The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 196 Re-entering Ghost Mountain but Encountering a Ghostly Attack

More than a month ago, in the Black Forest of the Floating Life Continent, in the camp southeast of Ghost Mountain, Li Chao, Lin Hai, Zhou Hong, and Song Changxin entered the council hall.

The hall was almost full, with most of the camp members already present. Yun Youzi sat in the main seat, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, as if scrutinizing every attendee. Zhou Hong and Song Changxin took their seats in the front row, while Li Chao and Lin Hai chose seats in the back.

"Now that everyone is here, let's have the advance team report on their experience first," Yun Youzi said, officially starting the meeting.

Zhou Hong spoke first: "During this expedition, we encountered an unprecedented ferocious beast. If I'm not mistaken, it was a dragon!"

"A dragon?" Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in uproar.

“Yes, a dragon, or perhaps a real dragon. It possessed immense power and terrifying pressure; we were no match for it.” Zhou Hong’s voice trembled slightly, clearly still shaken by the memory.

Yun Youzi frowned deeply; he hadn't expected to encounter such a powerful enemy on this expedition. Dragons—these legendary creatures—actually existed, and were incredibly powerful.

"What is its size and characteristics, and how did you escape?" an elder sitting next to Yun Youzi asked, his voice tinged with urgency, clearly very interested in the information about the dragon.

Zhou Hong took a deep breath and began to describe in detail the dragon they had encountered. He said the dragon was enormous, its scales shimmering with a cold light, and its huge eyes were as deep as an abyss.

"As for escaping, it was purely by chance. That dragon didn't seem interested in us; it only attacked us once. Despite Fellow Daoist Bai Zheng's best efforts to defend, he was still severely injured and fell unconscious by that claw," Song Changxin added.

After listening, Yun Youzi scanned the crowd with a serious expression, seemingly pondering a solution. He slowly spoke, "Dragons, these legendary creatures, are both a challenge and an opportunity for us. I've decided to organize another team to investigate further."

“Senior Yunyouzi, this matter requires further consideration.” Song Changxin stood up, his tone tinged with caution.

Yun Youzi glanced at Song Changxin: "Whether this dragon is the guardian beast of a celestial abode or a sealed ghost in disguise, we must reach a conclusion."

……

The next morning, Lin Hai, Li Chao, Shi Qingfeng, Fang Xiaocong, Zhou Hong, and Song Changxin, led by Yun Youzi, embarked on their journey to Ghost Mountain.

Ghost Mountain, a mountain range shrouded in mist year-round, seems to hold endless mysteries. The group slowly made their way along the winding mountain path, the surrounding scenery appearing and disappearing in the thick fog, adding to the sense of mystery.

As they ventured deeper into Ghost Mountain, the surrounding fog grew increasingly thick. Suddenly, a low roar shattered the silence, and a wild beast leaped from the mist, charging straight at them. Seeing this, everyone drew their swords to meet the attack. Just as the beast was about to close in, it suddenly stopped. Only then did they realize that the beast was a black tiger, its body covered in wounds.

"Yao, what are you doing here?" Shi Qingfeng exclaimed. A look of exhaustion and fear flashed in Black Tiger Yao's eyes, as if he were fleeing. Shi Qingfeng hurriedly stepped forward and carefully examined Yao's wounds. These wounds were deep enough to expose bone, clearly indicating that he had encountered a powerful enemy.

"Yao, what happened to you?" Lin Hai asked, frowning, his tone tense, clearly realizing that Yao's appearance might indicate a greater crisis. Yao let out a low growl, seemingly in response, yet also as a warning, signaling everyone to leave.

"Take it back to camp first," Yun Youzi said to Shi Qingfeng. Shi Qingfeng nodded slightly and gently patted Yao's back, signaling him to quiet down. Yao seemed to understand Shi Qingfeng's intention, slowly turned around, and walked back the way he came. Shi Qingfeng followed closely behind, preparing to take Yao back to camp to treat his wounds.

Lin Hai watched Shi Qingfeng and Hei Hu Yao's figures gradually disappear into the distance, his brows furrowed. He turned to the others and said in a deep voice, "It seems that the situation in Ghost Mountain is more complicated than we imagined. Yao's appearance may foreshadow an even greater crisis."

Song Changxin nodded in agreement, his gaze grave. "We must be even more careful; we don't know what we'll encounter next." Yun Youzi's eyes were deep, as if he were pondering something. He slowly spoke, "Yao's appearance might be a clue. We can follow the direction he fled; perhaps we can find some useful information."

Upon hearing this, Li Chao and Zhou Hong nodded in agreement. Thus, led by Yun Youzi, the group continued deeper into Ghost Mountain, following the direction in which Yao had fled.

As they ventured deeper, the surrounding fog grew increasingly thick, making it almost impossible to see the path ahead. They could only rely on each other's voices and breathing to determine their location. Suddenly, a strange light pierced through the fog, illuminating the road ahead. Seeing this, the group quickened their pace and headed towards the source of the light.

As they approached, they saw a strange clearing ahead. In the clearing stood a colossal ancient tree, its trunk thick and its branches lush. Around the tree were various strange runes and patterns, emitting a faint glow.

"This is..." Li Chao stared in astonishment at the scene before him, speechless for a moment. Yun Youzi, on the other hand, examined the runes and patterns with a solemn expression, seemingly deep in thought. He slowly spoke, "These runes and patterns seem to be related to the legendary immortal abodes. It seems we are getting closer and closer to the truth."

"Look, there's a sword here. It's a sword from the Chu army. Someone was here before us," Fang Xiaocong said to the group. As soon as he finished speaking, countless time-space ghosts flew in from afar, like locusts swarming across the land.

Seeing this, everyone drew their swords, preparing to fight. These time-space ghosts were numerous and incredibly fast; in an instant, the open ground flashed with sword light, and shouts of battle shook the heavens. Yun Youzi stood in front of the crowd, his hands rapidly forming hand seals while he chanted incantations. With each incantation, beams of golden light shot from his hands, striking the time-space ghosts and instantly obliterating them.

Despite Yun Youzi's formidable strength, the sheer number of Time-Space Ghosts was overwhelming, and the group gradually found themselves overwhelmed. Li Chao and Zhou Hong's swordsmanship was sharp, but facing the relentless onslaught of Time-Space Ghosts, their stamina began to wane. Song Changxin, utilizing his agility and hidden weapons, skillfully weaved through the ghosts, eliminating as many as possible. However, the ghosts seemed endless, leaving even him feeling somewhat exhausted. Fang Xiaocong and Lin Hai were responsible for protecting the rear of the group, preventing Time-Space Ghosts from attacking from behind. Their excellent teamwork allowed them to remain calm even under the onslaught of the ghosts.

Just then, Yun Youzi suddenly shouted, "Everyone be careful! There are too many of these time-space ghosts. We must find their source as soon as possible, or we will all be worn down here!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted, and they quickened their attack. They knew that their only hope now was to find the source of the Time-Space Ghost as soon as possible, otherwise they would truly be worn down and die here.

After a fierce battle, they finally discovered a spacetime rift from which the spacetime ghosts were pouring out. Upon seeing this, Yun Youzi immediately activated his magic power to seal the rift.

However, just as he was about to successfully seal the rift, a gigantic spacetime ghost suddenly burst out of it and charged straight at Yun Youzi. This spacetime ghost was incredibly powerful, and Yun Youzi was momentarily unable to defend himself.

Upon seeing this, everyone shouted, "Senior Yun Youzi, be careful!"

At this critical moment, Shi Qingfeng, who had returned, summoned his flying sword and blocked the attack for Yun Youzi, with Hei Hu Yao following closely behind him.

“This ancient tree should be the key to the barrier. I will find a way to break the formation. As long as we enter the barrier, we will be safe,” Shi Qingfeng said to the group, pointing to the ancient tree.

After speaking, he walked to the ancient tree and carefully examined the runes and patterns on the trunk. He gently traced the runes with his fingers, as if deciphering some ancient code.

Black Tiger Yao was constantly driving away the flying Time-Space Ghosts, and everyone was also fighting against the Time-Space Ghosts to prevent them from getting close to the ancient tree.

Shi Qingfeng's fingers moved rapidly among the runes, his eyes growing brighter, as if he had found the key to breaking the formation. He formed hand seals and silently chanted an incantation.

Suddenly, the ancient tree emitted a deep rumble, and the surrounding earth began to tremble. Everyone watched this scene in astonishment, bewildered.

Just then, Black Tiger Yao suddenly let out a low roar and charged towards the ancient tree.

Despite the shouts of the crowd, Hei Huyao seemed oblivious, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. With a deafening crash, Hei Huyao's body slammed heavily into the ancient tree, causing the entire tree to tremble.

The next second, Black Tiger's figure vanished without a trace.