Chapter 18: The World of Gods and Ghosts

[Ding! Detected the Heavens Cycle number Gengshen 69, an avatar of the Primordial God requests connection. Access authorized!]

A vast and mysterious voice of the Primordial God’s Temple echoed, while Wu Ming’s body stiffened. The black ring on his hand flickered with a faint glow.

[Ding! Detected the Reincarnator carrying a low-tier magical artifact. Would you like to spend 50 minor merits to bring it in?]

“Yes!”

The moment Wu Ming’s thought formed, he found himself already within the Primordial God’s space. The dark golden ring on his left index finger was clearly visible, and his merit had silently decreased by 50, leaving him with 600.

“Primordial God’s Temple, can you identify this item? If so, how many minor merits will it cost?”

Wu Ming removed the dark golden ring and held it in his palm, asking.

[The avatar of the Primordial God has True Vision. Identification fee waived!]

The Primordial God’s Temple responded readily, then emitted a string of light beams that enveloped the dark golden ring. Instantly, a line of data appeared before Wu Ming:

[Item Name: Dark Golden Ring]

[Material: Iron Essence, Western Dark Gold]

[Weight: One tael and four mace]

[Rank: Low-tier Magical Artifact]

[Effect: Once per day, cast the Golden Blade Curse within a range of one zhang. It can automatically recover, but requires Qi or magical energy to activate.]

[Description: This ring is forged from the essence of iron mixed with dark gold, inscribed with spells during forging. It can assist in casting spells once per day. (Note: After casting the Golden Blade Curse once, it needs to be replenished with Qi or magic, or placed outdoors to absorb the essence of the sun and moon; otherwise, the spell will not reset.)]

“Still, it’s more convenient this way!”

Wu Ming nodded in satisfaction: “Most importantly, it’s great not having to spend money…”

Putting the dark golden ring back on, Wu Ming immediately opened the exchange list and began targeted exchanges.

“Ghost-Repelling Pill: Main ingredient is realgar from Wudu, mixed with cinnabar powder, blended with wax, sealed with a talisman, and wrapped in a red pouch. Ordinary ghosts will avoid it upon sight. Exchange requirement: 50 minor merits! Two please!”

A flash of light, and after deducting the merits, two peculiar-smelling sachets appeared in Wu Ming’s hand, with faint glimmers on their silk threads.

“Centennial Peachwood Sword: Made from the core of a hundred-year-old peach tree, engraved with talismans, and crafted through thirteen processes. It can subdue spirits and monsters! As the ancient text says: Peachwood is the essence of the five woods, a divine wood used to suppress evil spirits. Therefore, peachwood swords are made to suppress evil, a divine technique! Exchange requirement: 100 minor merits! Exchange!”

After another selection, a peachwood sword with a purplish-copper hue, exuding an ancient charm and a pleasant fragrance, appeared out of nowhere and was caught by Wu Ming.

Knowing the intelligence and the upcoming world, Wu Ming acted without hesitation.

These two items were Taoist artifacts with magical properties but not classified as magical artifacts, somewhat similar to his previous thumb ring.

Then, Wu Ming flipped to the talisman section and exchanged a stack of low-tier disposable talismans, such as the Vajra Curse Talisman, Demon Subduing, Monster Pacifying, Evil Breaking, and Spirit Repelling.

Finally, gritting his teeth, he exchanged for the highly effective Golden Wound Medicine and a “Low-tier Healing Talisman” with instant recovery effects, spending all his minor merits.

“The next mission is leaning towards the supernatural, a world where gods and spirits exist. There’s no other way!”

Equipped and ready to go, Wu Ming flipped to the Taoist techniques section and sighed regretfully: “Too bad…”

He was very interested in learning Taoist magic and witchcraft to become a practitioner of magical energy.

After all, regardless of the destructive power and applicability, from the perspective of longevity alone, practicing Taoist magic or even witchcraft had a slightly higher chance of extending life compared to martial arts.

Alas, with his innate talents, he couldn’t even come close to accessing the authentic Taoist cultivation techniques. At most, he could barter for one or two sinister and malevolent minor spells—practices that demanded the consumption of his own vital essence and couldn’t be mastered swiftly! How utterly infuriating!

Moreover, even if he learned Taoist magic, he would have to start from the basics, unable to unleash its power immediately. When it came to enhancing combat effectiveness, using disposable items was more reliable.

Not to mention, Wu Qing was working on getting him into the Taoist Academy, so he couldn’t afford any mistakes.

Therefore, Wu Ming decisively spent all his merits on disposable combat enhancements, preparing for a big score.

He was determined to become the master of the Primordial God’s Temple! How could he succeed without striving and fighting?

“If other reincarnators were in this situation, I wonder how much time the Primordial God’s Temple would give them to prepare? Probably like last time, entering a dungeon directly without even a moment to return to the Primordial God’s Temple?”

Wu Ming mused with a hint of mischievous amusement. Then, the resounding voice of the Primordial God’s Temple reverberated in his ears: [The Reincarnation task is about to commence. All Reincarnators, prepare yourselves!]

Instantly, a feeling of vertigo struck him fiercely, causing his vision to go black.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in another world.

In a secluded valley with clear mountains and streams, a group of people lay scattered.

Morning dew covered the green leaves, and a thick mountain mist rose around, carrying a chill.

Wu Ming scanned the area and saw several people standing up, looking at each other with a hint of caution, making his heart tighten: “Veterans?”

“Achoo!”

Lying on the cold ground was clearly uncomfortable. Soon, several newcomers began to rise one after another, their faces showing panic.

No one would look very good after being suddenly transported to another world.

“Still…”

Wu Ming patted himself, a slight smile on his lips: “Is this really a soul-body? Why does it feel so real?”

Quickly scanning the area, he felt disappointed when he didn’t see Huang Ying: “Looks like we can’t meet every time…”

“Everyone, please calm down!”

At this moment, among the veterans who had regained consciousness first, a tall man with thick eyebrows and large eyes—his honest and naturally loyal appearance evident—stepped forward: “My name is Tu Yanghao! Like you, I am from Great Zhou… For now, all I can tell you is that what is happening is no joke at all. Rather, it is a miraculous paradise created by a deity, Buddha, demon, the Yama King of the Six Realms, or even a supreme being beyond this world, using great magic and unparalleled power… As for the specifics, you should recall carefully, and you will understand…”

Sure enough, as soon as this person spoke, the newbies were stunned.

For ancient people, accepting the concept of the Primordial God’s Temple and the infinite world was still quite a challenge.

Tu Yanghao obviously didn’t expect much, directly approaching Wu Ming and a few others who had regained consciousness earlier and subtly keeping a distance, clearly experienced individuals.

“I believe these few have already experienced one world and naturally understand my words…”

Tu Yanghao’s expression was sincere: “We should also know that the tasks of the Primordial God’s Temple are extremely difficult. If we do not work together, the hope of success is very slim…”

“Stop!”

Before Tu Yanghao could step forward, a young swordsman on Wu Ming’s right, wearing a bamboo hat and holding an ancient sword, exuding an aura of a martial arts expert who kept others at a distance, coldly spoke.

“What? Brother seems not to trust me? The Blood Pact Alliance I belong to is a large faction renowned in the Primordial God’s Temple. If you all wish to join, I can certainly recommend you…”

Tu Yanghao’s expression became even more sincere, but Wu Ming took another step back, sensing that beneath this person’s humble and kind exterior, there seemed to be a terrifying beast hidden.

“Hehe… Such words can only fool the newbies who are easy targets. Those of us who have survived several tasks in the Primordial God’s Temple know well who your Blood Pact Alliance is, notorious for its strength and tyranny, especially fond of recruiting new members to exploit them at will!”

On Wu Ming’s right, a woman dressed in a simple skirt and wooden hairpin laughed cheerfully, glancing at Wu Ming as if by chance.

“Blood Pact Alliance?!”

Wu Ming acted as if he hadn’t noticed, asking: “Can alliances even be formed within the Primordial God’s Temple?”

This question immediately exposed his novice status. Tu Yanghao’s expression became even more sincere, smiling: “Of course not in the Primordial God’s Temple, but what about in the Great Zhou world?”

“Actually within the Great Zhou?”

Wu Ming was inwardly shocked, then somewhat enlightened. The Primordial God’s Temple forbade Reincarnators from revealing secrets to outsiders, but among fellow Reincarnators themselves, there was naturally no such restriction.

“That’s right. My brothers of the Blood Pact Alliance have sworn a blood oath, watching over and aiding each other, all true men of loyalty and courage!”

Tu Yanghao patted his chest: “If my brothers trust me, perhaps we can join forces for this mission! Of course, our Blood Pact Alliance has developed to this day, and there are inevitably some bad apples, leading to some criticism. If my brothers are unwilling to join, we won’t force you!”

As he spoke, two other reincarnators stepped behind Tu Yanghao, instantly forming a small group that looked quite formidable.

Moreover, this person honestly admitted to having flaws, which indeed could leave a good impression of sincerity.

At least, Wu Ming saw several newcomers’ eyes flickering, obviously already tempted.

“No need… I’m used to being alone!”

Midway through his words, Wu Ming abruptly halted, his expression turning startled—a reaction mirrored by nearly all the other Reincarnators.

Because the information from the Primordial God’s Temple had already been transmitted:

[All reincarnators confirmed! World activation!]

[Sub-task issued: Arrival!]

[Task Description: This is a world where gods and spirits, fox spirits and monsters coexist, where the three realms and six paths are incomplete and easily intersect. Under the Black Mountain Range, in Heitai County, something seems amiss. The county magistrate has issued a notice seeking help. At this time, a group of extraordinary individuals have arrived here…]

[Task Requirement: Reach Heitai County and remove the notice. Success will unlock the next task, failure will deduct 1000 minor merits, and those with insufficient merits will be eliminated!]

[Scenario Size: Medium-sized instance!]

[Task Difficulty: Hong!]

“Damn it, it’s actually a world with deities and monsters!”

Tu Yanghao’s face changed greatly, shouting loudly: “Does anyone have talismans that can subdue ghosts and monsters, or have practiced Taoist magic with Taoist artifacts? I’m willing to pay a high price to exchange…”