South of Mount Zhongyu, nestled within a beautifully fragrant expanse where a hundred flowers bloomed, lay the retreat after the breakthrough... A crescent-moon-shaped pool reflected the clear sky, the water so transparent that tiny fish darted playfully at the bottom. Wisps of white mist rose from the water, lending the valley an air of ethereal enchantment. In the center of the valley, rows of newly constructed bamboo dwellings stood tall. The young men of the Ji family bustled about, smiling as they worked enthusiastically on their personal cultivation spots. Elders like Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng stroked their beards, nodding in approval as they paced through the grounds, occasionally inquiring about the progress of the younger generation’s training. Xuanyuan Valley—this precious cultivation ground, fought for tooth and nail during the Sect Assembly on the Earth Scar, was formally named Xuanyuan Valley by the Ji family! This was Mo Yunyi’s insistence. Since the Xuanyuan lineage of the Ji family was revealed, there was no need for further concealment. According to Mo Yunyi, the Ji family was set to rise once more, and their new valley needed no more subtlety or modesty; having Xuanyuan within meant the name "Xuanyuan" itself provided the necessary gravitas. Ever since killing Tong Qian, the Sect Master of the Blood Moon Sect, during the Earth Scar Assembly and revealing his strength at the peak of the Seven Star Heaven realm, Mo Yunyi had become a figure of unique importance to the Ji family. Previously secluded in the Scripture Repository, Mo Yunyi finally stepped into the light, assuming a crucial role in the Ji family’s decision-making processes. The Heaven and Earth Primal Qi in Xuanyuan Valley was exceptionally profound. Simply breathing the fresh air within the valley brought an exhilarating sense of clarity. When cultivating in the cavernous walls of the valley, it was remarkably easy to still the mind and enter the state of unity between Heaven and Earth. Within Xuanyuan Valley, even cultivating purely on the naturally swirling Heaven and Earth Primal Qi, without relying on Primal Stones, yielded far quicker progress than training at the foot of Qingyan Mountain. Since relocating, the spirit of the Ji family members had soared; they dedicated themselves wholly to cultivation and building their new home with their own hands. “Where is Changkong?” After wandering through the valley for a while, Ji Yuxing nodded secretly. Seeing Ji Wanyun emerge from the valley behind him, he couldn't help but ask with a smile. “Still hasn’t come out. He was afraid those young ladies from the other sects and families would bother him. As soon as we moved in, he dug himself a cave and hid inside…” Ji Wanyun said with a slight smile and a hint of exasperation. “Can’t really blame him; those girls from Blood Rain Mountain really are something else. Even though we’ve moved here, they won’t leave Changkong alone, dropping by every few days.” Ji Yuepeng burst into laughter, clearly delighted. “That just means Changkong is popular, that’s a good thing, haha. Those girls look quite nice; if Changkong fancies any of them, he’s free to pursue it!” Who knew what he was thinking, but he seemed thoroughly annoyed and hadn't emerged since the move. Ji Wanyun shook her head, smiling. “He even refused to see He Li Yi and Baili Xiu when they came by; I asked him at the entrance of his cave. Changkong isn’t that old, but to look at so many girls and find none to his liking?” Ji Wanyun was equally puzzled. “Changkong is the Xuanyuan of our Ji family; it’s normal for his standards to be high,” Ji Yuxing chuckled. Then, suddenly recalling something, he glanced toward the rear of the valley and asked in a low voice, “Have those few people been quiet?” “No movement. Changkong met with those five privately when he returned, and since then, they’ve all stayed inside the cave in the back, not coming out until now,” Ji Wanyun replied, her expression odd as she also lowered her voice. “The Bagua Heavenly Masters… To think that Bagua Heavenly Masters would become retainers of our Ji family,” Ji Yuxing sighed, though his expression remained complex. “I hope they keep quiet and don’t wander about carelessly. He Haoran and Baili A have already sent people to understand the situation. If the sects from Blood Rain Mountain learn they are outsiders, who knows what trouble it might cause,” Ji Yusheng sighed softly, a wry smile on his face. “Father, don't worry, Changkong knows what he’s doing,” Ji Wanyun comforted him. “Didn’t Changkong say that someone would soon come to seek refuge in our Xuanyuan Valley? I believe he wasn’t speaking nonsense; we just need to wait.” “I truly look forward to seeing the Ji family reclaim its former glory under our care,” Ji Yuxing said wistfully, sighing contentedly.

Within Xuanyuan Valley, inside a massive stone cave in the rear mountain cliff face. Ji Changkong sat cross-legged in the center of the cavern, his entire body shimmering with golden light. To look upon him was to see a golden statue; the radiance illuminated the stone walls, making the chamber gleam. Any unwary visitor might assume they had stumbled into a gold mine. In his hands, two fist-sized Golden Primal Crystals slowly fractured, seeping into his body like liquid, disappearing into his meridians, bones, marrow, and flesh. The two crystals finally vanished, leaving only scattered flecks of gold dust in his palms. After an unknown period, Ji Changkong, whose golden radiance had reached its peak, slowly awoke. His eyes snapped open, and they too seemed to have turned golden, giving the illusion that he was not entirely human. He drew a gentle breath, and the golden light emanating from his body slowly retracted inward. His gaze shifted abruptly; plumes of fierce fire erupted from his skin and flesh, instantly enveloping him in a blaze that filled the air. His expression changed again, and in an instant, the surrounding flames vanished without a trace, his complexion returning to normal. The naked Ji Changkong suddenly stood up, stretching his limbs. He moved through the cavern with ghost-like speed, occasionally leaping upward and plunging forcefully into the stone wall. Unexpectedly, as soon as his body entered the rock, it behaved like water dissolving into the sea, vanishing entirely into the stone. In a mere moment, he disappeared within the wall. After a short while, he would reappear from another section of the rock face, truly resembling a phantom in the cave, giving observers the strange illusion that his body lacked substance. Executing the "Thousand Nether Shadow Glide," he floated and drifted within the rock, intermittently vanishing into the internal structure of the cliff only to suddenly emerge from the exterior surface. Within the cavern, his body seemed capable of twisting and bending, creating the sensation that he possessed no bones at all. After a time, he suddenly halted within the rock face, smiled, retrieved a clean robe from his Qianzi Bag, put it on, and walked to the mouth of the cave to push aside the massive boulder blocking the entrance. After this period of intense solitary cultivation, he had tempered his entire body using the powers of Fire, Earth, and Metal. Fire generates Earth, and Earth generates Metal—the principles of mutual generation and restraint described in the Tai Xu Secret Record were entirely accurate. After successfully resolving the Earth Primal Force, he immediately cultivated the power of Metal, meeting no obstruction. With a gentle touch, he completed the refinement of the Metal energy of the Five Elements. In the Five Elements Heaven realm, mastery over the world’s five elemental forces—he had now refined Fire, Earth, and Metal. Currently, he could traverse freely deep within the earth and through mountains. This achievement brought him immense joy; he finally understood the other great advantage of intensely cultivating the Five Elements. Invulnerable to water and fire, with a mere thought, he could tunnel through mountains and burrow into the earth. A Heavenly Master who rigorously cultivates the Five Elements could utilize terrain as an external factor to its utmost advantage during combat. With skillful mastery over Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, one could use the terrain to secure victory in battle, or even effect an escape when facing an opponent of significantly higher realm. As the stone door opened, dazzling golden light spilled onto his body. The refreshing fragrance mixed with the dense Heaven and Earth Primal Qi was drawn into his core, instantly invigorating him with a feeling of boundless refreshment. Standing at the mouth of the cave, looking at the rising bamboo towers in the distance, gazing upon those familiar, joyful faces, he suddenly realized his efforts during the Sect Assembly had not been in vain; these Ji family members were beginning to treat this new abode as their home. A slender figure, veiled, suddenly materialized nearby, her captivating, soul-snatching eyes slowly locking onto him, unmoving. “Ayiguli, didn't I tell you not to leave the cave without my command?” Ji Changkong frowned, his expression displaying displeasure. “Sect Master, we followed you to the Ji family, willing to lay down our lives for you. However, we are not beasts you keep caged; we, too, yearn for a little freedom,” Ayiguli met his gaze fearlessly, her eyes filled with deep resentment. “Since arriving at Blood Rain Mountain, we’ve been confined to the cave day and night, only allowed out when external enemies appeared. Now, in this new valley, we are still forced to hide in the cave. Why? Why treat us this way?” “Silence! The Sect Master is doing this for our own good!” Muluo’s figure suddenly appeared beside Ayiguli, sternly reprimanding her. Yet, even under Muluo’s chastisement, Ayiguli’s gaze remained defiant and resolute. “I only ask for a small measure of freedom. I love nature, the flowers and grass in the valley; I dislike cold, hard rock walls! Endless, monotonous cultivation will not guarantee continuous progress in one’s realm!” “Sect Master, Ayiguli is still a young woman and has the whims of a girl. Please forgive her impudence,” Muluo bowed his head, looking helpless. Although Ayiguli was his disciple, in his heart, he regarded her as a daughter. He understood her stubbornness and preferences but didn't know how to persuade her to obey. Staring at Ayiguli for a moment, Ji Changkong nodded with a smile. “Ayiguli is permitted to leave the cave and walk freely within the valley. She is a woman, I suppose it should be fine. However, Ayiguli had best keep her veil on, lest my brothers start losing their appetite...” “Changkong.” Mo Yunyi’s voice echoed from a distance, from the front of the valley where she stood watching with a smile. “Muluo, you and Tagan should avoid leaving the cave lightly. Unlike you and Ayiguli…” After giving Muluo a few instructions, Ji Changkong walked towards Mo Yunyi. “Grandmother Mo, what is it?” Ji Changkong asked with a smile upon reaching her side. “Changkong, do you remember what I mentioned to you last time? After the Blood Rain Mountain Sect Assembly ended, I said I would take you somewhere...” Before participating in the Sect Assembly, Yu Luan of Qingzhu Forest had scouted Xuanyuan Valley at night. After wounding Yu Luan on his return journey, he ran into Mo Yunyi. They had discussed the Xuanyuan lineage of the Ji family’s previous generations at length. Afterwards, Mo Yunyi promised to take him to a place once the assembly concluded. “Grandmother Mo, do you have the time now?” Ji Changkong asked gravely, his voice deep. “I always have time, but I was worried about potential issues while we were just settling in. Now that the Ji family is established in Xuanyuan Valley, and you have awakened from your cultivation, I came to find you,” Mo Yunyi said with a smile. “Good.” Ji Changkong nodded, then furrowed his brow. “Grandmother Mo, how many people are going? Should I notify Second Grandfather and the others?” “I have already informed them. No need for extra notification; it will just be the two of us, no one else,” Mo Yunyi said, glancing toward Muluo and Ayiguli. “Before we leave, go arrange things with those few people. Tell them to be extra vigilant about any abnormalities in the valley. If any people from the Blood Moon Sect dare to return, tell them not to hold back!” “Understood,” Ji Changkong nodded, turned, walked over to Muluo, and gave him the necessary instructions.

The Gray Mist Range—a bizarre region near the East Sea, perpetually shrouded in dim light. East of the Gray Mist Range is the East Sea, to the south lies the Lanrou Kingdom, and to the west is Blood Rain Mountain. Within the continuous expanse of the Gray Mist Range, grayish-brown smoke often coalesces, drifting in the air and refusing to dissipate. Over countless years, this has formed a gigantic, shadowy celestial canopy above the range, obscuring it entirely. Sunlight, moonlight, and starlight struggle to penetrate this grim veil. Consequently, the entire Gray Mist Range is cast in perpetual twilight, even during the day. At night, it is so dark that one cannot see their hand before their face. Navigating the range requires excellent vision to discern objects nearby. The attacks here are terrifying because their targets are the soul! However, besides the malevolent Ghosts and fierce Beasts, the Gray Mist Range harbors countless Heaven and Earth Spiritual Treasures. Many locations contain Primal Stone mines. Heavenly Masters who pursue the Dao find that as long as they can survive the assaults of Ghosts and fierce Beasts, they can easily acquire Primal Stones and Spiritual Treasures within the Gray Mist Range. Fierce Beasts, malevolent Ghosts, and rare Heavenly Treasures are the three defining characteristics of the Gray Mist Range. Since the range first formed, countless Heavenly Masters have perished within it. Those who believe themselves accomplished in cultivation often come here, driven by the allure of Spiritual Treasures, to test their luck. Indeed, many Heavenly Masters have emerged from the Gray Mist Range holding such treasures. Yet, those who remain forever within the Gray Mist Range far outnumber those who manage to exit. At the edge of the Gray Mist Range, looking up, the sky is hazy in the distance. Beneath the murky canopy, the endless mountains resemble a prone demon, radiating an eerie and terrifying aura.

After seven days of travel, Ji Changkong, following Mo Yunyi, finally arrived at this strange land. Standing at the periphery of the Gray Mist Range, he focused his senses and discovered that the Water, Earth, and Wood elemental energies in the distant mountains were far denser than those on Blood Rain Mountain. In addition, a chilling Yin energy permeated the air. Focusing his mind, he thought he could hear the faint cheers of malevolent Ghosts echoing from deep within the mountains. Taking a deep breath, Ji Changkong’s expression grew solemn as he looked at Mo Yunyi beside him. “Grandmother Mo, does this place hold the answers I seek?” “I do not know,” Mo Yunyi shook her head, an unusual brilliance lighting up her aged face. “But I know that the Xuanyuan descendants of the Ji family have all had experiences in the Gray Mist Range. Ancient scrolls and texts of the Ji family record these journeys. Every Xuanyuan who returned from the Gray Mist Range experienced a significant increase in strength, yet they would never speak of their experiences within it...” Looking at Mo Yunyi, Ji Changkong was visibly startled and asked in surprise, “Every generation of Xuanyuan has a record of coming to the Gray Mist Range? And every generation returns with greatly increased strength?” “Is that true?” “Indeed!” Mo Yunyi affirmed with a nod. “Grandmother Mo, what is going on? Are you truly unaware of the reason?” Ji Changkong asked strangely. Mo Yunyi smiled and shook her head, explaining, “You might not believe me, but when we were still at Qingyan Mountain, before I knew you were the new Xuanyuan, I came to the Gray Mist Range several times. Because the Xuanyuan had not yet appeared, I was deeply puzzled. I hoped to find answers here, but I always returned empty-handed. Once, I was surrounded by malevolent Ghosts and nearly failed to leave the Gray Mist Range alive.” “Just before you returned from your travels, I made another trip to the Gray Mist Range—again, finding nothing. Over the years, I have entered the Gray Mist Range five times, and each time was fruitless. I suspect perhaps only a Xuanyuan can gain something from the Gray Mist Range...” If Mo Yunyi hadn't told him this, Ji Changkong would never have known she had entered the Gray Mist Range so many times. He had heard tales of this strange place since before he began cultivating the Heavenly Master path at Qingyan Mountain. In the minds of all Heavenly Masters in the world, the Gray Mist Range was a place of ultimate ill omen. The world is vast, but few places strike fear into the hearts of powerful Heavenly Masters; the Gray Mist Range is one such place that causes them to turn pale at the mere mention of it! “I am already impatient,” Ji Changkong said, his eyes alight with excitement and curiosity about what marvels he, the new Xuanyuan, might encounter here. “Let’s go in first. Changkong, follow me closely. This place is unlike any other; do not wander off. I have been here five times and know certain areas that must be avoided,” Mo Yunyi warned him repeatedly about the region’s oddities before they entered. As soon as they stepped into the Gray Mist Range, the light seemed to abruptly darken, and a cold wind swept over them, sending an involuntary shiver down the spine. Mo Yunyi was familiar with the environment from her previous visits, so Ji Changkong simply followed silently, letting her lead the way. Among the undulating mountains were swamps and lakes heavy with Yin energy. Beneath the shadows of strangely twisted, ancient trees, eerie sounds occasionally drifted out—sometimes like an infant’s cry, sometimes like a moan of despair. “That is the sound of malevolent Ghosts. The Ghosts surrounding the edge of the Gray Mist Range are the weaker kind. The deeper we go, the stronger they become. Be careful; those Ghosts are notoriously difficult to deal with. Once a soul is targeted by a Ghost, they will cling to it relentlessly until the soul is assimilated,” Mo Yunyi explained with a grave expression, referring to the weeping sounds constantly echoing in their ears. “Grandmother Mo, malevolent Ghosts carry dense Yin energy; shouldn’t they fear fire the most? What do you think happens if these Ghosts encounter the flames of a Five Elements Heaven realm cultivator?” Ji Changkong appeared unconcerned, allowing his spiritual sense to roam as he walked, easily detecting the Ghosts lurking in areas dense with Yin energy. Malevolent Ghosts are a highly unusual form of life. Purely ethereal Ghosts possess relatively weak soul power, accompanied only by a chilling aura. When Ji Changkong extended his spiritual sense, he felt an inhuman coldness radiating from them. The moment his spiritual sense brushed against those Ghosts, an aura of coldness, ruthlessness, and slaughter surged from their forms. This aura seemed to carry an inscrutable power, capable of affecting his soul, forcing him to devote a portion of his concentration to stabilizing his spirit lest it become too contaminated by the Ghosts’ deathly essence. “They will flee. Ghosts are incredibly fast, and generally, those who cannot wield flame energy flexibly will find it hard to harm them with fire. However, your deduction is correct: Heavenly Masters who cultivate Fire Primal Force in the Five Elements Heaven realm have a distinct advantage in the Gray Mist Range. As long as a Heavenly Master has tempered their soul with Fire Primal Force, their resistance to malevolent Ghosts usually increases significantly. By enveloping themselves in fire, most Ghosts, unless extremely powerful, dare not approach,” Mo Yunyi explained with a slow smile. “This one here, this must be one of the weaker Ghosts, right?” Pointing to a snarling, grayish shadow, Ji Changkong extended his left hand. A stream of fierce flames shot out from his fingertips, flying directly toward the shadowy figure.

A fiendish ghost, horned and fanged, abruptly materialized from its hazy form, a pair of clear-green spectral eyes glaring at Ji Changkong with bottomless malice. An icy, chilling aura radiated from its body. As the five streams of fierce flame approached it, the ghost’s figure blurred and flickered, vanishing with an eerie dissolution.

“Don’t provoke them. These are indeed just weak ghouls, but if there are too many, they become difficult to handle,” Granny Mo chided Ji Changkong softly, frowning. “In the Gray Mist Mountains, do not antagonize any fierce beasts or specters, lest you draw an attack from a large horde.”

“The life form of these ghouls is quite interesting. They seem to retain only the negative emotions of the deceased—all jealousy, resentment, murderous intent, and brutality condensed together to form the core of their being. All positive sentiments like affection, benevolence, and tranquility have completely dissipated, pure life forms condensed only from negative power, carrying extreme aggression. They despise all life; only a congregation of negative energy like themselves will not be subjected to their endless pursuit and slaughter.” Squinting, he attempted to perceive the nature of these ghouls with his divine soul. Miraculously, he seemed to sense something peculiar within their emotions.

“Be careful, don’t provoke them intentionally,” Mo Yunyi seemed deeply wary of these strange entities lurking in the shadows of the ancient trees, constantly cautioning him.

“Granny Mo, you said you were once surrounded by a pack of ghouls and barely escaped the Gray Mist Mountains alive? When was that? What was your cultivation realm then?” Ji Changkong nodded, refraining from provoking the lurking spirits, and walked at an unhurried pace alongside Mo Yunyi, quietly asking for details.

“That was about thirty years ago. I must have been at the Six Harmonies Heaven Realm then. That group of ghouls was much stronger than these. I cultivate water power in the Five Elements Heaven, so I had no fire available. Under their siege, I found it extremely difficult to resist. If it hadn't been... if I hadn't been rescued by someone, I fear I really wouldn't have made it out of the Gray Mist Mountains alive.” Mo Yunyi suddenly stopped, looking contemplative, as if recalling the person who saved her.

“Who saved you?” Ji Changkong couldn’t help but ask, deeply curious.

“Never mind that. Keep your spirits up and pay attention to any anomalies around you. Be careful of suddenly encountering a ghoul swarm!” Mo Yunyi seemed unwilling to dwell on the past, chastising him lightly before burying her head and continuing their journey.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

A series of cold, sharp gusts of wind suddenly swept past them. A swarm of over thirty snarling, clawing ghouls burst out from a dense thicket of ancient trees, charging straight toward them. The leading ghoul was larger, possessing a grim, bluish-black countenance. It flashed once in the gloom and, in the blink of an eye, was nearly upon Ji Changkong and Mo Yunyi.

Ji Changkong’s divine soul was sharp; he distinctly felt that this leading ghoul was several times stronger than those behind it. Its entire form was permeated with a terrifying aura of cold malevolence and poison. It opened its maw and let out spine-chilling shrieks.

“Not good! A ghoul swarm! How could we suddenly run into a swarm!” Mo Yunyi’s expression changed drastically; the current situation seemed beyond her expectations. She rushed forward, preparing to strike.

“Hah!” Fierce flames suddenly erupted from Ji Changkong’s hand. In an instant, the surrounding area was illuminated a dazzling, fiery red. When the thirty-plus snarling ghouls charged closer, they all hastily stopped. The leader circled Ji Changkong and Mo Yunyi frantically but dared not enter the flames.

The flames Ji Changkong released carried the sacred aura of the Fire Phoenix, incinerating all evil entities, which was extremely effective against ghouls.

The thirty-plus brandishing ghouls flew around them, but not a single one dared to rush in.

“Oh!” Mo Yunyi let out a soft gasp, looking at him strangely. After a moment, understanding dawned, and she exclaimed happily, “I almost forgot, your divine body was tempered using the Fire Phoenix Bone. The Fire Phoenix Bone itself already has a restraining effect on these evil creatures. The aura of the Fire Phoenix, which burns all things, is extremely Yang, while ghouls are condensed from extreme Yin energy and souls. No wonder they dare not approach.” After a pause, Mo Yunyi pointed at the slightly larger ghoul and said to him,

“This type of ghoul is a bit more formidable. Even a Celestial Master cultivating Fire Yuan Power in the Five Elements Heaven would find dealing with this one troublesome, as it can survive within flames for a time. Once it pierces the flames and enters the soul, even a Celestial Master cultivating Fire Yuan Power in the Five Elements Heaven would have a monumental headache dealing with it!”

“So that’s how it is. It seems I really have the advantage,” Ji Changkong smiled, continuing straight into the depths of the Gray Mist Mountains, inquiring about the mountain range from Mo Yunyi as they walked.

For three consecutive days, the two of them journeyed deeper into the Gray Mist Mountains. During this time, they encountered numerous fierce beasts and ghouls. When beasts appeared, Granny Mo usually handled them. When crowds of ghouls approached, Ji Changkong unleashed his fierce flames to repel them.

The old woman and the youth cooperated closely... the journey proceeded smoothly without encountering insurmountable trouble. Mo Yunyi was quite familiar with the path they had taken over these three days and always led the way.

One day, the pair arrived at a valley filled with eerie, howling winds. Even before reaching the valley entrance, they could hear bone-chilling, mournful screams emanating from within. These screams carried infinite despair and resentment, sending a chill through one’s very bones, making one hesitant to take a single step closer.

“This place is called the Thousand Ghoul Cry. It’s said thousands of ghouls gather here. In my previous visits to the Gray Mist Mountains, I always avoided this area from a distance. Those Celestial Masters who come here seeking fortune, unless they are exceptionally powerful, dare not approach the Thousand Ghoul Cry. However, I heard that the Thousand Ghoul Cry yields several rare Heavenly and Earthly Spiritual Treasures. One fruit, called the Yin Extreme Fruit, is particularly unique and extremely useful for Celestial Masters whose divine souls have suffered severe trauma. It’s a rare treasure comparable to Black Jade Primal Crystal!” Mo Yunyi sounded slightly excited, the wrinkles on her face seeming to tremble faintly. “Changkong, how about we try our luck at the Thousand Ghoul Cry?”

“Alright, I’d like to see just how formidable these thousands of ghouls in the Thousand Ghoul Cry truly are, to make so many Celestial Masters avoid it.” Ji Changkong nodded. Ji Changkong and Mo Yunyi slowly approached the Thousand Ghoul Cry.

Snap!

A crisp sound came from beneath his feet. Startled, Ji Changkong looked down. Amidst the fallen leaves, he saw a decaying skull—a human skull, dead for many years, mixed in with the leaf litter. If he hadn’t stepped on it, it would have been almost impossible to spot with the naked eye.

Snap! Snap! Snap!

As the two ventured deeper, these cracking sounds continually rose from underfoot. Without needing to look, both knew the valley floor was littered with human remains. They had no idea how many Celestial Masters had visited this Thousand Ghoul Cry; the two were already seeing scattered bones among the fallen leaves everywhere they walked.

“These remains probably belong to the cultivating Celestial Masters who died inside the valley, perhaps lured by the Yin Extreme Fruit, just like us. Among them were Celestial Masters of the Five Elements Heaven and Six Harmonies Heaven Realms. Changkong, you must be careful!” The deeper they went, the heavier Mo Yunyi felt. She constantly urged Ji Changkong to proceed with caution.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be mindful,” Ji Changkong replied. As soon as the words left his mouth, a heart-stealing, exotic fragrance drifted over from ahead in the valley. On the branches of a massive, demon-like ancient tree within the valley, countless snarling ghouls were coiled, looking as if they had sprouted from the towering tree, swaying gently with the movement of the branches...

This towering ancient tree resembled a small mountain, its branches numbering in the thousands, hosting thousands of ghouls—powerful ones, weak ones, all kinds gathered on the tree as if they were abundant fruits born from the ancient wood. Perhaps alerted by the scent of living beings, all the ghouls suddenly quieted down, not a single sound of wailing or howling emerging. Tens of thousands of pairs of ghostly eyes—filled with hatred, terror, brutality, excitement, despair, and myriad other emotions—were fixed upon Mo Yunyi and Ji Changkong.

A crushing wave of negative energy suddenly surged from the towering ancient tree, rushing toward the two.

“Changkong, watch out!” Mo Yunyi cried out, and seven orbs of starlight burst forth from her hand, instantly shielding them. Her own eyes shone with brilliant light, suddenly entering a profound, strange state, her divine soul as seamless and hard as stone.

The aura of those thousands of ghouls was pure soul power. It rushed over swiftly and fiercely. Unless defended by condensed elemental force, this mass of negative energy would pass unimpeded. Even with the seven orbs of starlight released by Mo Yunyi, they could not intercept all the negative power.

“Hmph!” With a low snort, Ji Changkong’s heart was like iron, his eyes cold and merciless as he stared directly at the oncoming waves of negative emotion.

Hatred, terror, brutality, and despair swept through his mind, circled once, but failed to breach his mental defenses. Ultimately, this negative energy proved useless, drifting away from his mind and sliding past his sides.

Ji Changkong, who cultivated the self-created Limit Perfection Body Technique, had always trained within limits; the steadfastness of his will was unimaginable to ordinary people. He could endure the most terrifying and unbearable suffering in the world; his heart was tougher than iron, utterly unaffected by any negative aura.

Mo Yunyi and Ji Changkong stood facing the massive, ghoul-infested tree, weathering the wave of negative energy released by thousands of ghouls. Their resolute spirits remained untouched by the negative influence, standing tall and proud.

Thousands of ghouls remained silent, still staring coldly at the pair with eyes reflecting various emotions. After a while, an even more violent surge of negative fluctuation swept toward Ji Changkong and Mo Yunyi again. Their gazes remained firm as they stared down the thousands of ghouls, their expressions unwavering.

Jie jie jie! Woo woo woo! Ha ha ha! Ooooh ooooh... Suddenly, earth-shattering cries erupted from the massive ancient tree. In an instant, thousands of ghouls flew off the death tree laden with spirits, all snarling, clawing, and hideous, charging toward Mo Yunyi and Ji Changkong.

The thousands of ghouls seemed to realize that mere negative energy could not affect the two's steadfast will, and so they launched their full assault!

“Granny Mo, deal with them yourself! I have the Fire Phoenix flame power and fear no ghoul invasion!” Ji Changkong roared.

“Changkong, use the Heavenly Thunder Force! I gave you the Heavenly Thunder Force secret technique with the intent of dealing with ghouls! Besides fearing extremely Yang flames, these flying ghouls fear the righteous energy of thunder and lightning in heaven and earth even more!” Mo Yunyi quickly responded.

Hearing this, Ji Changkong’s face lit up. From his left hand, torrents of flame imbued with the Fire Phoenix aura billowed out. With a sweep of his right hand, earth-shattering roars sounded ceaselessly. As the deafening crackle of exploding thunder began, the hundreds of ghouls charging toward them recoiled in extreme terror.

Dozens of ghouls too slow to escape were caught in the explosive force of the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder, instantly scattering their souls and utterly vanishing, never to reform their souls again!

Just as Mo Yunyi said, while ghouls feared the power of extreme Yang flames, they feared the punishment of the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder even more! As bolts of heavenly thunder burst open, nearby ghouls scattered in frantic flight as if encountering their nemesis. Any slight delay meant utter annihilation!

Only then did Ji Changkong realize this hidden benefit of the Heavenly Thunder Force. No wonder Mo Yunyi had recommended this technique when he asked for a Celestial Master secret skill, repeatedly emphasizing its immense power and advising him to practice it diligently.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Amidst the booming Nine Heavens Thunder, Ji Changkong laughed heartily and fearlessly strode toward the death tree. Explosive thunder cracked around him, turning him into a human torch. Not only did he fearlessly confront the thousands of ghouls, but he sent them fleeing in all directions. At this moment, Ji Changkong seemed to be their bane.

After the thousands of ghouls departed, several tender, bluish-green, fist-sized fruits appeared on the surface of the incredibly lush death tree. These fruits were covered in strange, intricate patterns, resembling human heads, and looking at them gave one an immense sense of shock.

“Yin Extreme Fruit!” Ji Changkong shouted, quickening his pace toward the death tree.