Chapter 159: Under the scorching sun, the Ghost Kings reappear

Inside the inner city, the scorching sun hung high.

While everyone was oblivious, living their normal lives.

Three gloomy, terrifying, and powerful auras spread out for no reason.

At the same time, vast and mighty fluctuations of spiritual energy erupted abruptly.

Pitch-black pillars of light shot straight into the sky.

Each one was over ten zhang wide.

Around the pillars of light, countless ghosts flew out, emitting hisses of joy at seeing the light of day once more.

The sound of ghosts weeping and souls wailing instantly became the only melody in this city.

Even the wails of countless cultivators at the moment of death were suppressed.

No!

There was also a roar that could tear gold and crack jade that suddenly exploded.

"Scoundrels!"

A vigorous fluctuation of magic power from a Core Formation cultivator erupted from Mount Luofeng.

In the outer city district, Luo Chen pulled Zhou Yuanli and the other person, retreating frantically.

Hearing that "scoundrel" shout, his body stalled, and he subconsciously turned his head to look.

On Mount Luofeng, a golden sword light wanted to soar out.

However, just as the sword light erupted, a giant palm slammed down violently.

Bang!

The golden sword light was slapped back into Mount Luofeng.

Hindered by this, the three pitch-black pillars of light expanded again, and huge openings cracked open in the earth.

"What kind of petty thieves dare to privately release the Ghost Kings!"

The angry voice, accompanied by another golden sword qi that was brilliant to the extreme, rose up again.

The giant magic palm attacked again, but this time, it only blocked for a moment before being torn apart.

The golden sword qi turned into a rainbow light, coiling around Mount Luofeng like a giant dragon.

Suddenly, Pang Renxiong, who had leaped out, had golden light flickering in his eyes; he did not look at where the three pillars of light were, but instead looked toward the western district of the inner city of Dahefang.

"You cowards hiding your heads and showing your tails, get out here!"

He pointed his fingers like a sword, and the sword qi golden dragon above his head instantly emitted a deafening sword hum.

It whistled away!

This was his full-strength strike; as long as it was unleashed, he had a great chance of taking the enemy's life.

Even a lion hunting a rabbit uses its full strength; with Ghost Kings present, he could not afford to hold back.

However!

A sword light no less inferior to his own erupted from within his body.

From the inside out, it slashed away one-third of the tail of that sword qi golden dragon.

The remaining giant sword qi dragon, although still slashing toward the original direction, had its power greatly diminished.

In the northern district of the inner city, a pitch-black palm was raised, forcibly meeting the giant sword qi dragon.

Boom!

A violent explosion sound rang out.

The surging air waves, centered on the western district, spread continuously, almost turning most of the inner city into ruins.

A figure shrouded in a gray robe slowly rose from the ruins.

He looked at Pang Renxiong and nodded slightly.

"Fellow Daoist Pang, greetings."

Facing his greeting, Pang Renxiong ignored him completely.

Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, and he lowered his head with a gloomy expression; a sword pellet that was no longer dim was trembling frantically, wanting to break free.

However, under the suppression of his powerful magic power, it was firmly trapped within his palm.

Just now, it was this sword pellet, which he had accidentally recovered yesterday, that had weirdly erupted with a sword qi, destroying thirty percent of the power of his peak strike.

So much so that he could not achieve his full goal and kill the great enemy.

His palm gripped the sword pellet fiercely.

Pang Renxiong raised his head, staring fixedly at the other person.

"You tampered with that demonic cultivator's sword pellet!"

"As expected of a Yuding sword cultivator!" The gray-robed cultivator exclaimed, then smiled. "Unfortunately, you discovered it too late."

Indeed, it was late!

Since the peak strike did not take effect immediately, the other party would certainly not give him another chance to calmly perform that move again.

Pang Renxiong felt a trace of regret.

After obtaining this sword pellet yesterday, he was saddened by the fall of his fellow sect member and did not check it carefully.

In fact, most people would not overly inspect a sword pellet that had lost its master.

The sword exists when the person exists; the sword dies when the person dies.

That black-robed demonic cultivator was already dead; who would have thought that someone could still drive the leftover sword pellet?

Thinking of how he had previously been proud of his secret hand in the Demon Locking Tower, killing a great enemy of the same rank.

He did not expect that just one day later, it would be his turn to be successfully plotted against by the enemy's secret hand.

The anger in Pang Renxiong's heart had reached its peak.

But he still suppressed that anger and said bitterly:

"I was wondering why that demonic cultivator used the sword pellet yesterday and it was all show. At the time, I thought he didn't know the method; I didn't expect that the true master of this sword pellet was you!"

The gray-robed cultivator nodded. "It was indeed me who deliberately sent it to Lu Jiushi through the black market. He was just a loose cultivator Core Formation, and he hadn't joined the Lianyun Merchant Alliance for long; he didn't even have a natal magic treasure, so he naturally treasured a magic treasure-grade sword pellet."

"In other words, the person who killed Fei Bowen was also you?"

Facing Pang Renxiong's getting to the bottom of things, the gray-robed cultivator said helplessly, "At a time like this, you still care about these things; don't you think it's already too late?"

"Late?"

"No, it's not too late!"

"You don't think you are my opponent, do you?"

Facing the powerful pressure that Pang Renxiong erupted with.

The gray-robed cultivator smiled lightly, his body drifting backward.

"No!"

"Your opponent is not me!"

Hearing these words, Pang Renxiong's expression changed drastically, and his peerless spiritual sense swept across all directions.

In the inner city of Dahefang, in the east, south, and north directions, three cold and gloomy auras had already locked onto him tightly.

Three black figures, dozens of zhang tall, crawled out from the cracks in the earth silently, stood straight, and bathed in the warmth of the scorching sun.

"You deserve to die!"

"You really deserve to die!"

"You actually treat the lives of tens of thousands of loose cultivators in Dahefang like ants, privately releasing the three great Ghost Kings that have been suppressed for hundreds of years."

Pang Renxiong said these words through gritted teeth.

Beside him, black silk threads were crisscrossing, wanting to bind him.

Wisps of sword qi flew out from within his body, strangling those black silk threads.

These black threads were not simple.

They were the natal ghost qi of the three Ghost Kings; even though they had been suppressed by Dahefang's formation and worn down for hundreds of years, they still retained some.

Not only that, they even had a faint connection with this region.

At this moment, it seemed like the three Ghost Kings were trapping Pang Renxiong with their natal ghost qi, but in reality, it was this Dahefang that was trapping the other party.

Watching this scene, the gray-robed cultivator who was flying back continuously just chuckled, saying nothing.

"You have violated the Yuding regulations and will be hunted by the Yuding Sword Sect for the rest of your life; where can you escape to!"

Seeing that the person still did not answer.

Pang Renxiong reached out and summoned; the natal sword pellet hidden in the void fell into his hand, turning into a solidified giant golden sword.

"You don't think that three Ghost Kings who have been suppressed for hundreds of years and are about to be worn away can kill me!"

While he was speaking, the three Ghost Kings moved!

Each took a step, rumbling as they ran toward Mount Luofeng.

Wherever they passed, ghost qi swirled, and all living beings along the way were wiped out as soon as they were swept by the ghost qi.

Large swaths of cultivator souls replenished them, gradually making their originally void bodies solid.

Six pairs of ghost eyes erupted with green light, like lanterns.

At this moment, Dahefang had already become a human ghost realm.

"Luo Tianhong, Miao Wen!"

"Here!"

"Here!"

Two figures flew out from the Sword Pavilion.

"Activate the third-tier formation!"

"Yes!" "Yes!"

Without the slightest hesitation, the two Foundation Establishment cultivators poured large amounts of spiritual power into the main pavilion of the Sword Pavilion under their feet.

A vast curtain of light appeared instantly from south to north.

Tightly defending the entire inner city of Dahefang.

Seeing this scene, the gray-robed cultivator finally stopped his retreat.

He raised his head, looking at the curtain of light covering his head.

"A third-tier formation, a good method indeed."

"Unfortunately, there is only one large first-tier spiritual vein, it cannot bear the burden!"

The way of formations contains the great principles of the Dao.

It is not just a few formation flags and a formation plate.

Especially for a third-tier formation, the size of the restrictions involved reaches up to ten thousand.

Relying solely on formation tools, it is impossible to unleash its power; one must borrow a spiritual vein of the corresponding rank to calmly deploy it.

However, Dahefang only had one large first-tier spiritual vein, which did not match a third-tier formation.

Almost the moment the formation appeared, rumbling sounds came from Mount Luofeng.

Countless streams of spiritual energy light were drawn by the formation like a dragon sucking water.

Large swaths of mountain rocks rolled down from the mountain.

That Dao Discussion Platform, which had just been built, collapsed with a bang amidst violent trembling sounds!

It no longer had its past glory.

Facing this scene, the Yuding sword cultivator did not seem surprised.

The two Foundation Establishment true cultivators responsible for controlling the formation—Luo Tianhong, sneered.

"Short-sighted, how would you know the mysteries of our Yuding formation. Retract!"

"Retract!"

Miao Wen's voice also came from the side.

The next moment, the curtain of light covering Dahefang retracted continuously at an unimaginable speed, finally wrapping Mount Luofeng tightly.

At this point, its power finally reached its peak.

At the same time, Pang Renxiong had already engaged in battle with the three Ghost Kings.

The surging sword light swept across the boundless ghost qi, showing no signs of decline.

Seeing this, the gray-robed cultivator was unhurried, sitting cross-legged in the void.

His eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to the outside world.

But only Pang Renxiong, who was also a Core Formation, knew that the other party's spiritual sense was trembling violently.

"What kind of method is this, why can you control three Ghost King-level existences?"

"Not speaking?"

"You don't think that just by relying on these three Ghost Kings, you can grind me to death!"

"Come on, let me see how many more methods you have!"

"President, what exactly happened to Dahefang?"

The usually calm Zhou Yuanli had a look of horror at this moment, no longer having the composure of someone who wouldn't change their expression even if Mount Tai collapsed before them.

Beside him, Liu Qiang's body was trembling continuously.

Luo Chen swallowed, his expression fearful.

He sensed a trace of a familiar aura from those three black figures that stood between heaven and earth.

He blurted out:

"Ghost Kings!"

"Those are the three Ghost Kings that have been suppressed by Dahefang for hundreds of years!"

Suddenly, he remembered where that familiar feeling came from.

The Ghost King in the north, if nothing went wrong, was the one under the inverted room where he lived all year round.

On the first day he moved into the Sihe Academy, Gu Caiyi had mentioned this existence.

The reason why the rent in the northern district of the city was relatively cheap.

Was also because this Ghost King was suppressed there, resulting in a gloomy atmosphere, which was not suitable for many cultivators to practice.

"Who exactly is this gray-robed cultivator, to be so insane as to release such terrifying things."

Ghost Kings are not common things.

Among ghosts, the realms are divided into Ghost Soldiers, Ghost Generals, Ghost Kings, and Ghost Emperors.

A very clear and easy-to-understand classification standard.

Among them, Ghost Kings correspond to human Core Formation and demon beast kings.

In other words, Pang Renxiong was currently in a fierce battle with three existences of the same rank.

"No, there are more than three; that gray-robed cultivator must also be a Core Formation existence."

"Pang Renxiong is fighting one against four!"

"Can he win?"

Luo Chen dared not think further.

If the other party lost, it was hard to imagine what fate Dahefang would face.

No, perhaps the tip of the iceberg had already been revealed.

Luo Chen's eyes shifted with difficulty from the center of the battle to the devastated, ghost-filled Dahefang.

He didn't know how many inner city cultivators had died in it.

Hearing that it was a Ghost King existence, Zhou Yuanli and Liu Qiang, even though they had been mentally prepared, were now pale-faced.

Things that were once legendary had now truly arrived before them.

They were only mere Qi Refining cultivators, and a huge sense of powerlessness could not help but well up in their hearts.

Seeing the two of them dazed, Luo Chen secretly cursed.

In this battle, he and his people must absolutely not get involved.

"We cannot stay here long, quickly return to Xieyue Valley!"

Xieyue Valley was hundreds of miles away from the inner city of Dahefang, so it would not be affected by the Core Formation battle for the time being.

And they had been operating there for a period of time, setting up a Five Elements formation.

Only by returning there first and defending the territory could they be a little safer.

Most importantly, they needed to tell the members of the Luotian Society what happened in the inner city.

The three of them did not hesitate, erupting with extreme speed, crossing the outer city district all the way.

Luo Chen, while flying, had his thoughts turning continuously, and in the end, there was only a bitter smile that was extremely complex.

He had already prepared to leave Dahefang, so why did a change occur when things were imminent?

Sure enough, plans never keep up with changes!

He didn't know what expression the group of friends who had just said goodbye to him would have when they saw him return.

Suddenly, Luo Chen's figure paused slightly.

His gaze fell to the ground.

"President, what's wrong?"

Zhou Yuanli and Liu Qiang stopped hurriedly.

Following his line of sight, they also looked at the ground.

Ten cultivators shrouded in black robes, instead of retreating, advanced, heading toward the inner city of Dahefang against the many fleeing escape lights.

And it wasn't just this one place.

In other places, there were similar teams.

Seemingly sensing the gaze, the leading cultivator of one of the teams raised his head and met Luo Chen's gaze.

"It's him!"

Looking at that familiar golden dragon mask, Luo Chen was shocked.

Forcing himself to shift his gaze away, he cupped his hands at that cultivator to signal.

Then, without hesitation, he flew away with his two subordinates.

On the ground!

"My lord, what's wrong?"

Tian Xingzi withdrew his gaze and smiled slightly.

"Nothing, just saw an interesting little guy."

"Don't delay the big matter, quickly go to support Elder Linghu. If we are late, there will be no credit for us."

Tian Xingzi!

The master of the Dahefang Zhenlong Black Market, a Foundation Establishment true cultivator!

That golden dragon mask was the most prominent sign.

"Advancing instead of retreating means support."

"But they are cultivators from the Zhenlong Black Market and have nothing to do with the Yuding Sword Sect."

"In other words, they are supporting that suddenly appearing gray-robed Core Formation!"

Luo Chen only felt as if an invisible net had been woven for a long, long time, and it was only today that someone pulled it tight.

He was almost caught in it.

However, the Zhenlong Black Market was also a mastermind.

This was a possibility he had completely not guessed.

Luo Chen recalled some things that the black market cultivator mentioned casually when he gave him the embroidered ball.

Relying on that embroidered ball magic tool, one could know the time when the black market opened every month.

Even if he went to other markets, it was still effective.

At that time, he was thinking that there must be a power organization behind the Zhenlong Black Market that was not inferior to the Lianyun Merchant Alliance.

But now it seemed that he had thought too simply.

A power that dared to release suppressed Ghost Kings and besiege a Yuding Core Formation was definitely not something the Lianyun Merchant Alliance could compare to.

And from the organization strength and powerful execution of the other party.

It was definitely not a level that an ordinary loose cultivator organization could reach.

"I'm afraid there is a great sect behind the Zhenlong Black Market and the gray-robed Core Formation that dares to challenge the Yuding Sword Sect!"

"Which one would it be?"

Luo Chen, while flying, racked his brains to think.

The Yuding Sword Sect is a superior sect with Nascent Soul true persons!

In this small area of the Yuding Domain, there is no superior sect that dares to challenge them.

The more famous Mount Ailao, Luoyun Sect, Ice Fortress, and Hundred Flowers Palace are just great Core Formation sects.

They might haggle over every ounce for some benefits with the Yuding Sword Sect.

But involving privately starting a war, they definitely wouldn't dare.

Don't you see that after a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator of Mount Ailao died, the Supreme Elder of the sect wanted to hold them accountable, and he went to the Yuding Sword Sect in person.

The point is in the two words "in person".

Looking aggressive, in reality, isn't it just acting "aggrieved"?

A sect's Supreme Elder going to someone else's house to complain, putting himself in danger, is in itself an act of showing weakness.

"So, is it an extraterritorial power?"

Just as Luo Chen was thinking, a group of people flew toward him.

From afar, someone started calling out to them.

Seeing the people coming, Luo Chen also breathed a sigh of relief.

It was a group of cultivators from the Luotian Society, and the leader was his good brother Wang Yuan.

"Return to Xieyue Valley first!"

"Talk while walking."

When they arrived at Xieyue Valley, Luo Chen had already explained the shocking changes in Dahefang clearly.

Everyone was extremely shocked!

A mere Dahefang, how could it have the virtue and ability to attract so many Core Formation cultivators?

And after the shock, there was panic.

Because there were many cultivators living in the inner city, not to mention some leftover family property, just the relatives still left in the inner city made them worried.

Like Yuan Xiaoyue, who was in tears, once wanted to return to the inner city.

Just because her grandfather was still in the inner city.

Feng Xia held her tightly, persuading her not to be impulsive.

But even Feng Xia had an unhideable worry hanging from the corner of her eyes.

Her best friend Bai Meiling was still in the inner city!

There were not a few people like the two of them.

There was even Qu Lingjun wailing loudly, wanting to go back to save his parents.

Thanks to Luo Chen's high regard for Qu Hancheng, he had raised his salary several times.

With a full purse, he naturally wanted to change the living environment for his family, especially to give Qu Lingjun a place full of spiritual energy to live.

So their family also moved into the inner city a month ago.

But now, except for one old and one young, the few mortals in the family were all still in the inner city.

Luo Chen was also very helpless about the heavy and sad atmosphere in the Luotian Society.

After comforting them several times to no avail, he walked out of the Haoyue Hall accompanied by Wang Yuan.

"As you said, that Elder Pang Renxiong of Yuding is being besieged by four people of the same rank, I'm afraid he is in more danger than safety."

"Hmm."

"Then can you still go to the Yuding Sword Sect?"

Luo Chen scratched his head, showing a childish state rarely seen.

Sure enough, he knew that returning after leaving would have this awkward encounter.

It turns out that the many expressions from last night and this morning were all in vain!

"Although it's very inappropriate, I want to say, Brother Wang, can you return the bottle of Spirit Elixir I gave you!"