Published: August 28, 2025
Chapter 439: Ghost King (Part 1)
Immortal Maiden Zi Ling also caught the meaning in Han Li’s words, and her delicate face suddenly turned paler by several shades.
The old man stared silently at the white bones on the ground. His gaze flickered uncertainly, as if lost in thought.
Han Li, as if seeing nothing, glanced around calmly and continued analyzing in a detached tone:
“Since even cultivators approaching mid foundation formation have perished here, it shows that this vengeful spirit’s cultivation base must be incredibly terrifying. Even if it hasn’t reached the ghost king realm, it’s probably close. I wonder if Immortal Maiden Zi Ling and Daoist Ge have mentally prepared themselves for the possibility of being wiped out here. If you two turn back now, you won’t have to take such a huge risk. As for me, I still intend to take the gamble!”
Han Li’s voice was very calm, but the two looked at each other in silent concern.
After a long moment of consideration, Immortal Maiden Zi Ling finally said resolutely:
“Senior Han! If I cannot form a foundation formation in this lifetime, and instead fall forever into the path of the undead, I will accept it. I will not turn back.”
Her voice was extremely firm, clearly showing that she had made up her mind.
Han Li could only smile bitterly in his heart and glanced back at the old man.
Daoist Ge’s expression was unsettled.
After a long while, he said gloomily:
“My purpose in coming here was simply to see if I could harvest some Longevity Fruit. There is nothing I must desperately take. Since the danger ahead is so great, this old man will return by the same path. After all, dying peacefully and having my body dissolve is far better than forever falling into the path of the undead.”
After saying this, the old man showed a trace of shame.
He then cupped his fists to the two and, without hesitation, swung his sleeve and disappeared back into the mist along the original route.
Han Li stood expressionless, staring in the direction the old man had vanished, remaining silent for a long time.
Immortal Maiden Zi Ling showed a look of disappointment.
Losing a foundation formation cultivator companion made the danger in the ghost mist even greater.
“Elder Han, shouldn’t we leave now?” Immortal Maiden Zi Ling glanced around at the gloomy, thick mist and forced a smile as she spoke to Han Li.
Although she had been very resolute earlier, in truth, she was unsure whether this choice was right or wrong. So now, her heart was uneasy.
Han Li lightly responded with a “hmm” but then looked down at the skeleton.
Suddenly, with one hand, he grabbed the fire-repelling magical garment, which flew into his palm with a whoosh. Without changing expression, he stored it away in his storage pouch.
Immortal Maiden Zi Ling was somewhat surprised to see this and parted her lips to say something, but after thinking about it, she remained silent.
What Han Li did next shocked her even more.
He flicked his finger, releasing a sword light of deep blue that struck the nearby ground, creating a deep pit about three meters wide.
Then, with a light sweep of his sleeve, Han Li sent the skeleton and the magical treasure fragments into the pit, burying them.
Seeing this, Immortal Maiden Zi Ling’s expression became very strange.
“Do you think what I’m doing is a bit strange?” Han Li suddenly turned to her and asked calmly.
“A little?” Zi Ling hesitated briefly but answered honestly.
Han Li chuckled softly.
“The reason I buried it is that, as fellow cultivators, none of us know when we might end up as a pile of white bones. Since I encountered this one, I might as well do it a favor—better for the body not to be left exposed. I hope that if something happens to me, someone else following the path will also pick up my bones. As for taking this magical garment, naturally, the dead can’t use it anymore, and it would be a pity to bury it with the bones. I consider it as payment for the burial!”
After hearing this, Immortal Maiden Zi Ling’s surprise gradually faded, and she fell into thought.