Chapter 13: The Abyss of the Undead!

Necromancer Abyss

The second defensive line of the Ancient Bat Cavern appeared picturesque at first glance, yet was fraught with hidden perils. Within, countless wraiths lurked, luring intruders with the familiar forms of their departed loved ones, only to drain their energy and cultivation. Without prompt resistance, most would meet a fatal end. Ordinary spells proved largely ineffective against these undead; only Zeng Shushu’s talisman seals and Zhang Xiaofan’s Bloodthirst Bead could suppress them.

The three of them stood before the cavern’s entrance, gazing into the eerie landscape and drawing a deep breath.

“Be careful. The wraiths here will drain your energy and cultivation. Most spells won’t work on them,” Qian Mo said gravely.

“That sounds terrifying,” Biyou murmured, clutching Qian Mo’s hand.

“Wait a minute! How could you come searching for the Blood Dripping Cave without knowing what’s inside? And you call yourselves members of the Ghost King Sect? Not even the most basic intelligence that the Ghost King should possess? He just let you come here? That Ghost King is far too reckless! Looks like I need to find a chance to teach him a lesson—letting my wife wander into such a dangerous place.” Qian Mo’s anger mounted as he spoke. If he hadn’t arrived today, he might never have seen his wife again. The thought sent a violent fury burning through him, his face turning ashen, murderous intent seething around him.

“Husband, your pressure is too much, I can hardly breathe,” Biyou pleaded, her face pale, sweat beading on her brow—yet she felt a secret happiness in being cared for so deeply.

“Qian Mo, withdraw your aura!” Youji gasped, barely able to breathe under the oppressive force. “How strong is this man, if I can’t even withstand his aura?” she thought in disbelief.

“Forgive me, I lost control for a moment.” Qian Mo gently caressed Biyou’s cheek, his expression solemn. “Are you all right? I didn’t mean for that to happen. I’m simply furious for your sake. Since your father, the Ghost King, treats your life so lightly—if I hadn’t arrived today, you would have been in grave danger. I, Qian Mo, swear to the heavens: if the Ghost King weren’t your father, even if it meant giving up the Celestial Tome, I would wipe out the entire Ghost King Sect.”

He took a deep breath and continued, “But thank goodness you’re safe. Do you understand the depth of my feelings for you?”

“Yes… Yes, I do.” Biyou was stunned by his words, her heart warming at the thought of having a man who cared so much.

Youji, listening, felt envy stir within her. If, a thousand years ago, Wan Jianyi had spoken to her like this… But Wan Jianyi perished during the War of Gods and Demons, killed by Dao Xuan right before her eyes—she would never forget that scene.

“System, do I have a lottery draw available?”

“Yes. Would you like to use it now?”

“Yes!”

“Drawing… Ding! Congratulations, host, you have obtained the True Art of Severing Ghosts and Gods.”

True Art of Severing Ghosts and Gods: Righteous energy endures between heaven and earth, not for exterminating immortals, but for severing ghosts and gods. Originates from one of the four supreme arts of the Qingyun Sect.

“Wow! The system really knows me best. This art comes at just the right time; it’s my turn to show off now,” Qian Mo exclaimed excitedly.

By now, the number of wraiths in the valley had swelled, a horde of them eyeing the trio with predatory hunger.

“Husband, what should we do? There are so many of them,” Biyou asked, gazing at Qian Mo with even greater tenderness.

“Ladies, stand behind me. It’s time for me, Qian Mo, to—uh, no, to rid the world of evil spirits,” Qian Mo declared.

“Be careful,” Biyou and Youji replied in unison.

“Don’t worry! I’d never risk our lives, unlike certain people.”

“Tsk tsk! Spirits, my energy and cultivation are immense—would you like to try some?” Qian Mo taunted, raising his arm to tempt the wraiths.

“This human is an idiot! Daring to tempt us with his energy—brothers, drain him dry!” the lead wraith commanded.

The undead surged forward in a tide toward Qian Mo.

“I was waiting for you. Surprised your intelligence is so low,” Qian Mo said coolly.

“Righteous energy endures between heaven and earth, not for exterminating immortals, but for severing ghosts and gods.”

“True Art of Severing Ghosts and Gods—Sever!”

At his command, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathered into his hand and blasted toward the wraiths.

“What is this? Run! This guy’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing!” the lead wraith cried, sensing the force that specifically countered their kind.

“Trying to escape? If you get away, I’m not Qian Mo,” he sneered.

A wailing cry rang out as the art descended.

Boom!

The dust settled, and the wraiths were annihilated.

“Ugh, I thought they’d be stronger. What a disappointment,” Qian Mo said, brushing dust from his clothes with deliberate slowness.

“Was that just now the secret True Art of Severing Ghosts and Gods from the Qingyun Sect?” Youji asked. “Are you from Qingyun Sect?”

“Yes, Aunt You. Why do you ask? Besides, Qingyun and the Ghost King Sect are on opposite sides—what happens in Qingyun is none of my concern. I know what you’re worried about, but rest assured, if I dared to swear to the heavens, I will never betray Biyou,” he replied offhandedly.

“You said it yourself—I hope you won’t let me down,” Youji said gravely.

“Aunt You, let me tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Wan Jianyi is not dead.”

“W-what? Wan Jianyi isn’t dead? Impossible—I saw Dao Xuan kill him with my own eyes,” Youji stammered in disbelief.

“My master only staged it for appearances. After Dao Xuan ‘killed’ him, Wan Jianyi was revived in a hidden place within Qingyun Sect. He never truly died—it was all a ruse. Aunt You, I have no reason to lie to you,” Qian Mo said calmly.

Youji finally believed him. “Your master? Dao Xuan is your master?”

“Yes, you could call him my ‘discounted’ master.”

“‘Discounted’ master?”

“All right, enough of that. Biyou, your father, the Ghost King, became entangled with Qingyun Sect because of your mother’s death. When you and your mother were returning home during your childhood, you were ambushed by the Four Divine Generals of Leiyin Temple. If I can revive your mother, the Ghost King’s beloved Xiaochi, I hope your father will let me consult your sect’s Celestial Tome and allow me to marry you,” Qian Mo said quietly.

“Aunt You, I’ll trouble you to pass on that message.”

Both women were stunned by how much Qian Mo knew—how did he know everything?

“Revive? Qian Mo, you can bring my mother back? Truly?” Biyou threw her arms around him.

“Yes. As long as her soul remains in this world,” Qian Mo replied calmly.

“But… I don’t know if my mother’s soul is still here,” Biyou said, crestfallen.

“Don’t worry. Trust me—her soul is still here. I’ll tell you how I know someday.”

“All right, husband, I believe you.”

“Come on, let’s head to the next challenge.”

(End of Chapter)