Chapter 656: A lone swan holding a candle?

The light-goose struggled slightly in Luo Si's hand. The power of the seal had already been depleted significantly, causing the light-goose to leak the aura of a magic treasure from time to time.

This aura made Unlike Ning Zhuo feel a sense of familiarity; he immediately thought of a precious ruler he had seen on the battlefield of the White Paper Xiancheng.

That precious ruler had clearly been thrown by the City Lord of White Paper Xiancheng, possessing marvelous power and proving invincible on the battlefield!

However, later on, the Buddha-Healer Meng Yao had taken Unlike Ning Zhuo and dived directly into a winding path, heading to the Underworld, and did not participate in the subsequent defensive battle.

Therefore, he did not know that the City Lord's avatar had taken this precious ruler, left the city to pursue the enemy, transformed the ruler into a light-goose to strike at Luo Si's troops, and ended up losing the precious relic.

Thus, when Unlike Ning Zhuo saw the light-goose, he felt it was unfamiliar, yet the aura was familiar.

He looked at Luo Si: "Could this be..."

Before he could finish, Luo Si nodded, telling Unlike Ning Zhuo that this light-goose was transformed from the precious ruler. He had captured and sealed it before the formation and had been carrying it on his person ever since.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's eyes immediately gleamed with intensity, staring fixedly at the light-goose.

His heart was stirred by this, because the form of the wild goose made him think involuntarily of a piece of key information—

That prophetic poem!

*Ghost tides surge, White Paper in peril, a lone swan holds a candle to pierce the sky's veil. The guest star shall shine north of the Literary Pivot, ten thousand phenomena light up, the calamity destroys itself. *

The City Lord's paper-person avatar had originally told this poem directly to Ning

Zhuo, feeling that he was the savior in the great calamity of White Paper Xiancheng.

Unlike Ning Zhuo had always felt the same way.

"This prophetic poem was divined by the Mourning Music Ghost Maid."

"It is a prediction made to resolve the calamity of White Paper Xiancheng."

"Don't forget, the Lord of Forget-River was condemned by the Heavens of the Yang realm, so the fortune of the Yang realm likely secretly aided the Mourning Music Ghost Maid."

"The prophetic poem she created is highly likely prepared for me!"

"Could this be the correct method for me to defeat the Lord of Forget-River and ruin his century-long treacherous conspiracy?"

Although Unlike Ning Zhuo was not as accomplished in literary attainments as a Confucian cultivator like Wen Wen Ruanyu, his foundation was quite solid.

In Fire Persimmon Xiancheng, he had spent years soaking in the library, reading extensively.

Therefore, he knew: a lone swan often refers to a wild goose that has left its flock, an imagery commonly found in poetry. Many poets often use the mournful cry and solitary figure of the lone swan to express feelings of loneliness, drifting, or frustration in their official careers.

Doesn't this light-goose perfectly fit the "lone swan" in the prophetic poem?

After Unlike Ning Zhuo had this natural association, he said to Luo Si: "Loosen the seal a little."

Luo Si:?

A simple guess was too superficial and not enough to make Unlike Ning Zhuo give such an order.

The key was that after seeing the light-goose, a feeling welled up from the bottom of his heart that he could control this light-goose!

It was magical; this feeling was very natural, like hands and feet to a human body, a natural confidence in control.

Luo Si's expression turned slightly solemn; after thinking about it, he decided to do as Unlike Ning Zhuo said.

Although he was puzzled and felt it was risky, he thought about how he had recently defected and indeed needed to show more obedience to orders, and he also thought of the Gray Bone Elder.

Luo Si exerted his strength carefully, slightly undoing some of the seal. The reduction in restraints immediately made the light-goose lively.

The light-goose began to struggle.

The remaining seal began to be violently consumed by its power!

Luo Si's face flushed red quickly; he forcefully urged his magic power to assist the seal and suppress the light-goose.

The light-goose struggled with increasing intensity, to the point that Luo Shang could not hold it steady, and his entire upper body swayed along with it.

The entire Green Jiao Army had participated in the defensive battle of White Paper Xiancheng, and they had seen the divine power of the Great Void Dispersing Ruler with their own eyes.

Just now, they had learned the identity of the light-goose from the conversation between Luo Si and Unlike Ning Zhuo; seeing the light-goose struggle, they all subconsciously took large steps back.

Unlike Ning Zhuo, however, was bold as a lion; he took the initiative to step forward and reached out his hand toward the light-goose.

"Little Ma!" Qing Chi exclaimed, deeply concerned.

Unlike Ning Zhuo knew that if he didn't calm Qing Chi down, her personality would surely make her run over and hug him.

He turned his head and smiled at Qing Chi: "Don't worry, I am favored by the Heavens; I am the savior of White Paper Xiancheng."

Qing Chi was lost in Unlike Ning Zhuo's confident smile, her expression hesitant: "But..."

Her shoulder was pressed down by Qing Yan.

Unlike Ning Zhuo turned his head, stared at the light-goose, and slowly reached out his hand, constantly shortening the distance between them.

Sensing Unlike Ning Zhuo's aura, the light-goose immediately reacted; miraculously, it stopped struggling and instead raised its head, looking back at Unlike Ning Zhuo.

This strange phenomenon caused everyone present to gasp in low voices.

Luo Si's pupils trembled slightly, and he felt more anticipation toward Unlike Ning Zhuo.

Unlike Ning Zhuo slowly reached out his hand; as the distance closed, the light-goose became increasingly quiet, no longer struggling, and completely devoid of its previous restlessness.

Luo Si's expression, however, became increasingly solemn; although he had more confidence in Unlike Ning Zhuo, as the lead general, he naturally had to be cautious.

He feared that the light-goose's quietness was just a facade and that it was actually poised to strike, so he secretly accumulated his own power to guard against any potential crisis.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's palm drew closer and closer to the light-goose.

Without a doubt, this was a risk!

Unlike Ning Zhuo felt a bit dry-mouthed.

He had witnessed with his own eyes how the Great Void Dispersing Ruler had instantly disintegrated the Mourning Music Ghost Maid. This precious ruler was extremely powerful; Jin Dan cultivators could barely withstand a single strike.

Unlike Ning Zhuo himself was only at the Foundation Establishment realm.

But no matter how anxious he felt inside, Unlike Ning Zhuo remained calm and composed on the surface.

"The mechanical ring is also quiet, which means I am in no danger!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo continued to reach his palm toward the light-goose.

The light-goose took the initiative to raise its head, rubbed against Unlike Ning Zhuo's palm, and let out a *jia-jia* cry.

The sound was loud, stirring up a ripple of white light that spread rapidly in all directions like sound waves.

Unlike Ning Zhuo was swept by the light waves and remained unharmed.

Not just him, the nearby cultivators also suffered no harm.

Unlike Ning Zhuo was overjoyed; although he didn't know the reason, the smile on his face became more determined and confident, and he said slightly loudly: "Just as I expected!"

Jiao Ma's father was so excited that his lips trembled.

He shouted in his heart: "The magic treasure has recognized its master! Such a powerful magic treasure has actually taken the initiative to defect to Jiao Ma. In name, isn't it now my Jiao family's? This is great! This is simply too great!"

Qing Chi was also so excited that she cupped her hands: "Little Ma, you are so amazing!"

Her eyes shone with nothing but worship for Unlike Ning Zhuo.

Qing Yan frowned: "But what exactly is going on?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo knew the prophetic poem, but he didn't know.

Unlike Ning Zhuo thought: "How would I know the reason?"

Just as he was hesitating whether to reveal the prophetic poem to facilitate brainstorming, Luo Si had already figured it out: "So that's how it is."

Unlike Ning Zhuo was secretly startled, but the arc of his mouth widened, and he put on a testing posture, looking at Luo Si: "Tell me."

Luo Si subconsciously seized this opportunity to perform: "The Profound Essence Scholar created White Paper Xiancheng, and the current City Lord's paper-person avatar is his relic. And this precious ruler is likely also left behind by him. Young Master, since you are the savior of White Paper Xiancheng and the person chosen by the fortune of the Yang realm, I fear the Profound Essence Scholar had already calculated this calamity and made many arrangements to facilitate the resolution of this disaster in the future."

Upon hearing this, Qing Chi couldn't help but click her tongue: "I know the Profound Essence Scholar; he has been dead for so long, can he really calculate so far ahead? And so accurately?"

Luo Si glanced at Qing Chi, confirming in his heart again that this Ghost tribe girl was a bit slow. Didn't she see that no one else was asking like that?

Luo Si's answer was, on one hand, to respond to Unlike Ning Zhuo and provide an explanation, and on the other hand, it was also a public conjecture, creating a space for imagination to boost the army's morale.

Therefore, even if there were doubts about this conjecture, they should all be kept to oneself.

Qing Yan coughed and said loudly: "That's right, Lord Luo Si's conjecture must be the truth!"

As Qing Chi's father, he was a veteran Jin Dan with rich life experience, so he immediately spoke up to make up for his own daughter.

Jiao Ma's biological father was so excited that not only his lips trembled, but his whole body shook.

He fell into reverie again: "My Jiao Ma is the great savior, making the Profound Essence Scholar's relic take the initiative to defect. Then, according to this, White Paper Xiancheng is also left by the Profound Essence Scholar, and it is also his relic."

"My Jiao Ma should also master White Paper Xiancheng; at the very least, he definitely has this qualification!"

"If one day, Jiao Ma becomes the City Lord of White Paper Xiancheng, then wouldn't our Jiao family..."

Jiao Ma's biological father felt his scalp tingle.

Earned big, earned big indeed.

Hearing this conversation among the top brass, the entire Green Jiao Army became noisy, discussing it among themselves.

Just as Luo Si expected, the morale of the Green Jiao Army was extremely stable, and the military power they could provide soared accordingly.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's eyes flickered.

Luo Si's answer had filled in the missing key information, and he immediately

knew the real reason.

"I was granted the position of Deputy City Lord by the White Paper City Lord."

"Although this was almost an honorary title with little actual power while in White Paper Xiancheng, it was solid and real, not fake."

"Now it seems that the Great Void Dispersing Ruler, as a relic, can also be controlled by me because of the position of Deputy City Lord."

Unlike Ning Zhuo thought again of the White Paper City Lord's paper-person avatar.

"That is also very likely a relic of the Profound Essence Scholar, just obtained by the City Lord."

Having figured out the reason, Unlike Ning Zhuo turned to face the Green Jiao Army and shouted: "That's right!"

"I am the savior of White Paper Xiancheng, no, the entire Underworld Black Swamp! I am the Son of Fortune of the Yang realm's Heavens, and even more so, the greatest human calamity for the Lord of Forget-River!"

"So what if the Lord of Forget-River is the sovereign of the Underworld?"

"He acts against the natural order, causing suffering to all living things, and his century-long planning is only for his own selfish interests!"

"Such an evil person will surely suffer a miserable defeat."

"Our righteous army will surely win!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo took the opportunity to boost morale.

The whole army cheered!

At this moment, Unlike Ning Zhuo's prestige in the Green Jiao Army skyrocketed.

Everyone was extremely excited and reached a consensus—this must be a legendary battle that would be widely praised and passed down for at least a hundred years. And they were not just witnessing it, but personally participating in it. What a glorious thing this was!

Luo Si exhaled a breath of turbid air, his confidence also greatly increased.

If he had to add a seal, he would inevitably have to pay a huge price. He had just killed the Shangren of Cold Smoke and was in poor condition. Saving this effort gave him more confidence for the key battle ahead.

The light-goose completely broke free from the seal and circled around Unlike Ning Zhuo.

Unlike Ning Zhuo tried to cast his spiritual sense, and he controlled it easily.

"Go." He pointed at the churning turbid miasma in front of him.

The light-goose was very obedient, flapping its wings and crashing into the giant miasma of turbid energy. Wherever it went, the turbid energy rolled endlessly, all being separated.

However, the turbid energy, even after being analyzed and separated, remained turbid energy.

The light-goose flew a circle and returned to Unlike Ning Zhuo's side.

The turbid energy was only analyzed to be a bit thinner, then quickly turned thick again, rolling endlessly, repeating its old appearance.

The hope that had climbed to the extreme for everyone was dashed, and they all let out sighs of disappointment.

Unlike Ning Zhuo, with his back to the Green Jiao Army, felt immense pressure at this moment!

He frowned, staring at the light-goose to examine it.

He saw that the light-goose's form had dimmed significantly; the originally solid and lifelike exterior had become thin and transparent, and the shape of the precious ruler inside could be vaguely seen.

"According to Luo Si, the current form of the light-goose is a spell condensed by the City Lord's avatar at the cost of magic power."

"No matter how much magic power the City Lord's avatar invested at once, it is limited."

"After flying a circle and coming back, the remaining magic power is probably only enough to be used"

"one more time."

Unlike Ning Zhuo keenly realized the current situation and couldn't help but sigh: "My cultivation is still too weak!"

He only had Foundation Establishment cultivation.

Relying on military power, the Five Viscera God Technique, and other excellent levers, and relying on the solid foundation of his body and soul, he could pry up Nascent Soul-level combat power.

This was quite exaggerated and rare, but in the end, he was still dragged down by his cultivation.

There was really no other way.

If one had to blame someone, blame Unlike Ning Zhuo for being too young and not having enough time to cultivate.

Also blame the Three Sects' Supreme Method for being too excellent; cultivating all three dantians simultaneously also greatly slowed down his speed.

Sweat seeped from Unlike Ning Zhuo's forehead.

There was only one last chance left, and he had to seize it!

Fortunately, he was not entirely without clues.

He thought of that prophetic poem again—*Ghost tides surge, White Paper in peril, a lone swan holds a candle to pierce the sky's veil. The guest star shall shine north of the Literary Pivot, ten thousand phenomena light up, the calamity destroys itself. *

"A lone swan holds a candle to pierce the sky's veil..."

"The lone swan, I know, is the light-goose. This sky's veil... isn't it the giant miasma of turbid energy before my eyes?"

"Only by holding a candle can the lone swan pierce the sky's veil, this..."

"Holding a candle?"

"Where would it hold a candle from?"

"Where would I have a candle flame?"

"Wait!"

"I think I have one."

Thinking of this, a flash of inspiration appeared in Unlike Ning Zhuo's spirit sea, and his heart pounded several times faster.

He didn't have one himself, but the Mourning Music Ghost Maid had once used the Forget-Silence Winding Path Candle!

In the previous defensive battle of White Paper Xiancheng, the Mourning Music Ghost Maid had opened the South City Gate and used the Forget-Silence Winding Path Candle to penetrate space, forming a winding path and teleporting in many powerful combatants.

This had once posed a huge threat to the defenders, making White Paper Xiancheng face precarious situations.

Tie Gu Zheng, Unlike Ning Zhuo, the Green Jiao Army, Wen Wen Ruanyu, and others had gone all out to stabilize the situation. Finally, the White Paper Xiancheng City Lord's main body personally took action, releasing the Great Void Dispersing Ruler, to scatter the Mourning Music Ghost Maid and other external enemies.

The Forget-Silence Winding Path Candle, which had burned down to only a small piece, was also separated—the candle and the wick were separated, and the candle flame was extinguished.

The next moment, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Unlike Ning Zhuo reached into his storage bag and took out the small piece of wickless candle body.

The candle body of the Forget-Silence Winding Path Candle was square, resembling a shrunken coffin. The complete body was about nine inches long, and now only four inches remained.

The coffin lid and the coffin body were tightly sealed.

All four surfaces of the candle body were engraved with the "Hundred Ghosts Carrying the Coffin" image. ===== CHAPTER 657 =====