Chapter 94: Miasma

The wind swept across the Dead Marshes.

Beneath his feet, the aquatic grass swayed, creating ripples in the water. As far as the eye could see, there was no end to the marsh, devoid of human life, yet it possessed a moving beauty in its desolation.

The Soul Devourer emitted a faint, deep azure glow, its light flowing and pausing mid-air. Ghost Li stood upon it, with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing intently ahead.

This day was one of the rare good days in the Dead Marshes. The warm sunlight dispersed much of the usual gloom, but just a few dozen paces ahead, a thick, gray mist-like miasma rose up, vast and towering, extending endlessly without showing any sign of stopping.

This was the inner part of the Dead Marshes, one of the most perilous places in the world!

The monkey, Xiao Hui, perched on his shoulder, seemed uneasy and let out a low, anxious cry.

Ghost Li gently patted Xiao Hui, and the little monkey quieted down, its bright, lively eyes fixed on the miasma ahead. At that moment, a whistling sound came from behind, followed by a streak of light like lightning.

Ghost Li moved, and the Soul Devourer, as if understanding his thoughts, slowly turned around.

The light stopped before him, revealing a young man hovering in the air. His sharp, sword-like brows and piercing gaze appeared suddenly, and he bowed, saying, “Deputy Sect Leader, everything has been arranged.”

Ghost Li did not ask what it was, for he already knew. He nodded slightly, “Good, then leave this place to you.”

After a moment, he seemed to recall something and said, “Yan Hui.”

Yan Hui responded, “What is it?”

Ghost Li glanced behind Yan Hui and said, “You are usually calm, which puts me at ease, but Seng Sheng is hot-tempered and too violent. With all the forces converging in the Dead Marshes, we must not act rashly. You need to control him well.”

Yan Hui smiled, “Rest assured, Deputy Sect Leader. Although Seng Sheng is arrogant, he has never dared to defy your orders, and I will keep him in check.”

Ghost Li looked at him and nodded. Just as he was about to turn away, Yan Hui added, “Deputy Sect Leader, there is one more thing.”

Ghost Li turned to look at him. Yan Hui hesitated for a moment, then activated his magic artifact, moving closer and lowering his voice, “We just received news from the headquarters. A few days ago, Qing Long and Zhu Que, two of the Four Sacred Envoys, suddenly headed towards the Dead Marshes.”

Ghost Li’s expression changed, but he quickly regained composure. After a brief silence, he said, “Do not spread this information. Continue as planned and observe the situation.”

Yan Hui bowed, “Yes, sir.”

With that, he bowed to Ghost Li and left.

Ghost Li watched Yan Hui disappear, then slowly turned around, his gaze falling once more on the immense miasma. After a moment, he said, “Xiao Hui, let’s go.”

Xiao Hui, still perched on his shoulder, scratched its head and let out a few “chirp” sounds.

Ghost Li smiled. The Soul Devourer’s light shone brightly, enveloping both man and monkey in a deep azure glow. They floated forward, plunging into the massive miasma.

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As soon as they entered the miasma, the surrounding light vanished, and the once bright sky disappeared, leaving only a vast, gray expanse. Visibility was severely limited, unable to see more than half a pace ahead.

Almost simultaneously, the Soul Devourer’s deep azure light flared up, forming a protective barrier around Ghost Li and Xiao Hui. The miasma churned violently, but could not penetrate the barrier.

Looking out, the miasma parted like clouds, swirling around them as they flew, with the gray haze engulfing their surroundings.

They flew for a long time, and Ghost Li’s expression grew serious. This wall of deadly miasma marked the boundary between the outer and inner parts of the Dead Marshes. While the outer part was filled with bottomless pits, it was relatively safe with caution. However, the inner part was a different story. The miasma was extremely toxic, and even a brief touch could be fatal.

Though Ghost Li’s cultivation had greatly advanced, he did not take these dangers lightly. The Dead Marshes were full of peril, especially the inner part, an ancient and treacherous land. He proceeded with utmost caution.

Yet, the miasma wall was incredibly thick, and they continued to fly within it. Suddenly, Ghost Li’s heart skipped a beat as a blue light flashed in the depths of the miasma, only to disappear. The color was strangely familiar.

Almost immediately, the miasma around them began to churn violently, forming numerous large and small whirlpools, each with a powerful suction force. Xiao Hui clung tightly to Ghost Li’s clothes, letting out soft, anxious chirps.

Ghost Li’s face was stern, but his brows furrowed deeply. He hummed, his body tensing, and a golden light burst forth from the Soul Devourer, forcing the miasma back. Without hesitation, he charged into the largest miasma vortex.

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As they entered the massive vortex, the pulling force intensified, and toxic miasma surged from all directions. Ghost Li’s face paled as he was lifted by the sheer force, flying upwards.

The fierce wind roared, and Ghost Li, in mid-air, took a deep breath. He extended both hands, forming seals with his left hand and incantations with his right. Golden and azure light intertwined, merging into one. If a righteous expert saw this, they would be astonished.

The Taiji Xuanqing Dao of Azure Ethereal Vapors and the Great Prajna of the Immortalbane Nexus had merged perfectly in this young man!

In the resplendent gold and azure light, the Soul Devourer stabilized, no longer swaying in the storm. Ghost Li observed, but the storm grew fiercer, and the miasma surrounded them.

After a moment, Ghost Li realized this place was too dangerous to linger. He directed the Soul Devourer to the edge of the storm, finally breaking through the eye of the storm.

He flew a great distance, and the miasma, though calming, still worried Ghost Li. He was unsure if he was heading in the right direction.

Suddenly, Xiao Hui screeched a warning. Ghost Li, startled, instinctively moved aside.

A loud roar echoed, and a black, massive creature soared past, emitting a strong stench that penetrated the Soul Devourer’s light.

The creature disappeared into the miasma. Ghost Li, heart pounding, decided to pursue it.

Despite the creature’s incredible speed and the thick miasma, he lost sight of it. Frowning, he stopped and focused, hearing a sudden cry and shouts from ahead. It seemed the creature had startled several people.

Ghost Li’s spirit heightened, and he flew forward, only to hear a cold, furious shout: “Evil fiend!”

A blue light shot towards him, as if a rainbow cutting through the miasma. Shocked by the intense swordsmanship, Ghost Li increased his speed, attempting to escape.

However, the opponent was formidable. The blue light pursued him, undeterred. The miasma churned as they chased and fought, each using their skills to avoid the other’s attacks.

In the midst of the chase, Ghost Li recognized the high level of his opponent’s cultivation. He knew this was likely a righteous cultivator, and he needed to end this quickly.

The fight was intense, and both used their best techniques. The miasma around them churned, and the two combatants moved swiftly, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Suddenly, the blue light pierced through, and Ghost Li, without hesitation, met it head-on. The clash was thunderous, and both were pushed back.

The next moment, the miasma parted, and Ghost Li’s gaze fell on a beautiful woman, her ethereal presence clear. She was none other than Lu Xueqi, the one he had not seen for many years.

For a moment, the world seemed to pause, and the gray miasma receded, revealing the man deeply etched in her heart. She remained motionless, her heart trembling.

The two powerful artifacts, like entangled fates, neared, filled with both hate and love. In a split second, the Soul Devourer slightly shifted, and Ghost Li opened his chest, allowing the blue light to pass harmlessly.

Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, they recognized each other. The intensity of their emotions and the peril of the situation made them both hesitate.

As they flew apart, Ghost Li felt a hint of her scent lingering in the air. The sky brightened, and he realized they had broken through the miasma, entering the inner marsh.

He steadied himself and landed, turning to see the vast, eternal wall of miasma standing there, unchanged, and wondering where she was now.