Chapter 454

Chapter 454: Entering An Yun City Again

A few days ago, with the help of the Morning Rooster Dao Soldiers, Li Hui suppressed the Yin Veins, cleared the ghostly beings, diverted the dark energy, and set up a series of spirit talismans and restrictions to firmly seal the entrance to the Great Formation of Demons and Ghosts located within the Small Heavenly Cave.

With this, there was no need for the Ancient Tomb to maintain the suppression, so he opened the tomb’s door for a sweep, gaining several benefits with the elders. These were all remnants left by the predecessors of the Haotu Sect, which greatly aided in suppressing the ghostly beings.

In fact, the sect’s vigorous training of the Morning Rooster Dao Soldiers was also aimed at preparing for the suppression of the Yin Veins. This intent only became clear today.

It was a stroke of luck that Li Hui had just reclaimed the Ancient City of Yin Ruins, using the impact of the ghostly beings on the formidable forbidden areas of the ancient city, along with the Yang Gu talismans and the Buddhist protectors surrounding them, which made this possible.

With various favorable conditions and the Old Hen’s intervention, the temporary impacts caused by this situation were finally smoothed out.

Outside there was the dark moon, and inside there was a demon array. It turned out that the Haotu Sect was built on a "volcano." How could they endure this?

The elders from various factions grew anxious, and without Li Hui proposing it under the guise of the Mirror Lake faction, they voluntarily began to reorganize the sect. They urged disciples daily to practice spells, face trials, and eliminate ghosts, fearing that the Yin Moon Dynasty would discover the massive demon array underground and launch a violent assault.

This was even more terrifying than the previously speculated Yin Realm. Everyone knew that fire could not be hidden under paper. Some elders were less discreet, so the days were dwindling quickly, which was no joke.

In just a few days, the atmosphere in the Haotu Sect changed drastically; the disciples, who once had an attitude of watching the calamity unfold, were now exhausted every day.

On the ninth day of the dark moon, a sacrificial altar was erected on Bowe Peak of the Haotu Sect.

This altar was interesting; by offering fragments of artifacts and magical treasures, one could obtain talismans, ranging from lower-tier spirit talismans to high-tier treasure talismans.

In recent days, Li Hui had been purging the demonic energy from the disciples of the Blood Talisman Sect. It was easier to cleanse before the Condense Essence Stage, but afterward it became difficult. Therefore, the key members of the Blood Talisman Sect remained in the Buddhist nation, each receiving a Buddhist artifact to suppress the demonic essence within them.

During this time, the disciples of the Haotu Sect went out to exterminate ghostly beings, clearing large areas around Yunzhou. However, the ghostly beings were cunning, and they still hadn’t found the entrance to the Yin Moon Dynasty.

"We can’t wait any longer, let’s go to An Yun City," Li Hui left a few replacement talismans at the sect and rode the nine-colored deer, swiftly traveling back to An Yun City.

When the bored ghost saw the plump monk, he exclaimed, “Tu Buddha, where have you been all these days? We searched the entire city and couldn’t find you.”

"Hehe, wasn’t there a saying? The most dangerous place is the safest place. I’ve disrupted the plans at Dragon Gate and Zhuque Temple, knowing it was unsafe outside, so I hid in Zhuque Temple, not wanting to create trouble for the monks. Now that I feel the storm has passed, I hurried back to claim credit."

“Pah, credit for what?” Wheel Ghost rolled over angrily and said, “Do you still have the face to come back? What we want is to capture Dragon Gate and Zhuque Temple all at once, not to let you take the credit! In six days, when the sun rises, they will still open the altar for rituals.”

“Alright, I’ll go again next time,” Li Hui turned to leave.

“You idiot, is that all you can do? You’re more of a hindrance than a help! I could crush you!” Wheel Ghost shouted furiously, rolling forward with a loud boom.

"Look out for Yin Thunder!" The plump monk raised his hand and unleashed a bolt of thick Yin Thunder, shocking Wheel Ghost back. The bored ghost rotated his two green eyeballs and chuckled, “No need to be so harsh on our brother! Tu Buddha at least bought us some time, and today, Horse King will come to our residence to discuss an important matter.”

“What?” Wheel Ghost was even angrier, “Why didn’t I know about Horse King coming?”

At that moment, the Sad Girl, Big-Headed Ghost, Smoky Ghost, and other ghostly beings entered the courtyard, a dark mass of figures. The lead ghost smiled coldly, “Does Horse King need to report to you, Wheel Ghost? You’re just a nuisance; if we had told you in advance, I’m sure the entire city would already know.”

“Hmph, Brother Ghost is always scolding me.” Wheel Ghost rolled aside, feigning sadness, but in truth, he was intimidated by others and dared not act rashly.

It was Li Hui’s first time seeing the ghost; this fellow was as black as charcoal, with tiger stripes appearing on his forehead. It was said that becoming a ghost after being eaten by a tiger meant they would haunt and entice others, but he had never heard of a ghost reaching the Bosa stage. Since the dark moon appeared, it seemed anything was possible.

“You are that Tu Buddha?” the ghost asked in a condescending tone.

“Reporting to you, my lord, that is indeed I,” Li Hui spoke respectfully, knowing how to address people and ghosts appropriately.

Seeing the ghost’s imposing presence upon arrival, he was aware of his fondness for theatrics. The other ghosts respected him as if he were a shining star, but he wasn’t necessarily eloquent. The response he received pleased him greatly. He uttered a sound of approval and said, “A perceptive one! I’ve heard you’re as dark as I am? Show your true form, let’s see what you look like.”

“Of course, I feel a kinship with you at first glance.” Li Hui transformed into Black Charcoal.

He was indeed very dark, darker than even the ghost, standing in front of the ghost made him seem much paler.

“Hahaha, indeed dark enough!” the ghost exclaimed in delight. “Alright, stay by my side and listen. Previously, when you infiltrated Zhuque Temple’s kitchen and sabotaged the monks and Taoists, that was wrong. You should have taken the opportunity to cleanse them. If you got the Tian Gui Mirror, that would be a great achievement. It’s commendable that you’re not being punished right now.”

“Thank you for the guidance, my lord. But why didn’t anyone tell me about stealing the mirror when I infiltrated Zhuque Temple?” Li Hui glanced around, angry that the other ghosts were glaring at him, thinking it was unreasonable to blame them.

“Alright, let’s drop the subject here.” The ghost commanded, “Quickly prepare to welcome Horse King. It’s rare for him to come here. Find some pretty girls to place on the table, as Horse King loves to eat little girls. And the young, strong boys’ eyeballs should be arranged in a platter; bring out my collection of virgin blood wine, using a baby skull as a cup, understand? If you don’t have one, steal some quickly; be fast!”

Li Hui wished he could slap down every ghost present, feeling that such creatures were undeserving of life. They were far worse than those evil ghosts in the wilderness!

At some point, ripples stirred around the courtyard, and the nine-colored deer flashed by.

The ghosts began to set up a banquet. Li Hui leaned over to speak: “My lord, you need to clarify things for me. How many ghost kings are there in An Yun City? What rank does Horse King hold? Are there any other precautions I should be aware of? I’m afraid I’ll make mistakes and attract trouble, especially since that Wheel Ghost keeps shouting to kill me.”

“Fool, what rank? I just said you were perceptive, and now you’re showing off your arrogance! Do you think ghost kings are as common as cabbages, standing in a line? There are only two ghost kings in An Yun City; our Horse King naturally ranks first, while a Wild Cow is not worth mentioning. Speak less and just be Black Charcoal.” The ghost impatiently reprimanded before waving his sleeves and leaving.

“Hahaha! I’ve said it before, this Tu Buddha is a fool,” Wheel Ghost laughed loudly.

Li Hui scoffed, “From today onward, I am now a trusted aide by the side of Lord Ghost. I don’t know how long you’ve mixed in An Yun City, but you’ll probably see Horse King for the first time today; don’t embarrass our lord later.”

“Pah! In terms of seniority, I have been here the longest and have seen Horse King at least ten times!” Wheel Ghost boasted proudly.