Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 535 Do you have any last words about your skills?
Seeing this, Lin Shuang paused in her hand seals, just as she was about to try and glean some information from the Yin soldiers.

[Judging from the word "master" used by the ghostly soldier just now, it should refer to the leader of the ghostly soldiers?]

Moreover, the ghostly soldiers were so polite, even addressing them as "Immortal Masters"?

[There were probably quite a few people attending today's banquet, including the "immortal masters" in the eyes of these ghostly soldiers. Could it be that there are other cultivators here colluding with ghostly entities?]

Unexpectedly, you coldly replied, "Kill them all."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Xue Ruyi and her companion made hand seals and unleashed their power. They produced yellow talismans from their sleeves, and with a slight movement of their lips, a wisp of eerie yellow fire shot out from the talisman.

The fire, initially small, quickly flared into a raging inferno, engulfing the first few ghostly soldiers and reducing them to ashes.

[Lin Shuang and her two companions were a beat too slow; by the time they made their move, dozens of ghostly soldiers had already scaled the city wall. The bluestone bricks were instantly enveloped in a swirling aura of yin energy.]

All five were at the late stage of the Solidifying Spirit realm; as they displayed their supernatural abilities, sword energy and talismanic fire intertwined to form a net.

[In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, all the ghostly soldiers on the city wall were killed.]

However, the commotion on the city wall also attracted the attention of Wancheng.

[More and more ghostly soldiers gathered and returned, forming dense, orderly groups of a thousand.]

[Sparkling eerie green flames appeared around the city walls. At the end of the long street, thousands of ghostly soldiers surged forward in battle formation, with three ghostly generals riding skeletal horses leading the charge.]

[This scale exceeded the five people's expectations, and it even included a three-headed, late-stage Body Shaping Realm demon general.]

This is a tricky situation and will be difficult to resolve in a short time.

Seeing this, Wei Zhi said impatiently, "Senior Brother Zhou, aren't you afraid of alerting the enemy by making a move like this?"

You ignored her, your eyes fixed on the deathly stillness of the city; even at your level, you couldn't sense a trace of life.

You turned to look at Wei Zhi and said, "At this moment, my orders are the ironclad rules of the team."

"If you do not comply, you may return to Fangcun Mountain first."

【"you……"】

Lin Shuang pulled back the enraged Wei Zhi. They couldn't afford to disagree now; they needed to deal with the approaching horde of Yin soldiers and generals.

[She glanced at the direction of the City Lord's Mansion out of the corner of her eye, and felt a chill run down her spine at the towering, eerie aura emanating from it.]

[The city lord who can command a late-stage Body Shaping Yin general to submit is likely a powerful cultivator at the Solidifying Spirit Realm.]

If we had inquired earlier, wouldn't we have gotten more useful information?

This senior brother Zhou was a bit reckless.

Thousands of ghostly soldiers have already arrived; few have time to think things through.

Each side employed its own methods.

[Your voice came through: "Zhang Tong is attacking the enemy's front line, the Xue siblings are controlling the left flank, and Wei Zhi is guarding the right flank."]

"Lin Shuang, use a powerful spell."

"I'll cover for you."

The five people complied, and their reaction and response were much better than you expected.

[The elder sister, Xue Ruyi, flicked yellow talismans between her fingers, while the younger sister, Xue Ruxin, exhaled crimson flames from her lips. The two lines of fire intertwined in the air, turning the ghostly soldiers in their path into wisps of smoke. The two formed a defensive formation back to back, erecting a wall of fire on the left flank.]

Zhang Tong is a practitioner of metal-based magic. He possesses a set of military-style battle pills that can cover his body, possessing astonishing power and capable of tearing apart evil spirits with his bare hands.

He led the way alone, without flinching or hesitation.

Wei Zhi formed hand seals, holding prepared magical artifacts. Under her spell, the bricks and stones on the city wall rose from the ground, instantly transforming into two four-zhang-tall "Earth-Element Warriors." With a swing of their stone fists, more than ten Yin soldiers were crushed into dust.

Lin Shuang, wielding water-based magical power, had a pair of cold jade bracelets on her wrists that spun in the air, instantly transforming into a frost ring seven or eight zhang wide that hovered above the battlefield.

[The ring surged with chilling energy, and millstone-sized chunks of ice poured down like meteors, smashing several gaps in the charging Yin soldiers' formation.]

Amidst the flying ice shards, the movements of the ghostly soldiers visibly slowed, and thick frost formed on their armor.

[Fire magic, earth-based warrior, and Zhang Tong's ancient martial arts combat techniques.]

The five worked together seamlessly, clearly indicating this wasn't their first operation.

[This is far superior to the heroes and Tu Xing you encountered when you first descended the mountain in the State of Chen.]

This also shows that the quality of the disciples recruited by Xiao Qingfeng is getting higher and higher.

The battle intensified. Although two or three-tenths of the thousand-strong Yin army had been wiped out, the five warriors' magical power was gradually waning. Zhang Tong, especially, who was charging at the forefront, found his breathing becoming heavy even after consuming a Qi-restoring pill, and the gleam of his gilded battle pill dimmed somewhat.

According to past tactics, Lin Shuang should be taking his place now.

But with you present today, all five of them unconsciously slowed their attacks, their gazes frequently drifting in your direction.

Lin Shuang also intentionally remained silent, waiting to see how you would act.

You finally spoke, "Your cultivation and magic are far superior to these Yin soldiers, yet you cannot utilize your advantage to kill even a single Yin soldier with a fraction of your power."

"That's why we're in such a predicament now."

Wei Zhi retorted, "You're good at talking big, but the five of us hunted down demons at the Dao Embryo stage during our last trial."

"If you're really that capable, then you try."

You didn't rush to attack, your gaze falling on Zhang Tong: "Junior Brother Zhang, you've practiced the 'Immaculate Glass Body,' haven't you?"

Seeing the look of surprise on his face, you continued, "Try breaking down the twelve forms, pausing for a breath after every two moves, then connecting with the third move, and then combining it with your family's traditional Battle Pill technique."

Zhang Tong paused, realizing that this secret physical technique of Xiao Qingfeng was his foundation, yet it had been seen through at a glance.

He parted the two ghostly soldiers, his voice full of hesitation, "This... if we don't unleash our power, wouldn't we be wasting our magical energy?"

"Junior Brother Zhang, step back three paces, hold the three-step fist seal without striking, then turn to the Six Harmonies starting stance."

[Zhang Tong observed that your demeanor seemed genuine, so he tried to imitate you. Just as the third move, "Suppressing the Mountain," was about to end, a sudden change occurred.]

【"Aunt--"】

His left fist spontaneously condensed into a dazzling golden light, instantly freezing the Yin soldier who was struck, while his figure mysteriously shifted three zhang to the right.

"What is this?!" Zhang Tong stared in shock at his fist. The battle aura was resonating with the force of his fist, forming a mysterious trajectory around his body.

He had studied this technique for years, yet he was unaware of the subtle variations it contained.

Zhang Tong was no fool after all. A glint flashed in his eyes, and his fist technique suddenly changed. He held back his three moves, and when he unleashed the fourth move, "Zhenyuan," the golden light from before reappeared, and the nearest Yin soldiers instantly froze.

Even more remarkably, he used the momentum to shift sideways, moving with the agility of a fish through the enemy ranks. He no longer needed to expend his magic power to dodge and weave, and thus avoided being surrounded as soon as he had just killed a few Yin soldiers.

Wei Zhi and the others couldn't help but glance sideways—Zhang Tong's movements were unpredictable and erratic, weaving through the Yin Soldier formation as if it were empty. What shocked them most was the undisguised astonishment on Zhang Tong's face at the beginning; clearly, even he himself hadn't realized this technique could be used in this way.

[You then looked at Wei Zhi and said calmly, "This Earth-elemental Warrior technique isn't suitable for you. Your spiritual roots should be a combination of Earth and Wood."] [Wei Zhi's eyes narrowed upon hearing this. She had dual spiritual roots; this was something only the five of them, being close friends, knew. How did you find out?]

However, her talent in earth-elemental spiritual roots far surpasses that in wood-elemental roots, so she specializes in earth-elemental magic.

Wei Zhi did indeed practice the "Azure Emperor's Longevity Technique," but this also proves that she lacked talent in wood-element cultivation, so she switched to earth-element cultivation.

"Using the 'Rejuvenation of Withered Wood' technique on a warrior?" She frowned. Earth-element warriors were inanimate objects; how could they cast wood-based spells?

Seeing that she hadn't yet grasped the essence, you sighed softly, "Has the art of talismans been passed down to the elders who impart their skills?"

Lin Shuang's eyes suddenly flashed, and she pulled a yellow talisman from her sleeve: "Use the exorcism talisman!"

She lightly touched the talisman with her fingertip, "and placed it between the warrior's eyebrows, using the talisman as a medium."

Wei Zhi then realized that although the exorcism talisman was the most basic talisman, it was now the perfect medium to communicate between the spell and the puppet. She quickly made a hand seal, and the two powerful figures returned and knelt beside her. She then placed the talisman on their foreheads simultaneously.

A strange feeling arose within her; she had only thought of it, yet the two strongmen could actually use the "Rejuvenation of Withered Trees" technique.

[An astonishing scene unfolded—the warrior's rough, earthen body began to sprout vibrant green vines, transforming in the blink of an eye into two armored, spear-wielding giant wooden generals!]

Wei Zhi's eyes widened in shock. The gnarled vines around the two powerful figures seemed to writhe like living creatures, and their originally heavy, earthen bodies radiated a vibrant life force.

She clearly sensed that the wooden armor warrior's power had more than doubled—each strike carried an inexhaustible supply of wood spirit energy, and wherever it passed, the Yin soldiers fell like wheat being harvested.

She murmured, "Earth-type Warrior and Withered Tree Rejuvenating, can they be used like this?"

Could it be that she really practiced the wrong method?

[Look at Lin Shuang again. This woman is intelligent; with just a little guidance, she mastered the method, and you seem quite satisfied.]

Lin Shuang stared at the exploding ice crystals filling the sky, her heart filled with shock and disbelief. She had diligently practiced this "Ice Soul Summoning" technique for half a year, yet she had never imagined it could unleash such frigid energy in mid-air.

[At this moment, each exploding ice crystal was several times more powerful than before, capable of annihilating dozens of Yin soldiers in a single burst.]

[With the same guidance from the Xue sisters, the power of the fire magic they used increased several times over.]

Lin Shuangzhen was somewhat incredulous. Not only were you proficient in body cultivation techniques, but you were also skilled in earth, water, and fire magic.

Moreover, your nonchalant tone makes it seem as if these spells are nothing to be alarmed about.

"A quarter of an hour," you suddenly said, your voice carrying a hint of testing, "to see if you can wipe out all these ghostly soldiers."

The five of them gained some confidence, and with your guidance, they benefited greatly.

[Especially Zhang Tong, whose cultivation level hadn't improved, but whose combat power far surpassed his previous level, and who was also the most dedicated.]

Secondly, there are the Xue sisters; they only want praise from their senior brother.

As the smoke cleared, the last grotesque general, along with his skeletal warhorse, was blasted to pieces by Zhang Tong's single punch.

The five men, panting, exchanged glances, all somewhat incredulous—they had annihilated this entire army of ghostly soldiers in just half an hour.

"It's alright, not bad."

You glanced around at the scene of devastation and calmly said, "Rest for an hour. Then, following the route from the city gates, begin the clearing operation from the west gate. We'll meet at the city lord's mansion."

Following your gaze, everyone saw that the dark clouds hovering above the City Lord's Mansion were as thick as ink.

[Lin Shuang was about to speak when she saw azure clouds rise beneath your feet, transforming into a sword shuttle, and you floated into the air.]

Lin Shuang blurted out, "Senior brother, are you going alone?"

"Judging from these ferocious Yin soldiers, there's a high probability that some of them are at the Solidifying Spirit Realm, or even the Dao Embryo Realm. Senior Brother, why don't we go together and support each other?"

You just shook your head.

Wei Zhi, in the group, also frowned, knowing that your actions were inappropriate.

Zhang Tong also spoke up to dissuade him: "Senior brother, please think twice before you act. Going alone is naturally extremely dangerous."

[If your cultivation were exceptionally high, they naturally wouldn't offer such advice. But your cultivation is the same as theirs; neither of you has broken through to the Dao Embryo stage.]

[If there are actually multiple Yin generals who are considered to be invincible, then what should you do? You alone cannot deal with them.]

[You didn't explain, but once the "Sword Escape Technique" was activated, you were already dozens of feet away.]

[Without explanation, you unleashed the "Sword Escape Technique" and vanished into the distance.]

The five people on the city wall fell silent.

Zhang Tong sighed. He had just begun to have a much better opinion of this senior brother, but this risky move was truly unwise.

Wei Zhi's expression was also complicated. This Senior Brother Zhou did have some skill, but he was too arrogant and not cautious enough.

The Xue sisters, however, were not in a hurry. They simply followed your instructions to meditate and regulate their breathing, and said with a smile, "Senior Brother Zhang Tong, there's no need to worry."

"Senior Brother Zhou, you're really amazing!"

Zhang Tong smiled helplessly.

[You escaped the five people's sight, unleashing your true sword-escape technique. In an instant, you were as ethereal as a wisp of silk, standing before the vermilion gates of the city lord's mansion.]

[Only then could be seen that the gilded beast-head door knockers still bore traces of undried blood, seemingly testifying to the danger and eeriness of this place.]

As for why you came alone, Lin Shuang was half right. The beings lurking deep within Wancheng are far more than just those at the Solidifying Spirit Realm.

You gaze at the black mist seeping from the crack in the door—it is the Yin King who has truly stepped into the Heavenly Gate Realm.

Since you came alone, Lin Shuang and the others can't offer much help.

At this point, not a single person in the entire city had survived.

The Demon King had already sensed their presence the moment they stepped onto the city walls.

The ghostly soldier gestured an invitation, "Esteemed immortal masters, why are you so late?"

[Actually, it's the Demon King; we're using him to speak.]

The reason you decisively ordered the executions was because you saw through the entire Wancheng; it was essentially an extension of its intelligence network.

At that moment, the mansion gates opened without any wind, and a majestic voice emanated from within the thick, inky aura: "Knowing that I am here, you still dare to come alone?"

The voice carried a hint of mockery, yet the pressure from the Heavenly Gate Realm was as vast and overwhelming as a mountain.

[You look up at the sky above the City Lord's Mansion, where the pitch-black yin energy has transformed into a black, eerie face, like the gaping maw of a gluttonous beast.]

You look up at the overwhelming, eerie aura surrounding you. "Any last words?"

The black mist suddenly surged, and the entire mansion trembled amidst the Yin King's furious laughter: "Last words?! How dare a mere junior from Fangcun Mountain speak such nonsense?!"

You shook your head. "Your last words were utter nonsense."

(End of this chapter)