[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ascending-to-divinity":3,"chapter-ascending-to-divinity-ascending-to-divinity-chapter-93":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Ascending to Divinity",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2280643,4461,"Chapter 93: Mountain Ghost","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-93",93,"\u003Cp>The river water was pitch black, silent as death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian advanced with his sword, the ghosts shoving aside like a receding tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the dark river, erosion features had already appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the darkness ahead, shadows loomed, growing ever more crowded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you really intend to wipe us out completely?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shrill cry rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian looked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A snake demon, its eyes blazing red, swam upstream and leapt from the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stood there, trembling violently like a sieve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet it did not retreat a single step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian spoke softly: “Retreat, and you won’t die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held Han Guang, channeling spiritual energy into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long sword emitted a chilling gleam, its edge peerless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snake demon showed fear, yet still did not leave: “This is my home!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It swished its tail, voice hoarse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve lived in the dark river our whole lives, never ventured out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why should you drive us away?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t leave my home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not even if I die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the snake demon’s body ceased trembling, closed its eyes, and awaited death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s gaze was cold, silently watching it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep in the dark river, several young snake demons screamed desperately, swimming toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snake demon sensed it, suddenly opened its eyes, and turned its head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the young ones returning, calling to it,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the snake demon’s expression flickered with hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t afraid of death—but it feared the young ones would die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the snake demon turned back, leapt into the water, and curled its tail around several young ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It swam swiftly, diving deep into the dark river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought you’d slay a minor demon like this in one stroke.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu stepped closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our goal is to clear the path,” Jiang Jian continued forward, speaking softly, “since it retreated, it’s no longer an obstacle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu raised an eyebrow: “You’re right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian suddenly stopped, staring ahead: “Can you sense it? Something’s ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>spiritual energy surged around Jiang Jian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu sensed it briefly, his expression turning grave: “What is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a horrifying scream erupted from the depths of the cavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shrill, venomous wail pierced their eardrums!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After advancing several hundred meters,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>countless demon corpses lay scattered haphazardly along the banks of the dark river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black mist rolled thickly, grotesque ghostly faces flickering within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mountain Ghost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu stared at the monstrous sight ahead, his face grim: “Jiang Jian, be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mountain Ghost—a terrifying spirit born in the depths of ravines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It arises from the yin energy of mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually takes a female form, fond of consuming human, beast, and demon spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did we run into this thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ye arrived with the plant spirits, his face pale: “Are we this unlucky?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan stood beside him, speaking gravely: “Mountain Ghosts are born near the Surge Spring realm. This thing is truly not to be trifled with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ye activated his identity device, made a quick estimate, and said: “We’ve traveled seven kilometers—7,000 credits already. Our gains are substantial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Yin stepped forward, looking at Jiang Jian: “Jiang Jian, the decision to retreat is yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned to Jiang Jian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian remained silent, staring at the dark riverbank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mangled limbs and bloody stumps piled into a small mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All recent kills—demons who had died not long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the light emitted by the plant spirits snuffed out instantly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless black lights surged forth, twisting and converging, lunging at them!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brown bear demon leapt in front of Jiang Jian, voice low: “Watch out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hss!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of flesh tearing rang clear in the darkness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large chunk of skin and muscle ripped clean off its broad back!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A geyser of blood sprayed out!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ye’s gaze hardened: “The Mountain Ghost has been awakened—it’s enraged. We won’t be able to leave now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The plant spirits’ light flared again, restoring illumination around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two aloe demons continuously cast healing spells; emerald orbs spread, helping the brown bear demon stem its bleeding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian willed his spirit, and a crimson barrier spread outward, shielding the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He maintained the massive spell barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s Shen Que spiritual energy was being drained at an alarming rate, second by second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ye had already activated “Endless Vitality,” rapidly replenishing Jiang Jian’s spiritual energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Yin suddenly spoke: “Jiang Jian, stop wasting spiritual energy. The barrier won’t work against it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before her words ended,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>black light surged from nothingness, lashing violently around Shi Xuan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A piercing, deafening clang echoed through the cavern!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spirit Bracelet activated—green light erupted around Shi Xuan, and he was flung backward by immense force!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black light missed its target, paused briefly, then shifted course, lunging at Yin Yin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Flowing Wind, Returning Snow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Yin Yin’s form dissolved, turning into frost petals that drifted down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twisted black light struck empty air again, sinking into the rock wall, corroding a massive hollow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Yin Yin’s warning, Jiang Jian dismissed the spell barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reversed Han Guang and slashed at the black light!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blazing white swordlight exploded outward—missing its target, it shattered the rock wall, sending shards flying everywhere!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve got quite a few tricks for staying alive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold, melodious voice echoed through the cavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light and shadow coalesced, forming a black-clad girl, barefoot, hovering above the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked down at Jiang Jian and the others, arms outstretched, hair swirling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her translucent body split into two, then four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within seconds,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>dozens of identical forms had multiplied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These Mountain Ghost clones loomed above, eyes filled with mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Playing at spirits!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan rose to his feet, furious, brandishing Yueyue Dao and slashing upward!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade’s blazing light split into dozens of beams, each aimed at a Mountain Ghost clone!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the brown bear demon, wracked with pain in its back, eyes blazing red, leapt upward, its demonic power surging in both palms as it slammed toward the Mountain Ghost!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just a few tiny bugs—I can crush them with one slap.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of the Mountain Spirit’s clones sneered simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the blade-light neared their bodies, all the black-robed girls suddenly turned insubstantial!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their faces twisted into grotesque ghostly visages, lunging downward!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brown bear demon took the first hit, several ghostly faces piercing straight through its body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was left with multiple bloodied holes, crashing hard to the ground!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan’s blade missed its mark, losing its purchase, and was seized again by the ghostly faces—the aura barrier around its spirit bracelets hissed and rapidly faded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu suddenly opened his eyes, pointing to the right: \"There!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face pale, teeth clenched, he unleashed his innate killing technique!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Soul Bind!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the words left his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the ghostly faces instantly reverted to a black-robed girl, her form freezing rigid!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snowflakes coalesced; Yinyin appeared beside the Mountain Spirit, her pale fingers curling slightly as the vermilion light transformed into a blade, piercing straight through the Mountain Spirit’s skull!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn thing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black-robed girl, her head bristling with blades, eyes blood-red, spun around and slapped at Yinyin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frost vanished!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mountain Spirit’s slap struck empty air again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive palm print sank into the distant rock wall, the solid cliffface collapsing instantly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian, wielding Hanguang, poured wild spiritual energy into his dantian, slashing upward in one stroke!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade roared with radiant flame, slicing straight through the black-robed girl’s body!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the Mountain Spirit’s clones shuddered violently and exploded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless yin energies scattered; the cave seemed to rain black rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fierce aura of Hanguang was entirely swallowed by the Mountain Spirit’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a stream flowing into the sea, not a sound was made.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You little insect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black-robed girl lowered her gaze, reached out, and gripped the blade of Hanguang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How dare you sully my spiritual form?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was colder than ice frozen for ten thousand years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1339,"2026-06-20T01:21:34.271Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","676ee6a2c23074575e6afc6203fcf38d76b8ddcb5695ab6904cc16ce309c6a0d","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-94","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-92",306,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fascending-to-divinity-cover.jpg"]