!"
Lin Mo's heart tightened, and he instantly summoned the Divine Wood Mystic Gourd Sword into his hand.
However, the three soul slaves did not immediately attack them.
The stooped old man stepped forward and said calmly, "What brings you here?"
Lin Mo was surprised. He had not expected these three soul slaves to converse with him so calmly and amicably.
He immediately relaxed his guard a little and cupped his hands. "I am Lin Mo, a junior from the Divine Land."
"I have come to visit Venerable Buyi to quell the evil spirit uprising on the Dry Jade Continent."
"May I ask