strokinit 055 The Temple of the Ghost Mother
055 The Temple of the Ghost Mother
Ning Kui, who has reached the minor stage of Bone Refining, is, on paper, no weaker than a martial artist who has reached the major stage of Bone Refining.
His strength had exceeded 50,000 jin, and a tingling sensation constantly emanated from his bones.
That's his bones evolving, undergoing a transformation.
This was originally the first great opportunity for a martial artist, a chance to defy fate and enhance their potential.
Countless martial artists have spent countless resources and energy meticulously refining their skills at this level.
So that when they break through to a higher level in the future, they can cross that threshold called "aptitude".
However, for Ning Kui, who could add points to his breakthrough, it seemed less important.
"Let's finish this quickly, the commotion here might have already attracted the attention of other patrolling cavalry battalions."
He shouted, "Senior Brother Song, I'm here to help you!"
The already deranged Song Ehu looked up in confusion and saw Liu Jingyou, who had died earlier, charging towards him carrying a black and gold halberd.
"Junior brother???"
His mind, filled with bloodlust, was plunged into deep confusion, and his swordsmanship suddenly became riddled with flaws.
The commander of the Black Cavalry Battalion seized the opportunity and pierced Song Ehu's chest with his spear, then thrust it backward.
His white horse was also an Inner Core Realm demon beast, and its charging power was overwhelming, forcing Song Ehu to retreat repeatedly.
The spear tip pierced Song Ehu's body inch by inch, the sharp force already penetrating his heart first.
Song Ehu was destined to lose.
"die!"
A loud shout came from behind the Black Riders commander.
Ning Kui swung his halberd fiercely, simultaneously using the [Yin Ghost Transport Technique] to move the astonished Black Rider Commander under the Dragon Scale Halberd.
With a single blow, he severed most of the neck, leaving only a thin layer of fascia connecting it.
A human-like fear flashed in the white horse demon's eyes, and it shrieked and ran away.
It's not that Master Ma is disloyal, it's just that you, Master, are too unhelpful.
Before they had gone very far, they discovered that huge walls of ice had been erected around them.
This place is like an octagonal cage; only one creature can escape alive.
The next instant, the white horse's front legs buckled, and it knelt down on the ground with a "plop".
We're all just dogs to others, so what difference does it make who we serve?
Ning Kui smiled and slowly walked up to the white horse, stroking its mane before punching its head so hard it exploded.
"Sorry, I like dark horses."
What use is there in keeping such a disloyal and unjust mount?
Song Ehu clutched the spear to his chest; his heart had been pierced by the force of the attack, and the speed at which his flesh could repair itself was far slower than the speed at which his life was slipping away.
"Cough cough, Junior Brother Liu, I'm going to die. Master told me a big secret before. Save me, and I'll tell you..."
"The murderous intent in your eyes has faded, so why are you still acting like a brute?"
Ning Kui stood a few steps away, his facial muscles twitching as he returned to his original expression: "I'll borrow your head for a bit!"
He gripped the Dragon Scale Halberd, bent over, leaned back, and then hurled it at Song Ehu.
This person comes from the Yuan family and has extraordinary background; we must be wary of him.
"puff!"
Song Ehu's headless corpse collapsed to the ground, blood gushing out.
Ning Kui frowned as he gazed at the hellish scene, muttering, "Why do they all have to force me like this..."
I am not a bloodthirsty person...
He took off his shirt, and black tentacles shot out from the imprint of the god statue on his back, which had been eagerly waiting.
He pulled hundreds of corpses, including warhorses, onto Ning Kui's back.
The enormous, blood-red fleshy mass was compressed like a small mountain and carried on Ning Kui's back.
The pressure made him let out a muffled groan.
However, his spine remained perfectly straight.
The mysterious and greedy birthmark of the idol was like a black hole, devouring all flesh and blood without discrimination.
When everything was over, the terrifying battlefield vanished, leaving only the magnificent Xuanbing Domain.
"Phew, this looks much better."
Ning Kui snapped his fingers, and the hundred-zhang-long Xuanbing Domain collapsed with a roar.
He then sprinted towards where the black-feathered eagle was.
This Black Mountain City is too eerie; he'd rather die than come here before he advances to the Elephant Realm.
A few moments later, several more Black Riders patrolled the area.
They exchanged puzzled glances at the empty battlefield before dispersing again.
……
The black-feathered eagle flapped its wings and soared through the clouds to the stratosphere, where the air currents were calm.
Various oddly shaped white clouds floated quietly beneath it.
Lian'er curiously lay on the ice cage, pointing at the clouds that looked like cats and dogs and smiling at the old woman.
Ning Kui lay on the back of the black-feathered eagle, emptying his mind to rest.
I haven't experienced this kind of tranquil beauty in a long time.
When he was still a fisherman, his favorite thing to do was lie on the deck of the boat, drifting with the current and watching the clouds roll and unroll.
"To gain power, one must bear heavy burdens..."
The Black Feathered Eagle was very fast; it covered the more than 3,000 li journey from Black Mountain City to Fish Valley County in just half a day.
Magistrate Yun and Li Qijue arrived immediately.
The moment the three met, Ning Kui nodded emphatically to the two of them.
Without a word, the solemn expressions on the faces of Magistrate Yun and Li Qijue relaxed.
Ning Kui originally intended to first settle the old woman and Lian'er in a place to stay, but Li Qijue looked like he had something important to discuss and pulled him towards the study.
Ning Kui had no choice but to let the two of them go home with the young lady first, and he would make arrangements later.
"What's the rush? Can't you even let someone have a cup of tea?"
Ning Kui entered the study, found a chair, and sat down by himself.
However, Li Qijue's next words made him jump up again.
"The Lin family's Ghost Mother wanted to build a Ghost Mother Temple, named the Nine Netherworld Goddess of Fertility."
Hoping to obtain an imperial decree from the government…
"What?!"
Ning Kui said incredulously, "What kind of temple can a 'Goddess of Fertility' be built for a monster who eats her own children?"
Without a second thought, Ning Kui immediately voiced his opposition.
Putting aside everything else, the Black Mountain God's rule over Black Mountain Prefecture is still fresh in our minds.
He absolutely would not allow all of this to be replicated in Yugu County.
"However, if we can get the support of the Lin family, it will be a great help to us in eliminating the Zhu family and other evil spirits."
The entire government can also work together as one.
Moreover, Yugu County suffered from banditry, and so much resentment will inevitably breed evil spirits over time. If there is a demon mother ruling and governing it...
As Li Qijue spoke, his voice grew lower and lower.
First, stabilize a portion of the major evil spirits, then eliminate a portion of the major evil spirits and all the minor evil spirits. This is the policy set by Prime Minister Wang for implementing the "Evil Exorcism Order".
The Ghost Mother's proposal to build a temple clearly shows that she saw through this and did not want to become the first target of government suppression at this critical juncture.
Li Qijue's willingness to accept the offer was also a way to leave Magistrate Yun and Ning Kui with a situation that wouldn't immediately backfire and collapse after his departure.
But he also understood that Ning Kui would not accept this proposal.
If he were willing to compromise, he wouldn't have left the Zhenni Division and only served as a guest minister.
He even had a premonition that if he made a deal with the Ghost Mother, Ning Kui would probably have to give up his status as a guest elder.
"Li Qijue, you've listed all these benefits; are you preparing to agree to the Ghost Mother's proposal?"
"No."
Li Qijue raised his head and looked directly at Ning Kui: "What I mean is, even with so many benefits, I'm still willing to believe you!"
Don't let me down!
"Tch..." Ning Kui sat back down in his chair: "Stop making empty promises, give me some real benefits. I'm a guest retainer now, I need to get paid."
"Here's the Seven Star Bag for you."
"Tch, just one seven..." Ning Kui jumped up from his chair before he could finish speaking, his eyes wide open.
"Seven-Star Bag!!!"
"That's right, this was given to me by my master to encourage me to do a good job of reforming the Dharma in Yugu County."
I've placed all my hopes on you.