Former Interstellar Mercenary In Urban Cultivation World
Chapter 961: The Devouring Ghosts of the Immortal Palace

Chapter 961: The Devouring Ghosts of the Immortal Palace

If they found what they were looking for so soon, their primary task would be complete, leaving them free to pursue other ambitions.

"We’ve barely encountered any ghosts on our way here; I’m worried there’s something amiss inside," Eunbyeol Ling hesitated, unwilling to open the door recklessly.

"If you’re all too afraid, I’ll go first. Someone has to take the lead," Seongwoo Jin volunteered confidently, though his tone was somewhat taunting.

"We know too little about the Immortal Palace. We must be cautious," Taeseon Lei warned seriously.

Many people had ventured into the Immortal Palace before, but it was known to be peculiar, as if it were a magical artifact itself, constantly changing within. So even those who had entered before had little advice to offer future visitors.

"Understood," Seongwoo Jin gave a reassuring gesture, yet with his other hand, he pushed the door open without hesitation.

Inside, dim light cast shadows across the silent chamber.

"See, I told you there’s nothing—"

A sudden, rushing sound filled the air.

"Watch out!" At the critical moment, Eunbyeol Ling yanked Seongwoo Jin back from the chamber door.

In a flash, Taeseon Lei drew his sword and slashed, sending a streak of lightning-imbued energy flying forward. The sword strike hit a lurking ghost that had leapt at them from behind the door.

The ghost’s form stuttered for a moment under the impact of the lightning, and the three of them quickly took advantage of this to retreat to a more open space outside the narrow passage.

The ghost pursued them outside, allowing them to see its true form in the light.

Unlike the dozen or so ghosts they had previously slain, this one looked different. Its elongated limbs were positioned like those of an animal, crouching on all fours like a spider, yet it retained a humanoid face.

"What kind of ghost is this?" Eunbyeol Ling’s expression was one of shock.

She had suspected that these wandering souls were once immortals or those affected by the great war of the Ten Thousand Immortals, ultimately absorbed by the Immortal Monument, turning them into ghosts.

"This ghost is stronger than the previous ones—even a dozen of those weaker ghosts couldn’t match this one alone," Taeseon Lei said gravely.

"The Immortal Palace is indeed filled with danger," Seongwoo Jin shuddered, recalling the surge of intense danger he’d felt just moments earlier.

Just then, the air trembled slightly.

Behind the ghost, a few more appeared, drawn by the sounds of Taeseon Lei’s earlier attack. These new ghosts were somewhat weaker in aura, yet still formidable.

The stronger ghost glanced back, its hollow eyes flashing with a dark glimmer. Without warning, it leapt—not at Taeseon Lei and his companions, but towards the other ghosts.

What happened next left the three cultivators stunned. Before their eyes, the ghost devoured the others, and its strength visibly increased.

"This is bad! This ghost can consume others to increase its power!" Eunbyeol Ling’s face turned pale.

The three of them exchanged glances, and Taeseon Lei’s voice resonated in their minds. "We need to attack together. We can’t let it devour any more ghosts and become stronger."

Without another word, the three of them lunged toward the ghost.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the palace, Jirandal Tang and his fellow disciples faced similar situations.

The devouring of ghosts by one another seemed common within the Immortal Palace.

The ghosts could also consume the flesh of cultivators, and the lure of living flesh was even greater for them, giving a stronger power boost than devouring other ghosts.

"Everyone, be cautious! Use Five Elements energy against the ghosts, and work in groups of at least three. If you can’t handle the ghosts, retreat—don’t fight to the death."

Because they had been teleported to different locations, Jirandal Tang and his junior brother hadn’t encountered a higher-level ghost yet. But their battle wasn’t any easier, as the number of ghosts on the outer perimeter was overwhelming.

Deeper in the Immortal Palace, Temujin Lei and his two companions were less fortunate—they encountered three powerful ghosts at once.

While retreating through a crossing corridor, Jiheon Yang accidentally got separated from the group.

"These ghosts are too strong. They can replenish their power by consuming each other, putting us at a huge disadvantage."

At the same time, the group from the Divine Maiden Sect was also trapped by a massive number of ghosts blocking their way.

They had accidentally stumbled into a hall filled with wandering souls. Although they managed to kill some, these ghosts had strengthened themselves through mutual devouring.

"I suspect there are even stronger ghosts within this palace, the ones that haven’t yet shown themselves yet. We need to be cautious," Dayeon Xinyue said, her face serious.

"Senior Sister, we can’t go on like this. We have to break through! I have Five Elements Amulets," Kailash Ren said, pulling out a stack of charms.

These Amulets, given to her by their master for protection, were particularly effective against the ghosts.

"Then let’s break through," Dayeon Xinyue handed several of the Five Elements Amulets to Jiae Yao. "You’re fast. I’ll cover you as you move."

"Understood." Jiae Yao took the Five Elements Amulets.

As soon as the door opened, she darted out, throwing the Amulets ahead of her. The moment the amulets struck and weakened the ghosts, Dayeon Xinyue charged in and unleashed a wide-range, powerful attack.

A large number of red energy orbs fell to the ground, which Kailash Ren quickly gathered up.

Kenny Lin slashed down another dozen ghosts, leaving black ash on the ground along with a few red orbs.

One of the ghosts, hidden among the others, saw these red orbs and immediately lunged for them with its mouth wide open while the other ghosts were attacking Kenny Lin.

"Stealing from me? You’re courting death!" He swung his sword without hesitation, sending a streak of black sword energy straight through the gap, hitting the ghost squarely.

The ghost screeched, barely dodging a fatal head strike, but losing an arm in the process.