C13 There Is Something Fishy

Yang Xiu was skeptical of such serendipitous encounters, finding the place eerily strange. The peculiar allure of it still sent shivers down his spine. Moreover, Yang Xiu had already formed a theory about what was going on.

"I was merely testing you before," the elder said, his voice trailing off. "Come to me now, and I can instantly elevate your cultivation to that of the Blood Sect." His presence was suffused with an enticing aura.

Yang Xiu felt a strong pull of temptation. Without the experiences of his past life, he would surely have succumbed to it. Yet, how could such an occurrence unfold in a place so bizarre, especially at the hands of someone who had just tried to kill him? Perhaps it wasn't even a person.

"Is that so? Then wouldn't I ascend to the heavens in one leap? I, a worthless being who hasn't even awakened my bloodline, could suddenly become a Blood Master? That's quite the feat!"

As Yang Xiu spoke, his tone grew icy, his words tinged with a chilling intent to kill.

The gaunt old man's face contorted unpleasantly. "Boy, you're seeking your own demise. Don't blame me for not sparing your life."

A cold smirk played on Yang Xiu's lips. "You, a mere greedy spirit, dare to threaten me?"

With those words, Yang Xiu performed the Seal Spell, and the Subduing Tiger Shocking Ghost Picture emerged, ensnaring the old man completely. In an instant, he lost his corporeal form, overpowered by the Subduing Tiger Shocking Ghost Picture.

Suddenly, Yang Xiu's vision shifted. There was no decrepit temple before him, only a sacrificial altar constructed of bones. The spot where the old man had been was at the heart of the altar.

At the center lay a gleaming golden skeleton that radiated none of the expected malevolence. Yang Xiu felt an innate affinity with it.

The pearl he had held now shone with a pristine whiteness, echoing the skeleton's presence.

The greedy spirit within the Subduing Tiger Shocking Ghost Picture had been utterly subdued. It had previously drawn its formidable power from inhabiting the skeleton.

Yang Xiu exhaled quietly, relieved. The ghostly figure reappeared, quelling the envious spirits around.

Approaching the skeleton, Yang Xiu bowed deeply three times with the utmost respect. Such prowess, even in a deity, denoted an extraordinary strength beyond imagination. Even in death, such a being deserved honor.

Yang Xiu carefully placed the pearl into the skeleton's mouth and kept it close to his person.

"Senior, whoever you may be, I am honored to have encountered you today. Rest assured, I will find a proper resting place for you," Yang Xiu said with heartfelt sincerity.

Throughout history, those who have achieved greatness have always possessed an unwavering determination. Yang Xiu's respect for the strong was evident.

Yet, within the Ghost City, despite Yang Xiu's ability to move without restraint, burying the senior's remains would only lead to their being taken over by other spirits, a prospect that contradicted his intentions.

Outside the Ghost City, a group had sealed off the only exit. Lee Qingyuan and Wang Cheng were among those assigned to stand watch.

"Do you think, after all this time, that person might have perished inside?" Wang Cheng asked, unable to muster any enthusiasm for their current task.

Lee Qingyuan, however, remained unperturbed. "No, he possesses a formidable Ghost Controlling Technique. He's not in any danger. Have you forgotten the significance of that scroll?"

Time flew by, and more than a month had elapsed. Lee Qingyuan and his companions continued their vigil at the exit, waiting in silence.

During this month, Yang Xiu had thoroughly explored the Ghost City, nearly mastering its labyrinthine layout. However, he encountered a chilling presence in its deepest reaches and dared not venture further.

Yang Xiu had undergone considerable changes in this time. His form had taken on a more substantial appearance, resembling flesh and snow, though he still appeared somewhat frail. Nevertheless, the transformation was significant compared to his previous state.

While those inside awaited Yang Xiu's emergence, he, in turn, realized he could not depend on those outside.

Throughout this time, Yang Xiu had conducted numerous checks, never allowing his vigilance to wane.

It was then that Lin Yi arrived, his expression dark and foreboding.

"Qingyuan, how many days has it been?" he inquired.

Lee Qingyuan bowed deeply, "Master, it has been thirty-seven days."

"We must maintain our post. This is the sole entry and exit point. I refuse to believe he will remain inside for the rest of his life," Lin Yi declared before departing with a sweep of his sleeve, leaving behind only the complexity of emotions that flickered in his eyes.

"Maybe we should go in and find him. I can assure him that the Mao Mountain Sect means no harm. If we can have a proper conversation, perhaps we won't have to waste so much time and effort," Wang Cheng said, his face etched with frustration.

"No, we can't do that without the Master's command."

Lee Qingyuan had barely finished speaking when he saw Chi stride out casually, with Yang Xiu following, cradling a gleaming golden skeleton in his arms.

"Go back quickly and tell the Master that the person has emerged."

Lee Qingyuan was on high alert, determined to detain the individual at all costs, even if it meant waiting for his master to arrive.

At that moment, Lee Qingyuan and his group unleashed their most formidable ghosts, encircling Chi, yet they hesitated to approach. Lee Qingyuan remembered how Lin Yi's ghost had been devoured by Chi as if it were mere snack, leaving nothing behind.

Yang Xiu stood his ground, clearly not intending to leave just yet. "Lee Qingyuan, summon your master. I have urgent business."

Lee Qingyuan breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that Yang Xiu hadn't attempted a forceful entry.

"Very well, please wait here for a moment. My master will arrive shortly." Despite his relief, Lee Qingyuan remained vigilant.

Suddenly, Lin Yi arrived in haste, positioning himself in front of Lee Qingyuan. He was about to speak when he was struck speechless by surprise.

It took him a moment to regain his composure. "Where did you find this skeleton? Return the treasure of my sect to me." Lin Yi's eyes blazed with fervor and covetousness, and he even swallowed hard.

Yang Xiu raised an eyebrow. "It looks like you're planning to keep it all to yourself. That's hardly fair!"

"Enough talk. Hand it over now, or I'll take your life." Lin Yi's face was contorted with malice as he glared at Yang Xiu, looking like he could explode at any second.

Yang Xiu simply shook his head, his eyes full of contempt. "These are the remains of a mighty warrior. To think you'd want to hoard it for your own ghost-raising purposes. Have you no sense of reverence?"

Without another word, Lin Yi lunged to seize the skeleton. The might of the Blood Master was unmistakable, his eyes brimming with lethal intent.

Yang Xiu simply commanded the demon in a soft voice, "Go, capture him."

After a month of rigorous training, the demon was now locked in battle with Lin Yi. Even though Lin Yi had the advantage, it was clear that defeating the demon would not be an easy or quick feat.

In the meantime, under the watchful eyes of onlookers, Yang Xiu chose a spot encircled by lush trees. With a single palm strike, he created a large pit and gently laid the skeleton to rest within it, then methodically covered it with handfuls of earth.

Lin Yi, observing Yang Xiu's actions, felt no urgency. The skeleton, after all, was bound to this place.

His subsequent engagement with the demon lacked the previous desperation.

Yang Xiu worked swiftly, soon forming a mound. He erected the prepared tombstone and, using his finger as a pen, inscribed it with flowing characters.