The words "Soul Hunter Group" left his lips, and Meng Steel instantly turned ashen. "How could it be them!"

Behind them were the countless Eight Trigrams Heavenly Masters from the Moon Peaks, and likely behind them, Lei Jia, leading the Moon Demons in pursuit. Retreat was impossible now, and yet, a crisis had suddenly erupted ahead—this situation was relentlessly driving them towards a dead end.

Yu Ziling also froze, a flicker of panic in her voice. "Those people from the Soul Hunter Group, once they see us, they definitely won't be polite. But the Moon Demons behind us are even more ferocious. Any Heavenly Master who has entered the Moon's Core, once touched by a Moon Demon, faces only certain death! What are we to do?"

"Is there any other path?" Ji Changkong glanced back at Meng Steel. "We have enemies front and back. Can we change direction and temporarily avoid their sharp edge?"

Meng Steel shook his head. "The left and right paths lead to certain doom. Only if we push forward about ten li can we shift our direction left or right. If we go left or right now, we'll just drive into a cul-de-sac. Most importantly, Lei Jia knows this too."

"I understand," Ji Changkong said with a wry smile, finally grasping why Meng Steel hadn't suggested the left or right paths.

"The front is blocked, and enemies will inevitably appear from the rear eventually. If we only have front and back options, we must choose one," Yu Ziling frowned, hesitant. "One side is the Soul Hunter Group, the other is the Moon Demons—neither is easy to provoke."

"If we must choose between the two, I'd rather our enemy be the Soul Hunter Group. At least they are still human, and humans have weaknesses," Meng Steel stated.

Ji Changkong's face grew stern. "Very well, let’s gamble. We head forward. The three of us will join forces to break through the Soul Hunter Group. Although it will be difficult, it’s not impossible."

"Good! Let's clash with those Soul Hunter Group members!" Meng Steel burst into laughter, his courage surging.

The essence of the flying Soul retracted; Ji Changkong instantly focused all his spiritual power. He didn't waste energy probing the surroundings, instead condensing all his spiritual power onto his soul, ready to strike at any moment.

Neither Meng Steel nor Yu Ziling were burdens. Both possessed extraordinary power, especially Meng Steel, whose soul depth far surpassed ordinary people. Here, he could provide powerful support to Ji Changkong.

Ji Changkong's judgment was flawless!

Indeed, after advancing only a few li, they spotted the Soul Hunter Group members. They were hovering above a mist-shrouded pool ahead, brutally slaughtering some Heavenly Masters. These Soul Hunter Group members were exceptionally skilled at utilizing the terrain within the Moon's Core; their bodies seemed to vanish mysteriously within the mist, their figures instantly disappearing.

In the midst of combat, one could often see the Soul Hunter Group members vanishing like phantoms, only to reappear eerily behind or beside those Heavenly Masters moments later, immediately launching ruthless attacks without hesitation.

Under the fierce assault of the Soul Hunter Group, those mere wisps, clearly scattered entities, frequently had their souls violently shaken by heavy blows. If two Soul Hunter Group members struck together, the ambushed person's soul would instantly twist violently, and the mark of their life would be utterly destroyed!

Though the Soul Hunter Group comprised only a dozen members, their ability to strike unpredictably, acting like assassins, forced the much larger group of Heavenly Masters into a ragged retreat, with casualties mounting.

Whenever a Heavenly Master's soul twisted and their life's imprint was erased under the Soul Hunter Group's attack, the attacking members would produce treasures resembling mustard seed pouches. These pouches radiated an intense binding force, ensnaring the souls that had lost their life marks and imprisoning them.

The Soul Hunter Group hunted souls upon the Moon, utilizing them to refine certain venomous divine weapons and elixirs for "Heavenly Slaughter." Their existence was a colossal threat to the Heavenly Masters of both the Moon and the Sun.

The moment Ji Changkong, Meng Steel, and Yu Ziling appeared within the Soul Hunter Group's sense, one member immediately sneered. "Good, you finally showed up. I was just thinking we wouldn't run into you. Heh, I didn't expect you to deliver yourself right to our door!"

As the words fell, this member vanished into the faint mist.

"Be careful!" Meng Steel exclaimed, and instantly, he and Yu Ziling positioned themselves on Ji Changkong's left and right, guarding him with grave vigilance.

"I'm surprised you remember me. Hmm, not bad. The Soul Hunter Group members can indeed remember a person's aura. But you alone are hardly enough to kill me," Ji Changkong said with a faint smile, his gaze constantly tracking the Soul Hunter member who had merged with the surrounding environment.

Even on the Moon and Sun, Ji Changkong’s soul perception remained incredibly acute. These Soul Hunter Group members could conceal their auras, making them hard for ordinary people to detect, but before Ji Changkong’s eyes, their traces remained glaringly obvious.

Releasing his soul aura, Ji Changkong created a massive magnetic field in the area before him. Any soul that entered this field would be instantly sensed by him, allowing him to clearly observe every movement of the intruding soul.

This marvelous sensory ability was not from the Aoluo Divine Cult's Nebula Soul Refining Art; it stemmed from the Tai Xu Secret Record!

As one of the most mystical manuals in existence, the Tai Xu Secret Record excelled not only at boosting one's internal energy but also possessed unique advantages in the realm of the soul. Unlike the Star Cloud Soul Refining Art, it lacked a complete methodology for cultivating soul skills. However, through arduous practice of the Tai Xu Secret Record, Ji Changkong’s soul perception had become incredibly subtle, far surpassing that of ordinary Heavenly Masters who hadn't cultivated it.

"Look at my eyes!" Ji Changkong commanded Meng Steel and Yu Ziling.

Meng Steel and Yu Ziling blinked in surprise, then focused their attention on Ji Changkong. They saw, clearly reflected in his pupils, the precise location of the Soul Hunter Group member who had concealed his aura.

In Ji Changkong's eyes, that member, who had hidden his aura, appeared furtive as he rapidly approached their position.

Meng Steel and Yu Ziling suddenly laughed.

With their own rudimentary sensory abilities, they couldn't detect that member's aura, but by looking into Ji Changkong’s eyes, they could instantly discern the hiding Soul Hunter member's whereabouts.

This meant that the stealth ability, which the Soul Hunter Group members relied upon for survival, was utterly useless before them.

"Courting death!" Meng Steel roared, suddenly attacking. He condensed his soul power, forming a surging torrent, and violently impacted the Soul Hunter member creeping closer.

Yu Ziling shook her head and chuckled. With a flick of her mind, a blade gleam, radiating an evil light, shot out with uncanny accuracy, striking the target.

Although this Soul Hunter member had overheard fragments of the conversation between Meng Steel and Ji Changkong, he utterly refused to believe they could detect him, assuming Meng Steel was merely posturing and not truly serious. After he closed in on Ji Changkong, the soul attacks from Meng Steel and Yu Ziling arrived instantly. Due to his momentary carelessness, he was struck first by Yu Ziling's blade gleam.

His soul trembled, and his concealed form reappeared. At this moment, Meng Steel's attack naturally followed, the ferocious surge of soul impact slamming into his body, causing his phantom form to reel backward like a small fish or shrimp in the water, tossed by the immense force.

"Ha! Idiot!" Meng Steel laughed. "This guy really has confidence. We told him he'd be exposed, yet he insisted on charging forward to take a hit. Isn't that pathetic?"

"Truly pathetic!" Yu Ziling snickered.

Tossed about in disarray by the soul impacts from Yu Ziling and Meng Steel, the member’s soul was clearly severely damaged. After being struck by Meng Steel’s soul impact and sent back among his comrades, his soul flickered like a candle in the wind, seemingly ready to extinguish at any moment.

"Be careful! These people... they know our tracks! Be extremely careful!" the struck Soul Hunter member shouted telepathically, desperately warning his allies after being repelled.

More Soul Hunter Group members instantly mobilized, focusing their attention on Ji Changkong's trio.

Evidently, they now viewed the three as their primary threat. As the Soul Hunter Group members shifted their focus, their original targets rejoiced. These scattered Heavenly Masters seemed never to have considered fighting the Soul Hunter Group together. Seeing the tide turn, they fled in joyous disarray.

The Soul Hunter Group members clearly disregarded them now, letting them escape without a second glance.

"Damn it!" Meng Steel cursed softly. "If we had their help, plus little brother's marvelous perception, we might have been able to overcome these Soul Hunter Group members."

"It's a pity. They are deeply terrified of the Soul Hunter Group," Yu Ziling said, sounding exasperated. "They've been killed too many times. In their subconscious, they believe they can never defeat the Soul Hunter Group. So, the moment the situation improved, their only thought was to run!"

The dozen or so Soul Hunter Group members were individually formidable. In a one-on-one scenario, Ji Changkong's trio might handle three or four of them. However, when the entire group targeted them together, the situation became complicated.

Furthermore, these members belonged to the same organization; they not only coordinated seamlessly but also possessed certain unique soul skills allowing them to combine their soul power, which was a significant advantage!

"We can only be cautious," Ji Changkong's expression shifted slightly. He spread his exquisite soul perception, forming a magnetic field in all directions. The moment any Soul Hunter member entered his field, he would be instantly sensed.

Ji Changkong was being so cautious in hopes of quickly breaking through the Soul Hunter Group's offensive. As long as they weren't surrounded, their combined effort might find a path to breakthrough the attackers' formation.

Ji Changkong believed that with their speed, once they created an opening, they should be able to escape the Soul Hunter Group's assault.

Holding this plan, the three did not separate. When danger approached, they displayed remarkable tacit understanding; a mere glance was enough for them to know the other's intentions.

"Seventeen, be careful later; just focus on keeping yourself alive. Meng Steel, later you and I will act as the breakthrough force. Unleash all your soul power. Listen to my commands. I will choose the opportune moment, and then we charge together—there is a chance!" Ji Changkong retracted his soul thoughts and quickly instructed Yu Ziling and Meng Steel.

At this moment, both Meng Steel and Yu Ziling treated Ji Changkong as their commander because they couldn't accurately locate the Soul Hunter Group members.

They both nodded in understanding, signaling that they would provide Ji Changkong with full support at the critical juncture.

Seeing that they understood his meaning, Ji Changkong felt a slight ease. He continued to expand his soul magnetic field and deployed his spiritual power, subtly beginning to condense a soul skill.

Within his soul magnetic field, the first Soul Hunter member appeared, then the second, the third...

As expected, the Soul Hunter Group members dispersed, attempting to surround them first, forming a circle to attack the trio from all directions, forcing them into a defensive stalemate until they were slowly worn down.

The dispersion of the Soul Hunter Group inevitably spread their power thin. This meant that in any single direction, there were only two or three members, which greatly favored the impact attempt of Ji Changkong's trio.

The only thing requiring caution was preventing an attack from experts in other directions while focusing their charge on one path. Otherwise, a single misstep before breaking the encirclement could lead to them being obliterated by an attack from another direction.

Secretly, Ji Changkong embedded hidden offensive measures—using the latent quality of his soul gleams—in the four corners of his soul magnetic field.

Simultaneously, his vision constantly shifted, probing the auras of the Soul Hunter members entering his soul field, rapidly preparing to deliver a fatal strike.

They were getting closer and closer.

The dozen or so Soul Hunter Group members were scattered in various positions, their steps synchronized, and their distance from Ji Changkong's trio was roughly equal.

A subtle soul power slowly spread outward in a ring. In that instant, it seemed an invisible bond formed between these ten-plus members, through which their souls achieved communion!

Right around Ji Changkong, a strange, circular defensive perimeter materialized.

Indeed, the Soul Hunter Group members possessed a method to link their soul powers together. The appearance of this miraculous circular defense instantly disrupted Ji Changkong’s plan.

Now, it was as if the Soul Hunter Group had consolidated their power. Within that circular defense, the combined soul power of those ten-plus members resided. No matter which direction he attacked, he would have to face the collective force of these ten souls.

At this moment, Ji Changkong suddenly felt tense.

The Soul Hunter Group members were rapidly closing in using this defensive perimeter, and the pressure emanating from them was growing stronger.

If he couldn't find the moment to strike and breach this defense, once the Soul Hunter Group members closed to a certain distance and attacked first, Ji Changkong’s trio would be in deep trouble.

At this point, surprisingly, both Meng Steel and Yu Ziling remained composed. They truly trusted Ji Changkong, believing he would surely point out a way out at the crucial moment. Because of this, they had condensed all their power, quietly awaiting a signal from him.

He absolutely could not betray their trust! And he absolutely could not lose his life to these people! Ji Changkong hardened his resolve and suddenly gathered all the power of his soul.

An immense surge of spiritual power erupted. Ignoring everyone else, Ji Changkong focused all his energy on one Soul Hunter member directly in front of him. Even the hidden soul gleams were activated, all blasting towards that single target.

In that instant, various attacks from Ji Changkong converged, all aimed at that one Soul Hunter member before him.

Fierce soul power, bizarre and venomous soul gleams, even the Destruction Net was deployed. In this moment, all of Ji Changkong's spiritual power was mobilized—he was clearly going all-in.

Under this colossal force, that member's soul visibly struggled to bear the pressure. Although the ten members had formed a soul defense circle that negated most of Ji Changkong's power, the force driving the soul skills found a sudden vulnerability and took effect!

Various chaotic soul energies rushed into that member's soul, directly confusing his soul imprint and robbing him of control over his own consciousness.

With a thought, Ji Changkong immediately seized control of his soul consciousness, instantly altering his internal aura and transmitting the signal to self-detonate his soul.

The soul driving skill indeed worked miraculously.

After releasing his mental command, the person's soul began to swell like an expanding balloon, his soul aura growing increasingly chaotic. The surrounding Soul Hunter Group members immediately sensed something bizarre about him.

Their souls were linked; if the controlled member truly detonated his soul now, the linked Soul Hunter Group members would suffer alongside him!

"Retreat!"

One high-level Soul Hunter member instantly made a decision and transmitted a withdrawal command.

The rest of the Soul Hunter Group members also realized the danger and immediately retracted their souls. In that split second, the circular defense formed by the ten members suddenly fractured.

A dazzling light exploded in front of them. The member's soul had indeed detonated, releasing violent soul fluctuations that forced the remaining Soul Hunter Group members to temporarily retreat further away.

"Go!" At this precise moment, Ji Changkong roared.

Meng Steel and Yu Ziling, who had been primed and ready, instantly unleashed their full power. The strongest force of their souls shot forward in a continuous straight line.

Ji Changkong was equally unreserved; the soul gleams he had scattered in the periphery erupted simultaneously, forcing the dispersed Soul Hunter Group members to temporarily dodge the assault and preventing them from immediately attacking the trio.

With the soul power of Meng Steel and Ji Changkong clearing the path, their ferocious power exploded like a raging storm, slamming the souls of two Soul Hunter Group members blocking the way, sending them spinning away like willow catkins in the wind.

This momentary gap gave Meng Steel, Ji Changkong, and Yu Ziling the opening they needed. The three pushed their power to the extreme, flashing like lightning through the formation of the Soul Hunter Group.

The trio did not look back, maintaining their full speed. Yu Ziling even pushed her entire reserve of spiritual potential, seizing the chance to escape the pursuit behind them. As they finally burst free from the Soul Hunter Group's encirclement, Ji Changkong exclaimed, "Lei Jia and the Moon Demons are already behind us. Good, good that we managed to evade them!"

Meng Steel remained silent, only nodding slightly. He moved to Ji Changkong’s side and followed the direction he chose.

Ji Changkong and Yu Ziling knew that Meng Steel was familiar with everything inside the Moon's Core, and they understood that only by following him could they leave the Moon's Core and return to the Moon's surface.

The Manganese Steel was truly extraordinary, deep within the Moon Core. He darted through with incredible speed; all obstacles within the Moon Core posed no hindrance to him. One could only see Manganese Steel constantly shifting his form, as if he knew every single thing inside the Moon Core like the back of his hand.

Ji Changkong and Yu Ziling followed closely behind Manganese Steel, their movements mirroring his constant shifts in position, passing through every corner and even the narrowest fissures.

In the process, the auras of the Soul Hunting Squad, Moon Demon, Lei Jia, and the others pursuing the trio gradually weakened, until they vanished entirely.

Soon, obscured by a thick, heavy mist, Ji Changkong and the other followed, navigating through sharp, icy formations. The essence of moonlight here was equally dense. Yet, none of the three had the leisure to pay attention to their surroundings.

The mist suddenly dissipated, and Ji Changkong felt his soul suddenly sink, only to find himself abruptly standing in the Moonstone Valley.

“Follow me, I’ve found the passage!” Manganese Steel grinned, finally slowing down his pace.

Yu Ziling let out a sigh of relief, pursing her lips. She whined, “I’m exhausted.”

Ji Changkong smiled, looking at Yu Ziling. “I truly didn’t expect you to sustain this long with your soul power. Originally, I was preparing to assist you when your soul speed slowed down.”

“Then why didn’t you help me?” Yu Ziling rolled her eyes and snorted, “Hmph. Were you trying to save your strength?”

“If I helped you, I’d inevitably have to touch your soul-phantom body, and you’d call me a scoundrel again,” Ji Changkong shrugged, feigning helplessness.

“Stingy man, still holding a grudge. Hmph. When I helped you in the Moon Core, you weren’t keeping such a clear tally,” Yu Ziling bit her lip lightly.

“I remember everything. Whether good or bad, I remember clearly,” Ji Changkong smiled. “I didn't help you because this method of overdrawing your mental energy will lead to greater gains for you afterward. Moreover, since we were constantly inside the Moon Core, your soul would merge more easily with the Moon Essence under these conditions!”

Only after this explanation was Yu Ziling satisfied. She chuckled softly, “Not bad. Using that method consumes a great deal of my mental energy, but once my soul returns to my body, I will reap greater rewards.”

“You two, now is not the time for flirting. Let’s go, we need to leave quickly before Lei Jia gets here. That fellow also knows how to exit the Moon Core. And those members of the Soul Hunting Squad, they too have ways to enter and leave the Moon Core,” Manganese Steel glanced at the pair, teasing them with a smile.

“Manganese Steel, what are you talking about? Who was flirting with him?” Yu Ziling exclaimed loudly, clearly displeased.

Manganese Steel burst into loud laughter, turning to Ji Changkong. “Little brother, this girl has a sharp tongue; be careful in the future.”

“It’s fine, we don’t see each other often, so I won't hear her nagging in my ear constantly,” Ji Changkong replied.

Yu Ziling’s expression turned indignant, and she began to shift her focus back towards Ji Changkong. At this moment, Manganese Steel stopped exchanging banter with them, choosing a jagged opening, and slipped in first. “Let’s go, we need to get out of the Moon Core first.”

Seeing that he had already entered the passage, Ji Changkong and Yu Ziling temporarily ceased their bickering and entered the passage together.

Just like when they arrived, it was a long, dark, and narrow tunnel. This time, Manganese Steel led the way, Yu Ziling was second, and Ji Changkong brought up the rear.

Watching Yu Ziling’s form swaying ahead, Ji Changkong felt his thoughts drift. He fiercely shook his head, as if trying to drive away the errant thoughts in his mind. Just then, Yu Ziling suddenly turned back, her bright eyes glaring at him with a hint of strangeness, and snapped, “Stop thinking nonsense!”

Ji Changkong froze for a moment, then nodded with a wry smile. “Understood. I won’t let my mind wander below.”

“Then what exactly were you thinking about?” Yu Ziling inquired. Fortunately, they were in soul form; otherwise, Ji Changkong might have blushed deeply. Under Yu Ziling’s intense, penetrating soul light, Ji Changkong stammered slightly before seriously stating, “I was thinking that as soon as we get out, it would be best to return to the Five Elements Continent quickly. My mental energy has been depleted too much.”

Yu Ziling stared intently at Ji Changkong for a long moment before nodding resentfully, muttering a low curse, “Scoundrel!”

Finally, led by Manganese Steel, the three emerged together from the Moon Core, reappearing on the surface of the Moon.

The pitted surface of the Moon was still desolate, devoid of any signs of life. In a normal person, this place would evoke despair and helplessness; only those who had cultivated the power of Heaven Sages could cultivate here with peace of mind, tempering their souls properly.

“I think it’s time for us to part ways,” Yu Ziling looked at Manganese Steel and suddenly said, “You fellow, even if you aren't exactly a good person, you are certainly better than Lei Jia.”

“Miss, please don’t compare me to Lei Jia,” Manganese Steel feigned anger and snorted. “Although I also seize things from others, I at least follow the rules. But that Lei Jia never adheres to any rules; he will do anything that benefits him.”

“My mental energy is too depleted right now to deal with Lei Jia. Next time, when my spiritual power recovers, I will definitely kill that despicable villain Lei Jia!” Manganese Steel gritted his teeth in hatred.

“Then you better act quickly. If you’re too slow, I’ll take care of Lei Jia first!” Ji Changkong smiled coldly. He certainly hadn’t forgotten this villain who repaid kindness with enmity. Lei Jia’s soul had no hope of reaching the next realm, so he would naturally haunt the Moon again in the future. Furthermore, Ji Changkong couldn't stay in the Moon Core forever.

Ji Changkong secretly calculated that when he next ascended to the Moon, slaying Lei Jia would be one of his targets.

“Little brother, in our haste just now, I didn’t have time to ask you about the Ghost Demon King. We should be safe now. Before we leave, could you tell me about the Ghost Demon King?” Manganese Steel inquired.

“I’m also extremely curious. I’ve long heard that the Ghost Demon King was rampaging around the area of the East Sea and the Water Cloud Nation of the Central Continent, and it seemed no one could stop him. Is he really that powerful?” Yu Ziling asked curiously as well.

“Since you are interested, I will explain the matter of the Ghost Demon King to you in detail.” Ji Changkong kept it brief, quickly recounting his understanding of the Ghost Demon King and the circumstances of his clashes with the creature.

As Ji Changkong narrated, Manganese Steel’s expression grew increasingly grim. When Ji Changkong finished, Manganese Steel looked heavy-hearted. “I truly didn't expect the Ghost Demon King to be so terrifying!”

“Exactly. This type of creature is almost an undying soul; as of now, we haven't found an effective method to utterly kill him. Alas, I never imagined he would reach the Southern Dipper Star Domain, where the Seven Star Heaven Sages of our Hailan Continent cultivate. This is going to be a real headache for you. I bear some responsibility for this, but the Southern Dipper Star Domain is too far away. Dealing with the Ghost Demon King purely in soul form is impossible for me…”

“Don’t worry, we will handle it. On our Hailan Continent, we also have experts at the Nine Palaces Heaven Realm. Rest assured, after I return to the Hailan Continent this time, I will certainly inform the true powerhouses of our continent about this precious intelligence. I believe they will step forward to deal with that Ghost Demon King.” Manganese Steel stated.

Ji Changkong nodded, able only to say, “I hope you can destroy him. Remember, the Ghost Demon King fears attacks like lightning and fire. You must treat the symptoms specifically.”

He understood that the existence of the Ghost Demon King would inevitably attract the attention of the true powers of the Hailan Continent. He mused that every expert in the Nine Palaces Heaven Realm would have descendants or successors, and their descendants and successors would certainly possess Seven Star Heaven Realm cultivation. If the Ghost Demon King continued to occupy the Southern Dipper Star Domain, the Seven Star Heaven Sages of the Hailan Continent would forever struggle to advance.

If the Ghost Demon King remained in the Southern Dipper Star Domain for hundreds of years, the cultivation stages for the Heaven Sages of the Hailan Continent would face a generational gap! Once the current generation of Eight Trigrams Heaven Sages and Nine Palaces Heaven Sages passed away, wouldn’t the Hailan Continent be left without any Eight Trigrams Heaven Sages? Therefore, they would undoubtedly stop at nothing to eliminate the great menace that was the Ghost Demon King.

“Thank you for the information. We will resolve the crisis of the Ghost Demon King as soon as possible. Next time you come to cultivate on the Moon, remember to hang around the vicinity and inquire about me. Many people here recognize me. As long as I know you are here, I will come to see you,” Manganese Steel expressed.

“Alright, and good luck to you,” Ji Changkong smiled, then turned to Yu Ziling. “Let’s go. We’ll travel back to the Five Elements Continent together.”

Yu Ziling happily agreed. After bidding farewell to Manganese Steel, she and Ji Changkong flew towards the direction of the Five Elements Continent.

After a long, long time.

The souls of the two appeared above the Five Elements Continent. At this point, Yu Ziling suddenly said, “Our nations are different; perhaps we should separate now?”

“Which nation are you from?” Ji Changkong asked, suddenly curious. “I am in the Xuanyuan Valley of the Water Cloud Nation. I think you should be able to find me easily. How about you? If I want to find you, how do I do that?”

“It’s better if I find you.” Yu Ziling hesitated, seemingly unwilling to reveal her origins and identity to Ji Changkong.

“Very well, if you have time, you can come to the Xuanyuan Valley to find me. It might be a long time before I ascend to the heavens again next time; I hope there will be a chance to see you,” Ji Changkong nodded, not pressing further. He then suddenly changed direction and flew towards the Water Cloud Nation.

Only after Ji Changkong left did Yu Ziling sigh with a worried expression, muttering to herself, “Don't blame me. If you knew my identity, perhaps you wouldn’t have gotten along with me.”

Water Cloud Nation, Xuanyuan Valley.

Ji Changkong awoke slowly in the cave in the back mountains. In his hand, he now held a small, crescent-shaped stone. After his soul returned to his physical body, Ji Changkong felt thoroughly relaxed. The Yuan Power within his body slowly nourished his soul, causing his mental energy to begin a gradual recovery.

Even in the unlit cave, Ji Changkong noticed he could clearly sense the presence of the Moon. His soul seemed to have forged some kind of miraculous connection with it.

After this journey to the Moon, Ji Changkong’s soul had been thoroughly tempered by the Moon’s power. Now, his soul held a distinctly cool Moon Power. With a mere thought, Ji Changkong attempted to use his soul power to stimulate his Yuan Power. Instantly, hazy moonlight began to emanate from his empty left hand.

In his right palm, the small crescent-shaped stone held an extremely dense concentration of Moon Power. This power was somewhat different from the Moon Essence—it seemed much colder.

Staring blankly at the small crescent-shaped stone, Ji Changkong contemplated the steady recovery of his mental energy while pondering the purpose of this stone.

After all, he had only just reached the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm. At this stage, there were many things he didn't understand clearly. There were many senior Eight Trigrams Heaven Sages in the Xuanyuan Valley, but most of them hadn't spent much time explaining the necessary points of caution for the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm. The souls of these seniors had mostly transcended the need to temper themselves with the power of the Sun and Moon. They assumed everyone else must have already explained everything about this realm to Ji Changkong, so they were too lazy to detail the basic conditions to him.

Precisely because everyone assumed someone else would explain these things, no one proactively told Ji Changkong about them, leading to the embarrassing situation where Ji Changkong lacked basic knowledge on the Moon.

“Hmm, perhaps I should properly ask those old fellows. Each of them might have visited the Moon Core, and they might know what this crescent-shaped stone is,” thinking this, Ji Changkong did not act immediately. Instead, he first put the stone away, then took out the Black Jade Yuan Crystals that could restore mental energy, choosing to recover his mental power first using the Black Jade Yuan Crystals.

One Black Jade Yuan Crystal, under his absorption, quickly turned into a common piece of rock.

Another Black Jade Yuan Crystal was taken out. Once again submerging his soul into the Black Jade Yuan Crystal, using his soul power to suckle the energy within, this Black Jade Yuan Crystal quickly also became the most ordinary stone, its energy rapidly dissipated.

One after another, within just one hour, dozens of Black Jade Yuan Crystals were piled up before Ji Changkong!

Suddenly opening his eyes, Ji Changkong was filled with astonishment. He hadn't anticipated that the speed at which he now extracted the energy from each Black Jade Yuan Crystal was so much faster than before. Despite absorbing the energy from so many Black Jade Yuan Crystals, his mental energy had only recovered by half!

What did this mean?

Ji Changkong suddenly smiled. He knew that after being tempered by the moonlight, the speed at which his soul absorbed Black Jade Yuan Crystals had doubled! Furthermore, his soul capacity had also increased, meaning his soul could hold more mental energy!

Indeed, cultivating within the Moon Core offered astonishing benefits to the soul. Ji Changkong was overjoyed.

After the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm, the most difficult thing to advance was soul power. An increase in mental energy meant his soul skills in the Endless Star Domain would be more potent, meaning he could stay in the Endless Star Domain for a longer duration, meaning his soul realm had achieved a significant leap in progress!