Chapter 1561 : City of Ghosts on the Other Shore

As early as his Nascent Soul stage, Qing had pioneered the Method of Ascension through Meridian Forging. This technique allowed 1 to directly glimpse the realm of immortality. Had he not been obstructed by the Black Dragon's Dao Blockade, Qing would likely have become the second person after Emperor Jiang to achieve ascension.

After Qing's fall, he converged the power of a 100 million souls to establish the Path of Ghostly Immortals in the mortal realm, founding the Netherworld. This alone demonstrates that Qing's brilliance could truly be deemed unparalleled for all eternity.

With such extraordinary talent, it’s clear that Qing may not have been inferior to the Eastern Emperor or Jiang Huang. It was merely ill fate that led to her downfall. After ascending to the immortal realm and receiving the worship and offerings of the Chen Clan, it was no surprise that she condensed into a 9-Calamity Immortal in 1 fell swoop. Thinking of this, Eldrin couldn’t help but ask, “The Ancestor has already perfected her cultivation. When does she plan to break through?” Ancestor Qing spoke slowly, her tone serene, “I still lack a few stalks of the Heavenly Spiritual Root.”

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin gave a slight nod and said, "The clan still possesses several strands of the Heavenly Spiritual Root. You may take them to break through your cultivation. Once you succeed, you need only repay the Primordial Chaos Qi." The Ancestor Qing nodded in acknowledgment and spoke gravely, "My gratitude..."

After bidding farewell to Patriarch Qing, Eldrin set off toward the Old Ruin Ghost City. It wasn't long before he located the Nether Lord of the Old Ruins.

The Nether Lord of the Ancient Ruins appeared to have been waiting for quite some time. He personally poured a pot of tea for Eldrin and said, "You've come at the perfect moment. Try this new brew of mine."

Eldrin was in no mood for tea. After taking a mere sip, he inquired, "What you mentioned earlier—I wonder if it holds truth?" The Lord of the Ancient Abyss did not answer immediately. With a grave expression, he responded, "That old acquaintance of yours... his current status is somewhat unusual."

"I suggest you first hear his circumstances before making a decision," the Sovereign of the Ancient Ruins set down the teapot and began speaking with grave solemnity.

As he narrated, Eldrin gradually came to understand the situation regarding Daoist Qingyuan’s spiritual soul, and a faint frown involuntarily creased his brow.

It turned out that after Daoist Qingyuan had fallen, his divine soul was devoured by the Heavenly Demon, leaving only a wisp of true spirit carrying fragments of his remnant soul to descend into the depths of the Netherworld.

Because his divine soul was nearly extinguished, after a wisp of Daoist Qingyuan’s remnant soul arrived in the depths of the Netherworld, it could not proceed to the Underworld. Not even the Yin Sovereigns of the major ghost cities detected its presence.

At that time, Daoist Qingyuan had almost no consciousness left, not even the ability to move.

It attached itself to a red spider lily, using the flower's power to draw upon the nether energy day and night, restoring its divine soul. Over a 100 1000 years had passed before Daoist Qing Yuan’s divine soul was fully restored.

However, having never undergone reincarnation, his primordial spirit was severely fragmented, leaving Daoist Qingyuan with no memories of his past life. Relying on the innate instincts of a primordial spirit cultivator, he once again embarked on the path of cultivation, becoming a ghost cultivator.

If that were all, given Eldrin's current methods, taking him through the Soul Cleansing Pool to purify the impurities in his divine soul would be enough to help him regain his memories.

However, Daoist Qingyuan now possessed an extraordinary status deep within the Netherrealm.

That was because Daoist Qingyuan had won the favor of the sole disciple of the 'King of the Nether Shore' and became the son-in-law of the King of the Nether Shore. "King of the Nether Shore."

Eldrin (Person Name) spoke slowly, his face revealing an expression of utmost gravity.

In the depths of the Netherworld, there exist 10 supreme Nether Kings—peerless beings at the level of Celestial Immortals, each having traversed vast distances within this realm. The Nether King of the Other Shore is 1 of these 10, believed to be at least an existence at the late-stage Celestial Immortal level.

“How could the direct descendant of the Netherworld King take a liking to him?” Eldrin murmured softly, a trace of unconcealed surprise coloring his tone.

A moment later, as if struck by a realization, he couldn't help but inquire, "Could it be...?" "Hmm."

The Nether Sovereign of the Ancient Ruins nodded slightly and began, "When he first arrived in the immortal realm, the Underworld Blossom he clung to was the original form of the Nether King’s disciple."

Hearing this, Eldrin finally understood the whole story, his brow slightly furrowing.

Having become the husband of the Netherworld King’s direct disciple, Daoist Qingyuan’s status had already ascended to extraordinary heights. For Eldrin (Person Name) to fulfill the demand made all those years ago, the difficulty had grown immensely formidable.

However, after a moment of contemplation, Eldrin spoke up, "Regardless, he has shown me kindness. I ought to meet him." The Lord of the Ancient Abyss gave a slight nod and said, "In that case, I shall accompany you on this journey."

Having made up their minds, the 2 immediately set off toward the Netherworld Ghost Realm.

They soared through the boundless void until halting before a ghostly city. "This is the Netherworld City."

Gazing upon the ghost city before him, the Lord of Ancient Ruins slowly began to speak.

Eldrin looked up and beheld a city of ghosts of immense grandeur, towering majestically over the Netherworld. The land was blanketed with Blossoms of the Other Shore, their boundless fiery red petals blooming in dazzling splendor.

"Legend has it that the Nether King of the Other Shore attained enlightenment as a red spider lily, though no 1 knows whether this tale holds truth." Gazing upon the crimson blossoms carpeting the mountainside, the Ancient Ruins Underworld Lord murmured with unveiled curiosity.

Eldrin did not respond, though a few speculations had already taken root in his heart.

Since time immemorial, it has been exceedingly rare for spiritual roots to awaken sentience, and attaining the Dao has been an even more arduous path.

不过青渊道人的道侣，是一朵彼岸花化形而成，能成为彼岸冥王的嫡传弟子，可见彼岸冥王对于彼岸花化形的生灵极为看重。

From this perspective, it might indirectly confirm the identity of the Netherworld King of the Other Shore.

Thinking of this, Eldrin still spoke up: "Fellow Daoist, are you confident you can meet Daoist Qingyuan?"

The Ancient Ruins Yin Lord pondered briefly before saying, "I have some ties with a Great Perfection Earth Immortal from the Nethershore Ghost City. I shall attempt to have him relay the message on our behalf."

"No matter what, it's worth a try."

The Ancient Ruins Yin Sovereign spoke, then stepped into the Nethershore Ghost City.

Eldrin followed behind him, arriving at a pavilion where he encountered a Ghost Immortal at the Great Perfection stage of the Earth Immortal realm.

This ghost immortal, known as Daoist Yu (Person Name), was a close friend of the Nether Lord of the Ancient Ruins (Title) during his lifetime. After his demise, he forsook reincarnation and instead embraced the path of ghostly ascension. Now aligned with the Netherworld City of the Other Shore (Location), he may not rank among the upper echelons but holds a respectable position within the middle tier.

After understanding their request, Daoist Yu’s expression shifted slightly as he said, “The Dark Lord of Azure Abyss is now the Dao-companion of the Nether Maiden. If she learns of this, I fear she will not permit him to reincarnate and depart.”

The Ancient Ruins Yin Sovereign also understood this, yet he still retrieved a jade box and said, "We are well aware. However, we do not intend to take him away—we merely wish to see an old acquaintance 1 last time."

Elder Yu glanced at the treasure within the box and fell into brief contemplation. After a moment, he still sighed and said, "Very well. For the sake of our long-standing friendship, I shall help you this once."

"However, if he refuses to see you, then it's no longer my responsibility." "Many thanks, then."

Eldrin (Person Name) cupped his hands in salute, watching as Taoist Yu departed before settling into silent anticipation.