Chapter 1: Journey to Fengdu (Part 1)

In the Qin Chuan region of Western Shu, known for its towering mountains and deep valleys, lies Fengdu, situated in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Its treacherous terrain makes it the most spiritually dense area in the southwest, shrouded in mysteries and legends of gods, ghosts, and monsters.

Fengdu is home to a mysterious Ghost Mansion, rumored to be built specifically for the worship of ghostly spirits and to seek peace. No one can say for certain when this ancient and peculiar stone mansion was constructed or by whom. Nonetheless, it has stood tall throughout the ages, guarded by outstanding disciples from the Yi Garden sect. Ever since the founding of Yi Garden, guards have been stationed here at all times for safety.

The sky above Fengdu was overcast with dark clouds, gathering sinister black energy overhead, resembling a dark mushroom, ominous and foreboding. In the distance, sixteen brilliant lights flickered intermittently amidst the clouds, shrouded in mystery. In midair, Master Xuyu glanced around at the assembled disciples and exclaimed, "We're almost there. Everyone, be cautious. The ghostly aura ahead is extremely heavy. It's best for everyone to activate their protective qi." With that, he enveloped himself in a blue aura.

Following his lead, the accompanying disciples also surrounded themselves with protective qi shields to ward off any potential danger. As they sped forward, the addition of these shields caused a piercing whistle as they intersected with the swiftly passing airflow, echoing through the surroundings.

On the ground, disciples from Yi Garden looked up as they heard the piercing whistle emanating from the sky. They saw sixteen dazzling lights rapidly approaching in the gloomy sky. Among these lights, the most prominent were a five-colored light and a crimson flame, followed by a purple and a yellow light. Moving at incredible speed, the figures appeared in the sky above the Ghost Mansion in Fengdu.

Suddenly, a disciple exclaimed in excitement, "It's Master and his party! They're here!" The disciples rushed to inform their masters and senior brothers of the arrival.

At the entrance of the Ghost Mansion, the sixteen figures materialized before the disciples. Among them were seven from Yi Garden, three from Phoenix Academy, three from Confucian Garden, and three from Heaven's Sword Academy, totaling sixteen. Master Xuyu addressed the disciples, "You've all worked hard. This time, due to our affairs in Yi Garden, masters from Phoenix Academy, Confucian Garden, and Heaven's Sword Academy have sent experts to assist us. I believe that as long as we work together, we can drive away all the ghosts. Let me introduce the experts from the three academies by my side. In the future, everyone must assist them to the best of their abilities." He proceeded to introduce the experts.

At that moment, Masters Qianyuan and Xuanyin arrived. Upon seeing each other, both sides were surprised. Master Xuyu realized that the two disciples looked fatigued and pale, indicating that they had exerted themselves greatly. On the other hand, Masters Qianyuan and Xuanyin were taken aback to see the experts from the other three academies, seemingly unexpected. Li Hongfei and Lin Yunfeng couldn't help but run to their masters' side, looking at them with concern.

Lin Yunfeng held his master's hand and infused his own true energy into his master's body to replenish his depleted vitality. Xuanyin glanced at him and asked with concern, "Little brat, did you embarrass me this time? Suddenly becoming so considerate."

Lin Yunfeng's complexion changed slightly as he nervously replied, "Master, I did my best, but my cultivation is still shallow, so I failed in the second round. But I will work hard in the future, so please don't worry. I have good news to tell you. This time, Lu Yun won first place for our Yi Garden. From now on, we are the top among the six academies. Master, do you know? I'm so excited!" He seemed extremely excited as he spoke.

Xuanyin's expression changed upon hearing this, and he grabbed Lin Yunfeng's hand, urgently asking, "What? Are you telling the truth? You're not lying to me, are you? Have we really become the top among the six academies?" Beside him, Qianyuan's face also changed dramatically, filled with excitement and joy. Zi Yang looked at the two of them with an excited expression, walked over, grabbed their hands, and trembled as he said, "Yunfeng speaks the truth, without a word of falsehood. Lu Yun has mastered the 'Five Thunder Heavenly Technique,' a feat unprecedented in the history of Yi Garden, securing our victory as the top among the six academies."

The hands of the three men gripped tightly together, conveying indescribable joy and astonishment to each other. Xuanyin looked at Lu Yun, who was ten meters away, with excitement and said to Zi Yang, "Congratulations. Finally, the Sun Academy has produced an outstanding talent." Qianyuan also looked at Lu Yun, his eyes filled with surprise. He had never expected Lu Yun to bring back first place for Yi Garden. Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by Master Xuyu.

Master Xuyu looked at his two excited disciples and said softly, "Alright, my two disciples, I will explain this matter to you in detail when we have the chance. For now, let's meet the distinguished guests from the three academies. The most pressing matter is how to block the exit of the Ghost Domain, which is crucial. Time is of the essence, and we must discuss how to handle this."