116: secret plot

The night banquet at Skeleton Demon City finally concluded in an atmosphere that appeared harmonious but was, in fact, filled with ulterior motives.

Back in the side hall, Lin Xuan immediately had Chu Xinghe set up layers of isolation arrays, even using the power of chaos for encryption, to ensure that the upcoming conversation would not be eavesdropped upon.

"Master, that Nether Skull Ghost King definitely has ill intentions!" Mo Sha was the first to exclaim, rubbing his still slightly numb arm. "The way he looked at Little Junior Sister at the end was like a hungry wolf seeing meat!"

"Exactly," Yun Qingyao said with a solemn expression. "He repeatedly mentioned the Well of Reincarnation projection and deliberately emphasized Yingluo's uniqueness. His objective is probably not as simple as just Soul Crystals and Nether Lotus. I suspect his true goal is to use Yingluo's power to touch, or even control, that Well of Reincarnation projection."

Data streams flickered in Su Yuan's eyes: "Analysis probability is as high as 87.3%. The Well of Reincarnation involves the Law of Reincarnation, an irresistible temptation for any cultivator, especially for existences at the Ghost Emperor level, as it may be key to transcendence. Miss Yingluo's unique power essence makes it highly probable that he sees her as a 'key.'"

"Then aren't we playing with fire?" Leng Yuechan frowned.

"It's a risk, but also an opportunity," Lin Xuan said in a deep voice. "Without his intelligence and support, we would be stuck in this Abyss of Sunken Souls, let alone contend for top-tier resources. Since he has his own agenda, we can use that to our advantage, first obtaining enough benefits to improve our strength. As for the Well of Reincarnation... we'll act according to the situation when the time comes, and we absolutely cannot let him endanger Yingluo."

He looked at everyone: "The top priority is to quickly digest what we've gained and enhance our strength. Su Yuan, get the map and intelligence the Ghost King promised and analyze them as soon as possible. Chu Xinghe, fully research the ghost race's array formations and runes to see if they can be integrated into our system or if their weaknesses can be found. Everyone else, cultivate diligently, adapt to this environment, and especially strengthen your methods for countering Yin Soul attacks."

"Yes, Master!" Everyone accepted the command.

Over the next few days, the Star Palace group temporarily settled in Skeleton Demon City.

The Nether Skull Ghost King did not go back on his word and soon sent someone to deliver several dark jade slips, which contained a detailed map of the northwest region of the Abyss of Sunken Souls, known dangerous areas, the locations of some powerful beings' lairs, and predictions about the Blood Soul Whirlpool's activity patterns.

Su Yuan treated them as treasures and immediately devoted himself to full analysis and deduction. Chu Xinghe also collected ghost race array formation data through various channels for research. The other disciples cultivated in seclusion or sparred with each other, adapting to the power of their new realms and specifically practicing methods to counter various Yin Souls and blood fiends.

Lin Xuan himself was not idle. While consolidating his late-stage Immortal Monarch cultivation and familiarizing himself with the chaotic demonic essence in his body, which had merged the characteristics of many disciples due to the demonic axe, he also tried to refine the bronze battle axe on a deeper level. He discovered that the battle axe's interior seemed to be a world unto itself, containing countless ancient demonic patterns and killing imprints. Each trace he refined yielded some incomplete inherited memories and power feedback, and its might slowly increased.

Little Yingluo, meanwhile, became the "little overlord" of the demon city. She was curious about everything and often snuck out to wander around. When those ferocious ghost creatures and blood demons saw her, not only did they not dare to stop her, but they also trembled in fear, prostrating themselves from afar. There were even a few times when she ran into the forbidden areas of the demon city, and the guards there did not dare to stop her, only hurriedly reporting it. When the Nether Skull Ghost King learned of it, he merely smiled and ordered that as long as she didn't damage important things, she could do as she pleased. This further convinced Lin Xuan that the old ghost had designs on Yingluo.

During this period, leaders from other forces also came to "visit," ostensibly forcomminicate but actually to probe. Lin Xuan had Yun Qingyao and Su Yuan handle them, leaving no openings.

On the fifth day of their arrival in the demon city, Su Yuan finally completed his preliminary analysis.

"Master, the map and intelligence have been basically verified and are highly reliable," Su Yuan projected the analysis results. "The Blood Soul Whirlpool is expected to enter its most active period in three days, which is also the peak period for the eruption of Soul Crystals and Nether Lotus. There are three optimal entry routes, each with its pros and cons..."

He explained in detail the risk points of each route, potential enemies, and resource-rich areas.

"Furthermore, according to energy fluctuation monitoring, in addition to the Nether Skull Ghost King, the other two rulers of the northwest region, the Skeleton Queen and the Soul-Devouring Demon Lord, have also mobilized their forces, and their movements are obvious. The Asura Clan's forces, led by the Blood Butcher Prince, seem to be in frequent contact with the Soul-Devouring Demon Lord, possibly having reached some kind of cooperation. The Immortal Alliance's Xuan Gu's whereabouts are more secretive, but he will most likely also get involved."

The situation was indeed complex.

"We choose the second route," Lin Xuan quickly decided. "This route is relatively concealed, with a lower probability of encountering large-scale enemies in the early stages, and there are several good resource points along the way where we can collect resources first to replenish ourConsumption."

"Yes!"

"Tell everyone to prepare; we depart tomorrow!"

At the same time, in the Immortal Realm, deep within the endless void.

Five majestic figures once again gathered through projections. They were Emperor Yu of the Human Race, Emperor Qingming of the Monster Race, Spirit Wa Yuanjun of the Spirit Race, Ao Guang Dragon Emperor of the Dragon Race, and Luo Hou Demon Lord of the Demon Race.

"The Blood Sea Domain is quite active," Emperor Yu slowly spoke, his gaze seemingly piercing through endless space, landing on that dark red fragment of hell. "Those old ghosts and demon lords are all moving; it seems this 'Blood Soul Whirlpool' is extraordinary."

"Hmph, with the Well of Reincarnation projection showing anomalies, how could those fellows sit still?" Luo Hou Demon Lord sneered. "I hear my 'Demon Lord Inheritor' is also involved, and has even connected with that old skeleton, Nether Skull? Interesting."

Emperor Qingming said indifferently: "Bai Li sent back news that Lin Xuan has led his disciples into the Abyss of Sunken Souls and is cooperating with Nether Skull, also targeting Soul Crystals and Nether Lotus. Nether Skull seems to be particularly interested in the little girl next to Lin Xuan."

"Little girl?" Spirit Wa Yuanjun's gentle voice sounded. "Could it be... that existence from the God Realm? Her power essence seems to have a peculiar resonance with the cycle of life and reincarnation." As an Emperor of the Spirit Race, she was most sensitive to life auras, and even across endless time and space, she could vaguely sense Lin Yingluo's uniqueness.

Ao Guang Dragon Emperor's golden eyes opened and closed: "With someone from the God Realm interfering, the situation becomes even more complex. Although that Well of Reincarnation projection is just a fragment, it involves a great deal. If improperly activated, it could lead to disaster."

"Fortune and misfortune are intertwined," Emperor Yu said calmly. "This child Lin Xuan has prosperous luck and a strong sense of responsibility. His involvement in the situation may not be a bad thing. Although it is inconvenient for us to directly interfere in the matters of the Blood Sea Domain, we can still make some preparations."

He looked at the other four Emperors: "The Asura Clan has been active lately, and their connection with the Mother of Bugs is growing closer; this bodes ill. Lin Xuan and his Star Palace may become a key force to contain and even thwart their schemes. We should secretly provide some support to help him grow."

Luo Hou Demon Lord was the first to agree: "That suits me perfectly! I have already issued an order for my demon race's children in the Blood Sea Domain to assist Lin Xuan and his disciples with all their might if they encounter them! The revival of the demonic path might just depend on this child!"

Spirit Wa Yuanjun nodded slightly: "That child Nuan Nuan is doing very well with him, and the Star Palace treats all natural things kindly. I can bestow a wisp of 'Innate Yi Wood Essence' to aid the growth of their spiritual plants and consolidate their foundations." She flicked her finger, and a verdant, vibrant ray of light, brimming with endless vitality, pierced through the void and silently landed in the World Tree within the Star Palace's Small Immortal Realm. The World Tree immediately swayed joyfully, emitting even purer and richer spiritual energy.

Emperor Qingming pondered for a moment: "Very well, I will humble myself further and greet a few old friends, asking them to facilitate matters for their forces in the Blood Sea Domain and not to make things too difficult for the Star Palace." He was mainly doing it for Bai Li.

Seeing this, Ao Guang Dragon Emperor also spoke: "Since that is the case, I can also promise that if Lin Xuan can truly obtain enough 'Dragon Soul Crystals,' my Dragon Race can trade with him and open up some ancient Dragon Race body-refining secret arts."

The five Immortal Emperors, for their own different reasons, at this moment reached a tacit understanding and decided to secretly allocate resources to invest in Lin Xuan, this rapidly rising new star of the Immortal Realm.

They did not know what profound impact their decision would have on the landscape of the Immortal Realm in the near future.

Outside Skeleton Demon City.

Lin Xuan and his party boarded the Bone Boat, which Chu Xinghe had initially modified and augmented with more defensive and concealment arrays. The Nether Skull Ghost King also dispatched an elite ghost army led by an Immortal Monarch-level ghost general to accompany them, ostensibly for "assistance," but in reality, with a stronger implication of surveillance.

"Depart!" With Lin Xuan's command, the Bone Boat slowly sailed away from the demon city, heading towards the deeper, more dangerous depths of the Blood Sea within the Abyss of Sunken Souls.

The blood mist grew thicker, visibility was extremely low, and divine sense was greatly suppressed. The eerie roars and pulling forces from the Blood Sea also grew stronger.

A new adventure officially began. What awaited them would be even more brutal battles, more tempting treasures, and the shocking secret of reincarnation hidden deep within the whirlpool.