Chapter 58: Fengdu Soul Servant

Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Fengdu Soul Servant

Ye Xuan glanced briefly at Qingyu before shaking his head in response to Yan Jin.

He knew nothing about the history of Northern Ridge, let alone anything related to the Fengdu Soul Servant.

Even so, he had once read ancient records about a mythological world in which Fengdu was the supreme ruler of the underworld and the leader of all ghosts and spirits.

Fengdu held absolute authority over life and death, commanded the souls of the dead, and judged the karma of all living beings.

In short, it was an entity of immense authority and unimaginable power.

In this case, Yan Jin had mentioned a servant of Fengdu.

Could they have some kind of connection to Fengdu? Or were they perhaps manifestations of Fengdu in the mortal realm?

"I’ve heard of Fengdu, but I don’t know anything about its Soul Servants."

Yan Jin nodded before continuing his explanation.

For Ye Xuan, what Yan Jin was about to share was valuable information that would help him understand what had truly happened in Northern Ridge.

"Northern Ridge and the Fengdu Soul Servant were already here long before we arrived in this forest. Back then, the Blazing Fire Serpent Clan held absolute dominion over Scarlet Moon Forest," Yan Jin replied.

"However, when we attempted to explore the northern area, we were stunned by the sight of that monster."

"We couldn’t find any records about the Fengdu Soul Servant. We gave it that name because of its ability to drag souls into the underworld, just like the ruler of Fengdu."

"Ever since that incident, I’ve forbidden every member of my clan from going there, without exception. I’m certain the Spirit Beast Clans living in this forest have imposed the same restriction."

"The fact that you survived after going there is astonishing. I’ve never tried the method you used to escape that monster. So, it’s possible that such a method could actually work," Yan Jin explained.

Ye Xuan now understood the origins of Northern Ridge and the man surrounded by that dense black aura.

He had never imagined that the Fengdu Soul Servant possessed such unimaginable power. Even someone as powerful as Yan Jin wasn’t confident he could defeat it.

Now that he knew the truth, Ye Xuan would have to be more cautious in his actions and future plans.

"Thank you for enlightening me, Clan Leader Yan Jin."

"It’s nothing. I’m merely offering you some advice. If you ever get trapped there again, I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you," Yan Jin explained.

Yan Jin turned around and called all the clan elders over.

He informed them that he was postponing the meeting and wanted to have a brief conversation with Ye Xuan.

The clan elders had no objections. One by one, they left the main hall, leaving Ye Xuan and Qingyu alone with Yan Jin.

"I’m truly impressed that you managed to kill Elder Ying, Brother Ye."

"From what I can tell, you’re only a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, which is equivalent to Peak Spirit-Beast among our kind. Yet, you still managed to kill him."

"To our clan members, that would be an incredibly reckless feat."

Ye Xuan explained that his victory had been the result of working together with Qingyu.

However, he had to admit that the battle had become much more difficult when Elder Ying protected himself with a Nascent Soul Relic.

Yan Jin nodded in agreement.

He told Ye Xuan that Elder Ying was one of the core elders of the Northern Wind Eagle Tribe, holding a higher position than ordinary elders.

That was why their tribe leader had entrusted him with a Nascent Soul Relic for protection.

"You should have died or at least suffered severe injuries after being struck by that relic, Ye Xuan. How did you manage to survive?" Yan Jin asked.

Ye Xuan instinctively touched his palm before looking ahead at the vast courtyard within the clan compound.

"It must have something to do with one of my abilities."

"Speaking of your abilities, I have something I’d like to give you," Yan Jin said.

The man patted his bag of holding and took out a scroll with a fiery red cover.

He handed it to Ye Xuan, who immediately accepted it.

The title written on the scroll was Sea of Fire Serpents Technique, a Profound-Stage technique capable of matching the strength of Golden Core cultivators and Profound-Beasts.

"It’s not a clan technique. I created it myself, and it can only be used by someone with a fire elemental affinity," Yan Jin explained.

"I used to rely on it quite often. However, I’ve since acquired stronger techniques and rarely use it anymore."

"I’m certain you’ll benefit greatly from learning it."

Ye Xuan understood what Yan Jin meant. Among the techniques above the Mortal-Stage that he possessed, he only had Ten Fire Sword Dance, Mystic Flame Finger, and Ninefold Lightning Scripture.

Compared to the Mortal-Stage techniques he had already learned, his collection was rather limited.

It would also be ineffective against opponents who possessed a wide variety of powerful techniques.

Perhaps learning the technique Yan Jin had given him would increase Ye Xuan’s combat strength while also expanding his range of attacks.

He didn’t refuse the gift. Instead, he stored the scroll in his bag of holding.

"Thank you, Clan Leader Yan Jin."

"You can practice that technique at the guest residence. The two of you are free to stay here for as long as you like."

"I have to go check on the situation aboveground."

In an instant, Yan Jin disappeared in a flash of flames. Ye Xuan then walked back to the wooden house where he and Qingyu were staying.

He explained to Qingyu that he intended to use his time there to practice.

First, he would train in the Tortoise Mountain Suppression Shield. Second, he would practice the Sea of Fire Serpents Technique.

The two techniques served different purposes, one defensive and the other offensive. However, they were both at the same stage: Profound-Stage.

Qingyu nodded. She would also train her newly acquired ability while cultivating and waiting for Ye Xuan.

Both of them realized that they had been overwhelmed during their previous battle against Elder Ying.

That was why mastering more powerful techniques was the right choice if they wanted to grow stronger.

***

One week later.

Ye Xuan opened his eyes, allowing a burst of qi to spread throughout the entire house.

Qingyu, who was cultivating nearby, was startled and hurriedly turned toward him.

She watched as the young man finished learning the technique.

His achievement was marked by the qi aura surrounding his body, which rumbled for several seconds before gradually subsiding.

[How did it go, Ye Xuan?]

"I managed to learn it. Now I just need to test out this new technique."

[We should try it outside against some monsters. They would be ideal opponents for us.]

Ye Xuan nodded. He stored the scroll back in his bag of holding and invited Qingyu to leave with him.

He also asked about Qingyu’s progress. The white serpent told him that she had already fully mastered her newly acquired ability.

However, she would still need more time before advancing to the Profound-Beast stage.

"We’ve stayed in this city for too long. It’s better to head outside and see what’s happening in the cultivation world."

"Perhaps we’ll find something."

[I agree!]