The entire area within ten li around Kunwu’s main peak was shrouded in thick mist.

The moment that gray-white fog was thrown out by Fudao Shanren, Kunwu’s main peak activated its mountain-protecting grand formation, like the only clear floating island in the dense mist. However, aside from the people of Kunwu, no one else would know of this “floating island’s” existence.

At this moment, ninety-six people had been divided into twelve groups of eight each, all entering the Misty Sky.

Hengxu Zhenren and Fudao Shanren stood shoulder to shoulder in a high place, with elders from various major sects on the hillside platform not far away.

One image after another clearly appeared at the edge of that thick mist, standing at the boundary between the mountain-protecting formation and the Misty Sky, truthfully and timely reflecting all situations inside the Misty Sky through phantom projections.

Everyone focused intently on those phantoms floating in mid-air.

Upon seeing the twelve groups of eight that had finally gathered together, various sounds immediately rose from among the major sects—some sighing, some laughing heartily, some muttering.

If one looked back, they would find that everyone’s expressions were different.

Those happy that their sect’s disciples had met good teammates laughed openly; those who saw that their own disciples happened to be the strongest person in that team could only smile bitterly and sigh.

Hearing those sounds nearby, Fudao Shanren, holding a chicken leg, couldn’t help but look back.

Hengxu Zhenren didn’t turn his head, laughing: “They seem to have forgotten that you’re the one who set the rules for this minor competition. I’m afraid they’re celebrating too early?”

“Hehe.”

Fudao Shanren withdrew his gaze and smiled sinisterly.

“Setting aside my abilities for now, these old fellows really lack sufficient cultivation. Either sighing mournfully or showing joy openly—they’re truly embarrassing us in the Central Domain.”

Hengxu Zhenren only stared up at the phantoms above, suddenly frowning slightly: “What is that?”

“Hmm?”

Fudao Shanren didn’t quite understand what he was asking. Hearing the voice, he looked in the direction of his gaze and immediately saw eight figures—

Jian Chou in moon-white robes stood quietly in that empty space in the mountain forest, facing countless demonic vines emerging from the great hall, looking like a few small ants standing before a giant python.

Among their group of eight, there was Jian Chou and also Gu Qingmei.

Seeing this, Fudao Shanren immediately recalled what Jian Chou had told him about the Killing Red Minor Realm upon her return, and instantly felt an urge to slap his chicken leg and laugh wildly.

“Hahaha, excellent, excellent!”

“…”

So his question was being ignored?

Hengxu Zhenren’s face showed no expression as he repeated his question: “What is that?”

Raising his hand to point at the massive, ancient white bone hall in the phantom.

“Oh, that?”

Fudao Shanren glanced at it without much concern.

This Misty Sky didn’t belong to Kunwu, so it was normal for Hengxu Zhenren not to know what that thing was.

Of course…

Fudao took a bite of chicken leg and chuckled.

It was also possible that he had recognized what it was, which was why he was asking.

He shrugged indifferently: “Old Monster Hengxu, you really are getting old if you don’t recognize this. That’s the Fish Bone Hall!”

Fish Bone Hall.

He had actually hidden the Fish Bone Hall in such a place!

And now it appeared at the Left Three Thousand Minor Competition—this was…

Hengxu Zhenren suddenly didn’t know what to say, a sinister aura appearing on his face as he stared at Fudao.

Fudao Shanren rolled his eyes, about to directly throw him a couple chicken legs to gnaw on together, when suddenly a burst of exclamations arose nearby!

“Heavens! What is he doing?”

“Did Fengmo Sword Sect produce a madman this year?”

“What is that?”

“So many magical artifacts… how is that possible…”

“Is this person sick? How can he attack his own companions!”

…

The words he hadn’t spoken, the chicken legs he hadn’t handed over, were all withdrawn as Fudao Shanren looked toward the sound.

Crack.

With the last sword strike from Xia Houshe, the Heaven-Connecting Platform Seal belonging to that person fell gently into his hand, colliding with the other nine Heaven-Connecting Platform Seals and producing a slight sound.

Ten seals!

The moment these ten Heaven-Connecting Platform Seals collided together, a clear blue cold light suddenly pierced through the layers of mist in this void space, shining down on Xia Houshe!

Kunwu’s main peak, originally obscured by thick fog, finally reappeared before him under this transparent blue light.

An aged and indifferent voice simultaneously rang throughout the entire Misty Sky!

“Fengmo Sword Sect, Xia Houshe, ten Heaven-Connecting Platform Seals, permitted to pass!”

At this moment, countless cultivators still in the Misty Sky—some who had just finished introducing themselves—all looked up, their eyes filled with indescribable shock.

Too fast!

How could it be so fast?

Xia Houshe originally had three Heaven-Connecting Platforms; he still needed to seize seven more.

A full seven platforms—even in continuous battles, it should take considerable time.

Was the strength of someone once ranked first by Zhilin Sou truly this terrifying?

Countless hearts were filled with terror.

This naturally included Lu Xiangleng.

In a corner of the Misty Sky, she looked up at that faint blue light, unable to see any human figure, and couldn’t help but sigh.

Nie Xiaowan’s eyes widened as she opened her mouth: “Senior Brother Zhang, your Fengmo Sword Sect is about to produce a great figure this time. Do you know him?”

This time, they were fortunate to be grouped with Lu Xiangleng. All three knew Jian Chou, showing mutual courtesy, so the atmosphere was quite good.

Hearing Nie Xiaowan’s words, he smiled bitterly: “Junior Brother Xia is an unprecedented genius. Usually, he doesn’t even see people, and even the sect elders must show him three parts respect. I recognize him, but I can’t say I know him.”

Recognition was recognition, but Zhang Sui didn’t dare claim to know him.

Lu Xiangleng listened, a strange light appearing in her eyes as she said: “It seems there’s quite a story there. But since someone has already passed, we need to hurry as well. Come, let’s go down and take a look.”

After speaking, purple-golden light shone forth as Lu Xiangleng took the lead, followed by the seven others.

The vast white mist showed no signs of dissipating.

That blue light that had pierced through the mist was gradually fading.

“Will he choose to stay or withdraw?”

Standing beside Jian Chou, Gu Qingmei also looked at that blue light, somewhat dazed.

How vast was the world—what did one Kunwu amount to?

The other sects among the Upper Five were not gaining their reputations in vain either.

Today Kunwu could produce a Xie Buchen, Yashan could produce a Jian Chou, and Fengmo Sword Sect could produce a Xia Houshe.

With countless brilliantly talented people, what category did she, Gu Qingmei, fall into after all?

Her fingers quietly clenched as her lips pressed tightly together, her mood becoming somewhat gloomy.

Jian Chou’s face remained calm and unperturbed.

While they were still exploring and thinking about traces of others, Xia Houshe had already completed the minimum passing standard of ten Heaven-Connecting Platform Seals for the first trial—truly fast beyond imagination.

How could it be so coincidental that he just happened to encounter a group of people?

Moreover, he originally had three seals and now had ten, meaning he had precisely eliminated seven people.

The moment she heard of Xia Houshe’s advancement, Jian Chou was certain of his method of passing—

Undoubtedly, he had attacked his own companions.

Cold-blooded, calm, cruel, and intelligent.

Jian Chou felt somewhat moved, speaking: “I once exchanged a few words with this person, only knowing his temperament is perverse and unpredictable, seemingly extremely difficult to get along with. Whether he ultimately stays or leaves is truly uncertain.”

“Speaking of which, these rules are too treacherous. Since they told us he can pass, they don’t say whether he’s still here or not, leaving people on edge. What if we encounter him?”

Qian Que complained from the side.

After finishing his words, his heart skipped a beat. Looking up at Jian Chou, he quickly said: “Sorry, sorry, Meng didn’t mean to criticize Fudao Shanren. This… this…”

“No matter.”

Jian Chou smiled, knowing what he was nervous about.

She understood better than anyone how unreliable her master was. A little criticism wouldn’t kill anyone.

Moreover, the rules being treacherous was something he himself had acknowledged.

Withdrawing her gaze from that blue light in the sky that was almost traceless, Jian Chou said to everyone: “Whether Xia Houshe goes or stays doesn’t matter. We have ninety-six people total. Even if we don’t encounter Xia Houshe, we’ll meet others eventually. Just staying alert at all times is good. What we should consider now is this great hall.”

The great hall.

The attention previously drawn away by Xia Houshe’s passage suddenly returned.

That great hall still stood quietly at the end of their sight, occupying most of their field of vision.

Grim white covered the hall’s exterior, with two rows of huge, fierce teeth above and below the main entrance, like the mouth of a vicious beast waiting for prey to enter.

Countless demonic yet vitally green vines extended from within the great hall.

Jian Chou walked around this great hall from a distance, staring at those white, bone-like outer walls. There were many vines and much accumulated dust—clearly showing great age with no one maintaining it.

Gu Qingmei also went to observe, asking: “Has Senior Sister Jian Chou discovered anything?”

“It’s white bone.” Jian Chou casually answered, then continued, “Like fish skull bone. There are characters on top of the hall, but it’s too far and blocked by vines—really can’t see clearly. What about everyone else?”

She asked in return, wanting to know if others had discovered any additional information.

Qian Que and the others at most had the same judgment as Jian Chou—what could they say? They all shook their heads.

Only Gu Qingmei, after examining the hall thoroughly without results, had a flash of inspiration and went to look at those countless vines.

The more she looked, the brighter the light in her eyes became as she said with delight: “I know what this is!”

Seven pairs of eyes immediately focused on her.

Jian Chou also looked at her, asking: “The vines?”

“Right. These vines are quite strange, emerging from the hall and piercing toward the sky. Senior Sister Jian Chou may not know—recently, due to certain matters, I read through countless Kunwu classics and happened to read a ‘Record of Ten Thousand Plants.’ These vines are called ‘Withered Leaf Vines,’ only growing at the burial sites of great cultivators with heaven-reaching cultivation in life, absorbing energy from their decomposing flesh, communicating with heaven and earth—that’s why they can be so demonic.”

Gu Qingmei’s gaze toward that great hall immediately carried a kind of curiosity.

After pondering briefly, Jian Chou also remembered, asking: “These are also called ‘Withered Bone Vines,’ right?”

Hearing this, Gu Qingmei was somewhat surprised.

“So Senior Sister Jian Chou also knows—I was showing off unnecessarily.”

“Junior Sister Gu needn’t say so. I hardly remember so much—it was only after Junior Sister Gu’s reminder that I suddenly recalled.” Jian Chou spoke truthfully while giving Gu Qingmei full face, continuing: “These Withered Bone Vines grow at burial sites of great cultivators, so this place wouldn’t it be…”

The other six people’s eyes immediately lit up.

Qian Que immediately slapped his thigh: “This is an opportunity waiting for us! Casually getting a Dao seal or picking up a magical artifact—wouldn’t that be easy?”

“Moreover, we’re in the first trial of the Left Three Thousand Minor Competition. Even if Elder Fudao is treacherous, he wouldn’t want our lives, right?” Zhou Qingyun from the other side also seemed interested, echoing.

Gu Qingmei simply suggested: “Why don’t we form a formation and approach the hall to see? If there’s anything unusual, the formation can block it, and we can quickly withdraw. What do you all think?”

Hearing it was the dissolution site of a great cultivator, Qian Que was already drooling.

However, given his current identity as “Meng Xizhou,” he couldn’t be too exaggerated. He only looked at that great hall ahead with eyes hiding eagerness, the originally demonic feeling now completely gone.

In Qian Que’s eyes, that great hall had entirely transformed into one constructed of spirit stones.

The others weren’t much different, all nodding in agreement.

With all seven others having this intention, Jian Chou naturally couldn’t obstruct them.

Moreover…

She wasn’t worried about the passage problem at all, since there were seven people right in front of her.

Excluding Gu Qingmei, the others were no match for her. And she was luckier than Xia Houshe—if she wanted, she didn’t need to eliminate seven people, only six. Because she originally possessed four Heaven-Connecting Platforms.

So, discovering that everyone agreed, Jian Chou also said: “In that case, let’s go in and take a look.”

The eight people formed a simple Eight Extremes Formation, with Gu Qingmei, who was quite knowledgeable about formations, as the formation’s heart, approaching that Fish Bone Hall together.

The ground was covered with soft green grass and thick moss.

Their footsteps on the grass and moss were soundless. None of them actually touched ground—to avoid any accidents, they all remained an inch above the surface.

The closer they got, the clearer the Fish Bone Hall’s form became.

Jian Chou could already see crack after crack on those fish bones, as if they had been split by the countless vines growing from within.

One step…

One step…

Getting closer and closer.

Everyone wore expressions of caution and care.

As the one in front, Jian Chou walked at the very front while investigating the situation ahead.

Every vine remained motionless, with no ambush formations in the surroundings.

This was like a hall that had been abandoned, aside from being terrifying and fierce-looking, having nothing else special.

Jian Chou frowned slightly. After confirming no danger, she stepped forward.

Fifty zhang.

Forty zhang.

Thirty zhang!

…

Sudden change!

Buzz!

As if something had suddenly been triggered, when they entered within thirty zhang of the Fish Bone Hall, the entire hall seemed to come alive, trembling slightly!

“Be careful!”

Though it was a very light tremor, to everyone’s eyes it was absolutely terrifying.

Jian Chou stopped without hesitation while spreading her arms, light faintly flickering at her brow as if ready to draw out the Ghost Axe at any moment.

The other seven also tightly gripped their magical artifacts, every muscle tensed to the extreme!

That Fish Bone Hall built on the ground only trembled once before stopping.

However, the next moment, its trembling alarmed those countless vines reaching toward the high sky. In that instant, all the vines seemed to go mad, like giant pythons and dragons retracting from high altitude, bringing gust after gust of fierce wind!

The Fish Bone Hall that had just stopped trembling immediately began shaking at an even more terrifying speed!

Though clearly not a very wide hall, when countless vines all retracted, they were actually all accommodated by this single hall!

In the blink of an eye, before everyone’s vigilance and amazement could be withdrawn, those vines disappeared without a trace like water being sucked back by a whale!

Everyone immediately looked at each other in confusion.

This…

What was happening?

That ghostly thing seemed to have been frightened by them?

Gu Qingmei frowned tightly, looking at that hall which suddenly revealed all its doors and windows, saying puzzledly: “Though Withered Leaf Vines absorb spiritual energy after great cultivators’ deaths, they should only grow wildly and shouldn’t be this intelligent. Could it be…”

“The Withered Leaf Vines became spirits?”

Qian Que automatically completed the sentence.

Gu Qingmei glanced at him, immediately recalling the Dijiang Guyu from the Killing Red Minor Realm, her expression becoming unpleasant: “If so, everything might become difficult.”

Thinking this, she turned to speak to Jian Chou: “Senior Sister Jian Chou, the situation here is strange. I’m afraid it’s beyond what we can handle. How about we… Senior Sister Jian Chou?”

Gu Qingmei’s voice suddenly rose in surprise as she stared at Jian Chou!

Because while they were talking, Jian Chou had actually left their eight-person formation and walked another three to five zhang toward the Fish Bone Hall!

Hearing the voice behind her, Jian Chou stopped but didn’t turn around.

With the green vines withdrawn, the bone-white steps in front of the hall were finally revealed, while brownish-red characters were carved on both sides of the white bone outer walls, like dried blood, though these characters seemed too weathered for Jian Chou to recognize a single word.

Only on those two rows of teeth, the blood red that seemed never to have faded over thousands of years was clearly visible—

Fish Eye Tomb!

A dim, lusterless white orb floated in the center of that white bone hall, appearing quite ordinary in Jian Chou’s sight.

…

Human Realm’s Isolated Island, Mass Grave.

Whoosh…

Darkest before dawn.

The howling north wind blew through, with wild dogs wandering among the mass grave, dragging out corpses wrapped in straw mats.

At the edge, however, stood a newly erected grave.

The grave mound was low, surrounded by circles of paper figures and horses made for the deceased. Remnants of incense, candles, and paper money lay before the tombstone, which the wind swept up into the air.

Strangely, the tombstone before this grave was blank—not a single character.

A youth wore robes of faded pale wormwood green with old patterns, but his hair had somehow turned white in patches, pale as death under the cold moonlight.

Though clearly a youth’s body and face, he had an indescribably weathered gaze.

This wasn’t to say the gaze was aged, but that it had crossed rivers of time and years, even transcending the boundaries between youth and age, becoming blurred and indistinguishable.

Wind stirred his long hair as he raised his hand to gently pat the tombstone, a faint smile on his lips.

Cultivators were truly interesting…

Killing could be done without personally acting.

Like this poor Zhang Tingwei lying in this new grave…

“The Nineteen Zhou cultivation world has no reincarnation. I wonder what happens when half-human, half-cultivator beings enter the underworld… cough…”

After muttering to himself, he suddenly frowned and coughed.

A feeling of weakness seemed to drill up from the earth’s core, invading his entire body.

Sunset, sunrise.

For him, this was one cycle.

He leaned against the tombstone and slowly sat down, not minding the ashes covering the ground—or perhaps lacking the strength to mind.

Looking up at the moon, the moonlight grew thin.

A huge, blurred shadow covered over from the distance, obscuring the moon in the blink of an eye, plunging the entire world into darkness.

A white light suddenly flew out from this darkness.

The youth raised his hand to gently catch it. His strengthless fingers formed a stiff arc like withered branches, but steadily grasped that white pearl.

Frowning slightly, his face completely bloodless, his gaze fell on this white pearl.

“The Eye of Bimu?”

“In ancient times, I was a god of the sea. A foolish fish sought my help, leaving this eye. Now it can glimpse heavenly secrets. You, a dying mayfly, can use this object to glimpse the truth of underworld reincarnation.”

A voice as blurred as the shadow drifted ethereally, as if coming from the entire firmament into his ears.

“What do you mean dying? I am already…” The youth turned his fingers, lifting the white pearl to look at it, murmuring, “Eternally undying.”

As if hearing his murmur, a long sigh came from the sky.

That vast shadow covering the sky seemed to circle once before spiraling away.

Eternally undying, Fu Chaosheng.

The youth sat motionless, his gaze fixed on this Eye of Bimu.

This journey to the isolated island had yielded some gains.

Zhang Tang’s death was orchestrated by him, this “demon”…

After death, one should enter the underworld, settle grievances, and re-enter the cycle of reincarnation.

His finger moved slightly, seeming to caress the fish eye, then gently released it.

The fish eye emitted a dim light, illuminating his pale face.

Trembling, trembling.

It finally floated before the youth as the phantom of a giant flatfish slowly appeared.

In the Misty Sky, there was also a fish eye.

Seeing that Jian Chou was fine, Gu Qingmei and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief and walked over from behind.

They immediately saw the hall’s name and the fish eye floating within the hall, their eyes flickering with divine light, but all stood beside Jian Chou without moving.

“What is that?”

Gu Qingmei wasn’t certain and asked.

“A fish eye.”

Having been a wife who had cooked many fresh fish, Jian Chou knew exactly what fish eyes looked like.

But looking back at those three large characters on the hall, she still felt like she was dreaming—

A fish head as hall, white bones as steps, all just to bury a single “fish eye”?