Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 1003 Zhenyou Pavilion

Some of them were hunched over like old, decaying trees, their robes tattered, trailing wisps of gray mist.

Some figures still faintly show their former upright silhouettes, their armor tattered, revealing the dark patina of decayed metal.

Even worse, some bodies were mutilated, with a dark, malevolent aura emanating from the severed ends...

However bizarre and terrifying their forms may be, they are all dressed in ancient and decaying robes with indistinguishable patterns, and the vicissitudes of time and the aura of death that have settled on them are so thick that they seem to drip off.

What's even more terrifying is that these newly appearing spirits are by no means static.

As soon as they appeared, their countless empty or ghostly green and pale "eye sockets" locked onto the group of people in the arena who were full of life.

At the same time, their "arms," ​​formed from pure yin energy, began to instinctively, sometimes stiffly, sometimes swiftly, perform various ancient hand seals.

Control the wind! Freeze ice! Gather fire! Draw evil spirits!
Around several particularly powerful Yin spirits, the space itself rippled slightly, as if attempting to twist and cut.

Most of these spells are incomplete and their power is far less than when they were at their peak. However, when dozens or even hundreds of spirits with spellcasting abilities act at the same time, the resulting torrent of Yin energy still pours down like the River Styx bursting its banks.

Its power was so great that it would make any Dao-seeking True Monarch change color and feel their scalp tingle instantly.

Everyone was already on edge from the horrifying sight, but fortunately Chen Mu had given a warning and reacted very quickly.

The moonlight around Si Xuanshuang surged, and the illusory image of the ice lotus suddenly solidified. Its cold radiance expanded outwards like a tide, enveloping Murong Xi and Si Tengxiao who were closest to her.

Fu Danian roared, and the crimson-gold flames on the Xuan Yang Greatsword erupted like a volcano. The sword's momentum was as fierce as a dragon, sweeping across his body and slashing away the surging filth and several approaching Yin spirit vanguards. The scorching sword intent and Yin energy collided fiercely, sizzling and exploding continuously.

Murong Xi's delicate hands moved like butterflies flitting among flowers, and countless sharp sword energies condensed out of thin air, shooting towards several Yin spirits on the left who were forming hand seals to gather ghost fire like a torrential rain. Where the sword rain passed, the ghost fire was extinguished, and the Yin spirits' figures fluctuated violently.

Si Tengxiao then summoned a jade shield that shone with a deep blue light, which instantly expanded to protect his sides.

Wei Cangdong silently crushed a jade talisman, and a thick, earthy-yellow light shield rose up, protecting himself and the surrounding space.

The three heroes of Cangshan were already terrified, scrambling and crawling desperately to get behind the domain opened up by Si Xuanshuang and the blazing sword light of Fu Danian.

In his panic, Pang Yuanba grabbed the copper hammer that had been knocked away earlier. Without looking where he was going, he closed his eyes and swung it wildly while yelling. In doing so, he stirred up a chaotic energy in front of him and accidentally blocked a few scattered attacks.

In an instant, amidst the churning black mist, flashes of spiritual light, deafening explosions, the clash of ice and fire, the crisscrossing of sword energy, and the fierce collision of various protective auras and Yin Sha spells, the battle was incredibly intense.

Taking the opportunity, Si Xuanshuang glanced at the group of Yin spirits casting spells with hand seals and keenly caught a strange rhythm faintly revealed in their broken movements as they cast their spells.

A thought flashed through her mind like lightning, and she immediately exclaimed, "These spirits are probably not just a simple gathering of yin energy. They seem to carry the resentment and fighting spirit left over from the past, which is why they can use incomplete ancient techniques! But... why is this lingering resentment so violent? Why does it drive the spirits that have been born here to fight the living to the death?"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

However, upon arriving at this place, apart from the boundless gloomy fog and eerie spirits, there was nothing else to be found. Despite having a thousand questions, it was difficult to understand the reason behind it.

As Fu Danian swung his sword, he said in a rough voice, "Forget about any lingering resentment! This place is so sinister; the source must be the culprit! To find out, we must break through to the place of spiritual light!"

"Excellent!" Murong Xi's sword energy surged like a rainbow, forcing back several spirits. Her voice was clear and melodious. "Entanglement is pointless. Let's finish this quickly!"

Si Xuanshuang nodded slightly, the last trace of surprise in her eyes replaced by icy coldness.

After the initial shock, she has completely calmed down.

The dozens of evil spirits appeared terrifying, but most of them had limited strength and lacked intelligence, relying solely on instinct and lingering resentment.

Everyone present was a master of their respective sects. Once they regained their footing and exerted their full strength, escaping or even annihilating them would not be difficult!

"Go all out and clear the way!" Si Xuan Shuang made her decision, her voice resolute.

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison, without holding back any further.

Fu Danian roared like thunder, and the Xuan Yang Greatsword completely transformed into a roaring fire dragon. Crimson gold flames burned the sky and boiled the sea, frantically annihilating any Yin spirits that dared to approach. Wherever it passed, the Yin energy evaporated like snow meeting boiling water.

Murong Xi changed her sword technique, transforming her sword energy from fine and dense to vast and powerful. Streaks of chilling sword energy, each ten feet long, tore through the mist and precisely slashed at the Yin spirits that posed a greater threat by casting spells.

Si Tengxiao's jade shield suddenly shone with a blue light and charged forward, smashing the two attacking Yin spirits to pieces.

Wei Cangdong also removed his protective shield and summoned a dark, short halberd. The halberd flashed, carrying the power to ward off evil, and he killed any fish that had escaped.

Chen Mu was not uninvolved either.

His gaze was deep and focused as he faced several twisted figures rushing towards him, accompanied by a chilling aura. He took a step forward.

"town!"

As the deep shout fell, his aura surged forth, a vast and boundless, profound and heavy watery energy, as if an ancient, dormant sea eye had awakened at this moment.

The sound of raging waves exploded out of nowhere. It was not real water, but a raging torrent of the vast ocean formed by pure spiritual power and boundless will. It also contained a vast artistic conception that could cleanse the soul and wash away resentment!
An invisible giant wave surged forth from Chen Mu, instantly engulfing the several approaching Yin spirits.

"Ugh——!"

The spirits, swept by the invisible waves of fury, trembled violently and let out a shrill, desperate scream.

The violent, lingering resentment that clung to them, driving their spells and attacks, was like filth thrown into boiling water, quickly dissolving and peeling away under the scouring of the raging waves.

Without the support of lingering resentment, the form condensed from yin energy seemed to lose its core, instantly becoming sluggish and scattered.

Immediately afterwards, to everyone's astonishment, the bodies of these spirits disintegrated silently like weathered sand sculptures, transforming into several strands of incomparably pure, profound and dark Yin energy, which slowly floated in the thick fog. Although still cold, they had lost their violent and ferocious nature, leaving only pure energy source.

Chen Mu's gaze swept over those few strands of pure Yin energy, his thoughts racing.

In the Eastern Desolate Valley of Guixu, the Banner of the Soul Ancestor absorbed a massive amount of Yin energy, and the "Tai Xuan" who was sleeping within it showed signs of awakening, but it was still one step away from being fully awakened.

And the Yin essence that has emerged from the dissipation of Yin spirits before us seems to be even more refined...

Don't miss out!

Without hesitation, he stirred his mind, and the phantom of the Soul Ancestor Banner in his sea of ​​consciousness trembled slightly.

The next moment, a small black banner with an ancient design and countless shadowy figures floating on its surface appeared in his hand.

"lead!"

Chen Mu's energy was connected to the banner, and his divine thoughts reflected it.

The banner of the Soul Ancestor moves without wind, its surface gently unfurling.

Those few wisps of pure Yin energy that were floating around were instantly drawn by an invisible force, transforming into several thin streams that disappeared into the banner.

hum!
Chen Mu focused his mind and sensed that deep within the core of the Soul Ancestor Banner, the divine soul imprint representing "Tai Xuan" flickered extremely slightly after absorbing these few strands of pure Yin essence.

Though faint, it was as clear as the first spark ignited in the darkness.

It's done! This stuff is indeed very nourishing!
An overwhelming joy welled up in Chen Mu's heart.

Just moments ago, I was worried that the number of evil spirits was too great to eliminate completely, but now I only feel that they haven't "contributed" enough "evil spirits".

This great opportunity is truly mysterious and difficult to describe; fortune and misfortune are intertwined.

He suddenly looked up, his gaze sweeping intently across the numerous Yin spirits still roaring and attacking on the battlefield. His eyes held no more fear, but were instead filled with… anticipation. “Junior Brother Chen, catch!” Murong Xi, quick-witted and perceptive, though not fully aware of the specifics, immediately understood when she saw the slight joy on Chen Mu's face after absorbing the Yin energy.

With a flick of her sword, she gathered the scattered Yin energy that had been destroyed by the sword energy, and with a light wave of her hand, several strands of pure Yin energy drifted toward Chen Mu.

"Thank you, Senior Sister!" Chen Mu didn't stand on ceremony. He rolled up the Soul Ancestor Banner and absorbed everything.

Taigen's mark inside the banner brightened slightly.

Upon seeing this, Fu Danian burst into laughter: "Haha, Brother Chen, what a clever trick! These filthy things are still useful after they die? You've gotten a bargain!"

He swept his greatsword across, and the flames incinerated several Yin spirits. He then followed suit, gathering the scattered Yin energy and driving it toward Chen Mu.

Although Si Xuan Shuang did not speak, as the Ice Lotus Domain expanded, a chilling aura permeated the air. After freezing and strangling the Yin spirits, she also used her magic power to wrap up wisps of pure Yin essence and send them to Chen Mu.

Si Tengxiao and Wei Cangdong followed suit.

Chen Mu accepted all comers; the Soul Ancestor Banner was like a bottomless pit, constantly swallowing the dissipating Yin energy from the battlefield.

At the same time, the frequency of Taigen's mark within the banner increased, and the light became more and more stable.

The battle situation quickly became clear as everyone went all out.

Although the number of spirits was large, they lacked unified command. Under the tacit cooperation and fierce attacks of the group, they fell one by one like harvested wheat.

The three heroes of Cangshan, who had been cowering in the back and were terrified earlier, now saw that the Yin spirit was in defeat and the danger had greatly diminished, and their eyes started to dart around again.

The three of them huddled together and whispered a few words to each other.

"Big brother, second brother, did you see that? That Fellow Daoist Chen seems to treasure these Yin energies quite a bit!" Zhu Mancang said, his beady eyes gleaming as he carried the scales.

"Exactly! Fairy and the others took the initiative to deliver it, so this Fellow Daoist Chen must have an extraordinary status in the group!" Hou Tong rubbed his greasy fish drum.

Pang Yuanba narrowed his small eyes and patted his thick chest: "Fortune favors the bold! Now is the perfect opportunity to make a name for ourselves! Brothers, follow me! Let's gather Yin energy for Fellow Daoist Chen! Remember, pick those that are about to fall apart and are far away. Safety first!"

Having made up their minds, the three of them seemed to be instantly injected with adrenaline, shedding their previous timidity and charging out of the protective circle with shouts!

"Fellow Daoist Chen, don't worry! I, Pang, am here to help you!"

"Hou Tong is here! You demon, do not flee!"

"Zhu Mancang is here! Watch my fair scales collect your yin energy!"

The three of them howled and targeted lone ghosts that had been attacked and weakened by the crowd and were moving slowly.

Pang Yuanba swung his copper hammer with great force, but mostly missed. Hou Tong banged his fish drum randomly, creating noise and interference. Zhu Mancang, on the other hand, was the most "pragmatic." He spotted a Yin spirit that had been severely injured by Murong Xi's sword energy, and suddenly scooped up a small ball of pure Yin essence with his scales.

Then, he eagerly presented it to Chen Mu with a fawning smile: "Fellow Daoist Chen! Please accept this!"

Chen Mu looked at the trio of lively characters, his lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and he nodded, rolling up the banner and accepting it.

Time passed amidst the fierce battles and the constant gathering of Yin energy.

Four or five hours later, as the last unwilling scream was extinguished by Fu Danian's blazing sword light, the last Yin spirit figure also completely dissipated, turning into a wisp of Yin energy, which was absorbed by the Soul Ancestor Banner.

The deafening roar of the battlefield finally subsided into deathly silence.

Only the thick black fog continued to churn, and the lingering eerie atmosphere remained in the air.

Chen Mu closed his eyes and focused his mind on the Soul Ancestor Banner.

At its core, the divine soul imprint belonging to "Tai Xuan" was no longer flickering faintly, but was steadily glowing like breathing, emitting a deep and powerful fluctuation that was about to awaken from its slumber.

It absorbed the pure essence of nearly a hundred Yin spirits from this place, both in quantity and quality far exceeding expectations, which was more than enough.

The rest is just a matter of time, letting it slowly refine and absorb on its own.

He slowly opened his eyes and nodded slightly to Si Xuan Shuang, who was looking over.

Si Xuan Shuang was incredibly intelligent. Although she didn't know exactly what the black banner was, she saw that Chen Mu's expression was calm with a hint of satisfaction, and she knew that her goal had been achieved.

Her gaze swept over the slightly weary but still spirited crowd, finally settling on the direction of the hazy spiritual light that appeared even clearer and more stable in the sea of ​​mist after the annihilation of the Yin spirits. She said coldly, "The obstacle has been removed. There's no time to lose. Let's go."

The group perked up, composed themselves, and once again stepped onto the scorched hillside.

This time, with no obstacles in the way, the team's progress increased significantly.

That spark of inspiration magnified in my vision, its outline becoming increasingly clear.

Only then did everyone realize that it was not a single light source, but the outline of a vast complex of buildings shrouded in a hazy, spiritual light.

About half an hour later, the group finally arrived at the source of the spiritual light.

The thick fog seemed to be repelled by some invisible force, thinning considerably, and the view before us suddenly opened up.

What comes into view is an extremely vast expanse of ruins.

Ruins and crumbling palaces, broken stone pillars towering like broken giant bones, and a thick layer of black dust covering the shattered square.

All the buildings are constructed from a dark, solid black material that is neither gold nor stone, yet exceptionally sturdy. The style is ancient and heavy, filled with an indescribable sense of vicissitude and decay.

The power of time has left a deep mark on this place, but it has not been able to completely erase the magnificent atmosphere of this site.

Clearly, this was once the foundation of an extremely powerful ancient sect.

In the very center of the entire ruins stands a relatively well-preserved building.

It was a tall, completely black pavilion.

The pavilion has a unique and ancient design, with nine stories. Its flying eaves and brackets pierce through the thick fog like sharp swords, pointing directly to the ethereal "sky" above.

The body of the pavilion is covered with intricate and mysterious ancient runes and reliefs, many of which are damaged, faintly shimmering with a dim light, as if it is still struggling to maintain some kind of dormant power.

As the group approached, an indescribable sense of desolation emanated from the high pavilion, causing all who came near to feel a heavy sense of oppression on their souls.

Everyone's attention was involuntarily drawn to the huge plaque hanging above the main entrance of the pavilion.

The plaque was also pitch black, its material seemingly one with the pavilion, and its edges were carved with ferocious mythical beast totems.

Above the plaque, in an ancient script of a dark gold color that seemed to be written with congealed blood, three imposing yet chilling characters were clearly engraved: Zhenyou Pavilion.

“The… Zhenyou Pavilion?!” Fu Danian gasped, looking around at it intently.

Murong Xi's pretty face paled slightly, and her delicate hand unconsciously tightened its grip on the sword hilt. Her whisper was filled with shock and doubt: "The legacy of the Golden Immortal... This is a blessed land created by the ancient Golden Immortal... How could there be the ruins of other ancient sects here? And... it's even a 'Netherworld Suppression Pavilion' that suppresses the Netherworld?"

Si Xuan Shuang stared intently at the three ancient characters, her brows furrowed, and slowly spoke, her voice low and solemn:
"This place... is far more than just the legacy of a Golden Immortal! This 'Suppressing the Netherworld Pavilion'... is probably the source of all the strangeness and danger in this desolate sea of ​​mist, this endless gloom, and even those violent spirits!"

……

(End of this chapter)