In the heart of Guixu [bottomless sea valley], Void Rifts were scattered everywhere, causing the transmission of information to be inevitably intermittent, posing a significant challenge for interpretation. It took Yu Ci, , some time to arrive. By the time he got there, the battle was at its most intense.

In a void wasteland much like the previous Greatest Heaven Palace, Hua Xifeng and Wang Jiu stood back-to-back. This stance sacrificed the flexibility of their movements, but in the Void Rift-riddled Guixu, it was a rather clever tactic.

The Sword Energy radiating from the two upper-tier Golden Elixir wielders crisscrossed within a mile radius, forming a nearly gapless circle, annihilating the ghost-like creatures attempting to intrude their Sword Energy circle. These ghost-like entities were innumerable, advancing relentlessly with no respite.

Yu Ci, observing from the outskirts, initially thought they were Sword Ghosts, but soon realized he was mistaken. These ghostly creatures lacked the intense Geng Metal Sword Qi of the Sword Ghosts. Instead, they fluctuated between tangible and intangible, barely having a physical form, somewhat reminiscent of the "Azure Void Demon Shadows" outside the mountain gate.

"Hmm, do the Thunderbolt-Free Great Immortals prefer such pets?"

"Of course not!" Xuan Huang exclaimed, "What's going on, these Ghost Entities can enter Guixu too?"

By now, the Ghost Entities had spotted a new prey, emitting eerie ghostly sounds and splitting into groups to attack. Yu Ci, familiar with these entities, wielded his Sword Energy to dispel their illusions, brandishing the Nine Luminaries Dragon Abyss Sword Talisman, its brilliance illuminating everywhere, instantly eliminating more than a dozen.

Hmm, so weak...

In the past few days, the opponents Yu Ci encountered were either renowned experts of this realm or creatures with cultivation levels far above his own. Suddenly facing these entities, he felt slightly unaccustomed. However, he wondered why Hua and Wang appeared so cautious?

"Junior Brother Yu, come here!"

Hua Xifeng, noticing Yu Ci, called from afar. Yu Ci responded and moved in that direction. Hua Xifeng and Wang Jiu didn't shift all the pressure onto their junior brother, also moving positions. Their tacit understanding was truly remarkable, standing back-to-back like a Siamese twin, welcoming Yu Ci.

The trio quickly converged, and before they could inquire about the previous situation, Hua Xifeng asked, "Junior Brother, do you know about the Sect's Tri-Element Sword Array?"

This was the most basic Sword Array of the Lichen Sect. Before the trip to the Sword Garden, Li You and Zhang Yan had emphasized teaching it to facilitate combined force. Yu Ci nodded in response.

"Be cautious, junior brother... Don't be fooled by these common spirits. There seems to be a formidable one hidden among them. Once it appears, the destructive power of the other spirits will greatly increase."

Yu Ci had just nodded when a sharp scream echoed in his ear, and a gray shadow emerged from the empty void. A circle of gray aura spread, covering a range of nearly three miles. Under the illumination of the aura, the surrounding ghost entities swelled in size, transforming into fearsome forms. It was as if a pot of thick soup was boiling, the aura bubbling.

"What a creature!"

Yu Ci exclaimed. At this moment, Hua Xifeng and Wang Jiu abruptly separated. The sword light on both sides flowed like clear water and filled the air like snow. Their natures were distinct, yet their auras were connected. The sword energy doubled in range instantly, like a snowstorm, suppressing the momentum of the ghost entities and pushing them back.

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Whether it was Hua Xifeng or Wang Jiu, both were worldly and experienced. They had initially fought back-to-back due to the dense Void Rift surrounding them, but after standing for so long, they had gained control of their environment. Their movements were fluid, without any hesitation, driving the Tri-Element Sword Array to become even more fierce. In a matter of moments, the surrounding ghost entities were scattered, and the gray ghost entity that had just appeared was repeatedly forced back.

Their offensive was powerful, but their defense was not as tight. However, Yu Ci was still in the center. He was familiar with the key to the Tri-Element Sword Array, and his application was standard. Hua and Wang's auras were strong, and after setting up the sword array, they virtually led Yu Ci by their auras, a sign of their care as senior brothers.

Yu Ci was in the center of the sword array, initially following the lead of the two senior brothers. But after a few rotations, he grasped the essence of it. The Tri-Element Sword Array was simple, its operation relying more on individual strength, showcasing different personalities. This made Yu Ci eager to try.

Hua Xifeng's swordsmanship was like water, subtly transforming within clarity, full of profoundness; Wang Jiu's swordsmanship was fierce, with wind and snow intermingled in his movements, killing intent everywhere. Under their leadership, the Tri-Element Sword Array was dominated by Wang Jiu's attack, catalyzed by Hua Xifeng, forming a formidable force sweeping across.

When Yu Ci moved again, the situation changed. Yu Ci's grasp of the critical moment was unique. He didn't steal the spotlight, often observing for a while before making a move. But when he swung the Nine Luminaries Dragon Abyss Sword Talisman, it often created a fleeting opportunity for transformation. The sword intent was like a guiding lamp, causing the sword momentum to involuntarily skew towards it.

After two swords, Hua Xifeng and Wang Jiu were surprised. Unfortunately, before they could further comprehend it, the Tri-Element Sword Array had already reached its peak. The sword intent converged, locking onto the gray Ghost Entity that was leading the ghost attack and defense, breaking it with one blow.

The myriad ghostly shadows vanished in a flash, leaving the crowd momentarily stunned. Then, a sharp clink echoed through the air, signaling that something had fallen to the ground.

Three pairs of eyes turned to see a square iron box on the cobblestone floor, its surface etched with intricate images. It was a Hundred Ghosts Night Walking Painting, and at its center was a dim figure of the Ghost King...

This was no living creature, but a Magical Instrument!

Yu Ci and his companions exchanged glances, remaining silent. After a while, Hua Xifeng chuckled, "Perhaps it's a cherished relic of some Sword Immortal predecessor, which over the years, has become sentient and mischievous..."

"There's no such thing in Guixu!"

Xuan Huang protested in the Inner Void of the Heart, a voice only audible to Yu Ci. Yu Ci was taken aback, but before he could formulate a response, Hua Xifeng had already picked up the iron box and handed it to him:

"Junior Brother, you take this box. This method of summoning a horde of ghosts doesn't align with our sect's practices, but it's still a rare treasure. It could save your life in a crisis. If sold in the market or taken to the Self-Improvement Hall, it could be worth at least a Ten-Heavens Artifact."

Yu Ci hurriedly declined, but Hua Xifeng was insistent. After a few rounds of polite refusals, they finally annoyed Wang Jiu, who snapped, "All this dilly-dallying, is this what your teacher taught you?"

"Wang Junior Brother!"

Hua Xifeng reprimanded him in a low voice, holding Yu Ci's arm in case a conflict arose.

However, his worries were unnecessary. Yu Ci, who had spent over a decade in the world, knew the difference between sweet talk and false words. He chuckled and gently pushed Hua Xifeng's hand away, saying, "Wang Senior Brother is right, I was being overly sensitive. I'll accept this item, and the next ones are for you two Senior Brothers. If there are more treasures, Senior Brother Xifeng can take care of them."

The implication was that the gains would be shared with other members of the Sword Garden. Of course, some sensitive items would have to be handed over to the Sect.

"Fair enough."

Hua Xifeng nodded, admiring Yu Ci's detachment from material possessions.

With their agreement reached, Yu Ci accepted the iron box, but made a mental note to ask someone about Wang Jiu, a Senior Brother with a decent reputation in the Sect, and whether he had any connections with Old Daoist Yu Zhou.

This minor squabble thus came to an end. However, in the Inner Void of the Heart, Xuan Huang was still not satisfied: "I'm familiar with all the treasures in Guixu, but I've never seen this one before. Its origins are suspicious."

"Really?"

Yu Ci smirked, "Then don't forget our agreement."

...