The Tianshui Lake contingent naturally halted. Ji Yuan and the others slowly walked to the front of the group, looking towards the standing ghostly figure and the City God. The divine light of this City God’s power was far inferior to that of the City Gods of some of the larger cities in Dazhen. At most, it was in par with the underworld deities of some of the mid-sized to larger counties. However, given the current state of collapse of the country of Zuyue’s divinities, his cultivation could be considered quite outstanding. Even with the current state of affairs, the City God was still a city god, after all. Even when attending the Endless Ghost City’s celebration, he merely offered Xin Wuya a few congratulatory words. He didn’t pay any grand respect to monsters like Gao Tianming or Niu Batian, nor did he do more than glance at mortals like Yan Fei. He reserved his deference solely for Ji Yuan. Only after paying his respect to Ji Yuan did the City God straighten up and bow slightly to Gao Tianming and the others. “Greetings, Lord Gao, Lady Gao, and esteemed guests!” “Greetings, Lord City God! “ Ji Yuan returned the greeting with a brief bow. Gao Tianming and his wife, along with Niu Batian, didn’t dare to be negligent. It was a rare occasion for them to be able to greet an underworld deity and address them directly as “Lord City God.” Then, everyone’s gaze followed Ji Yuan’s, and they turned to the the City Lord of the Endless Ghost City, Xin Wuya. “Hey, Old Ghost Wuya, why are you blocking us here? “ However, it was clear that Xin Wuya, as the City Lord of the Endless Ghost City, still retained some pride. Unlike the City God of Queliu City, who was reverential, he simply offered a bow with cupped hands to Ji Yuan and his companions, offering no words of respect. “Mr. Ji, Brother Gao previously sent a spiritual transmission, saying that you spared my life, and that my Endless Ghost City was in danger of collapse. It is not that I disbelieve Brother Gao’s words, but there is one matter that remains unclear: if you truly possessed such power, sir, why then did you endure the mockery of ghosts and demons during the celebration, and why would you spare my Endless Ghost City?” Although Xin Wuya’s words weren’t exactly an accusation, they certainly weren’t polite. Thinking back, if it had been him in Ji Yuan’s position, Xin Wuya would certainly not have held back if he could easily destroy his opponent, so his suspicions only grew stronger. As for the City God of Queliu City, Xin Wuya had merely encountered him by chance outside the city. The former had also been waiting for Ji Yuan by the road, so the two simply waited together. However, out of courtesy, the City God had taken the initiative, and was now content to let Xin Wuya speak first. Hearing Xin Wuya’s words, Gao Tianming curled his lips in a fleeting sneer. ‘Just an old ghost who hasn’t experienced much in the world. Just because others afford you some respect, you think you rule the Underworld? How could a country bumpkin like you comprehend the thoughts and intentions of a true master? You only see the immediate consequences of life and death in front of you, while others have already seen through the thoughts of all sentient beings.’ Alright, Gao Tianming admitted that even he himself had come here to show respect, but that didn’t mean that he truly respected Xin Wuya. It was merely about maintaining a basic superficial relationship, as they both lived in the country of Zuyue and would inevitably cross paths. Although Gao Tianming’s facial expression was fleeting, truthfully, he hadn’t hidden it much, so both Xin Wuya and the City God caught that instant. The former felt a flicker of hidden anger, while the latter’s expression grew increasingly thoughtful. Ji Yuan, for his part, calmly observed Xin Wuya from head to toe, but didn’t speak immediately. His supernatural eyes were fully open at close range, taking in the aura of this ancient ghost cultivator. Facing those pale eyes, Xin Wuya felt as though he no longer had any secrets left to himself. “Xin Wuya, I was waiting for you to seek me out. “ Ji Yuan’s voice was indifferent, yet solemn. He didn’t address Xin Wuya respectfully with ‘City Lord’ as he had before before, but instead called him by his full name. “The divine path in the country of Zuyue has declined, and many places have become havens for malevolent spirits and demons. You established the Endless Ghost City, taking in numerous wandering ghosts, fierce specters, and even vengeful spirits. You only allow entry, but no exit. While this was only done for your own cultivation, it is a good rule. “ At this point, Ji Yuan looked back at the Endless Ghost City in the distance, where only the glow of city lights could be seen on the horizon, its outline no longer visible. He continued. “And, previously, the four distressed travelers were indeed recovered from the city, which means you kept your word. They did not cause trouble in the city, which shows you have a degree of restraint. Furthermore, cultivating to your current level as a ghost is truly remarkable. “ “Oh? Hahahaha. . . So, the Master has a soft spot for talent? How rare! “ Xin Wuya spoke sarcastically, when he suddenly noticed Gao Tianming to the side had just suppressed the hint of surprise on his face. He had clearly extremely astonished by Ji Yuan’s words. “Indeed, I do have a slight appreciation for talent. Dynasties rise and fall; this is the universal cyclical trend of the world, and I will not impede it. However, it would be best if the chaos and calamity suffered by sentient beings could be lessened. As the saying goes, ‘in troubled times, use harsh measures; for chronic illnesses, administer potent medicine.’1 The existence of the Endless Ghost City is a fortuitous unintentional opportunity. Given the underworld’s insufficient control, it can help control the demons and evil spirits that infest a vast area of Zuyue’s southern regions.” Ji Yuan’s words were extremely blunt, almost explicitly telling Xin Wuya, “I, Ji Yuan, merely find you barely acceptable, and you and your Endless Ghost City are still useful, which is why I didn’t act.” Ji Yuan chuckled faintly. “Whether you feel indignant or harbor doubts, it is fate that you have come here to meet me.” As Ji Yuan spoke, he opened his right hand, palm facing upwards, and pointed towards the distance in the direction of the Endless Ghost City from which they had emerged. His gesture made everyone present, from Xin Wuya to the small water spirits in the convoy, to instinctively turn towards the Endless Ghost City. A few breaths later, the clouds above the ghost city began to undergo mysterious transformations. While the lower layer remained thickly shrouded in dark clouds, pressing down like a lid on the city below, the upper layer revealed streaks of golden lightning. The sound of thunder echoed, as if the clouds were exploding. Even as far as they were here, many spirits were so terrified they covered their ears in fear. The distant lightning was so intense that it seemed to transform the lower layer of clouds above the Endless Ghost City into one golden cloud with swirling arcs, like a golden canopy covering the vast area both inside and outside the ghost city. Amidst the thunder, the golden canopy’s light grew increasingly brilliant, yet its range shrank, until only a single golden point of light remained above the entire cloud layer. Then, that light rapidly flew towards them at a speed visible to the naked eye. After only six or seven breaths, a golden talisman, gleaming with mystical lightning, flew into Ji Yuan’s palm. The talisman lacked both paper or jade as its base: it was merely formed from a radiant, luminous text woven from the void. Upon it were the four characters: “Exorcise and Bind Evil.” It was this very incantation that represented the essence of the Black Flood Dragon’s life force, water essence, and lightning energy, transformed in its dying moment. Furthermore, it contained the mysterious power of Ji Yuan’s Edict, elevating it to a new level. Within the talisman lay the boundless might of Celestial Thunder. Faint rumbles of thunder emerged, even creating an illusion of lightning shifting the air, as if Ji Yuan were cradling a mighty bolt in his palm. The lightning from the talisman talisman brightly illuminated the surrounding road, casting the faces of the bystanders in a deathly pale light. Many water spirits instinctively shrank behind the carriage, not daring to look closely. The golden talisman script lingered in Ji Yuan’s palm for two breaths, before naturally flying into his sleeve. All sounds, colors, and radiance vanished, drawn into his sleeve along with the talisman. “Xin Wuya, you ask why I spared you and your Endless Ghost City? That question was actually meaningless. Of course, now, now I consider you spared.” Ghosts didn’t sweat, but at this moment, Xin Wuya truly felt a cold sweat pouring down his face, his thoughts somewhat jumbled. ‘In other words, if I hadn’t come…’ He understood the meaning of the golden characters that had appeared just now, but the immense power they contained remained unclear to him. Still, from just that momentary glimpse of their radiance, it wasn’t hard to grasp how powerful they were. This Mr. Ji’s seemingly light words carried an immense weight! The Old Bull wiped a bead of sweat from his face and stealthily approached Gao Tianming, speaking in a faint whisper. “Old Gao… Master Ji doesn’t seem as easygoing as he appears…” Gao Tianming was arguably the only person among all present, apart from Ji Yuan, who could most accurately sense the terrifying power of that golden talisman script. That Mr. Ji had truly intended to obliterate the Endless Ghost City. Seeing his objective achieved, Ji Yuan smiled again. “You needn’t be nervous. This Lighting Talisman was not easy to refine; I would have been heartbroken if I truly had to use it. Besides, there are likely many benevolent spirits within the ghost city. Even if I controlled this lightning talisman perfectly, it would be difficult to avoid accidental harm. I am relieved that it didn’t come to that.” ‘Accidental harm? More like accidental deaths!’ Given the overwhelming power difference, Xin Wuya no longer dared to be arrogant. He immediately bowed deeply, even more respectfully than the City God had just moments ago. “Thank you, Master, for sparing my life! “ Gao Tianming, standing nearby, couldn’t help but ask at this moment. “Master Ji! I would like to ask, what wondrous lightning-control technique did you use just now? Even I, as a flood dragon, felt my skin tingle with fear, as if stung by needles! “ Ji Yuan didn’t hide anything. “This is an Imperial Edict Lightning Talisman. It is infused with a divine Edict and the power of Celestial Thunder. The vital essence of Celestial Thunder contained within the incantation…” Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝗇𝗲𝘵 At this point, Ji Yuan smiled, looking at Gao Tianming. “It’s roughly the equivalent to the sum of the entire essence of a flood dragon of your cultivation level! Then, it would use that power that to command lightning and strike it down in one blow. It’s power should be quite impressive! “ Gao Tianming instinctively shuddered at his words, and Xin Wuya’s ghost form trembled as well. ‘A talisman condensed from centuries of flood dragon vital essence, with all its power unleashed in a single strike?’ This wasn’t just simple arithmetic; it was absolutely not something even another flood dragon could withstand! Ji Yuan’s sudden call startled Xin Wuya, who hastily responded. “I said you did well, but do you understand the deeper meaning behind those words? “ “Good. That is all. We will take our leave.” After Ji Yuan finished speaking, he glanced at the City God on the other side, then took the lead and strode forward. Niu Batian quickly pulled Yan Fei along to follow. After Gao Tianming recovered from his shock, he also bowed briefly to Xin Wuya, before leading his wife in pursuit. The aquatic sprits hesitated and trembled for a while before finally settling in their carriages and moving to follow. The four mortals, frightened and mentally drained from excessive terror, had long since fallen asleep in the carriage. Not even the thunder could wake them. Xin Wuya stood there in a daze, feeling surprisingly as though he had survived a great calamity. Ji Yuan, already some distance away, observed the newly formed chess piece in his hand, then turned his head to glance behind him. He spoke silently, sending a mental transmission back over the distance. “City Lord Xin, those evil spirits in the Endless Ghost City who clamored for a feast of living people during the grand celebration—if they serve no crucial purpose, dispose of them.” Xin Wuya quickly bowed in the direction the carriages had departed, and answered with a loud, “Yes! “ The dozen or so evil spirits and vengeful ghosts who had been clamoring the most fiercely naturally surfaced in Xin Wuya’s mind at that moment. All were marked for death. After a moment’s thought, he decided to have the Dark Minister executed as well. T/n: Man talk about a POWER MOVE, “now I consider you spared,” I mean POP OFF JI YUAN