Yu Nianzhao and the others made their way to Tomb Guard City, and by this time, the sky had completely darkened.
It was unclear whether it was due to thick clouds or simply nightfall; regardless, the air was filled with a chilling wind and a heavy scent of blood, unsettling everyone.
"All the guards in Tomb Guard City are dead."
Mu Hongxuan went ahead to scout and returned, shaking his head.
"Have the Dragon Shadow Guards surround the area and evacuate the villagers from nearby towns."
Xie Jiuxiao issued the command.
"Yes, Prince!"
The Dragon Shadow Guards quickly surrounded the area.
Dongfang Hong also led other disciples from the mystical sect families to set up formations in front of the gate.
"The weather’s changed too fast; I’m afraid those who enter won’t fare well."
Dongfang Hong calculated a fortune on the spot, his expression quite somber.
Yu Nianzhao said, "Take these talismans. They might save your life in crucial moments!"
She distributed the talismans to them, and Dongfang Hong touched the talismans, feeling the power within, looking at Yu Nianzhao with growing admiration.
"The exorcising power in these talismans is tremendous."
"Let’s go in. If there’s danger, retreat immediately!"
Yu Nianzhao repeatedly warned them; she wasn’t afraid of the dangers within Tomb Guard City, only of more unnecessary deaths.
"Alright!"
They pushed open the city gate and walked inside.
A chilling wind blew out, making everyone shiver from the cold.
"The temperature inside and outside the city gate seems completely different."
Dongfang Chenyuan rubbed his arms, feeling very cold.
"There’s only one season here all year round, and that’s winter."
As someone who had lived here for five years, Yu Nianzhao spoke in a calm voice.
"Oh my, how much coal would it take to sleep here?"
"Coal? Even if there was such a thing, you’d have to trade it over someone else’s dead body."
Yu Nianzhao sneered, "If nobody outside cared, many people would freeze to death here."
"Zhaozhao..."
Xie Jiuxiao heard her words and felt heartbroken. He held her hand, as if saying ’I’m here for you from now on.’
Yu Nianzhao calmly shook her head, "I’ve been through a lot; I’m just stating the facts."
Not only Xie Jiuxiao but others who knew her background had tears in their eyes.
The sun never shone on Tomb Guard City. Except for the year youths were brought in, the city was almost always devoid of movement.
On the desolate streets, not a soul could be seen; only the cold wind howled.
"There’s a house ahead!"
Dongfang Chenyuan pointed to some dilapidated houses ahead, "Could they be hiding in there?"
"Mu Hongxuan, take your men and check it out, but be careful!"
Xie Jiuxiao instructed in a deep voice.
"Yes, Prince!"
Mu Hongxuan and his team quickly approached, kicking down the door, only to find it empty.
Whoosh!
The cold wind intensified, and the compass Dongfang Hong brought became chaotic, its needle spinning erratically, pointing here and there.
"Not good, there are evil spirits on all sides!"
Dongfang Hong’s face changed drastically, immediately ordering defenses.
The disciples of the Dongfang Family held peach wood swords, guarding in eight directions.
Heh heh heh!
The nefarious laughter of the evil spirits approached, a massive black fog rushing towards them.
In an instant, countless withered hands extended from the fog, trying to grab them all.
"Retreat!"
Dongfang Hong stood at the front, releasing talismans while thrusting his magic artifact towards the black fog.
Bam!
The numerous spirits within the fog were unafraid of Dongfang Hong, instead knocking him back violently.
Cough cough cough—
Dongfang Hong coughed up blood on the spot, his face pale as Dongfang Chenyuan helped him up.
"Father!"
Dongfang Chenyuan looked worried, "Let me handle it; your health has long declined."
"You’re still too young. These evil spirits in Tomb Guard City have consumed each other, becoming difficult to deal with."
Dongfang Hong spoke painfully, "I knew the mystical sect families’ decision back then was just a stopgap. Now, all I can do is ensure these evil spirits do not leave Tomb Guard City. If necessary, I can perish with them, but you, Chenyuan, you are my son, the hope of the Dongfang Family’s future. You must leave here alive."
Dongfang Chenyuan was deeply moved by his words.
"Heh heh heh! You despicable mystical sect people, we’ve been waiting here for so long!"
The black fog displayed numerous human faces, the vengeful spirits of youths who had died here over centuries, their eyes filled with resentment and malice, their wrath unquenchable!
"Stop assisting evil; I can perform a mass for you."
Dongfang Hong pushed Dongfang Chenyuan aside, stepping forward with resolve.
"A mass? Hahaha, what a joke! When you threw us in here, you ranted about grand national causes. You killed us; you’re all murderers. Have you felt the curse for all these years? Have you felt joy?"
The black fog erupted in mocking laughter, a ghostly aura attacking head-on.
Yu Nianzhao threw a talisman, forcibly blocking the ghostly aura.
"Who are you? Are you stopping us from exacting revenge?"
This action thoroughly provoked them; the black fog opened its bloody maw, roaring at Yu Nianzhao in fury.
"I was once one of you, but I escaped alive."
Yu Nianzhao smiled faintly, provocatively, "Unlike you, weaklings who died here, turning into these ghastly monsters. I should give you a mirror to see your own disgusting appearance."
A mirror suddenly flew out from her sleeve.
"Oh, I almost forgot, I did bring a mirror."
Yu Nianzhao said upon seeing this, "Huawu, show them how ugly they look."
"Hee hee, yes, Master."
Huawu, who also enjoyed the spectacle, immediately summoned a large mirror.
Aimed it at the black fog.
The black fog clearly saw its grotesque appearance, thousands of faces crowded together, hideous in their horror, even they were startled.
"Ahhh! What is this? Is that me? No, no, it’s impossible!"
"How did I become so hideous? I was a dashing young master."
"Ugh—how long has it been since I looked in a mirror? It’s terrifying; I don’t want to look at this face anymore."
The malevolent spirits screamed, not having seen a mirror for centuries, having no idea what they looked like. Seeing it now, the shock was unbearable; they’d rather blind themselves.
"Good, just like that feeling, Liang Ziyu, join Huawu in surrounding them with mirrors!"
Yu Nianzhao knew their weakness and promptly acted to exploit it.
Liang Ziyu flew out, joining Huawu on either side, using mirrors to enclose the black fog completely.