On regular days, this mighty figure from the Purple Mansion never bothered with those servant ghosts, nor did they issue commands to them.

But now... the first command had emerged.

"If you discover that any Elder exhibits unusual behavior, or their power surges rapidly, plant a Soul Pursuit Insect on them.

Also... follow my instructions, and seize the opportunity to kill after the Hidden Dragon Association.

Among these people, there might be someone... considered a seasoned monster.

You're no match for them.

However, as long as you find him, prevent his passage through the Ancient Teleportation Array to the Northern Land, that will suffice.

Heading to the Northern Land is his only escape route.

How could I possibly let him accomplish that?"

The Elders among the scout ghosts of each sect nodded repeatedly.

After a while, that being in the Purple Mansion, through a subjugated voice, began asking questions like, "If you combine all your strength, can you destroy that Ancient Teleportation Array?"

But the answers were all "Probably not."

Because currently, that Ancient Teleportation Array, being a strategic array of the Ancient Country, is guarded in turns by the Purple Mansion cultivators of the Ancient Country.

It's akin to a General guarding a pass.

That "teleportation array" is their "pass."

As long as the Purple Mansion cultivators are present, how could the pass be broken?

...

...

Song Yan tossed and turned on the stone bed.

His gaze fixated on the empty darkness, he pondered from time to time.

He knew that his current enemy was a "terrifying monster born from the Sea of Suffering," the one most familiar with human hearts and best at stirring up human desires.

Now, through the four Evil Pearls on his Divine Soul, he could feel the opponent approaching with all their might.

Luckily, to cross the Desolate Wilderness and reach here in the Southern Land would still require time.

The adversary's attention was completely locked on him.

And the opponent's methods?

"Purple Mansion's thralls..."

"Servant ghosts..."

Having assimilated five-ninths of the Changwang Tiger Race's Demon Monk, naturally, he also possessed the power of a "servant ghost."

"If he instructed the servant ghosts to seize bodies, over this century, probably quite a few among the servant ghosts have already stepped into the Crimson Palace Realm, perhaps even within the Mo Sword Sect."

"Who knows how they will take action?"

Contemplating for a while, Song Yan devised a plan.

"Since the Hidden Dragon Association is for selecting talents from the Ancient Races, then... I'll first find out which Ancient Races are present."

"If the Formless Ancient Race is among them, perhaps... I can attempt a new path."

"Although I cannot mimic high-level magic, the Refining Profound Level is still within my grasp, and with the Formless Mask, it'll be enough to prove my identity."

...

...

The next morning, Song Yan arrived at the Sword Cultivation Platform of the Mo Sword Sect.

This platform was built high on a location abundant in Profound Qi, with a breathtaking view.

Four stone tablets had ancient carvings of mountains and rivers, remarkably expressive, very unique. Even mortals would feel as if they were truly experiencing it, feeling relaxed and happy just by taking a glance.

This Sword Cultivation Platform was a feature of the Mo Sword Sect, and all disciples loved coming here to cultivate.

One for the Profound Qi, the other for visualizing the essence of mountains and rivers.

Following his memory, Song Yan chose a spot where Song Han would usually sit, sat cross-legged in meditation, without speaking, only slightly dispersing his Divine Sense, paying attention to every movement in the surroundings, and watching for any strange behavior from Elders or disciples.

Soon, he noticed a disciple.

That disciple was named Liu Man, who seemed unusually talkative at the moment, asking about who would attend the Hidden Dragon Association this year.

However, in Song Han's impression, this disciple named Liu Man was not usually so talkative.

Soon, Liu Man approached Song Yan, cupped his hands, and smiled, "Brother Song, are you going to the Hidden Dragon Association this year?"

Song Yan's eyes glinted suddenly, and he said, "Who wouldn't want to go?"

Liu Man laughed, "With Brother's talent, you might catch the attention of the Ancient Race's nobles."

Song Yan replied, "Brother Liu, are you going?"

Liu Man said, "Of course."

After a simple conversation, the two parted ways, and Liu Man moved to another spot, his expression somewhat urgent.

Song Yan coldly chuckled to himself.

'Little brat, with just this skill, you come out as a scout?

Not only did you fail to gather information, you ended up revealing it and exposing your purpose.'

A hidden severity flashed in his eyes.

'But the Demon Monk's response is really quick, it seems... everyone who wins at the Hidden Dragon Association this year will be targeted and then face endless pursuit and killing.

Perhaps the Demon Monk is even more ruthless; if he can destroy the Ancient Teleportation Array, he certainly will.

Not good, I need to think of another way.'

After a long time...

Song Yan contemplated to himself: 'Continuous body snatching might damage the origin of the Divine Soul, but if I can bypass the Hidden Dragon Association by changing my identity and enter the Ancient Teleportation Array ahead of time, it's not impossible.'

As he was thinking, his expression suddenly changed, because he saw clouds rise, and everyone from the Mo Sword Sect, from the ancestor and sect leader to the Elders, leaped into Sword Control, seemingly to welcome someone.

Above the clouds, celestial music echoed, female cultivators dressed as Celestial Maidens led the procession, followed by three Flying Palanquins...

The ancestor of the Mo Sword Sect respectfully said, "Welcome, Upper Envoy of the Ancient Race."

Song Yan gathered back his Divine Sense, merely blending in with the disciples, gazing upwards.

Suddenly, a strange connection emerged within his Divine Sense.

That connection formed between him and the last Flying Palanquin.

The connection expanded rapidly from being vague to solid and firm.

Song Yan recognized it.

It was the Blood Slave Ancient Talisman!

He never expected the 'Blood Slave Ancient Talisman' to still be effective!

And at that moment, the curtain of the last Flying Palanquin was lifted, revealing a beautiful woman who peeked out, eyes flashing with subtle terror, and gazed below, seemingly searching for someone in the crowd.

She... a hundred years ago, was just Xing'Er of the Ghost Slaughter Sect.

Now, by merit of her son, she had ascended to great heights.

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