Cultivating Immortality from the Book of Life and Death

Chapter 443 A Safe Haven. (Third update!)

Looking at this shocking scene, Zheng Que frowned deeply. What exactly happened deep inside Xue Tong Pass?
Even the ghosts of the Iron Tree Prison are trying to escape?

At this moment, the several ghosts of the [Iron Tree Prison] had arrived near the stronghold. The intense yin energy surrounding them was the first to attack, and their unrestrained aura caused a layer of blackish-gray frost to quickly condense on the ground.

However, upon sensing Mu Xiangu's aura, the several [Iron Tree Prison] ghosts did not hesitate at all and immediately followed the other ghosts, bypassing the stronghold from both sides.

The several [Iron Tree Prison] ghosts detoured very quickly, seemingly not out of fear of Mu Xiangu, but rather in a hurry to leave and not wanting to waste time with her.

Zheng Que quickly regained his senses and immediately said, "We don't know when this ghost tide will end. Should we restart the formation?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Xiangu shook her head slightly and said, "Your formation cannot withstand the [Iron Tree Prison]."

"It's not as effective as my aura."

"However, something's not quite right about this ghost tide."

"If even more powerful ghosts appear next, then we'll be in trouble."

Zheng Li immediately replied, "If that's the case, then we don't need to pay attention to this place; we should retreat directly to the outer perimeter."

"At the border of Xue Tong Pass, there are many examiners from the imperial court who are in charge of this immortal examination, as well as high-ranking officials such as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites."

"We can redirect the ghost tide that way!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Mu Xiangu immediately rejected the idea: "No!"

"If that situation really happens, let alone evacuation, we might not even have time to escape."

"Compared to the danger of retreating from here to the outskirts of Xue Tong Pass, the 'strangeness' of this place makes it safer."

"I can still hold on for now, but if things go wrong, you'd better find some 'strange' creature to hide in!"

"weird"?
Zheng Que was slightly taken aback, but then immediately realized that the current ghost tide was huge and aggressive, and it was unknown when it would end. Moreover, it was unknown whether a situation would arise that even Mu Xiangu could not handle. It was indeed safer to hide inside the "strange" place!

In fact, it wasn't just him; it was the same for all the other test takers.

Furthermore, with the protection of the Immortal Bone from the Iron Tree Prison, he can still hold on for a while.

For other candidates, once they encounter the ghosts of the [Iron Tree Prison], they have virtually no other way out except to hide inside the "strange" place.

Thinking of this, Zheng Li quickly recalled the map in his mind.

He chose this place to establish a base mainly because of its resource points. As for the "strangeness" in the vicinity, there was only one place, which was a wasteland about thirty miles to the northwest.

Under normal circumstances, he could reach the mere thirty miles in no time using the [Phantom Escape Technique].

But given the current situation, he probably won't be able to use his escape technique more than a few times before he's caught in an endless siege by the ghosts!

Furthermore, the imperial maps only marked the location of this "strange" place, without any record or warning about the situation inside.

The only thing that can be confirmed is that there should be fragments of "law" in this "strange" place!

Otherwise, the imperial court would not have specifically marked this "strange" place on the map.

In a flash, Zheng Que said, "I know a 'strange' location, but it's about thirty miles away from here. It would be difficult for me to get there alone."

Without hesitation, Mu Xiangu immediately said, "Lead the way!"

"I will send you there right now!"

Zheng Que nodded quickly, not bothering to gather the remaining resources at the stronghold. After quickly determining the direction, he headed northwest. This immortal trial would last for half a year; if the stronghold was gone, it could be rebuilt.

Resources lost in a base can be replenished.

In contrast, the longer they linger in the ghost tide, the more dangerous it becomes.

Therefore, now that the decision has been made, there is no time to delay any longer; the sooner we leave, the better!

Seeing Zheng Que set off, Mu Xiangu immediately followed.

Shu Yunying, Xue Shuangzi, and Linghu Yuniang also quickly followed Zheng Que to his side.

Just as Zheng Que and several female ghosts left the stronghold, several more ghosts with the aura of the Iron Tree Prison swept through it.

The houses, casting rooms, and warehouses that he had painstakingly built collapsed instantly. In just a few breaths, more ghosts surged up and completely swallowed the stronghold. Amidst the rampant Yin energy, not a trace of human intervention could be seen.

※※※

"Roar!!!"

The howls of the ghosts rose and fell, and the ghost tide surged like a stormy sea.

Zheng Que headed straight toward the "strange" location on the map. With Mu Xiangu clearing the way for him, the journey was very smooth. They cut directly through the ghost tide and traveled at top speed. They did not encounter any ghost attacks along the way and soon arrived at a wasteland.

This wasteland is located in a dense forest, surrounded by lush vegetation and flowing water. Strangely, however, not a single blade of grass grows on it. The soil looks quite fertile, soft, and moist, which should be the most suitable environment for vegetation growth. But not only has no greenery grown, but even the fallen leaves around it have not touched this wasteland at all.

Zheng Que consulted the map and confirmed that the "strange thing" he was looking for was in this wasteland. However, the land was empty and desolate, and apart from the barrenness, there was nothing else unusual about it.

Moreover, the ghosts in the surrounding horde showed no intention of avoiding this wasteland, and instead swept across it in a mighty torrent.

Seeing that the ghosts were not affected at all when they passed through the wasteland, Zheng Que suddenly remembered that when he was at Wanshan Temple on Yaotai Mountain, Ku Lan had told him that "strange things" were divided into three types.

Firstly, only living people can encounter them;

Secondly, only ghosts can encounter them;

The third type involves encountering both living beings and ghosts.

The fact that ghosts can pass through this "strange" place without being affected in the slightest suggests that it is most likely the first type.

"Strange things" that only the living can encounter!
No living person can enter this "strange" place!
Thinking of this, Zheng Que said in a deep voice, "We've arrived."

"However, this 'strange' place may only be accessible to me alone."

As he spoke, he turned to look at the female ghosts beside him: Shu Yunying, Xue Shuangzi, and Linghu Yuniang. He could put them into his soul-nurturing bag and bring them into the "strange" world in this way, but Mu Xiangu could not.

Mu Xiangu did not have his blood mark on her body, so his [Ghost Control Technique] could not subdue her.

Moreover, Mu Xiangu's cultivation level is too high. Even if this [Painted Skin] does not put up any resistance, the [Ghost Control Technique] will most likely not be able to be successfully executed.

Even if he succeeded, his soul-nourishing bag wasn't high enough grade to fit the item inside!
At this moment, Mu Xiangu also sensed the "strange" presence in the wasteland ahead, and she immediately said, "I will remember the location of this 'strange'."

"You can hide inside now."

"Once the ghost tide is over, I'll fish you out of there."

(End of this chapter)