I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

The strange space inside the broken monument was deathly silent and cold, with only the black bone fragment floating in the center emitting a deep, eerie light. Lu Zhao stood at the entrance, his [Refining Spirit Technique] fully activated, vigilantly scanning his surroundings. The "walls" formed by resentful mist at the edges slowly shifted, countless pained faces rising and falling, yet they could not penetrate this core space even slightly, seemingly blocked by some invisible boundary.

His gaze finally settled on the skeletal remains draped in tattered black robes, and the dark gold scroll clutched tightly in the remains's hands. The remains appeared to be seated, guarding the bone fragments above them, until their last breath. The style of the black robe was somewhat similar to that worn by the black skeleton on the "Nether Tomb" altar, clearly indicating that it was also a cultivator of the Nine Nether Path.

Lu Zhao did not step forward immediately, but instead bowed solemnly to the remains.

"This junior, Lu Zhao, entered this place by chance and had no intention of offending your resting place, senior. If you have a spirit, please forgive me."

After the ceremony, he carefully stepped forward. First, he looked at the floating, pitch-black bone fragment. The runes on the bone fragment were far more complex and profound than the fragment of the "Nine Netherworld Annihilation Scripture: Foundation Building Chapter (Fragment)" he had obtained, and the aura it emitted was also much more obscure and deep. He tried to unravel it with his spiritual power.

"Buzz..."

The bone fragment trembled slightly, and a stream of information flooded into Lu Zhao's mind.

"The Nine Netherworld Soul Control Technique (Qi Refining Chapter)"—one of the fundamental secret techniques of the Nine Netherworld Path—describes the methods for initially refining and controlling intangible entities such as Yin spirits, resentment, and the dead, based on the Qi of Annihilation. It includes the [Soul Gathering Technique], [Soul Refining Technique], and [Soul Control Technique (Basic)]. Practicing this technique allows one to control low-level souls for one's own use, and can also assist in the cultivation of the *Nine Netherworld Annihilation Scripture*, accelerating the comprehension of the Qi of Annihilation. However, it must be used with caution to prevent backlash from the soul power and the corruption of the mind.

Soul Control Technique? Lu Zhao's heart stirred. This did seem to fit his current situation somewhat. If he could initially control or communicate with the misty shadows outside, formed by resentment, through the Soul Control Technique, it might be a great help. Moreover, this method seemed to help him better understand and deal with those negative soul energies and resentments, which might be beneficial to his cultivation of the "Nine Netherworld Annihilation Scripture" and his resistance to inner demons.

He carefully put away the bone fragment of the *Nine Netherworld Soul Control Technique*. Then, he looked at the dark gold scroll in the remains' hand. The scroll was heavy, neither gold nor leather, and had a cool touch. He tried to open it, but found it sealed by a weak yet resilient restriction; with his current strength, he couldn't force it open. However, at the end of the scroll's shaft, a few small characters were engraved: "Nine Netherworld Altar Route Map and Blood Sacrifice Warning."

The Nine Netherworld Altar! A Blood Sacrifice Warning!

Lu Zhao's eyes narrowed. This was precisely the place marked "Core" and "Danger! Do Not Approach!" on the map! This scroll likely contained the safe route to the "Nine Nether Altar," and... warnings about "blood sacrifice"! This was crucial to his next move!

He tried to bring the fragment of the Nine Nether Token close to the scroll. Sure enough, the fragment resonated slightly with the scroll, and the restrictive light on the scroll flickered a few times, seemingly loosening a little, but it still couldn't be opened. It seemed that either a more complete Nine Nether Token was needed, or a specific level of cultivation or technique was required.

"Put it away for now, we'll talk about it later." Lu Zhao carefully put the scroll away. Then, he examined the area around the remains. Beside the knees where the remains were sitting cross-legged, he found a small box carved from some kind of black jade. The box had no protective seals. When he opened it, he found three beads, each about the size of a longan, grayish-black in color, with what appeared to be swirling mist inside, and a bone fragment engraved with a simple diagram and a few lines of small characters.

Picking up the bead, a pure aura of annihilation and a refined fluctuation of soul power emanated from it.

"Silent Soul Bead (Tier 1, High Grade)": Formed by mixing and refining pure annihilation energy with pure soul power, it can be used to assist in cultivating the "Nine Netherworld Annihilation Scripture" and the "Nine Netherworld Soul Control Technique," quickly restoring consumed annihilation energy and soul power. It can also be used as a one-time attack magic weapon, releasing a ranged annihilation soul power impact upon detonation. It is quite valuable.

"What a find!" Lu Zhao was overjoyed. This Soul-Silent Pearl was exactly the cultivation resource and combat supplement he desperately needed.

He picked up the bone fragment again. The map on it marked the route from the edge of the "Deadly Wasteland" to the "Nine Netherworld Monument," and then deeper into a place marked "Soul River Ferry." Small print beside it read:

"I have been ordered to guard the broken stele and monitor the unusual activity of the 'River of Souls.' However, blood sacrifices are occurring frequently, and the resentment in the River of Souls is growing daily, which may lead to a major upheaval. If anyone sees this message, please take this map with you and proceed to the 'Nine Nether Altar' via the 'River of Souls Ferry' to inform the sect leader and prepare accordingly..."

"...Remember, blood sacrifice is an act against the heavens. It involves forcibly using the essence of living beings to attack the 'Soul Sealing Array,' attempting to release the remnant soul of the ancient ferocious demon 'Nine Nether Dragon' suppressed within the 'Soul Devouring Prison'! If this succeeds, the secret realm will collapse, and all living beings will suffer a calamity!"

"...The remaining strength of the crumbling monument is less than one-tenth; its last embers have burned out, and there is no way to reverse its fate. Only this message remains to warn future generations..."

Upon seeing this, Lu Zhao gasped, his heart filled with shock!

Blood sacrifice! Another blood sacrifice! But unlike the blood sacrifice in Qingfeng Town, which was aimed at breaking through the "Demon Sealing Well" and releasing the fragmented soul of the "Soul Devouring Demon Lord", the blood sacrifice in the Cloud Sea Secret Realm was aimed at breaking through the "Soul Sealing Array" and releasing the remnant soul of the ancient ferocious demon "Nine Netherworld Evil Dragon" that was suppressed in the "Soul Devouring Netherworld Prison"!

Moreover, judging from the information left by these remains, this blood sacrifice was not a one-time event, but a frequent occurrence! It seems that some force has been carrying out this matter in a long-term and premeditated manner! The owner of these remains was ordered to monitor this place, but he was powerless to do so and eventually passed away.

"Nine Netherworld Evil Dragon... just from the name, it's like the 'Soul Devouring Demon Lord,' an incredibly terrifying existence. Just how many ancient ferocious creatures are suppressed in this Cloud Sea Secret Realm? Blood Fiend Sect... or rather, the forces behind the blood sacrifice, what is their true purpose? What benefit would they gain from releasing these sealed ancient ferocious demons?" Lu Zhao felt as if he had touched the edge of an even larger and darker conspiracy.

"The River of Souls Ferry... the Nine Nether Altar... the Soul-Devouring Hell..." Lu Zhao memorized these names. It seemed that the "Nine Nether Altar" was not merely a core relic of the Nine Nether Path, but possibly one of the key nodes for suppressing the "Soul-Devouring Hell" and the "Nine Nether Evil Dragon"! And the blood sacrifice was precisely to destroy this node!

"I must go to the 'Nine Nether Altar'! Even if it's not for the deeper inheritance, I must find out the truth about this blood sacrifice, and... whether it will affect the world outside the secret realm, or even... the Qingyun Dao Sect!" A sense of urgency rose in Lu Zhao's heart. The disaster in Qingfeng Town was still fresh in his mind, and he absolutely could not allow a similar tragedy to happen again, especially if it might affect the sect.

He put away the black jade box and all its contents. Finally, he bowed deeply once more before the remains that had guarded this place and left a warning.

"Rest assured, senior. Now that I have received this news, I will do my utmost to stop the blood sacrifice and uncover the truth."

After bidding farewell to the remains, Lu Zhao turned and looked towards the exit of the core space. He could sense that the battle between the "Azure Edge Squad" and the Mist Shadows outside was still ongoing, but the commotion had subsided considerably.

"It's time to leave. However, those people outside..." Lu Zhao's eyes turned slightly cold. He had obtained the inheritance and important information, which he absolutely could not let outsiders know, especially the scroll about the "Nine Nether Altar" and "Blood Sacrifice." Moreover, the "Azure Edge Squad" saw him enter the broken monument, and once he came out, they would inevitably covet it, and might even join forces to deal with him.

"We must handle this carefully."

With a thought, he attempted to use the most basic [Soul Gathering Technique] and [Soul Control Technique (Basic)] from the newly acquired *Nine Nether Soul Control Technique (Qi Refining Chapter)* to communicate with the "walls" formed by the resentful mist at the edge of the core space. Sure enough, because he possessed the fragment of the Nine Nether Token and the Qi of Annihilation, he had a certain affinity and suppression over this shared soul power and resentment. Under his mental guidance, some of the mist slowly parted, revealing a passage.

Lu Zhao did not go out immediately, but first used the [Refining Spirit Technique] to sense the situation outside.

Beyond the broken monument, the battle was nearing its end. The four members of the "Azure Edge Squad" had clearly found an effective way to deal with the mist shadows—the petite female disciple seemed to be skilled at crafting disposable magical artifacts of the Yang attribute. Combined with Senior Brother Chen's sword aura and the fierce attacks of the tall, thin spearman and the short, stocky disciple, they had already defeated and dispersed most of the mist shadows. However, the four of them were also quite exhausted, all bearing injuries and with unstable breathing. They were currently surrounding the broken monument, observing it with surprise and uncertainty.

"That kid just now, it seems like he was sucked into the stele?" The short, stocky disciple panted heavily as he looked at the broken stele.

"This monument is strange; it seems to have its own independent space. That kid must have some secret, otherwise how could he have been sucked in while we couldn't?" The tall, thin gunman's eyes flickered.

Senior Brother Chen's face was grim as he stared at the broken stele, his long sword gripped tightly in his hand: "Wait for him to come out. If he has gained any benefits, make him hand them over. An outer disciple is not worthy of such an opportunity."

The petite female disciple hesitated, "Senior Brother Chen, isn't this inappropriate? After all, we're from the same sect..."

"Fellow disciples?" the short, stocky disciple sneered. "In this secret realm, opportunities depend on one's own abilities! If he knows what's good for him and hands over the item, I'll let him go. If he doesn't... hmph!"

Just as the four were whispering amongst themselves, waiting with ill intent, a flash of gray light appeared on the surface of the broken stele, and a figure staggered out of it—it was Lu Zhao. His face was pale, his breath was weak, and his clothes were tattered, as if he had just experienced great danger and was exhausted.

"He's out!" The four immediately became alert and surrounded him, subtly blocking Lu Zhao in the middle.

Lu Zhao glanced at the four people with feigned alarm, then cupped his hands and said, "Greetings, senior brothers and sisters. I accidentally triggered the restriction and was sucked into the stele, but managed to escape."

"Oh? Did you find anything in the stele?" Senior Brother Chen asked coldly, his gaze sharp as he scanned Lu Zhao.

"Inside... it was an illusion, filled with resentful attacks. I barely managed to escape with all my might, and found nothing," Lu Zhao said with a "bitter smile," while secretly holding onto the talisman and the [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle]. His explanation was half true and half false, and he feigned weakness to lower the other party's guard and create an opportunity for his possible counterattack.

"Really?" The short, stocky disciple was skeptical. He stepped forward and reached for Lu Zhao's storage bag. "Let us check it, and we'll know if it's real or not!"

"Senior brother, isn't it against the rules to forcibly seize a fellow disciple's belongings in a secret realm?" Lu Zhao took a step back, his eyes turning cold.

"Rules? Here, strength is the rule!" The short, stocky disciple grinned, brandishing his double axes. "Kid, don't be stubborn!"

"Why waste words with him! Take him down!" The tall, thin gunman also lost his patience. He flicked his spear and thrust it straight at Lu Zhao's shoulder blade, intending to disable him first.

Although Senior Brother Chen and the petite female disciple did not immediately take action, they locked their auras onto Lu Zhao, clearly tacitly approving their companion's actions.

Faced with the two who suddenly launched an attack, a cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. He had been waiting for them to make the first move!

He instantly activated the Flowing Cloud Step, his figure moving like a ghost, dodging the short, stocky disciple's axe and spear flashes in the blink of an eye! At the same time, he raised his left hand, and the four "talisman swords" he had prepared beforehand were activated simultaneously—metal, water, wood, and earth! This time, he did not use the fire element, because the opponent might be on guard.

[Sharp Golden Light Talisman] aimed straight for the short, stocky disciple's throat! [Gentle Water and Frosty Ice Talisman] transformed into a cold mist, enveloping the tall, thin spear-wielding cultivator! [Life-Giving Vine Talisman] transformed into vines, wrapping around the feet of the two! [Thick Earth and Rock-Shocking Talisman] erected an earthen wall in front of Lu Zhao, blocking any possible follow-up attacks!

"What?!" The short, stocky disciple and the tall, thin spearman were taken aback by Lu Zhao's swift reaction and unpredictable methods, and hastily parried. The axe flash shattered the golden light, and the spear shadow churned up the cold mist, but the entanglement of vines and the obstruction of the earthen wall still caused them to pause in their movements.

"Attack!" Senior Brother Chen's face darkened when he saw that Lu Zhao not only did not surrender but also dared to fight back. His long sword transformed into a streak of light, carrying a sharp sword aura, and pierced straight for Lu Zhao's back! The petite female disciple also gritted her teeth and threw out two crimson lightning beads, shooting them towards Lu Zhao's flank.

Facing attacks from both sides, Lu Zhao's eyes turned icy, and he held nothing back. He suddenly turned, dodging Senior Brother Chen's sword energy, and at the same time pointed out with his right finger!

"Nirvana Finger (False)!"

A strand of gray finger energy, as thin as a hair, extremely refined, and exuding a chilling aura of decay and annihilation, shot out from his fingertip, arriving first and striking the tip of Senior Brother Chen's longsword with unparalleled precision!

"laugh--!"

A soft, metallic rusting sound rang out. The point where the tip of Senior Brother Chen's high-quality, first-tier superior-grade longsword touched the gray finger energy visibly dimmed and lost its luster, even developing a layer of gray rust! A cold, corrosive force rapidly spread along the sword towards Senior Brother Chen's arm!

"What the hell?!" Senior Brother Chen's expression changed in horror. He felt a cold and deathly aura seeping into his body through the longsword. Wherever it passed, the flow of spiritual energy became sluggish, and his life force seemed to be draining away! He quickly let go of the sword and retreated rapidly. At the same time, he circulated his cultivation technique and desperately tried to expel the strange power. His face was filled with shock and anger.

As Lu Zhao pointed out one finger, he raised his left hand again, and a jet-black needle, silently blending into the exploding light of the talisman, shot towards the petite female disciple! The [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle] unleashed its power once more, aiming directly at her soul!

The petite female disciple was focused on controlling the lightning bead, never expecting such a vicious sneak attack. By the time she realized the danger, the black needle was already at her face! She only had time to barely turn her head to the side.

"laugh!"

The black needle grazed her earlobe, leaving a trail of blood. Although it didn't hit a vital spot, the Xuan Yin power attached to the needle still made her feel as if she had been struck by a heavy blow. She groaned, her head throbbed with pain, her vision went black, and she almost lost control of the thunder pearl in her hand.

In the blink of an eye, Lu Zhao, relying on the talisman array, the Annihilation Finger, and the Soul-Slaying Needle, instantly forced Senior Brother Chen back and injured the petite female disciple! The short, stocky disciple and the tall, thin spear-wielding cultivator were entangled in the talisman array and were unable to break free for a time.

Lu Zhao had no intention of lingering in the fight. He knew that the enemy outnumbered him, and that Senior Brother Chen's cultivation was two levels higher than his. Once they regained their footing, he might not be able to gain the upper hand if they joined forces. Taking advantage of the moment when the enemy was intimidated by his strange methods and their formation was in disarray, this was the perfect opportunity to escape!

He simultaneously activated the [Flowing Cloud Step] and [Divine Speed ​​Talisman] to their maximum, his figure transforming into a blurry wisp of green smoke. No longer paying attention to what was behind him, he sped deeper into the "Dead Wasteland," heading towards the "Soul River Ferry" indicated by the map of the remains! His speed far exceeded his previous performance.

"Chase him! Don't let him get away!" Senior Brother Chen barely suppressed the raging aura of annihilation within his body. He was both shocked and furious. He picked up the half-broken longsword from the ground and shouted sharply.

The short, stocky disciple and the tall, thin spearman finally broke free from the entanglement of the talisman array. Looking at Lu Zhao's departing figure, and then at the petite female disciple who was seriously injured and the senior brother Chen with a grim expression, they were both shocked and angry.

"Senior Brother Chen, that kid's methods are strange, especially his gray finger strikes and black needles..." The tall, thin gun-wielding cultivator said with lingering fear.

"We must catch him! He must have obtained some great opportunity within the monument! Those strange methods are proof!" Senior Brother Chen's eyes were sinister. "He ran deeper into the wasteland; it's even more dangerous there. He can't have gone far! Let's give chase! Watch out for his sneak attacks!"

The four took the pills, paused briefly to regulate their breathing, and then hurriedly gave chase in the direction where Lu Zhao had disappeared. A chase ensued in the "Deadly Wasteland."

However, what they didn't know was that Lu Zhao had already created distance by using the speed of the [Flowing Cloud Step] and the concealment of the [Return to the Void Concealment Technique]. Moreover, he had a map left by the remains, which marked a relatively safe route and the location of the "Soul River Ferry".

In this strange wasteland that is advantageous to Lu Zhao but disadvantageous to them, catching up with and intercepting an opponent who is well-prepared, uses bizarre methods, and possesses a portion of the map is by no means an easy task.

As Lu Zhao sped along, he processed the gains from their brief exchange. The power of the (pseudo) Annihilation Finger exceeded his expectations, showing remarkable effects in eroding magical artifacts and cultivators' spiritual power, but it also consumed a great deal of energy, almost draining his accumulated Annihilation Qi with a single strike. The [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle] remained a formidable weapon for ambushes.

"We must reach the 'Soul River Ferry' as soon as possible and shake them off. Then, we must head to the 'Nine Nether Altar'..." A resolute glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. The shadow of the blood sacrifice hung over his heart like the Sword of Damocles. He had to find out the truth as soon as possible and try to stop it.

Under the gloomy sky of the desolate wasteland, several figures, one fleeing and several pursuing, quickly disappeared into the thick, decaying fog.