Chapter 441: Soul Wailing

A Mortal's Journey to Immortality, Volume 4: Winds Rise Overseas

This woman was not exceptionally beautiful, but a single smile just now made her appear incredibly charming and captivating in countless ways. This greatly surprised Han Li. If his Great Evolution Art hadn't remained unresponsive, Han Li would have almost thought she had used some sophisticated charm technique. In that case, his momentary lapse just now would have been quite strange. Han Li murmured a few thoughts to himself and couldn't help but glance back at Fairy Zi Ling. However, she had already returned to her demure, innocent appearance; that captivating, stunning charm from moments ago had vanished without a trace.

As Han Li was pondering this, the grey-robed old man approached him.

"I am Ge Li from Tiantai Island. May I ask how I should address you two fellow Daoists?" The old man clasped his fist in an exceptionally polite manner as he greeted Han Li and the other person.

Han Li momentarily cast aside the lingering doubt in his mind and responded with a smile: "I am Han Li, and this is Fairy Zi Ling of the Wonderful Sound Sect."

The old man's expression remained normal when he heard Han Li's name, but he couldn't help but show a hint of surprise upon hearing "Wonderful Sound Sect" and "Zi Ling."

"I have long heard of the great name of Fairy Zi Ling of the Wonderful Sound Sect. I never expected to see you in person today; it is truly a fortune of three lifetimes!" Although the old man spoke these words, the doubt in his eyes was very strong. Clearly, Fairy Zi Ling's appearance didn't quite live up to her widespread reputation for beauty, which somewhat surprised the old man. Fairy Zi Ling, of course, understood the old man's formality and simply pursed her lips in a smile, saying nothing.

However, the old man was no ordinary person; he quickly recovered his composure and smiled at Han Li: "Since a few of us were teleported here together, it can be considered a great stroke of fate. How about we combine our strength to pass this trial together? After all, the Ghost Grievance Land before us is not easy to traverse. I've heard that many Core Formation cultivators were devoured by the spirits when attempting this trial, leaving no trace of their bodies."

As Ge Li continued, his expression grew solemn, indicating he knew much about the Grand Void Temple.

Upon hearing the mention of the Ghost Grievance Land, Han Li's gaze drifted into the distance. He saw that about a dozen *zhang* from their small dirt mound, the area was entirely a hazy grey expanse. Endless greyish-white mist drifted everywhere, and gusts of chilling wind blew through it, accompanied by faint wails and sharp cries, sending a chill down anyone's spine. These ghost mists were blocked by a faint, almost imperceptible white light near the mound, unable to advance even an inch. Otherwise, Han Li and the others wouldn't have been able to calmly discuss strategies here, as wild ghosts and lonely souls would have long since swarmed them.

Upon seeing this, Han Li couldn't help but look upwards. It was also misty and hazy, making it impossible to see anything clearly, which didn't resemble the interior of a grand hall at all. Han Li would have believed it more if someone claimed they were in a desolate wilderness.

At this moment, Fairy Zi Ling, who had been listening to the old man, also interjected with a worried expression: "I've also heard that the Ghost Grievance Land, this first trial, was not originally difficult to pass. However, it has become increasingly dangerous since more and more cultivators became trapped in the ghost mist. The resentment of those trapped cultivators is extremely heavy; after death, they transform into powerful vengeful spirits, harboring intense hatred for cultivators like us who challenge the temple. Once encountered, it's absolutely a fight to the death. This has caused more cultivators to perish at this trial in recent Grand Void Temple openings. Furthermore, I heard that during the last opening of the Grand Void Temple, a team of cultivators encountered a highly intelligent Ghost King in this Ghost Grievance Land. The entire team was annihilated, with only one person managing to escape."

"A Ghost King?" Han Li stroked his chin, a hint of surprise on his face. Although he wasn't entirely clear on the cultivation levels of ghost creatures, he knew that vengeful spirits of the Ghost King level were almost equivalent to late Core Formation cultivators. Furthermore, since these ghost creatures' intelligence was now no different from that of humans, they would naturally be extremely troublesome to deal with.

Seeing Han Li's thoughtful expression, Ge Li immediately added: "I know the possibility of encountering a Ghost King is small, but it's safer if a few of us act together. Although I am old, I don't wish to perish in the ghost mist and become like these vengeful spirits."

The old man was indeed quite frank! Fairy Zi Ling heard these words but said nothing. Being exceptionally intelligent, she clearly understood that the old man's proposal to join forces wasn't for her, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but rather for Han Li. Therefore, after interjecting once, she obediently stood by Han Li's side and no longer spoke casually.

After hearing the old man's words, Han Li chuckled. He didn't reply directly. Instead, after glancing at the black-robed figure on the other side, he calmly said: "Daoist Ge, have you asked that fellow if he's willing to cooperate with us?"

The moment Han Li mentioned the black-robed figure, Ge Li's expression immediately soured. But after a moment of hesitation, he still said somewhat resentfully: "Hmph! Don't even mention that demonic cultivator. Just after we were teleported here, I kindly suggested joining forces with him. But who knew this person would coldly tell me to scram! If my temper wasn't relatively good, I would never have let him off so easily." After speaking, the old man appeared very annoyed.

Han Li's expression remained normal upon hearing this, but he actually developed a slight interest in the black-robed figure. He turned and called out to the demonic cultivator: "Fellow Daoist, I wonder if you're interested in facing this together? After all, if a few of us Core Formation cultivators join forces, even if we truly encounter a Ghost King-type demon, we might not be without the strength to fight it!"

Han Li's voice was not loud but exceptionally clear, and it should have distinctly reached the other party's ears. Yet, after hearing this, the person only cast a cold glance in their direction, then indifferently turned his head away, completely ignoring Han Li's suggestion.

"Daoist Han! Didn't I tell you? This person doesn't know what's good for them. Let's just the three of us go together." The old man snorted coldly in the direction of the black-robed figure as he spoke. It seemed he was still brooding over the earlier insult.

Han Li chuckled softly, but before he could say anything, Fairy Zi Ling, who was standing nearby, let out a soft "Oh?" her expression subtly changing. Han Li paused and followed her gaze. He saw the black-robed figure stepping towards the ghost mist, looking as if he intended to brave the trial alone. Han Li and the other two were stunned.

But then, Ge Li sneered with disdain. "This person is truly seeking death! To dare to enter the ghost mist alone, he's almost certain not to pass this trial."

Han Li ignored the old man's sarcasm and instead narrowed his eyes, intently watching the black-robed figure's every move. He didn't believe the other party was seeking death by doing this; rather, he suspected they possessed some special means and were extremely confident in passing the trial alone.

The black-robed figure had already reached the boundary between the ghost mist and the white light. He lifted his loose robe sleeve, and a green light shot out from the cuff, landing before him. It was a small, monkey-like spirit beast. This small monkey was only about a foot tall, and its emerald green fur subtly glowed. Most peculiar was its highly protruding, unusually large nose, which almost covered more than half of its face, making it appear quite demonic. Han Li felt only a slight surprise and had no immediate reaction, but the old man beside him cried out, his expression drastically changed.

"That's a Soul-Wailing Beast! He actually possesses such a spirit beast! No wonder he's so arrogant!" The old man showed a hint of alarm. Fairy Zi Ling, upon seeing the small monkey, also had a face full of shock.

Han Li frowned and asked: "A Soul-Wailing Beast? What kind of peculiar beast is this? I've never heard of it."

Fairy Zi Ling only awoke from her shock upon hearing this and quickly explained to Han Li: "The Soul-Wailing Beast is not a spirit beast born naturally from heaven and earth. Instead, it is a peculiar creature cultivated by a secret demonic sect, existing somewhere between a spirit beast and a demonic soul. Although this creature usually has no great use, it is naturally capable of devouring souls and ghosts. No matter how powerful the demon-ghost or vengeful spirit that encounters it, a gentle inhale from its nose will draw the entity into its belly. Within a short time, it will be refined into nothingness; it is truly extraordinarily powerful." As Fairy Zi Ling spoke, her face was filled with envy.

"However..." Fairy Zi Ling's tone shifted, and she let out a soft sigh.

"But what?" Han Li asked, slightly annoyed by her suspense.

"However, the method for cultivating this beast is only possessed by that secret sect, and the process is extremely bloody and difficult to succeed. It is an evil art that harms heavenly harmony. Legend has it that whenever this beast appears in the world, it signals a great upheaval in the cultivation world." Ge Li said, his face filled with a complicated expression as he gazed at the disappearing back of the black-robed figure.

"This beast appears, and the cultivation world descends into chaos?" Hearing this, Han Li couldn't help but sneer. "Even if this beast doesn't appear, the Scattered Star Seas will still fall into chaos when the time comes. Do you really think this beast is the sole cause of disaster?" Han Li said with a hint of disdain.