Chapter 30 The Emergence of the Soul-Transforming Pool

Proceeding along the passage, after traveling for about several miles, Lu Yun finally found the exit. The exit of this passage was quite peculiar, as it was actually at the bottom of the River of Souls, separated by a strange barrier.

Looking at the murky black river water, Lu Yun pondered for a moment and decided to leave from this point and not return. Once he made up his mind, Lu Yun smiled faintly, and a faint silver light flashed across his body. His body traversed the barrier and appeared at the bottom of the River of Souls. Sensing the similarity between this river water and the water of the Black River, both containing intense corrosive power, Lu Yun couldn't help but smile calmly. His body shot straight up and quickly rushed towards the surface of the river.

Standing still in mid-air, Lu Yun glanced around and flew towards the direction of the Ghost King City of No Souls. In the dark sky, only a stream of light tore through the sky and disappeared in an instant. Returning to No Souls, Lu Yun soon arrived at the edge of the blood pool, only to find that everyone was currently engaged in a fierce battle with thousands of ghost soldiers, and the situation was very dire. Upon closer inspection, Lu Yun's expression changed, unexpectedly, Sword Dust had already returned before him.

Looking at the invisible cloak on his body, Lu Yun's mind moved, and the cloak immediately disappeared from his body, extremely mysterious. At this moment, Lu Yun returned to his former appearance, with his true essence flashing when activated. With a mysterious smile, Lu Yun appeared next to Proud Snow and swiftly sliced down three ghost soldiers with a sword.

Glancing affectionately at Proud Snow, Lu Yun smiled and said, "How did this happen? Did the Ghost King launch an attack on you after I left? How is everyone? Nothing serious happened, right?"

Proud Snow's expression brightened at the words, her bright eyes glancing at him, and she whispered, "It's good that you're back. We're all fine for now. Now that everyone is gathered, we can break out of here and leave immediately." As she spoke, she controlled her divine sword to resist the attacks of the numerous ghost soldiers.

Lu Yun looked at her and gently said, "That's good. Let's leave here immediately and head to the Shura Forest. I'll go and say hello to everyone, and then we'll leave." With that, Lu Yun appeared next to Cangyue, helping her fend off the mass of ghost soldiers.

Seeing Lu Yun suddenly appear, Cangyue's beautiful face suddenly revealed a smile, like a snow lotus in full bloom, bursting with astonishing beauty. Her lips parted slightly, and Cangyue whispered softly, "You're back, are you okay?" Seven simple words, light and faint, but filled with deep girlish affection.

His body trembling slightly, Lu Yun looked at her and nodded slightly. In that fleeting moment, a thread of affection was deeply imprinted in each other's hearts. Pushing back the ghost soldiers with a sword strike, Lu Yun said softly, "Thank you, I'm fine. Now let's leave here immediately and head to the Shura Forest. This time we were deceived by the Ghost King of the Yin Corpses and became his tools to slaughter No Souls." After speaking, he headed towards the others.

At this moment, everyone had already noticed Lu Yun's return and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Purple Yang True Immortal shouted, "Now that everyone is here, let's gather together and prepare to break out." Hearing this, the scattered people immediately gathered around him.

Among the group, three divine swords formed three barriers, blocking the mass of ghost soldiers, while in the inner circle, Purple Yang True Immortal, Liu Xinghun, and Feng Yuanyang formed a second line of defense, resisting the enemy's attacks. In the innermost circle, Yun Feng and Xu Jie firmly protected the heavily wounded Bi Tian and Du Li, forming the third line of defense, fighting tenaciously.

The eleven people quickly gathered together, and Lu Yun glanced at everyone, opening his mouth, "Now that we are all together, there are some things we should discuss. We all understand the purpose of our coming here, which is not to compete for victory or defeat. So, in order to better accomplish the task, I think we should unite and work together. This time we came here, I believe everyone already knows in their hearts how powerful the enemy is. It's not something the eleven of us can handle alone. Now that we are gathered together, why don't we join forces and complete this task together?"

The people fell silent at his words, silently recalling their experiences during this period. Upon careful consideration, they realized that since entering the Ghost Domain, they had hardly won any battles, always fleeing and fleeing. The number of experts in the Ghost Domain, their tyrannical cultivation bases, were unexpectedly powerful. Thinking back to those dangerous moments, everyone fell into silence.

Raising his head, Purple Yang True Immortal looked at Liu Xinghun and said in a deep voice, "Brother Liu, what do you think of Lu Yun's words? At this critical moment, we are all in danger while isolated and helpless. Do you agree to unite and face the current disaster together?"

Liu Xinghun heard this and looked at Sword Dust, pondering for a moment. After a while, he said, "This matter is beneficial if agreed upon. Everyone knows this well, but after the merger, who will be in charge?" His gaze swept over everyone and finally rested on Purple Yang True Immortal, his eyes filled with inquiry.

With a faint smile, Purple Yang True Immortal said, "This depends on the sincerity of each other. At this time, we'd better not engage in intrigue, as it will be of no benefit to anyone. Over here, Lu Yun is currently in charge, and if you agree, he will continue to lead after the merger. If you don't agree, we won't force you."

Looking at Sword Dust, Liu Xinghun's eyes turned slightly cold, and he couldn't help but sigh softly. He turned to Purple Yang True Immortal and said, "At this critical moment, we don't want to argue about this. Regardless of who is in charge, it's all for the sake of completing the mission. Since that's the case, in consideration of the safety of the mortal realm, we agree to form an alliance. Now, tell us what our next step should be?"

With these words, everyone's gaze fell on Lu Yun. Looking at everyone, Lu Yun pondered for a moment before speaking, "Let's rest for now. We still have time. During this time, I have a few things to tell everyone, and if you have any suggestions after listening, feel free to speak up. First, it's about the Ghost Domain. I just learned that there are actually five sectors in the Ghost Domain, in addition to the Black River Sector, Yin Corpse Sector, and No Souls Sector, there are two more. These two are the Ghost Domain Phantom Sector and the Ghost Domain Life and Death Sector."

A cry of surprise rang out, and everyone's faces changed, not expecting these secrets to be hidden here. Yun Feng anxiously asked, "Lu Yun, please tell

 us about the remaining two sectors, what are they like, and why haven't we heard of them before?"

Looking at Sword Dust, Lu Yun said calmly, "I have never been to the so-called Phantom Sector, but it is said to be on the Ghost Island of the Ghost Sea. That Ghost Island is one of the three great forbidden areas in the Ghost Domain, on par with the Soul-Transforming Pool. As for the Ghost Domain Life and Death Sector, it is located at the bottom of the evil blood pool in the No Souls Sector. At that time, Brother Sword Dust entered the Life Sector, while I entered the Death Sector. I believe Brother Sword Dust must have some understanding of it."

With that said, everyone's gaze shifted to Sword Dust, carefully looking at him, wanting to know what he encountered there. Seeing everyone looking at him, Sword Dust said in a deep voice, "Indeed, what Lu Yun said is true. I entered the Life Sector. In there, dangers were everywhere, and I encountered many perils and spent a lot of effort before finally passing through the Life Sector and returning to the surface. Unfortunately, I found nothing and wasted my efforts. I wonder if Lu Yun has made any discoveries. Surely there must be some gains?"

As he spoke, everyone's gaze moved back to Lu Yun. Lu Yun pondered for a moment, then said, "Now that everyone is here, let's talk about how to deal with the situation next. We can't stay here for too long. Let's make a decision quickly and make a plan to leave as soon as possible."

Nodding slightly, Lu Yun sighed softly, "The Death Soul Realm is known as the most sinister place in the Ghost Domain, and it does indeed hide some secrets. I encountered a powerful ghost creature inside and managed to extract quite a bit of information from it. Besides what I just mentioned, I also found out the whereabouts of the Soul-Transforming Pool." As everyone listened, their faces changed, and they all fixed their gazes on him, waiting for him to continue.

Purple Yang True Immortal said in a deep voice, "Lu Yun, since you've found out about the Soul-Transforming Pool, please tell everyone. Later, we can also discuss how to enter the pool and retrieve the Soul-Sealing Talisman."

"According to the information I obtained, the Soul-Transforming Pool is not located within the three cities of the Ghost Domain, but at the intersection of the three cities. It is said to be called the Shura Forest, and it shouldn't be easy to pass through. Now, we still have about eight days left, which should be enough time. This time, for the sake of caution, we must make detailed arrangements in advance, first understand the basic situation there, and then choose the right time to act. We must succeed in one fell swoop this time, otherwise when the Ghost Domain's army strengthens its defense, we few will be at a disadvantage. This matter is of great importance, so I hope everyone will cooperate wholeheartedly and not have any thoughts of competing for credit, so as not to alert the enemy and end up failing in the end, becoming sinners in the mortal realm." With a hint of warning in his eyes, Purple Yang True Immortal glanced at Sword Dust.

Liu Xinghun's expression turned cold, and he said coldly, "We naturally understand this, there is no need for Friend Purple Yang to remind us. Since we now know the whereabouts of the Soul-Transforming Pool, let's discuss how to proceed." Everyone nodded and began to discuss among themselves.

After a long discussion, they unanimously decided to send someone to investigate the Soul-Transforming Pool first, while the rest would go to the Shura Forest and hide outside, waiting for the right moment. As for the selection of personnel, it took a long time of debate before it was decided that Yun Feng and Liu Xinghun would go together. This way, both sides would have representatives, to avoid any dissatisfaction. Before they left, Lu Yun whispered a few words to Yun Feng before bidding him farewell.

After seeing off the two, Lu Yun inquired about the injuries of Bi Tian and Du Li, his expression somewhat grave. After glancing at everyone, Lu Yun said softly, "Now everyone should take the time to rest, I'll help Bi Tian heal his injuries and see if there's any effect. Now that we are in the Ghost Domain, if they cannot move, it will greatly affect my actions, so before we act, we must deal with their injuries properly."

Purple Yang True Immortal's face changed slightly at the words, and he said, "Lu Yun, let me and Yuan Yang handle this. You still need to command us, don't exhaust too much of your true essence."

Looking at Purple Yang True Immortal, Lu Yun understood the implied meaning. He shook his head slightly and said calmly, "You all just need to protect me, you handle this matter, it will be twice as effective." Without explaining further, Lu Yun turned and went to Bi Tian's side, gently helping him up and sitting behind him, beginning to heal his injuries.

After a while, Bi Tian, who had been unconscious, began to wake up. Sensing someone healing him, he cooperated fully, actively circulating the remaining true essence in his body and rapidly circulating it through his meridians.

Lu Yun took a moment to rest, and when Bi Tian and Du Li both woke up, he had just finished. They were both glowing with red light, their bodies rapidly recovering.

As Lu Yun rested, Bi Tian and Du Li both regained consciousness. Seeing the people in front of him, Bi Tian's eyes flashed with joy, and he secretly glanced at Proud Snow. Then, turning his gaze, Bi Tian asked, "I wonder who helped me heal just now, Bi Tian is truly grateful."

Yun Feng smiled and said, "Already done? Hehe, Lu Yun really has a way. I struggled a lot before, but couldn't wake you up, but he managed to revive both of you so quickly. Impressive!" Bi Tian's eyes showed a hint of strangeness when he heard this, and he glanced at Lu Yun. Then, turning his head, he looked at Du Li and found the same expression in his eyes, as if he had sensed something.

"Thank you, Lu Yun. We'll remember this favor and repay you in the future." Bi Tian and Du Li walked to Lu Yun's side simultaneously, tightly grasping his hand, their faces full of gratitude. Gently holding their hands, Lu Yun smiled and said, "We're in this together, so there's no need to mention it. We're all brothers, so don't worry about it. Although your bodies have recovered somewhat now, you're still very weak. Especially you, Bi Tian, you've damaged your primordial spirit, so you'll never be able to cultivate a third one in your life. And Du Li, reversing your true essence is also a taboo in cultivation. It will hinder your future progress, so you need to rest properly."

Beside them, Purple Yang True Immortal said, "Alright, let's not dwell on this. The important thing is to listen to the information they've gathered." With a faint smile, Lu Yun pulled the two of them and sat down with everyone, ready to listen carefully to Yun Feng's account of their reconnaissance mission.

Looking at everyone, Yun Feng's expression was somewhat excited as he said, "Lu Yun's information was very accurate. We did indeed find the Soul-Transforming Pool in the Shura Forest. At the same time, outside the pool, we also encountered several powerful experts from the Ghost Domain, along with a green figure full of demonic energy, guarding the area. Furthermore, the Shura Forest is very peculiar. From above, it appears to be only about a square mile in size. However, once inside, we walked for a long time without reaching the edge of the pool, and we don't understand why."

"In addition, the Shura Forest cannot be entered from the air. There's a mysterious invisible barrier around it that isolates it from the outside world. Inside the forest, many strange ghostly shadows flicker from time to time, but upon closer inspection, we found nothing. Finally, the Soul-Transforming Pool is very mysterious. There's a strange pattern around it, like countless patterns spreading around the edge of the pool, forming a strange array." With some surprise, Liu Xinghun added.

Upon hearing this, everyone felt shocked but not entirely surprised. After all, the Soul-Transforming Pool is one of the three most dangerous places in the Ghost Domain, so it's not comparable to ordinary places. In silence, Xuan Jie asked, "How far away were you when you observed the Soul-Transforming Pool? Did you alert those Ghost Domain experts? How big is the pool, and what color is it?"

Yun Feng looked at her and smiled, "At that time, I was about ten yards away from the Soul-Transforming Pool, so I don't think I alerted those ghosts. The pool isn't large, only about three yards in diameter, and about a yard high above the ground, with a three-foot black gas ball jumping up and down from time to time, looking mysterious and eerie." There was a gasp from the crowd as they heard this, seemingly shocked by the mysterious scene.

Sword Dust asked in a deep voice, "How many experts are guarding the pool in total? With our strength here, do we have a chance to break through forcibly? Also, did you encounter signs of a large number of ghost soldiers besieging the area? Besides those few experts, are there no other guards at all?"

Liu Xinghun glanced at him and said softly, "We also noticed what you asked, but what's strange is that we didn't find a single ghost soldier. There are seven experts guarding the pool, one of whom is a demon from the Demon Domain, while the other six are experts from the Ghost Domain. Among these six ghosts, the weakest one's strength is above that of a Ghost Fiend. And the strongest one's strength is probably not below that of a Ghost King. However, among these ghosts, except for one who is a Ghost Marshal named Yin Li, I haven't seen the others before."

After listening, Lu Yun spoke up, "Based on this, it seems that forcing our way through won't be easy and will require a great price. But even if we want to distract them, they won't necessarily fall for it. At the moment, we can only wait for the right opportunity and strike with all our might when it comes."

Sword Dust sneered, "Opportunities may not come easily. If we keep waiting like this, and there's no opportunity, should we just give up? Opportunities are created by people, so I think even if we don't actively confront them, we should find a way to create chaos to distract them. We don't have much time now, and we need to consider that if we fail the first time, we still have second and third chances. But if we keep waiting like this and waste time, what if something unexpected happens during the final attack? Time waits for no one, and once it's gone, it's gone."

Looking at him, Lu Yun said softly, "While what you say makes sense, don't forget one thing. While we can create chaos, doing so will expose our intentions, alerting the enemy. Not to mention, even if I manage to distract their attention completely, who dares to say we can enter the Soul-Transforming Pool at that time? The Soul-Transforming Pool is one of the three most dangerous places in the Ghost Domain, with the power to transform souls and annihilate them. So, before we understand it, who dares to go down and retrieve the Soul-Sealing Talisman? Since it can dissolve the talisman, it can naturally dissolve mortals as well."

Sword Dust snorted, "Regardless, our first step is to get close to the Soul-Transforming Pool. We can't wait like this forever; it's a waste of time."

Lu Yun's face turned cold, and he said in a deep voice, "Is that so? Do you think exploring and analyzing the secrets of the Soul-Transforming Pool doesn't require time? Can't we first find out how to break the pool, and then get close? Doing so will ensure that our attack will be effective immediately. As long as we get close to the pool, we can immediately go down and retrieve the Soul-Sealing Talisman. But if we follow your approach, getting close first, and then figuring out how to break it, by then all the ghosts in the Ghost Domain might have gathered, and we still might not figure out a solution. At that time, even if we retrieve the Soul-Sealing Talisman, it will be useless without our lives."

Looking coldly at Sword Dust, Lu Yun's expression was serious. Seeing him remain silent, Lu Yun swept his gaze over everyone and said in a cold voice, "Anyone else have any objections, feel free to speak up. If not, we'll do it my way. If anyone doesn't want to listen, they can leave voluntarily. Whatever happens later, has nothing to do with me." At that moment, Lu Yun suddenly burst out with a majestic aura that shocked everyone present.

Seeing Sword Dust, Liu Xinghun signaled him not to speak. This was not the time to argue over face. If they left now, the two of them wouldn't be able to retrieve the Soul-Sealing Talisman. So even if they wanted to leave, they would have to wait until they got what they

 came for. Sword Dust glanced at Lu Yun, hatred brewing deep in his heart.