Chapter 292: The Journey Continues, Kings of the Ancient Realm
As the soul completely dissipated, Lin Tianlu glanced back at the old mansion. Nothing much had changed.
“Miss Youluo’s techniques are truly profound and wondrous, not even a ripple was caused.”
Even standing in front of the old mansion now, he couldn’t sense anything unusual. The formation was completely intact, so those in the ancient realm probably wouldn’t notice anything.
Youluo’s lips curved into a smile, a hint of pride in her expression: “I’m not particularly skilled in direct confrontation, but these small tricks are easy for me.”
Hearing her proud words, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle.
Although this woman’s origins were mysterious, and she usually appeared and disappeared without a trace, her personality occasionally revealed a naive and charming side, quite interesting.
However—
“This demon is definitely closely related to the ancient realm.”
Lin Tianlu rubbed his chin and mused: “The abundance of Yin energy she controlled just now is definitely not something an ordinary evil spirit could possess. And those strange and profound Yin techniques…”
“She must have been instructed by someone from the ancient realm to guard the formation here. That way, she can also utilize some of the formation’s power.” Youluo chuckled: “That cage-like environment was probably a gap forcibly created by the Seven Stars Mend the Heavens Formation, connecting to the ancient realm. If you had been a moment slower, Master Lin, and that demon had escaped back to the ancient realm, it would have been much more troublesome to capture her.”
“Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and we successfully eliminated her.”
Lin Tianlu looked at the quiet and deserted old mansion, his brows slightly furrowed, and sighed inwardly: “But the victims in this mansion can’t be brought back to life.”
The corpses he had seen in the fleshy cave were very likely just the tip of the iceberg.
Judging by this demon’s cautiousness, the men she had lured were probably mostly traveling merchants and visitors from outside the village. It would be extremely difficult to investigate, with no evidence or witnesses.
Perhaps it was because of this that this demon had been able to wreak havoc in Tunqing Village for so long, only revealing some clues in the past few days.
As for how she was exposed—
“Master Lin, you broke a corner of the formation a while ago, more or less affecting the Seven Stars Mend the Heavens Formation. This demon probably sensed the abnormality and wanted to absorb more Yang energy to increase her cultivation, to prepare for the upcoming great change.”
Youluo’s tone became more casual and playful: “After all, her abilities all rely on the Seven Stars Mend the Heavens Formation. If she leaves this place, she’s just an insignificant evil spirit, without even a trace of Crimson Sun Essence, unable to even roam freely during the day without reaching the Crimson Demon Realm.
If a great war breaks out after the new year, such an ignorant parasite will be the first to die.”
Saying this, her beautiful eyes shifted slightly, looking at Lin Tianlu’s side profile with interest: “Are you feeling guilty for those innocent victims, Master Lin? After all, if you hadn’t investigated, perhaps the Seven Stars Mend the Heavens Formation wouldn’t have been affected, and those people wouldn’t have died.”
Lin Tianlu smiled frankly.
“I have no regrets about what I did.”
Moreover, even without his intervention, there would still be victims.
It was a good thing to nip the problem in the bud and eliminate this threat early on.
“…You’re quite resolute, Master Lin.”
Youluo was silent for a moment, then chuckled playfully: “Many self-proclaimed righteous people would be wailing and crying if they heard such words. They would blame themselves for not being able to save everyone, and for acting rashly without considering the consequences, leading to irreversible outcomes.”
“Hearing your words, Miss, it seems you’ve also seen and experienced a lot in the past?”
“Indeed~ I’ve also met many knowledgeable individuals, compassionate monks and Daoists, learned scholars, and powerful martial artists who transcended the mortal realm.” Youluo’s eyes flickered slightly, a mocking smile appearing on her face: “However, their fates weren’t very good.”
“Your words are truly thought-provoking, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and gave her a thumbs-up: “I’ll keep them in mind and won’t repeat their mistakes.”
“Giggle~ You’re much more optimistic than them, Master Lin, so there’s no need to worry.”
Youluo regained her lazy and seductive demeanor, leaning closer and whispering: “Now that this matter is over, are you going back to the inn to rest, Master Lin?”
“I’m going to talk to the authorities first, so they can close the case and give the victims and their families closure.”
“You’re truly considerate…”
Youluo was about to continue when she suddenly blinked her eyes in surprise.
Lin Tianlu had gently put her down from his shoulder.
“I apologize, the situation was a bit urgent just now, and I acted a bit disrespectfully. I hope you don’t mind, Miss Youluo.”
“You… I thought you would carry me for a while longer.”
She straightened her slightly disheveled clothes and smiled seductively: “It’s fine if you don’t let go, Master Lin. Being carried on your shoulder is quite enjoyable.”
Before Lin Tianlu could speak, Youluo leaned closer again with a smile, her folding fan playfully brushing against his arm: “Did you find it comfortable just now, Master Lin, when my body was pressed against yours?”
Lin Tianlu coughed lightly: “The situation was urgent, I wasn’t thinking about the differences between men and women, nor was I thinking about whether it was comfortable or not.”
“You scholar, truly insensitive to the atmosphere.”
Youluo playfully patted his chest, as if making a small joke.
Lin Tianlu grinned: “Are you returning to the inn now, Miss, or…”
“I’ll go with you, Master Lin. If we meet those officials, I might be able to help.”
Youluo smiled and put away her folding fan, no longer teasing him.
“Then thank you, Miss.”
Lin Tianlu paused, frowning in thought.
“What’s troubling you, Master Lin?”
“That defeated demon just now mentioned the ‘kings of the ancient realm,’ what exactly are their identities?”
This title didn’t sound like someone weak or insignificant.
He hadn’t paid attention during their fight, but he couldn’t ignore it now.
Judging by the name—
“Could they be the leaders of the ancient realm?”
“Your guess is quite accurate, Master Lin.”
Youluo chuckled and explained: “The environment in the ancient realm is very similar to the demon and ghost world, so naturally, there’s also order and hierarchy.
But the titles of kings in the ancient realm are all held by the heads of prestigious clans, their power and prestige unmatched in the ancient realm, far beyond the reach of ordinary demons and ghosts… even a passerby like me has heard of such things.”
“They sound quite formidable.”
Lin Tianlu asked curiously: “What is the cultivation level of these kings of the ancient realm?”
“If we use ordinary standards, they’re all great demons of the Savage Realm. But they all have hundreds or even thousands of years of heritage and might be far more powerful than you imagine.”
“Truly remarkable.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly.
He couldn’t underestimate the people of the ancient realm in the future. After all, it was difficult to estimate what strange and unpredictable inheritance methods they possessed.
“You’re more cautious than I thought, Master Lin.”
Youluo’s eyes flickered with a seductive glint, and she smiled charmingly: “So you had such concerns, that’s why you let go of me, not wanting to cause any misunderstandings?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “You’re overthinking, Miss. Let’s get going, report this matter early, and return to the inn for a good night’s rest.”
…
Watching Lin Tianlu turn and walk towards the government office, Youluo couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a chuckle, a playful glint in her beautiful eyes.
This scholar was truly becoming more and more interesting, making her want to tease him.
However—
When the ground collapsed earlier, and he had lifted her onto his shoulder, his strong hands firmly holding her waist and hips, now that she thought about it, her heart couldn’t help but tremble slightly.
“This bookworm’s Yang energy is truly terrifyingly abundant. I truly wonder how those two girls can withstand his nightly affections.”
She sighed inwardly, gradually calming her rippling emotions.
In the quiet and serene night, Youluo turned to look at the deserted courtyard of the old mansion, her gaze turning deep: “To be drained of Yang energy because of lust, such a death isn’t worth mentioning. Now, with an expert’s help, may you reincarnate soon.”
…
The next morning.
Many fully armed constables and officers were standing in front of the old mansion. Besides the skeletons, they occasionally carried out disfigured male corpses from the courtyard.
All these corpses were withered and yellow, their faces contorted, and their lower bodies a mangled mess, making the constables frown and wince in sympathetic pain.
Even the villagers gathered around the street were whispering, discussing the recent incidents. They speculated whether some seductive fox spirit had come to the village, causing so many men to be drained of their Yang energy and die.
Some also speculated whether it was a female villain, abused by men in the past, who was now taking pleasure in torturing men, killing them one by one without being noticed.
“This is truly…”
Mao Ruoyu sat inside the carriage, glancing at the bustling street scene from afar, and couldn’t help but murmur: “Such an incredible thing happened in Tunqing Village.”
She had heard a little about it from Lin Tianlu last night, thinking it was just an ordinary demon or ghost causing trouble.
But she didn’t expect it to be so cruel and terrifying.
Although she hadn’t seen the gruesome state of the corpses, the rumors and gossip on the street still allowed her to imagine the horrifying scene.
“Such a wicked and twisted woman truly deserves to die.”
Cheng Yishi, sitting beside her, looked at Lin Tianlu, her brows slightly furrowed: “Husband, did you encounter any trouble last night?”
“Not really.”
Lin Tianlu steadily drove the carriage, waving his hand with a smile: “Although there was a fight, that demon’s cultivation was just average, and I dealt with her quite easily, avenging those victims.”
“It’s good that you’re fine, husband.” Cheng Yishi breathed a sigh of relief.
“Master Lin’s willpower last night was truly remarkable.”
A slightly seductive chuckle echoed softly.
Youluo’s figure appeared in the carriage like a phantom, playing with her folding fan with a grin: “An ordinary man, faced with that demon’s seduction, would have been completely captivated and lost himself. Even male demons and ghosts would have surrendered and become her slaves. But Master Lin didn’t waver in the slightest, truly impressive and admirable.”
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi were slightly stunned.
But they quickly smiled unconsciously.
They were naturally happy that their husband wasn’t seduced by others.
“Cough, cough—”
Lin Tianlu coughed lightly and awkwardly, turning around and chuckling: “That seductive Yin technique had no effect on me, it’s only natural that I wasn’t affected, there’s no need for such praise, Miss Youluo.”
“Perhaps~”
Youluo smiled playfully, a hint of teasing in her eyes.
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi’s hearts warmed, and they sat down beside Lin Tianlu, holding his hands and whispering words of concern, a warm and affectionate scene.
Seeing the three of them whispering, Youluo chuckled softly and stretched lazily and seductively, leaning against the carriage seat, casually playing with her hair.
Glancing sideways, she saw Yang Chanzhen sitting quietly with her eyes closed, seemingly resting.
Her lips moved slightly, a soft voice reaching Yang Chanzhen’s ears.
“Are you feeling envious now, Miss Yang?”
“…”
Yang Chanzhen opened her eyes slightly and looked at her, a hint of helplessness on her face, and whispered: “There’s no need to tease me, Miss Youluo. Master Lin has such gentle and virtuous wives, I don’t have any other thoughts.”
“Really?”
Youluo’s eyes twinkled, and she smiled seductively, touching her lips: “If you truly had no other thoughts, why were you so hesitant last night? Even though you’re wearing a veil, Miss Yang, I could still see your unease.”
“…Do you really want to see me speechless, Miss Youluo?”
Yang Chanzhen couldn’t help but sigh softly.
“I really do.” Youluo licked her lips, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes: “It would be quite interesting to see the always noble and otherworldly Azure Lady of Mount Min fall into the mortal world, trapped by mortal desires.
However, Miss Yang, you remain unmoved by my teasing, treating me with such kindness and gentleness. I can’t bring myself to tease you any further. I only hope you’ll find what you’re looking for in the future.”
Yang Chanzhen’s purple eyes flickered, and she murmured: “Then what are you thinking, Miss Youluo? Your attitude towards Master Lin isn’t like someone meeting him for the first time. Such a frivolous and ambiguous tone, could it be that you—”
“Don’t misunderstand.”
Youluo smiled mysteriously: “I just want to see more interesting things along the way, and this man makes me feel amused and satisfied.”
Yang Chanzhen looked at her intently.
This woman might not be as casual and frivolous as she claimed.
…
Inside a palace filled with countless mysterious runes, ice mist lingered, a tangible Yin energy permeating the air.
And on the throne in this palace, a handsome man in splendid brocade robes sat cross-legged, meditating with a cold and stern expression, as if completely merging with the surroundings, his aura profound and boundless.
But the silence in the hall was soon broken by a chuckle.
“East King, Your Excellency Fuxiao, you seem to be in good spirits, still able to meditate peacefully to this day.”
The handsome man, called Fuxiao, suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them, light overflowing. In an instant, the aura in the entire palace seemed to surge and churn, an invisible pressure crushing forward, making the visitor who had just spoken stumble and almost lose his footing.
But even so, countless fine cracks appeared on the palace floor beneath his feet, as if a thousand tons of weight had been placed upon it!
“Luo Xing Soultaker, who… allowed you to step into my territory.”
East King Fuxiao looked down indifferently and said coldly: “I have no interest in your schemes and plots, don’t waste my time trying to form alliances!”
Boom!
As he spoke, the palace crumbled inch by inch in a circular pattern.
But under this pressure, the handsome white-haired man still smiled and continued: “Please calm down, Your Excellency East King, I didn’t come here to persuade you. After all, in this ancient realm, not many people would dare to disturb your peace.”
The terrifying pressure surrounding them gradually dissipated.
The East King looked down at the person below and said in a deep voice: “Then what do you want to say? If you disturbed me for no reason, even if you are a Luo Xing Soultaker, I’ll still tear off your limbs.”
“Please rest assured, Your Excellency East King, I wouldn’t dare to disturb you without reason.”
The Soultaker smiled, cupped his hands, and bowed: “I wonder if Your Excellency is aware of the recent abnormalities in the Seven Stars Mend the Heavens Formation?”
“…What do you mean?”
“The other kings might not know much about it, but I have some channels and can gather information from the demon and ghost world.”
The Soultaker continued with a chuckle: “This matter is very likely related to a man named Lin Tianlu.”
“Just a mere mortal, what could he—”
“He’s not an ordinary mortal.”
The Soultaker put his hands behind his back and said meaningfully: “Although I don’t know the extent of his true abilities, his cultivation is no less than that of a Savage Realm great demon. If he truly fights, he can control natural phenomena, incredibly terrifying. Even we Luo Xing Soultakers would avoid him and not dare to provoke such an extraordinary person.”
“Oh?”
East King Fuxiao grinned with interest: “Is he truly that powerful?”
“He truly possesses extraordinary strength, and he’s currently on his way to Wuchang Province, and will soon arrive at the location of the ancient realm. As for what he plans to do next, no one knows.”
“Such a person has appeared in the demon and ghost world, this is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
East King Fuxiao sneered: “Did you tell the other kings about this news?”
“No, I didn’t.”
The Soultaker said calmly: “In this vast ancient realm, perhaps only Your Excellency, the East King, would be interested in a mortal cultivator.”
“Heh! I’m indeed a bit eager to meet this person and see if he can be of use to my cultivation advancement. After all, this ancient realm is too boring, and those old geezers are too weak and useless.”
East King Fuxiao grinned ferociously, resting his elbow on his knee, and cupped his chin, chuckling sinisterly: “However, as for the rumored great change, is this the only interesting news in the world?”
“Naturally not. Compared to this, only a few people know about Lin Tianlu.”
The Soultaker smiled confidently and snapped his fingers. A large number of scrolls suddenly appeared behind him.
East King Fuxiao glanced at them, the smile on his face widening: “Interesting! So those factions really couldn’t hold back and have started taking action in various parts of the demon and ghost world. Even those previously reclusive factions… However, where did this strange phenomenon in the scroll come from? Could it be the work of your Luo Xing?”
“Th-This… I’m ignorant and haven’t heard anything about it yet.”
The Soultaker said shamefacedly: “But this matter is truly strange and hard to ignore. And it seems to be escalating, perhaps it will be difficult to conceal in a while.”
In the scroll, a monstrous creature covered in black patterns was crouching on the ground, its mouth biting a mangled corpse, a gruesome and terrifying sight.
It didn’t look like a demon or ghost, but something even more…
Horrifying!
“I’d like to meet it.”
East King Fuxiao rubbed his chin and sneered: “But let’s go and see that Lin Tianlu first. I’ll personally assess his strength.”
“As you wish, Your Excellency East King.”
A hint of a smile appeared in the Soultaker’s eyes, hidden in the shadows.
