The most defining characteristic of this mountain range was its shape: winding from its starting point to its end in a massive, unbroken circle. Once He Yiming grasped the layout of this range, his immediate thought was that it could not possibly be entirely natural.
Now, as the five of them stood before this mountain range, He Yiming’s conviction solidified.
Gazing upon the utterly smooth cliff face, utterly devoid of a single tree, and feeling that heart-stopping dread that arose merely from approaching the mountains, He Yiming became increasingly certain of his suspicions.
Jin Zhanyi took a deep, long breath and stated, “Brother He, ahead is the Ghost Cry Ridge. Within a hundred li radius centered here, not a single family resides.”
He Yiming let out a dry laugh. “Brother Jin, if even you and I feel a sense of alarm here, how could ordinary families possibly live nearby?”
Jin Zhanyi paused for a moment, shaking his head with a self-deprecating smile. “Brother He, according to the elders who have ventured in across the generations, deep within this mountain range lies a vast ridge perpetually shrouded in mist—that is the renowned Ghost Cry Ridge. The density of resentment and Yin energy within it surpasses the outer perimeter by more than tenfold.”
He Yiming sucked in a sharp breath. He had assumed this was Ghost Cry Ridge, only to discover the true Ghost Cry Ridge lay deep inside the mountains, and its Yin energy was exponentially stronger.
Ignoring He Yiming’s expression, Jin Zhanyi continued, “Furthermore, within Ghost Cry Ridge, there is a specific location considered absolutely forbidden—one must never enter it, no matter the reason.”
He Yiming’s expression tightened, and he asked solemnly, “I ask Brother Jin to point the way.”
Since this spot was designated with such certainty by predecessors throughout history, it was undoubtedly the most perilous location. He Yiming had no intention of playing the hero.
“The closer one gets to the summit inside Ghost Cry Ridge, the thicker the mist becomes. Below the peak, with our vision, we should be able to clearly see everything within ten meters. But at the very summit, we will be lucky to see anything beyond three meters. So, Brother He, you must be extremely cautious. If you accidentally enter an area where you can only see three meters ahead, retreat immediately at the fastest pace possible. Under no circumstances should you linger at the peak for longer than the time it takes to steep a cup of tea.”
Hearing Jin Zhanyi speak with such gravity, He Yiming was deeply affected. He nodded silently, engraving every word into his memory.
Shifting his gaze, he noted that the three others—Zhu Guanhao and the rest—wore expressions of complete calm. This indicated they were already aware of this prohibition. Indeed, the disciples from the Inner Domain noble families were extraordinary.
“Let’s ascend,” Jin Zhanyi said, having finished his instructions, Fang Sheng immediately stated in a deep voice.
The others nodded in unison. They hadn't come here for idle chatter. In an instant, the five of them sealed their lips again and began scaling the rock face toward the summit.
This section of the peak was exceedingly steep, but for them, it amounted to little more than a minor obstacle. In less time than it took to finish a single meal, they had all reached the apex.
Looking inward from here, the scenery transformed again.
The area encircled by the mountains was actually a dense expanse of cloud and mist. Within this swirling vapor, the faint outline of a massive, towering mountain could be discerned.
He Yiming’s ears twitched subtly, catching the sound of the fierce mountain wind as it scraped past, dragging a shrill, howling cry in its wake.
Sweeping his gaze around, He Yiming’s brow furrowed slightly. Perhaps due to the peculiar terrain, the wind’s sound was rendered so bizarre; even describing it as wailing like ghosts or howling wolves felt inadequate.
A person with even slightly less courage, upon hearing this noise, would likely find their spirits shaken and begin entertaining thoughts of retreat.
Hao Xue and the other two stared ahead, their eyes alight with anticipation, as if before them lay not the perilous Ghost Cry Ridge, but some long-sought-after immortal paradise.
Suddenly, a long, sharp cry erupted from an unseen peak, immediately followed by dozens of similar cries echoing in succession.
Jin Zhanyi and the three others—Hao Xue included—let out a answering cry, their calls resonating across the space, which seemed filled with a frenzied aura.
Listening to the cries, varying in length and tone, He Yiming’s brow tightened. Not only did he recognize the calls of Yu Wuchang, Wei Zongjin, and Zhang Zhongyun, but he even discerned the distinct sounds of Tatamu and Danny from the West.
At this moment, it seemed the masters from both East and West had forgotten their grievances—or perhaps, they never truly held any, merely performing an act for all present upon reaching this place.
“Soon…” a low murmur escaped Hao Xue’s lips. His eyes were fixed intently ahead, as if something earth-shattering was about to occur there.
He Yiming looked up, and his expression shifted slightly. The color of the dense mist had begun to change. What was merely a dull gray moments ago was now deepening into a profound black.
As the color shifted, the chilling, ghostly essence contained within the fog seemed to intensify relentlessly.
Hao Xue and the others grew even more excited, and even Jin Zhanyi’s composure showed subtle fluctuation.
“Brother He, once you enter Ghost Cry Ridge, under no circumstances should you remain inside for more than one month,” Jin Zhanyi gave a final admonition. “While the cultivation progress inside is far faster than in the outside world, the pressure endured is equally far greater. If you remain inside past a month, you will inevitably suffer corrosion from the Yin energy, and even if you manage to emerge, you will become nothing more than a killing machine, devoid of your own consciousness.”
He Yiming nodded slowly, committing Jin Zhanyi’s counsel firmly to memory.
Another long cry rang out. It was impossible to tell which master rushed down first.
But with a first, a second inevitably followed. As if triggered by a chain reaction, one top-tier master after another plunged into the mist like falling meteors.
Hao Xue exchanged glances with his companions. Beyond excitement, their eyes held a strong undertone of confusion.
Hadn't the Venerable Assassin from the Yellow Springs Gate agreed to intercept He Yiming and Jin Zhanyi halfway? The three of them were supposed to lend aid at the critical moment, ensuring both were kept behind. Yet, as they approached the entrance to Ghost Cry Ridge, that Venerable Assassin remained completely silent.
Exchanging looks, the three offered wry smiles. Then, glancing at the black mist where people were continuously entering, they nodded simultaneously.
If the masters from the Yellow Springs Gate chose to appear, they wouldn't mind turning against their allies. But since the others made no move, they naturally wouldn't invite trouble where none existed.
Hao Xue waved his hand grandly. “Let’s go.”
His body instantly transformed into a great bird soaring through the sky, rushing down like a flash of light.
Zhu Guanhao nodded slightly toward Jin Zhanyi and He Yiming. “Gentlemen, see you in a month’s time.”
With that, he and Fang Sheng moved shoulder-to-shoulder, heading into the black mist without hesitation.
Jin Zhanyi nodded slightly. “Brother He, once we enter Ghost Cry Ridge, we will have to separate.”
He Yiming asked solemnly, “Why?”
“We enter seeking breakthroughs, and within Ghost Cry Ridge, if two people remain too close to each other, it negatively impacts the environment for cultivation.” Jin Zhanyi pointed ahead. “It’s not just us; even Hao Xue and his two must separate.”
He Yiming watched the direction they advanced and slowly nodded.
Hao Xue charged straight ahead, while Fang Sheng and Zhu Guanhao, who had been walking side-by-side, gradually moved farther apart; they were clearly entering from three distinct locations.
“Brother He, once you step into Ghost Cry Ridge, you will be utterly alone. At that time, you must guard not only against the intrusion of Yin energy but also against the others,” Jin Zhanyi advised earnestly. “Trust no one inside—including myself—except yourself.”
He Yiming paused, his heart filled with suspicion. Wasn't this an overreaction?
Yet, Jin Zhanyi’s tone was grave. “Once inside, you face the test of Yin energy invading your body. A single lapse, and you will lose your sanity and become a madman. Therefore, once you find a suitable spot for secluded cultivation, do not move casually unless absolutely necessary. Because if you intrude upon someone else’s cultivation space, you will certainly invite the fiercest retaliation. Of course, if someone infringes upon you, you may unleash your killing intent without mercy.”
He Yiming’s expression shifted several times. The closer they got to the final moment, the more he could sense the layered dangers emanating from Ghost Cry Ridge.
These dangers stemmed not only from the mountain itself but also from the experts closest to the Venerable rank from both East and West who were entering alongside him.
Jin Zhanyi clapped He Yiming on the shoulder, speaking sincerely, “Brother He, you are still young. Even without entering this place, you are destined to ascend to the Venerable realm eventually. So… consider it. You still have a choice.”
Having said this, Jin Zhanyi let out a long cry, pushed off lightly with his feet, and leaped from the peak, rocketing toward the black mist like an arrow shot from a bow.
He Yiming swallowed hard, a bitter smile playing on his lips as several thoughts raced through his mind in an instant.
In truth, his original resolve had begun to waver. Just as Jin Zhanyi said, he was young. His capacity to withstand the trial was far less than that of these old veterans who were all, at the very least, over a hundred years old.
Moreover, he possessed profound self-confidence; reaching the Venerable realm within twenty years didn't seem impossible. In that case, was risking everything here truly worth it?
The fabric of his chest suddenly trembled. He Yiming was momentarily startled, but his reaction was lightning-fast. With a gentle touch, he retrieved a thumb-sized stone from his robes.
He pressed the stone against his ear, and Bai Lingba’s familiar voice sounded: “Three masters are slowly closing in on you.”
He Yiming’s expression changed drastically. Anyone Bai Lingba referred to as a ‘master’ certainly possessed a martial cultivation level no less than his own.
Bai Lingba’s next words nearly shattered his courage completely.
“Three Venerables. They all intend to kill you.”
He Yiming’s body went rigid. “How far?”
“Within a hundred zhang. They are preparing to strike.”
He Yiming suddenly roared, a sound like thunder splitting the sky, carrying far into the distance.
The three dark figures behind him paused simultaneously, bewildered by what madness this young man was exhibiting for no apparent reason.
Then, they watched as He Yiming charged toward the black mist with desperate speed, putting every ounce of strength he possessed into the desperate rush.