You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

The images of celestial palaces, auspicious clouds, and mythical beasts on the mural quickly distorted and faded, replaced by a female phantom that was forcibly "pulled" out from the depths of the mural, constantly shifting in a seven-colored halo!
This phantom was more blurry and fragile than the one perceived in the painting world before, as if it might dissipate at any moment. Its form was completely different from the rigid lines on the mural. One could vaguely make out the outline of a woman dressed in ancient palace attire with a slender figure. Although her face was hazy, it exuded a sense of elegance and sorrow.

She seemed to be enduring immense pain, her phantom struggling and twisting under the suction, with tiny, multicolored light spots constantly peeling off her body—the "painting" energy that was deeply intertwined with her being forcibly stripped away.

The suction force of the parade banner was domineering and precise, like the most advanced surgical scalpel, cutting away bit by bit the intricate, almost symbiotic connection between her and the original restriction of this "photograph".

This process lasted for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea. Finally, as the last stubborn thread of the seven-colored "painting" was broken, the woman's illusory figure completely detached from the mural and was completely enveloped by the suction force of the procession banner.

It disappeared into the banner with a "whoosh".

The mural instantly lost all its mystique, becoming dull and lifeless, turning into a simple, ancient, and ordinary stone carving. Although exquisite, it no longer possessed any spiritual energy.

Holding the parade banner, Chen Yang released the remnant soul of the woman he had just captured with a thought.

With a flash of light, the figure of a woman in palace attire, much more solid than before but still translucent, appeared on the floor of the stone chamber.

She staggered, almost unable to stand, her face filled with the disorientation and weakness of someone who had survived a near-death experience. Freed from the constraints of the painting, her soul, though free, had also lost its anchor, appearing even more adrift.

She steadied herself, raised her head, and looked at Chen Yang.

This time, Chen Yang could see her face clearly. She was indeed a beautiful and gentle woman in ancient costume, but her brows were locked with a faint sorrow left by thousands of years of loneliness.

Her eyes were filled with tears, a mixture of excitement at escaping her confinement and awe and gratitude towards the mysterious "Yin Shuai" before her.

Without any hesitation, the woman's ethereal figure gracefully bowed down, performing an extremely standard and solemn ancient salute towards Chen Yang. Although her voice still carried the ethereal quality unique to souls, it was incredibly clear.

"Your humble servant... thanks Lord Yin for his life-saving grace! Your power is boundless, and you always keep your word. You saved me from this eternal prison. I will never forget this kindness and virtue!"

Chen Yang put away the parade banner and raised his hand slightly.

"Get up, no need for formalities. I saved you because you provided the truthful information that helped me find the Dragon Ball. This is your 'good fortune,' something you earned yourself."

The woman stood up as instructed, but her posture remained respectful. She looked at Chen Yang with a complex light in her eyes, a mixture of gratitude, dependence, and a hint of apprehension about the future.

She bit her lower lip and mustered her courage to speak.

"My lord... my remnant spirit has escaped its confinement, but the path between Yin and Yang is severed, and there is no way to reincarnate. Though the world is vast, there is no place for me to belong. If you do not despise my insignificance, would you... allow me to follow you?"

Although I have lost all my cultivation and am left only with a remnant soul, I possess some knowledge of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and the principles of formations and restrictions. Perhaps I can handle some miscellaneous tasks for you as a token of my gratitude.

Chen Yang looked at the woman's remnant soul; her eyes were earnest and seemed genuine.

It's not unusual for a ghost who has been trapped for millennia and has just regained her freedom to develop a dependence on and a desire to follow the person who gave her that freedom.

A thought struck him: Li Yue, another "old witch" who was still being suppressed within the procession banner.

"You don't need to be so reserved when you're with me."

Chen Yang spoke in a calm tone.

“I happen to have a ‘friend’ whose situation is somewhat similar to yours, and who also has a rather long history. Once this matter is settled and you return to my place, I can introduce you. Perhaps you can keep each other company and exchange ideas.”

Upon hearing this, the woman's eyes lit up with surprise.

"Really? Thank you, my lord! I... I have been trapped in this painting for so long that I have no idea of ​​the changes that have taken place in the outside world. It is truly a blessing to have a companion to talk to!"

"Ah."

Chen Yang nodded and said no more.

"This place is not safe to stay for long. You should return to the banner to rest and stabilize your soul. We will release you when we are back in a safe place."

"Yes, sir."

The woman bowed gracefully again, her figure transforming into a soft blue light, and willingly entered the procession banner in Chen Yang's hand.

Chen Yang could sense that after she entered the parade banner, she was not thrown into the area for punishing the Yin spirits. Instead, she settled down in a relatively peaceful space within the banner and began to silently absorb the pure Yin energy within the banner to stabilize herself.

After dealing with the remaining spirit in the painting, Chen Yang didn't linger. He turned and left the stone chamber, diving into the water and quickly rising back up the same path.

Soon, he emerged from the water and landed on the bank of the underground river where they had first come down. Liu Yu and True Lord Chiyang had indeed arrived first and were sitting on a large rock on the bank, practicing their internal energy and drying their clothes. Seeing Chen Yang emerge, the two immediately stood up.

"Sect Master! You've finally arrived!"

"The Crimson Sun True Lord shouted."

"We were worried that you might have run into some trouble down there!"

Liu Yu also looked at Chen Yang with concern.

At this moment, Master Huang also emerged from another part of the water, went ashore, saw Chen Yang, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's good that the sect leader is safe and sound."

Chen Yang shook off the water droplets on his body, used his magic to dry his clothes, and said.

"Nothing much, just checked a few things. Let's go, it's time to head back."

Liu Yu nodded, then smiled and reported.

"Sect Master, although we didn't find the legendary Dragon Pearl, our gains this time were actually quite substantial. Elder Huang, Elder Chiyang, and I also found some other things while searching."

I found two short swords made of special materials. Although their spiritual power is damaged, they should be good weapons with a little repair. I also found several incomplete jade slips containing unorthodox water-attribute spells.

Elder Huang discovered a small box of high-quality 'ethereal stones' suitable for crafting array flags; Elder Chiyang, on the other hand, unearthed several damaged but otherwise intact ancient armor parts that appeared to possess considerable defensive capabilities.

We can use some of these things ourselves, and the rest, we can select from them to enrich the sect's treasury and reward meritorious or outstanding disciples.

True Lord Chiyang grinned as well.

"Yes, Sect Master, my armor, although rusty, is made of solid materials, and the patterns on it seem to have some merit. I'll have the disciples from the Weapon Forging Hall take a look later; maybe they can replicate it and have our disciples wear it. That would be so impressive!"

Master Huang stroked his beard and smiled.

"My ethereal stones can be used to strengthen the formations at several key points of the mountain gate, which is a good use of them."

Chen Yang listened to the three men's reports and showed an approving expression.

“Indeed, when exploring ruins, we shouldn’t just focus on legendary treasures. These practical resources, cultivation techniques, and artifacts are the cornerstones for strengthening the sect. You’ve done a great job.”

He paused, then offered encouragement.

"From now on, you can organize more people to search carefully in this mountain range and even further areas. As the spiritual energy recovery accelerates, the number of long-sealed ruins and caves will only increase."

"As long as clues are found, send more reliable people to explore. Not every discovery will be groundbreaking, but little by little, the foundation of our Qingwei School will naturally become stronger. Who knows, maybe one day we'll be lucky enough to encounter the complete legacy of our predecessors."

Upon hearing this, Master Huang sighed with emotion.

"What the sect leader says is absolutely right. I was a bit too stubborn before, always thinking that I would obtain a great opportunity in one exploration. In fact, the right way is to proceed steadily and accumulate little by little. Although I did not obtain the inheritance this time, these gains have greatly enhanced the strength of our Qingwei Sect."

True Lord Chiyang was quite open-minded about it.

"Be content with what you have! Brother Huang, I saw your eyes practically light up when you got that box of ethereal stones, what's there to regret?"

Master Huang blushed at his words and coughed twice to cover his embarrassment.

"Elder Chiyang is joking..."

The crowd chuckled, and the atmosphere lightened considerably.

"Alright, this matter is settled, let's return to the mountain." Chen Yang waved his hand, no longer delaying, and the four of them used their movement techniques to quickly return to Qingwei Sect along the mountain path they had come from.

It was already afternoon when Chen Yang returned to the Qingwei Sect's mountain gate. As soon as Chen Yang stepped onto the steps leading to the summit, Wang Xuan, who had been waiting there, came running over anxiously.

"Master! You're finally back!"

Wang Xuan bowed respectfully and then spoke quickly.

"Someone is looking for you and has been waiting for a while."

"Oh? Who is it?"

Chen Yang asked.

"It's Minister Jiang from the Special Administration Bureau, along with Senior Luanfeng and Senior Qiuniu who came before. They brought a few people with them."

Wang Xuan replied.

Upon hearing this, Master Huang, who was following behind Chen Yang, cupped his hands in greeting.

"Since we have distinguished guests, we will take our leave to deal with the findings of this exploration and to arrange for our disciples to intensify their patrols and investigations of the mountain."

Liu Yu and True Lord Chiyang also bowed and took their leave.

Chen Yang nodded.

"Thank you all for your help. The findings will be registered and stored by Elder Xuanshui and distributed as needed. As for the mountain patrol and exploration, please take good care of it, Master Huang and Elder Liu."

"Yes!"

The three of them took the order and left.

Chen Yang then said to Wang Xuan.

"Lead the way to the reception room."

"Yes, Master, this way please."

Wang Xuan quickly led the way.

The Qingwei School's reception room is located on the side wing of the main hall, and is decorated in a solemn yet elegant manner.

As Chen Yang entered the hall, he saw Jiang He sitting at the head of the guest seats, drinking tea. Beside him sat the graceful Luan Feng and the burly and composed Qiu Niu. In addition, there were two or three unfamiliar men and women, but with a sharp and capable air about them, who were clearly the elites of the Special Administration Bureau.

"Chen Yang!"

"Sect Leader Chen!"

Upon seeing Chen Yang enter, Jiang He and the others immediately put down their teacups, smiled, and stood up to greet him.

Chen Yang smiled and went up to greet them, shaking hands with Jiang He and nodding to Luan Feng, Qiu Niu, and the others.

"Minister Jiang, Luanfeng, Qiuniu, everyone, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I was out handling some trivial matters and am back late."

"Not at all, we are the ones who have come uninvited and have disturbed you."

Jiang He smiled and gestured for Chen Yang to take a seat.

Everyone sat down again, and Wang Xuan stood obediently behind Chen Yang to serve him.

Chen Yang didn't beat around the bush and asked directly.

"Minister Jiang has come in person, presumably regarding the stronghold in the Northwest. When shall we depart?"

Jiang He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said seriously.

"Our men and equipment are basically assembled at the temporary camp not far from the mountains. Considering that you and our men have just arrived or returned today, you need to rest. I suggest we set off early tomorrow morning, how about that? Everyone should get some rest today and conserve your energy."

Chen Yang nodded.

"Very well. Then let's do it tomorrow. Since you've all come from afar today, it's a good opportunity for me to show you the hospitality of a host and give you a welcome dinner."

Luanfeng covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"Sect Leader Chen, you're too kind. Then we won't stand on ceremony with you."

Qiuniu also laughed in a deep, muffled voice.

"I've long heard that the spiritual cuisine of the Qingwei Sect is exceptional, and I'm in for a treat today."

The other members of the Special Administration Bureau also laughed and echoed.

Chen Yang gave instructions to Wang Xuan behind him.

"Wang Xuan, go and invite Master Huang and Elder Liu Yu to come over as well. Also, have the kitchen prepare a sumptuous banquet at the 'Welcoming Pavilion' to welcome Minister Jiang and the distinguished guests from the Special Administration Bureau."

"Yes, Master!"

Wang Xuan responded loudly, turned around, and jogged out.

Jiang He quickly waved his hand.

"Chen Yang, there's no need for such a grand ceremony. It's just a small gathering of friends. There's no need for any 'welcoming' or pomp."

Chen Yang smiled.

"Since you're here, you're guests, and we must observe proper etiquette. Besides, you're here to help us fight, so you're even more honored guests."

He then changed the subject and returned to the main point.

"Minister Jiang, what is the current situation regarding that Northwest outpost? Besides what we discussed on the phone, have there been any new discoveries?"

Jiang He put down his teacup, his expression turning serious.

"Based on our latest high-altitude reconnaissance and signal analysis, the location of that outpost should have been the ruins of an ancient city in the desert a long time ago. It was not large in scale, but it had some history."

The surface area is now mostly ruins and camouflage, while the real core facilities have almost all moved underground, utilizing the original underground structure of the ancient city and the later expansions, making them very well hidden.

Our initial assessment is that this base likely serves more than just an operational base; it may also function as a research, production, and supply transit center.

Qiuniu, standing nearby, added.

"In other words, this stronghold may be a 'surface cover, underground fortification' operation. In this operation, we need to pay attention to both the possible surface-level security forces and the defense of the core underground area."

Chen Yang pondered for a moment.

"So, is there a more detailed assessment of the other side's personnel configuration and strength?"

Jiang He shook his head.

"We still lack information in this regard. We cannot conduct close reconnaissance for an extended period of time, lest we alert them. We can only speculate based on the size of their strongholds, past experience in combat, and some scattered electronic signal characteristics."

The defenses won't be weak; there will likely be elite squads equipped with new armor and potions stationed there, and possibly even some powerful leaders. That's why I insisted on having you participate.”

Luanfeng replied.

"My sister, 'Vermilion Bird,' has already led an advance team, under special cover, to infiltrate the nearby area ahead of time to conduct final on-site reconnaissance and deployment. (End of Chapter)"