Chapter 26: Battle in the Royal City

In the bright and soulless Royal City, five figures moved swiftly. Passing through a street corner, Jian Wuchen suddenly stopped and turned to the other four, saying, "Slow down. We need to minimize our presence now. I can sense that we're close to our destination, but there's a powerful aura waiting ahead. We must be extremely vigilant before getting closer."

Liu Xinghun whispered, "Don't worry, we understand. Let's continue. We must arrive before Lu Yun and the others. By the time they get here, we'll have already obtained the Soul Sealing Talisman. Then, when we return to the mortal realm, let's see how they'll face us. Let's go." With that, the five of them suppressed their auras and cautiously moved forward.

After traversing three streets and alleys, Jian Wuchen and his companions arrived at an inconspicuous street corner and concealed themselves. Their gaze fell on the square ahead, where ghost soldiers were patrolling around the central plaza, seemingly guarding something. The square was large, with a hundred yards in width. In the center of the square, a red light shot up into the sky, dazzlingly bright. Upon closer inspection, there was a three-yard-wide blood pool, roiling with blood waves, like boiling blood plasma. The dazzling red light shot straight into the sky from the blood pool, forming a strong red light that enveloped the entire soulless realm, shrouding the entire Royal City.

Jian Wuchen's eyes lit up with a hint of excitement. After glancing at the other four, he said via telepathy, "Look at that blood pool. It's highly likely to be the rumored Soul Transformation Pool. We've searched all three cities of the Netherworld, and today we finally found it. Now, let's discuss how we're going to retrieve the Soul Sealing Talisman from the pool."

Bi Tian looked at the scene and furrowed his brows, his expression heavy. He said softly, "I carefully observed. There are a total of seventy-two ghost soldiers and three ghost generals on the square. Among them, one of the generals is emitting a dark aura, exuding a terrifying presence. It seems highly challenging to deal with. Now, if we can find a way to distract that general, our chances of success will greatly increase. However, it's a highly dangerous task, and any slight mistake could lead to disaster. So, we need to consider carefully."

Liu Xinghun glanced at the other four and then fixed his gaze on Liang Jiahao and Du Li. He said, "Bi Tian's words make sense. In this situation, it's impossible to proceed without any obstacles. Opportunities need to be created by ourselves. Now, for the sake of completing the mission, one of us must distract the general to facilitate the actions of the others. However, this task carries great danger, similar to staying behind to snatch the Soul Sealing Talisman. Both are filled with peril. Now, let's each express our intentions."

Liang Jiahao looked at Liu Xinghun and said softly, "Whether it's distracting the general or staying behind to snatch the Soul Sealing Talisman, it's all for the sake of peace in the mortal realm and glory for our six academies. Since that's the case, let me take on this task. I'll distract the general, and when the time comes, you four can retrieve the talisman."

Seeing Liang Jiahao's determination, Jian Wuchen and the others showed encouragement and blessing in their eyes. After looking at the other four, Liang Jiahao nodded heavily and turned to leave. He would distract the general from another direction to facilitate Jian Wuchen and the others' actions.

Watching Liang Jiahao leave, Liu Xinghun said, "After Liang Jiahao distracts the general, we must quickly rush to the center of the square. At that time, Wuchen will retrieve the Soul Sealing Talisman, while the three of us will guard the surroundings, giving him more time. Now, let's get ready. We'll start the operation soon." Bi Tian glanced at Jian Wuchen with a hint of curiosity in his eyes, but he didn't say anything.

As they gazed at the general emitting a dark aura in the center of the square, Liang Jiahao's eyes turned cold, and his true energy rapidly circulated. With a step on the ground, Liang Jiahao's eyes turned icy in an instant. His body rotated, and his long sword turned into a pale purple stream of light, shooting directly towards the general. With a high-speed rotation, accompanied by a piercing sound, the powerful rotating force created a tornado-like whirlwind, directly sweeping towards the general.

In the center of the square, a piercing howl resounded, causing the general's eyes to change. With a sinister and murderous gaze, he stared at Liang Jiahao, and with a roar, he punched out. The punch, shrouded in a black aura, clashed with Liang Jiahao's attack. The collision of the sword and fist created a powerful explosion, sending both parties flying. While Liang Jiahao retreated, he sneered, "Just a small ghost, yet so arrogant. Do you think I'm afraid of you? What a joke."

The long sword spun nine times, unleashing a rapid series of attacks in nine directions. In mid-air, the clash between the fist and sword created intense explosions, and the two sides were forced back. Sneering at the general, Liang Jiahao turned and fled. The general's eyes were filled with fury. Seeing Li

ang Jiahao trying to escape, he snorted and chased after him.

As soon as the general left, four figures suddenly appeared in the center of the square, heading straight for the blood pool. In mid-air, Jian Wuchen swung his divine sword, emitting a dazzling multicolored light with a sacred aura, and struck the ground. At the same time, Liu Xinghun and the other two attacked with all their might, launching three powerful attacks in three directions towards the ghost soldiers.

On the ground, two generals roared, and the seventy-two ghost soldiers formed a formation, creating a powerful black aura that slowly accelerated and converged into a strong, sinister gust of wind. Under the command of the two generals, the gust of wind rushed towards the four people, colliding with their attacks.

The colorful light, accompanied by a powerful sacred aura, clashed with the black gust of wind filled with bloodthirsty aura, resulting in a violent explosion. With a deafening roar, powerful air currents swept and tossed Jian Wuchen and the others into the air. At the same time, the three of them attacking from the ground were also sent flying. On the ground, the formation of the ghost soldiers paused for a moment before returning to normal, as if nothing had happened.

In mid-air, Jian Wuchen looked at the formation in surprise, becoming even more certain that the blood pool below was indeed the Soul Transformation Pool, or else the soulless realm wouldn't care so much about it. Thinking of this, a hint of joy surged in Jian Wuchen's heart. With a turn of his divine sword, Jian Wuchen began to spin rapidly, and a dazzling column of light suddenly descended from the sky, colliding with the black whirlwind.

With a stern shout, Jian Wuchen pushed the Heavenly Spirit Divine Sword with all his might, using a rotating motion imbued with the power to tear through everything, directly piercing into the formation of the earth-bound ghost soldiers. A whirlwind erupted, with a black pillar of wind containing a sinister aura of blood and death, wildly colliding with Jian Wuchen's attack in a reverse rotation. In mid-air, two columns of different colors stood opposed to each other, mutually resisting.

Within the formation, two ghost generals commanded the change in formation to deal with Jian Wuchen in mid-air. Meanwhile, outside the formation, Liu Xinghun and the other two turned back and launched an attack on the formation of earth-bound ghost soldiers from the side, forming a pincer attack with Jian Wuchen in mid-air.

As his body hesitated, Jian Wuchen's forward movement was forcefully halted by the powerful resistance, making it exceptionally difficult for him to advance. Sensing the formidable resistance from the enemy, Jian Wuchen's eyes turned cold. He slapped the hilt of his sword with his right hand, causing the divine sword to sink a few inches. At the same time, leveraging the force of the recoil, his entire body flipped in mid-air. After nine consecutive flips, Jian Wuchen roared angrily and exerted all his force by stomping his right foot on the Heavenly Spirit Divine Sword. This foot, combined with the tremendous force from his nine consecutive flips, caused the sword to rapidly descend and pierce through the barrier of the black whirlwind, breaking into the formation of the earth-bound ghost soldiers.

A burst of colorful radiance erupted, dazzling and blinding the surroundings. On the ground, ghostly creatures were sent flying, their terrified screams filling the air. Under Jian Wuchen's Heavenly Spirit Divine Sword, the formidable ghost formation was shattered, and within the scattered air currents, two ghostly figures rushed out, heading straight for the descending Jian Wuchen.

Glancing at Liu Xinghun and the other two who were sent flying, a hint of pride flashed in Jian Wuchen's eyes. Then, shifting his gaze to the two ghost generals, Jian Wuchen clenched his hands, and a purple light shield suddenly appeared around him without warning. As the ghost generals approached, Jian Wuchen's eyes turned cold, and his hands suddenly split apart, sending two purple energy spheres towards the two enemies. Caught off guard, the two ghost generals were trapped by the two energy spheres.

The purple energy spheres, imbued with the mysterious "Purple Hua Swallowing Sun" technique, caused the two ghost generals to emit terrified roars, unable to break free from Jian Wuchen's confinement. Watching the weakening breath of the two ghost generals, a proud smile appeared at the corner of Jian Wuchen's mouth. However, just as Jian Wuchen was feeling triumphant, a powerful aura suddenly appeared above him.

"Watch out above, Wuchen, move quickly!" Jian Wuchen trembled at the warning, retracting his hands and swiftly moving his body, dodging in nine consecutive directions. A sinister and murderous laugh echoed, and in an instant, a vast bloody light enveloped Jian Wuchen. In mid-air, the ghost general, Wuhun, used the unique blood-refining technique of the soulless realm, intending to turn Jian Wuchen into blood and obliterate his soul.

As his body spun in mid-air, Jian Wuchen's Heavenly Spirit Divine Sword vibrated at a speed of three hundred and sixty times per moment. The powerful sword whistling converged into a boundless sword intent, rapidly spreading outward. Amidst the dazzling sword radiance, within the boundless sword intent, a colorful and radiant divine dragon danced in the sky.

On the ground, Liu Xinghun shouted, "The critical moment has come, let's take action. We'll rescue Wuchen first, then entangle this ghost general to give Wuchen time to act. Attack!" With a flash of purple light from his long sword, the Nine Techniques of the Heavenly Sword burst forth with powerful force. Beside him, Bi Tian and Du Li exchanged a glance, both gathering ten layers of power, unleashing their full righteousness.

With three angry roars, one purple and two red sword pillars, imbued with an earth-shaking aura, directly enveloped the airborne ghost general, Wuhun. With the combined attack of Jian Wuchen's counterattack, the powerful assault of the three, immediately forced the ghost general to retreat, allowing Jian Wuchen to break free from the ghost general's attack. Glancing at Jian Wuchen, Liu Xinghun urgently shouted, "Wuchen, leave this to us, go and do what you need to do, quickly, don't mind us."

After giving a solemn nod to the three, Jian Wuchen's body descended rapidly. Landing next to the blood pool, Jian Wuchen carefully surveyed the pool, his eyes showing a hint of shock. Furrowing his brows slightly, Jian Wuchen's body flashed, evading an attack from a ghost soldier. Looking at the seven remaining ghost soldiers, Jian Wuchen's eyes turned cruel, a hint of ruthlessness appearing in his eyes.

With a flicker, Jian Wuchen transformed into seven figures, simultaneously launching attacks on the remaining seven ghost soldiers. The powerful assault and strength forced the seven ghost soldiers to scream in fear and anger, but they were completely unable to escape Jian Wuchen's entanglement. With a sweep of his divine sword, Jian Wuchen easily knocked one ghost soldier into the blood pool. As the ghost soldier fell into the pool, a piercing scream rang out, and its body was immediately corroded and dissolved by the churning blood waves, disappearing in an instant.

Taking a deep breath, Jian Wuchen thought to himself, truly worthy of being called the Soul Transformation Pool, it's extremely domineering! Six times in a row, Jian Wuchen forced the remaining six ghost soldiers into the pool, and the result was the same each time. Each ghost soldier struggled for a mere moment before being completely corroded by the blood waves. Deep in thought, Jian Wuchen pondered whether he could resist the powerful corrosive force. If he couldn't resist it, going down there would be akin to seeking death.

In mid-air, Liu Xinghun and the other two joined forces to temporarily hold their own against the ghost general, leaving them stunned. They couldn't believe that this ghost general was so powerful, even stronger than the ghost immortal by half. Just as the three were locked in combat with the ghost general, in the distance, a powerful aura suddenly erupted. Within this aura, there was a sense of forward courage mixed with a tragic breath, swiftly spreading back to the city.

Simultaneously with this aura, another aura filled with the aura of blood and death also appeared, clashing with the tragic aura. Amidst the blood-colored aura, a vast purple qi surged forth, carrying endless tragedy and desolation, as if narrating something.

A slight tremor of the soul swept through, inadvertently cutting through the heart. On the square, the four of them simultaneously felt a sense of foreboding, as if a soul had perished in the vicissitudes. When the purple aura faded away and the malevolent aura weakened, a faint, silent sigh drifted through the soulless Ghost King City. Looking up, Jian Wuchen, Liuxing Hun, Bi Tian, and Du Li simultaneously let out a heart-wrenching roar of anger, as if they wanted to retain the departed figure. However, some things cannot be retained.

Looking up to the sky, Jian Wuchen's eyes shot out a beam of hatred, and he suddenly soared into the air, attacking the soulless Ghost Marshal. This sword, containing his boundless hatred, its power and malevolence no less than that of the Ghost Marshal. The sword shadows trembled, and hundreds of sword energy layers stacked upon each other, forming a colorful light shield around the Ghost Marshal, sealing him within.

With a fierce roar, the soulless body spun around, the ghostly aura outside his body fluctuating rapidly, constantly searching for Jian Wuchen's weakness. Beside him, Liuxing Hun's face was full of malevolent aura, and his long sword trembled. Hundreds of sword energies suddenly displayed the eighth move of the Heavenly Sword Nine Techniques - the Sky-Cleaving Technique! Obviously, at this moment, his anger was palpable. Leading the five of them, now that Leng Jiahao had died in the Soulless Realm, how could he explain to the Sect Master when they returned?

Bi Tian glanced at Du Li, his eyes revealing a few traces of desolation. This trip to the Ghost Domain was much more dangerous than imagined. In just a few days, they had encountered danger twice. The last time they were fortunate to be saved by a mysterious expert, but this time, without someone to rescue them, the price was Leng Jiahao's death. Thinking about the future, both Bi Tian and Du Li were filled with confusion. What would the future be like? Who could say for sure? To put it bluntly, was there even a future? "Lying drunk on the battlefield, no one laughs. How many people have gone to war throughout history?"

Feeling the approaching crisis, the Ghost Marshal emitted strange sounds from his mouth, sounding somewhat like a wail, yet different. Jian Wuchen and Liuxing Hun pressed closer with their swords, obviously determined to kill the Marshal to avenge Leng Jiahao. As the swords closed in, both of them were eager to eliminate the Soulless, but at that moment, an unparalleled domineering aura silently appeared in the air. The powerful aura made Jian Wuchen and Liuxing Hun's hearts race, their breaths rapid, and their expressions shocked.

At this moment, the soulless body was at its peak, taking advantage of the moment of Jian Wuchen and Liuxing Hun's surprise, his figure suddenly darted out of their encirclement, appearing beside a group of dark red blood shadows. Jian Wuchen and the others gathered together, carefully examining the soulless Ghost King and the sudden appearance of the blood shadows. Their eyes were full of horror. Beside the Ghost Marshal, a group of blood-red light mixed with some black ghostly aura. The gloomy aura and the blood aura converged, forming a strange Yin and Malevolent aura.

With red and green ghostly eyes, emitting eerie and bloodthirsty aura, the Ghost King stared coldly at the four on the ground! Bi Tian's face was heavy, his voice trembling slightly as he said, "I'm afraid this thing is the Ghost King of the Soulless Realm. Otherwise, how could it have such a powerful aura? What should we do now, should we leave immediately, or continue to fight to the death?"

With a heavy face, Jian Wuchen vigilantly watched the sky, whispering, "Now I'm afraid there are some things that we can't decide how to deal with. At this point, besides fighting to the death, I'm afraid we have no chance of escaping."

Liuxing Hun's face was iron-blue, coldly saying, "Since we've come to this point, let's leave it to fate. Whatever happens, even if we don't fight today, as long as we can't find the Soul-Sealing Talisman in the future, we'll inevitably have to fight them. Since it's a battle sooner or later, let's summon the courage to face it bravely today. Perhaps there's still a glimmer of hope."

"Foolish humans, instead of staying in the mortal realm, you come to my Soulless Realm seeking death, truly ignorant. Since you like seeking death, I'll grant your wish today and let you four become fierce ghosts here, never to be reincarnated." Sinister words emanated from the blood shadow, shocking the souls of the four.

With a flash of red light, the Soulless Ghost King mysteriously appeared in front of the four, looking at them coldly. Jian Wuchen and Liuxing Hun cried out in alarm, but at this moment, they wanted to save him, but it was too late, they could only cry out in alarm. Watching the Soulless Ghost King rapidly approaching Bi Tian, Jian Wuchen and Liuxing Hun both looked pale. This trip to the Ghost Domain had truly become a journey of no return.

Gently glancing at Du Li, Bi Tian felt so tired, wanting to rest. He glanced faintly at the approaching Ghost King, and Bi Tian smiled faintly. Perhaps it was time to end, wasn't it? Everything was already destined, who could change anything? With a faint smile, this moment appeared on Bi Tian's face, and suddenly the beautiful figure of Zhang Aoxue flashed before his eyes. Just before death, Bi Tian couldn't help but think of the woman who had once moved him the most. Unfortunately, before the last words of love could be spoken, everything had already ended.