Hearing Qi Zi's words, the old man called Old Ghost slowly raised his head from behind the counter.
His face was somewhat ferocious and terrifying.
His skin was as parched as yellow earth, so dry that it seemed countless cracks had split across it.
His eyes were deeply sunken.
His nose was hooked like an eagle's beak, and his thick hair covered his head, nearly obscuring his eyes.
Old Ghost said calmly, "Do you know what the Empress's inheritance is?"
"I'll know once I get it," Qi Zi replied.
"That is not an inheritance, but a life-taking poison. You cannot touch it, and neither can I," Old Ghost said.
His gaze was profound.
Seeing Qi Zi's unconvinced expression, he explained, "The Empress left behind certain laws.
"If you take those laws, Heaven will forsake you, and you will become the enemy of the Heavenly Dao.
"Years ago, I saw that inheritance.
"But I did not dare touch it, and neither did anyone else."
At this point, Old Ghost gave a somewhat self-mocking smile.
"City of Hundred Battles is home to many old monsters. As far as I know, some have even survived from the Upper Ancient Era until now.
"Do you really think they cannot see the mysteries within those laws?"
"Do you really think no one has known about the Empress's inheritance all these years?"
"Someone knows. Some even dream of obtaining it, yet they still do not dare touch it."
As he spoke, Old Ghost stared at Qi Zi.
His gaze made one's hair stand on end as he said, each word forceful and resonant, "Because it belongs to the Heaven-Slayer."
"It is the taboo the Empress left behind.
"But look around. After the Upper Ancient Era, the Empress failed to fell Heaven. Has anyone else ever tried