Chapter 241: The Grip of Fear

Mount Meru, the Temple of Celestial Resonance.

In a secluded wooden cabin, silence reigned. Master Puhong and Master Pude remained quiet, while Dharma Aspect stood by, his face showing a look of astonishment, yet he too remained silent. Lier Ghost was intently staring at the treasure before him, the soft white light casting an ever-changing glow on his face.

Wrapped in black cloth was a jade disc-shaped artifact, its material a warm, bluish-white hue. The edges were jagged, with every few inches indented like sawtooth creases, each crease branching into a fine groove that gradually faded toward the center of the disc.

The most gentle and bright white light emanated from the center of the disc, flowing through the air as if it were water. Beneath this light, there appeared countless tiny jade squares, densely packed but meticulously arranged in the center of the disc. With Lier Ghost’s current cultivation, he could discern that each tiny square had ancient, crude characters inscribed on all its faces, though he could not understand their meaning.

Around the edge of the disc, in the four cardinal directions, mysterious and archaic patterns were etched: some resembling constellations, others like lone islands in the deep sea, and still others so bizarre that their meanings were entirely unclear.

But Lier Ghost was not concerned with the meanings of these small characters and patterns. What astounded him was that the countless tiny jades were in constant motion, none remaining still. They flowed like water, yet not in a single direction—flowing in all directions. Despite this dizzying movement, there seemed to be an underlying principle, as none of the jades collided.

Lier Ghost gazed for a long time, suddenly feeling a mysterious force emanating from the disc. The countless flowing jades transformed in his eyes into rivers and mountains, endless and vast. For a moment, they morphed into stars, shifting and swirling, the cosmos infinite and eternal. Then, the stars vanished, and he found himself in the void of darkness. In the depths of this lonely darkness, scenes flickered past—visions of past and future lives. Below him, a vast, pitch-black, and bottomless hole appeared, an unstoppable suction pulling his entire body downward, as if he were falling into an endless abyss…

“Ha!”

Suddenly, a thunderous shout echoed in his ears, and Lier Ghost staggered, as if awakening from a dream, drenched in sweat, and exhausted as if he had just fought a great battle, panting heavily.

Master Puhong, who had awakened Lier Ghost, looked at him with compassion, gently pressing his palms together: “Sir, your life has been filled with hardships, and you are burdened by many sorrows. Your heart is heavy with demons. This Pantheon Recycle Disc is a unique treasure, capable of seizing souls and spirits, determining life and death, calculating reincarnation, and even reversing fate. It has the power to alter destiny, but it can also cause one to lose their will and be consumed by inner demons. Please be very careful.”

Lier Ghost panted heavily, slowly calming down after a while. The Pantheon Recycle Disc still emitted a soft, white light, silently flowing before everyone.

Though he was awed by the unheard-of powers of this treasure, the thought that it might offer a greater chance to save Biyao filled him with hope rather than fear. He knelt before Masters Puhong and Pude, saying, “I humbly request the two masters, out of their compassion, to help me. Let me borrow this treasure to save a life. I promise to return it personally after the deed, and I will honor it day and night, praying for your enlightenment!”

Master Pude raised his hand slightly, but although his speech was fluent, his movements were still very stiff. His arm moved only a little before stopping.

Fortunately, Master Puhong walked over, helping Lier Ghost up, and said softly, “Sir, no need for such formalities. Rise and speak.”

Dharma Aspect also approached, and Lier Ghost slowly stood up.

Master Puhong smiled, “Since Master Pude has already taken out this treasure, he agrees to lend it to you. You may rest assured.” Lier Ghost was overjoyed and about to thank them, but Master Pude spoke, “Sir, I have a few words for you.”

Lier Ghost immediately straightened up, “Master, please speak. I am all ears.”

Master Pude spoke slowly, “This treasure is both good and evil, most capable of confusing the mind. A clear heart can benefit greatly, but a disturbed mind can succumb to its demons. Though I do not know you well, I see that your cultivation is profound and you are well-versed in many arts. Your potential is immense, far surpassing ours. But you are strong on the outside, weak on the inside, with a heart full of demons, like a sword hanging over your head. Do you know this?”

Lier Ghost remained silent for a long time, then said, “Masters, I have never cared much for enlightenment or immortality. After many trials, I have little left to live for. The world is an illusion to me, and I see no point in battling my demons. Today, I am here because there are still a few people I cannot abandon. I will live to repay those who trust me. As for the rest, Masters, there is no need to worry about me.”

Master Pude looked at Lier Ghost for a long time, sighed, and closed his eyes, saying nothing. Lier Ghost bowed to Master Pude, carefully rewrapped the Pantheon Recycle Disc in black cloth, and placed it reverently in his robe. Master Puhong pressed his palms together, “Be very careful, Sir.”

Lier Ghost nodded, then frowned, slapping his forehead, and laughed, “My memory! I was so happy I forgot to ask how to use this treasure!”

Master Pude slowly opened his eyes, exchanging a glance with Master Puhong. There was a question in Master Puhong’s eyes, but Master Pude sighed and shook his head slowly.

Master Puhong frowned slightly, not speaking. Master Pude hesitated, looking at Lier Ghost.

Lier Ghost bowed deeply, “Please instruct me, Masters. I am deeply grateful.”

Master Pude shook his head silently, and Lier Ghost was puzzled. After a moment, Master Pude’s hoarse, low voice spoke, “I have kept this treasure for decades, studying it day and night. I have only seen its ability to transform and determine the soul, but I have never understood how to use it.”

Lier Ghost felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, shocked and unbelieving. He looked at Master Pude, then at Master Puhong.

Master Puhong sighed, “Sir, this is why we have been hesitant. The Pantheon Recycle Disc can indeed reverse fate and karma, but its power is so heavenly that it is beyond ordinary comprehension.”

Lier Ghost was speechless, his mind in chaos. A thousand thoughts surged through his mind, leaving only a bitter taste.

After a long while, he laughed bitterly, shaking his head, “Regardless, please lend me this treasure. It is a glimmer of hope.”

Masters Puhong and Pude said together, “Amitabha.”

Dharma Aspect stepped forward, looking at Lier Ghost sympathetically, “I’m sorry, Zhang…”

Lier Ghost shook his head, then smiled at Dharma Aspect, though the smile was terribly bitter. “Brother Dharma, there is no need for comfort. I have experienced this before, with great hope in sight, only to have it crumble.”

His voice turned low, and a flash of pain crossed his face. He bowed to Masters Puhong and Pude, thanked them deeply, then turned and walked away without looking back.

Watching Lier Ghost’s retreating figure, Master Puhong’s expression was complex. He pressed his palms together, muttering, “Amitabha, Buddha’s mercy. He is truly tormented by karmic burdens, a lifetime of sorrow.”

Master Pude, after a moment of silence, also murmured, “Amitabha.”

Fox岐Mountain, the main hall of the Ghost King Sect.

Little White had been back at Fox岐Mountain for three days. During these three days, her face had not relaxed. She had witnessed tragedies multiple times, seeing the madness of the Ghost King Sect disciples and the growing fear in the surrounding environment. Even she, who was not mad, was being driven to madness by the terrifying atmosphere. Little White was certain that something sinister and horrific was happening in Fox岐Mountain. However, what frustrated her the most was that she could not find the sect’s leader, the Ghost King.

From the disciples, she learned that the Ghost King had ordered seclusion, refusing to meet anyone, even the sect’s own members. Little White had repeatedly asked the disciples to inform the Ghost King, but the responses were always the same: either the disciples couldn’t find the Ghost King, or he sent word asking Little White to wait a few more days.

Despite her deep cultivation, Little White could not help but feel uneasy in this eerie atmosphere. The madness and death around her made the place unbearable.

In fact, with her thousand years of cultivation, Little White sensed a dark, bloodthirsty force growing within the mountain’s vast cave. This force was especially intense whenever she witnessed someone’s descent into madness and death.

Three days ago, when she first arrived and saw the disciple, Old Li, go mad, she sensed a mysterious figure in a corner, radiating a strong, bloody aura. When she pursued the figure, it disappeared and had not been seen since.

Now, Little White’s patience was wearing thin.

In the stone chamber, Little White sat alone. The thick walls, though cracked, still blocked most sounds, creating a precious silence. However, her face was anything but calm; instead, it was filled with anger. The events of the past few days had shattered her impression of the Ghost King. The disciples were in terror, and the leader was nowhere to be seen, offering no reassurance or solutions.

This was unprecedented, and Little White suspected that perhaps the Ghost King had been betrayed. Yet, she doubted that the Ghost King, with his formidable presence, would be overthrown by subordinates. Recalling the bond between her sister, Xiao Chi, and the Ghost King, she decided to wait, hoping for a resolution.

“Snap!”

Little White’s face was as dark as water. She slapped the bed beside her, then stood up and walked towards the door.

She had finally run out of patience and was determined to confront the Ghost King. Otherwise, she would leave this place. As she approached the stone door, she suddenly stopped, sensing something.

Sure enough, a commotion came from outside the door, followed by a respectful voice, “Is Lady Little White there?”

Little White opened the door to see a young Ghost King Sect disciple, about twenty years old, standing outside. He looked very tired, with dark circles under his eyes, clearly affected by the strange events.

Seeing Little White, the disciple became more anxious. Everyone in the Ghost King Sect knew of her close relationship with the Ghost King and Ghost Li, so they treated her with respect.

“What is it?” Little White asked.

The young disciple replied, “I bring a message from the Lord, requesting Lady Little White to meet with him.”

Little White was taken aback but sneered, “He finally has time, then? He finally wants to see me.”

Her tone was disrespectful, and the disciple’s face showed a hint of fear. He lowered his head even more.

Little White snorted, not wanting to trouble him further, and said, “Fine, I was going to see him anyway. Lead the way.”

The disciple, relieved, nodded, “Yes, please follow me.” He did not dare to look at her again and turned towards the deeper part of the passage.

Little White followed the disciple, noting that the direction was towards the Ghost King’s residence. It seemed the Ghost King had indeed emerged from his seclusion and returned to his quarters. She smiled coldly.

As they walked, ten zhang away from the Ghost King’s stone chamber, the disciple stopped and said, “Lady Little White, the Lord requests a private meeting. I will not enter.”

Little White frowned, finding it extremely rude for the disciple to stop so far away. But upon seeing the young man’s rigid and nervous state, she sighed, “Very well, you may go.”

The disciple, relieved, looked at her and hurriedly walked away, smiling slightly.

Little White turned her gaze to the Ghost King’s stone chamber, took a deep breath, and stepped forward. Suddenly, a heart-wrenching scream tore through the silence, piercing the fragile calm of the cave.

This was not the first time Little White had heard such a sound, but it still made her chest tighten. She whirled around, but the passage was empty, except for the figure of the young disciple standing like a statue.

In the distance, the scream and the voices of people rushing to the scene mixed into a chaotic cacophony of shouts and fighting. The faint smell of blood drifted like an invisible stream around her.

Ignoring these for now, Little White focused on the young disciple. The Ghost King’s stone chamber was in a quiet area, and the passage was long. No one else was around, and the screams continued, indicating another person had gone mad.

Suddenly, the young disciple began to tremble, his shaking intensifying. He screamed, “I can’t take it anymore…!”

He drew his knife, slashing wildly at unseen phantoms, the blade cutting through the air and occasionally striking the stone walls, leaving faint marks.

The distant screams subsided, but the crowd was approaching. Little White, with a cold snort, flashed to the young disciple’s side. He, having lost his senses, slashed at her. She grabbed his wrist with lightning speed, disarming him and pushing him against the wall.

Staring into his eyes, she saw him gasping, his eyes wild but not bloodshot. Sighing, she waved her right hand over his head, and he fell unconscious.

Little White’s face was tense. She turned and moved towards the Ghost King’s stone chamber, hearing the crowd approaching. Shadows loomed behind her, hurrying towards the scene.