Chapter 120: Ghost Abyss

"This must be the Lin family's doing. Your second uncle's cultivation is higher than yours, making him the most suitable candidate. They require one Foundation Establishment cultivator and ten immortal cultivators at Qi Condensation Level Five or above. What a cruel move by the Lin family!" Wang Mingzhi said with a gloomy face.

Wang Changsheng frowned slightly and asked, "What about the other immortal cultivator families? How many people did they send?"

"It's the same for everyone. Cultivator families with a Foundation Establishment cultivator must send one Foundation Establishment and ten Qi Condensation cultivators. Those without a Foundation Establishment cultivator must send thirty Qi Condensation cultivators. We heard that rare spiritual treasures grow in that place, but hmph, that's a lie to trick a three-year-old! If there were really so many rare spiritual treasures, why wouldn't the four major sects send their own disciples in? Instead, they're issuing conscription orders, clearly intending for us non-sect disciples to clear out the ghosts for them. If they were sincere, that would be one thing, but look at their rewards—they're only offering five Foundation Establishment Pills. There's absolutely no sincerity." Wang Changfeng scoffed, his words revealing considerable dissatisfaction with the four major sects.

Wang Mingyuan gave a bitter smile and said to Wang Changsheng, "Your second uncle made excuses, saying you were away on a journey. The disciples from the Purple Cloud Sect laid down a harsh ultimatum: if you don't lead the team, we will be openly defying the four major sects' conscription order, and we'll have to bear the consequences ourselves."

"A blessing in disguise. Since the Purple Cloud Sect disciples have put it that way, I'll go. I can simultaneously control five second-tier puppet beasts and one magical artifact. As long as I'm careful, I should be fine. As for the other ten clan members, let each of them bring a top-grade first-tier puppet beast. That should significantly increase their chances of survival." Wang Changsheng said slowly. Since the Purple Cloud Sect had made their stance so clear, he naturally dared not refuse.

Regardless of whether this was the Purple Cloud Sect disciples acting on their own initiative or the Lin family seeking personal revenge, Wang Changsheng no longer held any goodwill towards the Purple Cloud Sect.

"They said that in two months, we are to lead the team to White Dragon River in Jiangzhou. It's said there's an entrance there."

"Two months... calculating the time, it's almost time to depart. Father, Uncle, have the ten Qi Condensation Level Five cultivators been selected?"

Wang Mingyuan nodded, his expression solemn, and said, "They've been selected. The Purple Cloud Sect specifically requested that we choose young, strong cultivators to go, so I've sent Sixth Brother and the others. Changsheng, you must prioritize your safety. This isn't just about hunting demon beasts; if you can get away with a superficial effort, do so, and try your best to bring our clan members back safely."

"Understood, Father. I know what to do."

Wang Changsheng went to see Liu Qing'er and Wang Changyue. Liu Qing'er didn't know Wang Changsheng had been conscripted; she only thought he had some matters to attend to.

"Changyue, older brother might be away for a long time. While I'm gone, you must be well-behaved, okay?" Wang Changsheng pinched Wang Changyue's cheek and instructed her.

"I know, older brother. How many times have I told you not to pinch my face?" Wang Changyue rubbed her face, complaining.

Wang Changsheng smiled faintly, took out two green porcelain bottles, handed them to Wang Changyue, and said, "There's some second-tier spirit honey inside. Don't eat too much at once. Older brother will bring you more delicious things when I return next time."

Wang Changyue grinned, took the two porcelain bottles, and laughed, "Then it's settled. Come back soon!"

A quarter of an hour later, Wang Changsheng released the Azure Condor puppet. Under the reluctant gazes of Wang Mingyuan and the others, it carried Wang Mingzhan and the rest high into the sky, eventually disappearing into the horizon.

Jiangzhou has many rivers, and the source of the White Dragon River, the largest river in the Song Kingdom, is located there.

The source of the White Dragon River is within White Dragon Village in Jiangzhou. White Dragon Village is a small settlement, home to over a hundred households. Apart from local fishermen, few people ever visited this place.

However, over the past two months, streaks of light occasionally flew over White Dragon Village. But the fishermen of White Dragon Village would never see them again. Because they had all been killed by ghosts, with no one spared.

Outside the simple earthen houses, hundreds of cultivators had gathered. These individuals varied in age, but most were at the Qi Condensation stage.

A colossal Azure Condor soared over White Dragon Village. After circling the village once, it descended. Eleven cultivators stood on the giant azure condor, who were none other than Wang Changsheng and his group.

Wang Changsheng put away the giant azure condor and led Wang Mingzhan and the others into the village. Along the way, Wang Changsheng saw many cultivators, but he didn't recognize any of them. He noticed that these cultivators varied in age, not all of them being young and strong.

"Damn it, Purple Cloud Sect." Wang Changsheng cursed silently to himself. The Purple Cloud Sect disciples had specifically ordered the Wang family to select young, strong cultivators for the mission, implying someone was pulling strings behind the scenes. It was very likely the Lin family of Crimson Leaf Ridge.

Suddenly, Wang Changsheng spotted Zhao Yutang and quickly walked over.

"Grand-uncle, how have you been recently?"

Zhao Yutang nodded, then asked in confusion, "Changsheng, why did you bring so many young, strong cultivators?"

"The elders in our clan have limited mobility, so I didn't bring them," Wang Changsheng said vaguely. He glanced at the surrounding cultivators and asked curiously, "Grand-uncle, who are we waiting for? And where are we going?"

Zhao Yutang shook his head and replied, "I don't know either. I also received a conscription order from a Purple Cloud Sect disciple and immediately brought ten Qi Condensation clan members here."

Just then, the crowd stirred. A streak of azure light descended from the sky, landing in the center of the gathering. It was a tall Taoist priest in an azure robe. His tiger-like eyes commanded respect without anger, and he held a green whisk in his left hand. Judging by the astonishing spiritual pressure emanating from him, he was clearly a Core Formation cultivator.

"Martial Uncle Li, you've finally arrived." A young man with a square face and a green shirt quickly walked up to the azure-robed Taoist priest and bowed respectfully.

The azure-robed Taoist priest waved his hand and instructed, "I already understand the full story. Immediately take a headcount and prepare to enter the Ghost Abyss."

The green-shirted young man hesitated slightly, then cautiously asked, "Martial Uncle Li, some cultivators haven't arrived yet. Should we wait for them?"

"No need," the azure-robed Taoist priest said, his face revealing a hint of killing intent as he finished speaking. "For those who arrived within the stipulated time, distribute the Blazing Sun Pills and Fiery Talismans. Those who are late will receive nothing. Immortal cultivator families who defy orders will be annihilated. Begin the headcount immediately."

Hearing this, the cultivators present stirred, and Wang Changsheng felt particularly fortunate. He was more interested in the "Ghost Abyss" mentioned by the azure-robed Taoist priest. From the name, it sounded like a place filled with many ghosts.

"Yes, Martial Uncle Li." The green-shirted young man spent over half an hour completing the headcount. The names, origins, and cultivation levels of all cultivators present were recorded.

"I am Li Yang, and I am responsible for leading the assault on the Ghost Abyss. The Ghost Abyss is actually a secret realm, which, according to our investigations, was used by an ancient ghost cultivation sect to train its disciples. There are numerous ghosts, and even ghost kings are known to appear there. Your task is to follow me and exterminate these ghosts. Each of you will receive three Blazing Sun Pills and a Fiery Talisman. Foundation Establishment cultivators will receive an additional bottle of Blazing Sun Pills. The Yin energy within the Ghost Abyss is very dense; the Blazing Sun Pills and Fiery Talismans can disperse this Yin energy. If you stay in the Ghost Abyss for too long, you will lose your sanity and become a ghost that only knows how to kill. Even if you manage to stay conscious, you will be overwhelmed and killed by the dense hordes of ghosts. Each cultivator family will be responsible for a specific area. If anyone tries to cut corners or hide somewhere, that's fine. However, one Blazing Sun Pill only lasts for one day. As long as the ghosts are not completely purged, no one can leave the Ghost Abyss. Once everyone has entered the Ghost Abyss, I will seal the entrance. Without a Core Formation cultivation level, no one should even think about breaking the seal. I have said all I need to say. If you have any questions, ask them now! If there are no questions, we depart."