Chapter Twenty-Two: Soul Suppressing Stone Monument

After Lu Yun entered the deep well, Zhang Aoxue and Lin Yunfeng stood quietly by the well, paying attention to any movements around, trying to see if there were any changes. When a burst of light soared into the sky, the two immediately understood that Lu Yun had encountered something dangerous below.

Lin Yunfeng's face changed slightly as he said, "Looking at these two lights and the inherent power they contain, it seems that Lu Yun is in danger. I'll go down and check on him. If anything happens, it won't be good. Sister, you stay here, and I'll go down first." After saying this, he turned and was about to go down.

Zhang Aoxue calmly said, "I'll go too. You go ahead, and I'll follow. Let's go." With a determined look on her beautiful face, she blocked whatever Lin Yunfeng wanted to say, leaving him speechless. Lin Yunfeng didn't say anything and jumped into the well. Shortly after, Zhang Aoxue followed.

Unfortunately, the two of them had bad luck. They descended only about fifty feet when they encountered the surging water column. The force of the water column was so great that it instantly blasted them out. Lin Yunfeng ended up soaked, complaining incessantly. Zhang Aoxue, with a calm expression, glanced at Lin Yunfeng and, without saying anything, jumped into the well. Seeing this, Lin Yunfeng, without complaining, immediately entered the well.

Soon, the two encountered no trouble and easily reached the bottom of the well, where they saw Lu Yun. When Zhang Aoxue saw the woman standing behind Lu Yun, a subtle and almost imperceptible strange expression flashed in her eyes. However, that expression quickly turned into a fierce and cold look, coldly staring at the woman. Lin Yunfeng also noticed the woman and had a puzzled look as he gazed at Lu Yun.

A purple light suddenly appeared, and the entire well bottom instantly turned purple. When Zhang Aoxue saw the woman trembling and looking terrified, she coldly said, "Don't be agitated, Senior Sister. Although this girl is a soul, she is not evil. Let me explain to you, and you will understand." After that, Lu Yun explained the situation, including the fact that the girl couldn't leave this place to be reincarnated. This explanation made Zhang Aoxue retract her divine sword.

Looking at Lu Yun, Zhang Aoxue didn't say anything, silently walking towards the jade monument. Lin Yunfeng looked at Lu Yun and asked, "Lu Yun, when we were outside, we saw light columns and water columns below. What's going on?" Lu Yun looked at Zhang Aoxue and softly recounted the recent events, omitting the use of the Buddhist "Heart Zen Unextinguished Technique."

As they approached the Soul Suppressing Monument, the three of them observed the stone monument in silence. Lu Yun whispered, "This Soul Suppressing Monument is quite peculiar. It can lock onto any soul and spirit, preventing them from leaving. There used to be an incredibly powerful barrier outside, but I've already deciphered it. We haven't had a chance to investigate the mysteries of this monument yet. Now, let's examine together and see what secrets the Soul Suppressing Monument holds."

Lin Yunfeng's eyes revealed a hidden light as he used special methods to explore the secrets of the monument. Meanwhile, Zhang Aoxue shimmered with purple light, thoroughly examining the jade monument with the force of her true qi. Time passed unnoticed, and Lin Yunfeng sighed, "This Soul Suppressing Monument is so mysterious. I've searched for a long time and found nothing useful. What about you two? Any gains?"

Zhang Aoxue glanced at Lu Yun, shaking her head slightly, indicating that she, like Lin Yunfeng, found nothing. Lu Yun helplessly said, "I've sensed something. There seems to be something hidden within this Soul Suppressing Monument. That something can act as a soul suppressor, preventing the girl, Yeyu, from leaving and reincarnating. Additionally, the monument has the ability to conceal any malevolent aura. That's why we didn't sense the eerie atmosphere of the ghosts outside. Unfortunately, I can't be sure what's inside."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yunfeng's face lit up, "Really, Lu Yun? Are you sure there's something inside? It must be an extraordinary treasure. We've hit the jackpot. Hehe, I have to study it carefully. We can't leave empty-handed from this treasure trove, right?" After speaking, Lin Yunfeng circled the Soul Suppressing Monument, continuously turning, and his eyes sparkled with cunning. It was clear he had some ideas.

After a few rounds, Lin Yunfeng stopped and slowly approached the jade monument. He extended his right hand, and a mysterious azure light appeared at the edge of his palm. As Lin Yunfeng's right hand approached the monument, a silver radiance blocked his right hand about a foot away. A dense silver light circulated, forming a protective barrier that stopped Lin Yunfeng's right hand, keeping them in a deadlock.

Lin Yunfeng's eyes shone brightly, and suddenly, the azure light in his right hand erupted. His body moved forward, pushing the silver light barrier back. As the silver light retreated, it immediately erupted with the same powerful brilliance, forcing Lin Yunfeng back again. Seeing this, both Zhang Aoxue and Lu Yun showed a hint of amazement. Unexpectedly, this flowing light was so mysterious; it became stronger against strength and weaker against weakness.

After seven consecutive attempts, Lin Yunfeng hadn't succeeded, and he looked extremely shocked. Swaying, he stepped back to Lu Yun's side, wiping off the sweat. "This thing is mysterious. I can't break through the restriction. It's strange. Can you two try it? We can't leave here empty-handed today. We must figure out what's inside."

Lu Yun looked at Zhang Aoxue and, seeing her solemn expression, couldn't help but speak, "Senior Sister Aoxue, let me try first. If it doesn't work, then trouble Senior Sister to take action. What do you think?" Zhang Aoxue glanced at him and nodded slightly, saying, "Be careful, don't force it. If it doesn't work, step back to avoid harming your cultivation."

Lu Yun looked at her beautiful eyes, nodded slightly, and a strange emotion flowed between their eyes. Lu Yun slowly walked to the front of the jade monument, extending his right hand. Activating the "Twelve Techniques of Heavenly Changes" from the Yi Garden, a green light flashed, instantly contacting the flowing silver light on the jade monument. The collision of two different true essences made Lu Yun feel that the silver light had a strong repulsive force, resisting his advance.

Due to the presence of others, Lu Yun didn't want to expose his ultimate technique. After probing for a while, he retracted his right hand. Quietly observing for a while, Lu Yun extended his left hand this time. A green light appeared at the edge of Lu Yun's left hand, while he used the "Ten Thousand Transformations into One" technique deep within, pressing onto the silver light. Slowly, a faint blue light emerged in the well, converging towards Lu Yun. This light, with a soft and feminine aura, gathered entirely in Lu Yun's left hand, tightly combining with the flowing silver light, emitting a strange radiance.

Zhang Aoxue and Lin Yunfeng both watched Lu Yun with expressions of amazement. Unable to contain himself, Lin Yunfeng spoke, "Hey, Lu Yun, what's going on? Why did I never know you could do this? It doesn't seem like a technique from our Yi Garden. I've never seen anything like it. Can you explain what's going on? I'm really curious."

Ignoring Lin Yunfeng, Lu Yun continued to use the "Ten Thousand Transformations into One" technique with his left hand. This technique was specifically designed to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth for personal use. Failing with a strong approach, Lu Yun decided to try a forceful occupation. Sensing the silver light starting to fluctuate, Lu Yun felt joy in his heart, knowing that success was imminent. The entire well bottom was filled with a blue light, and as the green light at the edge of his left hand, combined with the blue light, concealed the aura of his hand, he added even more force.

Finally, under Lu Yun's strong suction, the flowing silver light began to converge towards the center of his left hand. Numerous strange patterns and symbols appeared in the air around the jade monument, rapidly entering Lu Yun's body. With a flash of silver light, the flowing light on the jade monument instantly disappeared into Lu Yun's palm. Watching this, both Zhang Aoxue and Lin Yunfeng were surprised, gazing at Lu Yun with strange eyes.

At the exact moment when the silver light disappeared, the jade monument suddenly cracked from the center, and a dazzling silver light shot out, rapidly spinning in the well bottom. Seeing this silver light, Lin Yunfeng and Zhang Aoxue withdrew their gazes from Lu Yun and carefully focused on this mysterious object. After watching for a while, Zhang Aoxue exclaimed in surprise, "This is a sword. Quickly block the path above; we can't let it escape." As she spoke, Lin Yunfeng had already reacted, blocking the route above and carefully guarding the exit.

Lu Yun, when the silver light appeared, did not look at it but focused on his left hand. At this moment, neither Zhang Aoxue nor Lin Yunfeng noticed a pattern appearing in the palm of Lu Yun's left hand. The pattern was a one-inch jade talisman, clearly displaying the ancient characters "Seal" and "Spirit." This jade talisman emitted a silver light, as if engraved in the palm of Lu Yun's hand, appearing mysterious and peculiar. Lu Yun's thoughts shifted, and the jade talisman disappeared. Immediately, he thought about making it reappear, and the jade talisman appeared in the center of his left hand. This delighted Lu Yun, and a strange light flashed in his eyes.

Glancing at the woman, who was trembling all over and looking at the silver sword in terror, Lu Yun's figure flashed, appearing in front of her, blocking the silver light. Above, Lin Yunfeng's voice came, "Lu Yun, be careful not to let the sword escape. I'll stay here; you quickly find a way to obtain it."

Lu Yun looked at him, smiled lightly, and said, "Yunfeng, I already have a sword. You can take this one. Sister Aoxue has the Divine Sword, and I have no use for it. It's better for you to take it." With these words, Lin Yunfeng's face lit up, and he said with a smile, "Lu Yun, if you say so, I'll take it seriously. I'll remember to help you in the future. If there's something you want, I'll make sure to get it for you. Now, please guard the exit for me, and I'll go down to subdue it."

Lu Yun smiled faintly, taking the woman with him as he appeared next to Lin Yunfeng. Above, the As-You-Wish Heart and Soul Sword emitted a radiant red light, firmly guarding the exit. Lin Yunfeng's figure flashed, and six figures appeared in the well bottom, all pouncing towards the silver sword. The silver sword seemed to understand Lin Yunfeng's intentions. The silver light flickered, appearing and disappearing, making it difficult for Lin Yunfeng to approach.

Zhang Aoxue watched the silver sword, a faint smile on her face, and the Divine Sword, Purple Shadow, unsheathed instantly. A purple light spread across the entire well bottom, forcing the silver sword to resist the powerful aura of the Divine Sword, Purple Shadow. With this, Lin Yunfeng seized the opportunity. He split his hands, and a blood-red celestial net filled with countless tiny blood droplets suddenly appeared above the sword, swiftly enveloping it. These tiny blood droplets were actually condensed from Lin Yunfeng's own blood. He understood that to subdue a treasure like this sword, he needed to use his own blood to trap it and take advantage of the opportunity to control it.

The silver light surged, and a sword's cry pierced through the clouds. The sword frantically dodged Lin Yunfeng's blood net, but unfortunately, it was too late. When the blood pearls enclosed the silver light, the silver radiance instantly dimmed, and a long sword gently descended from mid-air, caught by Lin Yunfeng. Lin Yunfeng wore a happy expression, looking extremely joyful as he held the sword in his hands. The sword was three feet, three inches, and three parts long, with a blade width of one inch and two parts, and a thickness of three parts, appearing exceptionally exquisite. There were two characters engraved on the hilt, "Wind Cutter," which seemed to be the name of the sword.

Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue approached Lin Yunfeng, both looking at him with a congratulatory gaze. Lin Yunfeng joyfully exclaimed, "What do you think of this sword? It's engraved with the characters 'Wind Cutter.' I think this sword is the Wind Cutter Sword. Hehe, it's really

 great. Oh, right, where's the scabbard? Let's find it quickly." Having said that, he hurriedly went to search for the scabbard near the jade monument. At this moment, he looked like a child, so full of joy that both Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue couldn't help but shake their heads and smile.

After not much time had passed, Lin Yunfeng found the scabbard in the jade monument. He walked over joyfully, asking, "How about this sword? It's engraved with the characters 'Wind Cutter.' I believe it's the Wind Cutter Sword. Hehe, it's wonderful. Oh, by the way, where's the scabbard? Let's look for it quickly." Having said that, he eagerly searched for the scabbard near the jade monument. At this moment, he looked like a child, so full of joy that both Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue couldn't help but shake their heads and smile.

Not long after, Lin Yunfeng found the scabbard in the jade monument, walking over with delight. At this time, Lu Yun asked the woman, "What are your plans now? Do you want to leave this place, or do you want to stay and continue cultivating?"

The woman looked at the three people, whispering, "For so many years, I've been staying here, wasting a lot of time. With my current cultivation, if I go out, I won't even dare to face the light, and those cultivators outside will quickly destroy me. Instead of that, I'll stay here temporarily and cultivate. When the day comes that I'm no longer afraid of the light, I'll go out and find him on my own. At that time, I won't trouble you anymore. For now, I can only ask you to keep an eye out for me." The last part was directed towards Lu Yun.

Lu Yun whispered, "This is fine. Going outside poses risks, as there are many cultivators there. Just stay here and focus on your cultivation. If I find him, I'll convey your message. Now, we'll take our leave. If you ever come out and want to find me, just remember I'm from Yi Garden. But don't go to Yi Garden directly because it's guarded by immortal formations; you'll be destroyed if you get too close. Alright, I'll leave a restriction for you now, temporarily suppressing the manifestation of your ghostly aura. It should keep you safer." After saying this, Lu Yun asked Lin Yunfeng and Zhang Aoxue to go up first and wait for him while he set up the restriction. This restriction not only suppressed the ghostly aura but also prevented powerful enemies from intruding. After everything was done, Lu Yun glanced at the woman, nodded slightly, and then disappeared.

Watching Lu Yun leave, the woman Night Rain gently waved her hand and softly said, "Perhaps one day, you will meet him because you are very much like him. Both of you share the same aura and have many similarities." Lu Yun paused, turned to look at her, his eyes showing a hint of strangeness, and then he vanished into the dark well.

When Lu Yun appeared at the well's opening, he found Lin Yunfeng happily practicing swordplay. From a distance, a powerful silver light intertwined, forming countless sword shadows that converged into numerous sword flowers, dispersing layer by layer, creating a beautiful scene resembling a goddess scattering flowers. Zhang Aoxue stood quietly on the side, watching Yunfeng calmly, her eyes filled with a serene expression.

Seeing Lu Yun coming up, Zhang Aoxue whispered, "It's time to go back. If we're quick, we can still make it for lunch." A figure flashed, and a white silhouette appeared out of thin air, flying swiftly forward. Lu Yun glanced at Lin Yunfeng, who seemed ready to speak, shook his head slightly, and then hurriedly followed Zhang Aoxue. Lin Yunfeng exclaimed, and with a sword flying under him, he quickly caught up with both Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue.

On the way, Lu Yun spoke, "When we go back this time, remember not to mention the ghost woman's matter. Otherwise, you might get scolded, and it's not necessary. Yunfeng, remember, if the senior martial uncles ask about the sword, skip the part about the ghost woman. Otherwise, you'll definitely get a harsh lesson. Do you understand?"

Lin Yunfeng grinned, saying, "Alright, no need for you to say. I understand. Who would mention such a thing? Do you take me for a fool? Let's not talk about this now; what ghost woman? I've never seen anything. Let's discuss our participation in the martial arts competition. What do you think? Any opinions?" He looked at Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue, waiting for their response with gleaming eyes.

Lu Yun glanced at Zhang Aoxue and softly said to Yunfeng, "Don't worry about this matter. Just focus on doing your best. When you go back, remember to familiarize yourself with the weapons. Don't be flustered during the competition; it would be embarrassing."

Yunfeng replied, "Alright, I won't bring it up. You don't have to tell me; I'm not that foolish. Now, let's not talk about this matter. What ghost woman? I've never seen one. Let's talk about our participation in the martial arts competition. What do you think? Any opinions?" With a mischievous smile, he took off with the Wind Cutter Sword without waiting for their agreement.

Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue didn't chase after him and maintained their original speed, flying forward. Looking at the surroundings, Lu Yun spoke, "Aoxue, do you think we cultivate for immortality or to become righteous warriors, eliminating evil? Are we seeking the mysterious Dao or aiming for powerful strength to do as we please? In this world, there are countless cultivators, but why?"

Zhang Aoxue glanced at him, surprised that he called her by her name for the first time. She thought for a moment and replied, "The world is vast, filled with wonders. Cultivation is just one path, and each person choosing this path has different goals. So, your question is not easy to answer. Many people in this world experience confusion. In those crucial moments, making the right decision determines a person's fate. Perhaps you're currently in that stage of confusion. Your decision at this moment is crucial as it will shape your entire life."

Lu Yun contemplated, and Zhang Aoxue's words were profound. It's not about worrying about others' decisions; the most important thing is to recognize one's own decision, choose the path one wants to take, and then strive for it. After deep contemplation, Lu Yun suddenly smiled, looked at Zhang Aoxue, and whispered, "Thank you, Aoxue. Let's increase our speed and get back sooner."

In the sky, two figures descended like shooting stars. As the sword light receded, Zhang Aoxue and Lu Yun gently landed on the cultivator grounds of Yi Garden. As soon as they stabilized, seven figures appeared around them, silently observing Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue.

Lu Yun remained calm; before he landed, he had already seen everything clearly in his mind about these seven people. Zhang Aoxue's eyes remained calm as well. Turning around, she walked towards her master and stood quietly by his side. Among the seven, Li Hongfei glanced at Lu Yun with a slightly cold gaze before looking away. Lin Yun

feng made a quirky face at the two, as if implying something.

Xuanyu True Immortal smiled as he looked at the two. He spoke, "It's good that you're back. I've already heard from Junior Brother Xuan Yin about the recent events. You both seem to have gained something, achieving the goals I set. Now, let's all go back to Yi Heaven Pavilion and discuss the upcoming martial arts competition in a few days." Turning around, Xuanyu True Immortal walked towards Yi Heaven Pavilion.

Ziyang True Immortal looked at Lu Yun, his eyes showing a trace of concern. He patted Lu Yun's shoulder gently, and together with the others, they headed towards Yi Heaven Pavilion.