### The Shadowy Depths of the Ghost King Sect
**Fox Ridge Mountain.**
The headquarters of the Ghost King Sect lies in these desolate mountains, hidden within the hard rock and winding tunnels. In the eerie silence of the long, curving passageways, only the flickering copper lamps embedded in the walls every few paces cast a dim, flickering light.
Yuki, her face veiled in black, moved like a shadow, walking alone. From a distance, she looked like a wraith in the darkness.
This place was one of the forbidden sanctuaries of the Ghost King Sect, as secret and sacred as the Icy Cave where Bìyáo resided. Only the most core members, such as Yuki, one of the Four Holy Envoys, could enter freely. As she gazed into the deep, seemingly endless tunnel ahead, her pace slowed, hesitation evident in her steps, but she continued forward.
Strange, low growls echoed from the shadows, like the snarls of wild beasts.
After traversing another long, dimly lit passage, Yuki finally reached the end of the tunnel. There, a stone door stood, its lintel inscribed with three characters: **”Dragon’s Confinement.”**
Yuki stared at the words for a long time. The strange growls grew clearer, and the air carried a faint, ominous scent of blood.
Her veil shifted slightly, as if she shook her head, and with a soft sigh, she stepped through the stone door.
Inside, the cavern opened up, revealing a vast space filled with strange, jutting rocks. A narrow, suspended stone path led to the center of the cave. Suspended in mid-air, the path stretched across the void, supported by nothing, defying logic.
Yuki, no stranger to this place, walked silently, her black figure moving without a sound, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Ahead, she saw the figure of the Ghost King, standing on a seven-foot stone platform, his back turned, his presence merging with the very essence of the cavern.
Yuki approached and whispered, “Sect Leader.”
The Ghost King turned, nodding with a smile, “You’ve come.”
Yuki’s veil paused, as if startled. The red light from the pool below reflected on the Ghost King’s face, casting a faint, crimson glow in his eyes.
He gestured, “Come closer.”
Standing on the platform, Yuki’s view expanded, revealing the full extent of the cavern. Below, a massive pool of blood filled the bottom, and within it, two ancient beasts—the Yellow Bird from the Death Swamp and the Qíniú from the Flowing Mountains—were submerged, their bodies restrained by a dark red light emanating from the hovering Dragon Subduing Cauldron.
On the cauldron, a black silhouette was performing a spell, obscured by the red light. This was the mysterious Ghost Master, one of the most enigmatic figures in the Ghost King Sect.
Yuki, one of the former Four Holy Envoys, was privy to many secrets, but the Ghost Master was an exception. This man, who appeared out of nowhere, was highly respected by the Ghost King. His rare displays of bizarre magic had left even the likes of Qinglong and Yuki impressed, yet wary.
It was the Ghost Master who had urged the Ghost King to initiate the “Four Spirits Blood Array” ten years ago. The ancient, mysterious Dragon Subduing Cauldron, with its enigmatic inscriptions, held immense power, neither good nor evil. The Ghost King, with his vast knowledge and the Ghost Master’s expertise, had deciphered the inscriptions, discovering the ritual for the Four Spirits Blood Array—a powerful, world-destroying formation.
The Ghost King, a formidable and ambitious leader, recognized the potential of this power, especially after the devastating battle against the Qingyun Sect. He had concluded that the Four Spirits Blood Array was the key to defeating the Invincible Sword Formation.
Since then, the sect’s actions had been focused on completing the array.
Yuki’s gaze returned to the struggling beasts in the pool. The Yellow Bird, despite its age, was restless, its flapping wings causing waves in the blood, but the red light suppressed its movements, rendering it powerless.
The Ghost King, noticing her unease, asked, “What are you thinking?”
Yuki, momentarily startled, composed herself, “Nothing, Sect Leader.”
He looked at her, then back at the pool, “The Four Spirits Blood Array is half complete. With the final two beasts, our dominance over the world is assured.”
Yuki, silent for a moment, nodded, “Yes, Sect Leader.”
The Ghost King, still observing the beasts, suddenly changed the subject, “You arrived at the Dead Marsh before me. Did you observe Li Xuan, as I instructed? What did you see?”
Yuki’s veil stirred, “He led his followers skillfully through the complex and perilous situation involving the Ten Thousand Toxins Sect, the Blissful Sect, and the righteous forces. His tactical acumen was remarkable, and he ultimately played a key role in the destruction of the Eternal Life Hall. Moreover…”
She hesitated, “He ambushed and severely injured Qin Wuyan of the Ten Thousand Toxins Sect. His resolve and ruthlessness cannot be underestimated.”
The Ghost King, seemingly pleased, nodded, “His character is strong and unyielding, a rare talent. Over the years, his cultivation in our sacred teachings and the constant influence of the peerless demonic weapon have made him more violent and bloodthirsty, which is understandable.”
Yuki, looking at him, noticed a chilling smile on his stern face.
“However,” the Ghost King continued, “I heard that when Li Xuan encountered the righteous forces, especially a disciple named Lu Xueqi, his behavior was unusual. Is this true?”
Yuki, taken aback, saw the Ghost King’s neutral expression, but felt a sudden turmoil in her heart. She and Qinglong had witnessed the subtle interactions between Li Xuan and Lu Xueqi. Recalling it now, she felt a sharp, inexplicable pain.
“What is it?” the Ghost King asked, turning to her.
Yuki, her face veiled, replied in a somewhat hoarse but clear voice, “Yes, there was a certain… connection between him and Lu Xueqi. I saw him risk his life to save her from the Black Water Serpent outside the Heavenly Emperor’s Treasury.”
The Ghost King said nothing, but the air grew thick with the scent of blood. The red light in his eyes intensified.
Yuki bowed and began to leave, stepping back into the suffocating tunnel. At the stone door, she froze. Qinglong stood outside, watching her silently.
They stared at each other, saying nothing, until Qinglong walked past her, heading deeper into the cavern. Yuki, left alone, walked out of the oppressive space.
From start to finish, he had not spoken a word to her.
### The Desolate Temple in the South
In the bleak night, the cold moon hung in the western sky. The abandoned temple, with its eerie insect chirps, presented a desolate and gloomy scene.
“Whoosh!”
A flash of light, and Lü Shun, riding his sword, descended into the temple courtyard. His eyes, sharp and alert, scanned the empty hall.
Having searched the surrounding area to no avail, he realized the temple itself might hold the key. The night air was cold, and the once-grand hall was now a shadowy, menacing place. He sensed something watching him from the darkness.
He called out, “Who is there? Show yourself!”
“Show yourself… show yourself…”
His voice echoed, but the hall remained silent.
Lü Shun, his face darkening, gritted his teeth. With a burst of light, he charged into the hall, illuminating the space. But as he entered, two dark figures swiftly exited, disappearing into the shadows.
Minutes passed, and Lü Shun, finding nothing, emerged, his expression shifting between anger and frustration. “Enough, enough,” he muttered, shaking his head, and flew southward, vanishing from sight.
The temple, once again, fell silent. The insects resumed their song, the cold moon casting a ghostly light.
But after some time, a sharp whistle, and a red light shot down, landing in the courtyard. Lü Shun, having returned, appeared dejected. The temple remained empty, and he, finally, truly left.
In the ensuing silence, two dark figures emerged. The first, stepping into the moonlight, was none other than Li Xuan. His monkey, Xiaohui, perched on his shoulder, also looked up at the moon.
“Enjoying the moon, my lord?” a soft, melodious voice asked from the shadows. It was Jin Ping’er, known as the “Mystic Lady,” dressed in a flowing yellow robe, her hair slightly disheveled, her presence captivating.
Li Xuan, his eyes reflecting the moonlight, asked, “Why did you kill the fishman?”
Jin Ping’er, her voice alluring, replied, “Those fishmen harmed your subordinates and mine. I did it to avenge you, my lord.”
Unmoved, Li Xuan retorted, “Your Purple Blade is a divine weapon. Its power is indeed formidable.”
She smiled, “Compared to your Soul Sucking Bead and Demon Subduing Staff, my blade is but a trifle.”
Li Xuan, his eyes flashing red, asked, “Are you here to investigate the fishmen as well?”
She nodded, “And I discovered a connection to the Fragrant Valley.”
Li Xuan, his guard up, noted her high level of cultivation. Her actions were calculated, aimed at sowing discord between the barbarian tribes and the Fragrant Valley.
Jin Ping’er, her eyes gleaming, asked, “My lord, do you plan to investigate the Fragrant Valley?”
Li Xuan, his thoughts racing, replied, “I may. What of you?”
She smiled, “I’d be happy to accompany you, but there is one thing I must ask. Promise me you won’t betray me as you did Qin Wuyan.”
Li Xuan, his eyes narrowing, weighed his options.
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