The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 141

Chapter 7: Relying on

The fierce battle between Li Xun and the Zhugou Sect had taken place deep into the southwestern jungle, only ten thousand miles from Tenghua Valley and two days’ journey from Guimen Lake. Of course, this was for his fellow disciples.

After all, accustomed to the thrill of flying like a rainbow, normal sword control was a real pain.

Yan Ru seemed to understand. After a dozen men had marched hundreds of miles, she ordered the others back to Tenghua Valley, leaving only herself and Li Xun to continue on to Guimen Lake.

Seeing Li Xun’s inquiring gaze, Yan Ru explained calmly, “Yesterday, as soon as you and the Zhugou Sect’s men entered the valley, we received the news. I was ordered by Master to meet these people. It was just a show.”

“Show?”

Li Xun chuckled. These third-rate disciples were like chickens and pottery dogs before the Zhugou Four Killers. Being in no way a problem was a good thing. Why put on such a show?

Yan Ru smiled back, but a hint of coldness drifted between her brows.

“Of course, whether they can return alive depends on their luck. From this point of view, you are their lucky star. You defeated the enemy early…”

She said it so bluntly, how could Li Xun not understand.

Li Xun scratched his chin and said in a low voice: “Madam, have you started to consolidate your position? In recent years, old Bishui has indeed planted many spies, but it would be too easy to catch them all in one fell swoop.”

“It’s mutual. What’s more, Madam has left one or two useful people. There are also some people who need you to go back and arrange.”

Li Xun blinked and asked: “Who?”

“Ye Ru.”

Yan Ru uttered the name softly, her beautiful eyes turned, and she looked at Li Xun’s reaction with a smile.

Li Xun was stunned for a moment before matching the name with the person. It took him another moment to finally picture the other person’s face in his mind. “Ye Ru… what’s wrong with her?”

Hearing his nonchalant response, Yan Ru nodded and smiled, “I’m relieved by your attitude.

Actually, it’s nothing. Junior Sister Cai’er discovered that she’s been involved with Yin Tuo from Bishui Jun’s side, and she’s wavering. Now is a critical moment, and her behavior is unacceptable. It’s just that Madam is keeping her with her for your sake, just waiting for your will.” “

Ye Ru and Yin Tuo?” Li Xun recalled the minor conflict when he returned to the sect last year.

Perhaps their relationship began then, but in three or four months, their skills have developed quite rapidly.

He truly had no interest in dealing with these matters at the moment, so he simply smiled and said, “Madam, please take care of it.” “Well, Senior Sister, do you think everyone will unveil their names at this year’s ancestral worship ceremony?

” “Master, given the circumstances, has no choice. Just half a month ago, the Netherfire Sect Leader’s health suddenly deteriorated. He was unconscious for five or six hours a day, and his end seemed near.”

Yan Ru spoke softly, his tone polite, but his inner emotions were extremely cold.

“Master, in my estimation, even if he put everything aside and reincarnated into the Yin-Transforming Pond during the ancestral worship ceremony, the outcome would not be optimistic. The sect elders must have a final decision on the next Sect Leader before the ceremony. Any further delay would lead to a disastrous situation.”

“Disastrous?” Li Xun smiled faintly, the meaning of which was self-evident.

Yan Ru naturally understood her, lowering her voice. “In fact, everyone understands that the situation has reached an unmanageable point, and the sect is on the verge of splitting.

“A previous split cost us our position as the foremost evil sect. A repeat of that would be a calamity that would determine our survival. Therefore…”

“Therefore, we must use drastic measures to crush the other faction once and for all, then calmly gather those who have attached themselves to us and minimize the losses. Is that so?”

Yan Ru paused, but finally replied, “Junior Brother, you are absolutely right.”

“That’s great. Now that the direction has been decided, Madam, do you have any specific plans?”

“Master has only briefed us. The specific plan can only be implemented after you, Junior Brother, return.”

These light words propelled Li Xun to a higher position, but Li Xun simply smiled.

He turned his attention to the object in his arms, encased in the purple jade box and the golden pill of divine mud. This was what Madam Yan desired most.

Without the burden of scrap, Li Xun and his companions shortened their two-day journey by half. By dusk the next day, they arrived near Guimen Lake.

From high above, a blood-red light swirled at the junction of forest and sky, struggling and wriggling. Occasionally, a flock of birds soared above the trees, their golden-red edges adding a touch of life.

“After all, it’s a sect ceremony; even Guimen Lake is busier than usual.”

With Li Xun’s current level of cultivation, he could clearly sense the presence of thousands of cultivators filling the usually gloomy and silent primeval forest. Judging by the sheer volume, it even vaguely recalled the First Evil Sect from a thousand years ago.

Yan Ru, standing beside Li Xun, vaguely sensed his current state of mind and sighed. “I’ve heard from Master that during the heyday of our sect, when disciples numbered over ten thousand, every time a ghost returned to life, they would gather at Ghost Gate Lake to connect with the Nine Netherworlds to pay homage to our ancestor.

“At that time, a yin energy permeated a thousand miles around, connecting heaven and earth. All sects in this world would detour to show respect… That divine aura will never be seen again for a thousand years.”

“More than that, if we’re not careful, the situation will only worsen,” Li Xun said flatly, without a trace of pretense.

Yan Ru frowned, but unable to refute, he could only smile wryly. “So, we must help Master ascend to the throne of Sect Leader and minimize the shock to the sect. It’s not too late to rest and recuperate then.”

Li Xun remained silent, knowing Yan Ru had completely misunderstood him. He didn’t care what Madam Yan did; he was only interested in the arrangements made by the Netherfire Yama before his death.

Compared to the greats of a thousand years ago, like Netherfire Yama, Phantom Lord, and Mr. Ghost, the likes of Jade Water Lord and Madam Yan pale in comparison.

Back when the Ghost Soul Devouring Shadow Sect split in two, Netherfire Yama and Phantom Lord each raised a group of followers, yet they remained among the great Tongxuan Sects, standing unshaken for a thousand years, truly considered heroes of their time.

Now, if the sect were to split again, who could turn the tide and preserve the sect’s legacy?

Jade Water Lord or Madam Yan?

The closer the showdown drew, the more Li Xun could sense Netherfire Yama’s despair and sorrow.

The consumptive ghost had finally given up, and before his death, he had failed to cultivate a powerful leader for the sect, leaving behind a shattered mess wrought by his machinations. The only hope was a miracle.

But where could that miracle be?

With this sigh, Li Xun entered the confines of Ghost Gate Lake. His appearance was like a boulder rolling down a mountain, crashing into the lake’s heart with a roar.

The astonishing vibrations, centered around him, spread in all directions. He could even hear the chorus of countless gasps, followed by an indescribable silence.

In the past, Li Xun might have felt uneasy and sought to withdraw from the sight of others, returning to the safety of darkness.

But now, the blood surging from his heart seemed to carry an indescribable force, flowing smoothly throughout his body and radiating outward.

Without needing to express anything, wherever Li Xun passed, everyone’s gazes unconsciously dropped or shifted, maintaining a respectable distance.

As for the various birds and beasts deep in the jungle, they sensed it even earlier, folding their wings and falling silent.

Yan Ru, standing nearby, felt a little uneasy. Perhaps it was because Dong Huang and Mr. Dayan had been there to “maintain order” when they first met yesterday, and the Bai Gui had remained as low-key as ever, that she hadn’t truly grasped Bai Gui’s “new identity.

” Only now, seeing Bai Gui’s awe-inspiring power, despite countless fearful, wary, and even malicious gazes, still marching forward with overwhelming force, did she suddenly realize that all her previous assumptions about Bai Gui were no longer relevant!

Li Xun soared above the silent forest, ready to reach the underground palace at the center of the lake.

However, a flash of light in the distance shattered the unnatural atmosphere.

The person approached with incredible speed, appearing to be a young man who looked only fourteen or fifteen years old.

Li Xun, of course, didn’t treat him like a teenager. He smiled and bowed, greeting him, “Senior Brother Guiji.”

Guiji had maintained his youthful appearance for nearly three hundred years. As the closed disciple of Minghuo Yanluo, he had always held the position of “the Sect Master’s confidant.”

In terms of pure status, Mingli, who had a close personal relationship with Li Xun, held slightly less weight despite sharing the same master. He

returned the greeting, his youthful face revealing a profoundly experienced expression.

He smiled, “Junior Brother Baigui has finally returned. The Sect Master has been clamoring for you day and night. He also instructed me to invite you over whenever you arrive.”

Li Xun, still unmoved, turned to Yan Ruyi, who frowned, “Junior Brother Guiji, the Sect Master should be… resting right now, right?”

She paused, finally swallowing the word “asleep,” and substituted a less sensitive word.

Gui Ji looked at her intently, his smile unwavering. He said, “The Sect Master has been feeling better these past two days and isn’t as sleepy anymore. He was just talking to Madam Yan. Junior Brother, you’re welcome to go.”

With that said, Yan Ru couldn’t stop him and followed silently, intent on getting Madam Yan to meet Bai Gui as soon as possible to better control the situation.

After flying for about half an incense stick, the outline of the lake’s central island gradually emerged from the thickening gray fog, and the “large fireball” suspended in the air diligently belched flames to illuminate their path.

The closer they got to the lake’s central island, the more Li Xun could sense that the densely packed restrictions around them had reached critical mass. Even the occasional passing cultivators moved with caution, fearing a single moment of distraction would shatter the insidious restrictions into dust.

Gui Ji took the initiative to explain the arrangement, “The south has been experiencing unrest lately, with many passing cultivators. The Western Alliance group is also quite aggressive. For safety reasons, the Sect Master has ordered all restrictions around Guimen Lake to be brought to critical status.

” “This will be somewhat inconvenient for everyone, but unless there’s a serious fight, nothing will happen.”

Li Xun naturally understood Gui Ji’s implication. He smiled, then swallowed the words back.

At the end of his field of vision, a figure loomed in the thick fog, its robes fluttering like a ghost. Gui Ji and Yan Ru reacted, their expressions tense as they looked up.

“Elder Cang Mingzi?”

Gui Ji was slightly embarrassed, while Yan Ru seemed slightly nervous.

Standing in their way was Cang Mingzi, the fourth of the twelve sect elders, known as the sect’s “unparalleled teleportation master.”

More importantly, Cang Mingzi and Bishui Jun were from the same sect and had a close relationship, making him, naturally, Madam Yan’s sworn enemy.

As the two sides drew closer, through the mist, they could see Cang Mingzi, also dressed in a misty iron robe, his hair in a Taoist bun, cloth socks, and linen shoes. If it weren’t for his rather gaunt face,

he would have resembled a Quanzhen Taoist. Seeing the three of them, his thin face hardened and he said coldly, “Why did Guiji bring outsiders in?”

With that remark, Guiji and Yan Ru were stunned, then immediately understood what Cang Mingzi meant.

Guiji was fine, but Yan Ru smiled coldly and stepped forward. Just as he was about to speak, Li Xun held out a hand to stop him.

“Uncle Master Cang Mingzi…” Li Xun paused, seemingly considering the appropriateness of the title, before adding, “Whether I am an outsider or not, Uncle Master has no say. Only the Sect Master or the elders have the right to comment. Besides…”

He smiled, then trailed off, extending his hand. The next moment, a pale flame ignited from his palm, swaying in the thick fog.

Restrictions within a radius of several miles were activated, with tens of millions of qi connecting and intertwining, seemingly about to be unleashed.

In an instant, Cang Mingzi’s face turned as cold as ice, while Gui Ji and Yan Ru were even more nervous.

Yan Ru didn’t dare to make a move, only whispering from behind, “Junior Brother Bai Gui, this isn’t the place for a fight!”

Li Xun grinned, ignoring Yan Ru’s words. He looked directly at Cang Mingzi and said, “I know it’s quite difficult for my uncle-master and uncle-master Bishui to find an ‘outsider’ as proficient in ‘ghostly energy’ as me. As a disciple, I understand.”

With that, he flicked his hand, and a ball of Yin Fire flew out of his palm, spinning in the mist. Dozens of seals instantly subsided, returning to a relatively calm state.

Having done this, Li Xun ignored Cang Mingzi’s expression and walked away, never looking back.

Neither Yan Ru nor Gui Ji had expected Li Xun to react this way. More importantly, Cang Mingzi had swallowed the humiliation whole. This unnatural behavior filled them with awe as they watched Li Xun’s back.

After a moment’s pause, they both rushed after him. But this time, they simply followed silently, never speaking again.

The silence continued until the island in the middle of the lake. Due to the impending ceremony, the island was bustling with more cultivators than usual, and the majority of these cultivators held high positions within the sect.

The moment Li Xun and the other two stepped onto the island, nearly every cultivator within sight turned their gazes toward them. Their expressions were even more sinister, more complex, and more threatening.

Li Xun seemed unfazed. He simply nodded to a few old acquaintances as usual before turning back to Gui Ji and asking, “Where is the Sect Master summoning you? Xumei Hall?”

Gui Ji took a breath, his smile growing even more familiar. “The Sect Master has gone to chat with Elder Yinchen. Junior Brother Baigui can go directly to the elder’s quarters.

” “Also, Madam Yan was still talking to the Sect Master before I arrived, and she might be there too now. Senior Sister Yan, are you going with us, or…”

Yan Ru paused for a moment before shaking her head. “I dare not disturb his peace without the Sect Master’s order. I’d better return to the abode… Junior Brother Baigui, if Master is with the Sect Master, that would be best. If not, remember to return; Master has instructions for you.”

Li Xun smiled in response, but Yan Ru’s smile wasn’t quite natural.

For some reason, she always felt a little awkward when she uttered words like “remember” and “instructions.” Fortunately, Baigui’s demeanor remained the same, not embarrassing her.

Gui Ji and Yan Rujun bowed and said goodbye, and Li Xun walked leisurely towards the lake’s island.

Under the lake’s island, only elders and disciples of prominent families were allowed to enter. The surrounding attention immediately decreased by ninety percent, yet the pressure increased. At

this moment, the sect’s elite still residing beneath the lake’s island were using various methods to investigate Li Xun’s background.

Li Xun calmly adjusted his inner Qi to a state of pure “ghostly and bright” Qi. The bottomless Nether Ring expanded and contracted around the Huangting, drawing the purest Nine Nether Earth Qi to permeate his entire body.

For a moment, countless sighs and exclamations filled every hidden corner.

He arrived at Yin Chen’s residence with familiarity. Just like last time, the heavy stone door swung silently open. The hall was empty, yet the inner room pulsed with the energy of four figures.

Li Xun discerned them with a moment’s notice.

The one breathing intermittently, like a thread, was undoubtedly Netherfire Yama; the most silent and silent was probably Yin Chen;

the one moving gently, with occasional sharp edges, was probably Madam Yan. Only the last, seemingly as quiet as an abyss, seemed locked within a roiling magma, its sharp edge unconcealed.

Who was this person… he

pondered inwardly, his hand already lifting the curtain covering the inner room. A glance around was met with four distinct gazes.

He sighed, thinking, “So it’s Lord Bishui.”

The atmosphere within the secret room, with four figures whose positions and interests were almost completely opposed, was unimaginably strange.

Li Xun vaguely sensed that his arrival had somewhat eased the initial stagnation, but soon a new, even colder atmosphere descended.

Li Xun’s gaze naturally rested on Bishui Jun.

As Madam Yan’s archenemy, Bishui Jun possessed a unique aura. Dressed in a dark green robe and a jade belt, he sat quietly, his face as crystalline as jade expressionless, his thin lips pursed, his gaze piercing through with a chilling aura.

His icy gaze fixed on Li Xun, unfailingly concealing his deep dislike.

Bishui Jun was renowned for his tactlessness, and Li Xun had no desire to engage him in idle conversation. He simply

nodded briefly and looked away. Just then, Madam Yan glanced at Netherfire Yama. Li Xun understood and focused his full attention on the sect leader, struggling on the brink of death.

Sitting on the recliner, Netherfire Yama had completely lost his shape, his dry, hardened skin clinging to his massive frame, revealing dark veins and veins. His face had become a skeleton, a skeleton of skin and bones.

If it weren’t for the faint breath still lingering from his mouth and nose, one could easily mistake him for a complete corpse.

Compared to a few months ago, Li Xun’s vision had improved significantly. He could tell at a glance that Hellfire Yama’s body had been completely ravaged by the toxins in the “Walking Corpse Pill.”

However, precisely because of the intense toxicity, his Bottomless Nether Ring continued to circulate, drawing even more violently from the Nine Nether Earth Qi, threatening to overwhelm his body at any moment.

His current situation bore a resemblance to Li Xun’s pre-Yin Pond experience.

The dense, almost terrifying Nine Nether Earth Qi permeated every corner of his body, counteracting the toxins in the “Walking Corpse Pill” and gradually altering his constitution.

However, this transformation came at the cost of steadily draining his vitality, leaving no hope of recovery.

Li Xun sighed and met Hellfire Yama’s eyes—those flickering grayish-white eyes, perhaps the only medium that could reveal a hint of emotion.

He bent down, half as a courtesy, half to show respect to the dying hero, and whispered, “Master Baigui is back.”

The light in Netherfire Yama’s eyes flashed, as if suddenly ignited with infinite vitality, and the dim room was also illuminated.

Under the astonished gaze of Madam Yan and Lord Bishui, his body rose very slightly, and although it quickly fell back, it was already the most intense movement in recent days.

Without him opening or closing his lips, a low voice echoed in the room: “It’s good to be back. You are proud of yourself outside, and the sect is proud of you. In any case, you are the most outstanding disciple of our sect in a thousand years. Junior Brother Ghost should be smiling in his grave with a legacy like yours!”

Both Madam Yan and Lord Bishui were shocked when they heard this, and they all looked at Li Xun.

Li Xun bowed again, but used the opportunity of bending down to hide the surprise and coldness on his face: “What is this sick ghost planning?”

Please continue to look forward to the sequel to the second part of the Netherworld Immortal Journey