Chapter 430: The Haunted Daoist Temple

The emergence of a Blissful Land meant a tremendous opportunity, as it could prolong life or even grant immortality. It wasn’t just cultivators who were interested; reclusive old masters from the

jianghu

also sought these treasures to extend their lifespans.

Many could not resist loneliness or temptation, entering these Blissful Lands to seek their fortune, and this swordsman was clearly one of them. His martial cultivation had long reached the stage of rejuvenation, and he had even acquired the Daoist method of preserving youth.

By seizing the ceramic jar, he made the beautiful woman wary, but she did not dare strike him. She was no match for the long-hidden former demonic sect leader. After all, a martial artist who had reached the grandmaster level could wield true qi across the room. Even if his vitality was weak, the domineering true qi alone could easily kill a cultivator.

Of course, if the feng shui master had enough time to set up a feng shui killing formation, he could also trap this swordsman easily. This was a difference of profession.

Clang! Clang!

At this moment, the strange bell rang again. This time, the bell sounded even faster, striking deep into the hearts of all present. It seemed that the bell wasn’t just trying to control the body; it also contained a hidden murderous intent, and everyone in the room felt the change.

Zhang Wei was curious. The ancient records said people would draw life-and-death lots, but since entering, he hadn’t seen anyone draw a single lot. Everyone had been focusing on resisting the cursed painting. Later, the strange painting was destroyed by Daoist Master Cao Cao. Now, with the death-commanding bell ringing again, what would happen next?

The mature, beautiful woman suddenly stared blankly, her face forming a sinister smile. Her movements mirrored the celestial maiden statue, and her expression was exactly the same.

Gasp!

Everyone gasped in shock.

Next, the beautiful woman’s body slowly went limp, her vitality completely gone. This unexpected turn startled everyone. The previous bell had never been lethal, so why now...? Could it be because they had entered the back hall?

They all looked instinctively at the young, handsome Daoist in the temple. Earlier, this young Daoist had only glanced at the cursed painting and shouted coldly, causing the painting to explode instantly. Nobody knew what the young Daoist would do this time.

Suddenly, a loud crash came from the front, and everyone’s hearts skipped a beat. At the same time, a strange, chilling aura spread throughout the entire temple. They quickly tried to retreat, only to find that the entire temple had turned pitch black.

The front hall outside the door seemed to vanish, and the previously present burly young man had disappeared without a trace.

“Oh my god, what’s happening?!” Zhang Wei shouted in alarm.

A tall, burly figure appeared before them. It was vague, with only a silhouette, and the face could not be discerned, plus an ominous aura emanated from it.

At Zhang Wei’s exclamation, the figure slowly walked toward them.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Its footsteps were extremely heavy, and each step seemed to press down on everyone’s hearts.

Zhang Wei frowned and muttered, “Damn it! Could this be that dumb giant?”

The figure’s movements were stiff and awkward, yet it carried an extremely sinister aura. It then slowly raised its right hand and reached forward.

The sudden motion made everyone break out in goosebumps.

Then came a loud “

BANG

!”

But no one was grabbed by the tall figure. Instead, the ceramic jar in the swordsman’s hands shattered, and he instinctively threw the broken jar away.

Having spent years wandering the

jianghu

, the swordsman had seen plenty of ghosts and strange phenomena. At this moment, he made the most direct reaction. After all, the ceramic jar had shattered, yet nothing came out of it.

However, the temperature in the room suddenly dropped several degrees.

A ghost!?

The thought struck everyone’s mind at the same time.

It was almost laughable, as they were all skilled cultivators or martial experts. Ordinary wandering spirits wouldn’t trouble them at all; even fierce spirits would be powerless before their abilities. But now, the strange darkness in the room, the tall, looming figure, and the sudden shattering of the jar made them feel chilled to the bone, with a vague sense of impending doom.

The swordsman felt goosebumps rise on his neck, and a bone-chilling cold enveloped him. He immediately raised his domineering true qi, swung a palm in a reverse strike, and retreated lightly. The palm strike felt as if it had hit an unbreakable stone wall, sending tingling numbness up his arm.

As he stepped back, he suddenly realized that the beautiful, mature woman from before was standing right behind him. Her face was pale, and her smile was eerie.

The swordsman was alert, but it was already too late! The next moment, his face twisted into that same bizarre smile. Then, his body instantly lost all strength, and he collapsed to one knee.

“What the hell is going on?” Zhang Wei was startled.

Now, the room contained only himself, Daoist Master Cao Cao, and the incredibly handsome scholar.

Years of tomb exploration and traversing dangerous places had given Zhang Wei a unique sense of caution:

In special circumstances, do not act rashly.

This often allowed one to avoid triggering lethal traps or attacks, making it possible to leave safely.

He took two ancient coins from his pocket, handing one to Li Yanchu and keeping one for himself, “Daoist Master Cao Cao, I found these yin coins in an ancient tomb. They can suppress a person’s yang qi and are especially effective against ghostly creatures.”

A person carried three flames of yang energy. When their yang energy was strong, it would become utterly incompatible with ghosts, like fire against water(T/N: The phrase

“水火不容” (shuǐ huǒ bù róng)

literally means “water and fire cannot coexist.” It comes from classical Chinese idioms and is used to describe two things or forces that are fundamentally incompatible or mutually exclusive. Just as water extinguishes fire and fire evaporates water, the two elements cannot exist peacefully together.

In context, it’s often used to express extreme opposition, whether between people, ideas, or energies,suggesting that they repel or destroy each other by nature).

These yin coins temporarily suppressed a person’s yang fire, making them resemble ghostly beings, and thus immune to attacks.

Li Yanchu accepted the coin.

“Daoist Master Cao Cao, based on my experience, you shouldn’t act rashly. Otherwise, you might trigger some great terror and bring about misfortune!” Zhang Wei shrunk his neck, cautiously watching his surroundings.

The tall figure had truly stopped moving, not advancing any further. The mature, beautiful woman also made no move.

“We might have a chance!” Zhang Wei’s eyes lit up.

“To be honest with you, Daoist Master, I’ve spent years wandering in extremely perilous places. I’m very calm in situations like this and quite confident. These yin coins can mask our presence, preventing these evil forces from attacking us,” Zhang Wei said calmly, putting on a bit of a show.

“What about him?” Li Yanchu pointed at the handsome scholar who barely had any presence.

Zhang Wei paused, frowning.

Right, what abilities does that scholar have?

“Who knows? That scholar’s mind is crafty, he might also have some special skills,” Zhang Wei said casually.

Li Yanchu shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

“Hmm?” Zhang Wei looked at Li Yanchu puzzled.

“I think he’s more like a ghost!” Li Yanchu said coldly.

Hearing this, Zhang Wei’s face darkened, and he turned to look at the handsome scholar...