When Master uttered the words "Nanzjiang Undying Rice," the Black Nether Ghost King also revealed a look of surprise.
"Stinking Taoist, you actually have some knowledge. You know the fame of the Longevity Rice."
The Black Nether Ghost King replied in a deep voice.
But I pressed further, "What is your relationship with Miao Nanzi?"
As soon as I finished speaking, the fierce ghost looked at me in surprise again, "You actually know the Master?"
"Master?"
Master and I exchanged surprised glances.
Miao Nanzi was undoubtedly a demonic Taoist. Cultivating rice and ghosts, pursuing so-called longevity. But after being shattered by Qing Dai on the rooftop last time, he hadn't appeared again. Now, coming to Yin Yang Gate, within the spiritual phantom realm, it was unexpected that the fierce ghosts here had some connection with Miao Nanzi.
"That's right, Miao Nanzi is indeed this king's master. Everything this king possesses was given by the Master."
The fierce ghost continued, pointing to the surroundings. I had no interest in these things. This fierce ghost was more powerful than imagined. The ghosts cultivated from rice might have one straw body, or they might have two. Back then, I heard Miao Nanzi's lackey "Bald Bear" say that Miao Nanzi had three straw bodies. To kill them, all these straw bodies had to be destroyed. Otherwise, they couldn't be completely eliminated. As for this fierce ghost before me, it was unknown how many straw bodies it had.
I spoke softly, "Master, is this fellow a ghost cultivated from rice? We don't know how many straw bodies he has now. What should we do next?"
I was uncertain for a moment and wanted to ask Master. To see if he had a plan.
Master looked at the fierce ghost opposite him, took a deep breath, and whispered, "Don't worry about how many bodies he has. As long as he dares to come up, attack with all your might. My situation has improved. I can still hold on. If it's truly impossible, I will find a way to send you away safely."
After speaking, Master also smiled faintly and patted my shoulder. Although Master didn't say it, I vaguely guessed what the method Master mentioned was. The "Jie Fu" that cost a life. But I didn't say it, only telling Master, "Master, we go together. I believe we can break through. To catch the thieves, first catch the king. This fellow had one straw body shattered, his strength must not be as strong as before. As long as we kill him, our chance of getting out is great."
Master nodded. The fierce ghost opposite had already lost patience. Looking at us, it spoke again, "Earlier, this king underestimated you. Kid, that terrifying curse seal you released just now, you can only release it once, right? Now, let me see how you can survive!"
After saying that, the fierce ghost waved its hand again. The dense ghosts around let out "wuwu" low growls again and began to rush towards Master and me.
"Master, here they come!"
I said in a deep voice, gripping the peach wood sword in my hand. Master's expression also sank. He completely ignored his injuries and only said fiercely, "Kill."
With that single word, Master raised his sword and attacked. Master still displayed formidable combat power. Those ghosts were unable to harm Master for the time being. As for the Black Nether Ghost King, it had truly learned to be smart this time. It didn't come forward at all. As soon as Master approached, it would start to retreat. Cold voices kept sounding in Master's and my ears, "This king will not give you any more chances. This king will wear you down to death!"
After saying that, it also let out a "kekekeke" eerie laugh. Master and I were helpless. We couldn't pursue the fierce ghost because Chu Yue and the others behind us needed protection. If we moved away, too far, those ghosts would desperately attack the talisman. Master and I had no chance to catch our breath. Master's Nine Talisman Formation was also used up. Now, even if he wanted to use it, there were no talismans left. Drawing talismans on the spot was clearly too late. We could only fight constantly amidst the ghost horde.
I didn't know how much time had passed. I felt that every minute and every second passed so long. I didn't know how many times I had repelled the ghosts. How many ghosts I had killed. But around us, there were still dense ghosts, rushing towards us one after another. My hands were sore and aching. Every swing of the sword was a strain. I was injured in multiple places, and several times I was almost severely injured, all saved by Master. The spiritual energy within my body was also completely depleted. I felt I had reached my limit. Yet, I didn't want to give up. I didn't want to die here. But the ghosts around me gave me no chance to breathe. They kept charging forward with "ao ao" cries. I desperately slashed one away, but several others opened their mouths wide and bit towards my neck. Just as I couldn't block them, Master suddenly flashed over. With a loud shout, "Demons, do not harm my disciple!" he swept his sword, killing the ghosts in front of me.
I gasped for breath. I said to Master, "Thank you, Master." At the same time, with bloodshot eyes, he said to me, "Disciple, we, master and disciple, have done our best. We are now at our wits' end. Your master intends to use the Jie Fu. You escort those few safely, and I will clear the path to send you out of this place..."
Hearing Master say this, I was stunned. My heart sank, "Jie Fu," also known as "Death Talisman." Once cast, it would mean death. Hearing this, I repeatedly shook my head, "No, Master, we, we still have a chance."
Master, however, gave a wry smile, "Little Qin, it's past 9:30. Yin Yang Gate will reopen in another hour. In our current state, we cannot break out of here at all. Not to mention, holding on for another hour. Using Jie Fu is the only chance. Listen to your master, your master will send you out..."
Master's expression was determined. He actually wanted to use his death to send us away. I looked at Master, filled with panic and tension. I disagreed with a million reasons. Master had shown me the grace of a second life; how could I stand by and watch him die for me? My mind kept asking myself. Is there really no other way? Is it only by using Jie Fu that Master can escape?