"After teleportation, all the people arrived in a dead land."
"There was nothing here—black cloudy mist drifted through the desolate land, vegetation had long withered, and deadly laws were present everywhere."
"The three clan elders took action, releasing blue soul energy."
"Song Tu took out a gourd and used the contained soul power of a Star Realm cultivator."
"Oh! Is this his confidence?" The Yang elder frowned but didn't say more. The illusory spiral hole opened.
"Okay, everyone can enter now..."
As the words fell, eight figures rushed out from the disciples' crowd, followed by many others.
"Song Yan was not in any hurry. Ye Kaishan used his space manipulation technique to explore the ghost territory."
"Song Yan held Ye Kaishan's hand and entered with the crowd."
"Oh, looks like the Yang Clan has many geniuses this time," Elder Luo spoke calmly.
Elder Yang showed no reaction and replied, "Luo Clan is no different."
"Song Tu sat relaxed on his chair, sipping tea."
"Elder Song, I heard the daughter of your matriarch also awakened?"
"Yes," Song Tu replied indifferently.
"Such luck to awaken after so long. So, which elemental law does she pursue?" Elder Luo asked with curiosity.
"I don't know."
Elder Luo: <-_->
Ghost Territory
"In a hillside area, Song Yan and Ye Kaishan appeared after teleportation. Song Yan held Ye Kaishan's hand tightly."
"She checked the landing area. 'Is it the hillside? It's not far from that place,' Song Yan thought with a slight smile."
"Ye Kaishan continuously used his space manipulation technique to scan the territory."
"After exploring, he withdrew his space power. Song Yan also knew through the soul link. As Dao companions, they could share thoughts, power, even luck and destiny."
"Did you explore the territory?" Song Yan asked Ye Kaishan.
"Yes, but this place is huge. I only scanned a small portion. There's one area covered in white mist that I couldn't penetrate with my space power," Ye Kaishan replied with a frown.
"Yes, our final destination is that white mist," Song Yan replied calmly.
"Ye Kaishan was stunned. 'Hey, did you forget what I said? My space power was ineffective there!'"
"With my space sense, I can definitely say that place is like a maze—you can't explore it."
"But Ye Kaishan didn't say those words aloud. He knew she was a reborn cultivator; she likely had something up her sleeve."
"'Okay, let's go near the Dead River.'"
"Ye Kaishan held her hand and manipulated space. They instantly disappeared and reappeared a thousand meters away from the river."
"The river stretched endlessly. The water was black, exuding extreme yin energy. Many dead creatures wandered near the river."
"The yin power from the river attracted the dead. The temperature was extremely low."
"Song Yan frowned. 'It's still not here.'"
"Ye Kaishan was confused. 'What is she waiting for? Doesn't she want to refine the elixir?'"
"After half an hour, a loud bang echoed. The sound came from deep within the Dead River. Ripples formed on the surface of the water."
"Many swords flew into the sky at the sound. In the red moonlight, a beautiful woman with a plump body appeared alongside a young boy. They floated in the sky, staring down at the river."
"'It's here,' Song Yan said with a slight smile."
"Do you know who they are?" Ye Kaishan asked.
"They're ghost cultivators from the Ghost Sect. There are many entry points into Ghost Territory, so naturally more than just our hundred people will compete for opportunities."
"Ghost Sect, huh?" Ye Kaishan stared at them. "They're enveloped in a unique aura."
"They're in red moonlight, so their strength should be increased by a level," Song Yan said calmly.
"At that moment, the river surface spiraled, extreme yin energy escaping from the spiral."
"All the dead creatures became restless, as if they wanted to devour something."
"A black light shone, and the spiral expanded."
"'It's coming,' Song Yan said quietly."
"What's coming?" Ye Kaishan used space manipulation to look deeper into the spiral.
"His expression changed to shock. 'What a ghostly thing…'"
"In the center of the Dead River, a small drop of water surrounded by ancient ruins floated. Hundreds of thousands of wandering souls were merging into the drop—it was a concentrated elixir of the entire river."
"It's called the Pure Yin Drop. It contains nearly all the river's essence," Song Yan explained, sensing Ye Kaishan's confusion.
"Is it also used to forge the soul?" he asked.
"Yes, but it's dangerous if you're not prepared."
"When that drop fully emerges, it can attract Ghost Kings," Song Yan said solemnly. "We must obtain it. It's one of the materials I need for Extreme Yin cultivation."
"Suddenly, the Pure Yin Drop floated above the river, emanating massive yin energy. The ghost sect followers rushed toward it on orders from the plump woman and the young boy."
"As they approached, they were instantly petrified. Their souls were absorbed by the drop."
"The young boy frowned. 'Bu Ling, looks like we can't get that thing through normal means.'"
"Let me try with a soul weapon."
"Stop. It's useless. You need at least a Saint-level item to collect it."
"A woman with seductive looks and purple hair appeared."
"Bu Ling frowned. 'So, what now?'"
"We don't need to do it ourselves." She turned toward the direction of Song Yan and Ye Kaishan.
"Hiss... We've been found," Ye Kaishan said with a solemn look.
"Song Yan frowned. 'How did she sense us? No way a forging realm cultivator has such strong perception.'"
"Her eyes widened. 'No, that woman has suppressed her cultivation. She's not in the forging realm—she's at least a Star Realm cultivator.'"
"She grabbed Ye Kaishan's hand. 'Let's go. Teleport over the lake. Now that we've been discovered, there's no reason to hide.'"
"Ye Kaishan didn't hesitate. 'She wouldn't go near the drop without a plan.'"
"He ran his power, space laws surged, and they instantly appeared above the Dead River."
"The drop radiated powerful yin energy. The three Ghost Sect members stood opposite them."
"'You must be an elder of the Ghost Sect,' Song Yan said coldly."
"The woman's brow twitched. 'This girl...'"
"Yes, I'm the Seventh Outer Elder of the Ghost Sect. You were waiting before the drop even emerged—so you must know how to collect it."
"She stared at them playfully."
"'Such good materials…' She licked her lips, staring at both of them."
"Ye Kaishan felt a chill down his spine. 'Why do I feel she's eyeing me specifically?'"
"Seeing her gaze, Song Yan's expression turned icy. A faint killing intent flickered."
"Ye Kaishan grew suspicious. 'How can someone like her be single? Her Dao companion must be nearby.'"
"He used space manipulation to scout—and sensed a man with a bow waiting atop a mountain behind them."
"He instantly sent the message to Song Yan."
"She was slightly surprised. She'd already sensed danger but hadn't told Ye Kaishan so as not to alert the enemy."
"She was prepared to use her soul heavenly treasure if needed. She didn't expect Ye Kaishan to notice too."
"Don't worry. I know," Song Yan said calmly through the soul link.
"Okay, if you say so," Ye Kaishan replied.