Starting with the Earth God, the path to immortality is deduced!

Although dawn had broken, the fighting within the City God Temple had only just begun.

The ray of dawn that shone through the hole did not bring Ghostly Venerable a way out; instead, it seemed to toll the death knell for his life.

The black smoke that Ghost Shadow Venerable had transformed into was about to burst out of the broken roof of the main hall.

A fleeting sense of relief at escaping death had just risen in his heart.

however.

next second.

A vast, ocean-like pressure suddenly erupted from behind.

"evil creature!"

"You disrupted my incense offerings, destroyed my sacred image, and now you think you can leave?"

"Stay here!"

A furious shout, like a thunderclap, resounded in the narrow bedchamber.

Zhou Yuan felt a ringing in his ears.

He subconsciously looked up.

The city god's spirit, which had been weak and floating, suddenly burst into flames without any wind.

The golden flames instantly surged ten feet.

That was no ordinary divine fire.

That is the accumulated incense and vows over hundreds of years, and the unwavering dedication to protecting the people of this region.

"boom!"

A golden beam of light, arriving late but arriving early, slammed heavily onto the dome of the main hall.

This conveniently blocked the path of the Ghost Shadow Venerable.

"ah!!"

A piercing scream came from mid-air.

The plume of black smoke seemed to have crashed into a red-hot iron wall.

It bounced back instantly.

It crashed heavily onto the messy ground.

"Bang!"

Smoke and dust rose everywhere.

The Ghostly Venerable revealed his true form in a disheveled state.

His black robe was riddled with holes from being scorched by the golden light.

Crimson blood seeped from beneath the bronze mask.

"Zhang Zhengming!!"

The Ghostly Venerable clutched his chest, his voice hoarse and frantic.

"Are you crazy?!"

"Your soul is so severely damaged, aren't you afraid of being annihilated by forcibly unleashing divine power?!"

The City God Zhang Zhengming was suspended in mid-air.

Although his figure still appears somewhat ethereal.

But his official demeanor was awe-inspiring and unapproachable.

He looked down at the Ghostly Venerable on the ground.

There was not a trace of pity in his eyes.

Only by being resolute enough to eradicate evil completely.

"I am the City God appointed by the Great Ling Dynasty."

"To protect the land and ensure the safety of the people is our sacred duty."

Even if it means my soul and body are destroyed today.

"We will leave you evil spirits here!"

Before he could finish speaking...

The City God pressed his hands down sharply.

"town!"

As the word was uttered.

The entire City God Temple seemed to come alive.

The dilapidated bricks and broken pillars were now shaking.

An invisible field instantly enveloped the entire hall.

Those black-clad cultists who weren't quite dead yet were wailing and rolling on the ground.

Under the suppression of this divine power.

He couldn't even let out a scream.

"Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!"

A series of muffled popping sounds rang out.

That was the sound of the body collapsing under immense pressure.

More than a dozen cult members.

In an instant, it turned into pools of black blood and mud.

Even their souls were directly shattered by this supremely powerful and yang divine might!

Zhou Yuan stood aside, secretly alarmed.

Is this what a true divine powerhouse is like?

Even when it's at its last gasp.

Even if the soul is damaged.

Even within his own dojo, he still possesses such terrifying control.

This is the true ruler of a region!

"Damn it! Damn it!"

Ghost Shadow Venerable watched as his subordinates were instantly wiped out, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes.

he knows.

I've really messed up today.

This City God Zhang Zhengming is a daredevil!

"Get out!"

"Don't let him breathe!"

Ma Ling'er didn't care about any of that.

She's a professional at beating a drowning dog.

She let out a delicate shout.

The enormous iron-eating beast, Gun Gun, had long been unable to contain itself.

"roar--!!"

Rolling roared.

Its massive body shot out like a cannonball.

Don't be fooled by its huge size.

But their movements were frighteningly agile.

In the blink of an eye, he rushed in front of the Ghost Shadow Venerable.

That enormous bear paw gleamed with a metallic sheen.

With the sound of whistling wind.

He slammed it down hard!

"Get out of here, you beast!"

Ghost Shadow Venerable roared.

He swung the bone staff in his hand out suddenly.

A large mass of black, malevolent energy surged out, transforming into a ghost-faced shield.

"Bang!!"

A loud bang.

The bear's paw slammed onto the shield.

The seemingly sturdy demon-faced shield only lasted for half a breath.

It was covered with cracks.

Then it was blasted to pieces.

A tremendous recoil force.

This caused the Ghost Shadow Venerable to retreat several steps.

With each step, a piece of blue brick was crushed.

"puff!"

He spat out another mouthful of blood.

His energy instantly waned.

"A great opportunity!"

A glint of light flashed in Zhou Yuan's eyes.

He had been waiting for this opportunity.

The Ghost Shadow Venerable was intimidated by the City God's divine might and then faced off head-on by the rolling horde.

This is the moment when the old forces have been exhausted and the new forces have not yet emerged!

"The Blue Ghost Lamp!"

Zhou Yuan flipped his wrist.

An ancient bronze oil lamp appeared in his palm.

This is not some earth-shattering artifact.

Rather, it was a ritual implement he, as a local deity, used to navigate the underworld and stabilize souls.

But at this very moment.

In this eerie and gloomy ghost realm.

But it has a remarkable effect.

"Awesome!"

Zhou Yuan bit the tip of his tongue.

He spat a mouthful of blood onto the lamp wick.

"call!"

Originally, the light was only the size of a bean, a bluish-green flame.

It surged instantly.

It transformed into a blue fire snake.

"go!"

Zhou Yuan pointed his sword at a point.

The blue fire serpent was like a bolt of lightning.

It went straight for the Ghost Shadow Venerable's brow.

at the same time.

Zhou Yuan muttered something under his breath.

He speaks extremely fast.

Every word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth.

It has a strange rhythm.

"The Supreme Star, ever adaptable."

"To exorcise evil spirits and protect one's life."

"Wisdom is clear and bright, and the mind is at peace."

"May your three souls be eternal, and your spirit never perish!"

It is one of the eight great Taoist incantations—the Soul-Soothing Incantation!

But this spell is used here.

But it wasn't for the purpose of comforting the soul.

It was for—to stabilize the soul!

For a heretical practitioner who is struggling frantically and whose mind is unstable.

This sudden soothing spell.

It's like forcibly applying the brakes to a speeding carriage.

"Buzz—!!"

Ghost Shadow Venerable felt a sharp pain in his head.

The evil magic that was originally functioning smoothly.

There was a momentary pause.

That feeling.

It felt like my soul had been violently tugged.

He froze on the spot.

"This is... a requiem spell?!"

"How does this kid know such orthodox Taoist incantations?!"

The Ghostly Venerable's eyes were filled with terror.

When masters clash, life and death hang by a thread.

The moment of stiffness.

Enough to be fatal!

"ah!!!"

A blue fire serpent fiercely burrowed into his brow.

It directly burned his soul.

That kind of excruciating pain that comes from the depths of one's soul.

This caused the Ghostly Venerable to let out an inhuman scream.

The bone staff in his hand fell to the ground with a "thud".

"Now!"

Zhou Yuan did not hesitate at all.

His movements were as swift as lightning.

They instantly closed in.

His right hand.

It was bathed in a faint, dim light.

That was the power that "Strange Tales of the Gods and Monsters" bestowed upon him.

It is also the nightmare of all evil spirits.

"Sacrifice!"

Two cold words.

It was spat out of Zhou Yuan's mouth.

His palm.

It was pressed firmly onto the top of Ghost Shadow Venerable's head.

"No--!!!"

"don't want!!"

The Ghostly Venerable seemed to sense some great terror.

Eyes bulging outwards.

It struggled desperately.

He sensed it.

An irresistible suction force.

It was coming from overhead.

That's not absorbing his magic power.

It is devouring his very essence!

It's devouring his existence!

"Who...who are you?!"

"What kind of sorcery is this?!"

"Let me go!!"

"Real person, save me!! Real person, save me..."

The screams of the Ghostly Venerable abruptly ceased.

His body.

It began to tremble violently.

Followed by.

Countless black wisps of mist erupted from his seven orifices.

Following Zhou Yuan's arm.

It surged wildly into Zhou Yuan's body.

Deep in his mind.

That ancient and mysterious book, "Strange Tales of Gods and Monsters".

Turn it over slowly.

"Splash..."

The sound of pages turning is like heavenly music.

finally.

It froze on a new page.

On the originally blank pages of the book.

Ink marks began to appear.

First, there was that hideous bronze mask.

Then there was the black robe.

Finally, there was the staff made of human bones.

Only a few breaths had passed.

A lifelike portrait of the "Ghostly Venerable".

It then leaps off the page.

And below the portrait.

Several lines of ancient seal script slowly emerged.

[Includes Evil Spirit: Ghostly Venerable (Protector of the Wukong Sect)]

[Realm Level: Perfected Day Travel Realm (Half-Step Object Manipulation)]

[Having committed numerous evils, cultivating a demonic soul, his sins are unforgivable.]

[Reward: Three thousand strands of Yin energy.]

[Supernatural Power Unlocked: Soul Suppression.]

"call……"

Zhou Yuan let out a long breath.

As the last wisp of black energy was sucked away.

The body of the Ghost Shadow Venerable.

It's like a rock that has been weathered for thousands of years.

It dries out and crumbles quickly.

Finally, it turned into a pile of black powder.

It drifted away with the wind.

Only that bronze mask.

It fell to the ground all alone.

It made a crisp "clang" sound.

This marks the complete end of this protector of the Wukong sect.

"Dead?"

Ma Ling'er jumped off Gun Gun's back.

He poked the mask on the ground with his peach wood sword.

I could hardly believe it.

"He's dead already?"

"He was so arrogant just now."

Zhou Yuan withdrew his hand.

Feeling the overwhelming yin energy within his body, almost overflowing.

Overjoyed.

But he remained outwardly calm.

"Good will always triumph over evil."

"He has committed many evils, and Heaven will surely punish him."

Zhou Yuan made up a random statement.

Then he turned around.

Looking up at the City God in mid-air.

at this time.

City God Zhang Zhengming was also staring at him.

In those golden eyes.

It's no longer the gratitude I felt before.

Instead, there was a hint of scrutiny and...surprise.

"Young friend."

The City God slowly floated down.

The golden light faded.

He transformed into the appearance of a middle-aged man dressed in official robes.

Although she still looked somewhat weak.

But that refined and easygoing demeanor.

Yet it makes people feel like they are bathed in a spring breeze.

"If I am not mistaken."

The City God's gaze fell on the Earth God Seal at Zhou Yuan's waist.

"You possess the aura of an earth deity."

"That's... the divine office of the local earth god?"

Zhou Yuan felt a chill run down his spine.

As expected, he couldn't hide it from the real City God.

He didn't hide anything.

He generously cupped his hands and said:

"Your Majesty the City God has discerning eyes."

"Junior Zhou Yuan."

"By chance, I inherited the position of the local earth god in a village pavilion in Fengzhou City."

"I am just a novice and have made a fool of myself in front of you, sir."

Upon hearing this, the City God...

The surprise in his eyes deepened.

"A coincidence?"

He shook his head.

He said meaningfully:

"Now the divine way has collapsed, and the heavenly rules have been shattered."

"To inherit the divine position, even if it's just a small piece of land."

"It also requires tremendous opportunity and good fortune."

"not to mention……"

The City God paused.

He stared intently at Zhou Yuan.

"The divine power within you is pure and vast."

"Even more refined than many of the city gods I have ever seen."

"This is something that cannot be achieved through ordinary incense offerings."

"Young friend."

"Your background is probably not simple."

Zhou Yuan's heart skipped a beat.

This is the divine power derived from the "Strange Tales of Gods and Monsters".

Nature is the purest and most fundamental force.

Unexpectedly, the City God saw through the deception at a glance.

He was just about to find an excuse to brush it off.

The City God waved his hand.

He smiled.

"That's enough."

Everyone has their own secrets.

"You are human."

"He also slew demons and saved me from danger."

"That's enough."

Done.

The City God's expression turned serious.

Facing Zhou Yuan and Ma Ling'er.

He bowed deeply and solemnly.

"If it weren't for your two righteous intervention today..."

"Zhang Zhengming has long since become a puppet of the evil god."

"This Jingning County has hundreds of thousands of residents."

"They will also be doomed forever."

"This kindness and virtue."

"I'll never forget Zhang Zhengming!"

Ma Ling'er was startled.

He quickly waved his hand to avoid it.

"Oh dear, uncle, please don't do that."

"You're a god!"

"Kowtowing to us will shorten your lifespan!"

Zhou Yuan quickly helped the City God up.

"You flatter me, sir."

"Now that we've encountered this situation, there's no reason for us to stand idly by."

The City God straightened up.

He sighed.

His expression turned serious.

"You two are unaware of something."

"The events of today."

"It's just the tip of the iceberg."

Zhou Yuan frowned slightly.

"What does Your Excellency mean?"

The City God pointed to the bronze mask on the ground.

"This Ghostly Venerable."

"He's nothing more than a dog that the Wukong Sect puts on the table."

"The real mastermind behind it all."

"His methods were ruthless, and his cultivation was profound."

"Far beyond what you and I can imagine."

Speaking of it.

In the eyes of the City God.

A deep sense of apprehension flashed across his face.

"That man called himself 'Master Wukong'."

"He personally set up this Nine Netherworld Trapping God Array."

"It was him too."

"They are plotting a massive conspiracy that will engulf the entire Fengzhou."

Upon hearing the words "Master Wukong".

In Zhou Yuan's mind.

Suddenly, there was a loud "boom".

Just now, when we were offering sacrifices to the Ghost Shadow Venerable.

The Book of Gods and Monsters not only gave him power and supernatural abilities.

They also managed to steal a fragment of Ghost Shadow Venerable's memory.

now.

These fragments of memory.

Just like a revolving lantern.

It flashed before his eyes.

The image is blurry.

It was in a pitch-black underground cave.

A figure dressed in a purple robe, standing from behind.

He was facing away from the Ghostly Venerable.

That silhouette.

Tall and cold.

It seemed to blend into the surrounding darkness.

"Ghostly figure".

The man in the purple robe spoke.

His voice was deep and had a strange magnetism.

"What happened back then is not over yet."

"That old bastard surnamed Liu."

"It ruined the foundation of my Holy Church that has stood for centuries."

"I was forced to hide like a rat for the past twenty years."

"This debt."

"We'll settle this sooner or later."

on the screen.

The Ghostly Venerable knelt on the ground, trembling.

"Don't worry, it's a genuine person."

"As long as the plan in Jingning County succeeds."

"We can use this as a starting point."

"Rebuild the glory of the Holy Church!"

"When the time comes, don't mention that guy surnamed Liu."

Even if it is...

The memory ends abruptly here.

Zhou Yuan suddenly opened his eyes.

The pupils contracted violently.

A storm raged within me.

An old geezer surnamed Liu?

Did it ruin the century-old foundation of the Wukong Sect?

This... isn't that Uncle Liu?!

original.

Uncle Liu was not just a protector back then.

What exactly did he do?

How could this mysterious "Master Wukong" have held a grudge for twenty years?

and.

Judging from his tone.

This is the "True Man of No Emptiness".

It seems he and Uncle Liu are old acquaintances?

Even... arch-rivals?!

"Zhou Yuan?"

"Zhou Yuan, what's wrong?"

Ma Ling'er's voice.

This pulled Zhou Yuan back from his shock.

He took a deep breath.

He forcefully suppressed the shock in his heart.

He looked towards the City God.

"grown ups."

"The Wukong Zhenren you mentioned."

"What exactly is he trying to do?"

The City God took a deep breath.

His gaze was fixed on the rising sun outside the main hall.

The voice was extremely heavy.

"He wants to create a god."

"Creating a god?!"

Ma Ling'er exclaimed in surprise.

"That's right."

The City God nodded.

"Now the world is in turmoil, and the righteous gods are weakening."

He then thought he could take advantage of this opportunity.

"Stealing incense offerings and reversing the balance of Yin and Yang."

"He was not content with being a cult leader."

"He wants the entire Fengzhou County."

"Establish a cult of evil gods belonging to the Wukong Cult."

"If we let him succeed."

"This vast world."

"It seems we're truly destined to become a paradise for demons."

Speaking of it.

The City God turned his head.

He stared intently at Zhou Yuan.

"Young friend."

"My divine body has just recovered, but my strength is only one-tenth of what it used to be."

"We want to completely eradicate the remaining evil forces in Jingning County."

"Restore order to the underworld."

"I alone am not capable enough."

"I would like to ask you, young friend, for your assistance."

"I don't know who my young friend is."

"Would you be willing to do this for the sake of all the people in this city?"

"Another battle?"

【Ding! 】

[Triggering Quest: Assist the City God in pacifying Jingning County.]

[Reward: A large amount of merit points, unlocking more authority in "Tales of Gods and Monsters".]

In Zhou Yuan's mind.

It sounded like I was hearing a system notification.

He looked at the resolute deity before him.

Then I thought of those fragments of memory.

The mysterious real person who threatened Uncle Liu's safety.

This battle.

It's not just for the people.

It was also for self-preservation.

For Uncle Liu.

In order to find out the truth behind this.

Zhou Yuan did not hesitate at all.

Take a step forward.

Bow with clasped hands.

The voice was strong and clear.

"That is exactly what I wish for."

"I dare not presume to answer!"

Upon hearing this, the City God...

A relieved smile finally appeared on his face.

"good!"

"If that's the case..."

"Then let's join forces."

"This is the sky over Jingning County."

"Turn it completely over!"

……

After a short rest.

Ma Ling'er led Gun Gun to guard the outside of the palace and clear out the remaining henchmen.

Zhou Yuan sat cross-legged on a futon in a corner of the main hall.

He did not rush into action.

Instead, he sank his consciousness deep into his mind.

We just offered a sacrifice to the Ghost Shadow Venerable.

I obtained a full three thousand strands of Yin energy!

This is a huge sum of money!

That's enough for him to do a lot of things.

"Strange Tales of Gods and Monsters".

"Deduction!"

Zhou Yuan had a sudden thought.

Those three thousand strands of yin energy.

It burst into flames instantly.

It transformed into countless mysterious runes.

They rushed to the page they had just unlocked—[Soul Suppression].

This is the Ghost Shadow Venerable's signature skill.

It is also an extremely domineering method of attacking the soul.

It was originally just a superficial form of pressure.

However, according to Zhou Yuan's deductions...

This supernatural power.

A qualitative transformation is taking place.

Within the space of consciousness.

Zhou Yuan seemed to have multiplied into millions.

In countless days and nights.

He kept practicing this supernatural power.

How can one condense the power of the soul into a needle?

How to instantly intimidate the enemy?

How can the profound power of the Earth God Seal be integrated into this suppression?

Time flies by as we go along with the calculations.

But from the outside world.

Only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn has passed.

When Zhou Yuan opened his eyes again.

In the depths of his eyes.

It was as if two bottomless vortexes were slowly rotating.

It was just a quick glance.

A lonely ghost passing by not far away.

He was so frightened that he collapsed to the ground.

Shivering.

"Soul Suppression, Minor Success"

Zhou Yuan's lips curled up slightly.

He clenched his fist.

Feeling that heart-pounding power within my body.

"Is it Master Wukong?"

"Since you want to play..."

"Then I'll play with you and have some fun."

He stood up.

His robes moved without any wind.

An unprecedented sense of confidence.

From this sixteen-year-old boy.

It soared into the sky.