Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 168 - 168 167 Soul Ghosts Storm 1

168: Chapter 167 Soul Ghosts Storm 1 168: Chapter 167 Soul Ghosts Storm 1 Of course not!

Hou Niao had observed all night.

What he had actually observed was not merely the dazzling array of techniques from Anhe Daoist, but more importantly, the situation of the Soul Ghosts.

What worried him was that although Soul Ghosts had appeared incessantly throughout the night, there had been few of higher realms; compared simply, they were weaker than those he and Tideng had encountered before.

If the purpose was for Soul Beads, the harvest this night would be minimal.

Despite the furious battle, the true gains were limited.

Why was this so?

One possibility was the significant impact he and Tideng Monk had left here on the Soul Ghosts previously, but he felt this was unlikely.

Another possibility was that the Soul Ghosts were feigning weakness under the control of some higher being?

Could it be so?

Anhe Daoist Sect and Huncheng Sect were unaware of these matters; Uncle Zheng had spent years living comfortably in Jin City, not visiting Yinling for decades.

Of course, he also wasn’t aware, living like a lord all this time.

He knew his view wasn’t entirely convincing.

With different realms, the perspective on issues also differed.

What seemed like a treacherous path to him might appear as a broad and level route to Upper Cultivators.

Therefore, he wisely chose not to make suggestions again, avoiding futile efforts.

Why bother?

One important point was his agreement that the three Upper Cultivators could control the situation.

In that case, it was better to keep quiet and avoid being a nuisance.

At noon, the two teams continued to delve deeper, directed by the three Upper Cultivators to a new location, several hills deeper than the original spot, nearing the core area of West Mang Mountain.

Thank Heavens, the three Upper Cultivators were not too arrogant and did not place the Battle Arena in the real core area.

This was their maximum precaution.

His solemnity and the casualness of the surrounding female cultivators clashed somewhat, attracting quite a few jokes from the women.

As the day turned to dusk and Anhe Daoist began to set up the formation, Lan Ting even joked specifically,

“Brother, relax a bit.

The power of the Daoist formation is not so simple; you can really sleep!”

Hou Niao glared at her.

As their relationship had grown closer, the jokes had become more presumptuous, “Your brother here is a bit scared to sleep alone in the wilderness; I’m still missing a partner!”

Lan Ting didn’t mind, “Sure, just afraid you’re not up to it!”

As the sky gradually darkened, the Soul Ghosts loomed faintly, no different from before.

Hou Niao stood within the formation, looking across the land as hill after hill gradually submerged into darkness.

Was this merely due to the setting sun, or was it like a black fog seeping out from the ground?

This was a situation he had never seen during the two months he had spent at West Mang Mountain, and he didn’t know what it truly meant.

…Hundreds of feet in the sky, three Magic Artifacts hovered; Uncle Zheng’s brow furrowed, “It’s the West Mang Ghost Fog!

A phenomenon not seen for hundreds of years.”

The sweet voice of Huncheng Sect’s Fairy Lu arose, “Any concerns?

What might happen?”

Uncle Zheng shook his head, “It’s more like a miasma, similar to the pestilence that perennially floats above the Black Swamp; particularly favorable for the survival of Soul Ghosts, just as spirit machines are to cultivators.

In such an environment, more and some stronger Soul Ghosts may emerge.

As for the rest, history does not provide more explanations.

My two Daoist fellows, I estimate this competition will finally see a result; but no matter the outcome, this will be the last time.

I won’t agree to continue forward.”

Fairy Lu laughed lightly, “If Fairy Yan is willing to admit defeat, I don’t mind.”

Daoist Yan, her robe fluttering, “Merely verbal advantage.

If Huncheng Sect concedes, I will not insist.”

Uncle Zheng furrowed his brows.

He might be arrogant, but having been able to remain in an important position in Mu Shuai’s household for many years meant he was no fool.

His assignment to this trial by combat was testament to his abilities.

That was why there was a final decision, not to allow it to continue further.

However, in his judgment, such anomalies were still within controllable limits, and it was not possible to abort mid-way.

Neither Anhe Daoist Sect nor Huncheng Sect would agree to that.

“Jing Shan, Cheng He, you two go down and adjust your actions as necessary!

If there’s an emergency, I allow you to prioritize the overall situation and join one side to prevent any mishaps!”

The two disciples bowed to take their orders and were thrown down by Uncle Zheng’s methods, finding a position between the hills occupied by the two factions.

They used techniques to conceal their presence and sneaked in.

Uncle Zheng’s instruction was simple: though it was a competition, it was best to avoid casualties, as it would be quite embarrassing for them, the hosts.

So, once one side could no longer hold up, they would intervene to help, rather than letting these cultivators stubbornly resist.

Fairy Lu waved her hand, “The earlier scenario was too relaxed; how long would it take to finish if it continues this way?

This is good, it’s more challenging now.”

Daoist Yan snorted, “It’s become difficult, but I fear your disciples won’t hold up!”

Fairy Lu gathered her hair, “I indeed cannot guarantee that the Huncheng Sect disciples will definitely endure, but I’m more confident that we can hold out longer than Anhe Daoist Sect.”

… On the ground, the ghost fog grew thicker, and Hou Niao’s mood worsened.

He didn’t know if this was the most dangerous occurrence yet?

Nor did he know if the three Upper Cultivators would continue the trial the next day.

But just to be safe, some preparations were better made early; at worst, it would just be a false alarm, merely requiring more firewood to be burned.

With his mind made up, he raised his hand and sent a sword message flying into the sky, drawing the attention of many.

Lan Re was speechless, “Brother, do you really have so little confidence in our Anhe Daoist Sect?

Is this a distress signal?”

Hou Niao sighed, “With three Masters here, I don’t have to worry about this; I’m just fulfilling my duties, not daring to be negligent.”

… In the sky, Uncle Zheng’s expression turned unsightly; as the host of this trial from the Quanzhen Sect, theoretically all actions should be under his command, including whether to send out messages for rescue or anything else.

Fairy Lu timely added, “Quanzhen Sect’s reputation is well deserved; the disciples below each dare to act bravely.

And here we haven’t even started, yet you’re calling for reinforcements?”

Daoist Yan dismissed it, “You too are a respected Upper Cultivator.

You should look clearly before you speak, so as not to attract mockery!”

They were above the hills by more than a hundred yards, their perceptual range was broad.

That sword message was of the lowest tier, unable to fly beyond thirty miles, probably just barely making it out of the West Mang Mountain area before falling to the ground.

Who are you calling to for help?

Or was it that outside of West Mang Mountain, hidden forces from Quanzhen Sect were concealed?

What for?

Soon, they understood the significance of this sword message.

Where the sword message fell, a bonfire quickly blazed up, markedly conspicuous against the night sky; then, further away, another spot of firelight appeared, signaling fire to fire!

Tens of moments later, from their height and eyesight, they could barely see bits of light igniting one after another in the distant darkness, a few, a dozen, dozens!

Fairy Lu exclaimed, “What is that?”

Uncle Zheng had already guessed the answer, yet, due to maintaining face, he remained silent.

Daoist Yan smiled faintly, “Those lights are the human fortresses closest to West Mang Mountain.

They are lighting fires to ward off Soul Ghosts!

So, our mission is to ensure not a single Soul Ghost escapes West Mang Mountain!

Otherwise, we will be the sinners of Yinling, for due to our selfish desires, we have put ordinary mortals in jeopardy!”