In Yu Ci's memory, the lighting of Yin Cave City was remarkably distinctive.
Being underground, lighting was an essential concern, and on his journey, he had encountered at least three types of light sources. One was a sphere of light, suspended high in the vaulted ceiling, its color a blazing white, capable of illuminating miles around. The intensity varied with distance and height, creating a patchwork of light that cast a bizarre and varied glow below. Another source was the Luminous Stones embedded in the cave walls, twinkling like stars in the sky, resplendent from afar. Their light was soft and moderate, offering a comfortable ambiance. As for the last type...
Yu Ci stood by the roadside for a while, unable to discern the source of the light. It seemed almost like natural daylight, filtering through the pale grey rock layers. Had it not been for the stark contrast at the junction of the two light sources, he might have overlooked it entirely. But he wasn't alone; Wan Quan was with him. Yu Ci turned to him and asked, "What's the story with this place?"
Wan Quan was still internally wrestling with his thoughts, unable to refuse Yu Ci's invitation. Even though Yu Ci had a good temperament, there was still Lord Hong lurking in the shadows—a heavyweight who managed external affairs for the Great Hammer Hall and typically wielded the Power of Life and Death within Yin Cave City. Insignificant as he was, Wan Quan was part of the Red Tooth Store...
At that moment, Yu Ci's question reached him. Wan Quan snapped out of his daze, let out an "Uh-ah," and quickly responded with a smile, "Senior, this is the circle of cultivators."
On the way there, Wan Quan had already briefed Yu Ci on the general layout of Yin Cave City.
Like all major cities, Yin Cave City had clear demarcations between the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor. The area Yu Ci had stepped into was the northwest corner of Yin Cave City, known as the "circle of cultivators," where powerful or highly skilled cultivators resided. Adjacent to it was the Commercial District, constructed by major merchants like Random Heart Pavilion and Maritime Trade Association. Moving southeast from there, the layout became increasingly disorganized, and towards the outermost edges, it descended into complete chaos.
The three types of lighting Yu Ci had just seen were the simplest way to differentiate these areas.
Wan Quan forced himself to refocus, intending to explain further, but he caught sight of a figure ahead and quickly changed the subject, "Senior, the person ahead in the plain robe is the one who requested our help. His surname is Guo, and he is known as 'Bai Shan' in our circles..."
The two made their way to the circle of cultivators, precisely for the task that Yu Ci had requested: "Summoning Spirits and Capturing Ghosts." Such work was somewhat uncommon in the Cultivation World, but it was not without its market. It was simply not frequently encountered; however, with a bit of effort, it was not difficult to find.
Yet, from a professional standpoint, Wan Quan harbored some doubts. In his view, this kind of task was a bit too sensitive... much like the current situation.
The Guo Tang in White Robes was briefing Yu Ci on the case: "Last night, my Master was performing his evening meditations when, for some unknown reason, he met with misfortune. His body was intact, without a single mark, but his soul had left his body. The circumstances are quite mysterious, which is why we've called upon you, Eminent Expert, to investigate this matter."
As they conversed, they had arrived at the residence of the person in question. The outer area was encircled by a series of houses, expansive and exquisitely crafted. Yet, the residence of the highest-ranking Guo Tang's Master was situated behind these structures, within a cave carved into the cliff wall. Yu Ci had observed many similar dwellings along the way, which piqued his curiosity. However, now was not the time to indulge in such thoughts, so he suppressed his inquisitiveness and followed Guo Tang into the Rock Cave.
The Rock Cave was originally quite spacious, but with over twenty people crammed inside, it felt somewhat congested. Upon Yu Ci's arrival, there was a slight stir among the crowd. With a quick glance, Yu Ci could tell that the people were anxious, presumably because the individual whose soul had departed was figuratively the backbone of the group.
"Master, please!"
Just before, Guo Tang had inquired about Yu Ci's name, and recalling what Wan Quan had said earlier about "nicknames," Yu Ci casually chose the moniker "Soul Chaser." This left Guo Tang and Wan Quan speechless, and Guo Tang, not knowing how else to address him, vaguely referred to him as "Master."
Yu Ci approached the meditation couch where the original owner used to cultivate and immediately spotted the target of his task. Wan Quan had already provided the information: the man was the leader of a minor sect in the city, known as "Ghost Hand Zhou." Although his sect was small, he was at the Initial Stage of the Golden Elixir Cultivation Level, which afforded him some status within the city.
At this moment, Ghost Hand Zhou sat cross-legged on the platform, his complexion turning a ghastly shade of green, his breathing ceased, devoid of any signs of life—an indication that his soul had departed long ago.
Yu Ci observed the scene, and from behind, Guo Tang cautiously inquired, "Senior, do you require a magical instrument or fragrant offerings for the ritual?"
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Being cultivators themselves, they all had a concept of the soul, and it was common knowledge that a weak or damaged soul could not withstand the yang energy. Typically, a soul-summoning ritual would require clearing the area, yet Yu Ci shook his head, seemingly without any prohibitions.
Guo Tang glanced at Wan Quan. He did not know Yu Ci but was familiar with Wan Quan, a somewhat renowned middleman with a good reputation. However, Wan Quan was sometimes employed by the big shots to do their dirty work...
In the end, Guo Tang lacked confidence. Yu Ci, though he had grown a beard, still looked rather young, and having just arrived from Black Sand City, cloaked and travel-worn, he seemed more like a young ranger than an eminent expert well-versed in soul-manipulating techniques. It was only Yu Ci's level of cultivation that commanded the scene, preventing any overt skepticism or offense.
Yu Ci surveyed the man on the bed and then the surroundings with an air of propriety. However, his subsequent actions were rather casual: with a grasp and release of his hand, as if clutching something, he then patted Ghost Hand Zhou's chest.
"That will do."
"Eh?"
As the room's confusion faded, a sense of discomfort settled among the occupants, yet they dared not speak out against Yu Ci's level of cultivation, silently criticizing in their hearts. Was such a simple gesture really worth three hundred Dragon Palace Shells?
Their dissatisfaction mirrored Yu Ci's internal shake of the head: he was still just short of the mark, the Seed True Talisman was elusive!
At that moment, he sensed the atmosphere within the Rock Cave shifting. Being worldly-wise, he quickly understood their sentiment and remained indifferent, merely smiling wryly, "What use is there in looking at me..."
As he spoke, a commotion suddenly arose at the head of the bed: "Master, on your forehead..."
What now?
Before anyone could get a clear look, the room was engulfed in a chilling wind, as grim as a secluded prison. An overwhelming nimbus pressure, distinctly yin in nature, spread from the bed. In an instant, it pierced through the exterior walls, extending its reach far and wide.
The room was filled with people whose eyes were wide with astonishment. Guo Tang's gaze swept past Yu Ci, finally understanding the meaning behind the earlier outcry. At that moment, his master's forehead was beading with a luminous pearl, twinkling like a star. The light grew brighter and eventually seemed to ignite into flame, yet it did not scorch the flesh—instead, it penetrated into the Brain Palace.
"Ah..."
A faint mist of breath escaped from Ghost Hand Zhou's nostrils, and he seemed to draw a slight breath. His eyes half-closed, he truly appeared on the verge of awakening.
A murmur swept through the room: he was alive!
At this juncture, Yu Ci spoke indifferently, "This is merely the gathering of some Remnant Soul, possessing a rudimentary consciousness. In truth, Sect Leader Zhou's soul has long been shattered. It's only the lingering Malevolent Thoughts that cling to this sliver of life, preventing it from dispersing."
Guo Tang stared blankly for a long moment before remembering to inquire, "Then, then..."
"My power stops here."
With that, Yu Ci nodded to him and stepped out of the Rock Cave. He hadn't gone far when Guo Tang hurried after him, calling out 'Senior' in the same manner as Wanquan: "Senior, Senior, there's something the junior doesn't understand. Master's current state... surely he hasn't deviated into the Demonic Path on his own, has he?"
"I only take responsibility for summoning the soul. The details... that's another matter entirely..."
Guo Tang sensed this was a call for more, but he didn't hesitate, immediately intending to invite Yu Ci back. By now, Wanquan was feeling uneasy, worried that if this gentleman agreed, it might lead to further complications.
However, Yu Ci had more sense than he expected. He looked at Guo Tang: "Are you sure you want to know? Have the capacity to know?"
Before Guo Tang could decide, Yu Ci was already walking away with a smile: "This is a business I won't take on."
Guo Tang stood dumbfounded at the street corner, watching Yu Ci's receding figure, ultimately unable to voice another word.
Wanquan let out a sigh of relief and quickly followed. In his view, Yu Ci's choice was indeed wise. Dealing with the life and death of a Golden Elixir cultivator like Ghost Hand Zhou was a significant matter no matter what. When Yu Ci had chosen this business, Wanquan had felt it was inappropriate but, burdened with heavy thoughts, had not dared to advise otherwise. Now that Yu Ci was able to withdraw in time, even if it wasn't the most graceful exit, it was still acceptable...
He quickened his pace, intending to engage the patron in further conversation, but as his gaze shifted to the other's face, he was taken aback. The senior's visage, half-hidden by his beard, had inexplicably flushed a cinnabar hue, strikingly conspicuous.
"Surely this isn't just fatigue..."
Wan Quan dismissed this unreliable thought. The flush on Yu Ci's face was certainly not the result of weariness-induced blood flow; his countenance almost radiated light, suggesting a unique method rather than exhaustion. With Wan Quan's limited knowledge of cultivation, he was at a loss to discern the cause.
He should ask Sister Lu...
Having witnessed Yu Ci's miraculous soul-summoning technique, Wan Quan's heart was in turmoil. Could these cultivators, adept in the arts of heart and soul, possess the uncanny ability to see through one's heart? Could his actions really escape their notice?
At that moment, he heard the other sigh softly.
"Senior?"
"Earlier, when you spoke of the circle of cultivators, I had imagined it a place of tranquility. I hadn't expected it to be fraught with unrest. If one seeks a peaceful spot for cultivation in Yin Cave City, it seems it won't be easy."
Wan Quan, unclear on Yu Ci's thoughts, could only cautiously follow the conversational thread: "If Senior seeks serenity, then indeed, it must be within the circle of cultivators. Of course, not the periphery where Ghost Hand Zhou resides, but rather the central area, near the Hundred-Turn Wind Tunnel..."
"Hundred-Turn Wind Tunnel?"
By now, the crimson light had faded from Yu Ci's face, his complexion returning to normal, as he looked on with interest. Wan Quan responded with a smile, ready to continue, but then noticed the other turn away, his gaze settling on a distant point.
"To test the waters, only to wet one's shoes... It's been over two years since I've interacted with others; my mind has grown a bit rigid."
Wan Quan was baffled, but following Yu Ci's gaze, he drew in a sharp breath: "Old Master Su?"
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