Chapter 35: Forced Escape

Under the dark sky, by the Soul Transformation Pool, a black cloud silently appeared. Hovering silently in the air, this black cloud emitted a strange light, eerie and peculiar. Upon closer inspection, within the dense cloud, countless evil energies seemed to be hidden.

With a slight movement of his mind, Lu Yun exerted all his strength to unleash his psychic waves, carefully probing the situation within the cloud. Strangely, whenever the psychic waves approached the black cloud, they would be automatically dissipated by a peculiar aura, unable to detect anything. On the side, others were trying various methods to investigate the secrets of this mysterious black cloud, but no one could find a trace. Exchanging glances, everyone's eyes revealed a hint of astonishment at the mysterious phenomenon.

Speaking calmly, Lu Yun asked, "Since you're here, please reveal yourselves."

A sinister chuckle echoed, accompanied by a series of different voices, all carrying the same eerie aura, permeating the space above the Soul Transformation Pool. A black shadow flashed, and suddenly, a ghostly figure appeared in front of Lu Yun and the others, emitting a chilling laughter. Looking at this ghostly figure, everyone's first impression was that it was a ghostly immortal. The second impression was that the aura emanating from this ghostly immortal was different from the norm, seemingly concealing countless energies.

Just as everyone was guessing, the ghostly figure moved, and a series of shadows revolved around, instantly revealing twelve ghostly immortals, glaring at everyone with sinister gazes. Following the appearance of these ghostly immortals, the black cloud in the sky flickered with light, while constantly changing its shape, occasionally emitting a few sharp roars. Amidst the howling, shadows flickered beneath the black cloud, and several figures appeared in the air like mist, indistinct.

Counting carefully, there were a total of seven ghostly figures, all formidable experts with mysterious and unparalleled cultivation bases. Lu Yun carefully observed the opponents and his eyes narrowed slightly as he calmly asked, "Where do you all come from? Are you from the Yin Corpse Realm and the Black River Realm?" The people beside him were puzzled, not understanding whether Lu Yun's words were guesses or if he had discerned something. These ghostly figures had completely obscured faces, so how could Lu Yun guess that they were experts from the Yin Corpse Realm and the Black River Realm?

With a sinister smile, a black light flashed, and the Ghost Corpse King appeared clearly in everyone's eyes. Glancing at Lu Yun, the Ghost Corpse King said with a sinister tone, "I didn't expect you to guess correctly. I was just about to ask how you judged our origins and why you didn't say we came from the Soulless Realm?"

With a serious expression, Lu Yun whispered to everyone to be cautious and defensive, then turned his gaze to the Ghost Corpse King. Looking at the seven ghostly figures beside it, Lu Yun said in a deep voice, "It's not difficult to guess, because the Ghost Kings of the Soulless Realm have already fallen by my hands, so they couldn't be them. Besides them, with such powerful strength in the Ghost Domain, there are only the Yin Corpse Realm and the Black River Realm left. Being able to mobilize twelve ghostly immortals to accompany you indicates your identity, and besides the two Ghost Kings, there probably aren't any other significant figures. But I'm a bit puzzled. I've heard that each of the three realms of the Ghost Domain only has three Ghost Kings. Why are there so many appearing this time?"

With a sly smile, the Ghost Corpse King said, "As you said, it's quite simple. If the human cultivation world has twenty high-level experts who have reached the Immortal Realm, does that mean there are only twenty experts in the entire human world? It's just that simple. Do you understand? Hehe." Upon hearing this, Lu Yun and the others realized they had been mistaken before.

Looking at the Ghost Corpse King, Lu Yun asked, "I wonder who these individuals are? Would the Ghost King be kind enough to introduce them, so we can greet them later?" As he spoke, Lu Yun suddenly transmitted to those behind him to prepare for a breakout. The situation was obvious: the enemy was powerful, and a direct confrontation would entail great costs.

Glancing at Lu Yun, the Ghost Corpse King said, "You're very calm. Why not ask why we appeared at this time and what our purpose is here?"

"If I'm not mistaken, this was arranged in advance by you and the Ghost Marshal. As for the purpose of your arrival, we both know it well, so there's no need to waste time. Asking about the origins of the high-level experts behind you is just to gauge the gap between us, which will help us analyze the situation and make corresponding countermeasures," Lu Yun said indifferently, revealing his intentions casually.

With a sinister smile, the Ghost Corpse King praised, "Not bad. You're very straightforward in expressing your thoughts. From this alone, I can see that you're very cunning and understand that sometimes, hiding things is not as good as being straightforward. Actually, as you said, even if you don't say those thoughts out loud, do we not know them? Since you're so frank, if I continue to conceal them, it would be meaningless. Let's all reveal our true colors and have a good meeting with these experts from the human cultivation world."

With that, the six ghostly figures behind the Ghost Corpse King quickly became clear, revealing their true faces. Upon closer inspection, Lu Yun was shocked to find that among the six ghostly beings, there were actually the Black River Ghost King and the Ghost Marshal Illusionary Charm. As for the other four, although their origins couldn't be named, their cultivation bases were definitely above those of ghostly immortals. What puzzled Lu Yun was why the Black River Ghost King would ally with the Ghost Corpse King. Normally, they would never unite, and it was unexpected for them to come together now.

Without looking back, Lu Yun whispered softly, "Are you all ready? This time, we need to be extremely careful. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to leave here. Remember, when we leave later, stick close to me because this formation is very strange and not easy to break through. And what worries me the most is that there is a very formidable enemy waiting outside the forest."

Everyone's faces turned grim, filled with intense unease. With twelve ghostly immortals, two Ghost Kings, a Ghost Marshal, and four high-level experts, totaling nineteen formidable experts, such strength would be enough to destroy several sects in the human cultivation world. Now, facing them were only eleven of them, and the odds were not in their favor. Gripping their long swords, everyone remained vigilant, carefully watching their surroundings.

Master Ziyang's eyes flashed with a hint of desolation as he spoke in a deep voice, "Rest assured, we are all prepared and waiting for your command. This time, no matter how powerful the enemy is, I believe we can defeat them and break through this forest successfully. What do you all say?" "Yes, we can definitely do it!" With a resounding voice that shook the heavens, everyone burst forth with a powerful determination.

Looking back at everyone,

 Lu Yun's gaze swept gently over the ten familiar faces. Without speaking, just a glance and a nod, their hearts were connected tightly at this moment. Turning back indifferently, Lu Yun coldly looked at the enemy, and in a cold and resolute voice, he said, "Begin the battle, form a straight line and attack!"

In the ice-cold voice, Lu Yun's right hand wielded the Divine Sword, and his figure transformed into a dazzling red light, shooting straight ahead. Behind him, the nine others formed a straight line, spinning and flying in a whirlwind, converging into a tornado of energy, advancing courageously. From a distance, only a colorful dragon-shaped pillar of light soared into the sky, charging directly at the enemy with unparalleled momentum.

With a slight change in expression, the Ghost Corpse King and the Black River Ghost King glanced at each other and nodded simultaneously, "Activate the Ghost Dance Transformation!" All around, the twelve ghostly immortals roared in unison, their eerie voices pervading the entire forest. Amidst the roaring, the twelve ghostly figures merged into one, forming a jumping black ribbon that danced in the dark forest. This undulating ribbon, like a swaying ribbon, emitted a strong and domineering yet soft and sinister force. This Yin force formed waves, stacking countless layers of energy in front of Lu Yun and the others, resisting their advance.

With a wave of his Divine Sword, thousands of sword lights converged in an instant, forming a crimson sword pillar that surged toward the black ribbon. The opposing forces of Yin and Yang collided, mutually neutralizing and dissipating each other, entering a stalemate and blocking Lu Yun and the others' escape route. With a cold gaze, Lu Yun's lips curled into a cruel smile as he pushed the Divine Sword with all his might, driving the full force of the people behind him to attack forcibly.

A few dozen yards away, the Ghost Corpse King chuckled, "Your attack is quite fierce, but unfortunately, it's almost impossible to escape under the Ghost Dance Transformation this time. We owe our success in annihilating these detestable human experts to Illusionary Charm's assistance. Once the Soul Sealing Talisman is destroyed, we can enter the human world. At that time, there will be no need for further cooperation between us. Haha, Black River Ghost King, what do you think?"

With a cold glance, the Ghost Corpse King sneered, "This is something I won't forget. When we enter the human realm, we'll need to join forces if we want to manipulate the elements there. Without cooperation, we might not be able to handle the attacks from those cultivators. But for now, our main priority is to eliminate them. Among these people, there are wielders of the three major divine swords of the human realm, and dealing with them won't be easy."

"Haha, you're overthinking this, Black River Ghost King. With our strength, these eleven individuals won't be able to escape our grasp. For now, let's observe how long they can struggle," the Ghost Marshal Illusionary Charm chuckled sinisterly, his expression brimming with confidence.

Glancing at him, the Ghost Corpse King's eyes flashed with a hint of mockery, feeling a sense of satisfaction deep inside. Why was Illusionary Charm feeling so pleased? It was simple: during their cooperation, the Black River Ghost King had not revealed that Lu Yun possessed the Ghost King's Battle Armor. Except for Illusionary Charm and the Black River Ghost King, the other ghosts were unaware of the peculiarities surrounding Lu Yun. Additionally, Lu Yun's sudden display of the miraculous cloak, which concealed his aura completely, left the Ghost Corpse King impressed with his cleverness but unaware of the true extent of his abilities.

At the edge of the pool, Lu Yun and the others formed a swirling tornado, locked in a fierce confrontation with the Ghost Dance Transformation. After a brief stalemate, Lu Yun's psychic waves had already determined the dominance of the ghost formation, realizing that direct confrontation was futile. With time being of the essence, Lu Yun decisively wielded his Divine Sword and unleashed the magical power of the Spatial Pouch.

With a loud roar, the seemingly inconspicuous Spatial Pouch expanded in mid-air, transforming into a giant mouth, exerting a powerful suction force on the twelve ghostly immortals. Inside the Spatial Pouch, which contained everything, the ghostly beings were being devoured with great force. A terrified roar echoed as the orderly black ribbon violently trembled, showing signs of flying upward.

Several yards away, the two Ghost Kings roared in anger, not expecting Lu Yun to have such a trick up his sleeve. The Ghost Corpse King's face darkened, and with a wave of his hand, the black cloud that had been hovering in the air swiftly drifted beneath the Spatial Pouch, isolating the twelve ghostly immortals. The powerful suction of the Spatial Pouch was countered by the black cloud, causing it to bounce off. At that moment, the true form of the black cloud was revealed—a black flag depicting a scene of nine ghosts paying homage to death. The flag flickered with a dark light, rapidly spreading outwards to envelop the surroundings, isolating the area.

With this artifact in play, Lu Yun's Spatial Pouch lost its effectiveness, and the Ghost Dance Transformation regained its power. In a short time, Lu Yun decisively abandoned the Spatial Pouch and led the others to flee at full speed. As everything returned to normal, Lu Yun and the others had already escaped several hundred yards from the Soul Transformation Pool.

Watching Lu Yun and the others leave, the Ghost Corpse King roared in anger, commanding the four high-level experts by his side to pursue. Meanwhile, the Black River Ghost King and the Ghost Marshal Illusionary Charm smirked sinisterly, trailing behind at a leisurely pace. At this moment, the Black River Ghost King seemed unconcerned about Lu Yun and the others' escape, instead focusing his sinister gaze on the retreating figure of the Ghost Corpse King, clearly plotting something devious. Glancing at Illusionary Charm, the Black River Ghost King whispered softly before hastening his pace to catch up.

Passing through layers of forest, Lu Yun led the group on a peculiar route, advancing rapidly. Sensing the pursuing ghosts getting closer, Lu Yun felt a sense of urgency because escaping this strange formation would take some time. Turning back to look at everyone, Lu Yun's gaze changed several times before finally speaking, "Now, everyone pay attention. Transform into your spiritual forms and attach yourselves to Aoxue's Purple Shadow Divine Sword. Follow closely behind me to break through. This formation operates at a speed that you can't catch up with in your physical forms. There's no other way out except to traverse it with your spiritual forms."

Yiyuan and the eight from the Phoenix Academy's expressions changed slightly at the words but quickly complied, transforming into eight small spheres of varying colors, orbiting around the purple sword. However, Jian Wuchen and Liu Xinghun hesitated, their eyes showing a hint of distrust towards Lu Yun, fearing a potential ambush. Cultivators understood that once they transformed into spiritual forms, they could travel much faster than usual, which was very useful in escaping danger. Just like the Spirit Beast Sovereign before, who transformed into a green light and escaped swiftly during a life-threatening situation. However, there was also a downside—the spiritual forms were much more fragile than physical bodies and couldn't withstand strong attacks. If they were trapped in danger, it would be much more dangerous than usual.

With a cold glance at the two, Lu Yun said indifferently, "If you don't believe me, you can follow on your own. If you can keep up, you can escape. If you can't, I don't have time to worry about you." With that, Lu Yun's entire body radiated with light, and his speed increased tenfold in an instant, disappearing.

Jian Wuchen and Liu Xinghun exchanged glances, then simultaneously transformed into their spiritual forms and hurriedly chased after him.

Behind them, the Ghost Corpse King roared in anger, his entire body shimmering with black light as he vanished into thin air. Exiting the forest, the black light flashed, and the Ghost Corpse King's body appeared out of nowhere, carefully observing the surroundings. Glancing at the nearby Nether Ghost, the Ghost Corpse King's eyes flashed with a hint of unease, carefully calculating the possible scenarios that might occur later.

Lost in thought, the Ghost Corpse King suddenly looked up towards the exit, where a purple divine sword, radiating a strong sacred aura, appeared with several dazzling spheres of light. With a flash of light, Lu Yun and the others' bodies materialized out of thin air at the exit of the forest.

Taking a quick look around, Lu Yun spoke in a deep voice, "We're out now. We must leave this place immediately. There's the Ghost Corpse King and the Nether Ghost behind us, and other high-level experts ahead. Everyone, remember to run with all your might. I'll cover the rear. Let's go!" As he urged everyone to escape, Lu Yun kept a close eye on the movements of the two ghosts.

It was strange; Lu Yun noticed that the Ghost Corpse King remained motionless, quietly watching as he and his companions fled. Glancing at the expressionless Nether Ghost, Lu Yun's eyes showed understanding. It seemed that the Ghost Corpse King was wary of the Nether Ghost's intentions. With a swift turn, Lu Yun hurriedly chased after the distant group, simultaneously unleashing a tremendously powerful mental attack with a frequency of thirty-two thousand seven hundred times per instant, directly striking the Ghost Corpse King.

The black aura trembled, and then the black mist shattered. The Ghost Corpse King's entire body trembled violently, and its thirteen layers of protective ghostly aura shattered instantly under Lu Yun's sudden attack. The immensely powerful psychic force invaded its mind, leaving the unprepared Ghost King severely wounded, roaring in agony. However, as it roared, the previously motionless Nether Ghost silently appeared above its head, delivering a devastating blow.

A supremely evil black light shrouded the Ghost Corpse King, containing a soul-devouring power that fiercely consumed the Ghost King's entire ghostly aura, seeking to obliterate it. With a loud roar, the Ghost Corpse King's true essence erupted, and a powerful black totem rose into the air, pushing the Nether Ghost's black light several feet away. In mid-air, the two sinister and evil forces clashed, creating a momentary stalemate.

At the edge of the Shura Forest, a black aura flashed, and a black cloud silently appeared. Several roars and howls emanated from the black cloud, as four ghostly figures rushed towards the Nether Ghost, attempting to aid the Ghost Corpse King in repelling it. At the same time, the Black River Ghost King grimly said, "Ghost Corpse King, you deal with this. I'll take my men to intercept those escaping human experts. Let's go!" With those words, several ghostly figures disappeared with the Black River Ghost King, leaving no trace behind.

As they left the Shura Forest, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that they had been lucky this time not to be surrounded by enemies. However, they began analyzing the events, noticing many inconsistencies that raised suspicions. Firstly, why would the Black River Ghost King join forces with the Ghost Corpse King? They were sworn enemies, and it seemed unlikely for them to cooperate. Was there a conspiracy at play?

Secondly, how did Lu Yun decipher the mysterious Soul Transformation Pool's barrier? From their experiences of following the Purple Shadow Divine Sword countless times, traversing through the complex formations at incredible speeds, they understood that it was impossible for anyone to decode such a complex formation in such a short time. How did Lu Yun do it, and how many secrets did he conceal? This was a question on everyone's mind, although no one dared to ask at this moment.

Glancing at everyone, Lu Yun asked, "Senior Feng, can you explain what the Ghost Day is? In the human realm, when the sun passes overhead at noon, it's called solar noon. I wonder if it's the same in the ghost realm?"

Feng Yuanyang replied softly, "Are you trying to verify the Ghost Venerable's words? From what I know, the Ghost Day is very rare in the ghost realm. To give an analogy, it's like the fifteenth day of the lunar month in the human realm, occurring once a month. Unlike the human realm, where the full moon appears at night, the Ghost Day occurs at noon."

Hearing this, Lu Yun frowned, feeling somewhat disappointed. "So, if the Ghost Day occurs too late, then we have no hope?" Everyone was startled, realizing the implications of Lu Yun's words. As Lu Yun had said, they had gone through great hardships to reach the ghost realm to defend human peace and retrieve the Soul Sealing Talisman to seal the exit between the human and ghost realms. But if they couldn't retrieve the item at the designated time, everything would be in vain.

Glancing at Yun Feng, Aoxue asked, "Yun Feng, I remember you mentioned earlier that you had figured out how to break the mysterious barrier of the Soul Transformation Pool. Now, please tell us."

As they flew onwards, Yun Feng began to speak, "As far as I know, as long as we decipher the mysterious Heavenly River Star Array, we should be able to enter the Soul Transformation Pool. And this Heavenly River Array is actually the distribution map of the Milky Way stars. Although it's very complex, anyone with knowledge of celestial phenomena can slowly deduce its solution. Give me three days, and I should be able to figure out the solution. Then, we can enter the Soul Transformation Pool. However, according to what that sinister being said, the Soul Transformation Pool is extremely dangerous. Even if we break through its magical barrier, we may not be able to withstand the Soul Transformation Profound Qi." Everyone fell silent at these words, realizing that no one could boast of being able to withstand the terrifying Soul Transformation Profound Qi.

Lu Yun spoke softly, "For now, let's not worry about that. We'll find a secluded place immediately for Yun Feng to work on deciphering the solution. Also, during these three days, everyone needs to rest well because the next time will probably be our most critical moment. Even if we encounter strong enemies, we won't have a way to retreat. Now, everyone turn left immediately; the Black River Ghost King's aura is getting closer. Let's hurry." 

As they watched Lu Yun and the others disappear, the Black River Ghost King paused in mid-air, no longer pursuing. Beside him, Illusionary Charm said, "My Lord, the Ghost Corpse King is currently entangled by the Nether Ghost. For us, this is a good opportunity. Let's take advantage of this and head to the Soulless Realm. Naturally, we can reap the benefits and easily occupy it. By then, after consolidating our forces in the Soulless Realm, we won't need to worry about the Ghost Corpse King." 

The Black River Ghost King chuckled darkly, "That's exactly what I had in mind. Leave these human realm experts here temporarily for the Ghost Corpse King to deal with. This will not only divert their attention but also deplete their strength, benefiting us without any harm. With the Blood Purgatory Compass occupying the Black River Domain temporarily, we have to leave for now. Let's follow your suggestion and reclaim the Soulless Realm first before making further plans. Let's go."