I Just Want To Be Quiet#571 - 603

 Chapter 566: Soul Flies Away. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

Seeing that most Loose Cultivators had already boarded the Floating Island, Pei Ling no longer hesitated and immediately controlled his sedan chair, rushing up as well.

At this moment, seeing fewer and fewer Loose Cultivators around, Qiao Ciguang's magical power surged, ready to strike at Kang Shaoyin at any time, but when she saw him suddenly rush into the island, her delicate brows furrowed.

This Floating Island is related to You Su Tomb, and for Loose Cultivators, it is a place of certain death.

However, for the True Inheritances of the Nine Great Sects, whose cultivation and strength are sufficient, it is a true Opportunity and good fortune!

Now that a True Inheritance of the Heavenly Born Sect has ascended the island, if he truly obtains the Opportunity on the island, the Righteous Path will certainly gain a formidable enemy in the future!

He cannot be allowed to succeed!

Thinking of this, Qiao Ciguang also did not hesitate. She immediately controlled her cloud Magic Treasure and flew towards the Floating Island.

Inside the large boat, Shi Wanli frowned.

Although his cultivation had long entered the Core Formation stage, his Foundation and strength were not comparable to the True Inheritances of the Nine Great Sects.

Ascending the island at this moment might also be somewhat dangerous.

However, Qiao Ciguang of Su Zhen Heaven and Kang Shaoyin of the Heavenly Born Sect had both gone up.

The Liulan Dynasty had no True Inheritance present, so he could not afford to retreat!

Thus, Shi Wanli ordered his subordinates to remain on the large boat and wait for orders, while he alone flew towards the island...

A moment later, around the Floating Island, only the Cicada Tower people waiting on the large boat, two slightly weaker female Cultivators from Su Zhen Heaven, and some Loose Cultivators whose cultivation was only in the early Qi Condensation stage remained... All other Cultivators, whether Righteous, Demonic, or Loose Cultivators, had already ascended the Floating Island.

After a while, the mist on the Floating Island grew thicker and thicker, rapidly turning into a dense fog.

Gradually, the fog obscured the entire island, and any means of investigation were like a mud ox entering the sea; once they entered the fog, there was no more movement.

After a full half an hour, the fog finally began to dissipate.

However, at this moment, the original location of the Floating Island was empty, with only a shimmering sea surface remaining.

It was as if no island had ever appeared there.

Seeing this scene, the Cultivators remaining around all showed expressions of astonishment.

※ ※ ※

The sun above was dim and pale, and dark clouds gathered from the horizon, stirring restlessly.

Towering giant trees were lush with branches and leaves, their layered and intertwined foliage filtering the sparse heavenly light into a gloomy and hazy illumination.

Walking beneath the trees, one could only feel waves of chilling cold.

A faint mist permeated the air, as if casting a layer of dimness over everything in sight, giving an indescribable sense of oppression.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh...

One after another, Loose Cultivators fell from mid-air, breaking countless branches and leaves along the way, and heavily landing on the soft humus soil.

Amidst the splashing sand, occasional groans could be heard.

At this moment, a sedan chair appeared in mid-air, and then fell downwards without any pause.

Boom!

Accompanied by a series of breaking branches, the magnificent and luxurious sedan chair shattered into pieces.

However, Pei Ling had already escaped from the sedan chair a step earlier, bringing out all eight Cauldrons with him. He landed safely without any harm. Immediately after, Qiao Ciguang's figure also slowly appeared in mid-air.

Like the other Cultivators, her cloud Magic Treasure instantly lost its ability to float and plummeted downwards.

Bang!

The next moment, Qiao Ciguang flicked her wide sleeve, bringing several Junior Sisters to a steady landing, and at the moment the cloud Magic Treasure went out of control, she quickly and skillfully put it into her storage pouch.

Not long after, Shi Wanli also appeared in mid-air, also falling rapidly. Just as he was about to hit the treetops of the giant trees, he suddenly struck out with his palm!

Bang bang bang bang bang...

In a short moment, he didn't know how many branches and leaves he broke. Using the recoil force of his palm strikes, Shi Wanli also landed safely.

Next came the entry of numerous Loose Cultivators, without exception, all falling from the sky...

Seeing this, everyone realized that flying was forbidden here.

Whether it was flying Magic Treasures or a Cultivator's own ability to fly, neither worked on this island.

Moreover, when Core Formation stage Cultivators like Pei Ling attempted to examine the entire island with their Divine Thought, they found that Divine Thought was also restricted here and could not be used at all!

After a brief observation of the surrounding environment, several Loose Cultivators who had landed first eagerly walked into the island, wanting to quickly seek Opportunities.

However, their figures had just blurred slightly within the mist when they instantly fell down as if they were cut down like rice stalks.

Seeing this scene, the other Loose Cultivators' expressions changed. Although those few people's cultivation was only at the Qi Condensation stage, they died too suddenly, and it was impossible to tell what happened!

For a time, all the Loose Cultivators did not dare to easily leave their original positions, and their gazes turned towards the people of the three great sects.

Noticing that a considerable number of Loose Cultivators were looking at Pei Ling, Willow Purple Cotton and the other Cauldrons immediately showed disdain.

This Opportunity was arranged by heaven for their master. How could these lowly and filthy Loose Cultivators, dog-like things, be worthy of touching it?

It served them right to die!

Moreover, if those who defy heaven don't die, who will?

However, though they thought this, since Pei Ling had not spoken, the eight Cauldrons also dared not make a sound.

At this moment, Pei Ling was secretly observing Qiao Ciguang. Seeing her brows slightly furrowed, and her protecting her Junior Sisters behind her intentionally or unintentionally, looking around, she had no intention of attacking him for the time being, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He then looked at the several Loose Cultivators who had died suddenly, raised his hand, and tried to pull the bodies over for inspection.

Whoosh!

Almost at the same time, Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli also acted together. A powerful pulling force subtly competed for a moment in the invisible.

With Qiao Ciguang having the highest cultivation, three of the five suddenly deceased Loose Cultivators' bodies were pulled towards her.

Pei Ling and Shi Wanli each obtained one.

Pei Ling frowned slightly, glanced at Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli, then said nothing and began to examine the corpse in front of him.

Since Divine Thought could not be released here, the Nether Flame Breaking Delusions Mirror could not be used. However, by secretly activating the Grievance Nightmare Divine Power and other methods he possessed while lowering his head, he quickly discovered that the Physical Body of the corpse in front of him had no abnormalities, but its soul had already vanished!

Realizing this, Pei Ling frowned slightly, but before he could figure out the reason, he heard Qiao Ciguang suddenly say loudly, "Quickly leave here!"

This was a special reminder to the Loose Cultivators. As Qiao Ciguang spoke, she quickly walked away with several Junior Sisters.

At this moment, Shi Wanli, like Pei Ling, had not discovered anything.

But he and Qiao Ciguang both belonged to the Righteous Path and had some friendship. Naturally, he trusted Qiao Ciguang's words implicitly, and without any hesitation, he immediately followed the footsteps of the Su Zhen Heaven group.

Although the Loose Cultivators had no idea what had happened, no one was foolish at this moment. Seeing that the True Inheritance of Su Zhen Heaven and Shi Wanli of the Liulan Dynasty dared not stay here, they also quickly followed and left.

The vast majority of lower-cultivation Loose Cultivators, intimidated by the death of those five people earlier, now almost followed Qiao Ciguang's group step by step.

However, Old Ancestor Woqiu, Fairy Yu Meng, and the Xiao Family Four Elders, being Core Formation stage Loose Cultivators, felt they had some strength and were unwilling to simply follow the Righteous Path and surrender the Opportunity.

Although they also immediately started to leave after hearing Qiao Ciguang's reminder, after walking a certain distance, they quickly gathered their subordinates and gradually distanced themselves from Qiao Ciguang, Shi Wanli, and the others.

Pei Ling silently watched Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli disappear from his sight, then immediately chose another direction and left with his eight Cauldrons.

Soon, the forest returned to silence, and the mist rapidly spread and thickened.

Before long, it obscured all vision.

Indistinct swallowing sounds came from within the mist, accompanied by crisp 'crunching' and 'munching' sounds.

A moment later, the smoke and fog dispersed, and everything was as usual, except that the five corpses, which had just appeared lifelike, were now only bloody skeletons.

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Chapter 567 Curse. (First update! Please subscribe!)

In the dense forest, Pei Ling quickly moved forward with eight Cauldrons.

In front of them, two ape-shaped Puppets, with red eyes, long tails, and dense fur, were lifelike, skillfully weaving through and scouting the path.

These Puppets belonged to Kang Shaoyin and had a Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivation. They moved extremely swiftly and flexibly, and when climbing and leaping, they were like living ape Yao Beasts. They were perfect for this place.

After walking for a while, the mist around them gradually thickened.

Before long, even with the Puppets scouting, Pei Ling gradually lost his way.

Therefore, the group had no choice but to stop.

Pei Ling frowned slightly. When he was outside the Floating Island just now, the calls echoed in his ears, seemingly urging him to come. But now that he was on the Floating Island, he could no longer hear any calls.

But no matter what, this Floating Island was not a good place.

The fog was thick now, and with his Divine Thought unable to extend outwards, everything he saw was a vast expanse of white, nothing visible. It was best not to wander around carelessly.

Otherwise, whether he encountered the dangers on the Floating Island or Qiao Ciguang, his outcome would be dire...

Thinking of this, Pei Ling immediately took out his Pill Furnace. He wanted to refine the Youji Town Life Pill.

This was a Pill Formula from the Alchemist Ancestor's Legacy, capable of dealing with any Core Formation stage Cultivator, and even Nascent Soul Stage would be affected.

As long as he had the finished pills, no matter what he encountered on the Floating Island or if he met Qiao Ciguang, he could use them as a trump card.

Furthermore, he was currently in the thick fog, unable to discern directions, but the System was not affected!

Although the System became more idiotic after upgrading, its obstacle avoidance function significantly improved during Hosting.

If any danger approached while Pei Ling was performing Alchemy, the System would control him to avoid it.

Of course, it was fine to use the System for Alchemy now, but before understanding the general situation on the Floating Island, Pei Ling did not plan to Hosting the Cultivation of Cultivation Technique.

Because when he previously Hosting the 【Nether Flame Burning the World, Hidden Subtle Grand-Art】, the Cultivation environment the System suddenly gave him for free was very likely somewhere on this Floating Island.

If he were to directly run to Cultivate in front of an existence he couldn't afford to provoke, he might not even know how he died.

After preparing the Pill Furnace and a series of medicinal ingredients, Pei Ling changed into the Dharma Robe he had refined, and then instructed the Cauldrons: “If I suddenly leave later, follow me immediately.”

Willow Purple Cotton and the others responded with sweet voices: “Yes, Master!”

Pei Ling then infused a stream of magic power into the Dharma Robe and silently chanted in his mind: “System, I want to Cultivate! One-click Hosting 【Pill Refining Art · Youji Town Life Pill】!”

“Ding dong! Intelligent Cultivation System wholeheartedly serves you! One-click Hosting, intelligent upgrade! Now beginning Hosting Cultivation, a kind reminder: During Cultivation, the host will lose control of their body, please do not panic...”

As the System prompt sounded, Pei Ling lost control of his body. He expressionlessly summoned the Nan Ke Dream Fire, lit the Pill Furnace, took out the medicinal ingredients one by one for processing, and began refining pills as smoothly as flowing water.

The eight Cauldrons surrounded him, and upon seeing this scene, all showed surprise: Besides artifact forging, Master actually knows Alchemy?

They were curious in their hearts, but seeing that Master had already started doing serious business, they dared not speak to disturb him, and all secretly transmitted their voices: “Senior Sister Qirong, you have been with Master the longest, why have I never heard you mention that Master also knows Alchemy? Moreover, looking at the fluidity of his technique, I'm afraid Master's Alchemy is no less than his artifact forging?”

The female Cultivator in the red dress and golden hairpin was also a little bewildered, but quickly said: “Master was born noble and is favored by the will of Heaven. For ordinary people, skills like Alchemy and artifact forging might be impossible to master even one of them in their entire lives.”

“But with Master's talent, it is only reasonable for him to be proficient in everything.”

The twin sisters also nodded slightly and transmitted their voices: “That's right! The reason why we are willingly gathered around Master is precisely because we are awed by Master's versatility and extraordinary talent!”

“Perhaps Master feels that Alchemy is nothing special and disdains to boast, so he has never shown it.”

“Master is truly too humble. In contrast, the Liulan Dynasty, ha, a Lun Dan Grand Ceremony, making it known to everyone, fearing that others won't know how many Alchemists they have. They are unworthy of being one of the Nine Great Sects, truly petty.”

“These Sects do not understand the will of Heaven, they are muddled, and whatever they stumble upon, they naturally treasure it immensely.”

“Alright, stop talking. Master's Alchemy is so exquisite, everyone should watch carefully.”

“Heaven's will let us meet Master. Besides serving Master diligently, isn't it also giving us an opportunity to gain an advantage by being close to him? Learning even a bit of Master's skills and techniques will be enough for us.”

***

Giant trees soared to the sky, and climbing figs grew horizontally. Where one's feet landed in the forest, the soil was soft and thick, like a felt blanket.

The scent of grass and soil mixed together lingered in the nostrils, with a faint smell of decay.

The mist, originating from an unknown source, filled every visible area.

As time passed, it gradually became denser.

“Tap.”

A fast boot stepped on a broken branch that had fallen to the ground, and the hem of the moon-white hidden-patterned skirt quickly twirled over the boot, then continued forward without any pause.

The Su Zhen Heaven group was in a hurry.

Qiao Ciguang occasionally slowed down, circling nearby, both to check the environment and to ensure the safety of each Junior Sister at all times.

At this moment, “Thump, thump, thump,” heavy footsteps came from behind. A tall and burly figure leaped through the thick fog. It was Shi Wanli who had caught up.

“Senior Sister Qiao, what exactly happened just now?” He asked via Divine Thought after seeing Qiao Ciguang's shadowy figure through the fog.

Qiao Ciguang replied via Divine Thought: “It was a Curse. The one who cast that Curse should be a powerful Ghost, and it was hidden nearby at that time. Otherwise, as soon as someone left, they wouldn't be immediately cursed to death.”

Curse?

Ghost?

Shi Wanli was startled upon hearing this.

He hadn't detected any Ghost hiding around just now, so he immediately asked again: “What if that Ghost keeps following us?”

Qiao Ciguang calmly replied: “There are many Cultivators who came to the Floating Island this time, and Loose Cultivators have various methods. Just now, everyone was gathered together, the Ghost was in the dark, and we were in the open. Its attack was swift and concealed, so even I found it difficult to detect it among so many unfamiliar auras.”

“But now, everyone has left their original positions.”

“If the Ghost dares to pursue, it will be difficult for it to perfectly hide its tracks.”

“As long as the opponent reveals themselves, I can solve them once and for all.”

Shi Wanli suddenly understood. No wonder Senior Sister Qiao wanted everyone to leave; she wanted to force the Ghost to reveal a flaw!

Thinking of this, he quickly fell silent, lest he distract Senior Sister Qiao.

Chapter 568: The Four Elders of the Xiao Family. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

Behind them, footsteps shuffled erratically.

A long-bearded elder, whose aura was complex yet powerful, dressed in luxurious robes and a jade belt, held a foot-long crimson-gold short staff in his hand. He was subtly surrounded by a group of Loose Cultivators, trailing behind Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli from a distance.

At this moment, a muffled Divine Thought transmission reached the long-bearded elder's ear: “Fellow Daoist Wo Qiu, do you have any problems on your side?”

Upon hearing this, Old Ancestor Wo Qiu immediately recognized the voice as Xiao Shutao, the third of the Xiao Family Four Elders.

He subtly glanced around and quickly confirmed that all the Loose Cultivators following him were perfectly fine, with no issues.

Thus, Old Ancestor Wo Qiu transmitted his reply: “I'm fine on my side. How about yours?”

Xiao Shutao quickly transmitted again: “We also don't have any problems. It seems as long as we leave that previous place, there's no danger.”

“We plan to part ways with Fairy Qiao. What do you think, Fellow Daoist Wo Qiu?”

Old Ancestor Wo Qiu nodded slightly.

If they continued to follow Qiao Ciguang of Su Zhen Heaven and Shi Wanli of the Liulan Dynasty, they might indeed be safer. But the problem was, their purpose for coming to this Floating Island was to seize great Opportunities and good fortune!

Following Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty, once they encountered any Opportunities or good fortune, it would undoubtedly belong to Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli. It would be a question if these Loose Cultivators could even get any leftovers.

To avoid a wasted trip, they had to separate from Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty.

Only then would the Opportunities and good fortune they encountered next possibly be their own.

Of course, compared to the Disciples of the Nine Great Sects, the strength of them, the Loose Cultivators, was much weaker. After separating, if they encountered any danger, being alone would likely make them difficult to deal with.

Therefore, they had to join forces to balance both Opportunity and safety.

This was also the purpose of the Xiao Family Four Elders' transmission to Old Ancestor Wo Qiu.

However, the Xiao Family Four Elders were four people and blood brothers, while Old Ancestor Wo Qiu was alone. Although he had brought some Disciples and students to the island this time, their highest Cultivation was only at the Foundation Establishment Stage, which was not enough to be allies; they could only serve as assistants.

To prevent himself from suffering a loss, Old Ancestor Wo Qiu immediately transmitted again: “This Old Man thinks the same, but Sects are powerful. We Loose Cultivators should unite. Why not also ask Fairy Yu Meng?”

The Xiao Family Four Elders had no objection to this. After all, from their perspective, all four of them were Core Formation stage Cultivators and blood brothers. If the people from Su Zhen Heaven, the Liulan Dynasty, and the Heavenly Born Sect hadn't also been present, no one else on the island combined would have been their match.

Even now, apart from the Disciples of the three Sects, they were not afraid of any alliance of Loose Cultivators and naturally would not refuse Fairy Yu Meng.

Xiao Shutao then transmitted: “Exactly. Fellow Daoist, you are closer to Fairy Yu Meng, so I trouble you to ask the Fairy.”

Old Ancestor Wo Qiu acknowledged and then transmitted to Fairy Yu Meng, who was not far ahead: “Fairy Yu Meng, we plan to part ways with Fairy Qiao and the others. Do you want to come along?”

Part ways?

Fairy Yu Meng pondered. She naturally understood Old Ancestor Wo Qiu's meaning and knew that if she didn't do this, even if a great Opportunity appeared, it would have nothing to do with her.

To be honest, she was very tempted.

But after careful consideration, she still refused: “Thank you, Fellow Daoist Wo Qiu, but I still want to follow Fairy Qiao and them.”

Fairy Yu Meng sighed inwardly as she said this.

If anyone else from the Demonic Sect had come this time, she would not have refused Old Ancestor Wo Qiu's invitation.

But the one who came was the Pavilion Master of “Joy Pavilion,” a person infamous in the Wan Hui Sea. Countless beautiful female Loose Cultivators in the Wan Hui Sea had fallen victim to him. Female Cultivators who were originally ambitious, grounded, and diligently Cultivating were, after falling into his hands, trained by secret techniques into Cauldrons who cared for nothing but pleasure.

Fairy Yu Meng felt that her appearance was outstanding and her Cultivation was not low among Loose Cultivators. If she didn't follow the true Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven now, and was targeted by the Heavenly Born Sect, she would be finished.

Missed Opportunities could be found again, and even without Opportunities, with her current Cultivation Technique and Cultivation, she could continue to live freely in the world for many years. But once she was made into a Cauldron, it would be Myriad Tribulations.

“Fairy, if you follow them, I'm afraid this trip will be in vain.” Old Ancestor Wo Qiu was very disappointed to hear Fairy Yu Meng's refusal and couldn't help but try to persuade her a few more times.

But seeing Fairy Yu Meng's firm attitude, he could only sigh inwardly and reluctantly accept this outcome.

Without Fairy Yu Meng, he would definitely suffer a loss by cooperating with the Xiao Family Four Elders alone.

However, after careful consideration, it was still better than following Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty and gaining nothing.

Thinking of this, Old Ancestor Wo Qiu transmitted to Xiao Shutao: “Fairy Yu Meng wants to follow Su Zhen Heaven. In that case, let's go together.”

Xiao Shutao said: “Good.”

Next, the two sides discussed a few more things, agreed on basic rules for sharing benefits once they encountered them, and then transmitted to gather their Disciples and some Loose Cultivators who had sought refuge with them and also wanted to find Opportunities on their own. They secretly changed their route, separating from Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty…

A moment later, Old Ancestor Wo Qiu and the Xiao Family Four Elders converged, and the group silently walked in one direction.

But they hadn't walked long before the surrounding mist suddenly became incredibly dense, making it impossible to see even a short distance.

Soon, they lost their sense of direction.

Old Ancestor Wo Qiu and the Xiao Family Four Elders' expressions turned grim: “What's going on?”

“Since there's a great Opportunity on this island, it's inevitable that there are some peculiarities.” The Xiao Family Four Elders frowned, and the eldest, Xiao Botao, said in a deep voice, “It's just some mist, don't make such a fuss. If Divine Thought can't be used, does that mean we, dignified Cultivators, have no other way?”

He then called two Qi Training Stage Loose Cultivators forward and ordered, “You two go ahead and scout the way. See what the situation is.”

The two Loose Cultivators' expressions changed upon hearing this, but being of low Cultivation, they dared not resist. They could only suppress their anger and say, “Yes.”

They reluctantly walked forward.

Within a few steps, their figures were no longer visible to the others, only their dragging footsteps could be heard, taking a long time to move forward even a single step.

Just as Xiao Botao frowned, about to scold them to walk faster, suddenly, a dull thud of a heavy object falling to the ground came from within the mist.

At the same time, the breathing and heartbeats of the two Loose Cultivators instantly vanished.

The Xiao Family Four Elders and Old Ancestor Wo Qiu's expressions changed drastically. Xiao Botao raised a hand and retrieved a corpse from the direction of the thud. It was one of the two scouting Loose Cultivators. His face was lifelike, without a single wound, yet he had already Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering… This was exactly the same situation as when they had first arrived on the island!

Chapter 569: So-called chance. (Third update! Please subscribe!)

Although they didn't know what was happening, this scene panicked all the remaining Loose Cultivators.

Immediately, a Loose Cultivator blurted out in a moment of desperation, “I knew it, I shouldn’t have split up with Immortal Qiao and the others!”

“That’s right, we were fine when we were with Immortal Qiao and the others, but as soon as we separated, people started dying… Should we go back and find Immortal Qiao?”

“Su Zhen Heaven has always had a good reputation. Immortal Qiao has profound Cultivation, but she never oppresses others with her power. Even if we follow them and encounter an Opportunity, I’m sure if we just offer a few words of congratulations, the Fairies will give us some rewards. It won’t be a wasted trip.”

“That’s exactly right! We Loose Cultivators have been weak for too long. Even if we truly obtain an Opportunity, we might not be able to hold onto it. It’s better to follow Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty. It’s safer, we can gain some knowledge, and we can even get some benefits…”

“Alas, it was all due to the Xiao Family Four Elders and Old Ancestor Woqiu secretly instigating us. I regret it now…”

“The deaths of these two Qi Training Stage Fellow Daoists were truly too sudden. Looking at the Xiao Family Four Elders and Old Ancestor Woqiu, they clearly haven’t even figured out what happened. Immortal Qiao just glanced at it and told us to leave the area… Forget it, forget it. Let’s hurry and find Immortal Qiao.”

“No matter how good the Opportunity is, what’s the use if you lose your life?”

“Hurry and find Immortal Qiao. Only Immortal Qiao can protect us…”

Listening to the clamor of discussions around them, with some Loose Cultivators taking advantage of the thick fog and large crowd to openly accuse the five Core Formation stage Loose Cultivators of wrongdoing, the faces of the five Core Formation stage Loose Cultivators grew increasingly grim.

Old Ancestor Woqiu’s face was dark, and he angrily shouted, “What are you panicking about?! So what if two Qi Training Stage Cultivators died? Anyone who utters another word of nonsense will be sent to scout ahead for me!”

Instantly, all the Loose Cultivators fell silent, not daring to speak further.

Seeing that the situation was temporarily stabilized, Old Ancestor Woqiu transmitted his voice to the Xiao Family Four Elders to discuss: “Something’s not right. The deaths of these two are exactly the same as the deaths of those five when we first arrived on the island. But we don’t even know what happened… Should we continue searching for the Opportunity? Or go back and find Immortal Qiao?”

Xiao Zhongtao, the second of the Xiao Family Four Elders, shook his head slightly and transmitted, “Both times, only Qi Training Stage Cultivators died. If it were truly a great crisis or danger, why would so many of us be perfectly fine? Now that the situation has stabilized, we can continue to scout ahead.”

“How precious is the Opportunity on this Floating Island? Even with a tiny glimmer of hope, we cannot give up!”

Upon hearing this, Old Ancestor Woqiu only pondered for a moment before agreeing with this viewpoint.

With the Opportunity so close at hand, everyone had ambition and greed.

Those who were truly afraid and hesitant wouldn’t even enter the Floating Island.

Therefore, most of the Loose Cultivators just now followed them.

Only a small number of Loose Cultivators, especially female Cultivators, like Fairy Yu Meng, still followed Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty.

And now, the five of them, in terms of both Cultivation and strength, were the top existences among these Loose Cultivators.

With so many Loose Cultivators here, not to mention that the deaths of a few were utterly insignificant, even how they died would not require them to personally take risks.

So why should they delay their continued exploration for the Opportunity because of the deaths of a few Loose Cultivators?

Frankly speaking, as long as the five of them were still alive and found the Opportunity, even if all the other Loose Cultivators, including their own Disciples, died, it would be worth it!

Thus, the five ordered that the Loose Cultivators who had just been complaining about being harmed by them be identified and sent to scout ahead, continuing forward.

***

Within the thick mist, the Nan Ke Dream Fire flickered like a dream, illuminating eight beautiful women of varying figures around Pei Ling, all staring intently at his every move, their eyes filled with admiration and worship.

Pei Ling’s face was expressionless. He had just finished refining a batch of Youji Town Life Pills, yielding three pills, all of them top-grade.

The real and illusory Nan Ke Dream Fire formed dense patterns, enveloping him entirely and sealing all the medicinal properties.

Immediately after, the System controlled him to take out a jade bottle, carefully store the three top-grade Youji Town Life Pills, and then begin refining the next batch.

Since he didn't know beforehand how long it would take to refine the Youji Town Life Pill, Pei Ling had set a relatively long duration for the magical robe this time.

One batch of Medicinal Pills was completed, but the interruption time hadn't arrived yet, so the System continued with Alchemy.

Time flowed slowly. After three consecutive furnace openings, Pei Ling obtained nine top-grade Youji Town Life Pills, when the magical robe suddenly constricted, tightening around his neck.

“Ding dong! External attack detected. This Cultivation session ends here. Thank you, Host, for using the Intelligent Cultivation System. One-click Hosting, Ascension without worries! We look forward to your Cultivation review. Please give five-star praise if satisfied…”

Finally regaining control of his body, Pei Ling immediately broke free from the magical robe’s restraint and took it off.

“Master is so amazing!” Seeing that he had finished, Willow Purple Cotton quickly said, “I didn’t expect Master’s artifact forging skills to be unparalleled, and even his Pill Refining Art is so outstanding.”

“That’s right, Master. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe that there could be such a heaven-blessed genius like Master in this world…”

“Favored by the Heavenly Dao, he is naturally a Son of Heaven, something we mere mortals cannot imagine.”

“To be able to serve Master is truly our fortune of three lives…”

Pei Ling casually gave a few perfunctory replies. Seeing that the magical robe had returned to normal, he put it on again, infused it with magical power, and then silently thought, “System, I want to Cultivate! One-click Hosting 【Pill Refining Art · Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill】.”

Now that he had the poisonous pill as a trump card, it wasn’t enough. He also needed to refine a top-grade Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill for better self-preservation.

“Ding dong! The Intelligent Cultivation System is dedicated to serving you! One-click Hosting, intelligent upgrade! Now commencing Hosting Cultivation. Friendly reminder: During Cultivation, the Host will lose control of his body. Please do not panic…”

Along with the System’s prompt, he once again lost control of his body. Pei Ling began to light the fire and open the furnace again, refining the Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill…

***

Beneath the giant trees, the decaying scent unique to the dense forest, like the pervasive mist, grew thicker.

They walked through a stretch of soft forest, and it was still forest, forest, and forest.

The dense forest seemed endless.

According to what they had seen before landing on the island, the distance they had walked should have been enough to cross the entire small island.

But at this moment, all directions presented a similar scene; there was no sign of the island’s edge.

Qiao Ciguang frowned slightly and continued to stride forward with her Junior Sisters.

Just then, Shi Wanli’s voice transmission entered her ear: “Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao, many of the Loose Cultivators who were following us have left.”

Qiao Ciguang was not surprised. Since those Loose Cultivators were determined to seize the Opportunity on the island, they could do as they pleased. Although she upheld her Sect’s teachings and often performed good deeds, she was not their nanny, constantly fussing over them.

Thinking this, she transmitted, “I still haven’t detected any Ghost attacks. That Ghost is very likely not following us, but rather targeting Kang Shaoyin of the Heavenly Born Sect, or other Loose Cultivators.”

“However, this island is very strange; it cannot have only that one Ghost as a danger.”

“There will definitely be other problems coming up, so we cannot let our guard down.”

Shi Wanli nodded, then transmitted, “We’ve been walking for a while now, but we haven’t seen any trace of an Opportunity. I wonder if there’s truly a fortune on this island?”

“Since this Floating Island once produced the Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment Method, it must hold secrets,” Qiao Ciguang said calmly. “Moreover, ten years ago, the entire island vanished right under the noses of the Nine Great Sects. It must contain Formations or mysterious arts that even the Nine Great Sects haven’t mastered… These are all Opportunities!”

“Unfortunately, in the Wan Hui Sea conflict ten years ago, no one obtained that Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment Method.”

“Otherwise, if someone had achieved the Dao using the Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment Method from this island, they would surely have noticed something.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Wanli nodded slightly and said, “Senior Sister is absolutely right.”

He pondered in his heart. Ten years ago, when that Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment Method appeared, according to the descriptions of the survivors afterward, this Floating Island was far less strange at that time than it is now.

What they saw upon arriving on the island now was also completely different from ten years ago.

However, the news of this Floating Island’s appearance definitely couldn’t be kept secret.

He had already notified the Imperial Dynasty before entering.

The other eight Sects would most likely also arrive in succession.

Even if they couldn’t find an Opportunity and were even trapped on the island, as long as they didn’t die, whether it was the Imperial Dynasty or Su Zhen Heaven, they had plenty of means to rescue them.

Thinking of this, Shi Wanli felt a slight relief in his heart, then said, “Senior Sister, I’ll go tell the Loose Cultivators behind us to quicken their pace, lest something happens if they get separated.”

Qiao Ciguang nodded: “Good.”

Chapter 570 Four Lives. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

The mist was thick, almost making it impossible to see one's hand in front of their face.

Old Ancestor Woqiu and the Xiao Family Four Elders walked side-by-side, with the other Loose Cultivators following closely behind them.

After walking for a while, Xiao Zhongtao, the second of the Xiao Family Four Elders, mused, “It seems that the situation just now only targeted low-stage Cultivators. Now that the five of us are walking in front, nothing is happening at all.”

Old Ancestor Woqiu nodded, “It seems so.”

Xiao Shutao, one of the Xiao Family Four Elders, chuckled and transmitted, “When we first arrived on the Floating Island, Immortal Qiao was so anxious for us to hurry, making us think it was something major… it turns out it was just a calamity targeting Qi Training Stage Cultivators…”

“Now, these low-stage Cultivators, there are so many of them anyway, it’s not a big deal if some of them die,” said Lǎo Yāo Xiao Jitao, one of the Xiao Family Four Elders, indifferently. “It’s just that we haven’t even seen a shadow of an Opportunity yet. I hope this Floating Island doesn’t only have dangers but no Opportunities.”

“Don’t rush,” the leader of the Xiao Family Four Elders consoled. “It’s only the first day. As far as I know, when this Floating Island appeared ten years ago, the Nine Great Sects didn’t gain anything either, and even lost a group of outstanding Disciples for no reason.”

“That is to say, setting aside other things, that Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment Method is most likely still on the Floating Island.”

“There are many of us, so we will definitely find it faster than the Disciples of the three sects!”

“Once an Opportunity is found, it must be kept secret,” Old Ancestor Woqiu reminded. “Absolutely no word must reach the Disciples of the three sects! Otherwise, with the domineering nature of the Nine Great Sects, no matter what we obtain, it will most likely be for others.”

The Xiao Family Four Elders all agreed, “Indeed.”

“Don’t worry.”

“This is a necessary step.”

“At that time, the others will be useless…”

As they spoke, they suddenly felt something was off, and immediately stopped.

Seeing this, the many Loose Cultivators following behind them also stopped.

Old Ancestor Woqiu frowned, first looking around and finding that the mist was still incredibly thick, showing no sign of dissipating.

Even the eyesight of a Core Formation Cultivator found it difficult to penetrate, as for the others…

At this moment, Xiao Zhongtao suddenly transmitted, “Many people are missing!”

Hearing this, the other four immediately felt their hearts sink. Immediately after, they subtly began to count the number of Loose Cultivators behind them.

They quickly discovered that more than a hundred of the Loose Cultivators following them had disappeared without a trace!

For a moment, the five of them all looked displeased, but after exchanging glances, they all tacitly nodded slightly, not mentioning it at all.

Those who were harmed at present were only Cultivators of low cultivation, as long as the others didn't notice and didn't cause a fuss, it wouldn't affect them much.

However, continuing like this was also inappropriate.

Therefore, they had to speed up their exploration!

“Continue forward!”

***

In the dense fog, it was difficult to tell the time.

But Cultivators had their own methods of keeping time, and in a blink of an eye, a day passed.

In the clearing between the towering ancient trees, the Nan Ke Dream Fire slowly retracted, and the Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill was finally refined.

The System controlled Pei Ling to expressionlessly put it away. Just as he was about to refine the second Pill Furnace, the magical robe suddenly tightened around his neck.

Along with the System’s prompt, Pei Ling regained control of his body. He opened the jade bottle that had just been closed, and poured out a crystalline and smooth Medicinal Pill, which was precisely a top-grade Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill!

Without another word, Pei Ling immediately picked up the Medicinal Pill from the Pill Furnace and swallowed it.

The Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill entered his abdomen silently, unlike other Medicinal Pills, with almost no sensation, like a pool of water, quickly merging into his Golden Core, and then there was no more movement.

Even with the keen perception of a Golden Core Cultivator, one had to concentrate fully to carefully perceive that within the Golden Core, a seed seemed to be dormant.

The seed contained vast life force.

For someone of Pei Ling’s background, the Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill’s effect in normal circumstances was already negligible.

But once he encountered a severe injury leading to demise, this seed would exert powerful efficacy, reversing his life and death.

Feeling this, Pei Ling immediately felt relieved.

He now had the tian shang tears given by Medicine Immortal, plus the top-grade Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill, which was equivalent to directly having three lives.

Next, even if he encountered any danger, he could die twice.

Once he used his third life, he would unhesitatingly use the Void Heaven Realm Seed to directly transmit into “Little Free Heaven” and not come out, waiting until Medicine Immortal woke up next time to save him…

Thinking of this, Pei Ling nodded slightly.

His initial purpose for entering the Floating Island this time was to find the subsequent Opportunity for the Curse Ghost Dao Foundation.

Now that his safety was guaranteed, he could continue forward and explore the secrets of this Floating Island.

Thus, he put away his Alchemy furnace, cleared the traces from the scene, and instructed the eight Cauldrons, “Let’s go.”

The eight Cauldrons hurriedly said, “Yes, Master.”

Pei Ling looked around and found that he couldn't distinguish between east, west, north, and south at all. Just as he was about to let the two ape Puppets continue to scout the way, his mind suddenly stirred, and deep in his pupils, the Nan Ke Dream Fire slowly pulsed, with countless strange and bizarre runes interwoven, and the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】 was cast!

As expected, the moment the Divine Ability was activated, the calling sound from before he landed on the Floating Island resonated in his ears once more.

At this moment, the calling sound was still indistinct, and the specific content could not be heard clearly.

However, the dense mist in front of him, which was almost tangible, seemed to be stimulated by something, churning wildly like a surging sea of clouds.

Soon, the mist parted, revealing a path leading into the distance.

Seeing this scene, the eight Cauldrons were all stunned, but they quickly realized, and said one after another, “Heaven’s will! Heaven’s will! Master is truly beloved by Heaven; such dense mist, obscuring the sky, yet it alone opens a path for Master… The future of the Holy Sect rests with Master!”

“Hehe, that wretched maid Qiao Ciguang was so arrogant and overbearing just now, but she doesn’t know that her stepping onto this Floating Island is already a violation of Heaven’s will, meddling with the Opportunity destined by Heaven for Master. I’m afraid her days are already numbered.”

“Don’t say that, perhaps Heaven’s intention is to use this Opportunity to make her serve Master from now on?”

“When Master disciplines Qiao Ciguang, I want to be there to watch, to see how the high and mighty Su Zhen Heaven True Disciple begs humbly in Master’s hands… Hehe…”

“I want to see too…”

Pei Ling maintained a serious expression on his face, but secretly admired them in his heart. He had to admit that the imagination of these Cauldrons was truly rich, especially some of the disciplinary methods they mentioned… just thinking about them was exciting!

It was a pity that such a thing was impossible…

He observed the passage for a while, finding no problems. Even in the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】’s vision, the path ahead was very normal.

Only then did he say, “Alright, all of you, shut up and follow me.”

Although he found no problems with the passage, Pei Ling still let the Puppets scout ahead, while he cautiously followed behind with the eight Cauldrons.

After a while, the dense forest suddenly disappeared, and the view ahead opened up.

He saw a small river, its water clear as jade, embracing a quaint little village.

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Chapter 571 The nine major sects have arrived! (First update! Please subscribe!)

Wan Hui Sea.

The sky was clear, without a single cloud for thousands of miles.

Suddenly, in the sea area near the market, space fluctuated.

A moment later, a golden Boat suddenly emerged from a spatial rift.

The sails fluttered, and the unique mark of the Liulan Dynasty waved in the wind.

The entire Ship seemed to be enveloped in a faint golden veil, and one could only see shadowy figures, unable to discern details.

On the deck stood several figures, their gazes sweeping over the vast sea below. When they saw the Ship left by Shi Wanli, their brows furrowed.

They had received a sound transmission from the Chan Lou Master of Wan Hui Sea, Shi Wanli, and had rushed over, but now, the Chan Lou's Ship was there, yet where was that Floating Island?

At this moment, the Chan Lou Cultivators noticed the golden Ship and came out of the cabin one after another, bowing in salute.

On the golden Ship, a high-level Cultivator waved his hand, immediately transferring them in front of him, and asked, "Is this where the Floating Island appeared? Why is it nowhere to be seen now?"

Shi Wanli's deputy looked a bit bewildered and said, "To answer, sir, that island was here before. After Stone Manor Lord, Su Zhen Heaven's Qiao True Disciple, Heavenly Born Sect's Kang Shaoyin, and many Loose Cultivators went onto the island one after another, a sudden mist rose on the island, quickly enveloping the entire island."

"Not long after, we completely lost sight of the island."

"Just one day ago, after the mist dispersed, the island also disappeared."

"We have tried various methods, but we cannot contact the Building Master."

"Hmm?" The high-level Cultivator frowned slightly and discussed with his companions via sound transmission, "Has it hidden its tracks, or has it moved elsewhere?"

While the Liulan Dynasty was making various conjectures, not far from the golden Ship, a cluster of flower branches suddenly appeared out of thin air.

Pale green branches, with pink and white buds scattered upon them, emitted a delicate fragrance as soon as they appeared.

Amidst the orchid-like fragrance, all the buds on the flower branches bloomed simultaneously.

Once open, more than a dozen female Cultivators in elaborate robes and jade pendants quickly emerged.

The buds were only the size of a fingernail, and when these female Cultivators first appeared, they looked as small as grains of rice, but with one step, they had returned to their normal size.

They varied in age, appearance, and attire, but without exception, they were all enveloped in a powerful Aura, with a dignified and imposing demeanor.

Su Zhen Heaven!

The high-level Cultivator on the golden Ship immediately sent a sound transmission into the cabin: "Your Highness, Su Zhen Heaven has arrived, and the team is led by Fairy Zhang."

Upon hearing this, the leader of the Liulan Dynasty's current expedition, Prince Qingyuan Zhong Kui Zi Li of the Zhong Kui Imperial Family, immediately rose and walked out of his cabin to the deck to greet the Su Zhen Heaven group: "Fairy Zhang, it has been a long time."

The leading female Cultivator of the Su Zhen Heaven group looked to be around thirty years old, with clear and beautiful features, a pale jade-like face, and a plain green robe without any ornamentation, simply tied at the waist with a leather belt. Her long hair was loose, as simple as water, yet she possessed a charm that spoke of true innocence after shedding all superficiality.

She nodded slightly to Zhong Kui Zi Li, and after returning the greeting, she asked, "May I ask if your Imperial Dynasty has made any discoveries?"

The Righteous Path's Five Great Sects had always been united.

Moreover, with the island now missing, Zhong Kui Zi Li also hoped to find its whereabouts soon. He immediately shared all the information he knew without reservation: "...Currently, we cannot determine why the Floating Island disappeared. Your sect's Qiao True Disciple is currently on the island, but I wonder if you have any means to determine her whereabouts?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lingxin immediately performed a hand seal, concentrating her senses for a moment, then frowned slightly and said, "No. Not only can I not determine where Ciguang is, but among the Disciples who came out with her this time, there is also one named Zhang Jing, who is my grand-niece and connected to me by Bloodline, yet her whereabouts are also vague and cannot be divined."

Zhong Kui Zi Li was about to speak, when at this moment, not far from the two sects, the sky suddenly darkened!

It was as if a dark cloud had suddenly drifted over a sunny day, and the originally bright sky turned gloomy without warning.

"Crack," "crack"... A hoarse, muffled cracking sound emanated, causing a surge of discomfort in the hearts of the many low-level Cultivators below. Those with lower cultivation immediately bled from their seven orifices and fainted on the spot.

Seeing this, the high-level Cultivators of the Liulan Dynasty and Su Zhen Heaven simultaneously showed expressions of solemnity and disgust.

"Whoosh."

The cracking sound only lasted for two short breaths, and then, a crack slowly appeared in the air. The next moment, a pair of huge ghostly hands stretched out from within, tearing space apart like paper, revealing a huge gap.

From within the gap, a white bone palace slowly floated out.

This palace was majestic and grand, and what was most eerie was that the nine hundred ninety-nine steps in front of its gate were all made of piled skulls.

Countless empty eye sockets stared straight out, with ghostly fires flickering within, creating an eerie chill out of thin air.

"Buzz."

After the white bone palace floated out of the spatial rift, its previously tightly shut main gate opened with a roar.

With a Cultivator's eyesight, passing through the steps, palace gate, doorway, plaza, Main Hall... on the imperial steps, a slender figure was seated high.

That figure was entirely enveloped in a bloody light, appearing as a deep and shallow crimson, making it impossible to discern her face.

One could only vaguely make out a crown on her head, with numerous Yingluo hanging down, dazzlingly ornate.

After this figure appeared, her gaze immediately swept over the Liulan Dynasty and Su Zhen Heaven, then turned to the sea below. Not seeing the Floating Island, she did not hesitate at all and immediately reached out to grab the Loose Cultivators below.

Above the white bone palace, a gigantic blood-red hand instantly rose, seemingly covering the sky and sun, like a blood-colored behemoth awakening from the primordial era, instantly dyeing most of the sky crimson.

Under the terrifying pressure, all the Loose Cultivators were instantly seized in their minds, clearly terrified to death, yet unable to move in the slightest.

Seeing this, the Liulan Dynasty and Su Zhen Heaven immediately took action.

But all their spells, when cast into the blood-red hand, were like sinking into a quagmire, unable to stop the blood-red hand's actions in the slightest!

Whoosh!

The blood-red hand casually scooped up all the Loose Cultivators onto the bone palace, and then, a mournful soul-shriek suddenly erupted!

In just an instant, the female Cultivator in the bone palace completed the soul-searching of all the Loose Cultivators, immediately learning everything that had happened regarding the Floating Island.

"Si Hong Qingyan?!" A voice of surprise and doubt came from the Su Zhen Heaven side, and then, Zhang Lingxin coldly shouted, "The dignified Chongming Sect Master's wife actually personally attacks low-level Cultivators? Are you not afraid of it getting out and being ridiculed?"

The female Cultivator in the bone palace smiled faintly.

Her surname was Si Hong, she was the direct daughter of the Floating Light Si Hong Clan, the Saintess of the previous generation, and the current Sect Master's wife.

Not long ago, the clan received a letter from Zhou Miaoli, reporting about the Opportunity on the Floating Island, and immediately dispatched strong individuals from the clan.

However, in order to refine the Medicine Fairy as quickly as possible, the Si Hong Clan's Old Ancestor and most of the strong individuals in the clan needed to guard the Three Lives Three Tribulations Mortal World Bewildering Illusion True Array.

Now, this Floating Island was also related to the You Su Tomb.

The Si Hong Clan did not want to give the credit and Opportunity to the Nine A Li Clan and the Pillow Stone Su Clan. Therefore, the Old Ancestor specifically asked Si Hong Qingyan to make this trip personally.

Thinking of this, Si Hong Qingyan said indifferently, "When this palace slaughters cities and exterminates clans, I won't even spare Mortals who live and die in a day. What are a few low-level Loose Cultivators worth?"

"Alright, let's talk business."

"Ten years ago, my Saint Sect's Prodigy, Han Sigu, disappeared on this Floating Island."

'According to the agreement at the time, he was the final victor among the Qi Training Stage Disciples of the Nine Great Sects.'

"The Opportunity on the island should rightfully belong to him."

"Now that the Floating Island has reappeared, whether he is dead or alive, the entire island belongs to my Saint Sect."

"Since this palace has arrived, then you may leave."

No sooner had her voice fallen than the Liulan Dynasty and Su Zhen Heaven were about to retort, when not far away, the sky seemed to instantly split into two halves.

One half of the sky was clear and bright, a painting scroll appeared out of thin air, and then, a line of Cultivators with flowing wide sleeves and bamboo hats and straw sandals walked out in an orderly fashion, noble and ancient, with gentle gazes; a Flying Sword suddenly arrived in the sky, its sword light swirling, revealing several Sword Cultivators with extremely sharp Aura and brilliant eyes, their whole bodies radiating a chilling Sword Intent, soaring straight into the clouds.

This was Jiuyi Mountain and Han An Sword Sect arriving!

In the other half, gloomy clouds and mist instantly gathered, and amidst the gusts of cold wind, a huge skull gnawed at space, accompanied by eerie cackles, opening its mouth to spit out a line of black-robed Cultivators; a Corpse Peng flapped its wings, appearing first at the horizon, and with just one flap, three thousand fierce gales appeared out of thin air, and it was already before them, on the Peng's back, stood arrogant Cultivators in fluttering white robes and adorned with various treasures on their foreheads.

Wu Shi Villa and Heavenly Born Sect arrived simultaneously!

Before the Seven Great Sects could say anything, the seawater churned and boiled, and a thirty-seven-story Glazed Tile Pagoda suddenly rose. The pagoda body was crystal clear, and countless golden bells swayed in the wind, making crisp and distant sounds. This meant Reincarnation Tower had arrived; and at this very moment, an ice-blue passage suddenly spread out on the sea surface, tap, tap, tap... Crisp hoofbeats came, led by a black-armored knight, a neatly arranged team with uniform hoofbeats was galloping along the passage.

Yanxi City also came!

For a time, the Nine Great Sects had all arrived!

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Chapter 572 Two Villages. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

Floating Island.

Ancient trees towered, and ivy cascaded like waterfalls.

The ground beneath their feet was soft like a carpet, and the scent of decay lingered… Qiao Ciguang and her group trekked with solemn expressions.

They had been walking in this dense forest for a day and a night, discovering nothing.

It was as if the entire forest was boundless.

If not for the subtle differences in the things they saw along the way, they would have almost suspected they were just going in circles.

Su Zhen Heaven and Shi Wanli were fine; after all, they were Disciples of a renowned Sect and possessed firm resolve.

But the Loose Cultivators accompanying them had begun to exude an aura of frustration and doubt.

Anxious emotions spread through the crowd.

Just then, the path ahead suddenly opened up, revealing a village.

This village was built by the water, and across the winding river, one could see houses built along the river, with a few families even constructing stone steps leading into the river for washing.

It was currently mealtime, and smoke curled from chimneys in the village. Children and Yellow Dogs played among the fields, their shrill laughter and the barking of the Yellow Dogs, along with the occasional crow of a rooster, created a strong sense of everyday life, presenting a peaceful rural scene.

And on the essential path leading into the village stood a stone tablet. Moss covered its surface, indicating its age, and the characters “Zi Village” were inscribed upon it.

Seeing this, Qiao Ciguang’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. The village had appeared very abruptly, and something felt off.

So, she had everyone stop and secretly discussed with Shi Wanli via telepathy: “Stone Manor Lord, this island is strange. Now that human habitation has suddenly appeared, we cannot let our guard down. Please wait here with everyone; I will go in alone to investigate.”

“If I don’t return within an hour, then don’t worry about me. Immediately take everyone and leave this village.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Wanli showed a difficult expression and replied via telepathy: “Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao, this is too risky. Why don’t we go together? Or, simply don’t go in at all.”

Qiao Ciguang shook her head and said: “We’ve walked for so long and only now encountered a different place. If we don’t go in, we might miss an Opportunity.”

“As for my safety, you don’t need to worry. A day and a night have passed, and my Master and the others must have already arrived outside the island. If I truly encounter any danger, the Sect will certainly not stand idly by.”

Shi Wanli was slightly startled, then immediately understood.

Yes, calculating the time, not only Su Zhen Heaven, the Liulan Dynasty, but also other righteous and demonic Sects, had probably already arrived at Wan Hui Sea.

Even if this Floating Island no longer contained the Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment Method, the mere fact that it was related to You Su Tomb was enough to attract all Nine Great Sects!

Thinking of this, Shi Wanli finally felt a little relieved and urged: “Then, Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao, please be careful!”

Qiao Ciguang nodded, then gave a few instructions to her Junior Sisters before walking alone towards the village.

However, as Shi Wanli and the others watched Qiao Ciguang enter the village, after a short while, they saw a figure identical to Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao emerge from the village entrance and wave to them.

Shi Wanli, the other Disciples of Su Zhen Heaven, and all the Loose Cultivators immediately felt a sense of relief, as if they had returned home, and walked into the village with complete trust and no hesitation.

Meanwhile, Qiao Ciguang had just entered the village. It was clear that most people in this village lived in poverty. As far as the eye could see, most were thatched huts, with only a few tiled houses.

Moreover, unlike the peaceful and serene scene viewed from outside the village, the village was now enveloped in a faint aura of sorrow.

The villagers she passed all wore troubled expressions, and some even had hemp ropes tied around their waists.

Most of the houses in the village had their doors and windows tightly shut, and every household had Spring Festival couplets pasted on their doors. However, although these couplets had faded somewhat, it was still visible that their background color was not the usual crimson of the mundane world, but green.

Qiao Ciguang secretly used her methods to investigate the villagers she saw, finding that they were all Mortals with no cultivation. Their conversations revolved around daily life, land harvests, and similar topics, but she still felt that something was not right.

So, she stepped forward and asked a passing villager: “Excuse me, what is this place?”

“This is Zi Village,” the villager, with a hemp rope around his waist and a troubled expression, replied. “There will be a funeral in the village tomorrow. Young Lady, you are a stranger, would you like to stay and attend?”

***

By the clear, jade-like riverbank, Pei Ling stood with eight Cauldrons, gazing at the village across the way.

After some observation, he noticed a stone tablet standing at the village entrance, covered in moss, with the characters “Sang Village” inscribed upon it.

At this moment, within Pei Ling’s eyes, the Nan Ke Dream Fire slowly flickered, and strange, arcane runes intertwined ceaselessly, as he was still performing the Grievance Nightmare Divine Power.

The calling in his ears had become incredibly strong.

A powerful intuition gradually arose within him, as if there was an important Opportunity in the village before him that he could not abandon and absolutely could not lose.

His thoughts raced. Pei Ling hesitated briefly, then walked towards the village.

The Curse Ghost Dao Foundation was a Three Tribulation Dao Foundation, its preciousness even surpassing the Two Tribulation Dao Foundation, which was strictly controlled and never leaked by the three major families of Chongming Sect. Since there was a subsequent Opportunity for a Three Tribulation Dao Foundation in this village, he could not miss it, no matter what.

Most importantly, he now had three lives and a Void Heaven Realm Seed. Even if there was any danger in this village, he did not need to worry about perishing here.

A moment later, Pei Ling entered the village with his Cauldrons.

Upon entering, he saw that the village had an uneven distribution of wealth, with low thatched huts and also courtyards with white walls and dark tiles.

At present, the village was very lively, with people coming and going, all in high spirits. Many even had brightly colored seasonal flowers pinned to their lapels and hair.

In the largest courtyard in the village, lanterns and colorful decorations were hung, making it especially festive.

Several children with braided hair gathered in front of the gate, cheering. Soon, someone came out, holding a brand-new winnowing basket, and tossed its contents towards the children.

“Oh! Oh! Oh!” The children cheered and swarmed forward, scrambling to pick up the colorful candies and pastries.

Pei Ling used the Grievance Nightmare Divine Power to inspect inch by inch, finding no abnormalities.

The surrounding villagers seemed to be just ordinary Mortals.

However, encountering a Mortal village in such a place was too unusual!

Of course, the most important thing at the moment was to clarify the situation here.

So, Pei Ling walked up to a villager who was standing nearby with his sleeves tucked in, smiling as he watched the children scramble for candy, and asked: “May I ask where this place is?”

The villager, wearing practical short brown clothing, with a dark, weathered face full of wrinkles but excellent spirits, and a water-red mountain flower pinned in his hair, immediately smiled, turned to look at him, and said eagerly: “This is Sang Village. There is a joyous event in the village tomorrow, and since Young Master has returned, please stay and have a cup of wedding wine!”

Chapter 573 Weddings and Funerals. (Third update! Please subscribe!)

Zi Village.

Before a thatched cottage, Qiao Ciguang looked at the villagers in front of her, her eyes slightly narrowed. A funeral?

This entire village was abnormal. The so-called funeral must have something fishy about it. Before clarifying the reason, she absolutely could not agree to such a thing!

So, she shook her head and said, “No, I’m just passing by…”

As she spoke, just as she was about to ask other questions, she suddenly sensed something and immediately turned around, only to see Shi Wanli had already led her Junior Sisters and many Loose Cultivators into the village.

Qiao Ciguang immediately felt that something was wrong and quickly sent a voice transmission, “Stone Manor Lord, what’s going on? Why did you all enter the village?”

Shi Wanli’s face was blank for a moment, and only after hearing Qiao Ciguang’s voice did he suddenly snap back to reality!

“We… we were lured in!” Shi Wanli immediately sent a voice transmission.

At this moment, how could he not know that the so-called Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao who had just asked them to enter the village together was completely fake?

It was just that, for some reason, they had all believed that it was Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao.

Moreover, the other party hadn’t said a single word, and they had walked into the village in a daze.

Throughout the entire process, no one had the slightest doubt, and only now, after entering the village and seeing the real Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao, did they awaken as if from a dream.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ciguang’s expression became solemn. This village was indeed very problematic!

If it were just her alone, she wouldn’t be afraid.

But her Junior Sisters’ cultivation was slightly weaker, and there were also those Loose Cultivators…

Thinking of this, Qiao Ciguang immediately made up her mind. There was likely some very important clue in this village, so she had to explore it.

But now, she had to first lead the others out and settle them in a relatively safe place.

So, she briefly said, “Leave here!”

With that, she turned around and led everyone out of the village.

Shi Wanli and the others quickly followed.

Everyone soon walked out of Zi Village, and Qiao Ciguang led them for a while longer, wanting to get far away from the village before returning alone.

But they hadn’t walked far when their vision suddenly opened up, revealing a small river encircling a small village with curling smoke from chimneys.

At the village entrance was a familiar stone tablet, inscribed with the words “Zi Village.”

Upon seeing this, everyone’s faces showed that they realized something was wrong.

Qiao Ciguang frowned slightly, then immediately changed direction.

After about the same amount of time, they saw the same village again.

Qiao Ciguang’s expression was somewhat solemn, and then she continued to change paths.

***

The grayish-white mist was vast and boundless, making it impossible to distinguish directions.

Old Ancestor Woqiu and the Xiao Family Four Elders advanced cautiously, their expressions all looking grim.

The Loose Cultivators who followed them were originally quite numerous, but at this moment, all those in the Qi Training Stage had disappeared.

Even several Cultivators in the early Foundation Establishment Stage had disappeared so far.

At first, because there were many people, besides the five of them, the other Loose Cultivators did not notice anything unusual.

But now, the number of missing people was simply too many, and everyone had discovered the problem.

“We… we should go back, go back and find Immortal Qiao, right?” At present, the Loose Cultivators were already in a panic, and even with five Core Formation stage Cultivators suppressing them, they began to stir restlessly.

“Go find Immortal Qiao… Immortal Qiao must have a way!”

“That’s right, she’s a true Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven, her cultivation and strength are simply not comparable to us Loose Cultivators. The Fairy is also kind-hearted and will definitely not stand by and do nothing… Why did we separate from the Fairy and walk into this ghost place to die alone?”

“Opportunity… Opportunity… Opportunity! It’s been a day and a night, and we haven’t seen a ghost of an Opportunity, but people are disappearing one after another…”

“Someone else is gone!!!”

Amidst the exclamations, the many Loose Cultivators were in an uproar. Seeing the situation gradually getting out of control, the five Core Formation stage Loose Cultivators exchanged glances, a murderous intent flashing in their eyes. They quickly decided to act directly, kill a few people first, and use thunderous means to make these people quiet down!

However, at this moment, a figure slowly walked out of the mist.

“Who?” Everyone couldn’t help but feel awestruck, quickly looking up, and soon discovered that it was that Heavenly Born Sect Disciple, the Pavilion Master of Joy Pavilion!

How could it be him?

After the Loose Cultivators saw clearly, they were all quite surprised.

…Why was he alone? Where were those Cauldrons?

But just as they were full of doubts and extremely nervous, they saw that the other party did not continue to approach, but stood still, waved at them, and then turned around and walked in a certain direction.

At this time, the surrounding mist suddenly thinned a lot, and even from a dozen zhang away, they could see the general outline clearly.

Everyone looked at the figure they had previously avoided, and at this moment, they all had one thought: by following this Joy Pavilion Pavilion Master, they would be able to find the exit of the mist, find Opportunities and good fortune, and find everything they desired!

Thus, the Loose Cultivators who had been extremely afraid of the Heavenly Born Sect just now, followed the other party’s footsteps without hesitation…

***

Sang Village.

The joyful shouts of children rose and fell, and the villager with a flower in her hair enthusiastically persuaded, “This is Sang Village. There will be a happy event in the village tomorrow. Since Young Master has returned, please stay and have a cup of wedding wine!”

Upon hearing this, Pei Ling’s expression remained unchanged.

A happy event… it could be a crisis, but it could also be related to an Opportunity.

As for returning?

This should be because he had established the 【Curse Ghost Dao Foundation】, and the other party regarded him as a member of the village.

He couldn’t yet determine the pros and cons of this identity. But since there was a call for him in the village, after entering, even if he didn’t find clues himself, things would definitely come to him proactively.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling knew clearly that the appearance of a Mortal village in this place was likely a big problem, but he still asked carefully, “Whose family is getting married? Whose daughter is getting married?”

The villager said, “It’s the village chief’s only son who is getting a wife. The woman is from the neighboring Zi Village. It is said that she has a moon-like face and flower-like beauty, is virtuous and gentle. The village chief spent a lot of betrothal gifts to get her parents’ consent…”

He praised the bride’s talent, beauty, and reputation endlessly, with envy evident in his words, but he couldn’t say much more, only repeatedly urged Pei Ling to definitely come and drink the wedding wine.

Neighboring Zi Village?

Pei Ling immediately noted this point. Just as he was about to continue inquiring about the situation, he sensed movement behind him.

He turned his head to look, only to see five Core Formation stage Loose Cultivators leading some Loose Cultivators, all in the Foundation Establishment Stage, entering the village in single file. Although these people were well-dressed and seemed to have not encountered any danger, their expressions were somewhat blank.

When their gazes met Pei Ling’s, the five Core Formation stage Cultivators at the head suddenly came to their senses, all realizing that something was wrong!

They cautiously looked at Pei Ling, and after only a slight hesitation, they all bit the bullet and came forward to salute: “This humble one is Woqiu, greetings, Pavilion Master.”

“This humble one is Xiao Botao, and these three are my younger brothers, Zhongtao, Shutao, and Jitao, greetings, Pavilion Master.”

Although Kang Shaoyin’s identity was no secret to Zhou Miaoli, Qiao Ciguang, and Shi Wanli, ordinary Loose Cultivators were not clear about his specific background.

At this moment, they only addressed him by his title as “Joy Pavilion” Pavilion Master.

Pei Ling looked at them for a few moments, then nodded slightly. The strength of these Loose Cultivators varied, and even though the five leaders had all reached Core Formation, he didn’t put them in his eyes.

Of course, as long as these people didn’t come to trouble him, he wouldn’t attack them.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling replied very casually, “Kang Shaoyin, Heavenly Born Sect True Disciple.”

Heavenly Born Sect True Disciple!

The five Core Formation stage Cultivators were stunned for a moment, then immediately became solemn.

The strength of the Nine Great Sects’ Disciples was generally stronger than that of Loose Cultivators.

And the True Disciples among these great sect Disciples were truly Prodigies!

If they displeased the other party, he alone could slaughter everyone present!

Realizing this, the five Core Formation stage Cultivators did not hesitate in the slightest. They immediately knelt on the ground and said humbly, “So it is the Holy Sect’s True Disciple! This humble one was blind and did not recognize Mount Tai, please forgive me, True Disciple Kang!”

“True Disciple Kang has the demeanor of a Dragon and Phoenix, an outstanding talent, truly the only one I have seen in my life…”

“The Holy Sect upholds the will of Heaven, valuing humanity above all else, and is the backbone of our Human Race. I have admired it for a long time, and I never expected to be able to personally witness the True Disciple’s demeanor in my lifetime…”

Pei Ling nodded, then ignored them and turned to look at the villager, saying, “Is there a convenient place to stay in the village?”

Chapter 574: Village Rules. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

The villager immediately said, “There’s a spacious house in the west of the village that can accommodate all of you. However, it has been uninhabited for a long time, so you’ll have to tidy it up yourselves.”

Pei Ling nodded and said, “Thank you. May I trouble this elder to lead the way?”

The villager agreed, saying, “Young Master, please follow me.”

Watching Pei Ling lead eight Cauldrons away with the villager, Old Ancestor Woqiu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and immediately said, “Let’s go!”

Just now, so many of them were inexplicably led here, and this village, at a glance, was clearly not normal!

Moreover, this Kang Shaoyin was not only a Heavenly Born Sect Disciple but also a Demonic Dao True Heir.

What kind of people were the Heavenly Born Sect? Which Loose Cultivator in Wan Hui Sea didn’t know?

This demonic sect did not consider Aptitude, effort, or Heart-Nature… It only determined status by birth.

Since Kang Shaoyin could be a True Heir, his parents must be high-ranking members of the sect.

In the eyes of such people, these Loose Cultivators were probably no different from pigs and dogs.

Even if he seemed approachable just now, what if he suddenly got interested and started a massacre?

Therefore, no matter what, they had to leave this place as soon as possible.

However, the second of the Xiao Family Four Elders immediately shook his head upon hearing this and transmitted his voice, “The abnormality of this village is obvious; there’s no intention to hide it. We all noticed this, so how could Kang Shaoyin, as a Heavenly Born Sect True Heir, not know?”

“And now, not only does he have no intention of leaving, but he even plans to stay here.”

“It’s very possible that he has discovered some Opportunity hidden in this village!”

The other four, who were just about to retreat quickly, immediately perked up upon hearing this. That’s right!

The actions of this Heavenly Born Sect True Heir were indeed very unusual.

Perhaps there really was some Opportunity in this village.

Thinking of this, the five quickly discussed via voice transmission: “Kang Shaoyin is a Heavenly Born Sect True Heir, and like Immortal Qiao, he is bold due to his high cultivation. He dares to bring his Cauldrons directly into the village, but we cannot be so reckless.”

“But we can’t miss out on the Opportunity either!”

“Let these Foundation Establishment stage cultivators go and search house by house while Kang Shaoyin settles down in the west of the village.”

“No! What if they find the Opportunity and secretly keep it for themselves?”

“We five must personally lead the search!”

“That’s right! But be careful when searching; don’t go to the west of the village yet. Don’t provoke Kang Shaoyin; avoid him. Otherwise, if we find benefits, it will be making wedding clothes for him. It would be even more disadvantageous to lose our lives by disturbing him without finding any benefits.”

“How about this: follow him first, ascertain Kang Shaoyin’s exact lodging, then have someone watch nearby to confirm he is indeed resting, and then we’ll make our move.”

“Once there’s any situation, immediately send a voice transmission to warn, and the others should seize the time to search…”

Soon, the five agreed, and the Loose Cultivators quickly took action!

※ ※ ※

The small river meandered, and cooking smoke curled upwards.

In the fields, children ran happily, and furry Yellow Dogs wagged their tails, chasing after them.

The sounds of play broke the tranquility.

Qiao Ciguang and the others, after some trekking, arrived at the entrance of Zi Village again.

Her expression was solemn. They had walked every possible path, but no matter how they walked, they would always return to the stone tablet engraved with the words “Zi Village.”

This was not a simple illusion array.

Among those present, regardless of the cultivation of the other Cultivators, she alone, even if the entire island was forbidden to fly and Divine Thought could not be used, could not be trapped by an illusion array.

The current situation was more like the village was alive and could always block their path!

“Senior Sister, what should we do now?” a Su Zhen Heaven Disciple, with a cloud bun and wearing a goose-yellow top and pine-green skirt, asked via voice transmission.

Beside her, several female Cultivators, similarly dressed in luxurious attire and with pure Qi, all frowned slightly, their gaze fixed on Qiao Ciguang.

Although they hadn’t encountered any danger so far, this village always gave them an indescribably strange feeling.

Qiao Ciguang pondered. At present, whether it was the Opportunity on the island or how to leave this place, the key points should be hidden within the village before them.

But if she entered the village alone now, the others would also be led in…

After careful consideration, she immediately made up her mind: instead of continuing to waste time meaninglessly, it would be better to directly lead everyone into the village.

At most, she would have to expend more effort to protect the others.

So, she immediately said, “If it doesn’t want us to leave, then let’s go in and meet it.”

With that, she took the lead and walked into the village.

The others, seeing this, quickly followed.

Upon re-entering the village, everything they saw remained unchanged.

The villager whom Qiao Ciguang had just inquired about was still squatting under the eaves, his brow furrowed in worry.

Qiao Ciguang transmitted to everyone, “Be careful.”

Then she walked up to the villager and calmly said, “To attend tomorrow’s funeral, what do we need to do?”

The villager said in a muffled voice, “There’s a large, abandoned house in the east of the village. It’s been empty for a long time, but it’s still habitable. I’ll take you there, and once you arrive, you can clean it up yourselves.”

“Oh, and since you are outsiders, while it’s usually fine, now that there’s a matter in the village, there are some rules. I hope you will abide by them.”

Qiao Ciguang asked in a deep voice, “What rules?”

“Nothing much, just don’t make noise in the village, don’t force your way into empty houses, don’t bully us villagers…” The villager turned around, leading the way, and said as he walked, “Also, don’t wear red at night, and don’t wear flowers in your hair during Daytime.”

Wearing red?

Wearing flowers in hair?

Qiao Ciguang pondered. Wearing red was understandable, as there was a funeral in the village, and generally, bright colors were taboo.

But why was it that red could not be worn at night?

As for not wearing flowers in your hair during Daytime, it was even more unfathomable.

Although they had no relation to the funeral’s host family and it was impossible for them to wear mourning clothes for the deceased in this strange village, while wearing brightly colored flowers to a funeral was indeed inappropriate, wearing white floral ornaments would be a sign of respect to the host family. So why was that taboo?

However, this village had problems, and the villager’s words could not be fully trusted.

Thinking of this, Qiao Ciguang quickly glanced at her group, finding no one wearing red or flowers in their hair, so she temporarily put her mind at ease and probed, “May I ask, why is wearing red and flowers in the hair inappropriate?”

The villager shook his head and said, “It’s a rule passed down by the older generation; that’s just what they say. As for the reason, we villagers are illiterate and don’t know.”

Seeing that she couldn’t get to the bottom of it, Qiao Ciguang didn’t continue the topic and instead asked about the funeral’s host family: “Who passed away? What’s the host family’s surname? Where are they in the village? Do we need to prepare any condolences?”

At the same time, Sang Village.

Pei Ling was listening to the guiding villager explain the village rules: “Young Master is not an outsider, just someone who has traveled for many years and probably doesn’t quite remember the customs of his hometown.”

“Upon your return this time, remember not to be noisy and try not to disturb others.”

“Also, don’t do your hair in the morning, and don’t be unkempt at night.”

Hmm?

Pei Ling frowned slightly, his mind turning, and said, “Elder, what is the reason for this?”

“These are rules passed down by our Old Ancestors.” The villager sighed, saying, “Young Master has just returned, and indeed, you haven’t remembered yet.”

“But it doesn’t matter; in a few days, Young Master will remember everything.”

The villager said this very casually and very confidently, but to Pei Ling, it made his heart slightly vigilant.

Just at this moment, they emerged from a bumpy, narrow alley, and ahead was a single-family courtyard with blue bricks and black tiles. A tall banyan tree, forming a small forest by itself, with aerial roots hanging like a waterfall, peeked over the wall from inside.

The villager stepped forward and pushed open the door: “Young Master, we’re here.”

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Chapter 575: Don't make a fuss. (First update! Please subscribe!)

The courtyard was very large, but everything in sight was in decay.

The banyan tree was lush with branches and leaves, but beneath it, not a single blade of grass grew, piled high with fallen leaves that completely covered the original bluestone ground. The moment the door opened, with a Cultivator's hearing, one could clearly hear countless insects startled, rustling as they quickly crawled through the gaps in the fallen leaves.

The dust stirred up by the opening of the door flew for a while before gradually settling.

The villager glanced inside casually and said, "Young Master, please make yourself at home."

Then he walked away.

Pei Ling stood outside the courtyard gate and used the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】 to inspect the residence. Finding no change in his vision, he then walked in.

Stepping through the thick fallen leaves and crossing the courtyard, he pushed open the door of the main house and couldn't help but be slightly stunned.

He saw that the main house was very spacious, and the furnishings inside were very exquisite: tables, chairs, screens, tea sets, ornaments, maids… everything was complete, but they were all made of paper.

These paper products, crafted by an unknown hand, were lifelike, meticulously imitating even the textures of wood and stone.

If not for a gust of wind that swept in when the door opened, causing the set of tables and chairs closest to the entrance to float up, he almost wouldn't have noticed the flaw.

Seeing this, Pei Ling frowned.

"This is outrageous! What kind of status does Master have? It's their fortune cultivated over eighteen lifetimes that he is willing to stay in this broken village. How dare they arrange such a place for Master? This is simply seeking death!" Reading the situation, the eight Cauldrons immediately showed angry expressions. Wen Xixue immediately walked out with a furious Aura, saying as she went, "Master, please wait a moment. I will go peel that old fellow's skin right now!"

"Sister, calm down." Her younger sister, Wen Xiqing, quickly said, "What's the point of just peeling that old fellow's skin? In my opinion, we might as well slaughter the entire village."

The other Cauldrons nodded in agreement: "Exactly, kill all the people. Master can live wherever he wants and won't be bothered by these ants."

"Don't be silly." Pei Ling listened, his brows furrowing even more. This village was clearly abnormal. Under circumstances where nothing was clear, rashly killing people, how could he know if it wasn't a path to death?

He immediately ordered, "Without my command, you are not to harm anyone in the village."

"Alright, don't just stand there. Let's clean up the house first."

The Cauldrons were quite unwilling, but they still responded sweetly, "Yes."

...Outside the residence, behind a clump of wild trees.

Several Loose Cultivators, with Talismans of concealment pasted on them, watched from afar as Kang Shaoyin and his eight Cauldrons entered the courtyard in a line. After patiently waiting for a moment and seeing them not emerge, they exchanged glances and immediately activated their Sound Transmission Talismans: "Senior Woqiu, Kang Shaoyin has settled in the residence in the west of the village. He's probably enjoying himself with his Cauldrons right now and won't be coming out for a while."

Old Ancestor Woqiu's voice immediately sounded from the Sound Transmission Talisman: "Good! Keep a close eye on him. If anything happens, immediately transmit a message to us. Don't worry, all of you, once we find the Opportunity, you will definitely get your share."

The Loose Cultivators were overjoyed: "Thank you, Senior!"

After the transmission ended, Old Ancestor Woqiu put away his Sound Transmission Talisman and looked around.

He had already brought a large number of Loose Cultivators to the southern part of the village.

If it weren't for his apprehension regarding Kang Shaoyin of the Heavenly Born Sect, he would have already begun his actions.

After a brief deliberation, Old Ancestor Woqiu transmitted a message to the Xiao Family Four Elders, who had also brought their people and were distributed in various locations throughout the village: "Kang Shaoyin has settled down. We can act!"

The Xiao Family Four Elders all responded: "Good!"

Thus, Old Ancestor Woqiu immediately pointed to the surrounding houses and commanded, "Search!"

The Loose Cultivators did not hesitate, immediately rushing out like wolves and tigers, kicking down doors, smashing windows, breaking into houses, and searching wantonly. Old Ancestor Woqiu himself was not idle, leading several Disciples into a household.

At the same time, the Xiao Family Four Elders did the same.

The previously quiet village, except for the west side where Kang Shaoyin was, instantly became a chaotic mess, incredibly noisy.

Bang!

A Foundation Establishment Stage Loose Cultivator kicked open a dilapidated door.

His face was filled with a look of joyful satisfaction.

All this way, he had been walking with trepidation and fear.

Now, he could finally let out a good vent!

Although attacking Mortals was somewhat beneath his status, this matter was instructed by Old Ancestor Woqiu and the Xiao Family Four Elders. If anyone was to blame, it couldn't be him.

Of course, this village might have some problems.

But they had repeatedly confirmed just now that all the villagers had no cultivation. Any one of them could slaughter the entire village.

If it weren't for their apprehension of that True Disciple of the Heavenly Born Sect, they would have already set the entire village on fire!

Thinking this, the Loose Cultivator swaggered into the house and saw an honest and simple villager chopping firewood in the courtyard with an axe.

Seeing him burst in, the villager showed surprise. Before he could speak, the Loose Cultivator had already brazenly rushed into the house and began ransacking it.

But soon, he emerged from the bare house, empty-handed, having found nothing.

The Loose Cultivator's expression was grim. After coming out, he saw the villager still staring blankly at him, and a sudden surge of rage welled up in his heart. He rushed forward, grabbed the villager's collar, and roared, "Where is the Opportunity? Where is the Opportunity in your village??"

Before he finished speaking, and before the villager could reply, the Loose Cultivator suddenly felt his throat constrict, as if something was tightly blocking his windpipe.

He instinctively wanted to cough a few times to clear the obstruction.

But immediately after, he discovered that his limbs and bones were all weak and limp, as if something had instantly drained all his strength. His entire body's Qi seemed to solidify, and no matter how he struggled, he couldn't mobilize an ounce of it.

Soon, his entire body was lifted into the air, and blood gushed from his seven orifices, quickly soaking the ground in the courtyard…

The villager watched this scene, sighed slightly, and said, "Why didn't you listen to the advice? I told you not to make noise…"

In a moment, the Loose Cultivator fell lightly to the ground, shockingly, only a complete human skin remained.

The villager dropped his axe, walked over, picked up the human skin, and took it into the house.

Soon, various curing sounds came from inside the house…

A little further from this civilian house, a Loose Cultivator aggressively burst into a household.

This household was located by the river, and in its courtyard grew a large willow tree that several people could embrace.

At this moment, four or five young children, holding willow branches, were playing under the tree.

Seeing him burst in, they were all startled and showed fear.

The Loose Cultivator directly ignored the children, rushed into the house, and after a search, found nothing but some broken items.

Returning to the courtyard, he saw that the children were not crying, not making noise, and not running, but staring straight at him. An inexplicable anger welled up in his heart. Just as he was about to kill them on the spot, he suddenly had an idea. He took out a low-grade spirit fruit from his storage bag and motioned for the youngest child to come over: "Are there any special rumors in your village?"

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Thanks to brother Chunqiu Bicheng for the reward! Thanks to brother Xiaoxian Shen for the reward!

Chapter 576: A nursery rhyme. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

The child’s face was slightly sallow, with smudges of dirt here and there on her cheeks, making her look grimy. A velvet flower was tied in her hair, yet she was a small girl with delicate and pretty features.

She looked at the spiritual fruit, a hesitant expression on her face, as if she wanted to approach but dared not.

Seeing this, the Loose Cultivator patiently coaxed her a few more times before the little girl slowly, bit by bit, moved to his side and reached out for the spiritual fruit.

The Loose Cultivator’s hand flickered, avoiding her grasp, and he said, “First, tell me, are there any special rumors in your village?”

The little girl hesitated for a moment before saying, “Yes.”

“What is it?” The Loose Cultivator’s heart filled with joy, and he quickly asked.

“Grandpa says that if the Village Chief’s clan brother doesn’t get married soon, things won’t be good,” the little girl said, biting her lip. “That’s why he told us all to stay home and be good, because he needs to help gather the betrothal gifts.”

Get married?

Betrothal gifts?

The Loose Cultivator frowned. He had entered the village later with Old Ancestor Woqiu and the Xiao Family Four Elders, and had not heard much about a joyous occasion in the village.

He pondered for a moment, finding no clues, so he pressed on, “Anything else?”

“Anything else?” The little girl stared blankly at the spiritual fruit in his hand, somewhat dully saying, “Anything else… I don’t know.”

As if sensing the Loose Cultivator’s gloomy expression, a few of the little girl’s companions, mustering their courage, came forward and said, “There’s also a nursery rhyme. Grandpa says it was passed down from our ancestors. Do you want to hear it?”

The Loose Cultivator immediately said, “Speak quickly!”

The children nodded, waved the willow branches in their hands, and sang in unison: “Willow sprouts, spin the top.”

No sooner had the words fallen than the Loose Cultivator felt a sudden dizziness. “Thwack!” He was sharply struck on the back, a burning pain radiating from the impact.

The Loose Cultivator was greatly alarmed, and as he stumbled, he looked around in astonishment, realizing that he had turned into a top???

Surrounding him were the children who had just been terrified, now waving willow branches in their hands, laughing as they struck him repeatedly.

The clear children’s rhyme continued: “Willow turns green, fly the Kongming lantern.”

“Willow dies, kick the shuttlecock.”

“Willow sprouts, play the ‘ba’er’ game.” 【Note】

After a while, the children worked together to gather the scattered Loose Cultivator, piling him under the willow tree.

The base of the willow tree wriggled, and soon, it completely devoured the flesh, blood, and bones. The courtyard quickly returned to its original tranquility.

… Xiao Zhongtao kicked open a door, revealing a simple inner room. Inside, a Mortal woman, appearing to be in her twenties and dressed as a young wife, was startled and immediately stood up from her spinning wheel.

The woman’s face was sallow, but her features were faintly discernible as pretty. She looked at them with trepidation, not daring to breathe loudly.

Xiao Zhongtao ignored her, walked straight in, smashed open all the chests, tables, chairs, and beds, then dug up the ground inch by inch and inspected the roof and four walls… At this point, the stunned woman finally recovered and stammered, “You… how dare you break into my house?”

Xiao Zhongtao gave a cold laugh and said, “Looking for something. You…”

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt a blockage in his throat. Soon, his limbs and bones became soft and weak, as if something had instantly drained all his strength. His entire magical power became dormant, and no matter how much he struggled, he couldn’t mobilize even a trace… Soon, he and the accompanying Foundation Establishment Stage Loose Cultivator were all lifted into the air by an invisible force, their blood gushing out…

Below, the Mortal woman saw this scene, sighed slightly, and then sat back down, continuing to weave.

Blood soaked the threads, and the original off-white homespun cloth gradually turned crimson… The woman watched, her brows slowly relaxing, a look of joy appearing on her face.

At the same time, Old Ancestor Woqiu stood before a frail, elderly man, his eyes wide, his expression terrified, a guttural sound coming from his throat. Yet, no matter how horrified and desperate he was, an invisible force still lifted him, little by little, into the air…

※ ※ ※

Zi Village.

East of the village.

A dilapidated house stood isolated, with the nearest residential building hundreds of feet away.

The villager who led them there dropped them off at the entrance and then left.

The group couldn’t stop him, so they turned their attention to the dwelling before them.

It was evident that this place was meticulously constructed and occupied a vast area.

However, there was not a single blade of grass inside or out; no vegetation whatsoever.

Qiao Ciguang led the way into the courtyard and inspected it thoroughly. Apart from the cold and eerie atmosphere caused by years of disuse, she found nothing unusual.

She then instructed everyone: “Do not make noise in the village, do not forcibly enter empty houses, do not attack villagers, do not wear red at night, and do not wear flowers in your hair during Daytime.”

“These are the Taboos of the village. Everyone must remember them. Do not violate them unless absolutely necessary.”

The group all agreed.

Immediately after, Qiao Ciguang called her Junior Sisters and Shi Wanli aside and transmitted her voice, saying, “What are your thoughts on Zi Village?”

There were four fellow disciples who came to the island with her this time: Ruan Zhi, Zhang Jing, Chu Hanbei, and Zhong Shizhu, all at the Core Formation stage of cultivation.

Upon hearing this, Ruan Zhi immediately said, “The most suspicious thing right now is the funeral in the village.”

“On the way here just now, Senior Sister asked many times who died and how they passed away, but the villager evaded the questions and refused to say anything.”

“Senior Sister, this village is very strange. Perhaps the villagers we just saw are not living people at all, but ghosts in disguise?” said a female cultivator with a double-bun hairstyle and a dark blue dress. This was Zhang Jing.

“That’s right! Senior Sister, should we try to test them?” said the female cultivator Chu Hanbei, who had a flowing cloud bun hairstyle and wore a goose-yellow top and a pine-green skirt. “If these villagers aren’t living people at all, then we can carry out a demonic purge and righteous defense, and also resolve the source of the village’s strangeness.”

Zhong Shizhu, who had not spoken yet, nodded gently: “This Floating Island is related to You Su Tomb, and You Su Tomb is a place where myriad ghosts reside, hating everything that lives. These villagers are all Mortals, without any cultivation. By common sense, how could they possibly survive on a Floating Island?”

Listening to her Junior Sisters express their opinions one after another, Qiao Ciguang’s expression remained unchanged. Her Junior Sisters all suspected that there was something wrong with the villagers, and she had initially thought the same, but…

Thinking of this, Qiao Ciguang turned to Shi Wanli: “Stone Manor Lord, do you have any thoughts?”

Shi Wanli frowned deeply, pondered for a moment, and then said, “This village definitely has problems! But as for those villagers, it’s still too early to make a definitive judgment.”

“After all, whether the villagers are living people is not the most important thing.”

“The most important thing is, are they benevolent or malevolent towards us?”

“We are not evil demons or heretics. If the villagers’ situation is unusual, but they are not actually malicious towards us, then acting impulsively would be unrighteous and would go against our Dao Heart.”

“From our interactions so far, they voluntarily told us the rules of the village.”

“Next, we should verify whether these rules are true or false.”

“If the rules are true, then it means that no matter how these villagers survived on the island, or whether they are still alive, they are not our enemies.”

“Otherwise, if they said nothing and waited for us to violate the Taboos ourselves, wouldn’t that be better for them?”

“If the rules are false, then we will make further plans.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ciguang nodded slightly: “Indeed! That is precisely the reasoning. However, in my experience, some evil spirits are cunning, mixing truth and falsehood in their words, which is highly deceptive. Therefore, we still need to be careful and vigilant.”

【Note】 From “Dijing Jingwu Lue”.

Chapter 577 Dream. (Third update! Please subscribe!)

Shi Wanli then said, “There are three things we need to do now.”

“First, find out which family is holding the funeral, who passed away, and what was the cause of death?”

“Second, investigate the origin of the village. Why does it exist on a Floating Island that appears and disappears suddenly? Also, when the Floating Island appeared ten years ago, there was no mention of such a village.”

“Third, go meet the village chief. Compared to ordinary villagers, the village chief definitely knows more secrets.”

“Of course, the village chief is also more dangerous than ordinary villagers.”

Qiao Ciguang nodded and said, “As long as we see the village chief, these three things can actually be done together. So, you all stay here for now. I’ll go find the village chief alone.”

Shi Wanli pondered for a moment, then nodded, “Then Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao, I’ll trouble you.”

Ruan Zhi and the others looked worried but did not stop her, only admonishing, “Senior Sister, please be very careful.”

“If anything feels wrong, come back immediately.”

“Although Opportunity is important, our Su Zhen Heaven Legacy is not weak, and it’s not absolutely necessary to obtain it. Your safety, Senior Sister, is always the most important.”

Qiao Ciguang smiled slightly and said, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

After comforting her Junior Sisters for a few moments, she rose and left the residence.

Watching her leave, Shi Wanli mused for a moment, then also stood up and said, “Since Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao is going to find the village chief, I’ll go inquire about the family holding the funeral.”

Ruan Zhi quickly said, “Senior Sister told us to stay here…”

“Junior Sister Ruan, don’t worry. My Cicada Tower has its own methods for gathering information,” Shi Wanli said. “And I won’t force anything.”

He thought to himself, although the Liulan Dynasty and Su Zhen Heaven have a good relationship, they are not family after all.

Since coming to the island, he had relied on Qiao True Disciple for everything. If an Opportunity was right in front of him, what face would he have to compete with Qiao Ciguang?

Moreover, he was the Stone Manor Lord of a Cicada Tower branch and represented the face of the Liulan Dynasty on this island. How could he do nothing and merely enjoy Qiao Ciguang’s protection and sharing?

So, after a few perfunctory words, Shi Wanli still forcefully left.

After he left, Ruan Zhi and the others also felt a bit restless: “These past few days, Senior Sister has done everything herself, taking the lead. We are Core Formation stage Cultivators, yet we are like children, letting Senior Sister take all the risks alone… It’s truly too much of a burden!”

“Stone Manor Lord has already gone out to gather information. Although he entered Core Formation earlier than us, his Cultivation strength is only slightly higher, but limited.”

“If we still cower here now, when he dares to go out alone to investigate, it will only make the people of the Liulan Dynasty look down on us.”

“How about this: we go in pairs, looking out for each other. It should be fine.”

“Good, let’s do that!”

Immediately, the four of them, including Ruan Zhi, decided that since Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao was going to find the village chief and Shi Wanli was going to inquire about the funeral, they would investigate the origin of the village.

So they called over Fairy Yu Meng, the Core Formation stage Loose Cultivator, and said, “You watch over everyone here. We’re going out for something and will be back soon.”

With that, they left without waiting for Fairy Yu Meng to ask further questions.

Seeing that Immortal Qiao, Shi Wanli, and all the Disciples of Su Zhen Heaven had left, Fairy Yu Meng suddenly felt a little panicked.

Could it be that there was something wrong with this residence, which was why the people from Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty didn’t dare to stay inside?

Or perhaps, Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty had already discovered clues and wanted to shake off all these Loose Cultivators so they could escape and seize the Opportunity?

Thinking of this, Fairy Yu Meng made a decisive move. Without even notifying the other Loose Cultivators, she quietly left the residence directly. She wanted to find Qiao Ciguang.

Only by following Qiao Ciguang would she be safest…

※ ※ ※

Sang Village.

Residence in the west of the village.

The eight Cauldrons were very efficient. Soon, they had tidied up the Main Hall and the left and right side rooms. They also took out many pieces of furniture, spiritual wine, tea and snacks, and decorations from their storage bags and arranged them. They even embedded more than a dozen luminous pearls in the beams for lighting.

The originally desolate and dilapidated hall, after their embellishment, transformed into a rather luxurious and magnificent space.

Pei Ling sat cross-legged on the cloud bed in the east wing, breathing in and out. While tidying the rooms, the eight Cauldrons had also changed into new dresses and touched up their makeup. At this moment, they all stood by his side, resplendent and enchanting, gazing at him with affectionate eyes.

To avoid being disturbed, Pei Ling simply closed his eyes, pretending to Cultivate, but in his mind, he pondered: “Do not comb your hair in the morning; do not be unkempt at night.”

“This rule is a bit strange, but the situation is unclear right now, so it’s best not to violate it.”

“Also, tomorrow is the village chief’s only son’s wedding…”

“I should probably go to the village chief first to inquire about the situation.”

“Furthermore, the bride is from another village.”

“After the wedding tomorrow, I need to find an Opportunity to approach the bride and ask where Zi Village is and what the situation is like there.”

“And then there’s the origin of this Sang Village.”

“The Floating Island is connected to You Su Tomb, one of the Four Great Cursed Grounds, where few living beings can set foot. If I can find out the origin of this village, perhaps many mysteries can be solved…”

“Once I’ve determined the general situation, no matter how deeply hidden the Opportunity in this village is, I can directly obtain it by using the System’s automated Cultivation.”

Thinking of this, Pei Ling immediately decided to go see the village chief alone first.

As for these eight female Cultivators, Cauldrons trained by the Heavenly Born Sect’s secret techniques, their minds were a bit abnormal. In the current situation, whether letting them follow him or sending them out to do other things, it probably wasn’t a good idea.

Therefore, he decided to simply leave them in the residence.

After planning everything, Pei Ling was about to get up when he suddenly felt a wave of drowsiness.

Almost in an instant, he couldn’t even lift his eyelids and fell asleep on the spot…

Between waking and dreaming, Pei Ling heard the patter of rain, accompanied by dull thunder.

The thunder and rain sounded familiar, but he had no time to ponder it at the moment, because he found himself standing in an unfamiliar small building.

The small building was dim, filled with broken scenes everywhere. Countless spiderwebs covered the entire pavilion layer upon layer.

Only the spot where he stood was relatively clean.

And not far away, there was a window without a frame. Outside the window, rain poured down, and thunder rumbled in the sky.

But strangely, despite the heavy rain and the wind full of moisture blowing in, the ground was completely dry, without any trace of water.

It was as if the rain disappeared the moment it touched the ground.

Pei Ling’s mind was full of doubts. His gaze swept into the distance. Like inside the small building, outside the window, under the rain curtain, it was also dim, and he could only see the shadowy outlines of various objects.

But directly in front of the small building, there was a bright spot: a patch of wildly blooming roses.

Both red and white varieties were present, intertwined like a brocade carpet, blooming almost overwhelmingly on a small hillside.

Their normally verdant branches and leaves were uniformly grey-black in the rain.

Only the vibrant flowers remained completely unaffected, still spirited, radiating bright pink and pure white.

Pei Ling stared at this patch of roses for a moment, then suddenly, as if sensing something, his gaze shifted further into the distance. At the edge where the roses ran wild, a slender figure stood distinctly.

The figure held a gleaming pair of scissors and was slowly trimming the roses in front of her. She was picking and choosing, seemingly intending to select the most satisfactory ones for a vase.

As if noticing Pei Ling’s gaze, the other party stopped her scissors and slowly looked up.

Her face was pale, her eyebrows and eyes were delicate and gentle, and a small black mole at the corner of her lips added a touch of playfulness to her demure, well-bred young lady’s demeanor.

She tilted her face up, her gaze passing through the large expanse of roses, directly toward Pei Ling in the small building.

Pei Ling felt as if he knew this girl, but he couldn’t recall any memories related to her.

Even at this moment, his mind was a Chaos, and he couldn’t even remember who he was.

At this moment, the girl suddenly spoke, her lips moving. A clear, sweet voice, cutting through the rumbling thunder, the pouring rain, and the rose bushes, faintly reached Pei Ling’s ears: “Ji Wu…”

…Pei Ling suddenly awoke!

Chapter 578: Village Chief of Zi Village. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

Pei Ling felt his heart race uncontrollably. He calmly looked around, glancing at the eight Cauldrons still standing breathlessly and attentively. He always felt as if he had forgotten something.

He couldn't recall it no matter how hard he tried, but a strange, inexplicable thought popped into his mind: at a critical moment, take out the female corpse from the storage bag to save his life.

Female corpse?

Save his life?

Pei Ling frowned. What was all this nonsense…

He currently had two female corpses in his storage bag. One, whose identity was unknown, was one thing, but the other was a Su Zhen Heaven Disciple.

And Qiao Ciguang, a true Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven, had been lingering in Wan Hui Sea for this period, not leaving, precisely to avenge her fellow Disciple!

So, taking out the female corpse at a critical moment, let alone saving his life, it would be good if it didn't hasten his death.

Shaking his head, Pei Ling decided to continue with his previous plan, so he instructed: “You all stay here and guard the residence. I’m going out for a bit.”

“Master…” The Cauldrons were about to speak when they saw Pei Ling’s expression darken slightly, and they immediately dared not pester him, only saying: “Yes!”

Pei Ling then stood up, tidied his robes, and walked out.

As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard gate, he noticed that someone was watching him from the shadows.

Pei Ling’s expression didn’t change much. He had already identified them; it was the Qi of those Loose Cultivators. Most likely, the Loose Cultivators feared the name of the Heavenly Born Sect and specifically sent people to observe his every move.

At present, he had urgent matters to attend to, so he didn’t bother with those Loose Cultivators. Seeing a villager passing by, he walked directly over: “Excuse me, Old Man, may I ask where the village chief is?”

The villager stopped, sighed, and said: “Young Master has been away for too long. How could you forget even such a thing?”

He then pointed him in a direction, “You go that way. The one with seven pine trees in front of the door is it.”

“Thank you, Old Man.” After thanking him, Pei Ling walked in the direction he indicated.

A moment later, he indeed saw seven tall pine trees. Behind the pine trees was a rather solemnly built residence.

It was tall and imposing, with carved stone lions guarding the entrance, though the stone lions looked ancient and somewhat strange in shape.

Overall, this residence was very out of place with the surrounding thatched cottages.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he couldn't have imagined that such a deep and grand courtyard existed in a village like this.

He observed the surroundings, then stepped forward and knocked on the door.

※ ※ ※

Zi Village.

In front of a house right by the river, the surroundings were bare, with nothing at all. The stone-stacked courtyard was only chest-high, and standing outside the courtyard, one could directly see the situation inside.

At this moment, the courtyard was empty, but there was some firewood scattered around.

Qiao Ciguang looked around, then knocked on the courtyard gate.

A moment later, a white-haired, white-bearded old man walked out of the house. He was wearing relatively new short brown clothes, straw sandals, and was holding a half-woven hemp rope.

Standing under the eaves, separated by the simple wooden gate, the old man’s expression changed slightly upon seeing Qiao Ciguang, then quickly returned to normal. He walked over, opened the door, and said kindly: “I am the village chief of Zi Village. Outsider, what do you need?”

Although his expression change was momentary and quickly concealed, Qiao Ciguang was a true Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven, and no subtle movement could escape her eyes.

This old man must know something!

Thinking of this, Qiao Ciguang bowed and calmly said: “I have come from a distant place, and I am deeply grateful for your village’s hospitality, so I have come to offer a small token of my appreciation.”

As she spoke, she reached into her storage bag, casually found an Ore, used the Five Elements transformation to turn it into gold, then took it out and presented it to the old man, “Please forgive any inconvenience, Old Man.”

Seeing Qiao Ciguang take out a glittering golden object, the old man first frowned, then squinted and examined it for a long time before recognizing it as gold.

He immediately shook his head and said: “Our village is remote, and merchant caravans haven’t come for a long time. Usually, the village trades by bartering. Gold is good, but it’s useless to us. Young Lady’s kindness is appreciated, but please take this gold back.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ciguang narrowed her eyes slightly.

This old man was so old he almost didn't recognize gold, which suggested that the entire Zi Village had been isolated from the world for a long time.

So she put away the gold and sincerely said: “We have come from a distant place and carry a lot for our journey. If Old Man is willing, we can also trade with you like a merchant caravan, but I don’t know what you need?”

“The village has always been self-sufficient, and usually, there’s nothing lacking,” the old man pondered for a moment, then said, “At most, some snacks and toys for the children.”

“However, there is a funeral now, and everything is lacking…”

“What’s most lacking right now are musicians.”

“But I see the young ladies are well-dressed, presumably all noble people. You can’t possibly condescend to do such a lowly job, alas…”

Qiao Ciguang seized the opportunity to ask: “When we entered the village, we heard that your village will be holding a funeral tomorrow. According to the customs of our hometown, we should also go to offer our condolences, but I don’t know whose family it is, and are there any specific customs when going?”

“It’s the Old Xu family up ahead.” The old man sighed upon hearing this and said, “The Old Xu family is so young… it’s unexpected that they would draw the lot this time.”

Draw lots?

Qiao Ciguang’s expression changed, and she immediately asked: “Draw lots?”

“This is a rule passed down from our ancestors.” The old man slowly said, “Whichever family draws the lot, that’s whose funeral it is.”

“May I ask, when do you draw lots? And how do you draw lots?” Qiao Ciguang pressed on, her voice deep, “If the family that draws the lot has no one deceased, how will it be handled?”

The old man answered evasively: “I see the young ladies have many young and strong companions. Is anyone willing to help with the funeral procession? Although our village has no money for remuneration, we do have some local specialties as a token of our appreciation.”

Qiao Ciguang’s mind turned, and she said: “If Old Man is willing to answer my questions, I will discuss with my companions and help you, how about that?”

Upon hearing this, the old man simply closed his mouth and said nothing, only shaking his head.

Qiao Ciguang pressed him for a long time without success, so she had to change the question: “May I ask when Zi Village settled here? And why did your ancestors pass down the rule of drawing lots for funerals?”

But the old man still shook his head and remained silent. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she continued, “What is the meaning of the village rules?”

This time, the old man finally spoke. His eyes were deep, and he said each word slowly: “This was also passed down from our ancestors. If it is violated, the Curse will descend.”

...Just as Qiao Ciguang was talking with the old man, Shi Wanli had already found and asked his way to the Old Xu family’s door, as mentioned by the villagers.

A white cloth was hung on the main door of this household.

What made Shi Wanli look at it extra was the couplet on this family’s door. Although it was also green, it was exceptionally vibrant, as if it had just been put up, looking somewhat out of place with the surrounding houses.

Couplets should normally be put up in the twelfth lunar month, and those who are particular would choose to replace them on New Year’s Eve.

Regardless of which, normally, the degree of wear and tear of couplets in a village should be similar…

What was the situation with this family?

Shi Wanli pondered, then stepped forward and knocked on the door.

A moment later, no one answered.

Hesitating for a while, Shi Wanli looked left and right, seeing no one passing by. He took a step back, gently blew a breath, and the tightly closed main door silently opened.

His gaze swept around, confirming that there was no one in the main house, so he quickly slipped inside. With a flick of his hand, the main door closed again.

Remember to vote after reading!

Chapter 579: Blind Fish, Crying Woman. (First update! Please subscribe!)

After the main door closed, the light in the room immediately dimmed.

Of course, this had no effect on a Cultivator.

Shi Wanli looked around and saw a few old pieces of furniture in the Main Hall; besides the usual tables and chairs, there was also a specially made small chair.

On the open space beside the tables and chairs, there was a crudely made wooden horse.

The wooden horse was painted in garish red and green, the kind that looked rather tacky but children would like, and a faded small bell hung around the horse's neck.

Not far away, there was also a put-away tangram puzzle and a set of nine interlocking rings.

Clearly, this family had a child.

Shi Wanli frowned slightly, as he didn't sense any life.

While contemplating, he walked into the adjacent kitchen, which was a common farmhouse kitchen. The most space-consuming and conspicuous item was an earthen stove already blackened and yellowed by smoke.

The earthen stove had two pots, both currently covered with wooden lids.

Shi Wanli reached out and tested the area near the pot rims, finding that residual warmth remained; this stove had just been used to cook something.

He pondered for a moment, then levitated a pot lid, but the pot was empty.

So, he turned to the back to inspect the inside of the stove.

Inside the stove, ash had accumulated up to the opening, as if it hadn't been cleaned out for a long time.

And near the opening, some firewood was neatly stacked.

Shi Wanli carefully observed the ash, feeling that something wasn't quite right.

He turned around thoughtfully to look at other things. Besides the earthen stove, the kitchen also contained a large water Cylinder (water vat), a similarly smoke-blackened and yellowed cupboard, and several bamboo baskets hanging from hooks suspended from the ceiling beams.

The water Cylinder still held about half a Cylinder of water, and at the bottom, several finger-length fish were kept. They seemed to sense the presence of a stranger and were swimming rapidly.

Shi Wanli noticed that these swimming fish... remarkably, had no eyes.

Blind fish were not uncommon. In places that never saw sunlight, fish and shrimp would degenerate their eyes, transforming from normal aquatic creatures into blind fish and shrimp. Keeping fish in a water Cylinder was also a common practice in the countryside; after all, Mortals had no swift means to check drinking water, so raising a few fish or shrimp and observing their survival to determine water quality was considered a clever idea.

But Zi Village was adjacent to a river. Logically, the fish in this water Cylinder would most conveniently be caught from the river, so how could they be blind fish?

Could the river water by the village be connected to underground water?

Shi Wanli pondered, then checked the cupboard and bamboo baskets.

The cupboard had double doors and five shelves, but only three sets of bowls and chopsticks were placed inside, making it appear empty.

As for the bamboo baskets, they contained some grains and miscellaneous items, nothing special.

Leaving the kitchen, Shi Wanli entered the inner room.

This inner room was actually the bedroom. Upon entering, two beds were visible, one large and one small.

The large bed was clearly a double bed for a couple, and the bedding on it was neatly folded, with no signs of having been slept in.

The small bed had railings around it, seemingly to prevent a child from rolling off while playing. The bedding on it was also neatly folded, and a faded rattle drum was placed by the pillow.

Clearly, this was a family of three.

And from various details, the family atmosphere was quite warm, with parents doting on their child.

Shi Wanli's frown deepened. Then, he saw another door in the corner, leading to the backyard.

As he stepped out of this door, in the open yard before him, he saw three coffins arranged in a row.

This caused Shi Wanli's expression to change slightly, and he immediately went forward to open the coffin lids and inspect them.

Soon, his expression changed drastically. Inside the three coffins lay, in order, a male and a female adult, and a small girl of about four or five years old!

A couple, and a child...

The entire family of three was dead!

No wonder no one opened the door for him earlier!

Immediately after, Shi Wanli suddenly thought of something and rushed out of the house without hesitation.

As soon as he moved, he felt something sticky on his face. He touched it with his hand, and it was all blood, dripping profusely.

Whoosh!

Shi Wanli's heart trembled violently, but his feet did not pause in the slightest. Several afterimages trailed behind him, and in an instant, he had rushed out of the Old Xu family's house.

However, although he had left the empty house, his current situation had not improved in the least.

Blood continuously flowed from his seven orifices, and he instantly became like a person made of blood.

Soon, an invisible blade cut off Shi Wanli's head, sending it rolling towards the empty house...

※ ※ ※

In front of a low thatched cottage.

Ruan Zhi and Zhang Jing looked at the old man weaving bamboo baskets in front of the house and stepped forward to ask, "Elder, we are new to this place, but we don't know when your village was established?"

The old man looked up at them, his hands not stopping, and shook his head, saying, "It's been here since very, very, very long ago. As for the exact time, in the countryside, years are not counted, so I don't know."

Ruan Zhi and Zhang Jing exchanged glances, their delicate brows slightly furrowed.

They had already asked many villagers, and everyone's answers were similar. Even now, they had made no substantial progress.

"Elder, what about ten years ago?" Zhang Jing asked, still unwilling to give up, "Were you also here ten years ago?"

Ten years ago was when the Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment Opportunity appeared.

At that time, there were no Mortals on this Floating Island...

Thinking of this, Ruan Zhi couldn't help but show a hint of anticipation, hoping that this question might yield some results.

However, the old man skillfully wove the basket and casually said, "Ten years ago? Of course, we were here ten years ago. We have been here for generations."

How could this be!

Could it be that this Floating Island just looked exactly like the island from ten years ago, but wasn't the same one?

"I wonder if Senior Apprentice Sister Chu and Senior Apprentice Sister Zhong have made any progress?" Since further questioning would yield no results, the two had no choice but to turn and leave. After walking some distance, Ruan Zhi couldn't help but say.

Zhang Jing nodded, then said, "Let's ask a few more, and once the agreed time arrives, we'll return to the residence where we're staying to meet up, so that Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao doesn't worry when she returns."

Ruan Zhi replied, "Okay."

※ ※ ※

A riverside residential house.

This was a rare tiled house in the village, appearing particularly imposing against the backdrop of the surrounding low thatched cottages.

Chu Hanbei and Zhong Shizhu cautiously sat down in the Main Hall, discreetly looking around.

Sitting in the main seat was an old woman with a wrinkled face and a melancholic expression.

"In the countryside, there is only coarse tea, which is a neglect of honored guests," the old woman said weakly. Beside the two women's hands were two cups of tea she had just brewed.

In the coarse pottery bowls, there were large, coarse tea leaves, indeed without any humility, the worst kind of tea.

However, this village was strange. Although Chu Hanbei and Zhong Shizhu did not look down on coarse tea, they dared not touch their lips to it. Hearing this, they continued with the main topic: "Elder, do you mean that as long as we agree to accompany you in crying for the dead tomorrow, you will tell us the origin of the village?"

"That's right," the old woman nodded slightly and said, "But to accompany this old woman in crying for the dead, there must be four people, and they must all be virgins. Just the two of you, that's still half short."

Upon hearing this, Chu Hanbei and Zhong Shizhu exchanged glances, calculating in their minds. The two of them were still virgins.

Adding Ruan Zhi and Zhang Jing, four people would be just enough.

Thinking of this, Chu Hanbei said, "Okay, we will find all the people for you, but when will you tell us the origin of the village?"

The old woman said, "Tomorrow, when the funeral begins, dress simply and come find me. I will tell you then."

So, after Chu Hanbei and Zhong Shizhu agreed, they quickly left to find Ruan Zhi and Zhang Jing.

Thanks to Brother Chunqiu Bicheng for the reward! Thanks to Brother Shinian You Shinian Zai Shinian for the reward!

Chapter 580: Taboos in the Village. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

Sang Village.

The large, deep courtyard behind the seven pine and cypress trees.

Creak.

The main gate slowly opened, revealing a middle-aged man dressed as a butler. Seeing Pei Ling, he showed no surprise and asked gently, "Young Master, are you here to see the Village Chief?"

Pei Ling nodded and replied, "There are some matters I'd like to consult the Village Chief about."

The butler smiled and said, "The Village Chief dislikes disturbances, but Young Master is not an outsider, please come in."

This residence had a spacious front and back courtyard.

Led by the butler, Pei Ling turned past the spirit screen and walked through several courtyards before finally taking a seat in a flower hall.

"Young Master, please wait a moment. I will go invite the Village Chief now." The butler poured him some tea, then excused himself and left.

After he left, Pei Ling looked around and then noticed that, while the decorations here seemed beautiful, something felt off.

The table and chairs in front of him seemed to be pieced together from human bones.

And the several melon-shaped, scroll-patterned, full-footed standing gauze lamps hanging in the four corners clearly had lampshades made from human skin.

The crimson pillars not far away were shockingly smeared with human blood.

This entire flower hall was like a demonic lair.

After realizing these things, Pei Ling's expression remained calm, without any change.

He was, after all, a Chongming Sect Disciple. He had seen many similar situations in the Yin-aligned Sect, so his heart was completely unmoved.

However, the tea in such a place was likely problematic, so he didn't even touch it.

After waiting for a moment, footsteps sounded from the doorway.

Soon, the butler from before entered, accompanying an old man with white hair and beard.

The old man was around sixty years old, with dark skin and a face full of wrinkles. Although his clothes were relatively neat, his exposed hands were large-knuckled and covered in calluses, clearly indicating a life of hard labor. Yet, his eyes were bright, and his spirit was good, making him appear hale and hearty in his old age.

"Young Master has returned." The old man entered, saw Pei Ling, and immediately nodded slightly in greeting.

A smile played on his lips, indicating he was in a good mood. "Young Master has returned at just the right time. My son is getting married tomorrow, and Young Master must come for a cup of wedding wine."

Pei Ling stood up and bowed, his heart slightly vigilant.

This Village Chief looked no different from a Mortal, but he always felt that the other party was extremely terrifying!

It was an indescribable feeling, impossible to articulate, as if it came from instinct.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, they took their seats as host and guest, chatted about daily life for a bit, and then got to the main topic.

The Village Chief said, "Young Master has just returned and hasn't even rested, yet you've come to find this old man. May I know what matter it is?"

"I heard there's a happy occasion in your family tomorrow," Pei Ling said. "I've somewhat forgotten the local customs and Taboos here, so I wonder if there's anything I need to pay attention to at that time?"

The Village Chief chuckled, "Young Master is not an outsider, so there's no need to trouble yourself so much. There's nothing special to pay attention to. Tomorrow, please just come and drink the wedding wine."

Pei Ling nodded, then asked, "When was this village established?"

The Village Chief instantly fell silent, his smile vanishing without a trace, and he stared intently at him.

Seeing this, Pei Ling immediately realized that he might have asked something he shouldn't have.

So, while maintaining his composure, he tightened his grip on the Void Heaven Realm Seed in his hand.

However, after waiting for a long time, the Village Chief made no move.

Pei Ling suddenly realized something. In his eyes, Nan Ke Dream Fire flickered, countless strange and twisted runes intertwined, and the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】 was unleashed!

In an instant, within Pei Ling's vision, black Qi permeated the entire flower hall like a tide!

Countless resentments seemed to surge and rush towards him!

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...

The 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】 devoured madly, and Pei Ling's entire aura surged.

Just then, the Village Chief coughed lightly and said indifferently, "My family has a joyous event tomorrow, and there are many miscellaneous tasks. I have no time to entertain Young Master. If Young Master has no other matters, please return."

Pei Ling immediately stood up and excused himself.

He maintained the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】 as he left the door. Instantly, all the resentments seemed to be cut off by the doorway, disappearing in an instant.

But Pei Ling dared not let his guard down. It wasn't until he had walked a considerable distance and confirmed that no resentments, Curses, or grievances were following him that he dispelled the Divine Ability.

At this moment, a cold sweat had already broken out on his forehead.

If he hadn't reacted in time and used the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】 just now, he might have already used up one of his lives.

"The origin of the village is definitely highly problematic."

"But judging from the Village Chief's reaction, it's best if I don't inquire about this matter again... If I must ask, I certainly can't ask directly."

"The Village Chief invited me to drink wedding wine tomorrow. I wonder if he's allowing me to go, or if I must go?"

"To be safe, I'll go tomorrow."

"Also, for future clues, I'll look for ordinary villagers."

"The Village Chief's house is too dangerous..."

Thinking of this, Pei Ling looked at the sky. It was already nearing evening, so he began to walk back.

***

Xiao Jitao fled from a household, looking disheveled and terrified.

As he exited, due to his extreme haste, a dignified Core Formation stage Cultivator actually tripped over the threshold and fell.

He didn't bother to get up, scrambling and rolling to struggle away for a distance before remembering to cast a Escape (escape technique), then without the slightest hesitation, he frantically fled towards outside the village.

But after fleeing for a long time, he seemed to be lost in the village, unable to find a way out.

Xiao Jitao grew more and more terrified. The reason he was able to escape with his life this time wasn't because of his strength, but because he was lucky. The household he broke into happened to have someone who had climbed over the back wall and entered before him.

And he just happened to witness the scene of the other party being hung up and bled dry!

At first, Xiao Jitao wanted to save his companion, but soon he realized that the invisible force was simply not something a mere Core Formation stage Cultivator could contend with.

Taking advantage of his companion not yet being completely dead, he finally managed to escape the house alive.

Realizing he couldn't leave Sang Village, the terrified Xiao Jitao then remembered that there were still Big Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother, and the others...

So, he immediately took out a sound transmission talisman and first sent a message to Big Brother.

He activated the sound transmission talisman for a long time, but there was no response from the other side.

After waiting for a while, Xiao Jitao's expression grew increasingly grim. Big Brother had most likely met with misfortune.

So, he sent a message to Second Brother, and the situation was the same.

Then it was Third Brother... Third Brother still had no response.

Of the Xiao Family Four Elders, only he was left!

Xiao Jitao's hands trembled as he took out another sound transmission talisman. This talisman belonged to Old Ancestor Woqiu.

After inputting his magical power, the sound transmission talisman flickered with a faint light, but there was still no one answering from the other side.

Old Ancestor Woqiu had also been killed.

Xiao Jitao's face instantly turned pale. Dead, dead... All dead!!

This village eats people!

Just then, a sound transmission talisman in his storage bag suddenly showed activity. Xiao Jitao quickly took it out and activated it. A voice immediately came from within: "Senior Xiao, Kang Shaoyin has already left the residence. Judging by the direction, he's heading towards the river..."

Kang Shaoyin?

Xiao Jitao suddenly reacted. There were still living people!

The Heavenly Born Sect True Disciple, Kang Shaoyin, and the Loose Cultivators who were tailing him, were all still alive!

Yes, the only confirmed living people in the village right now were them!

Thinking of this, Xiao Jitao immediately said in a deep voice, "You all stay where you are, I'll be right there."

A moment later, Xiao Jitao arrived near the residence in the west of the village.

The Loose Cultivators hiding in the bushes immediately came forward: "Senior Xiao, have you Seniors found any Opportunity during this time?"

"Senior, there are several more households nearby. Now that Kang Shaoyin isn't here, it's a good time to go in and search."

"Yes, Senior. Of course, Senior is highly respected, so for such matters, please go first, and we are willing to follow..."

Chapter 581: Don't Enter an Empty Room. (Third update! Please subscribe!)

Xiao Jitao didn't waste any words. He slapped the Loose Cultivator who spoke several times on the spot, making him disoriented.

His face was gloomy: "Everyone is dead! No Opportunity was found."

"What?" Several Loose Cultivators were still dizzy, not knowing why a normal suggestion would provoke Xiao Jitao to act. They were immediately shocked upon hearing this.

But Xiao Jitao had no intention of explaining. His expression was grim at the moment, but there was still a lingering fear in his eyes that hadn't dissipated. He glanced at Kang Shaoyin's residence, his mind racing with thoughts.

Judging from the recent search, staying in the village would surely lead to death!

However, with his strength, he couldn't leave this village.

If anyone among the living had the ability to leave, it would definitely be this True Disciple of the Heavenly Born Sect.

But the True Disciple of the Heavenly Born Sect was not the True Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven.

This Kang Shaoyin was not easy to deal with.

His methods and schemes were probably more terrifying than this village, let alone saving him.

Therefore, after a moment of hesitation, Xiao Jitao took out a Jade Slip, pressed it to his forehead, and recorded everything that had just happened in the village. Then, he handed the Jade Slip to one of the Loose Cultivators in front of him and instructed, "When True Disciple Kang returns later, go over and give him this Jade Slip."

Given the reputation of the Heavenly Born Sect, Xiao Jitao dared not approach Kang Shaoyin himself.

So, having this Loose Cultivator test the waters was the best option.

If Kang Shaoyin also wanted to leave after reading the Jade Slip, he would secretly follow him to escape the village; if the other party didn't plan to leave, it meant Kang Shaoyin was confident in handling such a situation.

In that case, Xiao Jitao would stay nearby, trying to survive by the skin of his teeth…

"Clack, clack, clack-clack-clack…" The Loose Cultivator designated by Xiao Jitao kept trembling, his teeth chattering. However, under the coercion of the Core Formation stage Cultivator, he had no choice but to brace himself and walk out of the thicket towards the large house.

※※※

Zi Village.

In the narrow alleyways where thatched and tiled houses were scattered, Fairy Yu Meng was hurrying through the muddy ground towards the village chief's house.

Qiao Ciguang had not hidden her tracks, so she only asked a few villagers and found out her whereabouts.

Before long, Fairy Yu Meng arrived at the village chief's doorstep and happened to see the wattle gate open, with Qiao Ciguang coming out from inside.

Seeing that the True Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven was still in the village, Fairy Yu Meng finally breathed a sigh of relief and immediately went up to salute: "Immortal Qiao…"

Qiao Ciguang saw her, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, and asked, "Why are you here?"

Fairy Yu Meng looked a bit embarrassed and said, "In the house… now there are only us Loose Cultivators. I was worried, so I… I came out to look for Fairy."

"Only Loose Cultivators?" Qiao Ciguang's expression changed slightly, and she immediately asked, "Where are Stone Manor Lord and my Junior Sisters?"

Fairy Yu Meng awkwardly said, "I don't know, Fairy Zhang and the others didn't say…"

Qiao Ciguang didn't ask further and immediately took her to find them.

A moment later, the two arrived at the Old Xu family's doorstep, and not far away, they saw a headless corpse lying in a pool of blood. Judging by its clothes, it was none other than Shi Wanli!

Upon seeing this scene clearly, Fairy Yu Meng's face immediately changed drastically.

Although Shi Wanli was not a True Disciple, he came from Yu Lin Academy of the Liulan Dynasty. His strength, methods, and trump cards were far superior to those of ordinary Loose Cultivators like them, by more than just a notch!

But in this situation, he actually died?

Moreover, there were no signs of a struggle around, and they hadn't heard any commotion in the village, which meant that when he died, he had no power to resist!

Qiao Ciguang's expression was solemn. She first cast several spells to ensure that the headless corpse and its surroundings were free of traps, then stepped forward to examine the cause of death.

But at this moment, a powerful vitality suddenly erupted from Shi Wanli's headless corpse…

Qiao Ciguang was stunned for a moment, then immediately recognized it: this was the Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill!

Next, they saw blood and flesh wriggling on the originally empty neck, and then, countless slender blood threads burst forth, surging towards the direction of the Old Xu family not far away.

Qiao Ciguang and Fairy Yu Meng followed the direction of the blood threads and realized that Shi Wanli's head was rolling towards the Xu family. However, there was a threshold at the Xu family's door, preventing the head from entering.

At this moment, the blood threads rushed over, wrapped around the head, pulled it back to the side of the corpse, and reattached it to the original neck.

At the severed point, countless blood threads surged wildly, and "crack," "crack" sounds began to be heard. Bones began to grow and connect, followed by the Fusion of flesh and blood. Soon, blood began to flow again, a faint pulse sounded, and then the powerful life force of the Golden Core Stage Cultivator himself was driven by the medicinal power, recovering rapidly.

Seeing this, Qiao Ciguang immediately held her breath and concentrated, vigilantly guarding him.

After a while, Shi Wanli, who had finally fully recovered, lay on the ground, his eyes unfocused, gasping for air. For a moment, he couldn't even get up.

Although the Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill could give him a second life, the immense pain of returning from death, and the great terror that surged when his head was inexplicably rolled towards the empty house, required immense willpower to endure.

This resurrection had almost exhausted all his mental strength.

If it had dragged on any longer, his mind might have collapsed directly. Even if the medicinal power continued to revive his Physical Body, his soul would dissipate, and by then, it would only be a restored complete corpse.

Moreover, this was a High Grade Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill. If it were Medium Grade or Low Grade, the effect would be worse and the risk higher!

At this moment, Shi Wanli's pupils slightly focused, and he finally saw Qiao Ciguang and Fairy Yu Meng beside him.

He took two more deep breaths before he had the strength to speak, his voice hoarse: "Do not enter empty rooms, this rule is true."

He had just broken into the Old Xu family, his purpose being to see who in that family had died.

But what he didn't expect was that all three members of the family had died!

Thus, since the Old Xu family had no living people, it became an empty house, and his entry into it was a forceful entry into an empty house.

Furthermore, he had just walked around the village, and many houses were empty. It was very likely that they were all like the Old Xu family.

The funerals in the village had probably been held many times.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ciguang was slightly startled, then realized that Shi Wanli had entered an empty house, violating the village rules, and thus incurred the "Curse" mentioned by the village chief.

Thinking of this, she immediately said, "Let's go back first."

A moment later, Qiao Ciguang sent Shi Wanli back to the large house. She had intended to continue looking for her four Junior Sisters, but then saw that her four Junior Sisters had already returned and were waiting eagerly under the veranda.

Seeing Qiao Ciguang return, they let out soft cheers and quickly ran over, holding up their skirts, surrounding her.

Qiao Ciguang quickly scanned them, saw that they were all unharmed, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Then she sternly asked, "Where did you all go just now?"

Shi Wanli had already recovered somewhat and could walk on his own. He was also surprised to hear this, thinking, the four Junior Sisters of Su Zhen Heaven also went to investigate clues?

Fortunately, nothing happened to them like it did to him!

Thinking of this, Shi Wanli sighed, "I just found out that the funeral was for the Old Xu family in the village. So I went to the Old Xu family to check, and it turned out that all three members of their family had died and were placed in coffins in the backyard. The Old Xu family thus became an empty house."

"I violated the rule and suffered an irresistible Curse. Fortunately, a Great Master favored me a few days ago, and I took a Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill, which saved my life."

Qiao Ciguang's delicate brows furrowed. She had also learned from the village chief that it was the Old Xu family's funeral, but she didn't know that the entire Old Xu family had died.

If Fairy Yu Meng hadn't gone to look for her, and then discovered Shi Wanli's accident, she had been planning to go to the Old Xu family to check herself…

"What about you all?" With her thoughts racing, Qiao Ciguang looked at her four Junior Sisters again.

Chapter 582: The whole group is wiped out. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

Junior Sister, Zhang Jing and I didn't find anything.” Ruan Zhi said sheepishly, “The villagers either knew nothing when asked, or they just talked around the subject…

Zhang Jing nodded beside her, looking dejected.

Chu Hanbei and Zhong Shizhu said, “Senior Sister, we found someone. She's the Riverside Crying Woman of the village and lives by the river.”

“She's willing to tell us the village's origin, but only if we go mourn with her tomorrow.”

Mourn?

Qiao Ciguang's expression shifted slightly. The village chief also made a request earlier, but it was for a trumpeter. Now, this Riverside Crying Woman wants someone to mourn with her.

However, the village chief has been unwilling to explain the village's origin from beginning to end. It's somewhat unexpected that someone is willing to speak now…

It's just that they don't know what kind of funeral it is yet. Rashly going to be a trumpeter or mourn would certainly be very dangerous.

Thinking of this, Qiao Ciguang immediately said, “Don't go tomorrow. First, go see the situation of the funeral. After the funeral is over, we'll make a plan.”

“Senior Sister!” Chu Hanbei and Zhong Shizhu immediately became anxious, “But this is a ready-made clue…”

“That's right, Senior Sister.” Ruan Zhi and Zhang Jing, having found nothing, were eager to do something and chimed in, “Although our strength is not as good as Senior Sister's, we are also at the Core Formation stage of cultivation. Even if something unexpected happens during the mourning, it's impossible for us to be completely defenseless… Besides, didn't Stone Manor Lord just say so?”

“The rules the villagers mentioned are true.”

“This shows that the people in this village might not have malicious intentions towards us.”

“Since that's the case, if we follow the rules and go mourn with her, what danger could there be?”

“We can't just let Senior Sister do everything herself while we reap the benefits, can we?”

“And…”

“Enough.” Qiao Ciguang interrupted their back-and-forth arguments and definitively stated, “If I say no, then it's no!”

Fairy Yu Meng followed Qiao Ciguang closely, listening silently from the side. She quickly realized that the Disciples of Su Zhen Heaven and Liulan Dynasty had left this residence earlier not because they thought it was problematic, but because they were investigating clues about this village.

And Shi Wanli of the Liulan Dynasty had even died once because of it.

Therefore, Qiao Ciguang was worried about her Junior Sisters and disagreed with them putting themselves in danger for clues.

Fairy Yu Meng approved of Qiao Ciguang's approach on this point. In the current situation, if something happened to the Disciples of Su Zhen Heaven and Liulan Dynasty, then probably no one would survive!

However, the Disciples of the two major sects are the mainstays. There are plenty of low-cultivation Loose Cultivators gathered in the residence right now, and they are not very useful anyway. Isn't it just right to send them to scout ahead?

Thinking of this, Fairy Yu Meng immediately said, “Immortal Qiao, since the four Fairies aren't going, then I'll go tell that Riverside Crying Woman, lest we mess things up and cause the village to misunderstand us.”

This was reasonable, and Qiao Ciguang didn't think much of it, nodding in agreement.

※ ※ ※

Sang Village.

Pei Ling returned to the grand residence, but at the entrance, he saw a Loose Cultivator who seemed to be waiting for him.

Seeing him, the other person's eyes were filled with fear, and his legs even trembled slightly. He wanted to escape but forced himself to endure.

Not far away, there were several other Loose Cultivators hiding behind bushes, clinging to Talismans that concealed their Qi, stealthily peeking.

“What is it?” Pei Ling asked indifferently.

The Loose Cultivator immediately took out a Jade Slip, offering it with both hands, and stammered, “This is what Senior Xiao Jitao asked me to deliver.”

Pei Ling was puzzled. After using the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】 to confirm there were no issues with the Jade Slip, he hesitated slightly but still took it.

He picked it up and examined it, finding that the content inside was very simple: roughly that the Xiao Family Four Elders and Old Ancestor Woqiu suspected there was an Opportunity in the village, so they began to climb walls, break into houses, and dig three feet deep to search the entire village, almost leading to their complete annihilation.

Currently, only Xiao Jitao and a few Loose Cultivators are still alive.

After seeing the records in the Jade Slip, Pei Ling secretly admired the courage of these Loose Cultivators.

Even he wouldn't dare to search this village!

No, not just him. Even if Qiao Ciguang were here, she definitely wouldn't dare!

Thinking of this, Pei Ling immediately said, “Tell Xiao Jitao to come over. I have something to ask him.”

The Loose Cultivator responded, running off as if greatly pardoned.

A moment later, the conflicted Xiao Jitao, along with a few surviving Loose Cultivators, walked over cautiously and somewhat hesitantly.

“True Disciple Kang!” Upon approaching, the group bowed in salute.

Pei Ling nodded, just about to inquire about the specific events, but then he suddenly frowned. Xiao Jitao looked very disheveled now.

His collar was loose, and his robes were stained with a lot of dust and blood, as if he had rolled around on the ground several times.

And now, it was already night…

Realizing this, Pei Ling was about to speak a reminder, but the next moment!

Bang!!!

Xiao Jitao self-detonated without any warning, blood mixed with brains, bone marrow, and other substances splattering in all directions like fireworks.

In front of Pei Ling, a flash of fire instantly appeared, the Nan Ke Dream Fire flickering as if real and illusory, incinerating all the blood and grime that splattered towards him, leaving no trace. However, the few Loose Cultivators were covered head to toe in Xiao Jitao's flesh and blood.

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang…

Before they could react or make any moves, they began to self-detonate one after another.

Pei Ling's expression suddenly darkened.

Do not be unkempt at night… If the rules of this village are not followed, one will die!

Thinking of this, he did not hesitate at all and immediately turned to return to the residence.

“Master is back!” Inside the residence, the eight Cauldrons had long been waiting anxiously, only restrained by Pei Ling's instructions not to leave the residence to search for him.

Seeing Pei Ling return now, they were all overjoyed, coming forward one after another to show concern.

Pei Ling's gaze swept over them, and he found that these eight Cauldrons had now all changed into different dresses and re-applied their makeup. Even the elaborate hairpins and jewelry were not the set they had on when he left.

“Do not groom yourselves in the morning.” Remembering the Taboo, he cautioned them.

“We will obey Master.” The Cauldrons responded sweetly and then huddled around him, “Master, it's late. Let us serve Master together.”

Saying this, the twin sisters immediately approached, reaching out to undress Pei Ling.

The other Cauldrons began to unfasten their own robes and skirts…

Seeing this, Pei Ling immediately sternly stopped them: “At such a time, all of you be serious!”

“…Oh.” The eight Cauldrons paused, then obediently stopped their movements and retreated to stand by, looking quite wronged.

Pei Ling had no time to bother with them. He tidied his loosened robes and walked straight into the east wing to Cultivate.

He felt quite solemn. The Loose Cultivators who entered the village had all died.

His next actions must be even more cautious.

Now, he just had to wait for tomorrow's happy event…

Remember to vote after reading!

Chapter 583: Ten Combs, No Taboos. (First update! Please subscribe!)

The next morning.

Zi Village.

The Village Chief's house.

Qiao Ciguang arrived with Shi Wanli and four Junior Sisters.

Originally, she had intended to come alone, but considering yesterday's experience, if she weren't present, Shi Wanli and the four Junior Sisters might once again put themselves in danger and not be so lucky.

Therefore, she simply brought all five of them along.

The affairs of the residence were temporarily entrusted to Fairy Yu Meng.

"Outsiders, good morning," the old man with a white beard and white hair heard the commotion, looked out from inside the house, immediately put down what he was doing, and came out to greet them.

His attitude was much warmer than yesterday, and his expression seemed very grateful to Qiao Ciguang and the others.

Qiao Ciguang was a little puzzled, but the main business was important, so she immediately asked, "May I ask when the funeral will begin, and what do we need to pay attention to if we wish to observe the ceremony and offer condolences?"

The Village Chief said, "Miss, don't rush, the funeral won't begin until noon. However, it's best not to enter the main family's house unless you are directly involved. If you want to observe the ceremony, anywhere will do. Once they are ready, the funeral procession will pass by every house in the village."

"But please remember, Miss, do not have any contact with the procession, and certainly do not speak."

Qiao Ciguang nodded thoughtfully. They hadn't gone directly to the Old Xu family, where the funeral was being held, but instead came to find the Village Chief, because Shi Wanli had gotten into trouble yesterday precisely by entering the Old Xu family's house.

"Stay here for now," she immediately transmitted a message to Shi Wanli and the four Junior Sisters, "When the funeral procession passes, we'll follow it."

Upon hearing this, the five of them nodded subtly.

So, at the Village Chief's invitation, they took seats in the main hall and chatted idly with him.

However, the Village Chief was extremely tight-lipped, only discussing trivial matters of farming, and never mentioning the origin of the village or any of its internal affairs...

At this moment, the Old Xu family's front door was tightly shut, with vibrant green couplets that looked brand new.

An old, hunched woman, carrying a bamboo basket covered with black cloth, and accompanied by four men dressed differently, walked haltingly to the doorway.

This old woman was the Riverside Crying Woman who lived by the river.

And these four men were Loose Cultivators specially selected by Fairy Yu Meng; they were still virgins and only at the Qi Training Stage of cultivation.

At this moment, these Four Loose Cultivators did not yet know what had happened yesterday. Fairy Yu Meng had only told them that following this Riverside Crying Woman to do a task was Qiao True Disciple's order!

This Floating Island was too strange. Originally, the true strength gap between them, Loose Cultivators, and Disciples of major sects was already vast.

Not to mention, none of them had even reached Foundation Establishment yet.

Now, only by firmly following the esteemed Disciples of Su Zhen Heaven would they have a glimmer of hope.

Naturally, they dared not disobey Qiao Ciguang's command, and furthermore, Su Zhen Heaven was a renowned sect of the Righteous Path, with a good reputation and no history of harming Loose Cultivators.

Therefore, they dared to venture here.

The main door was right in front of them, but the Riverside Crying Woman showed no intention of pushing it open. Instead, she carefully placed the bamboo basket she was holding down, then uncovered the black cloth and took out a pair of live geese.

The geese had bright feathers and were tightly bound all over with woven colorful silk ribbons, even their beaks were wrapped several times, preventing them from making any sound.

The Riverside Crying Woman's expression was solemn, tinged with a hint of nervousness.

She held the pair of geese in her hands and gently placed them on the threshold in front of the tightly shut door. Then, she took out two bells from her Arms. The bells had originally been stuffed with something inside, preventing them from making a sound.

At this moment, the Riverside Crying Woman pulled out the cloth stuffed inside, hung the bells around the geese's necks, and then whispered, "Kneel."

With that, she was the first to fall to her knees with a "thud," bowing deeply, her forehead touching the ground directly.

The Four Loose Cultivators looked at each other, but soon, they also followed suit, kneeling on the ground with their foreheads touching the dirt.

A moment later, a faint ringing of bells could be heard.

It was as if someone was casually plucking them, and then, the bells grew louder and louder, even beginning to be mixed with the painful cries of the geese.

The Four Loose Cultivators were secretly alarmed. The geese's beaks were clearly tied, so how were they crying out?

They had the urge to look up, but thinking of the strangeness of this village, they ultimately did not dare to.

After a long while, the ringing of bells and the cries of the geese gradually faded away. The Riverside Crying Woman waited for another moment, until she heard the main door open with a "creak," then she secretly breathed a sigh of relief, climbing up and saying, "All right, let's go in."

"Granny, what was that?" The Four Loose Cultivators followed her up, their gazes sweeping over the threshold, only to see that the geese and bells had vanished. However, on the side of the threshold, there were a few blood-stained feathers, which made their pupils contract.

The four exchanged glances and asked tentatively.

The Riverside Crying Woman sighed and said, "This is the rule of the village. You cannot trespass into an empty house, unless the empty house actively invites you..."

"Otherwise, whoever enters the Old Xu family's house now will die."

She had no intention of explaining in detail, shook her head, stepped over the threshold, and walked into the house.

The Four Loose Cultivators frowned, but still followed her.

The Riverside Crying Woman did not linger in the main house, heading directly for the backyard with a clear purpose.

In the backyard, three coffins lay quietly.

She showed no surprise at this scene. She put down the bamboo basket she was holding, took out a bundle from it, and opened it to reveal a set of red wedding attire as vibrant as blood, as well as two sets of rose-red dresses, and some cosmetics like rouge and powder for adornment.

"You open the coffin lids, and I will tidy their appearance for them," the Riverside Crying Woman picked up the cosmetics and hairpins, instructing the Four Loose Cultivators.

The Loose Cultivators had no reaction to the corpses; after all, as Cultivators, they had seen many dead people, and the bodies of Mortals did not interest them at all.

They were quite surprised, however, to see the items in her hand: wearing a red wedding dress for a funeral? Wearing hairpins and pearl flowers?

But urged by the Riverside Crying Woman, the four still opened the lids of the three coffins as instructed, watching the Riverside Crying Woman apply makeup and dress the bodies in the coffins one by one.

Her movements were very skilled, her hands and feet nimble, unlike an old person of her age, but despite her best efforts to conceal it, a hint of tension and fear was subtly revealed in her expression.

The Four Loose Cultivators stood by, watching this scene, their hearts slightly chilled. They felt that this task seemed not as understated as Fairy Yu Meng had described...

However, at this point, they dared not leave on their own.

Just then, the Riverside Crying Woman stood behind the little girl who had been helped up first, and while combing her withered yellow hair with the Magic Treasure comb, she sang with a weeping voice: "One comb to the end of the hair, two combs for a long life together, three combs for a house full of descendants, four combs for eternal union, five combs for harmonious in-laws, six combs for blessings upon the home, seven combs for good fortune avoiding disaster, eight combs for immense profit, nine combs for a hundred flavors of good food, ten combs for freedom from all Taboos."

After the tenth comb stroke, the deceased little girl suddenly opened her eyes!

Thanks to Brother Chunqiu Bicheng for the reward! Thanks to Brother Kanshu Kanshu Aa Aa for the reward! Thanks to Brother Fan Feixiu Xian for the reward! Thanks to Brother Yuanrun Gungun for the reward! Thanks to Brother Feng Jixuichui Yichui for the reward! Thanks to Brother Cangshi Woguan for the reward! Thanks to Brother Shiyue Mosheng for the reward! Thanks to Brother Changwu for the reward! Thanks to Brother DaoTo for the reward! Thanks to Brother Boligai for the reward! Thanks to Brother Can Yang for the reward! Thanks to Brother Shaodi Huanmie for the reward!

Chapter 584: Weddings and Funerals. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

The Four Loose Cultivators, who had been staring intently, were startled by the sight!

Two of the Loose Cultivators, who had been following the Riverside Crying Woman's instructions to help the little girl's parents sit up in their coffins, were immediately wary. They let go, allowing the bodies to lie back down in the coffins.

Seeing this, the Riverside Crying Woman's expression changed, and she blurted out, "Don't…"

Before she could finish, the two Loose Cultivators fell straight down without a sound.

In an instant, their Souls Flying Away and Spirits Scattering.

The Riverside Crying Woman's face turned pale with fear. She quickly instructed the remaining two Loose Cultivators, "Quick! Quickly help them up; the dressing must begin. They cannot lie back down."

The remaining two Loose Cultivators were shocked and dared not delay. They immediately stepped forward and lifted the bodies from the coffins again.

They were all surprised, angry, and fearful in their hearts. Su Zhen Heaven had actually arranged such a terrifying task for them!

"Two people are missing; we need to speed up now." The Riverside Crying Woman's face was extremely grim and fearful. She hurriedly dressed the little girl in the big red wedding dress. After checking that everything was in order, she took a foot-tall jade vase with a twining branch and flower pattern from a bamboo basket and placed it in the girl's arms before letting her lie back in the coffin.

Immediately after, she dressed and changed the clothes of the little girl's parents one by one, though the parents wore water-red clothing.

After a flurry of activity, the Riverside Crying Woman's forehead was covered in sweat, but she still directed the remaining two Loose Cultivators to help up the fallen Loose Cultivators and dress them. "Living beings who die in the house are part of the dowry."

"If they are not brought along, the entire village will be subjected to a Curse."

The two surviving Loose Cultivators had no objection and immediately complied. Whether the entire village was Cursed had nothing to do with them.

Their concern was that if they didn't do this, they too would immediately follow in their companions' footsteps.

Moreover, since their companions were already dead and their bodies were useless, if they could buy a bit of vitality for the living, it wouldn't be in vain to have traveled together…

***

At the entrance of the Old Xu family's house, the villagers arrived with eight Loose Cultivators.

These eight Loose Cultivators had varying levels of cultivation, some in the Qi Training Stage and some in the Foundation Establishment Stage. At this moment, each held a musical instrument: some had suonas, some gongs and drums, and others had pipas, flutes, or xiao.

The villager leading the way showed no intention of entering the house. He simply instructed them, "When you go in later, do not go to the back. Stay in the main room. Every time an incense stick burns out, you play for the duration of one incense stick."

"Once someone comes out from inside, the music must not stop."

"At that time, the Riverside Crying Woman will tell you what to do."

With that, he gestured for everyone to enter.

Seeing this, the Loose Cultivators exchanged glances, pushed open the slightly ajar door, and entered the simple main room. Since there weren't enough tables and chairs, the three holding the pipa, flute, and xiao sat down, while the others stood. The one with the gong and drums struck first, and the others gradually followed.

All eight of them knew how to play musical instruments. Although they might not have been exceptionally skilled, a Cultivator's control over their Physical Body and their ability to learn Mortal skills were far superior to a Mortal's.

Thus, although there were some stumbles at first, they quickly harmonized, playing mournful music with wailing sounds.

The sound of the mournful music attracted many villagers to come out and watch the commotion.

These villagers neither made noise nor cheered. They just stood outside the door, staring intently at them, their eyes filled with a terrifying stillness.

Even though they were just Mortals, they made the Loose Cultivators feel a chill down their spines.

According to the instructions of the villager who brought them, everyone played for the duration of one incense stick and then stopped for one incense stick. Originally, this requirement was not difficult for Mortals to achieve, and for Cultivators, it should have been effortless.

But for some unknown reason, after playing for the duration of one incense stick, everyone felt mentally exhausted, even having the urge to immediately lie down and sleep. Therefore, as soon as the break time arrived, everyone immediately closed their eyes to rest.

However, after a few rounds, two Loose Cultivators, while resting, suddenly felt something behind them.

They turned around and saw the kitchen, but there was nothing unusual.

After several consecutive instances, these two Loose Cultivators suddenly stood up and walked somewhat stiffly towards the kitchen…

They stood up and walked in, and the others didn't pay attention, still closing their eyes to rest.

However, when the time for one incense stick was up, everyone picked up their instruments to continue playing, only to find that those two had not returned.

"What's going on?" Everyone was surprised and communicated telepathically, "Did they forget the time?"

"No!" Someone reacted and reminded everyone in a low voice, "Even if they forgot the time, they should immediately run back when they hear the gongs and drums outside… But look, are they moving? There's a problem in the kitchen."

"That villager told us not to go to the back, so it seems not only the back but also the kitchen is off-limits."

"This village is very strange… Su Zhen Heaven isn't as benevolent as rumored. No wonder Qiao True Disciple has four Junior Sisters, but not a single one was sent here…"

"No! It's also possible that this is not Immortal Qiao's command at all! From beginning to end, it was Fairy Yu Meng who gave us orders; we haven't seen any Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven!"

***

At the same time, in the large house in the east of the village, Fairy Yu Meng, with her black hair like a waterfall and her skirt fluttering, hurried back from outside.

The Four Loose Cultivators who went with the Riverside Crying Woman to cry during the funeral were all arranged by her privately, under the guise of Su Zhen Heaven. In return, the Riverside Crying Woman had promised to tell her about the origin of the village after the funeral was over.

However, the Riverside Crying Woman also said that the other party was not the village chief, so the secrets she knew were limited. Only the village chief truly understood the situation.

For this reason, Fairy Yu Meng also went to see the village chief again yesterday, taking on all the tasks such as musicians and coffin bearers. Afterwards, she turned around and, under the banner of Su Zhen Heaven, selected low-level Loose Cultivators to carry them out.

However, the village chief was very tight-lipped. Regarding Fairy Yu Meng's inquiries, he always responded vaguely and was unwilling to reveal any information.

But it doesn't matter.

Anyway, those low-level Loose Cultivators had no other use, and there were many of them. Even if they could only test the strangeness of the funeral, it wouldn't be a waste.

Furthermore, regarding the rules of this village, Shi Wanli had already confirmed that "Do not enter empty rooms" was true.

So, for other Taboos, such as not wearing red at night or not wearing flowers during the Daytime… now that Immortal Qiao's Junior Sisters and Shi Wanli were not here, it was a good time to find a few Loose Cultivators to test them.

Thinking of this, Fairy Yu Meng immediately sent a telepathic message, calling a few Loose Cultivators to follow her. She left the house and walked towards a secluded area…

***

Sang Village.

Pei Ling had just finished tidying up and opened his courtyard gate when he saw a servant approaching. The servant bowed and said, "Young Master, today is my master's joyous day. I invite you to come and have a cup of wine."

"Good." Pei Ling nodded and followed him towards the village chief's house.

At this moment, the entire village was decorated with lanterns and streamers, everywhere draped in red and green, appearing festive and joyful.

However, the large red lanterns hanging along the way were all made of human bones and skin, and even the candles burning inside were refined from corpse oil.

At this scene, Pei Ling walked quietly, his face showing no change.

Besides him, many villagers were also coming out of their homes, greeting each other, and walking towards the village chief's house.

Clearly, in such a remote place, the village chief's prestige and status were extremely high. When he married his son, the entire village would naturally come to offer congratulations.

Soon, the seven pine and cypress trees were in sight.

The vermilion lacquered gate was now wide open, and the butler, along with a group of servants and houseboys, stood at the entrance, smiling as they welcomed the endless stream of guests.

Pei Ling, caught in the crowd, exchanged a few pleasantries with him and then walked inside.

Chapter 585: Welcoming the bride on behalf of others. (The third update! Please subscribe!)

Upon entering, he had intended to find a seat in a corner, but as soon as he stepped through the door, he was ushered to the main table and seated in the most honored guest position.

Regarding this, not only did the Village Chief, who was already present, have no objections, but the surrounding villagers also wore expressions of complete understanding.

Pei Ling felt a sense of unease. He looked around, only to see a scene of vibrant floral arrangements, joyous celebration, and children running around, playing and shouting about wanting to see the Bride.

In short, apart from some eerie furnishings made from human Materials, it seemed to have no significant difference from a regular wedding.

As he pondered, the Village Chief suddenly leaned over and said, "Young Master, the wedding still has some time before it begins. I wonder if you would be willing to meet my good-for-nothing son?"

The Bridegroom?

Currently, the most noteworthy event in Sang Village was this wedding.

And the Bridegroom, without a doubt, was one of the two most important roles in the wedding.

Before the Bride arrived, meeting him might provide some clues.

More importantly, he didn't dare to rashly refuse the Village Chief's current proposal…

Thinking of this, Pei Ling nodded and said, "Alright."

However, upon hearing this, the Village Chief did not have someone call the Bridegroom over. Instead, he apologized, "My son is frail and cannot be exposed to the wind. Please, Young Master, move to the inner room."

Hearing these words, Pei Ling's heart grew wary. He immediately and discreetly took out the Void Heaven Realm Seed, then stood up and followed the Village Chief into the inner chambers.

Soon, they passed through a narrow corridor and arrived at a room.

This room was large, but it had almost no furnishings. The entire floor, the four walls, and even the beams were lit with countless corpse oil lamps.

The scent of corpse oil permeated the air, foul and murky.

Amidst the layers of candlelight, a young man with a pale, bluish complexion sat cross-legged.

This man was short in stature and his appearance was crude. Although his eyes were tightly closed, the gloominess between his brows remained.

He wore a blood-colored Bridegroom's robe and a black gauze soft turban on his head, with a freshly plucked large red peony pinned at his temple. The peony was in full bloom, its vibrant, blood-red petals surrounding a golden stamen, making it look incredibly beautiful and opulent.

Such a grand attire, however, did not add to his splendor; instead, it only made his dull and plain appearance more pronounced.

The young man showed no reaction to the arrival of the Village Chief and Pei Ling; he didn't even open his eyes.

"This is my son," the Village Chief said with a slight sigh, introducing him to Pei Ling. "He has been weak since childhood, and in the past few years, due to various reasons, he has been constantly bedridden… I hope that after this marriage, with the auspiciousness of the happy event, he will recover."

Pei Ling nodded, perfunctorily saying, "Your son is a blessed man; he will surely be fine."

The Village Chief then turned to his son and said, "This is the Young Master."

Pei Ling nodded in greeting to the other party, but this Bridegroom showed no reaction. If not for the rise and fall of his chest, one would almost think he was a corpse.

"Please look, Young Master," the Village Chief said with a sorrowful expression. "According to custom, my son will personally set off to welcome the Bride later."

"But he is still ill and cannot leave this place."

"Could I trouble the Young Master to help and escort the Bride on his behalf?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Ling frowned. This Sang Village was strange, and the Village Chief was not a good person. Yesterday he said that he only needed to come and drink the wedding wine, but now he wanted him to escort the Bride on his behalf. No matter how he thought about it, it felt like a trick. He was very unwilling in his heart, but in the current situation, considering the subtle sense of threat the Village Chief gave him, he dared not refuse.

After a brief thought, he said, "I have been away for a long time and have forgotten the customs here. I'm afraid I won't do a good job and will ruin your son's important event."

"No matter, no matter!" The Village Chief immediately said upon hearing this, "In the countryside, where are there so many rules?"

"Young Master only needs to wear my son's robe and set off with the welcoming party."

"Oh, and remember, do not speak or look back on the way."

Pei Ling immediately noted these Taboo, saying, "Since that is the case, then I will make this trip on behalf of your son."

The Village Chief was overjoyed and personally led him to the back.

At this moment, the welcoming party was almost ready. A bustling crowd surrounded an eight-bearer sedan chair, adorned with colorful decorations.

At the very front of the procession, someone led a pure white horse with a large red flower tied to its chest.

The Village Chief ordered someone to bring a set of Bridegroom's robes and a turban identical to what his son had just worn, and publicly helped Pei Ling put them on. Afterwards, a maidservant presented a lacquered tray, on which rested a freshly cut large red peony.

It was also a large red peony, and this one, at first glance, was identical to the one pinned to the Village Chief's son's head, but there were some subtle differences in detail.

Pei Ling used the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】 to confirm that these items were all fine before allowing them to prepare him.

Soon, he was dressed, mounted the white horse, led the sedan chair, and was surrounded by the procession. They left the residence in a grand, mighty manner, heading straight out of the village…

※ ※ ※

Zi Village.

Old Xu family.

The bodies of the family of three and the two Loose Cultivator had all been prepared, and no further incidents occurred in between, much to the Riverside Crying Woman's obvious relief.

Immediately, she instructed the remaining two Loose Cultivator to call in the coffin bearers, preparing for the funeral procession.

As there were two additional bodies but no extra coffins, they had to follow the Riverside Crying Woman's suggestion: temporarily dismantle a bed from the Old Xu family to make a simple stretcher and carry the two Loose Cultivator who had violated the rules.

As they passed the main house, the Riverside Crying Woman called out to the coffin bearers, whose expressions were solemn after seeing their companions' corpses: "There are two more in the kitchen; go dismantle another bed."

Ultimately, the Loose Cultivator serving as coffin bearers, their faces pale, carried seven bodies out the door.

During this time, the musicians in the main house all wore grave expressions.

They had thought that only their side had encountered trouble, but they hadn't expected that the mourners inside had also met with misfortune!

All the Loose Cultivator dared not show any further slackness, and the musicians' playing suddenly became much more strident.

Amidst the music, the Riverside Crying Woman wiped her face and suddenly began to wail loudly: "Oh, my son, my son, you boarded the sedan, the nails were set, a covering cloth draped over your head. Today the flower sedan passes the door, tomorrow there will be no regretting it."

At this moment, the three coffins of the Old Xu family were already closed. Apart from the two remaining crying Loose Cultivator, no one else knew what the Riverside Crying Woman had done inside.

But upon hearing these words, their expressions changed.

It was clearly a funeral, and there was no sedan chair, so why were there mentions of a flower sedan and a covering cloth?

Was this a funeral procession or a wedding?

Their minds were filled with confusion. As they pondered, the procession had already left the house, and mist quietly rose, enveloping every figure in the group.

The two crying Loose Cultivator were filled with dread but dared not be negligent. They both forced tears from their eyes with spiritual Qi, following behind the Riverside Crying Woman, snot and tears streaming down their faces, weeping as they walked.

Amidst the sorrow, the procession began to circle the entire village, as the Village Chief had said. After passing by the entrance of every household, they finally turned towards the outside of the village.

A moment later, the procession passed by the Village Chief's house.

【Note】Susong Nursery Rhymes (Susong Children's Rhyme).

Chapter 586: The two villages meet. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

Qiao Ciguang and the others stood before the brushwood gate, watching intently.

However, the entire procession was now shrouded in a veil-like mist, making it appear like a blurred, smudged landscape painting. Only rough outlines were discernible, making it impossible to identify specific individuals.

Therefore, Qiao Ciguang and her group didn't recognize the Loose Cultivators within the procession at all.

At this moment, the Loose Cultivators' vision was also obscured by the mist, and they didn't notice Qiao Ciguang and the others nearby. The two groups almost brushed past each other, yet remained completely unaware of each other's presence.

Thus, the musicians continued to play, the Riverside Crying Woman continued to wail, the coffin bearers continued to carry the coffin and bed board forward… while children sang rhymes, chasing after them.

Just then, the Village Head, dressed in a new hemp robe and a hemp rope belt, emerged from the small courtyard and joined the procession, drawling in a voice that was both a sob and a song: “Go… oh…”

Watching the procession move further and further away, almost disappearing into the mist, Qiao Ciguang immediately sent a spiritual message: “Follow them!”

Shi Wanli and Ruan Zhi, along with the four other female Disciples of Su Zhen Heaven, didn't hesitate. They immediately followed behind the funeral procession with Qiao Ciguang, maintaining a distance and using concealment techniques to avoid being discovered by the procession.

Soon, the procession wound its way out of the village.

※ ※ ※

Sang Village.

The wedding procession, with its lively music, escorted the sedan chair and Pei Ling, who was seated on a white horse, out of the village.

Suddenly, mist rose all around, and the previously clear scenery instantly became blurry and engulfed in Chaos.

Pei Ling's heart sank slightly. He looked around but found that everyone else seemed normal, as if the mist didn't exist. Even the white horse beneath him continued to trot along as usual.

As he pondered, a procession carrying coffins soon appeared in the mist ahead.

And there was more than one coffin!

The people in that procession were weeping, their voices mournful, and the entire group was enveloped in a somber, sorrowful atmosphere.

Seeing this, Pei Ling's expression changed slightly. This procession must belong to another village.

But a wedding encountering a funeral was extremely inauspicious!

Some even believed such an encounter would affect the newlyweds' fortune for their entire lives.

He wondered if the two villages would clash because of this, and if a conflict arose, what should he do…

As the two drew closer, Pei Ling suddenly realized that the musicians, the Riverside Crying Woman, the coffin bearers… in the other procession were all Loose Cultivators who had entered the Floating Island with him this time!

However, these Loose Cultivators had been following Su Zhen Heaven and were not part of Old Ancestor Woqiu's group, so they hadn't entered Sang Village with the five Core Formation Loose Cultivators.

Realizing this, Pei Ling immediately understood: the two villages were Sang Village and Zi Village. He and most of the Loose Cultivators had entered Sang Village, while Qiao Ciguang, Shi Wanli, and the remaining Loose Cultivators must have gone to Zi Village!

As his thoughts raced, he carefully observed the Loose Cultivators, seeing that they all looked terrified and pale.

Pei Ling had a premonition that Zi Village should be slightly safer compared to Sang Village, where he was.

At the very least, these Loose Cultivators, though extremely panicked, were still alive so far.

However, the Loose Cultivators who entered Sang Village had already been completely wiped out.

“I need to find a way to exchange information with the Cultivators from Zi Village,” Pei Ling thought to himself. “Furthermore, Qiao Ciguang is a true Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven and is well-informed. She might know more about the current situation…”

“Following these people should lead me to Zi Village…”

He pondered. The Village Head had just told him not to speak.

He just didn't know if spiritual messages counted as speaking.

In the village, breaking the rules meant death.

Now outside the village, he didn't know what the consequence of breaking the rules would be…

As he weighed his options, the two processions had already met head-on, about to collide, but instead, they passed directly through each other.

Pei Ling was slightly startled. Only then did he realize that he could see the people from Zi Village, but the people from Zi Village, including the Loose Cultivators, seemed unable to see him!

Soon, a Loose Cultivator came head-on towards him.

Pei Ling originally intended to avoid him, but with a change of thought, he maintained his speed and directly charged towards the other party.

Swish!

The two passed through each other, and Pei Ling didn't make any contact with the other party!

He subconsciously wanted to turn back and check on the Loose Cultivator, but remembering the Village Head's warning, he immediately stopped his movement and then continued forward.

※ ※ ※

At the same time.

The funeral procession from Zi Village struggled to move forward through the dense fog.

They didn't know how far they had walked, nor where they had arrived.

Suddenly, everyone felt a gust of cold wind blow towards them.

The cold wind came abruptly and left quickly. Everyone, including the Loose Cultivators with cultivation, shivered uncontrollably.

Several Loose Cultivators subconsciously turned their heads, only to see the previously dense mist rapidly dissipating behind them, and the surrounding scenery immediately became clear.

They were now on a hillside outside the village, seemingly not having walked too far, because from here, they could overlook the distant village and small river.

And at present, it was a very, very large graveyard!

At this moment, the Village Head in the procession stopped and said, “We've arrived. We can begin the burial.”

Immediately, villagers called for the coffin bearers to come forward, took out their tools, and in the densely packed grave mounds, found a relatively open spot to begin digging the burial chamber.

…In a completely unfamiliar dense forest, Qiao Ciguang, Shi Wanli, Ruan Zhi, and the others were cautiously following the funeral procession ahead.

But as they walked, the mist ahead grew heavier and heavier.

The mist seemed to have a will of its own, and even with Qiao Ciguang's cultivation, she couldn't get close.

Moreover, the mist could also block sounds.

The cries of the Riverside Crying Woman and the two grieving Loose Cultivators were originally loud, but soon, as the mist thickened, they rapidly diminished.

Eventually, only faint, ethereal cries, seemingly coming from nowhere, reached Qiao Ciguang and the others' ears.

Therefore, not long after leaving the village, they lost their target!

“They're gone!” Ruan Zhi said, her expression changing as she looked at the vast whiteness around them.

Chu Hanbei immediately added, “The direction of the funeral procession hasn't changed. The place they're going should be straight ahead. As long as we keep walking in the same direction, we'll definitely catch up.”

“Not necessarily,” Zhang Jing shook her head, reminding them, “When we wanted to leave the village before, we also kept walking in one direction, but after a while, we returned to Zi Village… If we continue forward now, it's very likely we'll end up back at the village entrance, just like yesterday!”

Zhong Shizhu frowned, looked at Qiao Ciguang, and quietly asked, “Senior Sister, what should we do now?”

The four Junior Sisters all looked at Qiao Ciguang. Shi Wanli frowned and thought for a moment, also without a good idea, and likewise asked, “Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao, do you have any ideas?”

Qiao Ciguang nodded slightly, and then, two lines of bloody tears suddenly flowed from her eyes, and her entire aura instantly weakened!

Shi Wanli and Ruan Zhi and the others were greatly alarmed!

Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao was in trouble!

They hadn't noticed anything just now!

But at this moment, a faint light flashed around Qiao Ciguang. Soon, the bloody tears stopped, and her aura quickly recovered.

“When I spoke with the Village Head earlier, I placed some means on him,” she said calmly, wiping the bloody tears from her cheeks. “Now, follow me, and we'll find the funeral procession.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Wanli and the four others immediately understood that one of Zi Village's rules was not to harm villagers.

And Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao, even before setting out, had already considered that there might be an unexpected situation during this funeral, so she had tampered with the Village Head in advance!

Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao's trouble just now was due to activating her hidden trick to track the Village Head, thus suffering a backlash from Zi Village's rules.

However, as a true Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven, how could Qiao Ciguang not have life-saving items on her?

At this moment, she had paid a certain price to forcibly break a rule once!

Immediately after, a faint, deep green light appeared in Qiao Ciguang's eyes. She glanced around and then chose a direction completely different from where they had last seen the funeral procession: “Go!”

Shi Wanli and Ruan Zhi and the others quickly followed.

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Chapter 587: Am I also a ghost? (Update, 3/6)

Chapter 587: Am I a Ghost Too? (Correction, 36)

After the funeral procession left the village, it went straight in a certain direction without any deviation.

However, Qiao Ciguang was not walking in a straight line; instead, she seemed to be navigating a maze, turning left at times, right at others, and occasionally walking backward for a stretch. And after every short distance, she would stand still for a moment before continuing.

After some time, their surroundings suddenly brightened, and the fog thinned considerably.

Ahead of them appeared a small hillside, covered densely with mounds of varying sizes—all graves.

This was a vast graveyard.

At this moment, the Zi Village Chief, along with the villagers and many Loose Cultivators, were laboriously digging pits in the graveyard. Judging by the number of burial chambers they were excavating, they intended to bury all three coffins from beside them and the four corpses on the bed boards.

Qiao Ciguang and the others concealed their forms and auras, hiding in the distance to observe.

“Why are those Loose Cultivators also in the funeral procession?” Ruan Zhi’s eyes flickered as she surveyed the crowd for a moment, then she let out a soft “Oh?” and transmitted her voice.

“I don’t know…” Chu Hanbei guessed, “Could it be that they also secretly went to the Village Chief to inquire about information, which is why…?”

“That’s impossible.” Before she could finish, Shi Wanli interrupted her, transmitting, “Junior Apprentice Sister Chu has been in the Sect for a long time and rarely deals with Loose Cultivators, so she might not understand them well.”

“These Loose Cultivators are a motley crew, both greedy and afraid of death.”

“The experience I had yesterday, even Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao treated with caution, let alone these Loose Cultivators?”

“Unless it’s a matter of life and death, or an Opportunity is right before their eyes, they would absolutely not dare to take such a risk.”

“Otherwise, why would they have stuck by Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao’s side ever since arriving on the island, refusing to leave?”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ciguang’s heart sank, and she immediately understood the reason for the Zi Village Chief’s gratitude towards them earlier.

Yesterday, the Village Chief had entrusted the horn player and the Riverside Crying Woman to find someone to accompany the crying, but she hadn’t agreed.

But clearly, the Loose Cultivators had fulfilled these demands from Zi Village!

The one most likely to have done this behind her back was Fairy Yu Meng.

However, this matter could only be discussed later; there was still important business to attend to now.

As the group transmitted their voices and discussed, the people of Zi Village had already finished digging the graves and buried the coffins and bed boards. Next, they performed a simple ceremony. The Riverside Crying Woman led a round of wailing. When the time seemed right, she suddenly stopped, stood up, and conversed in a low voice with the Village Chief. The entire procession then began to pack up their things, walking back in twos and threes.

The funeral procession had ended, and it seemed they intended to return to the village.

Qiao Ciguang and the others remained hidden on the side, waiting patiently.

Finally, a moment later, everyone had walked away. Only then did they dispel their spell and enter the graveyard.

Standing before the seven graves with fresh earth, Qiao Ciguang said in a deep voice, “What the living refuse to say, the dead might not. Zi Village went to such great lengths to bury these people here; perhaps there’s a secret or a clue within the corpses.”

Hearing this, Ruan Zhi quickly said, “Senior Sister, why bother doing such a small thing yourself? I can do it.”

“No!” However, Qiao Ciguang shook her head, refusing, and instructed, “None of you are allowed to act. I’ll do it alone. If I act, I can ensure my own safety.”

She was a True Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven. The words “True Disciple” meant that Disciples of this level were qualified to receive the Sect’s true Legacy.

Such juniors, even for top Sects in the Pan Ya World with many high-level Cultivators, were to be valued and cherished.

Even the True Disciples of the Demonic Dao held no low status, let alone Su Zhen Heaven, which was a renowned Righteous Path Sect.

Therefore, Qiao Ciguang still had many trump cards she hadn’t used, and naturally, she had no fear at this moment.

But these Junior Sisters were different. Even if they had some life-saving methods given by their respective Masters, they might not have the strength to use them.

She had always given orders among her peers in the Sect, and now that her expression was serious, Ruan Zhi and the others, though wanting to help, dared not say anything more.

Having stopped her companions, Qiao Ciguang turned to the seven graves and, one by one, respectfully bowed to each, saying, “My apologies, I have offended you today.”

Then, with a wave of her hand, a translucent giant palm extended from thin air above the three central graves. With a casual grasp, the mounds that the Zi Village group had spent a long time piling up were immediately lifted, revealing the three coffins within.

With the coffins exposed to the light of day, Qiao Ciguang did not continue her actions but waited patiently.

After waiting for a moment and finding herself unharmed, she flicked a finger, and the tightly nailed coffin lids of the three coffins were immediately flung open by a surge of Qi.

The five immediately looked into the coffins, but the next moment, they saw that the three coffins were empty! There was nothing inside!

They were instantly stunned.

Qiao Ciguang was the first to react, immediately opening the other four graves as well. She found that inside there was only a thin coffin temporarily made from bed boards, so crudely made that it even had two-finger-wide gaps. There were no corpses inside these thin coffins either.

She scanned the surrounding graves and then dug up an old, aged grave. Upon opening the coffin, it was also empty!

Seeing this, Shi Wanli also began digging graves, and Ruan Zhi and the other four joined in.

Soon, more than half of the graves on the hillside were dug up. All the coffins were the same—all empty, with not a single corpse inside any coffin.

“This one is also empty… They’re all empty!” Zhong Shizhu frowned tightly, “Could it be that there are no dead people in this village at all? Was the funeral just for show?”

“No!” Shi Wanli shook his head and said in a deep voice, “Yesterday, I saw clearly in the Old Xu family’s backyard coffins: all three coffins contained corpses, and rigor mortis had already set in. So, people definitely died!”

“As for why the corpses disappeared… I don’t know either.”

“Could it be that they only carried the coffins for the funeral, and the corpses are still at the Old Xu family’s house?” Chu Hanbei proposed an idea.

Zhang Jing thought for a moment and said, “There were Loose Cultivators in the funeral procession. Should we go back quickly and ask them?”

The group pondered for a moment and all nodded. Qiao Ciguang then instructed, “Bury all the coffins back and tidy up the graves.”

“Yes, Senior Sister.” Ruan Zhi and the others quickly agreed, and Shi Wanli also helped.

Just as they were swiftly restoring the graveyard, Qiao Ciguang’s gaze suddenly sharpened, and she looked around.

She saw that the fog, which had just thinned, had somehow grown thick again.

Moreover, it was approaching the graveyard step by step.

Goo-woo… Goo-woo… Goo-woo…

The mournful, eerie cries of some unknown bird came from deep within the fog, adding a touch of strangeness.

“Hurry up!” Qiao Ciguang’s expression turned serious. With a thought, hundreds of translucent large hands immediately appeared above the graveyard, quickly burying all the remaining coffins. After that, she led Shi Wanli and her four Junior Sisters away swiftly.

※※※

Sang Village.

Amidst the sounds of celebratory music, the welcoming procession slowly returned to the village.

“Welcome the Bride! Welcome the Bride!” Children dressed in colorful clothes surrounded the procession, clapping their hands, jumping, and shouting loudly, “The Bride is good, the Bride is beautiful… May the Bride have noble children soon and live in harmony!”

“Good, good.” From the procession, a cheerful servant from the Village Chief’s family pulled out a pre-prepared money pouch, took out various candies and pastries, and scattered them to the children.

The children laughed as they scrambled to pick them up, then chased after Pei Ling’s white horse, clamoring, “The Bridegroom is good too, the Bridegroom is handsome… May the Bridegroom be rich and noble, healthy and long-lived!”

Pei Ling’s expression was solemn. This time, when he left the village to welcome the Bride, besides the funeral procession from Zi Village, he hadn’t seen any bridal procession from Zi Village.

But now, all the villagers were acting as if the Bride had already been received.

Without a doubt, that funeral procession was meant to “marry off” Zi Village’s daughter to Sang Village.

Perhaps seeing his lack of reaction to the children’s auspicious words, two servants squeezed forward, helping him distribute fruit cakes, saying, “Bridegroom and Bride, a match made in Heaven, a perfect pair…”

“A match made in Heaven, a perfect pair!” Hearing this, the children repeated in crisp voices.

The servant scattered another handful of fruit cakes and shouted, “Talented man, beautiful woman, a perfect match…”

Crisp children’s voices rose and fell: “Talented man, beautiful woman, a perfect match!”

Amidst the clamor, the procession had already passed through the village and stopped at the Village Chief’s doorstep.

A servant was already waiting there, stepping forward to grab the white horse’s reins, motioning for Pei Ling to dismount.

After Pei Ling dismounted, a golden jade auspicious cloud-patterned Ruyi scepter was immediately handed to him, for him to lift the sedan curtain.

He frowned, thought for a moment, and still did as he was told.

The sedan curtain was lifted, and inside the originally empty sedan chair, three figures were surprisingly seated!

The central figure was particularly small, appearing to be a child no older than ten, dressed in a blood-red wedding gown, with her head covered by a bridal veil, and holding a jade vase with intertwined floral patterns.

The jade vase was a foot tall, and because the child was so young, she held it with great effort.

To her left and right sat an adult each. From their body types, one was tall and the other petite. Both were dressed in rose-red skirts, with their heads covered by rose-red bridal veils. They seemed to hold nothing in their hands, with their sleeves gathered, and their skirts covering their silken shoes, not revealing an inch of skin.

As if sensing the sedan curtain being lifted, the three figures stirred, but then made no further movement.

Seeing this, Pei Ling immediately thought of secular wedding customs, and his expression subtly changed. Could it be that he was expected to carry these three so-called Brides out?

Fortunately, at this moment, the servant who had scattered candies earlier took the lead and shouted, “Bride, come out!”

“Bride, come out!” The children who had received fruit cakes eagerly echoed him, and many villagers also joined in the shouting for fun. Amidst the clamor, the three figures finally continued to move.

...They stood up stiffly.

Pei Ling, holding the sedan curtain with the Ruyi scepter, frowned even deeper. These three, despite their elaborate attire and complex clothing, and with their heads still veiled, were clearly just three corpses at a glance!

Moreover, the tall adult, with clear Yin and Yang attributes in his aura, was clearly a male!

Indeed.

Sang Village’s wedding procession was marrying the corpses buried by Zi Village’s funeral procession.

Just as Pei Ling watched coldly as these three, led by the little girl, filed out of the sedan chair, four male corpses walked out from behind the sedan chair.

They were still wearing their own robes, but their faces were made up with cosmetics, showing signs of having been dressed. Their eyes were a dead gray, and they silently followed behind the little girl and the other two, step by step, like accompanying concubines.

Pei Ling lowered the sedan curtain, watching them step onto the brocade carpet laid out by the Village Chief’s family and walk inside, musing softly: “A joyous occasion, yet marrying the dead…”

“So, everyone in this village is a ghost!”

“Even… me?”

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Chapter 588: Shrine. (First update! Please subscribe!)

Thinking of this, Pei Ling suddenly realized something extremely terrifying!

When he was at Pengying Temple, he had seen Li Yanling, a Prodigy of the Nine A Li Clan. The other party had died ten years ago, but he had been completely unaware, believing he was still alive! He was still wholeheartedly searching for the 'Dao' in Pengying Temple! He treated every day as if it were the moment he had first entered Pengying Temple ten years ago.

Afterward, the Reincarnation continued day after day, endlessly.

Could he be in the same situation now?

Just now, when he left the village to welcome the bride, he crossed paths with Zi Village's funeral procession. He could see the people from Zi Village, but the people from Zi Village could not see him.

The two teams met face to face, yet they couldn't touch each other at all.

Also, the attitude of everyone in Sang Village, from the Village Chief to the ordinary villagers, towards him was completely different from their attitude towards other Loose Cultivators.

Initially, Pei Ling thought this was because he had achieved Foundation Establishment with the 【Curse Ghost Dao Foundation】, and thus gained the village's recognition.

But now it seems...

Perhaps that was a reason, but definitely not the only one.

Furthermore, for the past two days, he had been observing the village's rules, believing that this would keep him safe, at least temporarily.

But now it seems very likely that this village has already made a move on him, and he just hasn't discovered it yet.

"I must immediately use the System to host a session and test what my current situation is!" Pei Ling's heart turned cold, and he thought to himself, "Even if it costs me a life, I must do it."

"If I wait any longer, I'm afraid no matter how many lives I have, it won't be enough to die."

Just then, the Village Chief walked out of the Main Hall and said with a kind yet unyielding expression, "Since Young Master is welcoming the bride on behalf of my son, then I'll have to trouble Young Master to continue with the wedding ceremony."

***

Zi Village.

The funeral procession slowly returned to the village.

After the procession entered the village, it immediately dispersed like birds and beasts.

As the Riverside Crying Woman reached her doorstep, she saw three elegantly dressed women already waiting there.

The leader, with a face like a hibiscus and a waist like a willow, was none other than Fairy Yu Meng.

Fairy Yu Meng had come to see the Riverside Crying Woman yesterday, so the Riverside Crying Woman recognized her at a glance, and also knew very well why this beautiful woman was waiting for her here.

Thinking of this, the Riverside Crying Woman glanced at the two people behind Fairy Yu Meng and said in a hoarse voice, "I can only tell you alone. Let your companions wait outside."

Fairy Yu Meng nodded without hesitation, then instructed the two female Qi Training Stage Cultivators, "You two wait here."

She followed the Riverside Crying Woman through the door, across the spacious farmhouse courtyard, and into the main house. However, the Riverside Crying Woman did not invite her to sit down; instead, she turned and entered the adjacent kitchen.

The Riverside Crying Woman's kitchen, like the Old Xu family's, had a large water jar next to the earthen stove.

This water jar reached an adult's chest, and it held more than half a jar of water, with blind fish lurking at the bottom.

"Please, move this water jar aside," the Riverside Crying Woman said softly to Fairy Yu Meng, pointing at the water jar.

Fairy Yu Meng's heart was vigilant. She first used her methods to probe the surroundings, and finding no problems, she waved her hand and moved the water jar to the empty space beside it.

At the water jar's original position, there was a lid on the ground, slightly smaller than the bottom of the water jar. If the water jar hadn't been moved, Cultivators whose Divine Thought was restricted would have found it difficult to detect.

The Riverside Crying Woman coughed as she stepped forward and opened the lid. Inside was an extremely deep cellar.

She descended somewhat laboriously using a rope ladder, then said, "Young Lady, you come down too."

Fairy Yu Meng frowned slightly. It was pitch black down there. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't be afraid, but this village...

However, the secret that Su Zhen Heaven desired was right before her. After a moment of hesitation, she crushed several protective Talismans and descended as instructed.

After descending, she found a narrow passage before her. A cool breeze, carrying a hint of moisture and an indescribable scent, blew from the other end of the passage.

It was like the lingering smell of burnt corpses, yet also had a strange fragrance.

The Riverside Crying Woman produced a white paper lantern from somewhere, lit it, and led the way.

After walking for a long while, their vision suddenly opened up to a vast underground Main Hall.

Torches burned brightly around the Main Hall, illuminating every detail.

The Riverside Crying Woman, however, showed no intention of extinguishing her white paper lantern. Instead, she looked towards the depths of the Main Hall and sighed softly.

Fairy Yu Meng immediately followed her gaze and was stunned. In the depths of the Main Hall hung a curtain of beads.

And in front of the bead curtain, like a family temple, five layers of spirit tablets were arranged.

Fairy Yu Meng casually scanned them and found names written on them: "Du City," "Yao City," "Zhu City," "Jing Du," "Yuan City"...

No!

That's not right!

These are not human names, but place names!

Otherwise, how could the vast majority of these revered individuals all be named "City"?

Fairy Yu Meng's heart skipped a beat, and she asked in a deep voice, "What is this place?"

The Riverside Crying Woman did not answer her immediately. Instead, she carried the white paper lantern forward and bowed solemnly several times towards the area behind the bead curtain before saying, "These are the Immortals our Tianwai Island has worshipped for generations."

Immortal?

Upon hearing this, Fairy Yu Meng suddenly realized that when she had just glanced over, she had only focused on the spirit tablets in front of the bead curtain and hadn't looked behind it at all.

Or rather, she had instinctively resisted paying attention to the scene behind the bead curtain.

This startled her. At this moment, she immediately turned her head and carefully looked behind the bead curtain. Through the gaps between the beads, she saw an ancient divine statue behind the curtain.

Due to the obstruction of the bead curtain, the exact form of the divine statue was not very clear. It seemed to be a man wearing a dark cloth robe, his face completely blurred, as if he didn't even have facial features.

A tremendous sense of fear, like Mount Tai pressing down, descended overwhelmingly!

Fairy Yu Meng's mind buzzed, her heart pounded, her face turned pale, and cold sweat instantly soaked through her inner and outer clothing. With her last bit of clarity, she forced herself to avert her gaze.

She didn't know how long passed before she finally regained her senses. She heard the Riverside Crying Woman kneeling on the ground, speaking rapidly in a voice trembling with fear: "...This old woman doesn't have many days left to live. I only hope that Zi Village can continue to exist. Even if, even if I die with ten thousand curses upon me, I will have no regrets..."

"Young Lady, since you are willing to help with the crying, drumming, and carrying the coffin, you must be a good person."

"I hope Young Lady can help save Zi Village... This vast Zi City, now only has so few people left..."

Fairy Yu Meng steadied herself. What did the fate of Zi Village have to do with her? She was only thinking about how to survive now!

And preferably, to gain another great Opportunity!

Thinking this in her heart, Fairy Yu Meng said aloud, "Don't worry. I am like sisters with Immortal Qiao, the True Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven. Su Zhen Heaven is a Righteous Path sect, and they would never stand by and watch people die."

"What exactly is going on? Tell me in detail quickly!"

Thanks to Brother Lonely Ah Xing for the reward! Thanks to Brother Jifashi for the reward! Thanks to Brother Jifeng Qie Xiaoyao for the reward! Thanks to fellow Daoist 20210605201047930 for the reward! Thanks to Brother Chunqiu Bicheng for the reward! Thanks to Brother Leek Fried Rice for the reward!

Chapter 589 Curse! (Second update! Please subscribe!)

“Good, good!” The Riverside Crying Woman, hearing this, slightly relaxed and sighed, “Since the young lady has agreed, I can rest assured.”

She continued, “My Zi Village, originally, should have been called Zi City.”

“It was one of the Twelve Cities of this Tianwai Island.”

Twelve Cities?

Fairy Yu Meng was stunned. This island, from the outside, was only a few miles in circumference, making it impossible to accommodate cities. Although they found the island to be much larger than it appeared from the outside after landing, they had not seen any traces of cities existing along the way.

Let alone Twelve Cities?

“The Tianwai Island is far from the mainland. Although the island is infested with snakes and insects, and often attacked by sea beasts, and cultivation is difficult, it was still a relatively peaceful place to live and work,” the Riverside Crying Woman coughed, her voice trembling, “But a long, long, long time ago… our ancestors encountered real trouble.”

“The Ghost Tide.”

“Every ten years, a Ghost Tide would erupt, leaving almost nine out of ten houses empty, a truly horrific sight.”

“Even our First Prefecture, Ji Du, which was jointly chosen by our Twelve Cities, was directly annihilated in the third Ghost Tide.”

“For this, our ancestors tried every method.”

“Finally, at the recommendation of a passing stranger, they thought of a method… sacrificing to Immortals.”

“By sacrificing a child every year, when the ten-year period arrived, the Ghost Tide would avoid the entire island when it erupted.”

“Given the surviving cities and population at the time, this requirement was not high.”

“And so, it was passed down from generation to generation, continuing like this.”

“But at some unknown point, the rules suddenly changed.”

“The sacrifice interval changed from one year to half a year, then three months, and later one month…”

Upon hearing this, Fairy Yu Meng frowned. Live sacrifice was not particularly rare; the Demonic Path had many methods of blood and flesh sacrifice to control evil demons.

However, according to the Riverside Crying Woman, those living on the island were only Mortals, with no Cultivators.

It was not that easy for Mortals to communicate with evil demons and monsters through sacrificial rituals!

Yes, Fairy Yu Meng certainly did not believe that the Tianwai Island was sacrificing to any Immortal.

Not to mention that Immortals were beings who had already Ascended; for so many years, she had never heard of Ascended Immortals still being able to contact the Lower Realm.

Even if they could, why would they seek out Mortals on such a desolate small island instead of the Nine Great Sects?

She frowned and asked, “Is this sacrifice the funeral held today?”

The Riverside Crying Woman tried to speak but had to cough violently for a while. She coughed so hard it sounded as if her lungs would be torn out.

After a long time, the Riverside Crying Woman's aura visibly faded a few shades before she managed to stop, weakly saying, “Although the sacrifice was performed, I don't know why, but the Twelve Cities were still one by one afflicted by the Curse and successively destroyed… Our Zi City, before the incident, was a large city second only to Ji Du. Despite the efforts of successive city lords to save themselves, it still gradually declined… Now, only Zi Village remains.”

“And now, in the village, a sacrifice must be performed every five days.”

“Regardless of gender, regardless of age, families draw lots.”

“Therefore, the number of people in the village is getting smaller and smaller, and the number of empty houses is increasing.”

“If this continues, Zi Village will cease to exist…”

“Since it's a sacrifice, why is it held in the form of a funeral?” Fairy Yu Meng mused, “Moreover, since the island has a long-standing tradition of sacrifice, aren't there people specifically in charge of this?”

The Riverside Crying Woman said weakly, “I heard that there used to be specialized priests, but they all disappeared after the rules changed… However, some items that the priests used to use were left behind.”

“This comb is one of them.”

As she spoke, she laboriously took out a gold-inlaid, jewel-studded comb from her sleeve.

Upon seeing it, Fairy Yu Meng's pupils slightly contracted: Magic Treasure!

This was actually a Magic Treasure!

Although she didn't know its specific function, she could feel that this comb was filled with extremely vast power.

Mortals could not use even a trace of this power… How could this comb be controlled by such a mere Mortal village?

She almost uncontrollably wanted to immediately reach out and snatch it, but remembering that she had not finished inquiring about Zi Village's origins and still had other questions for this old woman to answer, she reluctantly restrained herself and motioned for the Riverside Crying Woman to continue.

The Riverside Crying Woman seemed to be too weak to even hold a comb. It took her some time to put it away, and she continued listlessly, “In short, of the original Twelve Cities, only our Zi Village remains now.”

“And the current rules in the village…” Fairy Yu Meng tentatively asked, “Are they also passed down from before?”

The Riverside Crying Woman slightly shook her head. She seemed very tired, speaking slowly and softly: “They were established by the village chief during a sacrifice, following instructions from an Immortal. Young lady, do not try to violate them, because those who break the rules never come to a good end.”

She suddenly gave a strange smile, “Including, revealing the secret of this village.”

As soon as her voice fell, Fairy Yu Meng's pupils suddenly constricted: countless black spots rapidly appeared on the Riverside Crying Woman's face, the back of her hands, and all exposed skin.

The next moment, where the black spots appeared, the skin quickly withered, rotted, and began to ooze pus and blood!

And at this time, the Riverside Crying Woman still had a faint breath.

Seeing that she was on the verge of death, Fairy Yu Meng quickly asked the last question: “Does the Immortal worshipped by the village have a name?”

She did not believe that this so-called Immortal was some Ascended Immortal. Most likely, it was a high-level Cultivator playing tricks here! Although the opponent's methods were mysterious, there was a Su Zhen Heaven True Disciple on the island, a Disciple of a great sect standing at the top of the Pan Ya World. As long as she knew the opponent's true identity, there would definitely be a way to deal with them.

“The Immortal's taboo name… 'Curse'!” the Riverside Crying Woman struggled to say. Immediately after, the rotting flesh on her body began to fall off in pieces.

Soon, all the flesh and blood had fallen off, leaving only a bare skeleton, yet it still maintained the posture of kneeling and bowing before the shrine, prostrating without rising.

Watching this scene, Fairy Yu Meng was only slightly startled, but after realizing she was fine, she soon smiled easily.

In fact, even if the Riverside Crying Woman hadn't died now, after hearing about the village's affairs, she had no intention of letting her live.

Of course, taking action against the villagers of this village might lead to very bad things.

Therefore, Fairy Yu Meng would not act personally; the two Qi Training Stage Loose Cultivators outside were brought by her to help silence them.

Yesterday, she falsely transmitted Su Zhen Heaven's orders, telling the Loose Cultivators to cry at the funeral, act as musicians, and carry the coffin… This certainly couldn't be hidden from Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli and others.

But now, she was the only one among the outsiders who held the secret of Zi Village. As long as she used this as leverage, she could make Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty unable to touch her!

“People in the village will die if they reveal this secret.” Looking at the Riverside Crying Woman's skeleton, Fairy Yu Meng calmly analyzed, “Moreover, the manner of death is quite horrifying for Mortals.”

“Therefore, no one dares to speak.”

“Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli pride themselves on being from the Righteous Path, and coupled with the village rule that villagers cannot be harmed, they have no way of knowing the village's secret.”

“To know the village's origin, they can only do so through me!”

“And for me to reveal this secret…”

“That's very simple.”

“Just protect me so I can leave this place safely, and share half of any Opportunity I encounter!”

Thinking of this, Fairy Yu Meng smiled smugly. She reached out to retrieve the Magic Treasure comb from the Riverside Crying Woman's sleeve, but as she moved, she remembered the terrifying sensation of peeking at the idol behind the curtain earlier. She paused, and reluctantly gave up on the idea.

“This so-called Immortal named 'Curse' might be vulnerable in the eyes of Su Zhen Heaven, but for a Loose Cultivator like me, who lacks a complete Legacy, their ghostly methods are probably impossible to guard against,” Fairy Yu Meng thought to herself, “It's better not to take risks for now. I'll go negotiate with Su Zhen Heaven and the Liulan Dynasty first, and then arrange for other Loose Cultivators to come and pick it up. After they carry the Magic Treasure for a while and there are no problems, I'll take it back.”

Thinking of this, she casually cast two spell formulas to conceal the comb, then turned and left.

Chapter 590: Taking Back Fate. (3rd update! Please subscribe!)

Sang Village.

Seven pine and cypress trees stood in solemn rows. In front of the large house, the festive music of drums and gongs continued, but there were no other Noise sounds at the scene.

Everyone stared intently at Pei Ling, mechanically repeating the Village Chief's words: “Since Young Master is standing in for the groom, please also stand in for the wedding ceremony.”

Pei Ling’s expression remained unchanged, but a huge sense of crisis suddenly emerged in his heart.

He suddenly had a strong premonition that this so-called joyous occasion was actually a funeral specially prepared for him!

He absolutely could not agree!

Agreeing meant death!

At this moment, the Village Chief stretched out his hand, gesturing inwards respectfully, and said again: “Since Young Master is standing in for my son to welcome the bride, then I must continue to trouble Young Master with the wedding ceremony.”

Seeing Pei Ling standing still, the Village Chief repeated himself once more, his tone becoming heavier.

And the villagers’ gazes towards Pei Ling gradually turned strange, filled with covetousness, as if they wished they could pounce on him immediately and devour his flesh and blood.

“Young Master, hurry up! Don’t miss the auspicious time.”

“It’s just standing in for the wedding ceremony, not asking Young Master to stand in for the bridal chamber. Why is Young Master so hesitant?”

“Yes, Young Master, could it be that Young Master, having returned from afar, is unwilling to do even such a small thing for his hometown?”

“Don’t think about it, Young Master. If you go in now and perform the ceremony, then everyone can happily eat together, and this day will pass.”

“Young Master, hurry… hurry up…”

As these nagging Urge urges entered Pei Ling’s ears, his thoughts uncontrollably began to become muddled, and his body involuntarily walked towards the Main Hall.

Through the wide-open central door, behind layers of doorways, in the Main Hall, the young bride dressed in a large red wedding gown stood quietly at the foot of the steps, seemingly waiting for him to arrive…

Seeing this, Pei Ling’s heart sank. He no longer hesitated and immediately chanted silently in his mind: “System, I want to Cultivate! One-click Hosting hosting of the Nameless Cultivation Method.”

He currently had abundant resources. If he were to host any other Cultivation Technique or skill, the System could Cultivate on the spot, which would be equivalent to waiting for death on the spot, perhaps even dying on the spot.

Only by hosting the Six Desires Secret Canon, with the System’s free gift of a Dao Companion, could it help him escape this place!

“Ding dong! The Intelligent Cultivation System is at your service! One-click hosting, intelligent upgrade! Now beginning hosted Cultivation, a friendly reminder: During Cultivation, the host will lose control of his body, please do not panic…”

Along with the System’s prompt, Pei Ling’s mind cleared.

The villagers’ seductive voices quickly faded away.

He immediately realized that when he had established the Curse Ghost Dao Foundation in Luquan City, he had three Divine Abilities: the first was Curse, the second was Resentful Nightmare, and the third was Delusion.

What the Village Chief and villagers had just used on him was indeed Delusion!

However, the Delusion they used was far less effective than that of a true Curse Ghost.

Back at the Han Family Manor, the Delusion used by the Curse Ghost could directly manipulate people’s hearts, making the manipulated genuinely believe and obey the Curse Ghost until death.

But these villagers could only influence one’s mind.

Besides that, the reason why the Loose Cultivators who came to Sang Village were completely annihilated was very likely also related to this Delusion.

Just as Pei Ling was pondering, the System did not immediately give him a Dao Companion, but instead…

“Ding dong! Detecting that the host’s fate is incomplete, the System will complete your fate…”

The next moment, Pei Ling saw himself stride directly into the large house.

Seeing this, the villagers all showed satisfied smiles, thinking he had compromised and was going to perform the wedding ceremony.

The Village Chief, however, frowned, showing a look of doubt. The other party had actually broken free from his control?

Then why wasn't he fleeing, and instead walking further in?

Thinking of this, the Village Chief quickly followed him.

Pei Ling showed no intention of going to the Main Hall for the ceremony. Instead, he changed direction and walked towards the adjacent courtyard.

After several twists and turns, he soon arrived at the place where he had seen the Village Chief’s son earlier.

The doors and windows of this room were tightly shut.

The System controlled Pei Ling’s body to walk over. Without the slightest hesitation, he raised his hand and slashed, and Saber Qi instantly shattered the doors and windows into pieces!

The momentum continued, rushing into the room and instantly extinguishing half of the corpse oil candles.

The Village Chief’s only son, surrounded by corpse oil candles, seemed completely oblivious, still sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed in the center.

Pei Ling strode in, walked in front of him, and with a swift and decisive Saber Qi strike!

Swish!

The Village Chief’s son had no power to resist and was instantly cut into two, blood splattering everywhere!

In an instant, Pei Ling’s mind became clear, as if something very important he had lost had been taken back.

“Young Master?!” At this moment, the Village Chief, who had rushed over, looked at this scene, but did not explode in rage. Instead, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he said sinisterly, “I kindly invited Young Master, and even asked you to stand in for my son to welcome the bride and perform the ceremony. This is a trust given to a direct descendant, so why did you harm my son and cut off my family’s Legacy?”

Pei Ling immediately felt something was wrong, but his body was currently being hosted by the System, so he couldn't escape even if he wanted to.

At this moment, a series of System prompts sounded in his ears: “Ding dong! Fate completed, the System will continue to Cultivate the Nameless Cultivation Method for you…”

“Ding dong! Detecting that Cultivating the Nameless Cultivation Method requires a Dao Companion, detecting that the host has a Dao Companion…”

“Ding dong! Detecting that the Dao Companion is not in the service area, the System will provide you with a new Dao Companion for free…”

Immediately after, under the System’s control, Pei Ling didn't even glance at the Village Chief. He stepped over the corpse of the other party’s son, swaggered past the other party, and intended to find a new Dao Companion.

Bang!

As they brushed past each other, Pei Ling suddenly fell straight down…

※ ※ ※

At the same time.

Chongming Sect.

Chao Na Palace.

Behind the wooden door covered with wailing human faces, in the empty palace hall, a cold, eerie Aura lingered. Li Lieyue, dressed in black like the night, with her long hair unbound, sat cross-legged on a cushion in the center.

At this moment, her eyes were tightly closed. Under her feather-fan-like long eyelashes, heavy dark shadows were cast. Her cold face showed no expression, and the Aura around her surged like a raging ocean, creating a grand spectacle.

As the runes between her eyebrows flickered, her powerful Aura climbed steadily.

Her Cultivation had actually already approached the Late Stage Nascent Soul!

Suddenly, Li Lieyue’s mind stirred, and she abruptly opened her eyes.

After sensing for a moment, a flash of Killing Intent flickered in her eyes.

Immediately, the entire Chao Na Palace trembled.

Numerous Formation arrays that were usually closed and unused were all activated. The originally dark-looking palace suddenly lit up with intricate runes, illuminating the entire valley.

The many statues in front of the palace all opened their eyes. Upon confirming that the palace was about to break through the void and depart, they burst into a cheer. Then, they scrambled to rise from the ground, pounced onto the palace, climbed various beams and pillars, and while maintaining their statue-like forms, all revealed ferocious, bloodthirsty smiles.

The next moment, space violently fluctuated, and the entire palace suddenly disappeared from its original location.

Chapter 591 Whose title? (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

Zi Village.

When Qiao Ciguang and the others returned, they immediately went to the large house in the east of the village.

At this moment, the house was silent.

After they walked in, they saw at a glance that the Loose Cultivators who had attended the funeral were sitting under the veranda, their faces still pale, and their pupils filled with fear, as they had not yet recovered their composure.

The Cultivators who had not gone were all gathered around, their expressions also very grim.

They had obviously just inquired about the specific details of the funeral from their companions and were not optimistic about their own future predicament.

"Junior Sister Zhang, light a Clear Spirit Incense for everyone," Qiao Ciguang softly instructed upon seeing this.

Zhang Jing nodded, immediately took out an ancient-looking gilded duck-shaped incense burner from her storage bag, and lit a light brown incense stick.

Immediately, a faint fragrance instantly permeated the air.

This Clear Spirit Incense was made from several unique spiritual plants of Su Zhen Heaven, go through over a hundred processes.

Its effect was to calm the mind and soothe the Divine Soul.

Due to the extreme preciousness of the raw materials, the difficulty in cultivating them, and the need for extreme caution during the production process—where even one mistake would lead to complete failure—its output was extremely low.

Normally, Su Zhen Heaven used it for themselves, occasionally exchanging some unique resources with other major sects; it almost never flowed into the hands of Loose Cultivators.

Now that it was lit, the effect was immediate.

Soon, wherever the fragrance reached, the Loose Cultivators' original emotions of dejection, fear, and panic imperceptibly vanished, replaced by peace of mind and calm rationality.

Observing this, Qiao Ciguang persuaded the others to leave, keeping only the Loose Cultivators who had attended the funeral, and then asked, "Was the Old Xu family's corpse placed in the coffin? Or was the coffin for the funeral empty?"

"Empty?" The Loose Cultivators who attended the funeral were stunned for a moment, then two Riverside Crying Loose Cultivators immediately shook their heads and said, "That's impossible. The corpse was definitely placed in the coffin. From applying makeup to changing clothes to entering the coffin and sealing it, we did it all ourselves. There's absolutely no problem!"

The Loose Cultivator acting as the coffin bearer also said, "The coffin was very heavy, even for us Cultivators, it was extremely heavy. If there was no corpse inside, it would probably be impossible."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ciguang's delicate brows furrowed slightly.

Then Shi Wanli asked, "Was there anything special after leaving the village?"

"Everything was normal on the road," the Loose Cultivators looked at each other, trying to recall. "It was just that halfway through, we encountered a gust of Yin wind. Besides that, nothing else happened."

Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli exchanged glances, their expressions becoming solemn, and asked them to describe the entire process.

So, the Loose Cultivators, one by one, described the entire sequence of events, including how Fairy Yu Meng had used Su Zhen Heaven's name yesterday to take them to see the Riverside Crying Woman and the village chief, taking on the tasks of crying, carrying the coffin, and playing instruments, as well as how the Four Loose Cultivators died in the Old Xu family's house and were treated as dowry to be buried together, with nothing omitted.

After listening, Qiao Ciguang's expression suddenly changed, and she immediately said, "Go find the Riverside Crying Woman!"

Just then, footsteps came from the entrance, and Fairy Yu Meng, with her robes fluttering, returned from outside with two Qi Training Stage female Cultivators.

Upon seeing Qiao Ciguang and the others, she showed no intention of avoiding them; instead, she came over gracefully to salute.

The other Loose Cultivators instinctively flinched when they saw Fairy Yu Meng.

"Yu Meng!" Seeing this, and thinking of this Loose Cultivator's act of impersonating Su Zhen Heaven's name just now, Ruan Zhi's anger surged, and she scolded, "You are also a Loose Cultivator, and you should know that it is not easy for Loose Cultivators to survive. Yesterday, our Junior Sisters, Senior Sister, and Stone Manor Lord preferred to go out and scout themselves, and never ordered you. Why did you falsely transmit Senior Sister's order, causing low-level Loose Cultivators to venture into danger, leading to their death and Dao's dissipation?!"

Fairy Yu Meng's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

Although she had leverage now, her strength was not as good as Su Zhen Heaven's after all. She merely knew that this was a Righteous Path sect with a good reputation, and as the saying goes, a gentleman can be deceived by proper means.

Therefore, facing the angry rebuke of a Su Zhen Heaven Disciple, she did not dare to put on airs, and immediately said seriously, "I already know the origin of Zi Village, and furthermore, the two rules of wearing red and pinning flowers are false."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ciguang and the others immediately knew that the other party must have tried to test the two rules, "Do not wear red at night, do not pin flowers during Daytime."

And it was most likely the two female Loose Cultivators who were still following her!

Qiao Ciguang and the others' expressions grew even uglier. Just then, Fairy Yu Meng added, "Please, the others should withdraw. This matter is of great importance, and I need to discuss it privately with Immortal Qiao and Stone Manor Lord."

"Senior Sister..." Ruan Zhi had a very poor impression of Fairy Yu Meng, and upon hearing this, she frowned, about to say something, but was instructed by Qiao Ciguang, "All of you, go down."

Then she said to Fairy Yu Meng, "This is not the place to talk either, follow me."

She led Fairy Yu Meng and Shi Wanli to an empty room in the large house. After entering, Qiao Ciguang immediately took out a Formation Plate, instantly sealing the entire room's space.

Then she turned around and asked in a deep voice, "Is the Riverside Crying Woman already dead?"

Fairy Yu Meng was slightly startled, then immediately reacted and said, "Yes, she's dead, but I didn't kill her. Anyone in the village who reveals that secret will face a Curse. So now, besides me, no one can tell that secret."

Qiao Ciguang nodded and asked directly, "What do you want?"

Seeing that this true Disciple was so easy to talk to, Fairy Yu Meng felt a sense of relief and immediately said, "Protect me and help me leave this place alive. If we encounter an Opportunity, share half of it with me! You must make a Heart Demon oath for these things."

Although Su Zhen Heaven had a good reputation, she was still a Loose Cultivator, and her words carried little weight. Her actions of testing the village rules these past two days had just been exposed by Ruan Zhi in public, greatly offending the other Cultivators who were also Loose Cultivators.

It was imaginable that in this situation, even if Qiao Ciguang killed her on the spot, those Cultivators who were also Loose Cultivators would not only not think Su Zhen Heaven was cruel, but would instead applaud.

Therefore, Fairy Yu Meng still trusted a Heart Demon oath more!

Qiao Ciguang, upon hearing this, shook her head slightly and said, "I can make an oath, but I can only do my best. I don't have absolute certainty of taking you away safely. Because up until now, I know nothing about the Curse in this village."

"One could even say that this time, even I don't know if I can survive."

Fairy Yu Meng pondered for a moment, then agreed.

Among those who came to the island this time, Qiao Ciguang was the strongest. As long as the other party was willing to make a Heart Demon oath, whether it was promising to save her or trying their best, the result would be similar.

Thus, Qiao Ciguang immediately made a Heart Demon oath on the spot: as long as Fairy Yu Meng was willing to reveal the village's secret, without concealment or alteration, then she would do her utmost to help Fairy Yu Meng leave the island alive. After leaving, unless Fairy Yu Meng was detrimental to Su Zhen Heaven, she would not attack or betray Fairy Yu Meng.

During this time, if an Opportunity was obtained, half of it would also be shared with the other party.

After carefully considering this Heart Demon oath and finding no loopholes, Fairy Yu Meng immediately felt at ease. Then, she took out two Jade Slips, concentrated on recording the information she had just learned from the Riverside Crying Woman, and handed them separately to Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli.

The two took the Jade Slips, and their expressions grew more solemn the more they read.

Seeing this, Fairy Yu Meng couldn't help but ask, "Curse, whose esteemed title is that of a high-level Cultivator?"

"A Taboo of You Su Tomb once."

Remember to vote after reading!

There's one more update today, it will be tonight.

Originally, I could have finished five updates before 12 o'clock, but the internet suddenly had problems. I reported it and called Telecom for on-site repair, which delayed me for quite some time.

Chapter 592: Opportunity Appears. (Update, 4/6)

Chapter 592: Opportunity Appears. (Catch-up, 46)

You Su Tomb?!

Fairy Yu Meng was instantly startled. She was about to say something else when she suddenly felt an itch in her throat. When she scratched it, a large piece of flesh came off.

Looking at the flesh in her hand, Fairy Yu Meng didn't react at first, but soon, the flesh on her face also began to fall off in pieces…

Qiao Ciguang immediately tried to save her, but very quickly, she exhausted all her methods and still couldn't prevent Fairy Yu Meng's death…

In a short while, Fairy Yu Meng lost all signs of life, and even her soul instantly vanished.

“It’s not just the villagers; anyone who reveals the village's secret will die?” Shi Wanli asked with a solemn expression, watching this scene.

Qiao Ciguang nodded, and then, using a sound transmission, repeated everything Fairy Yu Meng had just said to Shi Wanli.

Shi Wanli looked at Qiao Ciguang in shock, but after waiting for a long time, he saw that Qiao Ciguang was perfectly fine.

“It seems my guess was correct.” Qiao Ciguang nodded slightly and said, “As long as this secret isn’t leaked, nothing will happen. Speaking about it to someone who already knows the secret won’t trigger the Curse.”

Immediately after, she gazed at Fairy Yu Meng's corpse and shook her head slightly. She had done her best to fulfill her promise and fully tried to save her, but unfortunately, it was still beyond her power.

Seeing this, Shi Wanli said in a deep voice, “Senior Sister, there’s no need to blame yourself. This Fairy Yu Meng had ill intentions and committed many unrighteous acts. She was bound to face this tribulation sooner or later. Her death now is merely the cycle of Heavenly Dao and retribution, so there’s no need to feel regret.”

Qiao Ciguang shook her head slightly, about to say something, when she suddenly sensed someone approaching outside. She immediately withdrew the Formation, pointed a finger, and the door automatically opened.

The person outside was Chu Hanbei. Seeing Qiao Ciguang, she quickly said, “Senior Sister, someone has arrived at the entrance, saying that the village is starting a lottery and everyone must go, including us.”

※ ※ ※

Sang Village.

In pitch darkness, Pei Ling suddenly opened his eyes. All he could see was darkness, but with a Golden Core Cultivator’s eyesight, he quickly realized he was lying in a coffin!

Realizing this, his expression changed slightly. The Village Chief had attacked him just now, and he had died once!

Was it the Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill?

Or the tian shang tears?

Thinking of this, Pei Ling didn't dare to immediately push open the coffin lid. If the Village Chief was waiting outside, he would surely die again.

So, he quickly introspected his Golden Core and soon found that the faint but powerful life-force seed within his Golden Core was still there. The Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill had not been used.

Then it must have been the tian shang tears.

Thinking this, Pei Ling cautiously felt for his storage pouch at his waist, not daring to make the slightest sound. Soon, he found that all three tian shang tears were still in his storage pouch, untouched.

He couldn't help but be stunned. He had definitely died once just now!

But it wasn't the Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill, nor was it the tian shang tears. How did he manage to escape death?

However, now was not the time to ponder this question. Pei Ling shook his head slightly, putting this matter aside for now. With a thought, he took out that pure green tian shang tears.

His Master, Medicine Immortal, had given him three tian shang tears that day: one for self-preservation, one for saving others, and the last one, which was highly poisonous.

The green tian shang tears he had taken out now was precisely the poisonous one!

Gripping this tian shang tears in his hand, Pei Ling felt a sense of calm. He immediately extended his other hand and slowly pushed the coffin lid.

Upon pushing, he found that the coffin lid was not nailed shut. With only a slight effort, it slid open, creating a gap.

Pei Ling held his breath, waiting. After a moment, there was no reaction from outside, but a strong smell of blood wafted in.

Seeing this, he immediately leaned closer to the gap to observe.

He saw that the coffin was in a room, and this room looked somewhat familiar; it was where the Village Chief's only son had been before.

However, all the corpse oil candles had been removed. Now, the entire room was covered in layers of crimson, with an unknown amount of fresh blood used to draw intricate Formation patterns. The bloodstains were a mix of old and new—grimy black, dark red, vermilion, fresh red… Countless resentments, loathing, and hatred converged within, firmly locking all auras within the Formation.

As for the Village Chief's only son, whose body had been cut in two by the System controlling Pei Ling earlier, it had now been re-stitched.

He had changed into a new robe, but it was still the large red wedding attire worn by a Bridegroom. On his head, a freshly picked large red peony had been placed.

At this moment, he was sitting cross-legged within the Formation, his eyes wide open, staring directly at the coffin, perfectly meeting Pei Ling's gaze.

Pei Ling was startled, thinking he had been discovered, but upon closer inspection, he realized that the Village Chief's only son had no reaction whatsoever.

Just like their first meeting, the other party’s face was pale and greenish, faintly showing signs of Death Qi, no different from a corpse.

Pei Ling felt puzzled. He tightly held the tian shang tears in his hand, hesitated for a moment, then directly pushed the coffin lid open and climbed out.

Immediately after, he pushed the coffin lid back into place and looked towards the Village Chief's only son.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…

More than a dozen Saber Qi silently appeared in mid-air, instantly pinning down all of the opponent's vital points.

Seeing that the Village Chief's only son still showed no reaction, Pei Ling's confusion deepened. He walked to his side and carefully examined him.

Soon, he discovered that this so-called Village Chief's only son was not even a complete corpse; it was an empty shell with nothing inside!

Pei Ling frowned, but very quickly, he suddenly thought of a possibility, and his gaze instantly turned cold.

Curse Ghost Dao Foundation, Curse Ghost vying for the Dao…

When he achieved Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment, he used Seven Fiends Life Suppression to split half of his fate, evolving a new Curse Ghost.

As soon as the Curse Ghost appeared, it claimed his name and identity, attempting to replace everything about him and seize all that he possessed. This was the beginning of the Dao contention.

And just now, as soon as he enabled System Hosting (System Hosting), the System detected a flaw in his fate and controlled him to kill the Village Chief's son, only then recovering the missing portion of his fate.

Without a doubt, this was another Dao contention!

Originally, Pei Ling was single-mindedly searching for the subsequent Opportunity related to this 【Curse Ghost Dao Foundation】, but in reality, from the moment he stepped into Sang Village, the Opportunity had already appeared before him.

However, unlike the previous Curse Ghost Dao contention, this contention was utterly unfair!

His opponent's strength, geographical advantage, and knowledge of the truth were far superior to his!

“The Village Chief just now asked me to take his son’s place in the wedding ceremony, which was actually like how the Curse Ghost wanted to replace my identity back then.” Pei Ling stood in front of the empty shell, his face grim, thinking rapidly, “The Curse Ghost wanted to take everything from me, and the Village Chief of Sang Village is the same!”

“The methods they use are different, but their essence is the same.”

“Both first split off a portion of my fate, and then, taking an inch, they intend to truly replace me!”

“My lost fate was most likely lost when I agreed to stand in for the Village Chief’s son during the wedding…”

“At the time of the wedding, the people from Zi Village couldn’t see or touch me because, at that time, I was replacing the Village Chief’s son, and the Village Chief’s son, in essence, was a ghost!”

“When my fate was missing just now, I didn’t feel anything. This should also be due to the Village Chief of Sang Village concealing it from the side. The cultivation gap between him and me is very large, which is why I couldn’t detect it.”

“That was a close call!”

“If I lost the Dao contention, even if I could survive through the Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill or tian shang tears, my cultivation, my hard-earned Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment, and my First-Grade Golden Core would definitely not return.”

Thinking of this, Pei Ling's expression turned cold. He glanced at the coffin next to him and the blood Formation around them.

Without a doubt, this coffin and Formation were used to preserve his fate.

However, although he still didn't know what the Opportunity truly was, he now knew very clearly how to obtain it.

He just needed to win this Dao contention!

“I’ve already killed the Village Chief’s son once.” He mused, “But he seemed to have no life force to begin with, so killing him again is meaningless.”

“The key to the Dao contention is probably not him.”

“The most suspicious person in the entire Sang Village is, of course, the Village Chief.”

“The problem now is that with my strength alone, I can’t defeat the Village Chief of Sang Village. I need to find Qiao Ciguang for help.”

“Qiao Ciguang alone certainly won’t be a match for the Village Chief of Sang Village either.”

“But she is a True Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven, and she must have many trump cards.”

“As long as she can distract the Village Chief of Sang Village for a period, I can use the System to contend for the Dao and directly raid the Village Chief of Sang Village’s lair!”

“First, I’ll go find Qiao Ciguang.”

Thinking this, Pei Ling immediately reached out and pressed the Blood Without Face on his face.

Immediately after, his appearance, physique, and aura changed. Soon, he transformed into the likeness of Old Ancestor Wo Qiu.

If he went to see Qiao Ciguang in Kang Shaoyin’s identity, he would surely be eliminated by her for exterminating demons before he even finished speaking.

But going as a Core Formation Loose Cultivator, he wouldn’t need to worry about this issue.

Thus, Pei Ling silently chanted in his mind: “System, I want to Cultivate. One-click hosting of the Nameless Cultivation Method!”

Large chapter.

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Chapter 593: This time it's the other way around. (First update! Please subscribe!)

The next moment, the System’s notification sound rang in Pei Ling’s ears: “Ding dong! The Intelligent Cultivation System is dedicated to serving you! One-click hosting, intelligent upgrading! Hosting Cultivation has now begun. A friendly reminder: during Cultivation, the host will lose control of his body, please do not panic…”

“Ding dong! Detecting a suitable environment for Cultivation, the System will gift a Cultivation environment for free…”

Hmm?

Pei Ling was immediately startled. A Cultivation environment?

This time, it wasn’t a Dao Companion being gifted?

He had originally planned to use the System to host the Six Desires Secret Canon, and since there was no Dao Companion of his on this island, the System would definitely gift him a new Dao Companion.

And judging by the System’s consistent habit of only gifting the best within its range, it would definitely gift him Qiao Ciguang for free!

At that time, under the System’s control, he would find Qiao Ciguang, and since his strength was inferior to hers, as long as he attacked her, he would definitely be interrupted.

After regaining control of his body, he would have countless reasons to explain his actions.

Such as being controlled by Sang Village, being controlled by Kang Shaoyin, or being under an illusion… No matter if Qiao Ciguang believed him or not, as long as he immediately produced clues related to the Opportunity, she would definitely agree to cooperate with him.

However, what was happening now?

While Pei Ling was still in a daze, the System had already controlled him to step forward. In no time, it stripped off the Bridegroom’s robe from the Village Chief’s son and put it on Pei Ling. Then, it put the clothes Pei Ling had taken off onto the Village Chief’s son.

Next, Pei Ling saw the System take out a Youji Town Life Pill from his storage pouch and roughly shove it into the Village Chief’s son’s mouth.

Afterwards, it picked up the Village Chief’s son, threw him into the coffin, and finally closed the coffin lid.

Having completed all this, the System controlled Pei Ling to return to where the Village Chief’s son had been sitting, put on the turban, and even picked up the peony that the Village Chief’s son had worn from the ground. After carefully dusting it off, it pinned it to Pei Ling’s temple as before. Then, it activated the Bloodless Mask to transform into the Village Chief’s son.

Next, the System began to operate the Heart Withering Art.

The Heart Withering Art was a spell Pei Ling had learned when he was still in the Chongming Sect’s Outer Sect. This spell was cheap and had a very singular effect: it was used to feign death.

At that time, it was by relying on this spell that he had even deceived Han Sigu’s Life-Suppressing Soul Thread during the Han Family Manor mission…

Not long after, with the System fully operating the Heart Withering Art, all of Pei Ling’s vitality was completely withdrawn. He looked like a dead body, indistinguishable from the Village Chief’s son.

At this point, Pei Ling finally understood that the Cultivation environment detected by the System was the subsequent Opportunity of the Curse Ghost Dao Foundation.

This was troublesome!

He hadn’t even found Qiao Ciguang for help, and the System had actually forcefully started!

***

Sang Village.

The large house in the west of the village.

Bang bang bang.

The Village Chief stood at the main entrance and gently knocked on the door.

After waiting for a moment, a female Cultivator, dressed flamboyantly, walked across the courtyard with light steps and opened the door.

Seeing that it was someone from the village, the female Cultivator arrogantly asked, regardless of the other party’s status, “What is it?”

In her opinion, everyone in this village was a Mortal, living and dying like ants. Normally, she could kill or bury them as she pleased. If not for her master’s command, they would have long ago massacred this village!

Her willingness to humble herself and ask now was already giving this Mortal enough face.

The Village Chief’s expression remained unchanged, a mysterious glint flashing in his eyes. He said in a bewitching voice, “Tomorrow, the village will hold a joyous event for the Young Master. The Young Master said that a few young ladies should also go there at that time.”

Upon hearing this, the female Cultivator did not detect any problem, only feeling that these words were very reasonable. She didn’t even think to ask why her master suddenly wanted to hold a joyous event here, or who the Bridegroom was. She immediately agreed without any hesitation: “Understood. Tomorrow, all eight of us will attend the master’s joyous event.”

The Village Chief nodded, then turned and left.

He had originally wanted the Young Master to take his son’s place in the wedding ceremony, thus achieving his goal successfully.

However, the Young Master did not fall for the trick, and ultimately, it was a failure.

Then, this time, it would be the other way around.

Let his son take the Young Master’s place in receiving the bride and performing the wedding ceremony!

***

Zi Village.

The Village Chief’s house.

Qiao Ciguang, Shi Wanli, Ruan Zhi, and others arrived with many Loose Cultivators.

Upon reaching the location, they found that they couldn’t see the Village Chief for a while, because the Village Chief’s house was already packed with villagers who had heard the news.

At this moment, these villagers had crowded the Village Chief’s house so tightly that not even water could pass through, and there was a clamor of noise.

“Why are we drawing lots again?!”

“Yeah, isn’t it not time yet?”

“The Old Xu family just had a funeral, can’t we rest for two more days?”

“What exactly happened?”

“Are the rules going to change again?”

“How can we live like this…”

However, noticing the arrival of Qiao Ciguang and the others, all the villagers instantly fell silent, like poultry whose throats had been squeezed, not daring to say another word.

Seeing this scene, Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli were not surprised at all, but Ruan Zhi and the other three frowned, their eyes filled with suspicion. It was clear that these villagers were hiding something from them.

At this moment, seeing the large number of people inside and outside, Qiao Ciguang instructed, “Shi Building Master and I will go in and take a look. You all wait outside the door first.”

Ruan Zhi and the others quickly agreed, and the Loose Cultivators also promised, “Thank you, Immortal Qiao, Stone Manor Lord.”

Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli exchanged glances, and their figures simultaneously transformed into an invisible and insubstantial breeze, instantly passing through the villagers and appearing in the main room of the Village Chief’s house.

Currently, the Village Chief was standing below the main hall, holding a bamboo tube filled two-thirds with divination sticks. He urged a tall, dark-skinned villager in front of him to draw a stick: “Old Yang family, I also have no choice. If we don’t do this, the Curse will descend, and the entire village will have no way to survive.”

“Village Chief, but if this continues, how long can the entire village still exist?” The Old Yang family said with a worried expression, “I am unwilling! Half a month ago, my nephew’s family just drew the lot. If I draw it this time too, then my entire family will be completely without descendants…”

The Village Chief sighed, about to speak, when at this moment, a breeze swept by, and the figures of Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli appeared beside him. Seeing this, the Village Chief immediately composed himself and explained, “Outsiders, this is a village rule. Don’t worry, as long as you don’t violate the village rules, you won’t be drawn no matter how you draw.”

“But when drawing lots, all living beings in the village must be present.”

“This is the rule.”

“Otherwise, the Curse will descend.”

Saying this, he turned his head, intending to continue persuading the Old Yang family to draw a stick.

However, Qiao Ciguang shook her head and suddenly spoke, “The sacrifice is once every five days. Why is it now only one day, and you are drawing lots again?”

“…” The Village Chief’s hand holding the bamboo tube suddenly trembled, then stabilized, and he exclaimed, “How do you know?!”

But very quickly, he reacted and asked, “Did the Riverside Crying Woman tell you?”

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Chapter 594: Sacrifice. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

As he spoke, the Village Chief revealed a clear look of sorrow.

The Riverside Crying Woman was old and didn't have many days left to live; her descendants and relatives had all been wiped out in previous lotteries. Her only wish was to help the village in its final moments.

And these outsiders were clearly the Cultivators from the legends…

But the problem was, the truth was not as simple as the Riverside Crying Woman had imagined!

Doing this would not help the village at all; instead, it might bring about its destruction.

Hearing this, Qiao Ciguang remained noncommittal, only saying, “I already have a general understanding of the village’s origins, but there are still many details I wish to inquire about from the Village Chief.”

She then added, “I have already tried, and for those who already know the village’s secret, explaining the situation here does not incur the Curse.”

“Therefore, I ask the Village Chief to enlighten me.”

“I am a True Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven, one of the Nine Great Sects. Perhaps I can find a way to lift the Curse on your village.”

Upon hearing this, Old Yang, who had been hesitant to draw lots and looked anxious, immediately helped persuade, “Village Chief, I think we should agree to this outsider, no, to this Fairy! Over the years, the rules have changed repeatedly. Once every five days already exceeds our capabilities.”

“The destruction of our village and our kind is imminent.”

“What’s more, it’s now once a day?”

“If this continues, we will all die out sooner or later!”

“Since this Fairy is willing to help, why not try?”

“Could the outcome possibly be worse?”

The Village Chief frowned deeply, hesitated for a moment, then sighed and said to Old Yang, “You go out first, and tell everyone outside to wait.”

Old Yang quickly left, not forgetting to bow to Qiao Ciguang as he departed, earnestly saying, “Thank you, Fairy.”

Once only the three of them remained in the room, the Village Chief went and bolted the main door, then motioned for Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli to follow him.

He led the two to the backyard cellar. At the bottom of the cellar, there was a secret passage. After passing through it, they arrived in a spacious underground Main Hall.

Upon entering, the first thing they saw was a kneeling skeleton, with the Riverside Crying Woman’s clothes scattered nearby.

The Village Chief looked at it, sighed slightly, walked over, knelt beside the Riverside Crying Woman, and solemnly kowtowed towards the pearl curtain.

Just as when Fairy Yu Meng entered earlier, although the pearl curtain was very conspicuous and its gaps were not small, Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli, after entering, noticed the Riverside Crying Woman’s skeleton, noticed the spirit tablets of those cities, and noticed all the various details around them, yet they had no thought of looking beyond the pearl curtain.

It was only when the Village Chief kowtowed that they instinctively looked over.

Then, both of their expressions changed simultaneously. The divine statue behind the pearl curtain, in the Village Chief’s eyes, was a blurred, cloth-clad Cultivator, but in the eyes of the two Core Formation stage Cultivators, it was an indescribable great horror, a great calamity!

Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli’s hearts pounded wildly. After quickly averting their gaze, they still felt waves of palpitations, and cold sweat streamed down their foreheads.

Curse!

Given their backgrounds, their understanding of this world was far beyond what Loose Cultivators could achieve.

Yet, they immediately recognized that this divine statue was the legendary ““Zhou””... This village was indeed connected to that Taboo!

After the Village Chief finished kowtowing, he seemed to have aged a few more years. He coughed a few times and said, “You may ask three questions, but as a price, this time’s sacrifice must be chosen from among you.”

“If you cannot agree, then I will say nothing.”

Qiao Ciguang’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she immediately asked, “How many people are needed for this sacrifice? If you want everyone staying in our residence, that is impossible.”

The Village Chief shook his head slightly and said, “Only one is needed.”

“But during the sacrificial process, anyone who violates the rules must also be counted.”

Hearing this, Qiao Ciguang immediately felt relieved and nodded, saying, “Agreed.”

Seeing her agree so readily, the Village Chief’s expression softened slightly, and he said, “You can think carefully before asking your three questions.”

Qiao Ciguang nodded, then immediately said, “First question, are the rules of the village set by the ‘Curse’, or by you, Village Chief, on your own accord?”

To be honest, she was a bit suspicious of the Village Chief before her.

Because according to the information the Riverside Crying Woman transmitted to Fairy Yu Meng, the village rules had always been decided solely by the Village Chief.

No matter how she looked at it, this Village Chief seemed very suspicious.

The Village Chief heard this, shook his head slightly, and said, “It wasn’t set by an Immortal, nor was it set by me, but by…”

He revealed an extremely complex expression, sighing softly, “But by those Curse Slaves who once served the Immortal.”

Curse Slaves?!

Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli were both startled at the same time. Fairy Yu Meng had not mentioned anything about Curse Slaves to them, which meant the Riverside Crying Woman didn't know either?

Thinking of this, Shi Wanli immediately asked, “What are Curse Slaves?”

“The masters of Jidu.” The Village Chief said in a deep voice, “Those priests who were once responsible for offering sacrifices to the Immortal… They now reside in a place called ‘Sang’.”

“All the rules of Zi Village, as well as this early lottery, are commands transmitted from ‘Sang’.”

Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli frowned upon hearing this.

Sang?

Besides Zi Village, there was another “Sang” on the island?

Where was this place? How many Curse Slaves were there now? What was their cultivation level? Why were they demanding sacrifices so frequently? Was it the ‘Curse’s’ will, or did they have other motives?

A series of questions flooded their minds, but only one question remained. Qiao Ciguang’s thoughts raced, and she asked, “Did ‘Sang’ state the reason for this early lottery?”

“The Immortal’s Legacy holder has returned.” The Village Chief sighed, “This sacrifice is because of that Legacy holder… That’s all I know.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ciguang and Shi Wanli both changed their expressions!

The Legacy holder chosen by You Su Tomb could certainly not be a living being!

Therefore, no matter what, they absolutely could not allow it to succeed.

Otherwise, You Su Tomb would give birth to a new Taboo!

“I have answered all three questions.” The Village Chief watched their expressions change, waited a moment, and then couldn’t help but remind them, “Now, it’s time to go back and draw lots.”

Qiao Ciguang immediately said, “No need to draw. I will be this time’s sacrifice.”

They had previously inspected the graveyard where the funeral procession was buried, but they hadn't found a single corpse.

Now, based on the three questions the Village Chief answered, if nothing went wrong, all the bodies were taken by “Sang” during the sacrificial process.

In this situation, Qiao Ciguang believed she had to personally intervene, first faking her death to deceive the villagers, then, through the village’s sacrificial ritual, proceed to “Sang” to confront the true masterminds, annihilate the Curse Slaves, slay the ‘Curse’s’ Legacy holder, and completely resolve all problems from the root!

Although this village worshipped the former Taboo of You Su Tomb, and even a single divine statue left by it was something she couldn’t look at directly.

But Qiao Ciguang didn’t think she would encounter the true ‘Curse’ on this island.

After all, according to the records of Su Zhen Heaven, that Taboo had been missing for a very, very long time…

Moreover, with the appetite of such an existence, how could mere Mortals as sacrifices possibly satisfy it?

To put it bluntly, even if all Twelve Cities of Tianwai Island were offered as sacrifices, it would be futile to truly satisfy the ‘Curse’.

Before Qiao Ciguang finished speaking, Shi Wanli and the Village Chief both showed shocked expressions.

Shi Wanli quickly transmitted a message, advising, “Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao, whether what this Village Chief said is true or false remains to be seen…”

Chapter 595: The struggle for the road begins. (The third update! Please subscribe!)

However, Qiao Ciguang's attitude was firm. She replied via spiritual message, “How will I know if it’s real or fake without trying it myself? Don’t worry, before I set out, to guard against the Ghostly methods of demonic Cultivators, my Master and all my Senior Martial Uncles and Junior Martial Uncles bestowed me with various means.”

“Even if something happens, I am confident I can retreat safely.”

Shi Wanli frowned, but after careful consideration, more than a day had passed, and the high-level Cultivators of Su Zhen Heaven must have already arrived at Wan Hui Sea.

Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao’s journey seemed perilous, but she would certainly be secretly protected by high-level Cultivators from Su Zhen Heaven, so there shouldn shouldn't be any problems.

Thus, he didn't try to dissuade her further.

“Immortal Maiden’s kindness, Zi Village will never forget it.” The Village Chief came to his senses and immediately agreed.

With that, he took out a bamboo tube, opened it, and motioned for Qiao Ciguang to choose one of the bamboo slips that seemed identical to the others.

Qiao Ciguang didn't hesitate and immediately drew out that slip.

The moment she drew out this slip, a chilling sensation rapidly enveloped her entire body, as if a mark had been placed. Qiao Ciguang immediately felt in her heart that this mark, though not yet active, would instantly take her Lifespan once the time came.

“According to past experience, you have one hour to make your final arrangements,” the Village Chief said. “After one hour, you must return to your residence.”

“Furthermore, the funeral will be held tomorrow. At that time, your corpse will need to be dressed and made up, and its clothes changed.”

“However, the Riverside Crying Woman is dead, and there are no similar people in the village. This task of washing, dressing, and crying must be handled by the Immortal Maiden herself.”

Qiao Ciguang hesitated slightly before agreeing.

Through today's funeral, she already knew that as long as the fixed rules were not violated, nothing would happen during the washing, dressing, and crying.

Since that was the case, she could just leave it to her four Junior Sisters.

※ ※ ※

Another day passed in the blink of an eye.

Sang Village.

Every household was decorated with lanterns and streamers, human skin lanterns hung from branches, corpse oil candles burned brightly, and a pervasive aura of corpse Qi, resentment, and hatred filled the entire village.

However, the joy in the village grew even stronger.

The villagers once again gathered at the Village Chief’s large residence.

Amidst the sounds of music, children ran and played, and everyone chatted animatedly. Just as it was bustling, eight female Cultivators in beautiful, elaborate robes arrived together.

These eight female Cultivators were all dressed alluringly, with their robes fluttering and their pendants jingling. Their shifting gazes made many male villagers stare intently.

However, they were arrogant and proud, not even glancing at the crowd as they walked directly through the people and took their seats.

Watching this scene, the Village Chief, who was standing in the corner, nodded slightly. It was good that these eight people by the Young Master’s side had arrived.

So, he turned and walked to the back.

A moment later, the Village Chief appeared outside his only son’s room. After opening the door, he saw his son standing motionless, completely devoid of breath, nothing more than an empty shell. His expression was calm, without any surprise or grief.

After all, this was merely a vessel used to contend for the fate.

Not caring much about his only son, the Village Chief quickly walked to the side of the coffin, stroking its body, his expression constantly changing.

The Young Master was in this coffin!

These “Zhou” slaves, guarding the Legacy left by “Zhou”, were imprisoned in this world for generations, as if bound by heavy shackles at all times.

Unlike the ignorant men and women of Zi Village, who knew nothing but to farm day by day, living from dawn to dusk, with no thoughts beyond eating and sleeping.

Although the “Zhou” slaves were originally Mortals, in the process of serving “Zhou”, they gradually became influenced, gaining a long Lifespan and learning about cultivation. How could they not be greedy, hoping to also achieve immortality, pluck stars, and roam freely like the rumored Cultivators?

However, they were made by “Zhou” and broken by “Zhou”. Because of “Zhou”, they were able to transcend the limited view of Tianwai Island’s Mortals and see another grand world, but also because of “Zhou”, they were not only unable to leave this place but also watched helplessly as the ultimate Legacy, which all Ghostly beings in the world would go mad for, was within their grasp, yet they could not touch it.

But now, the Young Master had arrived, and they finally had a chance to break free from “Zhou”’s shackles and be their own Masters!

Calming his emotions, the Village Chief carefully took out twelve nails, each several feet long.

These nails were entirely black, with a trace of what looked like dried blood at their tips, emitting an extremely strong stench. The nails were also wrapped in a thin layer of mist, which seemed alive, constantly gathering and dispersing.

Upon closer inspection, one would find that these mists were actually composed of countless tiny souls, suffering immensely yet unable to make any sound. They struggled frantically, writhing, appearing at first glance like clouds spontaneously gathering and dispersing, flowing without fixed form.

“Jingdu Zhenming,” the Village Chief whispered, fiercely driving the first long nail into the coffin.

The long nail pierced through the coffin wood without any obstruction, forcefully penetrating the entire coffin, with its tip protruding a small section from the other side. The bloodstain on it was stained with fresh blood, and the stench had faded considerably.

The Village Chief showed no hesitation or reluctance. When his gaze touched that fresh blood, he instead revealed an expression of extreme greed, and his movements became even more nimble: “Ducheng Zhenming.”

“Yaocheng Zhenming.”

“Zhucheng Zhenming.”

“Yuancheng Zhenming.”

“Liucheng Zhenming…”

Soon, eleven long nails penetrated the entire coffin. Fresh blood dripped from the nail tips, and as the fresh scent of blood diffused, the original stench on the nails was almost gone.

Inside the coffin, the Village Chief’s son’s entire body was crisscrossed and nailed to the bottom by eleven long nails.

Because he was an empty shell, he had no reaction whatsoever.

At this moment, the Village Chief took out a bone flute of a stark white color, gently placed it to his lips, and then exhaled a chilling gust of soul wind. Wooosh, the bone flute instantly sounded, emitting a bizarre and strange melody.

As soon as the flute sound began, the Village Chief’s son in the coffin instantly opened his pale eyes!

However, immediately after, due to the potent poison of the Youji Town Life Pill, his entire body went limp, unable to move at all.

At the same time, under the System’s control, Pei Ling also opened his eyes and then stood up on the spot.

The Village Chief nodded slightly. Since Pei Ling’s actions were identical to the commands he issued with the bone flute, and there was no hesitation in between, he completely failed to notice any problem.

Seeing this scene, Pei Ling was extremely nervous.

But seeing the Village Chief stare at him for a long time, seemingly not recognizing his identity at all, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

“Good, he didn’t open the coffin lid…” Pei Ling secretly rejoiced in his heart. Just then, he suddenly felt an indescribable yet extremely important power, as if from the ethereal, swiftly merge into his body!

The next moment, Pei Ling suddenly realized that he had deceived the Village Chief, and this should be the splitting of the Village Chief’s son’s fate.

The contention for the Dao had begun!

At this moment, the Village Chief suddenly turned around and walked out, the bone flute at his lips still playing, the tune growing even more bizarre, and the rhythm quickening.

And Pei Ling, under the System’s control, immediately followed suit…

A moment later, the two arrived in the Main Hall.

“Master!” The eight Cauldrons, who were originally seated, immediately gathered around him.

Today was their Master’s joyous day, so the person dressed as the Bridegroom must be their Master.

However, upon a closer look, the expressions of the eight Cauldrons instantly changed. This was not their Master!

How outrageous!

A mere Mortal village dared to play tricks on them!

However, just as the eight Cauldrons’ killing intent surged, the Village Chief’s bewitching voice resounded again: “Look closely, this is your Master!”

Chapter 596: Life! (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

Upon hearing these words, the eight Cauldrons immediately felt a trance.

When they looked at Pei Ling again, they only felt that although he didn't resemble their master at all and his aura was completely different, he… he seemed to truly be their master?

Soon, this thought deepened in their hearts, and in a short while, they were absolutely certain that this was their master!

“Master,” the eight Cauldrons immediately surrounded Pei Ling, fawning and clinging, eager to serve him.

But at this moment, the Village Chief said, “Young Master is getting married today. You maids and concubines, do not disgrace your future Mistress. Your days will not be easy then. Go sit at the table over there first.”

“After the wedding, you can listen to the Mistress’s instructions and serve the Young Master.”

The eight Cauldrons did not hesitate in the slightest, leaving Pei Ling’s side as instructed and taking seats at a nearby table.

Watching their obedient backs, the Village Chief smiled eerily.

These eight women were the Young Master’s Cauldrons, deeply entangled with him. Now that they mistook his son for the Young Master, a portion of the Young Master’s Luck could be siphoned off, just like yesterday.

At the same time, Pei Ling felt his entire mind clear, and the vitality within his body became even more surging and abundant. If the System hadn’t been running the Heart Withering Art, he would have almost been exposed due to the overwhelming vitality.

Luck!

He had obtained another portion of Luck, and this portion of Luck carried an indescribably pure and profound feeling.

After a brief thought, Pei Ling understood that this time, he had not obtained the Village Chief’s son’s Luck, but Kang Shaoyin’s Luck!

These eight female Cultivators were not his Cauldrons at all, but Kang Shaoyin’s Cauldrons.

Kang Shaoyin’s soul was still in his Soul Nurturing Bag.

The Village Chief of Sang Village was helping him contend for the Dao, but by a strange twist of fate, he had also contended for Kang Shaoyin’s Luck!

Kang Shaoyin was a true disciple of the Heavenly Born Sect, and both his parents were important figures within the Heavenly Born Sect. He himself was listed in the Golden Register, with the Sect assisting him in suppressing his Luck and concealing his heavenly secrets. Originally, such a Prodigy was difficult to kill, and furthermore, after being killed, it was almost impossible to plunder his Luck.

However, Sang Village had intricate ties with the Curse Ghost Dao Foundation, and the Curse Ghost Dao Foundation’s origins were linked to the You Su Tomb, one of the Four Great Cursed Grounds. It had actually bypassed the Heavenly Born Sect’s Sect-suppressing Magic Treasure and forcibly seized Kang Shaoyin’s Luck.

Just as Pei Ling’s thoughts raced, the festive music grew louder. As before, the villagers brought a gaily decorated sedan chair. It was time for the welcoming of the bride!

***

Zi Village.

In a relatively intact room within the dilapidated mansion, a stack of fresh straw was piled up, with a simple bedding laid on top.

Qiao Ciguang lay quietly on the bed, her hands folded over her lower abdomen, her long eyelashes lowered, eyes closed in slumber. Beside her lay a hastily made coffin, the smell of fresh paint not yet dissipated.

Ruan Zhi and the other four Junior Sisters stood around, their expressions solemn.

“Let’s begin. Don’t make any mistakes,” Zhang Jing sighed softly after a moment, speaking with a serious tone.

Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao had returned yesterday and assigned them today’s task: to take over the role of the Riverside Crying Woman and prepare her for the funeral lament.

When they first heard about this, she and the other three Junior Sisters were stunned with fear.

But later, Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao explained the true purpose to them…

Senior Sister already knew the village’s secret. Now, whether it was to solve the problem or find an Opportunity, she had to feign death once to meet the mastermind behind the scenes and break the situation.

Therefore, Senior Sister desperately needed their cooperation!

Knowing it was a feigned death, although the four were incredibly worried, they weren’t completely despairing in their hearts.

Now, hearing Zhang Jing’s words, Ruan Zhi quickly stepped forward, carefully helped Qiao Ciguang up, first applied rouge and powder, meticulously drew her makeup, and then used the Magic Treasure comb sent by the Village Chief to comb Qiao Ciguang’s hair.

“First comb to the hair’s end, second comb for a long life together, third comb for many children and grandchildren, fourth comb for an eternal bond, fifth comb for harmonious in-laws, sixth comb for blessings to the home, seventh comb for good fortune and avoiding disaster, eighth comb for ten thousand times profit, ninth comb for delicious meals, tenth comb for no Taboos…” In the empty mansion, the four female Cultivators sang the unfamiliar hair-combing song with slight trembling.

After the tenth comb, Qiao Ciguang, like the little girl before her, suddenly opened her eyes!

Ruan Zhi, who was combing her hair, was startled. If Chu Hanbei hadn’t reached out to support her from the side, she would have almost dropped the Magic Treasure comb.

She quickly composed herself and continued with the funeral lament process.

After a while, they dressed Qiao Ciguang in the red wedding dress sent by the Village Chief, checked each other for any mistakes or omissions, and then moved her into the coffin.

At this moment, the musicians and coffin bearers for the funeral procession outside were also ready.

“We can set off now…” Zhong Shizhu transmitted a reminder.

The other three nodded with solemn expressions. Although Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao was feigning death this time, the task she had to undertake was extremely dangerous.

They, as her Junior Sisters, absolutely could not hinder her.

So, they went out and called in the Loose Cultivators who were acting as coffin bearers. They lifted the coffin and slowly exited the door.

“My child, oh my child, you’ve boarded the sedan, the nails are set, a covering cloth on your head, today the sedan passes the door, tomorrow you can only wish in vain…” Accompanied by the clear, mournful singing of the four Su Zhentian female cultivators, the funeral procession began to circle the entire village. Mist gradually appeared, slowly enveloping everyone.

After a while, when they reached the Village Chief’s doorstep, the Village Chief, who had already changed into sackcloth and rope, strode out, shouting “Go!” and joined the procession, leading the funeral procession out of the village and into the depths of the mist…

***

Giant trees soared into the sky, and the thick fog was like porridge.

Suddenly, festive music, played with wind and percussion instruments, drifted over. Following closely, a procession slowly emerged from the mist.

The person at the head of the procession wore a bright red Bridegroom’s robe, a black soft headscarf, a large red peony pinned to his temples, his face deathly pale, his eyes vacant, riding stiffly on a white horse like a puppet.

Behind him, a rather elaborate wedding procession, surrounding a grandly adorned sedan chair, advanced joyfully.

Pei Ling appeared stiff at this moment, but the vitality within his body was stronger than ever before.

From the moment he left the village, the System began to refine the two portions of Luck he had seized.

Now, the refinement was basically complete.

In the ethereal realm, he felt as if he had obtained an enormous benefit.

This benefit was not immediately reflected in his strength or cultivation, but rather acted upon the profound and indescribable “Fate.”

The most direct point was that Pei Ling felt his Lifespan had far exceeded the limits of a First-Grade Golden Core.

As long as there were no external influences, his current Lifespan might even be longer than some Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators.

Just as Pei Ling was carefully experiencing this benefit, a mournful sound came from not far away. In his line of sight, a funeral procession slowly emerged from the mist on the opposite side.

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Chapter 597: The Wedding Day. (First update! Please subscribe!)

“They’re here!”

“The funeral procession from Zi Village!”

Pei Ling immediately focused his mind, but he was still under the System’s control, his body being managed by it, so his expression and gaze remained unchanged.

Mist permeated the air, obscuring his vision.

However, as the two teams drew closer, Pei Ling finally got a clear look at the Zi Village team. This time, they were only carrying one coffin, and it was still the Loose Cultivators who were carrying it, while those wailing… were they Su Zhen Heaven Disciples??

Pei Ling was instantly startled. Five Disciples from Su Zhen Heaven had entered the Floating Island this time.

Qiao Ciguang was not present at the moment, but the other four female cultivators were all wailing?

Could the one lying in the coffin be Qiao Ciguang?

What on earth happened in Zi Village?

Even Qiao Ciguang died?!

He was greatly shocked, but there was nothing he could do. He could only watch as the two teams passed each other.

***

At the same time, in Zi Village’s funeral procession, the four Su Zhen Heaven Disciples wailing, the Loose Cultivators carrying the coffin, and Shi Wanli and others playing the instruments, all felt a cold gust of wind blow past them.

Everyone realized what had happened and turned their heads to look. Sure enough, the surrounding mist quickly dissipated, revealing a clear scene.

They were on a small hill, surrounded by dense grave mounds.

Just then, the Village Chief said, “We’ve arrived. We can begin the burial.”

The Loose Cultivators looked at Ruan Zhi and the other four, as well as Shi Wanli. Shi Wanli and Ruan Zhi and the other four exchanged glances and silently followed the instructions.

Since there was only one coffin today, everyone quickly completed the burial.

“Alright, it’s time to go back,” the Village Chief said after the burial was complete.

Zhang Jing immediately said, “You all go first. Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao and we are like true sisters by blood. Now that she is buried, we are very sad and want to stay here with her for a while longer.”

The Village Chief heard this and did not refuse, only cautioning, “Do not stay for too long. You must return to the village before nightfall.”

He then left with the others, and in a short while, the vast graveyard was left with only Shi Wanli and Zhang Jing’s group of four.

After waiting a bit longer to ensure they had gone far, the five immediately dug open the fresh grave and opened the coffin, only to find it empty, with no corpse inside.

“Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao succeeded!” Chu Hanbei immediately exclaimed.

Shi Wanli nodded. Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao had used herself as a sacrifice this time to lure “Sang” into a trap.

Now that the corpse had disappeared, it was most likely taken by “Sang.”

Yesterday, the other party had specifically placed a unique Su Zhen Heaven mark on her. Next, they only needed to track the mark to find “Sang’s” location!

So, Shi Wanli immediately asked, “Where is Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao now?”

Zhang Jing immediately took out a compass, activated it, and said, “Follow me!”

The five casually re-buried the coffin and immediately set off…

***

Sang Village.

Amidst the boisterous and festive music, the wedding procession slowly returned to the village.

“Bride! Bride!” Children, dressed in new clothes as if for the New Year, surrounded the sedan chair, clapping and jumping, happily shouting, “The Bride is beautiful, the Bride is good, the Bride and the Bridegroom are a match made in heaven, growing old together!”

“Good! Good!” In the procession, the servants shouted loudly, opening their pouches, and various candies and pastries rained down on the crowd.

The children cheered and rushed to pick them up, then surrounded Pei Ling’s white horse, shouting in unison, “The Bridegroom is handsome, the Bridegroom is good, the Bridegroom will be rich and noble, and live forever!”

“Rich and noble, live forever!” The servants echoed, and another large pile of candies and pastries poured down.

Amidst the surging crowd, the procession slowly moved to the Village Chief’s doorstep.

A band for festive occasions was already waiting there. As soon as the sedan chair landed, gongs and drums roared, creating a lively atmosphere. At the same time, the surrounding villagers applauded and cheered, unable to contain their joy.

A servant stepped forward and grabbed the reins of the white horse, while the Village Chief also walked to the door, brought a bone flute to his lips, and gently blew it.

The System, without hesitation, controlled Pei Ling to dismount stiffly, then walked to the side of the sedan chair and reached out to lift the curtain.

Inside the formerly empty sedan chair, a woman was seated, dressed in a large red wedding gown and covered by a large red veil embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in water and twin lotus flowers.

Even though the wedding gown was loose and ill-fitting, it could not hide the woman’s graceful figure.

However, the veil obscured her face, and Pei Ling could not immediately determine if this was Qiao Ciguang.

“Bride, come out! Bride, come out!” As he pondered, the surrounding children began to clamor, and the villagers also joined in, clapping their hands, stomping their feet, and shouting in unison.

Hearing the commotion, the Bride in the sedan chair immediately stood up as instructed and walked out gracefully.

“Hmm?” Seeing the Bride come out alone, the Village Chief, who was playing the flute, frowned slightly. Why was there only one Bride?

There should have been three people.

Yesterday, Zi Village still had two people who committed the transgression of wearing red at night and wearing flowers during Daytime.

According to the rules, they should also come as a dowry.

Never mind, this is not important. One sacrifice is enough.

Anyway, after this wedding, he will be able to seize everything of the Young Master.

At that time, the fate of Zi Village will be the same regardless.

Thinking of this, the Village Chief immediately said, “The auspicious hour has arrived! The newlyweds must quickly enter the Main Hall to perform the bowing ceremony!”

After speaking, he gently played the bone flute.

Pei Ling was immediately controlled by the System and walked towards the Main Hall, but the Bride stood still, unmoving.

Seeing this, the Village Chief frowned even more deeply and repeated, “The auspicious hour has arrived! The newlyweds must quickly enter the Main Hall to perform the bowing ceremony!”

“Bride, quickly bow! Bride, quickly bow!” The villagers, hearing this, also urged her again in unison.

Amidst the overwhelming urging, Pei Ling was the first to walk to the Main Hall where the bowing ceremony was to take place. At this moment, the Bride finally reacted. Her fingertips, hanging at her side, moved, and the next moment, a powerful surge of Qi erupted from her body!

The veil covering her head was immediately blown away by a burst of Qi, revealing a face as beautiful as a peach blossom with eyes like spring water.

A living person!

The Village Chief and the villagers were all greatly alarmed. The sacrifice sent by Zi Village this time was actually a living person?!

At this time, Pei Ling was standing in the decorated Main Hall, with his back to the Village Chief and the Bride, so he could not see the Bride’s face.

But through the powerful aura that suddenly erupted, he immediately recognized that the Bride was Qiao Ciguang!

So that’s how it is!

Qiao Ciguang was not truly dead. The other party had most likely obtained many clues through the funeral held in Zi Village yesterday, and now, using the funeral, she had found the location of Sang Village.

However, he was currently being controlled by the System and could not help Qiao Ciguang. With her strength alone, she would likely not be able to deal with the Village Chief of Sang Village…

At this moment, Qiao Ciguang had already regained consciousness. She quickly scanned her surroundings. This was a seemingly very normal village, and even the surrounding villagers and children looked extremely ordinary. Many people’s clothes even had patches, clearly the most common poor Mortals.

But many decorations in the village were made of human skin and bones.

Even the red silk flowers hanging around subtly emitted a bloody scent, clearly dyed with human blood.

Upon closer inspection of the villagers she saw, although her senses told her they were all Mortals with no cultivation, the feeling was completely different from that of Zi Village! She couldn’t quite explain the problem, but she just had a hunch that there were no living people here.

This was a demon’s lair!

Moreover, she was now wearing a Bride’s wedding gown, and not far away, a person was dressed as the Bridegroom.

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Chapter 598: I can only be a concubine. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

Although Qiao Ciguang could only see the other person's back, she immediately realized that she had come to this place as a sacrifice, and the Bridegroom was most likely the target of the offering.

Even if he wasn't, he must be very important.

Thinking of this, Qiao Ciguang did not hesitate. She extended her fair hand and struck a palm towards the Bridegroom!

Boom!!

The palm force was shattered by a chilling power the moment it reached mid-air.

A ghostly figure flashed past, immediately blocking Qiao Ciguang's path.

"Bride, hurry and complete the ceremony." The Village Chief of Sang Village stared at Qiao Ciguang, his gaze sinister and his voice laced with Gu, "My son's wife was originally meant to be a dead person, but you are alive. Therefore, you cannot be the main wife; you can only be a concubine."

"Now that the ceremony is imminent, as an elder, I specially permit you to use the etiquette for a main wife entering the household."

"Why don't you quickly enter and complete the ceremony?"

As he spoke, a strange power continuously impacted Qiao Ciguang's mind, forcing her to accept his words.

However, a cold sneer flashed in Qiao Ciguang's eyes, and she remained completely unaffected.

Such ghostly tricks might be effective against Cultivators with unstable minds or insufficient cultivation, or they might be universally successful.

But to her, they were merely a gentle breeze, completely useless.

Qiao Ciguang immediately stretched out her hand, and a flower branch, as if freshly broken, appeared in her palm.

This flower branch was about a foot long, with tiny, delicate white buds blooming on its brown stem.

The stem, petals, and buds all had countless small, intricate runes faintly visible.

This was Qiao Ciguang's Lifebound Treasure, the Wanxuan Branch.

"Evil demons and heretics, everyone has the right to slay them!" Qiao Ciguang said coldly, pointing her fair hand. Dozens of white buds immediately detached from the Wanxuan Branch, transforming into frosty moon blades that cut through the sky, tracing a bizarre arc as they slashed towards the Village Chief.

The Village Chief's expression changed. Looking at the whistling moon blades, he raised his hands and frantically clawed at the air, actually managing to catch all the moon blades in his hands.

For a moment, the moon blades formed from the buds were all restrained and unable to move.

Feeling the vast and boundless power between the Village Chief's palms, which was something no Core Formation stage Cultivator could contend with, Qiao Ciguang changed her Magic Treasure incantation. The entire flower branch instantly transformed into a Flying Sword radiating chilling Sword Qi. As the sharp whistle just began, it had already pierced through the Village Chief's body!

Buzz!

The long sword passed through the Village Chief's chest, and the whistling sound slowly faded.

But the next moment, the Village Chief turned into a cloud of black mist, quickly re-forming nearby, completely unharmed.

Qiao Ciguang's expression was solemn. She changed her Magic Treasure incantation again, and her aura grew stronger and stronger. The Flying Sword suddenly turned in mid-air, slightly shaking its body, then divided into two, two into four, and four into eight.

Eight identical Flying Swords, radiating chilling Qi, roared with imposing Sword Intent as they slashed towards the Village Chief.

At this moment, the Village Chief's face suddenly faded rapidly, his facial features quickly disappearing, and countless bloody Curse marks appeared all over his body. He did not dodge or evade; his entire being was suddenly enveloped by a surging mist.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh...

The Flying Swords slashed into the mist, immediately disappearing as if a mud ox had entered the sea, completely failing to harm the Village Chief.

Immediately after, the mist rapidly expanded, pervading the entire area and obscuring everyone's vision.

But at this moment, a clear voice rang out: "Collect!"

The next moment, the dense mist began to thin at an incredibly fast rate. In just a short while, all the mist was drawn in by a powerful suction force and absorbed into a jade-green gourd floating in mid-air.

After collecting the mist, the jade-green gourd immediately fell into Qiao Ciguang's palm. The eight Flying Swords also emerged from the Void Realm, rejoining into one, transforming back into the flower branch, which floated up and down around her as she breathed.

Although her vision was clear again, Qiao Ciguang did not relax in the slightest.

Just this exchange of blows made it clear to her that this Village Chief's strength was terrifying. Continuing to fight him would be unwise; she had to first deal with the Bridegroom who was receiving the sacrifice!

Thinking of this, Qiao Ciguang's mind stirred, and a slender, dark silk thread immediately appeared in her hand.

This was Spirit-Binding Silk, specifically for Ghosts.

Once bound by this Magic Treasure, no Ghost would have any power to resist!

Qiao Ciguang quickly performed hand seals, and the Spirit-Binding Silk swiftly leaped up, binding towards the Village Chief. Seizing this opportunity, the Wanxuan Branch divided into eight, like venomous dragons emerging from their lair, slashing towards the Bridegroom.

Seeing this, the Village Chief was furious. His son was devouring the Young Master's fate, and he absolutely could not be harmed!

Instantly, the Village Chief unleashed an overwhelmingly terrifying aura...

※ ※ ※

Zi Village.

The funeral procession entered the village and was about to disperse when a villager hurried over, his expression anxious, saying, "Village Chief, this is bad! People in the village have suddenly started dying; it seems to be in response to the Curse."

"We clearly followed the rules, so why is there still such a disaster?"

"Could it be that the rules have changed again?"

"Changed what? I think Zi Village's time is simply up, and we won't survive!"

Anxious and uneasy emotions swirled in the villagers' hearts. Before the Village Chief could reply, they couldn't help but clamor among themselves.

"Curse?" The Village Chief's face changed drastically as he listened. He immediately turned to ask the Loose Cultivators, "Among you, did anyone wear red at night or adorn their hair with flowers during Daytime?"

According to the rules of Zi Village, anyone who wore red at night or adorned their hair with flowers during Daytime would definitely be chosen in the next sacrifice lottery.

If it was just being chosen, it wouldn't be a big deal.

At most, there would be a few more sacrifices.

But this time was different!

This time, that immortal maiden directly used herself as a sacrifice and took that sacrificial lot.

So yesterday, no one else in the village, whether villagers or outsiders, drew lots again.

The Village Chief had no idea about other sacrifices.

Now that a Curse had suddenly descended upon the village, it must be because there were too few sacrifices this time.

They had to quickly find the missing sacrifices and offer another sacrifice before nightfall.

The Loose Cultivators who participated in the funeral looked puzzled, then shook their heads and said, "No, we didn't see anyone wearing red or adorning their hair with flowers yesterday."

Hearing this, the Village Chief was stunned. It wasn't someone wearing red or adorning their hair with flowers?

Then what was it?

In his haste, his chest Qi and blood churned, but he quickly calmed down and ordered, "Call everyone over and draw lots again. Someone in the village must have broken the rules!"

The villagers immediately complied and dispersed to call people.

Immediately after, the Village Chief instructed the Loose Cultivators, "Please call your people too, and draw lots once. The Curse has descended upon the village, so someone must have broken the rules. As long as we draw lots once, we'll know who broke the rules."

Hearing this, the Loose Cultivators exchanged blank looks.

What did the deaths in Zi Village have to do with them?

However, this village was strange, and the Village Chief looked like a Mortal, but who knew what he really was inside?

The Loose Cultivators did not dare to offend him directly. Someone immediately said, "Alright, but we'll have to wait a bit; some of our companions haven't returned yet."