The body of the ghoul was at least ten feet long. Against the backdrop of the masses of eerie green light, its face was as black as coal, its upper torso up to its neck was bare and covered with hideous tattoos. It was armed with a huge bow in his left hand and had a bag of arrows and a scimitar hung at his waist.
Roughly sizing up his opponent's weapon, Bai Fanlu just steadied his thoughts when the ghoul drew its bow and shot an arrow at him.
Bai Fanlu was still thinking that the arrow shot out might be an illusion but when he stopped it with his blade, the clear clanging metal sound gave him an answer to his doubts at once.
He hadn't returned the attack yet, but another arrow was steadily rushing towards him from a distance. The ghoul looked ridiculously large, but his actions were extremely swift. The full bag of arrows rapidly dwindled as it launched shot after shot without rest at Bai Fanlu. Each arrow was sent over like a meteorite and the opponent’s hand movements were so fast that they appeared like a blur.
The missed arrows fell on the ground and immediately turned into white smoke. Soon, a miasma arose from everywhere, and Bai Fanlu was forced to hide at one side while finding a chance to retaliate when the enemy drew closer.
Ghostly beings were atypical and were not necessarily affected by common spells and techniques. Sure enough, when Bai Fanlu sacrificed a thunder spell, he noticed that the ghoul did not even bother to move. Obviously, it was not afraid of spells. There had to be other methods that were effective against it.
This was the duel to obtain the first Nether Ghost Flame, and who knew what was lying in wait ahead. Thus, Bai Fanlu dared not take this situation lightly, and decided to retain his strength and find an opportune moment to turn the tables.
After the aggressive launch of attacks, the bag of arrows hanging at the ghoul’s waist finally emptied out. And being unable to land a hit on Bai Fanlu, the ghoul began to appear anxious and gave up his long distance attacks. He drew out his scimitar and, like a whirlwind, pounded towards Bai Fanlu to engage in close combat.
Bai Fanlu quickly avoided it, and the ghostly blade missed him but smashed into the ground with one blow. The ghoul was even more annoyed now because even after a few slashes, it only managed to graze Bai Fanlu's sleeves and some hair, but couldn't hurt him.
After going back and forth, Bai Fanlu had now secretly drawn up dozens of talismans, using them to test every aspect of the ghoul to find its weaknesses.
Finally, one talisman glowed!
Bai Fanlu had no idea if the ghoul would ever get tired, but despite repeatedly failing to hit him, its strength did not seem to reduce. However, its irritability did result in its sword technique getting increasingly chaotic. Bai Fanlu finally found the opportunity he had been searching for. At this moment, the ghoul lunged forward with all its might and Bai Fanlu slipped under his sword move and smacked the glowing talisman on the ghoul’s chest.
The ghoul whimpered, and its huge body collapsed to the ground with a crash, transforming into a white smoke that slowly dissipated. When it did, the same Nether Ghost Flame appeared in front of Bai Fanlu. This time when he reached for it to place it in his bag, he could do so.
This approach seemed to be the way. Behind every Ghost Flame was a strong opponent. Bai Fanlu breathed a sigh of relief and after quickly adjusting his circulation, he moved towards the second Ghost Flame...
This time the novel was sincerely not out to deceive him. Indeed, regardless of mortals, immortals or demons, all would eventually return to the Ghost Realm. In each of the duels to obtain the next five Nether Ghost Flames, in addition to confronting difficult opponents amidst the ghouls that used to be mortals, Bai Fanlu also unexpectedly encountered a fox fairy.
Unlike other ghouls who started fighting as soon as they appeared, this fox fairy took the initiative to announce his background. She mentioned that she ascended into immortality years ago but felt that being an immortal was meaningless. It was perhaps better to reincarnate as a human to enjoy the seven emotions and six desires. For that reason, she descended into the Ghost Realm with the intention to reincarnate as a demon to have her share of fun in the world.
When she arrived before Meng Po, she lamented about having to enter reincarnation alone without even a companion. As such, she decided to wait here to meet a male lover or perhaps a sworn sister to spend and enjoy the rest of her life without restraints.
Bai Fanlu patiently listened to her while he was adjusting his breath, and the fox fairy asked him if he wanted to reincarnate with her.
Bai Fanlu thought that, generally speaking, this type of question was a pit. Expressing willingness or unwillingness was likely to give two different results. So he answered "Yes, I do!" with great sincerity, but unexpectedly, the fox fairy got a little unhappy, and suddenly bared her fangs at him, "Sure enough, men are all liars. You deserve to die!”
“…”
Bai Fanlu regretted saying the wrong thing, but he did mean it to an extent. After going up against a mountain bandit leader, a headless general, an evil monk, and even an eagle-winged mandrillA type of Old World Monkey.
, he had enough.
Ban Fanlu, with all the weapons he had on him, all the spells and techniques he knew—even though he did not take great damage, he was far from being intact as when he first arrived. He was still harbouring hopes that he could pass this stage easily, but he was dead wrong.
This fox fairy had an above average cultivation level. She did not use weapons and relied purely on spells. She was also capable of shape-shifting and divided into countless shadow-like figures around Bai Fanlu such that it was not easy for him to distinguish between illusions and her true form. Those illusions also drifted and whispered seductively in his ears with the intent to confuse his heart and mind.
Bai Fanlu sat down on the ground in the centre, bringing up a protective barrier around his body with an enchantment, and chanted in silence to still his mind from the fox fairy’s tricks. After a long time, she finally exposed herself.
Yet, the fox fairy seemed to know Bai Fanlu’s intentions, and let out a screech that pierced into his skull. Next, a wild fox dug its way out of the ground and lunged at Bai Fanlu’s chest. It was different from those shadowy figures, and had a physical form.
The wild fox moved at such great speed that Bai Fanlu couldn't avoid it this time. Its two fangs pierced through the front of his clothes and the moment it contacted his skin, a dazzling green light burst out of his chest. The wild fox was instantly shot down, rolled on the ground and twitched twice before turning into a plume of white smoke.
Seeing this scene, Bai Fanlu swept his glance, and caught the fox fairy with an odd expression. Then, he swiftly swung his sword and stabbed her while simultaneously casting a fixation spell.
The fox fairy was forced to reveal the position of her true form as the surrounding phantoms were suddenly retracted. She reached out both her hands to resist the blow of Bai Fanlu with all her strength. Bai Fanlu also flew up, seizing the opportunity to cast a thunder and fire spell. Since the fox fairy feared thunder, she was helpless to resist and transformed into a fox, curling into a fur ball and begging for mercy.
"Please have mercy, my lord. This fairy is obsessed but sincerely wishes to reincarnate and become a human. If my lord strikes another blow now, this fairy will have no chance to reincarnate. I hope my lord will be merciful and spare me.”
The magical sphere of another technique which Bai Fanlu had condensed in his hand could no longer be launched at these words.
It was not that he was soft-hearted, but her words ‘no chance to reincarnate’ made him think of someone else.
Suddenly, a purple thunder ball flew in obliquely. The fox fairy was peeking at Bai Fanlu but was struck in the next instance and with a wail, she shrank on the ground into a mass of Nether Ghost Flames.
"Excessive kindness is unacceptable.”
Bai Fanlu followed the direction of the voice, and the face of a stranger appeared. However, that figure with long black hair and voice revealed his identity. He turned out to be the lone ghost by the cable bridge!
Didn't the book say that he has never left the bridge? How come he is here? And he even struck the opponent for me?
"This fox relied on her immortal cultivation level and recklessly created trouble on earth. As such, she could not enter the reincarnation cycle. The ghosts who cross the solitary cable bridge are mostly heinous, and end up as Nether Ghost Flames. They could only enter the yellow spring after a century in existence and I caught them and trapped them here for fun.”
So that's how it is, the Nether Ghost Flames in this forest were originally formed like this.
"It is not wrong to do good deeds, but disregarding if it is right or wrong when doing them will harm you. If you encounter this kind of thing again, there may not be anyone around to help you, then what would you do?”
"...Senior’s teachings are wise.”
He was misunderstood. Bai Fanlu did not intend to show any mercy, but he accepted the lone ghost’s teaching humbly. The veiled hat had long been lost in the series of fights and revealed his face in entirety. This lone ghost would have seen him and knew that he was not a fellow ghost.
It was unacceptable for any living person who was not due to die, to make his way into the Ghost Realm. But this ghost's words sounded like he did not mean to make things difficult for Bai Fanlu. On the contrary, there was a hint of concern of a senior imparting wisdom to juniors.
Just as Bai Fanlu was hesitating, the lone ghost lifted his hand and pulled out the exact same veiled hatLike this:
, handed it to Bai Fanlu, saying, "I am returning this to the original owner.”
Bai Fanlu was taken aback. The meaning was obvious. The ghost knew his identity, but he planned to help him hide it?
"...Thank you, Senior.”
Bai Fanlu received the veiled hat and secretly stole a glance at the person while putting it on. The novel had described him quite mysteriously, and the original owner also addressed him respectfully as senior when they met. Bai Fanlu had thought he was at least a middle-aged person.
But surprisingly, this ghost looked very young, like he was only twenty-five or six years old. His long, loose hair made him look a little unruly. He did not have a very handsome appearance, but looked kind.
"If you want the Nether Ghost Flames, there are ways to obtain it in the mortal realm. It might even save you some effort.”
Bai Fanlu was stunned for a moment. What does he mean? There are nether ghost fires in the mortal realm?
Bai Fanlu immediately recalled the actual plot.
Xun Huang did not ask the original owner to help him gather the Nether Ghost Flames, but immediately awakened as soon as the time came. Did that mean that Xun Huang had already obtained them from the mortal world in the original plot?
"Dare I ask Senior, how may I obtain the nether ghost fire in the mortal world?”
"There is a type of grass with red roots in the mortal world. Do you know of it?”
Bai Fanlu shook his head, and the ghost added, "The red-rooted grass grows in snowy fields. A single plant takes five hundred years to be fully grown. It has red stems and green leaves and grows indefinitely, but can only survive for one month. Then, it will be another 500 years before anyone sees it again.”
Bai Fanlu thought about it and he had indeed encountered that plant!
"Anyone who consumes or touches the red-rooted grass will be turned into a Nether Ghost Flame once he or she dies. And that is how nether ghost fires are formed in the mortal world.”
Bai Fanlu suddenly realised that there were coincidentally seven people, old and young, who did just that. If they had not been rescued, they would become the seven Nether Ghost Flames!
At this moment, Bai Fanlu suddenly remembered something else. Xiao Liu had also touched the red-rooted grass.
He hurriedly asked, "What if a non-mortal came into contact with the grass?”
"It is the same result. But whether it is an immortal or a demon, the stronger the spiritual power one possesses, the stronger the Nether Ghost Flame it will become.”
"Does it mean that a Nether Ghost Flame that arises from an immortal is comparable to the strength of seven Nether Ghost Flames arising from seven mortals?”
"You can say that. Perhaps even more.” The lone ghost paused and answered, "Absorbing a Nether Ghost Flame can increase one’s cultivation level within a short time, but this method is also extremely dangerous and against the Heavenly Laws...you..."
The ghost shook his head, but didn't say anything else while Bai Fanlu frowned. This remark lingered and filled his mind, and he seemed to have some inkling as to why Xun Huang wanted him to kill Xiao Liu.
No wonder the Dragon God firmly stated that he bore no grudges nor resentment against Xiao Liu. He actually sensed the red-rooted grass aura in him, and wanted the Nether Ghost Flame!
Xun Huang could also have waited for Xiao Liu's poison to spread, but perhaps time did not allow him this choice, and he had to force Bai Fanlu’s hand and make a deal with him to take a trip into the Ghost Realm.
At this point, Bai Fanlu finally understood all of the affairs within Ling City.
Originally, Xun Huang’s true dragon form was sealed within the Investiture of Gods Platform. The person who sealed it was quite scheming. Knowing that Xun Huang was too strong and he would become a troublesome entity, the man deliberately erased Xun Huang’s memory and got him to guard the platform. Then, the mastermind erected an enchanted barrier on the periphery. Beyond this barrier was also where Ling City stood and so no one would have thought that there would be a dragon sealed under the city premises.
However, the appearance of the demonic qi rift became a turning point. In the novel, Yun Zhan and the original owner broke into the investiture of Gods Platform to seal the rift and this in turn affected the earth veins. The Dragon God beneath the ground showed signs of recovery, and the memory of the clone might also be jolted at the same time. As such, Xun Huang tried to break free of the memory enchantment, forcibly overturning Ling City, and then smoothly broke through the barrier.
This was the sequence of events that was originally meant to happen. But now it seemed that the novel left out why the entire Ling City sank and was buried and those survivors who ate the red-rooted grass, how they became Nether Ghost Flames and got absorbed by Xun Huang, prompting him to finally be awakened.
The first thing which was altered in the plot at present was the Demonic Energy Rift sealed back in Yingzhou. This action resulted in some changes to the earth veins but the exact influence was still a mystery. However, this incident certainly caused Xun Huang’s true form to stir in advance, causing Ling City’s demise.
Seven people who were supposed to have been killed in the snow were rescued by chance, so Xun Huang’s final awakening now lacked the necessary conditions.
And this seal which imprisoned Xun Huang had the same principles as all other barriers. There would be periods in time where it would become the weakest. Xun Huang was probably in a hurry because this period was nearing and it was a once-in-a-lifetime window.
After all, Xun Huang had now recovered his memory. His only goal was to escape the barrier, but he couldn't break through the enchantment trapping him and could not journey into the Ghost Realm. Thus, he was forced to cooperate with Bai Fanlu.
Having this epiphany, Bai Fanlu was experiencing the same emotions as the time in Yingzhou. His brain was overwhelmed with thoughts.
The ghost has been observing Bai Fanlu for a while. He did not speak when the man was deep in thought and also seemed to be relieved when he heard his response. Then, the ghost said again, "However, if you want to obtain the Nether Ghost Flame in the world, you have to be fated to encounter a chance. This plant came from the Demonic Realm. Only those from that realm can get hold of the seeds of that grass.
Bai Fanlu was taken aback. Could this be a hint that the red-rooted grass was planted intentionally in Ling City?
If someone planted it in Ling City, was the motive to fulfil the conditions to induce Xun Huang’s final awakening...Demonic Realm...
Big boss, Bai Junming!
If anyone had the scheming capability to do such a thing, that man was undoubtedly the best candidate.
"You want the Nether Ghost Flame to save someone?” The lone ghost asked suddenly.
Bai Fanlu restrained his thoughts and replied solemnly, "Yes, to save a very important friend.”
"I can tell.” The ghost nodded slightly and didn't ask any more.
Bai Fanlu glanced at the Nether Ghost Flames skipping around in the forest, turned to the lone ghost, clasped his fist and said, "Dare I ask, what is this Senior's good name?”
"Wu Zhong.”
Bai Fanlu silently memorised this name, "Thank you, Senior Wu. This junior needs only one last Ghost Flame. Can you please allow me, Senior?”
Wu Zhong raised his hand to him and motioned for him to continue.
Bai Fanlu took a deep breath, and was about to walk towards another Ghost Flame. Suddenly another flame drifted from his side and stopped in his palm.
"..." Bai Fanlu was baffled. What’s with this?
"It is destined to be yours.” Wu Zhong approached him at this time, and glanced at the Flame.
"If it is willing to help you, just accept it. It is also considered a merit on its part.”
Bai Fanlu was initially ready for another fight. At this time, he tried to place this Ghost Flame into his bag, and it didn't resist at all.
If every Nether Ghost Flame represented a life, then who did this one belong to?
Ban Fanlu only felt that it was gentle and lively as it danced on his palm. But could a life with such a warm trait turn into a Nether Ghost Flame?
Bai Fanlu had no clue at present and Wu Zhong said at this time, "Go back quickly, this is not where you should stay for long.”
Bai Fanlu nodded. Xiao Liu was still waiting for him, but before he could leave, he had another important matter to clarify, "Senior, this junior has one more thing to ask you.”
“Please speak.”
"If a Shadow Demon wishes to re-enter the reincarnation cycle, what should he do?”
"This..." Wu Zhong frowned slightly. Bai Fanlu knew it was not an easy question, but the system did give him a hint ‘Yellow Spring, Meng Po Soup’. That meant that it was something that could only be resolved in the Ghost Realm.
Wu Zhong shook his head, "You would have to ask Meng Po in regards to matters of reincarnation. I am only responsible for the Nether Ghost Flames on this side of the lone cable bridge, while she is in charge of life after death.
"This Junior understands, thank you.”
"Well, go on.” Wu Zhong nodded slightly and watched as Bai Fanlu swiftly headed off.
When the ghost saw him crossing the lone cable bridge, it seemed that the man was heading in the direction of the chain bridge. Wu Zhong shook his head and faced the dense forest where the flames gleamed like fireflies. He smiled.
"Your son is all grown up...he really resembles you a lot.”
Another cliff-hanger with additional questions!
Thank You for the new chapter （*’∀’人）♥