114: Ghost King Banquet

Following the eerie bone boat, Lin Xuan and his group sailed on their own crude bone ship for about half a day in the boundless Blood Sea.

The deeper they went, the more terrifying the surrounding scenery became.

The color of the Blood Sea grew darker, almost like congealed black blood, and the dense resentful energy it emitted was almost tangible, constantly assaulting everyone's protective immortal light. If not for their recent breakthrough and increased strength, coupled with the continuous purification from Kong Ming, Qing Xuan, and others, just resisting this environmental erosion would have been a challenge.

The corpses floating on the sea surface also grew larger and more grotesque. Some skeletons were as massive as mountain ranges, with ribs like towering ancient forests; others were clearly not humanoid or known beast forms, twisted and hideous, exuding an extremely unsettling aura. They could even see some half-submerged, severely damaged remnants of ancient warships, still bearing traces of fierce battles and unextinguished, strange energies.

Occasionally, they would spot other “vessels”: single boats carved from giant skulls, ghost-mist ships formed by converging resentful spirits, and even some directly riding colossal corpses forward. The passengers on these boats were also bizarre: cold-blooded Ghost Cultivators, hideous Blood Demons dripping with foul blood, and ancient remnant souls that seemed to retain some intelligence but were filled with tyrannical auras. These beings were wary of each other, and small-scale conflicts sometimes erupted, but upon seeing the guiding ghost race bone ship, most chose to steer clear.

“This damned place is truly a chaotic mess of demons...” Mo Sha smacked his lips, but his eyes were filled with excitement; the chaos and murderous aura here greatly stimulated the ancient demon blood within him.

“Everyone, be careful, conceal your aura, and don’t stir up trouble,” Lin Xuan whispered. He could feel many powerful divine senses sweeping over their group in the dark, lingering longest on Lin Yingluo, filled with scrutiny, greed, and apprehension.

Finally, deep within the dense blood mist ahead, a colossal shadow appeared.

As the bone ship approached, the outline of the shadow gradually became clear.

It was a city! A gigantic, terrifying city built entirely from countless massive skeletons!

The city walls were constructed from ribs and spines as thick as mountains, with gaps filled by congealed dark-red substances and struggling resentful spirit faces. The battlements were various hideous skulls, with ghostly fires burning in their eye sockets. The massive city gate was fashioned from the entire pelvis of some giant beast, now wide open, swallowing and expelling the flow of people… or rather, ghosts and demons.

Within the city, various bizarre bone towers and bone palaces stood in abundance, streets were paved with polished bone plates, and bone lanterns illuminated by soul fire “grew” on either side. Countless ghost races, Blood Demons, remnant souls, and other strange creatures moved through it, trading, and even fighting, emitting all sorts of piercing noises, forming a bizarre yet prosperous scene.

Dense Yin energy, death energy, resentful energy, and blood-fiend energy mixed here, forming a unique “demonic domain” environment.

This was the stronghold ruled by the Nether Skull Ghost King—Skeleton Demon City!

The guiding ghost race stopped their bone ship and gestured to several powerful Ghost Generals in bone armor at the city gate. These Ghost Generals had clearly received orders long ago; they merely swept Lin Xuan and his group with cold gazes, particularly focusing on Lin Yingluo, who was cradled in Lin Xuan's arms and curiously observing the strange city, then silently cleared the path.

“Fellow Daoists, please follow me into the city. His Majesty is already waiting in the palace,” the guiding ghost race gestured.

Lin Xuan took a deep breath, led his disciples off the bone ship, and stepped into this legendary ghost city.

Upon entering the city, the mixed negative energy became even denser, but strangely, it seemed to be contained by some vast formation. Though oppressive, it was no longer as violent and aggressive as outside. The various demonic creatures on the streets cast curious, greedy, and even ill-intentioned gazes at their group of “living beings,” but seeing the guiding ghost race and the ghost soldiers patrolling the city walls, they dared not act rashly.

“Wow, Daddy, this place is so strange! Those lights move!” Lin Yingluo pointed at the lanterns by the roadside, made from human skulls with soul fires dancing inside. She wasn’t scared at all, finding it novel instead.

Her clear, melodious voice stood out starkly in this environment filled with ghostly wails, attracting even more attention.

“Yingluo, keep your voice down,” Lin Xuan said with a helpless pat to his daughter.

The guiding ghost race, however, smiled: “Little Friend is innocent and lively, it’s fine. Although our ghost race’s aura is vastly different from the living, we are not all bloodthirsty. There are rules within the Demon City, and under His Majesty’s rule, it is quite stable.”

Walking through the grotesque bone streets, everyone’s eyes were opened. Roadside vendors sold various Yin-attribute materials, soul crystals, and even imprisoned resentful spirits; Ghost Cultivators openly devoured weak wandering souls to strengthen themselves; Blood Demons engaged in bloody combat in gladiatorial arenas; and there were even merchants, seemingly from other realms, exchanging peculiar items for Blood Sea specialties.

Su Yuan’s eyes were rapidly recording and analyzing everything he saw, whispering, “Master, the structure, energy flow, and social form of this city are extremely unique, containing a massive amount of information. If we can leave safely, this data will be priceless.”

Chu Xinghe, meanwhile, was more interested in the skeletal materials used to construct the city and the flickering formation runes: “The strength of these bones and the way these formations are built are unheard of…”

After about an incense stick’s worth of time, an exceptionally magnificent palace appeared ahead. The palace was built entirely from dark gold, colossal bones that exuded a faint oppressive aura. Guarding the palace entrance were two rows of Ghost Generals whose auras were comparable to peak Golden Immortals, radiating a palpable killing intent.

“We have arrived at the Royal Palace. Everyone, please,” the guiding ghost race said with even greater deference.

Upon entering the Royal Palace, the interior space was far more expansive than it appeared from the outside, utilizing spatial expansion techniques. The palace’s internal decorations were less grotesque than the exterior, possessing more ancient simplicity and majesty. Ancient murals were carved on the walls, seemingly depicting scenes of the Underworld and the rise and fall of the ghost race. The dense Yin-attribute immortal qi was almost liquefied, an absolute blessed land for Ghost Cultivators, but for Lin Xuan and his group, they needed to constantly circulate their energy to resist it.

Arriving before a grand hall, after the guards at the entrance checked, the heavy doors slowly opened.

An even vaster, deeper, and supremely majestic Ghost Emperor aura permeated from within the hall!

The hall’s lighting was dim, with two rows of various ghost race ministers, formidable Blood Demon commanders, and leaders of eerie remnant souls standing, clearly all important officials under the Nether Skull Ghost King. Their gazes uniformly fell upon Lin Xuan and his group at the entrance, filled with scrutiny, curiosity, and a hint of… reverence?

At the deepest part of the main hall was a throne crafted from countless precious soul crystals and dark-gold skeletons.

Upon the throne sat a figure.

He was not the terrifying, green-faced, fanged appearance one might imagine; instead, he had transformed into a pale-faced, yet quite handsome, middle-aged man, clad in a dark-gold ghost dragon robe and wearing a crown. His eyes were as profound as an ancient cold pool, containing endless majesty and wisdom. He simply sat there quietly, as if he were the core of the entire Demon City, and even this Blood Sea Domain!

This was the Nether Skull Ghost King! A Ghost Emperor-level expert of unfathomable strength!

“Your Majesty, the people have been brought,” the guiding ghost race bowed respectfully.

The Nether Skull Ghost King nodded slightly, his gaze passing over the guiding ghost race and falling directly on Lin Xuan, then slowly shifting to Lin Yingluo in his arms. His gaze lingered on Lin Yingluo for an exceptionally long time, a complex mix of emotions flashing in his eyes: surprise, scrutiny, and even a hint of… ineffable emotion?

“Human cultivator, Lin Xuan, greets His Majesty the Ghost King,” Lin Xuan saluted neither subserviently nor arrogantly. His disciples behind him also bowed, secretly on guard.

“No need for formalities,” the Nether Skull Ghost King spoke, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable majesty, resounding directly in everyone’s souls and automatically translating into a language they could understand. “You are guests from afar. For you to traverse the Resentful Blood Sea and reach this Skeleton Demon City of mine, you must all be individuals of exceptional strength and fortune.”

His gaze returned to Lin Yingluo, revealing a faint, seemingly benevolent smile: “This Little Friend, in particular, has… opened my eyes.”

Lin Yingluo tilted her head, looking at him, not at all shy: “Old Uncle, who are you? Your place is so big!”

Old Uncle… some ghost ministers in the hall twitched their mouths.

The Nether Skull Ghost King, however, seemed not to mind, instead laughing heartily: “Little Friend is very interesting. I am the lord of this place; you may call me Nether Skull.”

He paused, then looked at Lin Xuan: “Little Friend Lin, I will not beat around the bush. I invited you here, firstly, out of curiosity regarding this Little Friend’s origins, and secondly, I genuinely wish to discuss a collaboration with you.”

“Please speak, Your Majesty,” Lin Xuan said gravely.

“Presumably, on your way here, my envoy has already introduced you to the general situation of the Blood Sea Domain,” the Nether Skull Ghost King slowly said. “The Abyss of Sunken Souls holds many opportunities, but it is equally fraught with danger. Not only is the environment harsh, but numerous powerful entities are entrenched here, constantly warring with each other. Even I cannot fully control the northwestern region.”

“Recently, the ‘Blood Soul Whirlpool’ in the central area of the Abyss of Sunken Souls has been unusually active. According to ancient records, this often signifies the large-scale maturation of ‘Blood Sea Soul Crystals,’ and there might even be the appearance of ‘Hell Nether Lotus,’” the Nether Skull Ghost King’s tone grew solemn. “Such supreme treasures are enough to incite a frenzied scramble among all factions. At that time, not only other Ghost Kings within my ghost race, but also ancient Blood Demons, remnant soul lords, and even… experts from outside realms such as the Asura Clan, and even other Immortal Realm forces, will be drawn to it.”

Lin Xuan’s heart stirred; it was indeed for treasure.

“Your Majesty’s meaning is?”

“I intend to temporarily join forces with several other Ghost Kings to first clear out the disobedient Blood Demons and remnant souls, as well as external competitors, to seize as many soul crystals and Nether Lotuses as possible,” the Nether Skull Ghost King’s gaze sharpened. “But this cooperation is not absolute; there is much mutual suspicion. I need some… additional assistance, especially in terms of high-end combat power.”

His gaze once again fell on Lin Yingluo, his meaning crystal clear.

“This Little Friend’s power… is very special and potent. If I can gain her assistance, I will hold a tremendous advantage in the upcoming struggle,” the Nether Skull Ghost King looked at Lin Xuan. “In return, I can provide you with a detailed map of the Abyss of Sunken Souls, safe routes, and detailed intelligence on those competitors. Furthermore, you can have thirty percent of the acquired soul crystals and Nether Lotuses! At the same time, I can guarantee your safety within my sphere of influence.”

The conditions sounded quite generous: intelligence, safety, and thirty percent of the spoils.

But Lin Xuan did not let his head be turned. He calmly asked, “Why does Your Majesty choose us? After all, we are not of the ghost race, and the foundation of trust is weak. Moreover, Yingluo is still young; though her power is strong, her temperament is unstable, and I cannot guarantee that she will fully follow instructions in complex battles.”

This was also his greatest concern. Yingluo was a nuclear weapon, but also an unstable factor.

The Nether Skull Ghost King seemed to have anticipated Lin Xuan’s question; he smiled faintly: “I chose you precisely because you are outsiders, unconnected to other forces within the Blood Sea Domain, which makes me more at ease. As for trust… we can establish a ‘Netherworld Contract,’ swearing by the laws of reincarnation. Those who violate it will suffer a backlash from the laws, their souls scattered. This is the highest-level contract; even I cannot violate it.”

He paused, his gaze at Lin Yingluo carrying a profound meaning: “As for this Little Friend… the essence of her power might be even more… special than you imagine. In this land of the Blood Sea, which originates from the Underworld, she might be able to exert an unexpected effect. As for her temperament, I believe Little Friend Lin, as her father, can guide her.”

Lin Xuan was silent for a moment. He had heard of the binding force of the Netherworld Contract, said to be extremely strict. The conditions and sincerity offered by the other party were indeed substantial.

“Master, this is a rare opportunity,” Su Yuan transmitted mentally. “With detailed intelligence and safety guarantees, our efficiency and safety in acquiring resources will greatly increase. Thirty percent of the harvest is immeasurable in value.” “But risks also exist,” Yun Qingyao transmitted, reminding him. “Once embroiled in Ghost King-level conflicts, the situation can change in an instant.” Other disciples also had their own thoughts.

Lin Xuan weighed the pros and cons and finally made a decision. Fortune favors the bold, and the top-tier resources of this Blood Sea Domain were worth the risk. Moreover, with the contract’s constraints, it was relatively controllable.

“Alright! Since Your Majesty is so sincere, we accept this cooperation!” Lin Xuan said gravely.

The Nether Skull Ghost King smiled: “Excellent! Little Friend Lin is straightforward! In that case, I will immediately arrange for the contract to be established. Tonight, I will host a banquet to welcome you all, and tomorrow we will discuss the specific action plan in detail!”

As his words fell, the atmosphere in the hall seemed to ease considerably. Although the ghost ministers and demon generals still looked at them strangely, there was less hostility.

Soon, a ghost attendant stepped forward to guide Lin Xuan and his group to a side hall to rest and prepare for the dinner banquet.

Watching Lin Xuan and the others depart, the smile on the Nether Skull Ghost King’s face slowly faded, his eyes becoming profound and unfathomable.

Beside him, an old ghost shrouded in shadow spoke softly: “Your Majesty, do you truly wish to cooperate with these living beings? Especially that little girl… her power…”

The Nether Skull Ghost King gently stroked the armrest of his throne, slowly saying: “Her power… is very much like the legendary power that… can restrain and even control the projection of the Well of Reincarnation… Although still very weak and nascent, the essence cannot be wrong. If I can borrow her strength… perhaps, I might glimpse a sliver of opportunity to transcend reincarnation… it’s worth the gamble.”

“As for the others… they are merely bargaining chips.”

His gaze once again pierced beyond the hall, as if through countless spaces, seeing the deepest part of the Abyss of Sunken Souls, that Well of Reincarnation projection that seemed capable of devouring everything.