The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 183 Yun Youzi Reveals the Inside Story of the Treasure Hunt at Ghost Mountain

These wooden houses and tents are scattered throughout the valley in a well-organized manner, clearly built in an organized and planned way. The air is filled with the aroma of cooking smoke and burning firewood, and the faint sounds of distant voices can be heard, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Shi Qingfeng, Lin Hai, and Li Chao exchanged glances, all seeing surprise and curiosity in each other's eyes. They hadn't expected that such large-scale signs of human activity could be found in this forgotten, ghostly mountain place.

Fang Xiaocong landed steadily on his flying sword in an open area. The three of them jumped off and followed him toward the wooden houses and tents. As they got closer, they found that although the buildings were simple, they were laid out reasonably. Each wooden house seemed to have a specific purpose, from a kitchen to an armory, it had everything.

"Where is this?" Lin Hai couldn't help but ask, his eyes scanning the surroundings, trying to find the answer.

Fang Xiaocong smiled slightly and explained, "This is a temporary outpost jointly established by various sects for exploring Ghost Mountain and searching for legendary treasures. You are not the first explorers to come here, nor will you be the last."

Upon hearing this, Shi Qingfeng frowned slightly: "So, the competition is going to be fierce?"

Fang Xiaocong nodded: "That's right. Ghost Mountain is full of secrets and treasures, which naturally attracts the attention of many people. But don't worry, with me here, I can at least ensure that you enter the core area safely."

Hearing this, the three felt somewhat relieved. They continued on their way, passing through a dense cluster of wooden houses, and finally arrived at a spacious square. The square was filled with cultivators from different sects, some discussing something in small groups, others cultivating alone; the atmosphere was both tense and full of anticipation.

Just as Shi Qingfeng and his companions were about to learn more about the situation, an elderly man dressed in a magnificent Taoist robe suddenly appeared before them. The old man had white hair and beard, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, clearly indicating that he was a powerful expert with profound cultivation.

"You must be Shi Qingfeng, Lin Hai, and Li Chao?" the old man asked, his voice loud and authoritative.

The three men quickly bowed and said yes.

The old man nodded slightly and then said, "I am Yun Youzi, an elder of the Xuantian Sect. I have been entrusted by various sects to coordinate the exploration of Ghost Mountain. Now that you have arrived, please follow me. There are some things I need to explain to you."

After speaking, Yun Youzi turned and walked towards the council hall on one side of the square. Shi Qingfeng and the other two quickly followed, their hearts filled with anticipation and unease for the adventure to come. They knew that the trip to Ghost Mountain would be an unprecedented adventure, and their fates would be dramatically changed during this adventure.

“Your timing is rather unfortunate. Every three days, we organize an advance team to scout out the situation on Ghost Mountain. This morning, one of the teams happened to have some people you know. But it doesn’t matter; you’ll see them in three days,” Yun Youzi said to Lin Hai and the other two.

"Someone we know well?" All three of them were very puzzled.

Yun Youzi smiled slightly and explained, "You will naturally know in time. If I tell you now, you probably won't believe it."

Although the three had doubts, seeing that Yun Youzi was unwilling to say more, they had no choice but to keep quiet for the time being.

They followed Yun Youzi into the largest tent in the middle.

Yun Youzi led them to a long table where tea had already been prepared. He personally poured tea for the three of them and then slowly began to speak: "Ghost Mountain has been one of the forbidden areas of the cultivation world since ancient times. It is fraught with danger, but it also contains endless opportunities. The reason why the major sects have jointly established this stronghold is to explore together and share resources."

Lin Hai picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and the fragrant tea invigorated him. He asked, "Elder Yun, could you reveal a little about the secrets of Ghost Mountain?"

Yun Youzi pondered for a moment and said, "It is said that Ghost Mountain contains the caves and magical treasures left behind by ancient cultivators, as well as the legendary immortal spiritual energy. But these are just rumors, and very few people have actually entered the core area. Moreover, Ghost Mountain is also home to many powerful demonic beasts and spirit beasts, who guard this land and do not allow outsiders to easily set foot there."

Upon hearing this, Shi Qingfeng frowned: "In that case, our adventure will be exceptionally difficult."

Yun Youzi nodded: "That's true. But since you've decided to come, you must be prepared to face all difficulties. However, the danger lurking in Ghost Mountain probably comes from those Time-Space Ghosts. Over the past few centuries, many of the ten thousand Netherworld Pearls used to suppress them on Ghost Mountain have been stolen, and it's probably reached a critical point. Many ancient trees that should have been adorned with Netherworld Pearls are now empty. The decrease in the total number of Netherworld Pearls naturally weakens the suppression effect on these Time-Space Ghosts."

Li Chao suddenly spoke up: "Elder Yun, are those time-space ghosts the kind of beings from ancient legends?"

Yun Youzi nodded slightly, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes. "Time-space ghosts are indeed mysterious beings from ancient legends. They originate from rifts in time and space, transcending the cycle of life and death. They are neither living beings nor inanimate objects, possessing the terrifying ability to distort reality and traverse time and space. It is said that they were once a collection of resentment and power left over from the ancient war, sealed within Ghost Mountain by powerful cultivators using Netherworld Pearls to maintain peace in the world."

"However, as time passed, the seal gradually loosened, and the loss of the Netherworld Pearl exacerbated this crisis. The activity of the Time-Space Ghosts increased day by day. They not only threatened the explorers inside Ghost Mountain, but also had the potential to break through the seal and cause incalculable disasters to the cultivation world and even the mortal realm."

At this point, Yun Youzi's tone became even more serious. "Therefore, our primary task on this journey, besides searching for the legendary treasure, is to find a way to strengthen the seal and prevent the rampage of the Time-Space Ghosts. This is not only for our personal safety, but also for the stability and peace of the entire cultivation world."

Upon hearing this, Shi Qingfeng, Lin Hai, and Li Chao were all startled, but their thoughts differed.

"What would happen if the seal on the entire Ghost Mountain failed?" Li Chao asked without any hesitation.

"Living beings were ravaged, and even the entire Floating Life Continent was reduced to ashes." Yun Youzi spoke in an extremely calm tone, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

"In that case, shouldn't we strengthen the seal first before going to search for the treasure?" Lin Hai asked, voicing his doubts.

Yun Youzi gently shook his head, his gaze profound: "Strengthening the seal and finding treasures are not entirely separate. Within Ghost Mountain, the weakest points of the seal are often where treasures are hidden. The Netherworld Pearls are not only the key to suppressing the ghosts of time and space, but may also contain the cultivation secrets of ancient cultivators or powerful magic weapons. Our goal is to find these Netherworld Pearls during our exploration, while simultaneously strengthening those seals on the verge of collapse."

“Furthermore,” Yun Youzi continued, “the activity of the Time-Space Ghosts also provides us with clues. They often linger where the seals are loose, and even try to break through them. By following their trails, we may be able to find those seal points that need to be reinforced more quickly.”

Upon hearing this, a resolute glint flashed in Shi Qingfeng's eyes: "In that case, we cannot afford to slack off. Whether for our own safety or for the peace of the Floating Life Continent, we must go all out."

Lin Hai nodded, his expression grave: "That's right, we can't let the threat of the Time-Space Ghost become a reality. The trip to Ghost Mountain is both a challenge and an opportunity. We must find a way out of the crisis and complete our mission."

After a moment of contemplation, Li Chao said, "Elder Yun, do we need more information about the Time-Space Ghosts? For example, their habits, weaknesses, and how to fight them more effectively?"

Yun Youzi gave Li Chao an approving look and said, "You asked a very good question. I have compiled detailed information about the Time-Space Ghosts into a booklet, which I will have my disciple deliver to you later. At the same time, I will also arrange for some experienced cultivators to explain it to you, to ensure that you have a sufficient understanding of the dangers you are about to face."