Along the mountain path, white paper lanterns, too low to hang from any high branches, floated in mid-air, swaying in the wind. They had long transformed into crimson lanterns, the blood within boiling and churning like a cauldron. Splattering droplets of blood ceaselessly struck the lanterns, creating a chilling, crackling sound.

The bride-dressed ghost continued to sob and weep to herself, unwilling to lower her hands, completely disregarding the earth spirit.

The earth spirit’s mind stirred slightly. Using secret telepathy, he informed Lin Shuyi that if an opportunity arose, he should use the Barrier-Breaking Talisman belonging to the Mountain Qi Talisman. He would do his best to restrain the female ghost. Once the “Yellow Spring Road” was breached, he should lead Chen Pingan and flee the mountain, ignoring him. He reminded him not to take this mountain path again, but for Chen Pingan to use the Auspicious Talisman Sword to carve a new path.

After Lin Shuyi agreed, he tentatively asked if he should leave the famous Auspicious Talisman Sword with him. The earth spirit shook his head, saying that he could not even lift it, the sword energy was too potent. It was best used for clearing a path, as vegetation imbued with the righteous and radiant sword energy was naturally antagonistic to yin creatures, preventing the opponent from continuing to use ghostly tricks.

The bride-dressed ghost swept her hands outward, revealing a deathly pale face devoid of blood, and sneered, “First coming uninvited, then leaving without saying goodbye, hardly the actions of a gentleman.”

The earth spirit’s features blurred, rapidly melting like a candle, finally transforming into a rolling cloud of ink-black smoke, rushing toward the bride-dressed ghost.

She raised her hand and swept her sleeve, her wide sleeves unfolding like bird wings, shielding her in front.

Even so, the female ghost was instantly knocked back several dozen feet. The crimson lanterns along her path shattered one by one, but the blood within did not splatter across the mountains, instead flying towards the female ghost, like swallows returning to their nests. The situation resembled the old Daoist’s soul-summoning banner, absorbing the essence of the remaining souls of yin creatures.

Lin Shuyi said in a low voice, “Prepare to follow behind me. We will cut off this mountain path first. Chen Pingan, we need to hack a new path through the trees to leave the mountain. Senior earth spirit wants you to use the Auspicious Talisman Sword to lead the way.”

Chen Pingan nodded, “I’ll go carry the old Daoist on my back, can’t leave him to die.”

The blind Daoist lay just a dozen steps away, barely breathing.

Chen Pingan sprinted over, hoisted the pitiful old Daoist onto his back, and turned around.

Lin Shuyi stood firm, pinched a yellow paper talisman between his fingers, and chanted in a low voice, muttering incantations.

It was the Barrier-Breaking Talisman, one of the Mountain-Water Talismans. According to the earth spirit’s explanation, there were hundreds of Mountain-Water Talismans, a dazzling array, essential talismans for cultivators traveling afar, whether entering mountains or wading through waters, to prevent the so-called “ghost walls” that ordinary people spoke of. In reality, they were wary of being trapped in hidden mountain protection arrays set up by fellow cultivators, or afraid of being tricked by mountain ghosts and spirits with deep cultivation. Especially when entering ancient battlefield ruins, mass burial grounds, and the like, ordinary cultivators, without a few Barrier-Breaking Talismans, Yang Qi Lantern Talismans, and Three Purities Mind-Clearing Talismans to protect themselves, were simply throwing themselves into a trap.

Lin Shuyi suddenly opened his eyes, a glint of gold flashed in the depths of the young man’s eyes, and he said in a deep voice, “We follow the talisman.”

The Barrier-Breaking Talisman floated away from the young man’s fingers, hovering in the air at head height, and began to sway back and forth, like a drunkard trying to find his way.

The talisman came to a stop near the mountain wall, suspended motionless. Li Huai asked, “Is it telling us to run headfirst into it?”

Lin Shuyi took the first step forward, his figure suddenly disappearing.

Li Baoping and Li Huai followed one after another. Chen Pingan, carrying the old Daoist on his back and leading the donkey, disappeared from the mountain path last.

The yellow paper talisman originally wanted to follow, but it seemed to be secretly tugged, its spiritual energy fading, and it fell dejectedly to the ground.

The group reappeared in a dense forest, looking at each other in confusion. Even Lin Shuyi, who had personally used the Barrier-Breaking Talisman, was somewhat at a loss.

Chen Pingan first asked Lin Shuyi to help carry the old Daoist, while he began to climb a large tree, surveying the surroundings from the highest point. It seemed they were located in a mountain valley surrounded on three sides.

(End of this chapter, please turn the page)