Chapter 84: Aiming to Conquer the Wugui Secret Realm!
Chapter 84: Aiming to Conquer the Wugui Secret Realm!
In the Wugui Secret Realm, at the Tingyou Sect’s headquarters.
Unlike other regions of the Secret Realm, this central base had gradually evolved into a full-fledged city over centuries, maintained by Ghost Enforcers who patrolled endlessly to suppress the Soulbound Wraiths that roamed the land.
This city was known as Vain Death City.
At its towering heart stood a colossal statue piercing the heavens. Nearly eighty percent of the Secret Realm’s population gathered here, all under the shadow of this monumental figure. Its face bore the unmistakable features of the Tingyou Sect’s founding Patriarch. Beneath the statue loomed a grand, golden hall—the secluded cultivation hall of the sect’s eight elders. Since the Tingyou Sect revered only the Patriarch and had no living leader, all matters were decided collectively by these eight. Normally, only one elder remained awake at a time, while the other seven entered deep hibernation.
This was necessary. The sect’s cultivation system—offering one’s body to nurture ghosts—drastically shortened lifespans. Without this method of preservation, they would soon be devoured by the very Soulbound Wraiths they controlled.
Yet now, six elders had awakened.
At the head of the chamber sat Elder Bai Wuchang, his youthful face framed by a tall, gaunt frame and flowing white robes. A chilling smile never left his lips as he spoke:
“The destruction of the Patriarch’s statue is no minor incident.”
“Before the statue fell, the Patriarch’s divine decree reached us—ordering us to find the culprit at all costs. That is why I’ve roused you all.”
He paused, glancing at the two empty seats. “Where are Wen and Wu?”
A burly warrior rose, clad in armor with a bull’s head mounted on one shoulder. “They’ve just returned to their bodies. Their revival will take time.”
Bai Wuchang nodded. “Very well. We’ll wait.”
Before the words faded, another figure stood—a black-robed Daoist with a broad, menacing face. “Why wait? I say we act now.”
“The records state that while outsiders may be strong, none at the Patriarch’s level dare enter. Those weaker than him are our equals at best. Did we not recently defeat those who claimed to be disciples of the Divine Martial Gate?”
He sneered. “Why delay? The Ri You Shen and Ye You Shen are already active. They can monitor the entire Secret Realm. No outsider can hide from us.”
“Brother speaks wisely,” chimed in a three-eyed youth with a charming smile. “What’s one rogue cultivator from the outside world to us?”
The Tingyou Sect’s eight elders had once borne personal names, but upon ascending to elders, they adopted titles based on their bound ghosts: the Black and White Wuchang, Wen Wu Panguan, Ox-Head & Horse-Face, the Ri and Ye You Shen. Each commanded unique, supernatural powers.
The three-eyed speaker was the Ri You Shen, whose golden, sun-like third eye could pierce all visible phenomena in the Secret Realm. His twin, the Ye You Shen, saw what was hidden. Together, no secret in the Wugui Realm could escape their gaze.
Clearly, the elders were divided. Bai Wuchang, Ox-Head & Horse-Face, and Wen Wu Panguan favored caution, insisting on waiting for full strength. The Black Wuchang and Ri You Shen, however, brimmed with confidence, eager to strike alone.
Bai Wuchang’s smile never wavered as he countered, “This isn’t just about the statue. The culprit is tied to a grand scheme of our sect.”
“This realm is a prison. To escape and ascend, we must find a way beyond the Golden Core Sword Qi that looms above.”
The Black Wuchang scoffed. “You think this outsider can break the Sword Qi? No one has dared challenge it in centuries.”
The others shuddered at the mention of the Sword Qi—a lethal barrier hanging over the Secret Realm, a nightmare that had cowed generations.
“Not us,” Bai Wuchang said, “but perhaps someone from outside.”
His certainty swayed even the skeptics.
At that moment, two more presences flickered into the hall. Faint figures materialized in the empty seats—one clutching a brush and scroll, the other holding a mirror aloft.
“Wen Wu Panguan have awakened!” Bai Wuchang declared. “Ri You Shen, locate the target. Ox-Head & Horse-Face, prepare to move.”
The Ri You Shen nodded, both activating their divine eyes—only to freeze.
“Can’t you find him?” Bai Wuchang pressed.
“No,” the Ri You Shen replied, stunned. “He’s not hiding. He’s outside Vain Death City.”
Beyond the city walls, Lv Yang stood, gripping the Ten-Thousand Spirit Banner. He had no intention of leaving the Tingyou Sect intact. This Secret Realm would be his stronghold, and he longed to meet the ancient ghost sect’s hidden mastermind.
“Let’s send a greeting.”
With a thought, a radiant halo formed behind his head—a mirror-like projection from the Sage Body Theft Cultivation Technique. Its light swept over the city.
Instantly, every Soulbound Wraith within the sect convulsed, shrieking in agony.
Then—
“Dark Yin Soul Grasp Supreme Art!”
Lv Yang slashed his fingers. The halo shattered, unleashing a wave of annihilating curses.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Without warning, every cultivator in Vain Death City clutched their necks, blood gushing from sudden gashes.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Heads toppled in unison, a thunderous cacophony shaking the city.
Hundreds of Soulbound Wraiths, freed from their masters, surged toward Lv Yang, who unfurled the Ten-Thousand Spirit Banner. It devoured them hungrily, swallowing hundreds in moments.
“Bastard!”
Eight blood-red beams erupted from the city’s heart. The elders burst forth, eyes blazing—not for their fallen disciples, but for the theft of their bound ghosts.
Bai Wuchang stepped forward. “You destroyed our Patriarch’s statue?”
Lv Yang ignored him, scanning the city. His gaze settled on the towering statue.
“There.”
In a flash, he vanished.
“What!?”
The elders whirled, finally spotting him—seated atop the Patriarch’s statue.
He gazed down, calm and unyielding.
“I’ve come as invited, Senior. Where are you?”
(End of Chapter)
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