https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-643-Encounter-with-the-Reincarnate/12919812/
Chapter 644: Soul Linking Nether Shrine
Chapter 644: Soul Linking Nether Shrine
"Reincarnate?"
Just these words caused Hu Ma's heart to sink instantly.
No matter what, before truly meeting this person, there was still a glimmer of hope in his heart. But all these expectations and wishes vanished upon hearing the person's words.
He slowly walked into the main hall, step by step, his footsteps heavy.
Since things had come to this, there was no rush to say anything. If a fierce battle was inevitable, then as a Year Guardian, the closer he got to the main hall, the more advantage he would gain, even if the opponent had some sort of arrangement.
Distance was always the advantage of a Year Guardian.
As he stepped into the hall, his eyes carefully scanned the surroundings.
He saw the person wearing a white robe, untouched by the darkness and gloom of the City of the Wrongly Dead, giving off an ethereal aura.
In the exquisite, ancient-style hall, next to the potted plants in the corner, there was a phonograph, and he also saw the person's face—a refined and desolate middle-aged man with white hair at his temples.
There was indeed a reincarnate's detached aura, but there was one difference from what he had expected: he had thought that the codename 'Iron Guanyin' belonged to a woman.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Hu Ma slowly approached the man, speaking softly.
These words had to be laid out first, even if neither the speaker nor the listener believed them.
After saying this, he sized up the man while speaking softly, "Are you the one helping the Meng family create the Demon Mirror?"
The refined man slowly turned his head, and as Hu Ma scrutinized him, he also studied Hu Ma with a sigh in his eyes, as if in awe. "Of course, it's me."
"Only a reincarnate can find another reincarnate, isn't that so?"
"Now, under my guidance, the Nobleman Zhang Family and the Through-Yin Family Meng have joined forces and established the Nether Energy Interchange Matrix in the City of the Wrongly Dead... You can also understand it as a divine platform for summoning deities to hold the Demon Mirror."
"Now, there's only one crucial thing missing. Just as reincarnates can connect with each other through their Soul Shrines, through this formation, they can link with the earth's meridians, open a path to the Netherworld, and reflect the living world from the Netherworld. Those with Soul Shrines will naturally manifest in the mirror, making it impossible to escape in heaven or on earth."
"..."
Listening to his words, Hu Ma's heart sank.
Everything was as bad as a reincarnate could imagine, so the response had to be the most decisive.
However, in this worst-case scenario, there was also an unexpected stroke of luck. Hu Ma had already come within seven steps of the man, which was enough for a Year Guardian to take action.
The most crucial point, and also what surprised Hu Ma, was that he was so close, yet the man showed no reaction. There were no unusual arrangements around him, and there was no sign of cultivation on his body... He was just an ordinary person.
Of course, Hu Ma didn't dare to relax.
Killing him with a single strike as a Year Guardian was the most direct approach.
Alternatively, he could also use the red talisman to stick it to the man or directly summon the Pacifying Demons Golden Cudgel to strike him down.
With three backup plans, he could handle this matter securely, which was why Hu Ma was willing to come forward.
After all, he was facing a reincarnate, and Hu Ma had already made up his mind. But before taking action, he took a deep breath, calming himself. He looked at the man calmly and said, "So, you're Iron Guanyin?"
The refined man nodded slightly, a smile on his face. "You even know this codename?"
Hu Ma didn't follow his lead but said slowly, "I'm just here to do a job, to kill someone named Iron Guanyin."
"However, before I act, someone asked me to deliver a message to you."
"..."
The refined man was slightly startled. "What?"
Hu Ma spoke slowly, "They said they meant no disrespect, and although they intend to kill you, they understand that these past twenty years must have been difficult for you."
"Hmm?"
The refined man's expression suddenly froze, and his pupils seemed to reveal some unusual emotions.
Hu Ma took a deep breath; some things couldn't be said without ensuring safety.
But he believed the man understood.
No matter who it was, whether a person or a malevolent spirit, falling into the hands of the Nobleman Zhang Family and enduring twenty years of hardship would undoubtedly be tough.
They were all ordinary people and couldn't expect everyone to have such strong willpower.
Moreover, they both understood that if their positions were reversed, they might not have lasted as long, perhaps even breaking sooner...
So...
...You've had a tough time these past twenty years, brother.
...
After saying this, Hu Ma prepared to take action.
Having confirmed that he had found the reincarnate and that the person had betrayed them, Hu Ma had only three options: capture him, wrap him in a black robe, and take advantage of the chaos in the City of the Wrongly Dead to bring him out.
The second option was to use the power of the Pacifying Evil Office to summon the Golden Armored Warrior to apprehend him and send him back to the living world for interrogation.
Despite being a crucial element in many matters, Iron Guanyin himself needed to question him to uncover some information.
The third option was the worst-case scenario. If they couldn't take him away, they would have to kill him on the spot.
Even if it meant losing an important clue for the Reincarnate, they couldn't let him stay here.
Just as Hu Ma was contemplating what to do, Iron Guanyin, who had just overheard this conversation, slightly trembled in his pupils. He then nodded gently, his serene smile on his face seemingly melting at that moment. He sighed softly, "I haven't had any emotional fluctuations in twenty years."
"But in this short time, I've had two."
"The first was when you entered, and the second was just now when I heard your words."
"..."
His words were bitter, and he waved his hand dismissively, "However, whether you intend to kill me or capture me, there's no need to rush."
"You've realized I'm just a useless person, and you must be a Year Guardian. The distance between us is like that of killing a chicken. Moreover, the people in this city won't react so quickly, so we still have time to talk."
"I know there's a lot you don't understand."
"..."
These words struck a chord with Hu Ma, and despite his lingering caution, he focused intently on him.
"You say I've endured hardships..."
Iron Guanyin sighed softly, "That's something only an insider would say."
"But my bones aren't as strong as you think. In the hands of the Nobleman Zhang Family, they have numerous methods at their disposal. Still, my endurance isn't due to my great abilities."
"It's because my body has already lost sensation. Their torture is ineffective, and I can hide within the ruined Life Spirit Temple. They can't torment my divine soul or fathom my true nature."
"..."
He smiled and said, "If we're talking about extracting the Life Spirit Temple, they have their ways."
"But if they do that, the Life Spirit Temple will be destroyed, and they'll lose more than they gain."
"..."
Hu Ma listened, feeling a bit surprised, "Then why..."
"Because they used a beauty trap..."
Iron Guanyin smiled as he spoke, "People in this world aren't fools..."
"In fact, they started using beauty traps in the third year."
"Not only did they do their best to heal my broken body, but they also sent various women—tall, short, fat, and thin. Eventually, they found one I liked and took care of me, even giving me a son."
"How could anyone resist that?"
"..."
As Hu Ma listened, his heart sank slightly.
Children were the biggest weakness of Reincarnates, the very thing that allowed them to take root in a world they didn't belong to.
This wasn't really a secret, but Reincarnates sometimes unconsciously avoided mentioning it.
Because of this weakness, there was no solution.
"If..."
He slowly said, "If you've already entered the Zhang family's door, why haven't you..."
"Over the years, I've done a lot for the Zhang family."
Iron Guanyin smiled, "I guided them in Curse Techniques, nurtured their talented disciples, and taught them everything I know."
"I even imparted knowledge from my past life, shared our world, our understanding of things, and our beliefs. Sometimes, I regret not learning more in my previous life."
"Because I clearly saw their hearts waver and fear as I spoke."
"If I had learned more and understood more deeply, perhaps I could have shattered their faith with these teachings."
"..."
"But..."
As Hu Ma listened, he felt a slight tremor, but what he wanted to ask was something else.
"But why haven't you helped them kill other Reincarnates in the past twenty years?"
Iron Guanyin laughed, "That requires someone with a complete Life Spirit Temple, which I don't have. Twenty years ago, when the Nobleman Zhang Family captured me, my Life Spirit Temple was already destroyed."
"I could hide inside, but I couldn't contact anyone else."
"And this is why, even after helping the Nobleman Zhang Family and the Through-Yin Family Meng create that divine platform, we still haven't successfully crafted the Demon Mirror..."
"..."
"The Life Spirit Temple is destroyed?"
Hearing this news, Hu Ma's heart suddenly trembled.
He suddenly thought of something dangerous and looked intently at Iron Guanyin's face.
"If that's the case, then this Demon Mirror..."
"..."
"It's obvious, it's just a conspiracy."
Iron Guanyin smiled and slowly spoke, "They're waiting for someone with a complete Life Spirit Temple to come along, and now, here you are."
(End of Chapter)
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