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墨書 Inktalez
Spirit Stone pointed at the Immortal Herb and said, "This type of herb is one of the essential ingredients for several famous Elixirs. Only we in Nine Li Cave Heaven produce it. It is called Golden Lantern Flower, also known as Cave Belly Grass. Now, I will test you. Do you know the origin and function of this herb?"
"Golden Lantern Flower, Cave Belly Grass?" Li Hong pondered, "It is said that this herb possesses the purest Yang energy of heaven and earth, capable of overcoming all Yin entities. Legend has it that when ignited, it can reveal all ghosts in the world and even see through the abdomen to view the Viscera, which is why it is also called Cave Belly Grass."
"Yes, you've read a few books; that's correct," Spirit Stone replied. "However, seeing the Viscera isn't particularly useful; only mortals find it curious. We cultivators do not value this aspect at all. The Cave Belly Grass can stabilize the soul and is specifically effective against ailments like Mortal Realm Separation Syndrome, where the body and soul become separated. In our Cultivation World, it has great significance; once you reach the Refining Heart Stage, you must combine it with a certain Elixir. This is specifically to help cultivators overcome the Heart Demon Barrier with the ‘Gongxin Pill’. With the ‘Gongxin Pill’, the risks of overcoming the Heart Demon and forming a Golden Core are greatly reduced. Remember this."
Li Hong touched the Soul Stabilizing Pearl in his sleeve and asked curiously, "Then it's strange; since the Golden Lantern Flower can calm the spirit and stabilize the soul, why do I need the Soul Stabilizing Pearl?"
"All things in heaven and earth exist in mutual generation and restriction. The Golden Lantern Flower itself can calm the spirit and stabilize the soul, but precisely because of its extraordinary properties, it is most easily coveted by Evil Spirits. Just now, you nearly lost your composure; that was not due to the effect of the Golden Lantern Flower, but rather because of the lingering presence of Evil Spirits. They resent anyone who approaches the Golden Lantern Flower, believing that those who come to collect it are deliberately opposing them. They will go to great lengths to haunt and disturb until they scare people away or drive them mad." said Spirit Stone.
Li Hong was startled, "Master, are you saying that there are countless Evil Spirits around us right now?"
"Exactly!" Spirit Stone smirked mockingly. "What’s wrong? Are you scared? According to records from that senior from Three Thousand Years Ago, if you want to conquer both Yin and Yang barriers in one go, you barely succeeded with the Yang barrier, which was the test of the Li Fire Formation. Now you must tackle this barrier related to Yin entities. Passing through the tests of Evil Spirits Refining the Heart will surely enhance your Divine Consciousness. It will soon be dark; prepare yourself."
With that, Spirit Stone turned around and summoned his “Gale Fire Sword” before leaping up. Li Hong, feeling anxious, grabbed his sleeve and mustered his courage to say, "Master, I have never seen a ghost in my life. You should at least tell me what ghosts look like so I can be somewhat prepared."
"Ghosts do not have a fixed form; they may appear as their true selves or take on whatever frightens you most to scare you. Their appearance is born from your heart. As for what forms these haunting Evil Spirits will take to scare you, I'm afraid I don’t know either." He jumped onto his Flying Sword, waving goodbye to Li Hong: "Take care; I will come to get you tomorrow morning."
A streak of red light shot into the sky, and in an instant, Spirit Stone vanished without a trace.
Looking around at the endless expanse of Golden Lantern Flowers, which shone brilliantly with golden light, it was hard not to think that there were layers upon layers of lurking Evil Spirits. The thought of being surrounded by countless unseen malevolent entities turned even the most beautiful scenery into a realm of demons.
As darkness fell deeper, alone and isolated, Li Hong felt a chill run down his spine. Trembling slightly, he stepped further into the cluster of Golden Lantern Flowers. Suddenly realizing there would likely be even more Evil Spirits inside, he hurriedly retreated. After turning around for a while, he found himself completely lost.
The **Ghost Wall**! Understanding dawned on him. He had to pass through this barrier no matter where he was. In front of him stood an exceptionally tall Golden Lantern Flower. He sat cross-legged beneath it, closed his eyes, and thought: "No matter how fierce these ghosts are, out of sight means out of mind. As long as I close my eyes, I won't see anything. With my Soul Stabilizing Pearl in hand, who should I fear!"
*******
The night had fully set in. With his eyes tightly shut, Li Hong's heart raced as he recalled countless local tales about ghosts he had heard throughout his life but never imagined he would actually encounter one someday.
In the quiet of the grove, it seemed as if even the wind had stopped.
It felt as though no Evil Spirit had appeared; if one did, there should be some commotion, right? After waiting and waiting, unsure if it was just his imagination or reality, time passed slowly. Li Hong finally couldn't help but open his right eye a narrow slit—he was very curious and wanted to know if the Golden Lantern Flower also shone brightly at night.
Before him, a dim golden light flickered. In the darkness, the Golden Lantern Flower was no longer as radiant as during the day; instead, it emitted a faint, enchanting golden glow. The transparent golden stems and the lantern-like flowers swayed gently in the night. Tiny golden pollen drifted leisurely from the flower's core, beautiful as if in a dream.
Unknowingly, Li Hong opened both eyes and held his breath, staring at the beautiful scene before him.
There was a rustling sound in the flower bushes—someone! Or perhaps a ghost? His scalp tingled—it's here! He quickly closed his eyes again, hearing his heart pounding wildly.
The sound moved through the flowers and trees directly towards him. Li Hong's hair stood on end, goosebumps rising all over his body, but the noise stopped just five feet away from him, remaining still for a long moment.
Li Hong waited and waited, countless possibilities flashing through his mind. Three heads and six arms? Not afraid; that would hardly be a ghost but a monster. If such a ghost really appeared, he would just hit it first without thinking. Missing arms or legs? He had seen so many dead people; there was nothing to fear. The legendary hanging ghost? He had never seen someone hanged and wasn't sure what to expect, but he thought there was still nothing to fear...
After waiting some more, images of terrifying Evil Spirits flashed through his mind when he suddenly heard a long sigh drifting into his ears.
Li Hong was startled and stood up abruptly. In the dim light of the Golden Lantern Flower grove stood a graceful figure before him, gentle and beautiful as always. It was not an Evil Spirit; it was clearly his sister-in-law Wanyi!
Li Hong rubbed his eyes vigorously; he could not mistake that familiar Flower Beauty—it really was Wanyi.
Dressed in thin white gauze with a silver-red ribbon tied around her waist, she wore the attire of a female disciple of the Nine Li Sect. Her long black hair was styled up, adorned with a silver hairnet featuring floral patterns. She looked stunningly beautiful and was gazing at him with deep sorrow. Her red lips were slightly pale and trembling, her dreamy eyes glistening with tears. The golden light from the Golden Lantern Flower shimmered in her watery gaze. Her starry eyes seemed to draw one into their depths.
"Why have you come?" Li Hong asked tremblingly, hardly believing his eyes.
"Why can't I come?" Wanyi replied softly, "You left without returning, leaving me all alone at the foot of the mountain. Have you written even one letter during this time? Li Hong, I am lonely..."
Li Hong's heart surged with overwhelming emotions; his mouth opened in shock.
Wanyi looked at him with tears glistening in her eyes, two drops slowly sliding down her fair, jade-like face.
"You really forgot about your sister-in-law."
Li Hong's mind was in chaos. Suddenly, he leaped up and grabbed the Soul Stabilizing Pearl, aiming it directly at Wanyi's face.
"Ah—" a long, mournful cry escaped her lips. "Li Hong, you have such a cruel heart!"
Wanyi's face was covered in blood as she clutched her face and stumbled back, her cold, hateful eyes fixed on Li Hong.
Even knowing it was fake, this scene was deeply etched in his mind.
He shouted angrily, "Get lost! Don't come here to confuse me! If you dare to impersonate her again, I will definitely beat you until your soul leaves your body."
A surge of rage erupted from within him, and Li Hong couldn't help but scream, "Get out—"
The ghost stumbled and ran into the Golden Lantern Flower thicket, disappearing in an instant.
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