Genius in the whole system: The useless young lady dominates the world

“Phantom, try to see if you can get some information from the remains of these dead souls.”

Lu Lingxi Yao turned to the phantom and said, "The Soul-Devouring Vine has the ability to devour souls and acquire memories. Perhaps we can find some useful clues from the remains of these dead souls."

"Yes, Master."

Phantom responded and walked to the remains of the dead. He stretched out his hands, and dark green light surged from his palms. The light transformed into countless tiny vines, which snaked into the broken bodies.

"Hiss..."

The vines weaved through the remains of the dead, making a faint sound, as if they were devouring something. After a moment, the vines retracted into the phantom's palm, and the dark green light disappeared.

"Master, I have obtained some fragments of memories, but they are very scattered and unsystematic." The phantom transmitted the information it had obtained to Lu Lingxi Yao through its mental power.

Lu Lingxi closed her eyes, receiving the fragments of memory transmitted by the phantom. In her mind, blurry images appeared, accompanied by some intermittent sounds.

In the image, a massive black palace stands in the darkness. The palace's outline is indistinct, yet it exudes a chilling sense of oppression. Surrounding the palace is endless darkness and desolation, as if it were the end of the world.

Inside the palace, a huge altar flickered with an eerie blood-red light. Around the altar, countless souls wailed in agony, their bodies bound by invisible chains, unable to move.

In the center of the altar stood a figure dressed in a black robe. His face was hidden in the darkness and could not be seen clearly, but one could feel the evil aura emanating from him.

“…Black Abyss…Sacrifice…Rebirth Valley…Ghost Eye Flower…” Intermittent voices echoed in Lu Lingxi Yao’s mind. These voices were low and hoarse, full of resentment and despair.

Lu Lingxi Yao suddenly opened her eyes, a hint of solemnity flashing in them. She described what she had seen and heard to Zhuque, Huanyue, and Huanying.

"Black Abyss? Rebirth Valley? Ghost Eye Flower?" Zhuque frowned after hearing Lu Lingxi's description. "What are these places? They sound ominous."

"Judging from these fragments of memory, the entire Netherworld Continent is ruled by the forces of the 'Black Abyss,' who are carrying out some kind of evil ritual. The Ghost Eye Flower may be located in a place called the 'Rebirth Valley,'" Lu Lingxi Yao analyzed.

"The Valley of Rebirth... just from the name, it doesn't sound like a good place," Huan Yue muttered to herself.

"No matter where it is, we must go," Lu Lingxi said firmly. "The Ghost Eye Flower is the key to saving Rong Zhi, and I cannot give up any hope."

“Master, I suggest we first find a native of the Netherworld Continent to inquire about the situation. Perhaps we can get more information about the Black Abyss and the Valley of Rebirth,” Phantom suggested.

“Yes, that’s what I think too.” Lu Lingxi nodded. “We know nothing about the Netherworld Continent. Acting rashly will only make things more dangerous. Let’s find a local to ask about the situation before making any plans.”

So, Lu Lingxi and her group continued to venture deeper into the Netherworld Continent, carefully avoiding the wandering souls and evil spirits as they searched for possible native inhabitants.

After walking for about an hour, the surrounding scenery remained desolate and lifeless, without any signs of life. Just when they were about to give up, a faint light suddenly appeared ahead.

"There's light!" Huan Yue exclaimed in surprise.

Lu Lingxi, Yao and the others perked up and quickly walked towards the light.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the light was emanating from a dilapidated cave. The cave entrance was simply covered with some withered branches and pebbles, and one could vaguely see figures moving inside.

"Someone's there!" Suzaku whispered, already prepared for battle.

"Don't act rashly yet, let's assess the situation first," Lu Lingxi said cautiously. She gestured for everyone to conceal themselves and quietly approach the cave.

Arriving at the cave entrance, Lu Lingxi peered inside through a crack.

Inside the cave, a gaunt old man was huddled in a corner. He wore a tattered black robe, which was covered in stains and holes. The old man's face was withered, his hair was white, his face was covered with wrinkles, and his eyes were filled with fear and despair.

Beside the old man lay a young woman, her face pale and her breath weak, as if she had been seriously injured.

"They don't seem to be from the Black Abyss," Phantom said to Lu Lingxi through mental power.

Lu Lingxi nodded. She could also sense that these two people didn't have the evil aura of Hei Yuan. Instead, they exuded a sense of sorrow and helplessness.

"Let's go in," Lu Lingxi said softly, and she took the lead into the cave.

"Who goes there?!" The old man heard the noise and suddenly looked up, staring at Lu Lingxi and the others in horror. His voice was hoarse and weak, and his tone was full of vigilance.

“Grandpa, don’t be afraid, we mean no harm,” Lu Lingxi said quickly, trying to make her voice sound gentle. “We came from outside and accidentally got lost. We wanted to ask you for some information.”

The old man looked at Lu Lingxi and the others, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, but more so fear. He held the woman beside him tightly, his body trembling slightly.

"You...you are alive?" the old man asked in a trembling voice.

“Yes, we are alive.” Lu Lingxi nodded. “Grandpa, can you tell us where we are? How can we leave here?”

Upon hearing Lu Lingxi's words, a flicker of despair crossed the old man's eyes. He shook his head and said, "This is the Netherworld Continent, the world of the dead. How... how did you get here?"

"We came here in search of the Ghost Eye Flower," Lu Lingxi explained. "Grandpa, do you know where the Ghost Eye Flower is?"

"Ghost Eye Flower?" Upon hearing this name, the old man's face turned even paler. "You...you actually came here for the Ghost Eye Flower? Don't you know that the Ghost Eye Flower grows in the Rebirth Ravine? That's the most dangerous place on the Netherworld Continent; there's no turning back once you go there!"

"The Valley of Rebirth?" Lu Lingxi was startled. It matched the information she had obtained from the fragments of the souls' memories. "Old man, can you tell us about the Valley of Rebirth and the Black Abyss?"

The old man hesitated for a moment, seemingly considering whether or not to tell Lu Lingxi and the others.

“Old man, we really mean no harm. We just want to find the Ghost Eye Flower to save our friend,” Lu Lingxi said sincerely. “If you can tell us, we will be extremely grateful.”

Looking into Lu Lingxi's sincere eyes, the old man finally sighed and said, "Alright, since you've already come here, I might as well tell you. But you must remember, never go to the Valley of Rebirth, it's really too dangerous there!"

"Thank you very much, sir," Lu Lingxi said gratefully.