"Help us, we're begging you, help us!" Sisters Number Five and Number Six cried out to Ji Changkong, their gazes desolate.

"Bitch!" Yu Ziling spat, her face etched with disgust. She muttered, "In their eyes, there's only profit. They were hiding faster than anyone before, and only now, when they're in trouble, do they think of others. People like that deserve to die!"

Ji Changkong's expression was vacant, his gaze fixed impassively on Number Five and Number Six. He clearly had no intention of intervening, watching as the two sisters were besieged by four Heavenly Masters.

Earlier, when he was ambushed by Lei Jia, although his divine soul was split, he hadn't lost consciousness. During that time, Yu Ziling had been frantically tending to him, fiercely demanding justice from Lei Jia with an appearance of grief and anger. Yet, those whose lives he had previously saved remained entirely indifferent and unresponsive.

Among those were the sisters, Number Five and Number Six. Far from offering aid when Yu Ziling called for help, the two sisters had responded with cold mockery.

People like that only have themselves in their hearts; they possess no camaraderie whatsoever. Towards such individuals, even if they are women, Ji Changkong would show no mercy.

Moreover, bang—all the four attackers wanted was the Moon Meteorite held by the sisters. If the sisters had only cherished their lives and relinquished the stone, they wouldn't have suffered nearly as much.

Thus, Ji Changkong watched the plight of Number Five and Number Six with cold detachment, observing how miserably they struggled to evade the siege of the four Heavenly Masters.

Upon receiving Ji Changkong's cold treatment, the two sisters simultaneously flashed hatred, as if Ji Changkong had committed some grave offense against them. While dodging everywhere, Number Five even venomously cursed Ji Changkong to die a terrible death, predicting he would eventually be killed on Moon Peak.

Ji Changkong was truly speechless toward people whose minds seemed so deranged. He looked at Yu Ziling with a wry smile. "How can such people exist? They never consider others, yet they feel everyone else should be responsible for them. Is this a flaw common to some women?"

Yu Ziling glared at Ji Changkong, retorting with resentment, "Don't generalize; at least I'm not like that." However, she conceded, "Some women truly are a bit abnormal. They always feel the world must revolve around them, as if men are inherently meant to serve them. Such women... are not uncommon." Ji Changkong saw her point and nodded, indicating he finally understood.

Meng Gang, finding the incessant noise from Number Five and Number Six irritating, impatiently addressed the four Heavenly Masters besieging them: "Drag these damned women away. Do whatever you want with them, just don't let me look at them anymore!"

"Understood." The four cheered willingly, changing the direction of their attack to force Number Five and Number Six elsewhere. The sisters, refusing to let go of the Moon Meteorite they possessed, clung to it tightly under the onslaught. They appeared determined to hold onto the stone even if their divine souls were damaged, seemingly valuing money over life.

Soon enough, under the relentless assault of the four, the sisters Number Five and Number Six were forcefully driven away to another location. Ji Changkong frowned, watching the group slowly depart, and muttered, "Serves them right!"

Meng Gang laughed heartily. "Brother, didn't you know that within Moon Core, far too many people wager their lives for things they might never obtain? Many overestimate their capabilities, always believing they can remain unscathed, that they can evade others' encirclement. These people often refuse to let go until the moment they die!"

"Indeed, I’ve been to Moon Core before and witnessed this type of event," Yu Ziling agreed. "Many, knowing they could save their lives simply by releasing their grip, choose instead to hold tight to their wondrous items, ultimately ending up with their souls scattered. This happens frequently."

Over there, Number Five and Number Six, their divine souls constantly wounded by the four attackers, were clearly near collapse, yet they still hadn't released the Moon Meteorite.

Meanwhile, Ji Changkong, Yu Ziling, and Meng Gang leisurely watched the slaughter unfolding on Moon Peak, temporarily refraining from involvement. Naturally, none of the fighters on Moon Peak dared to approach them to cause trouble. Everyone could perceive how difficult these three were to deal with, understanding that seeking conflict would only lead to their demise. Meng Gang was not in a hurry, Yu Ziling was not in a hurry, and Ji Changkong was even less so.

The fighting on Moon Peak intensified. Streams of ethereal soul-forms shattered atop the peak, soul-light scattering everywhere, and their essences vanishing into the cosmos in the blink of an eye.

The three watched with cold detachment, making no move to interfere, merely observing those fighters and the wondrous items they acquired. Their gazes drifted across Moon Peak, searching for something that caught their interest... After a moment, Ji Changkong's expression shifted abruptly, and he turned sharply to Meng Gang. "We need to make our move!"

Meng Gang was momentarily stunned, then quickly reassured Ji Changkong. "Brother, don't be anxious. Trust me; it’s not the right time for us to act yet. Wait a little longer. We will reap far greater rewards. You must know, based on my experience, their battle is only halfway through; it hasn't reached the final stage yet..."

"Perhaps so, but I fear we don't have that much time to wait," Ji Changkong said with a bitter smile. Under Meng Gang's surprised gaze, he added, "The Moon Demons are coming soon. If my senses aren't mistaken, there will be no less than ten Moon Demons this time!"

"What?" Meng Gang's face changed drastically, showing palpable fear. "It was because of the Moon Demons that I lost nearly half my men previously... Ten Moon Demons could annihilate everyone on our side!"

"Yes, if ten Moon Demons arrive, everyone here will suffer," Yu Ziling exclaimed in alarm, turning to Meng Gang. "Number Twenty-Four's senses are incredibly accurate. The only reason we, along with Lei Jia, came here safely was because Number Twenty-Four was with us. If we don't leave now, once those Moon Demons arrive, things will become immensely complicated..."

Meng Gang stared blankly at Ji Changkong and sighed. "Lei Jia must have lost his mind. He actually chose to antagonize you in Moon Core. If he had your help, I believe his life in Moon Core would have been much easier..."

"I suspect that even without me, Lei Jia shouldn't fear those Moon Demons," Ji Changkong replied, his expression odd as he offered a bitter smile. "If I'm not mistaken, the arrival of these Moon Demons is closely linked to Lei Jia. I can feel Lei Jia's aura preceding them."

This statement stunned Meng Gang even further, causing him to curse loudly. "That Lei Jia is insane, luring the Moon Demons here! No, we need to move immediately, or once Lei Jia brings the Moon Demons over, no one will be leaving!"

Meng Gang harbored no doubt. After saying this, he immediately began moving toward Moon Peak, inviting Ji Changkong and Yu Ziling along. "You've watched long enough; you must have set your sights on something by now. Don't be polite; nothing here has an established owner. Whatever you want, just go and seize it! Because the person you rob has, one hundred percent, stolen what they hold from someone else!"

"Understood!" Ji Changkong smiled nonchalantly. Letting go of his reservations, his figure shot out like lightning toward one of the Heavenly Masters.

Before even getting close, Ji Changkong unleashed the Soul Light condensed from his soul—countless minute strands of Soul Light burst forth, aimed directly at that Heavenly Master.

This man had a grudge with Yu Ziling in the passage. He had intended to deal with her previously, but when he prepared to strike, he found Lei Jia had moved first. After Lei Jia's demise, this man also wanted to move quickly but saw Meng Gang standing beside Yu Ziling, so he never found a suitable opening to attack.

Since he couldn't find the opportune moment, he focused his energy on Moon Peak. After enduring a period of incredibly brutal fighting, this man had made considerable gains on the peak.

He had seized a small, crescent-shaped stone, which radiated fragmented light, and within that light flowed an extremely dense essence of moonlight.

Ji Changkong’s soul-sensing ability was astonishing. As he focused his attention on the crescent-shaped stone, he immediately realized that among all the strange treasures on Moon Peak, this small crescent stone possessed the most concentrated moonlight essence. Though he didn't know its origin or specific function, he was certain that this peculiar crescent-shaped stone was an exceedingly rare treasure!

Furthermore, this man had enmity with Yu Ziling, making this unfortunate fellow a natural target for Ji Changkong's attack.

Ji Changkong had observed long enough and wouldn't give the man a chance. The moment he struck, he employed his most proficient attack method, determined to kill the man.

Indeed, under Ji Changkong’s Soul Light attack, the man, having just finished killing someone else, had no time to evade. He was struck by the Soul Light, which was incredibly difficult for the divine soul to detect. Although the Soul Light strands were minuscule, the spiritual power they contained was not to be underestimated. A few strands pierced the man's divine soul, forcing him into a hasty retreat.

Ji Changkong certainly wouldn't grant him a chance to escape alive.

With a thought, the Destruction Net reformed. It was enveloped by the Soul Light Ji Changkong had released. The Soul Light struck first, flashing like lightning toward the man's front, attacking him from all angles.

Having been hit once by the Soul Light, the man developed some sensitivity to it. As soon as the aura of the Soul Light reached him, he reacted, rapidly dodging elsewhere. At this critical moment, the Destruction Net swooped in, descending slowly from above to envelop him.

Even then, the man clung tightly to the crescent stone he held with his ethereal body and continued flying downward.

Ji Changkong sneered inwardly. Connecting his consciousness, he unleashed the Spiritual Tidal Wave, compiled purely from his infinite killing intent and mental power, right in the man’s retreat path. Ji Changkong, having calculated this precisely, waited for the man to deliver himself to the trap. The surge of killing intent instantly disrupted the man's soul and consciousness.

At that very moment, the Destruction Net finally enveloped the man's divine soul accurately.

The canopy of the Destruction Net suddenly erupted with lightning-like glints. The net tightened rapidly. The man's ethereal form, condensed purely from soul essence, could not escape the snare of the Destruction Net. His ethereal body began to vanish bit by bit, as if being sliced by a knife.

The man, restrained by the Destruction Net, appeared to be in extreme agony, screaming shrilly within it: "I'll give it to you! I'll give you the treasure, just don't attack me!"

The man showed good sense. Under the violent power of the Destruction Net, he realized there was absolutely no possibility of luck remaining, and he finally prepared to relinquish the treasure he had just acquired in exchange for his life.

"Sorry, I'll take the treasure, but I'll take your life too!" Ji Changkong did not let him have his way, smiling faintly as he poured even more of his mental power into the Destruction Net.

The power within the Destruction Net increased rather than decreased. Consequently, the man could no longer resist. Under the strangulation of the net, he emitted mournful soul thoughts while slowly being destroyed by the Destruction Net. In a brief moment, he completely dissipated.

That crescent-shaped stone, caught within the Destruction Net, was slowly drawn toward Ji Changkong.

He extended the ethereal body manifested by his soul power, grasped the crescent-shaped exotic treasure, and smiled faintly. Ji Changkong then shifted his attention, looking towards others.

He saw Meng Gang laughing wildly, having just blasted another Heavenly Master to death, successfully seizing a lotus-like exotic treasure that the man had worked hard to obtain. Meng Gang immediately shifted his target to the next Heavenly Master holding a treasure.

Yu Ziling’s evil blade, manifested from her soul power, broke the ethereal arm of a Heavenly Master holding a crystal fruit, seizing the fruit opportunistically before quickly retreating.

Three Heavenly Masters nearby, upon seeing Yu Ziling secure the crystal fruit they desired, cursed loudly and surrounded her, attempting to kill her first and then take the fruit she held.

Ji Changkong only glanced at Yu Ziling before rapidly moving away. He instantly arrived at that area, immediately unfolding his soul power. Bursts of Soul Light erupted, forcing the three back instantly. "Are you looking to die?" Ji Changkong stared coldly at the trio, killing intent surging, ready to strike decisively.

These three were among the eight individuals he had previously saved. If Ji Changkong hadn't intervened, these three would have been wiped out by the Moon Demons long ago. After his ambush by Lei Jia, these three remained unmoved, showing absolutely no moral condemnation. When Yu Ziling approached them, they were all aloof, clearly not taking their benefactor, Ji Changkong, to heart.

Now, because of profit, these three had targeted the crystal fruit in Yu Ziling’s hand. Ji Changkong naturally wasn't going to treat them kindly.

"Kid, you did save us before, but that's one debt settled. Now, whoever blocks our path is our enemy!" one of the three glared hostilely at Ji Changkong. "Step aside, or we'll kill you too!"

"Number Twenty-Four, fight them! People like this deserve to die ten thousand times over!" Yu Ziling cursed. Shaking his head, Ji Changkong calmly backed away, pulling Yu Ziling. "Let's go!"

Although Yu Ziling had obtained the crystal fruit, she was more inclined to kill these three. She had expected Ji Changkong to fight, but instead, he retreated without a confrontation. After a moment of surprise, Yu Ziling shot the three a fierce glare and quickly retreated with Ji Changkong.

"Don't leave!" The three were enraged, unleashing their soul power and giving chase to Ji Changkong and Yu Ziling.

"Forget them; let's get away from Moon Peak first!" Ji Changkong saw Yu Ziling intending to stop and fight, so he quickly urged her.

Yu Ziling startled, realizing the Moon Demons might be imminent. Considering the terror of the Moon Demons, she stopped arguing with the despicable trio behind them and quickly accelerated, keeping close to Ji Changkong.

"Meng Gang, we're pulling out!" he shouted loudly midway.

"Haha, coming!" Meng Gang laughed heartily, then suddenly condensed his soul power into a single stream, flowing like the wind towards Ji Changkong and Yu Ziling.

Meng Gang's strength was indeed formidable; his soul power was incredibly dense. If he truly intended to leave, virtually no one could stop him. Meng Gang swiftly flew out. A group of Heavenly Masters shouted curses far behind, chasing but unable to catch up.

"Quick! Catch up to Meng Gang! Only he can find the way out! Without him, even if we get the exotic treasures, we won't leave Moon Core successfully!" Someone who grasped the situation clearly shouted urgently.

This realization finally snapped the nearly frantic crowd back to sanity. Only then did everyone realize that Meng Gang was the only one who could lead them away from this place. After the extensive fighting, almost everything on Moon Peak had been looted by the crowd. Seeing Meng Gang about to leave, they could no longer restrain themselves and followed him closely.

"How was it? Did you gain anything?" Meng Gang grinned at Ji Changkong, winking. "Brother, if you didn't get anything, you can tell me; I can share some of mine."

"I know you gained quite a bit," Ji Changkong smiled freely. "But for me, obtaining just one item here is enough. My main purpose in visiting Moon Core was just to see it. Getting an exotic treasure is a bonus, but if I don't, it doesn't matter."

"Ah, Brother, having that mindset is truly commendable. If most people shared your outlook, there wouldn't be so much unnecessary slaughter in Moon Core," Meng Gang nodded in agreement.

Meng Gang and Ji Changkong talked as they retreated rapidly forward. Behind them followed the numerous Heavenly Masters from Moon Peak, led by the three who were determined to hunt down Ji Changkong and Yu Ziling.

Unfortunately, both Meng Gang's and Ji Changkong's soul speeds were exceptionally quick. Although those behind them exerted all their strength, they couldn't keep pace with these two anomalies.

Unexpectedly, even Yu Ziling's escape was impressive. When fleeing, her soul transformed into the shape of an evil blade, trailing blade light. Driven by her soul's mental energy, her speed actually managed to keep pace with the two outliers, Meng Gang and Ji Changkong.

"That little girl is quite something. Although her soul power isn't deep enough, she has significant potential. Brother, I think... this girl is interesting. What is your relationship?" Meng Gang showed no concern for the massive threat behind them, taking the time to tease.

"We are comrades-in-arms! We both hail from the Five Elements Continent, and we are friends in reality there as well; that's it," Yu Ziling rushed to answer, her soul communication slightly disordered.

Her soul power simply wasn't as profound as Ji Changkong's or Meng Gang's. When fully exerting her mental power to flee, transmitting thoughts became somewhat difficult. "Yes, we are comrades-in-arms," Ji Changkong confirmed.

"...The Five Elements Continent," Meng Gang frowned. "Since you come from the Five Elements Continent, have you ever heard of... have you heard of the Ghost Demon King?"

"What?" Ji Changkong exclaimed, looking at Meng Gang in disbelief. "How do you know about the Ghost Demon King? Does your continent also have... also have such a creature?"

"No," Meng Gang shook his head, his expression solemn. "This fellow arrived in the Southern Dipper Star Domain, where cultivators at the Seven Star Heavenly realm of our continent practice. He claimed to be from your Five Elements Continent and called himself the Ghost Demon King. He hunts the souls of our continent's Seven Star Heavenly realm cultivators everywhere. In that area of the Southern Dipper Star Domain, many Seven Star Heavenly cultivators' souls have been devoured by the Ghost Demon King. That Ghost Demon King is terrifying; it is said he has already killed many people in the Southern Dipper Star Domain, causing many Seven Star Heavenly cultivators on our Sea Abyss Continent to fear cultivating in that domain."

"I have already received invitations from some people on our continent, preparing to join them at the cultivation level of the Eight Trigrams Heavenly realm to travel to the Southern Dipper Star Domain and definitely eliminate that Ghost Demon King, restoring a peaceful cultivation ground for our continent's Seven Star Heavenly cultivators. Since the Ghost Demon King claims to be from the Five Elements Continent, I wanted to ask you about his background."

Ji Changkong was truly stunned. He hadn't expected the Ghost Demon King to have traveled to the Southern Dipper Star Domain and to be causing havoc there...

He looked at Meng Gang with a wry smile. "I know about the Ghost Demon King. To be honest, his journey to the Southern Dipper Star Domain is somewhat related to me..."

"What?" This time, Meng Gang was greatly astonished. "What does he have to do with you? What exactly is the situation with that Ghost Demon King? Can the few of us, who are Eight Trigrams Heavenly realm cultivators, eliminate him when we enter the Southern Dipper Star Domain?"

"Do you want me to tell you the truth, or a lie?" Ji Changkong asked.

"I can bear it. Tell me." Mang Gang forced a wry smile.

"If you are only going after the Eight Trigrams Celestial Masters, let alone eliminating him, it will be a question of whether you can return alive at all!" Ji Changkong spoke the unvarnished truth.

No one knew better than him just how terrifying the Ghost Demon King was. Given that the Ghost Demon King had been active in the Southern Dipper Star Domain for some time, his previous injuries must have completely healed, and his power had likely advanced even further.

Under such circumstances, for an Eight Trigrams Celestial Master like Mang Gang to enter the Southern Dipper Star Domain purely in the form of a soul—wasn't that courting death? "That formidable?" Mang Gang cried out in shock.

Ji Changkong was just about to tell him that this was a conservative estimate when his expression suddenly shifted drastically. He exclaimed, "The path ahead is blocked! The Soul Hunting Squad is slaughtering people up ahead!"

[Note to Dear Readers: The current chapter has reached the final page of this book]