Chapter 131
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Chapter 131: Life and Death Soul Ring
The water rippled as darkness enveloped the surroundings.
Ming He lowered her head, her thoughts calm as she silently counted the droplets of water falling. Her brows and eyes were furrowed, yet a bright light shimmered in her gaze amidst the darkness.
It was almost time; someone was coming!
“Tap, tap, tap.”
Ming He listened to the clearly audible footsteps in the boundless silence and slowly lifted her gaze. The heavy Stone Door that trapped her freedom and blocked out the light of day let out a thunderous sound and began to slowly open under her watchful eyes.
A faint ray of light seeped through the gap, illuminating the splattered blood on the ground, brightening the dark stone walls of the chamber, and revealing the figure that entered.
Dressed in black, a black wolf mask twisted his face into a sneer as he moved with a ghostly grace, the light catching the subtle curve of his lips.
He stepped in, moving leisurely against the dim light, an air of indifference on his face.
Now was the moment!
Ming He leaned against the black pillar behind her, raising her eyebrows. Her right hand lifted the black dagger, slicing through the bloodline as she sprang up with the tips of her toes. In an instant, she crossed the distance, her wrist twisting the dagger to aim at Yóu Lìng’s heart. Her gaze was sharp and filled with light, a chilling murderous intent radiating from her.
Like a lion pouncing on a rabbit, like a hunter pursuing prey.
“Hmm!”
Yóu Lìng chuckled, her expression unwavering. She moved at a calm pace, still leisurely lifting her palm. A ripple of air surged forth, colliding with the black dagger, creating a loud explosion of sound.
Ming He inwardly regretted; if only she had the Moon Crescent Dagger gifted by Qin Chu Yi on her. Even without additional support, it would have been enough to deal with Yóu Lìng.
But the Moon Crescent Dagger was stored in the purple storage pouch given to her by Lou Qing Shang, and without spiritual energy, she couldn’t open the pouch.
“Tap, tap, tap!”
Alongside the clear sound of flowing water, several heavy footsteps joined in, signaling the black-clothed men monitoring the chamber outside had heard the commotion and were crossing the waters to rush inside.
Once they arrived to block the Stone Door, Ming He would have no chance of escape.
Yóu Lìng’s lips curled up, a faint smile behind her mask. Her right fingertip pointed in the air, the sound of the dagger hitting the ground ringing through the chamber.
Ming He’s eyes were bright and intense as she quickly glanced at the dagger on the ground, her emotions calm. She had never relied on the black dagger but on something else.
The woman smiled coldly, her hands forming a complex and obscure seal, an ancient and profound aura emanating as if it came from a time long past, enveloping the entire dark chamber in an instant.
“Immovable Wisdom Seal!”
Ming He’s eyes gleamed, her lips parting as she formed intricate hand gestures. In a heartbeat, she summoned the connection between heaven and earth with the weight of Mount Tai, sweeping through the waves with overwhelming force, breaking through the stone wall that stood before Yóu Lìng.
“Arrive!”
She locked her gaze on Yóu Lìng, her eyes deep, granting her no time or space to react. Her hand gestures continued, continuously channeling the forces of nature to empower herself.
Her thin lips whispered a single word, her voice low and clear, quietly containing the intent of the world, stirring the winds and clouds of the dark chamber.
The first word of the Nine-Character True Words.
This technique belonged to the ancient Soul Clan, but it encompassed more than just soul mastery.
It was an ancient method of dual cultivation of soul and spirit.
The word “arrive” manifested from the gathered soul power of soul mastery; yet the Immovable Wisdom Seal was formed by the cultivator’s spiritual energy.
The spiritual ocean may be lacking, but it was far different from a shattered spiritual ocean.
The power of the Blizzard Pill surged through the spiritual ocean, but due to its inherent deficiency, it couldn’t permanently store spiritual energy, rendering further cultivation and breakthroughs impossible.
However, the inability to store energy permanently didn’t preclude temporary storage.
Ming He glanced at the black dagger lying on the ground, a faint smile playing on her lips. Using her blood energy as a conduit, she could finally execute the Immovable Wisdom Seal.
“Envoy of the Black Wind Alliance!”
Ming He gritted her teeth, recalling the crimson world she had witnessed. Her gaze darkened as soul power surged forth without restraint. The white Ghostly Sword in the Sea of Souls emitted a low hum, soaring forth in response to her resolute will, the chilling sound of the sword echoing ominously, a deadly move infused with blood.
“Soul Clan!”
Yóu Lìng’s eyes widened in shock as emotions surged within her. Her gaze shimmered with a hint of moisture, a storm brewing beneath her eyes—madness and depth, hatred and blood.
“So it’s the Nine-Character True Words,” she murmured softly, standing firm against the overwhelming attack that could push mountains and overturn seas. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, falling onto her black clothes and vanishing without a trace.
Yet she still stood there, steady as a mountain, unscathed except for the blood at her lips.
Ming He’s powerful strike did not shake her.
She smiled slightly, looking at Ming He with a half-amused expression, her gaze tinged with bloodlust. Her right fist clenched, the knuckles turning white, a vivid stain of red spreading in her palm.
Ming He frowned, her consciousness becoming slightly hazy.
The Nine-Character True Words were the pinnacle techniques of the Soul Clan, requiring vast amounts of soul power to execute. The first word nearly drained eighty percent of her soul power.
The envoy of the Black Wind Alliance turned out to be an unfathomable figure; she was no match for Yóu Lìng.
Recognizing this fact made Ming He’s gaze sharpen. Her right hand clenched tightly as she formed a new seal, complex and ancient, but differing from before.
This was the second word of the Nine-Character True Words: Soldier.
The corresponding spirit seal was the Great Vajra Wheel Seal.
Soul power intertwined, and the Ghostly Sword let out a long cry as it floated forth, but it swayed and showed signs of fading in the air.
This was bad! Her soul power was insufficient to support the second word of the Nine-Character True Words.
Ming He’s eyes shifted slightly, her lips pursed, her right hand trembling, her breath coming in quick bursts as her spirit became strained.
At that moment, she was not capable of mastering the second word of the Nine-Character True Words and could not withdraw her soul power attack.
If she remained stalled and hesitant, she would end up getting hurt in the end.
Ming He felt as if she was on a tiger’s back, unable to get off. Her gaze turned fierce, and in an instant, she made a decision—better to fight to the death than to survive by retreating. The attack she unleashed could never be retracted.
She steadied her breath and straightened her body, her right hand flowing gracefully as she continued to form the seal. Blood dripped from her lips, and at the moment it touched the ground, something invisible lifted it, coalescing into a red light that converged upon the Ghostly Sword.
The Ghostly Sword let out a long cry and steadied itself in mid-air, shooting forth with the force of rushing wind and gathering clouds, plunging into Yóu Lìng’s spiritual ocean, wildly dancing as the sound of the sword rang out endlessly.
“Life and Death Soul Ring!”
Yóu Lìng’s gaze became complicated at that moment, her chest rising and falling in waves. A sense of boundless desolation washed over her, deep as an abyss, yet there was also a faint glow illuminating the wilderness, glistening as it dripped from the cold, fierce face of the black wolf.
She clenched her fist, her knuckles turning pale, her body trembling uncontrollably, her voice a mix of joy and pain. “So I’m not the only one.”
Ming He furrowed her brow, unable to comprehend Yóu Lìng’s reaction, only to watch her spit out blood that stained the stone wall, her body swaying as her black clothes became completely soaked.
She had wounded her but still couldn’t kill her.
Ming He withdrew her surging soul power, no longer paying attention to the faltering Yóu Lìng. Listening to the growing heavy footsteps around her, her expression turned serious as she stepped quickly to the Stone Door.
After the Blood River surged, it revealed a mass of darkness, orderly and solemn, not an impromptu arrival but rather a meticulously planned and calculated move.
Yóu Lìng leaned against the black stone pillar that was originally meant to imprison Ming He’s freedom, her bloodstained white lips curling into a mocking smile, tinged with a hint of amusement, as if she were watching a clown.
There had never been any hope or despair; it had been a mere mockery from the very beginning!
Ming He’s gaze grew colder as she watched Mu Qian, who stood tall and light as he floated over the Blood River and landed outside the Stone Door. Her mind momentarily paused, and in the next moment, she abruptly drew her sword and slashed it across, aiming at the heart of the surprised young man beneath his furrowed brows.
If she couldn’t kill Yóu Lìng, then she would kill Mu Qian!
The Jing Ying Sword, three feet long, was difficult to wield in the narrow, confined dark room; it felt more like a limitation.
Yet at this moment, Ming He held her sword angled, her wrist twisting as she executed each sword technique with the grace of a gentle breeze and bright moon, each move perfectly fitting within the dark room’s largest receiving space.
Her sword moved with intent, flowing like clouds and water, elegant and unique. It swept Mu Qian’s startled long sword aside with a sense of murderous intent, the sword tip gleaming coldly as it thrust toward the left side of his heart.
Blood bloomed like a bright flower on his soaked black clothing.
Ming He wore a subtle smile, swiftly withdrawing the sword and turning, the crimson blood splattering up as the sword moved, landing on the white side of her face, her sword light shining even as her expression remained calm and composed, even showing some joy.
A dark blue aura surged toward her back, vibrating through her from the Blue Sea Sword, shaking her insides.
Ming He did not look back; she knew it was Yóu Lìng and that she was fated not to escape today.
At least it wouldn’t end in nothing.
She smiled lightly at Mu Qian, her body weakening as she collapsed alongside him, splashing blood around them.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself back in the same dark room.
The clear water flowed, the black stone walls stood tall, and the stone pillars loomed, intertwined with bloodstains.
Yóu Lìng sat before her, her lips slightly pale beneath the mask, yet still carrying a smile.
In her left hand, she held the black dagger, while the other gripped a circular spiritual artifact that sparkled with a mysterious light.
That was…
Ming He furrowed her brow, coldly staring at Yóu Lìng, silent.
“This is the Life and Death Soul Ring, which I took from your right wrist,” Yóu Lìng spoke lightly, though her voice trembled slightly, “Tell me, who gave it to you?”
Her gaze was deep, locked onto Ming He, her emotions turbulent as she forced herself to remain still, suppressing the tremors that came from her soul.
She was no longer the desperate and powerless human race waiting for death among the sea of corpses and blood.
Now, she was the envoy of the Black Wind Alliance, serving only one lord.
Therefore, her pride and dignity could not be broken.
“What is the Life and Death Soul Ring?” Ming He lowered her eyes, her expression complex as she looked at the spiritual artifact that once adorned her wrist, her thoughts drifting to the identity of the person who had given it to her.
Did everyone have their own unique story, or did only those who appeared beside her have one?
The spiritual artifact Yóu Lìng called the "Life and Death Soul Ring" had been given to her by Senior Brother Qing Feng.
During her journey with the Liu Yun Sect, after Master had granted her the Nine-Character True Words, it was a gift from Senior Brother Qing Feng.
Back then, the young man in white had laughed warmly, comparing it to a prized orchid and jade tree, saying it was the most cherished item of his life, meant to serve as a memento to protect her on her path to cultivation, ensuring her life was worry-free.
When she had almost harmed herself due to insufficient soul power while executing the second word of the Nine-Character True Words, it was this artifact that had coalesced a red light to aid her in successfully forming the Great Vajra Wheel Seal.
“The Life and Death Soul Ring is the treasure of the Soul Clan,” Yóu Lìng spoke, each word pronounced with a resonant clarity, her voice holding a profound faith, then she managed a bitter smile, eyes filled with desolation.
“Tell me, who gave it to you?” she fixed her gaze on Ming He.
“Why can’t it be something I obtained myself?” Ming He lowered her gaze to conceal her astonishment, her eyes reflecting deep contemplation.
“Impossible!” Yóu Lìng raised her head and responded with vehement denial. “I was the one who personally cast it into the Heavenly Furnace.”
“Do you even know what the Heavenly Furnace is?” Yóu Lìng stood up, turning her back to Ming He, her gaze and the mask vanishing from Ming He’s sight.
Ming He opened her eyes, unable to discern Yóu Lìng’s expression, but she heard the envoy in black clothes speak with a clear, trembling voice. “The Heavenly Furnace is a supreme divine artifact that consumes all things in heaven and earth. The natural fire of heaven and earth annihilates everything, surpassing even the Phoenix True Fire.”
“It can only exist in this world under one condition.”
Yóu Lìng turned around, her gaze piercingly clear. “The one who bestowed upon you the Life and Death Soul Ring is of the direct bloodline of the Soul Clan.”
“Tell me!” Yóu Lìng extended her hand, gripping Ming He’s neck with a frenzied look in her eyes. “Who is it?”
“You want to know? Then find out for yourself, slowly!” Ming He gasped, a smile playing on her lips as her pupils contracted before quickly regaining composure, remaining silent yet resolute.
“Very well!” Yóu Lìng tightened her grip until her knuckles turned white, then abruptly released Ming He, the bloodline severed at her fingertips. She dragged Ming He out of the dark chamber, swiftly passing by other dimly lit cells, each filled with the pure essence of the human race.
“Open your eyes and see the others imprisoned in the Blood Prison.”
Yóu Lìng waved her sleeve, opening the Stone Door, and carried Ming He as she surveyed the interior. She watched as the humans rose to their feet, their expressions of astonishment turning into satisfied smiles upon seeing Ming He. Yóu Lìng walked around the Blood Prison with Ming He in tow, eventually returning to the original dark chamber.
“What did you see?” Yóu Lìng formed a bloodline that constricted Ming He, her voice icy and detached.
Ming He lowered her gaze in silence, her eyes hardening like ice.
She saw many young human talents, vibrant and sharp, standing tall even in the dim light of the dark chamber, their faint glow piercing the silent night.
These were the young geniuses of the human race.
She recognized some, like Xia Fengye from the Shanhai Sect in the central region, Meng Zizhong from the Beast Master Sect of the Eastern Region, and Bei Ye Xun from the wilds of the Southern Region, as well as others she didn’t know.
The quiet dark chamber was filled with the radiant sparks of the human race.
“Do you know? I captured them for you,” Yóu Lìng said, her eyes deep and unfathomable. “I told you I would give you a gift.”
“As for what kind of gift it is, you will soon find out.”
Yóu Lìng reclined on the high chair, her expression one of satisfaction. “Watching the blazing light descend into darkness will be quite fascinating!”
Even behind the mask, her eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Yóu Lìng looked at Ming He, and for the first time, her gaze shone with a bright, eager light. “I look forward to standing side by side with you!”
The black-clothed man by the Stone Door bowed respectfully. “Envoy, the fish has taken the bait.”
“Understood.” Yóu Lìng lazily waved her hand, rising to stand before Ming He with a smile curling her lips. “Look, the gift has arrived!”
After uttering these words, Yóu Lìng suddenly focused on Ming He’s chest, remaining silent for a long while before breaking into an extraordinarily radiant smile. “Ming He, do you know—”
“The Soul Mastery Baptism beneath the East Sea was originally meant for me, the Star Lock should belong to me, the Four-direction Compass should belong to me, and even the Nine Styles of Swordsmanship—”
She let out a deep sigh, her laughter tinged with mockery as she observed Ming He’s silence, her eyes reflecting profound sorrow, a fleeting moment of vulnerability.
When the moment passed, she opened her eyes, now filled with cold indifference.
In that instant, she was no longer a being from the darkness.
She herself was darkness.
Yóu Lìng drew the Jing Ying Sword, ignoring its trembling resistance, and with a steady yet ruthless hand, she thrust it into Ming He’s chest, just an inch off target, before sheathing the sword once more.
The mask stained with blood, the black wolf lifted its head.
