kàn zhuó yǎn qián hēi sè de shān yá ， lín xuān xī le kǒu qì ， cóng nà huǒ líng mén dì zǐ de jì yì zhōng tā dé zhī ， cǐ shān yá wēi xiǎn wú bǐ 。
看着眼前黑色的山崖，林轩吸了口气，从那火灵门弟子的记忆中他得知，此山崖危险无比。
Looking at the black cliff before him, Lin Xuan took a deep breath. From the memories of the Fire Spirit Sect disciple, he knew that this cliff was extremely dangerous.
rán ér wēi xiǎn jiū jìng lái zì yú hé chù ， yāo shòu hái shì qí tā de yī xiē shén me dōng xī ， qíng bào zhōng què méi yǒu le ， nà jiā huo yě shì dào tīng tú shuō ， tīng mén zhōng de qián bèi zhǎng lǎo jiǎng guò ， jù tǐ de qíng xíng ， tā yě bìng bù qīng chǔ 。
然而危险究竟来自于何处，妖兽还是其他的一些什么东西，情报中却没有了，那家伙也是道听途说，听门中的前辈长老讲过，具体的情形，他也并不清楚。
However, where exactly the danger came from—whether it was monsters or something else—was not mentioned in the intelligence. The guy had only heard about it from his seniors and elders within the sect; he himself did not know the specifics.
zhè ràng lín xuān yǒu xiē ào nǎo ， mò mò guān chá le yī xià shān yá ， rán ér cóng biǎo miàn shàng ， bìng kàn bù chū shén me bù tuǒ ， chú le shí tou de yán sè qī hēi rú mò ， sì hū méi yǒu fā xiàn shén me wēi xiǎn yǐn fú 。
这让林轩有些懊恼，默默观察了一下山崖，然而从表面上，并看不出什么不妥，除了石头的颜色漆黑如墨，似乎没有发现什么危险隐伏。
This made Lin Xuan a bit frustrated. He silently observed the cliff, but on its surface, there seemed to be no obvious danger besides the black rocks that looked as dark as ink. No hidden peril could be discerned.
bù guò lín xuān kě bù huì rèn wéi qíng bào yǒu cuò ， jiù suàn nà dì zǐ de jì yì zhōng méi yǒu tí dào wēi xiǎn ， tā yī yàng huì xiǎo xīn de ， yīn wèi zhè xiē tiān dì líng cǎo shēng zhǎng de dì fāng ， tōng cháng dū huì yǒu yāo shòu shǒu hù 。
不过林轩可不会认为情报有错，就算那弟子的记忆中没有提到危险，他一样会小心的，因为这些天地灵草生长的地方，通常都会有妖兽守护。
Nevertheless, Lin Xuan did not believe the intelligence was wrong. Even if the disciple’s memory had not mentioned any dangers, he would still proceed with caution because these places where heavenly spirit herbs grew were usually guarded by monsters.
xiū xiān zhī lù bù bù jīng jí ， chú le běn shēn de xiū wèi ， hái xū yào xiū liàn zhī rén dǎn dà xīn xì ， shù wàn nián lái ， yīn wèi mǎ hǔ dà yì yǔn luò de xiū zhēn zhě bù jì qí shù ， lín xuān kě bù yuàn yì chéng wéi qí zhōng de yī yuán 。
修仙之路步步荆棘，除了本身的修为，还需要修炼之人胆大心细，数万年来，因为马虎大意陨落的修真者不计其数，林轩可不愿意成为其中的一员。
The path of cultivation was fraught with obstacles, requiring both strength and meticulousness. Countless cultivators had perished due to carelessness over the millennia. Lin Xuan did not want to be one of them.
shān yá kàn bù chū shén me bù tuǒ ， zài tā xià miàn ， shì yī tiáo zá cǎo cóng shēng de xiǎo lù ， wān yán tōng wǎng qián fāng ， lín xuān de liǎn shàng ， lù chū yī sī zhèng zhòng ， xīn niàn dòng chù ， yī céng dàn qīng sè de guāng yùn lǒng zhào zhù tā de shēn tǐ ， lín xuān jiāng líng lì hù dùn dǎ kāi le ， cǐ shí ， kě bú shì jié yuē fǎ lì de shí kè 。
山崖看不出什么不妥，在它下面，是一条杂草丛生的小路，蜿蜒通往前方，林轩的脸上，露出一丝郑重，心念动处，一层淡青色的光晕笼罩住他的身体，林轩将灵力护盾打开了，此时，可不是节约法力的时刻。
The cliff appeared safe, but below it lay a winding path through a field of weeds, leading forward. Lin Xuan’s face showed seriousness as he activated his qi shield—a faint greenish glow enveloped him. It was not the time to conserve energy.
rán hòu ， tā cóng huái lǐ qǔ chū liǎng zhāng fú lù ， zuǒ yòu shǒu fēn bié jǐn wò ， suí shí zhǔn bèi yìng fù tū fā de wēi xiǎn 。
然后，他从怀里取出两张符箓，左右手分别紧握，随时准备应付突发的危险。
He then took two talismans from his pocket and gripped them tightly in both hands, ready to deal with any sudden danger.
zuò hǎo zhè yī qiè hòu ， lín xuān cái xiǎo xīn yì yì de yán zhe xiǎo lù wǎng qián zǒu ， lín xuān zǒu dé hěn màn ， bìng jiāng shén shí jǐn liàng xiàng sì zhōu kuò zhǎn ， zhè yàng kě yǐ tí zǎo fā xiàn wēi xiǎn 。
做好这一切后，林轩才小心翼翼的沿着小路往前走，林轩走得很慢，并将神识尽量像四周扩展，这样可以提早发现危险。
After preparing everything, Lin Xuan cautiously walked along the path. He moved slowly, expanding his spiritual sense as much as possible to detect any potential threats early.
bàn gè shí chén yǐ hòu ， lín xuān tíng le xià lái ， mò mò bù yǔ ， zài qián fāng de lù shàng ， tū rán chū xiàn le yī tiáo kuān kuò de hé liú ， hé shuǐ tuān jí ， ér qiě rú tóng zhǔ kāi le yī yàng ， guǐ yì de fān téng bù yǐ 。
半个时辰以后，林轩停了下来，默默不语，在前方的路上，突然出现了一条宽阔的河流，河水湍急，而且如同煮开了一样，诡异的翻腾不已。
Half an hour later, he stopped in silence. Ahead of him, a wide river suddenly appeared, its waters rushing and boiling like it had just been heated up. Above the river, thick red fog hung heavily.
ér zài hé liú de shàng fāng ， zé mí màn zhe dà piàn xuè hóng sè de wù qì 。
而在河流的上方，则弥漫着大片血红色的雾气。
Several birds flew past, only to be swallowed by the blood-red mist with their mournful cries. Moments later, bird bones fell from the sky, their flesh already devoured.
shù zhǐ fēi niǎo lüè guò ， yī tóu zhuàng rù nà xuè hóng sè de wù qì zhī zhōng ， āi míng zhī shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， piàn kè zhī hòu ， niǎo gǔ cóng tiān kōng zhōng yǔn luò ， xuè ròu yǐ jīng bèi xī shí gàn le 。
数只飞鸟掠过，一头撞入那血红色的雾气之中，哀鸣之声传入耳朵，片刻之后，鸟骨从天空中陨落，血肉已经被吸食干了。
"Blood Beast!"
“ xuè mó shòu ！”
“血魔兽！”
The term flashed in Lin Xuan’s mind. He had seen an introduction to this creature in *Records of Cultivation Anecdotes*:
lín xuān nǎo hǎi zhōng fú xiàn chū yí gè míng cí ， tā céng jīng zài 《 xiū zhēn yì wén lù 》 shàng jiàn guò cǐ liáo de jiè shào ：
林轩脑海中浮现出一个名词，他曾经在《修真异闻录》上见过此獠的介绍：
---
xuè mó shòu ， yī jí jí pǐn yāo shòu ， xǐ shí huó wù xuè ròu ， néng gòu jiāng shēn tǐ huà wèi wù qì ， zài zuì nán chán de yī jí yāo shòu zhī yī 。
血魔兽，一级极品妖兽，喜食活物血肉，能够将身体化为雾气，在最难缠的一级妖兽之一。
**Blood Beast**: A first-grade top-tier monster that delights in consuming living flesh and can transform its body into mist. One of the most troublesome first-grade monsters.
rú guǒ yǒu kě néng ， lín xuān kě bù xiǎng hé cǐ liáo dòng shǒu ， rán ér xià miàn suǒ jiàn ， què ràng lín xuān de liǎn sè ， yuè fā de yīn chén le xià qù 。
如果有可能，林轩可不想和此獠动手，然而下面所见，却让林轩的脸色，越发的阴沉了下去。
Lin Xuan did not want to engage with this beast, but what he saw ahead made his expression darken further.
yī tiáo xiǎo yú yuè chū shuǐ miàn ， suī rán xiāng jù yáo yuǎn ， dàn yǐ lín xuān de shén shí ， zì rán kàn dé hěn qīng chǔ ， nà shì yī tiáo yín sè de xiǎo yú ， yǒu yī zhǐ zhǎng kuān ， chū yī kàn ， yǔ pǔ tōng de yú méi yǒu shén me bù tóng ， rán ér zǐ xì qiáo qù ， què kě yǐ fā xiàn tā de yǎn jīng xiàng wài tū chū ， fàn zhe xuè hóng de guāng zé ， yá chǐ yě tè bié de jiān lì 。
一条小鱼跃出水面，虽然相距遥远，但以林轩的神识，自然看得很清楚，那是一条银色的小鱼，有一指长宽，初一看，与普通的鱼没有什么不同，然而仔细瞧去，却可以发现它的眼睛向外突出，泛着血红的光泽，牙齿也特别的尖利。
A small silver fish leaped out of the water, though from a distance, Lin Xuan’s spiritual sense could clearly see it was about an inch long. At first glance, it looked like any ordinary fish, but upon closer inspection, its eyes protruded with blood-red glints and its teeth were particularly sharp.
yín jiàn yú ！
银箭鱼！
Silver Arrow Fish!
lín xuān xī le kǒu liáng qì ， suī rán cǐ wù děng jí bù gāo ， yī jí xià pǐn yāo shòu ， dàn xǐ huān qún jū ， yī wō yín jiàn yú ， zhì shǎo yǒu shàng wàn tiáo zhī duō ， qiě xìng qíng xiōng lì ， hàn bù wèi sǐ ， bié shuō zì jǐ ， biàn shì zhù jī qī de xiū shì ， yù jiàn tā men ， yě zhǐ yǒu luò huāng ér táo 。
林轩吸了口凉气，虽然此物等级不高，一级下品妖兽，但喜欢群居，一窝银箭鱼，至少有上万条之多，且性情凶厉，悍不畏死，别说自己，便是筑基期的修士，遇见它们，也只有落荒而逃。
Lin Xuan sucked in his breath. Although this creature was of low rank—first-grade inferior monster—it liked to live in groups, numbering at least ten thousand. They were fierce and fearless, and even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would have no choice but to flee upon encountering them.
zhàn zài hé biān ， lín xuān chén yín bù yǔ ， qián lù yǐ jīng dǔ sǐ le ， bù lùn dù hé hái shì yù qì fēi guò qù ， dōu jiāng zāo yù qiáng dí 。
站在河边，林轩沉吟不语，前路已经堵死了，不论渡河还是御器飞过去，都将遭遇强敌。
Standing by the riverbank, Lin Xuan remained silent as the path ahead was blocked. Whether he tried to cross or fly over with his flying sword, he would face formidable enemies.
hǎo zài yín jiàn yú bù néng shàng àn ， xuè mó shòu zé yǐ lǎn duò wén míng ， zhǐ yào bù xiàng qián zǒu ， dào yě bù yòng dān xīn bèi zhǔ dòng gōng jī 。
好在银箭鱼不能上岸，血魔兽则以懒惰闻名，只要不像前走，倒也不用担心被主动攻击。
Fortunately, Silver Arrow Fish could not come ashore. Blood Beast was known for its laziness; as long as he did not advance, there was no need to worry about being attacked.
yóu yù le yī huì er ， lín xuān tū rán shén sè yī dòng ， tā gǎn jué dào jǐ gǔ qì xī ， zhèng xùn sù jiē jìn zhè lǐ ， nán dào shì huǒ líng mén de xiū shì ？
犹豫了一会儿，林轩突然神色一动，他感觉到几股气息，正迅速接近这里，难道是火灵门的修士？
After some hesitation, Lin Xuan suddenly moved. He felt several auras rapidly approaching. Could it be Fire Spirit Sect cultivators?
xiàn zài tuì huí qù hái lái de jí ， dàn wú lùn rú hé ， lín xuān yě bú huì fàng qì zhù jī de jī huì ， tā de yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī sī jué rán zhī sè ， zhǐ yǒu shì yī shì zhè ge fāng fǎ le 。
现在退回去还来得及，但无论如何，林轩也不会放弃筑基的机会，他的眼中闪过一丝决然之色，只有试一试这个方法了。
Retreating now would still be possible, but Lin Xuan would not give up on his Foundation Establishment opportunity. A determined look flashed in his eyes as he decided to try this method.
jiāng shǒu shēn rù huái zhōng ， qǔ chū le yī zhāng hēi sè de xiǎo fān lái ， nà fān jǐn yǒu bā zhǎng dà xiǎo ， rán ér yī qǔ chū lái ， jiù sàn fà chū nóng zhòng de yīn qì ， chōng mǎn le yuàn hèn ， ràng rén máo gǔ sǒng rán 。
将手伸入怀中，取出了一张黑色的小幡来，那幡仅有巴掌大小，然而一取出来，就散发出浓重的阴气，充满了怨恨，让人毛骨悚然。
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black banner. Though only the size of a palm, it emitted thick, eerie energy filled with resentment that made one shudder.
“ bǎi hún fān ！”
“百魂幡！”
"Banner of a Hundred Souls!"
cǐ wù shì lín xuān cóng yè tiān nà ér dé dào de zhàn lì pǐn ， hún zhī mó qì ， suī rán shàng méi yǒu jì liàn wán chéng ， dàn yě jù yǒu bù fēi de wēi lì 。
此物是林轩从叶天那儿得到的战利品，魂之魔器，虽然尚没有祭炼完成，但也具有不菲的威力。
This was a war trophy Lin Xuan had obtained from Ye Tian—a soul magic artifact. Although not fully consecrated yet, it possessed considerable power.
lín xuān tǐ nèi líng lì yùn zhuàn ， qīng qīng huī dòng bǎi hún fān ， shà shí jiān ， lì qì dà shèng ， sì zhōu yǐn yǐn chuán lái guǐ kū zhī shēng ， yīn fēng cǎn cǎn ， wú shù hēi sè de guǐ wù cóng bǎi hún fān zhōng yǒng chū ， fān téng ， jiāng lín xuān de shēn tǐ céng céng bāo guǒ 。
林轩体内灵力运转，轻轻挥动百魂幡，霎时间，戾气大盛，四周隐隐传来鬼哭之声，阴风惨惨，无数黑色的鬼雾从百魂幡中涌出，翻腾，将林轩的身体层层包裹。
---
guǐ wù zhōng ， lín xuān shén sè níng zhòng ， kǒu zhōng niàn niàn yǒu cí ， zhào zhe nà běn xiū mó gōng fǎ shàng suǒ xiě yùn zhuàn líng lì ， jì xù zhù rù dào bǎi hún fān zhōng 。
鬼雾中，林轩神色凝重，口中念念有词，照着那本修魔功法上所写运转灵力，继续注入到百魂幡中。
Lin Xuan’s essence qi circulated as he gently waved the Banner of a Hundred Souls. Instantly, the atmosphere grew hostile, and ghostly wails echoed faintly around him. Dark mist surged out of the banner, enveloping Lin Xuan in layers.
guǐ kū zhī shēng biàn dé yuè jiā qī lì ， jǐ gè pī tóu sàn fà de lì guǐ cóng lǐ miàn pǎo le chū lái ， shí zhǐ rú gōu ， shuāng yǎn xuè hóng ， bù tíng de háo jiào zhe 。
鬼哭之声变得越加凄厉，几个披头散发的厉鬼从里面跑了出来，十指如钩，双眼血红，不停的嚎叫着。
In the ghostly mists, Lin Xuan’s expression was grave as he chanted according to the instructions in the demonic cultivation technique, pouring more essence qi into the Banner of a Hundred Souls.
tā men jiù shì bèi fēng yìn jìn bǎi hún fān zhōng de hún pò ， lín xuān zhǐ huī tā men wéi zài zì jǐ shēn zhōu ， rán hòu xiǎo xīn jià yù zhe líng qì ， dùn guāng fēi jìn le hé liú shàng kōng zhōng de xuè wù 。
他们就是被封印进百魂幡中的魂魄，林轩指挥他们围在自己身周，然后小心驾驭着灵器，遁光飞进了河流上空中的血雾。
The wails grew even more mournful. Several hair-covered ghosts emerged from within, their fingers hooked and eyes blood-red, howling incessantly.
shuō lái yě qiǎo ， yòu yǒu yī tóu lǎo yīng cóng zhè ér chuān guò ， xuè wù fān gǔn ， níng jié chū wú shù hóng sè de sī xiàn ， cì rù lǎo yīng de shēn tǐ ， bù yī huì er jiù jiāng tā de xuè ròu xī shí gān jìng ， zhǐ shèng xià gǔ tou cóng tiān kōng zhōng diào luò ， rán ér duì yú tóng shí chuǎng rù le lín xuān ， xuè wù què méi yǒu sī háo fǎn yìng 。
说来也巧，又有一头老鹰从这儿穿过，血雾翻滚，凝结出无数红色的丝线，刺入老鹰的身体，不一会儿就将它的血肉吸食干净，只剩下骨头从天空中掉落，然而对于同时闯入了林轩，血雾却没有丝毫反应。
These were souls sealed inside the banner, which Lin Xuan commanded to surround him. Then, he carefully controlled his spiritual artifact, flying into the blood mist above the river.
kàn lái zì jǐ shì dǔ duì le ， lín xuān sōng le kǒu qì ， gēn jù 《 xiū zhēn yì wén lù 》 jì zǎi ， xuè mó shòu suī rán shì zuì nán chán de yī jí jí pǐn yāo shòu ， dàn yě yǒu ruò diǎn 。
看来自己是赌对了，林轩松了口气，根据《修真异闻录》记载，血魔兽虽然是最难缠的一级极品妖兽，但也有弱点。
By chance, an eagle passed through, and the blood mist coalesced into countless red threads that pierced the eagle’s body, consuming its flesh in no time, leaving only bones falling from the sky. However, the blood mist showed no reaction to Lin Xuan’s intrusion.
tā méi yǒu yǎn jīng ， wéi dú xiù jué shí fēn líng mǐn ， yí dàn fā xiàn yǒu liè wù jìn rù tā shēn tǐ suǒ huàn huà de xuè wù zhī zhōng ， jiù huì lì kè gōng jī 。
它没有眼睛，唯独嗅觉十分灵敏，一旦发现有猎物进入它身体所幻化的血雾之中，就会立刻攻击。
It seemed he had gambled correctly. Lin Xuan exhaled in relief. According to *Records of Cultivation Anecdotes*, while Blood Beast was one of the most troublesome first-grade top-tier monsters, it had a weakness.
kě xuè mó shòu zhǐ chī huó wù ， duì yú shī qù de shī tǐ ， què bú huì gǎn xìng qù ， gēn jù zhè yì diǎn ， lín xuān xiǎng dào le lì yòng bǎi hún fān mán tiān guò hǎi 。
可血魔兽只吃活物，对于失去的尸体，却不会感兴趣，根据这一点，林轩想到了利用百魂幡瞒天过海。
It lacked eyes but had an extremely sensitive sense of smell. Once it detected prey entering its blood mist, it would attack immediately.
yòng guǐ wù ， yīn hún zhè lèi de dì fǔ zhī wù ， yǎn gài zhù zì jǐ suǒ sàn fà chū lái de shēng qì ， qī piàn méi yǒu yǎn jīng de xuè mó shòu ， ràng tā yǐ wéi zì jǐ bú shì huó rén ， ér shì guǐ dào zhī wù 。
用鬼雾，阴魂这类的地府之物，掩盖住自己所散发出来的生气，欺骗没有眼睛的血魔兽，让它以为自己不是活人，而是鬼道之物。
However, Blood Beast only consumed living creatures and showed no interest in dead bodies. Lin Xuan thought to use the Banner of a Hundred Souls to deceive the blind monster.
suī rán zhēn de dòng shǒu ， píng jiè zì jǐ shēn shàng de zhòng duō fǎ bǎo ， yīng gāi yě néng gòu zhàn shèng cǐ yāo shòu ， dàn zài zhè wēi xiǎn de xī yuè jiàn zhōng ， néng jǐn liàng jié yuē yī xiē fǎ lì zǒng shì yǒu yì wú hài de ， hé kuàng tōng guò shén shí ， lín xuān yǐ jīng gǎn jué dào yǒu qí tā rén lái dào le cǐ dì ， zhè jiù gèng bù yí jiǔ liú 。
虽然真的动手，凭借自己身上的众多法宝，应该也能够战胜此妖兽，但在这危险的溪跃涧中，能尽量节约一些法力总是有益无害的，何况通过神识，林轩已经感觉到有其他人来到了此地，这就更不宜久留。
Using ghostly mists and souls from the netherworld to mask his life force, he hoped to trick the eyeless Blood Beast into thinking he was not a living being but a spirit entity.
Although he could defeat this beast with his numerous magical treasures, conserving energy in these perilous ravines would always be beneficial. Moreover, Lin Xuan’s spiritual sense had already detected other people arriving at this location; it was best to avoid lingering any longer.
Looking at the black cliff before him, Lin Xuan took a deep breath. From the memories of the Fire Spirit Sect disciple, he knew that this cliff was extremely dangerous.
However, where exactly the danger came from—whether it was monsters or something else—was not mentioned in the intelligence. The guy had only heard about it from his seniors and elders within the sect; he himself did not know the specifics.
This made Lin Xuan a bit frustrated. He silently observed the cliff, but on its surface, there seemed to be no obvious danger besides the black rocks that looked as dark as ink. No hidden peril could be discerned.
Nevertheless, Lin Xuan did not believe the intelligence was wrong. Even if the disciple’s memory had not mentioned any dangers, he would still proceed with caution because these places where heavenly spirit herbs grew were usually guarded by monsters.
The path of cultivation was fraught with obstacles, requiring both strength and meticulousness. Countless cultivators had perished due to carelessness over the millennia. Lin Xuan did not want to be one of them.
The cliff appeared safe, but below it lay a winding path through a field of weeds, leading forward. Lin Xuan’s face showed seriousness as he activated his qi shield—a faint greenish glow enveloped him. It was not the time to conserve energy.
He then took two talismans from his pocket and gripped them tightly in both hands, ready to deal with any sudden danger.
After preparing everything, Lin Xuan cautiously walked along the path. He moved slowly, expanding his spiritual sense as much as possible to detect any potential threats early.
Half an hour later, he stopped in silence. Ahead of him, a wide river suddenly appeared, its waters rushing and boiling like it had just been heated up. Above the river, thick red fog hung heavily.
Several birds flew past, only to be swallowed by the blood-red mist with their mournful cries. Moments later, bird bones fell from the sky, their flesh already devoured.
"Blood Beast!"
The term flashed in Lin Xuan’s mind. He had seen an introduction to this creature in *Records of Cultivation Anecdotes*:
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**Blood Beast**: A first-grade top-tier monster that delights in consuming living flesh and can transform its body into mist. One of the most troublesome first-grade monsters.
Lin Xuan did not want to engage with this beast, but what he saw ahead made his expression darken further.
Plop...
A small silver fish leaped out of the water, though from a distance, Lin Xuan’s spiritual sense could clearly see it was about an inch long. At first glance, it looked like any ordinary fish, but upon closer inspection, its eyes protruded with blood-red glints and its teeth were particularly sharp.
Silver Arrow Fish!
Lin Xuan sucked in his breath. Although this creature was of low rank—first-grade inferior monster—it liked to live in groups, numbering at least ten thousand. They were fierce and fearless, and even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would have no choice but to flee upon encountering them.
Standing by the riverbank, Lin Xuan remained silent as the path ahead was blocked. Whether he tried to cross or fly over with his flying sword, he would face formidable enemies.
Fortunately, Silver Arrow Fish could not come ashore. Blood Beast was known for its laziness; as long as he did not advance, there was no need to worry about being attacked.
After some hesitation, Lin Xuan suddenly moved. He felt several auras rapidly approaching. Could it be Fire Spirit Sect cultivators?
Retreating now would still be possible, but Lin Xuan would not give up on his Foundation Establishment opportunity. A determined look flashed in his eyes as he decided to try this method.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black banner. Though only the size of a palm, it emitted thick, eerie energy filled with resentment that made one shudder.
"Banner of a Hundred Souls!"
This was a war trophy Lin Xuan had obtained from Ye Tian—a soul magic artifact. Although not fully consecrated yet, it possessed considerable power.
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Lin Xuan’s essence qi circulated as he gently waved the Banner of a Hundred Souls. Instantly, the atmosphere grew hostile, and ghostly wails echoed faintly around him. Dark mist surged out of the banner, enveloping Lin Xuan in layers.
In the ghostly mists, Lin Xuan’s expression was grave as he chanted according to the instructions in the demonic cultivation technique, pouring more essence qi into the Banner of a Hundred Souls.
The wails grew even more mournful. Several hair-covered ghosts emerged from within, their fingers hooked and eyes blood-red, howling incessantly.
These were souls sealed inside the banner, which Lin Xuan commanded to surround him. Then, he carefully controlled his spiritual artifact, flying into the blood mist above the river.
By chance, an eagle passed through, and the blood mist coalesced into countless red threads that pierced the eagle’s body, consuming its flesh in no time, leaving only bones falling from the sky. However, the blood mist showed no reaction to Lin Xuan’s intrusion.
It seemed he had gambled correctly. Lin Xuan exhaled in relief. According to *Records of Cultivation Anecdotes*, while Blood Beast was one of the most troublesome first-grade top-tier monsters, it had a weakness.
It lacked eyes but had an extremely sensitive sense of smell. Once it detected prey entering its blood mist, it would attack immediately.
However, Blood Beast only consumed living creatures and showed no interest in dead bodies. Lin Xuan thought to use the Banner of a Hundred Souls to deceive the blind monster.
Using ghostly mists and souls from the netherworld to mask his life force, he hoped to trick the eyeless Blood Beast into thinking he was not a living being but a spirit entity.
Although he could defeat this beast with his numerous magical treasures, conserving energy in these perilous ravines would always be beneficial. Moreover, Lin Xuan’s spiritual sense had already detected other people arriving at this location; it was best to avoid lingering any longer.