115: The Secret of Reincarnation

The side hall of the Skeleton Demon City’s royal palace, though still permeated with a dense aura ofYin Qi (Yin energy), was significantly more “comfortable” than the suffocating Ghost Emperor’s pressure in the main hall. Ghost attendants arranged resting rooms for Lin Xuan and the others. The furnishings in the rooms were surprisingly elaborate, even including some ghost realm specialty incense that emitted a subtle fragrance and could calm the mind and soul.

The disciples finally relaxed their tense nerves slightly, but still dared not completely let their guard down. They took turns meditating and recuperating, recovering from the exhaustion of previous battles and resisting environmental erosion. Su Yuan and Chu Xinghe, meanwhile, seized the time; one continuously recorded and analyzed the sights and data from their journey, while the other studied the defensive formations built into the room, attempting to decipher the Ghost Race’s runic technology.

Lin Xuan carefully placed Lin Yingluo, who was tired from playing and somewhat drowsy, onto a bed covered with soft nether velvet. Looking at her peaceful sleeping face, his heart was filled with mixed emotions. This daughter’s power was both a blessing and a curse. Now, she had even been targeted by the Ghost Emperor. Her future path would likely be even more turbulent… or rather, thrilling.

After about two hours, a ghost attendant arrived to announce that the night banquet was about to begin.

Everyone tidied their appearances and followed the ghost attendant back to the main hall of the royal palace.

The main hall now looked different from when they had arrived during the day. More soul lamps were lit, emitting a soft but cold light that illuminated the hall brightly. Long bone tables were set up on both sides, already laden with many strange fruits and wines. The fruits displayed dark red, eerie blue, and other colors, emitting pure Yin-attribute energy fluctuations; the wines were held in translucent bone cups, shimmering with a luster like liquid soul fire.

On both sides of the hall, the leading figures from various factions—Ghosts, Blood Demons, and Remnant Souls—were already seated. Their auras varied in strength, but even the weakest were at the Golden Immortal level. They conversed in hushed whispers, their gazes occasionally darting towards the hall entrance, clearly all awaiting today’s main character—or rather, the focal point.

When Lin Xuan entered the hall with his sixteen disciples, all the whispers ceased instantly, and countless gazes simultaneously focused on them. Curiosity, scrutiny, jealousy, greed, apprehension… a mixture of emotions formed an invisible pressure.

Lin Xuan’s expression remained unchanged. He led his disciples to the center of the hall and slightly cupped his hands towards the Nether Skull Ghost King on the throne: “Your Majesty.”

The Nether Skull Ghost King had changed into a relatively casual dark robe with dragon patterns today. A faint smile on his face made him appear much more approachable: “Little Friend Lin has arrived. Please take your seats.” He pointed to several long tables at the front, to the left below the throne, which were reserved for honored guests.

Lin Xuan nodded and led his disciples to sit down calmly. Yun Qingyao, Leng Yuechan, and the other female disciples sat to his left, while Mo Sha, Kong Ming, and the other male disciples sat to his right, protecting Lin Yingluo in the center.

“Everyone,” the Nether Skull Ghost King raised the bone cup before him, his voice resounding through the hall, “I have arranged this banquet today for two reasons: first, to welcome Little Friend Lin and his esteemed disciples from afar; and second, for all of us fellow cultivators, to cooperate sincerely in the upcoming competition for the Blood Soul Whirlpool and seize the opportunities together! Let us drink this cup to the fullest!”

All the guests in the hall raised their cups, putting on a full show of courtesy regardless of their true thoughts.

Lin Xuan also picked up his wine cup, carefully scanning it with his divine sense. After confirming that the wine contained only pure soul power and no other tricks, he signaled to his disciples that they could taste a small amount. This soul wine was a great tonic for ghost cultivators, and for them, as living beings, a small amount could slightly nourish their souls, but an excessive amount might lead to Yin energy invading their bodies.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere seemed to warm up a bit. Ghost musicians began playing eerie bone music, and some enchanting ghost women drifted into the center, performing a dance that was both seductive and imbued with the aura of death.

However, everyone’s thoughts were clearly not on the song and dance.

Soon, a tall, thin Ghost Monarch, dressed in a luxurious soul robe and with an arrogant expression, spoke up, directly targeting Lin Xuan: “Your Majesty, the Blood Soul Whirlpool competition is of great importance. Is it not… rash to have us cooperate with these living beings of unknown origin? Especially, do they truly have the ability to help us in the Abyss of Sunken Souls? What if they become a burden instead?”

At these words, many guests showed expressions of agreement or anticipation of a good show.

Before Lin Xuan could speak, Mo Sha, seated below him, slammed his wine cup down with a bang, baring his pale teeth with a grin: “A burden? Earlier outside, I wonder which useless bunch was sent scurrying with their heads in their hands after I punched them!” His gaze swept over the few rogue cultivators present who had participated in the earlier encirclement. Those old cultivators immediately lowered their heads with ugly expressions.

The Ghost Monarch was choked for a moment, his face growing even darker: “Hmph, brute force! The dangers of the Abyss of Sunken Souls are incomparable to the outskirts! There…”

“Ghost Monarch Li Hun,” the Nether Skull Ghost King said faintly, interrupting him, “This King has his own considerations regarding the strength of Little Friend Lin and his group. This matter is settled; there is no need for further discussion.”

That Ghost Monarch Li Hun seemed to hold the Nether Skull Ghost King in considerable awe. Despite his reluctance, he could only grudgingly shut his mouth.

But soon, a Blood Demon Commander, covered in blood-red scales and with a single horn on his head, cackled: “Ghost King Your Majesty, cooperation is certainly possible. But how will the benefits be distributed? According to contribution? How will that be calculated then? We brothers shouldn’t be fighting to the death while some people hide behind us to pick up scraps, and then still demand thirty percent. Where in the world is there such a good deal?”

These words resonated with many, especially the Blood Demons and Remnant Soul Lords, who all echoed their agreement.

“Exactly! Why should they?” “They need to show some real skill!” “How about we spar now?”

The scene became somewhat agitated for a moment.

The Nether Skull Ghost King said nothing, merely slowly sipping his soul wine, seemingly wanting to see how Lin Xuan would respond.

Lin Xuan put down his wine cup, his gaze calmly sweeping over the clamoring individuals, finally resting on the Blood Demon Commander: “What this Commander says also makes sense. Empty words are baseless. How does the Commander wish to verify?”

Seeing Lin Xuan take the bait, the Blood Demon Commander’s eyes flashed with a bloodthirsty light. He abruptly stood up: “Simple! I, Old Blood Rhino, am a crude demon, I don’t understand all those twists and turns! Let’s just have a fight! You can send anyone you want. If they can take three of my axe blows without retreating, I’ll admit you’re qualified to take thirty percent! If they can’t… hehe, then just obediently get out of the Abyss of Sunken Souls, how about it?”

This Blood Demon Commander had a powerful aura, comparable to an early-stage Immortal Monarch, and clearly appeared to be a strength-type fierce demon.

All the disciples looked at Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan smiled and looked at Mo Sha beside him: “Mo Sha, want to stretch your limbs?”

“Alright, Master! My hands have been itching for a while!” Mo Sha excitedly twisted his neck. The aura of his Ancient Demon True Body subtly emanated. Although his cultivation realm was slightly lower, that pure violent aura made the Blood Demon Commander’s eyes light up.

“Good! A little interesting! To the training ground outside the hall!” The Blood Demon Commander, Blood Rhino, roared and was the first to head outside the hall.

Everyone rose and crowded to a huge training ground outside the hall, paved with black hard bones.

Mo Sha and Blood Rhino stood in the center of the arena, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

“Kid, be careful! My axe isn’t easy to block!” Blood Rhino roared, and two blood-red giant axes, the size of doors, appeared in his hands. With an aura that could tear through everything, he swung an axe fiercely at Mo Sha! The axe wind was sharp, even stirring up the sound of blood-sea waves!

Mo Sha did not dodge. Demonic light burst from his eyes, and his Ancient Demon True Body instantly fully manifested. His muscles were bulging, and demonic patterns shimmered. He actually directly punched the giant axe!

“Courting death!” Blood Rhino sneered, increasing his power.

Boom!!!

Fist and axe met, emitting a deafening clang of metal! A violent wave of air swept out, causing the weaker cultivators among the surrounding ghost creatures to stumble!

To the astonishment of all the demons, Mo Sha did not retreat a single step! His fist was comparable to divine iron, directly withstanding the axe blow! Only a deep, bone-visible wound was split open on the surface of his fist by the axe blade, but as demonic energy surged, the wound rapidly healed!

“What a hard fist!” Blood Rhino was startled, then became even more excited, “Again! Second axe, Mountain Splitter!”

Both axes came out simultaneously, their power doubled, cutting down like a blood-red whirlwind!

Mo Sha roared, crossing his arms to block, and the Ancient Demon energy around him boiled!

Boom! Another loud bang! The black bone plates beneath Mo Sha’s feet shattered inch by inch. He was slammed half a foot into the ground, his arms trembling violently, a trace of demonic blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, but he still held on stubbornly!

“Good!!” Even some of the Ghost Race couldn’t help but cheer this time. This physical strength was indeed terrifying!

A trace of respect flashed in Blood Rhino’s eyes, but his third axe did not stop. He used all his strength, and blood-red law flames even burned on the axe blade! “Third axe, Soul Cleaver!”

This axe not only contained extreme power but also had the effect of attacking the soul!

Mo Sha felt a deadly threat. He roared, no longer holding back. The Ancient Demon bloodline within him burned furiously, and a terrifying “Sky-Opening Axe Intent” condensed above his fist, fearlessly meeting the attack!

Just as the two were about to collide again—

“Enough.”

A clear voice, tinged with a hint of displeasure, rang out.

It was Lin Yingluo. She had run to the side of the arena at some point, her little brows tightly furrowed as she watched Mo Sha bleed. She felt that this big uncle was her father’s person, and it was not good for him to be bleeding from being hit.

Then, she extended her fair and tender little finger towards the terrifying Blood Demon Commander, Blood Rhino, and lightly poked the air.

There were no energy fluctuations, no manifestation of laws.

Blood Rhino, who was unleashing his full power with the blood-red Soul Cleaver Axe, suddenly paused his massive charging body as if gently poked on the forehead by an invisible yet irresistible finger.

Then, under the dumbfounded gaze of everyone, this incredibly powerful Blood Demon Commander, comparable to an early-stage Immortal Monarch, maintained his charging axe-wielding posture, his eyes rolled back, foam coming from his mouth, swaying twice as if drunk, and then… Thud!

He fell straight backward, hitting the ground, kicking up a cloud of bone dust. The giant axes in his hands also clanged as they dropped to the side.

He was knocked out.

Knocked out with a single finger poke.

The entire venue fell silent.

All the demons, ghosts, and souls gaped, their eyeballs almost falling to the ground.

Mo Sha still maintained his punching posture, looking utterly bewildered.

Lin Xuan put a hand to his forehead, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. This daughter… she’s at it again.

The Nether Skull Ghost King’s hand, holding his wine cup, paused slightly. A flash of knowing insight appeared in his eyes, and then he burst into hearty laughter: “Hahahaha! Little Daoist Friend’s divine might! Truly extraordinary! Commander Blood Rhino is immensely powerful, yet he couldn’t even withstand a single finger from the little Daoist Friend, which speaks volumes! Is there anyone else who has doubts about the qualifications of Little Friend Lin and his group?”

Outside the hall, there was dead silence.

All the individuals who had just been clamoring and questioning now shrank their heads back, not daring to look at Lin Yingluo again.

What the hell was there to question now?! Didn’t they see an early-stage Immortal Monarch Blood Demon Commander instantly knocked out?! What kind of monster was this little girl?!

After this scene, no one dared to question Lin Xuan’s and their strength and qualifications. The atmosphere of the banquet became subtle, with awe and fear replacing the previous disdain and provocation.

Returning to the main hall, the banquet continued, but the atmosphere was distinctly different. Many faction leaders began to actively toast Lin Xuan, attempting to curry favor and probe for information.

Halfway through the feast, the Nether Skull Ghost King dismissed the music and dance, and the hall gradually quieted down.

He looked at Lin Xuan, his tone becoming a few shades more serious: “Little Friend Lin, since our cooperation is settled, it is time to inform you of some secrets regarding the Abyss of Sunken Souls, especially the ‘Well of Reincarnation Projection’.”

Lin Xuan’s spirits lifted, knowing the main event was coming.

“The Well of Reincarnation is the core of the core of the Underworld, governing the mysteries of all beings’ reincarnation and rebirth. Although its projection possesses less than one-billionth of the power of the original, it still contains a trace of true Reincarnation Law.” The Nether Skull Ghost King’s eyes revealed longing and reverence, “If one can comprehend even a sliver, it would be of immeasurable benefit to cultivation, and one might even glimpse a hint of the secret of eternal life.”

“But similarly, it is also an extremely dangerous place.” His tone deepened, “Around the projection, space is extremely unstable, and storms of reincarnation fragments often erupt. If caught in one, anyone below the Immortal Emperor realm is almost certain to die. Furthermore, countless ancient and powerful remnant souls and strange entities, attracted by the power of reincarnation, are entrenched there. They have long lost their sentience, retaining only the instinct to devour anything living that approaches.”

“Moreover,” the Nether Skull Ghost King lowered his voice, “according to ancient legends, that projection… does not seem to be entirely inanimate. During a certain specific cycle, or when certain conditions are met, it… might ‘come alive,’ generating a strange suction force, attempting to pull everything around it into the well, to return to reincarnation. Nothing pulled in has ever come out again.”

Lin Xuan and his disciples listened with a chilling sense of dread. This Well of Reincarnation Projection was even more bizarre and dangerous than they had imagined.

“Does Your Majesty know what the conditions are for it to ‘come alive’?” Lin Xuan pressed.

The Nether Skull Ghost King shook his head: “No one knows. Perhaps it’s when energy accumulates to a certain level, or perhaps… it senses something that can trigger the Reincarnation Law, or… a person?” As he spoke the last sentence, his gaze seemed to inadvertently sweep over Lin Yingluo, who was currently gnawing on a black ghost fruit.

Lin Xuan’s heart sank sharply. Could it be that the Nether Skull Ghost King’s purpose in cooperating was not just for the Soul Crystals and Nether Lotus, but also to use Yingluo’s uniqueness to probe the Well of Reincarnation Projection?

Seemingly noticing Lin Xuan’s apprehension, the Nether Skull Ghost King said faintly: “Little Friend Lin need not overthink. The secret of the Well of Reincarnation is too profound, and no one dares to easily touch it. This King is merely informing you of what is known, to prevent you from inadvertently entering a dangerous place. Our main objective remains the Soul Crystals and Nether Lotus of the Blood Soul Whirlpool.”

Even so, Lin Xuan’s vigilance increased by several points. This Nether Skull Ghost King definitely had grander designs.

The banquet continued for a while longer, with various factions exchanging pleasantries with ulterior motives, having initially reached a superficial “cooperation agreement.”

After it ended, Lin Xuan and the others returned to the side hall.

After setting up a soundproof barrier, everyone’s expressions became solemn.

“Master, that Ghost King definitely has ill intentions!” Mo Sha said gruffly, “He kept looking at Little Junior Sister!”

“Indeed, his last words clearly had a hidden meaning.” Yun Qingyao frowned.

Su Yuan analyzed: “Based on the available information, the Nether Skull Ghost King’s primary goal is most likely still the Soul Crystals and Nether Lotus, but he is extremely interested in Little Junior Sister’s power and may want to use it to explore the secrets of the Well of Reincarnation. We need to utilize his intelligence and resources, but we must strictly guard against any actions he takes targeting Little Junior Sister.”

Lin Xuan nodded: “Su Yuan’s analysis is correct. Cooperation must continue, but our guard cannot be lowered. Especially concerning the Well of Reincarnation, we absolutely cannot let Yingluo get even half a step close to it!”

He looked at his daughter. The little one was having a blast playing with the soul fire fragment, completely unaware that she had become the center of a storm.

“Next, we will receive detailed maps and intelligence. Su Yuan, you are responsible for quickly analyzing the optimal route and safe points. Chu Xinghe, see if we can load more powerful defensive and escape formations onto our bone boat. The rest of you, seize the time to familiarize yourselves with the power of your new realms and be ready for battle at any time.”

“Yes, Master!”