Chapter 595: Luo Si Transforms the Calamity |
When he said this, the ghost cultivator giant pretended it was unintentional, but he cast a sideways glance, secretly observing Sun Lingtong.
Sun Lingtong had not yet reacted when Ning Zhuo’s thoughts were transmitted through the Divine Ability—Life Hanging by a Thread.
Sun Lingtong only heard Ning Zhuo give a soft chuckle. “Boss, just go and take a look. I roughly understand the habits of this fishing fellow. Next, you only need to lavish praise.”
Sun Lingtong naturally knew his brother well. Since the age of two, Ning Zhuo had already begun studying people’s hearts. During the struggle for the Lava Immortal Palace, both the City Lord’s Mansion and Zhu Xuanji had been toyed with by him, spinning around in circles. It was clear how deep his attainments were in this regard.
Sun Lingtong followed the suggestion without hesitation.
He stretched his head forward and saw the strange fish inside the fish basket. He immediately opened his mouth and exclaimed, “Wow! What a big fish.”
The ghost cultivator giant instantly became energized.
While exclaiming in admiration, Sun Lingtong carefully examined this Obsession-Bone Silver Carp.
The skin of the carp was half transparent, allowing its internal organs and bones to be seen from the outside. The bones were hard and deep gray in color. Starting from the fish’s head, they spread and grew outward, forming something like chainmail armor that covered its entire body.
Sun Lingtong inspected it swiftly while continuing to speak. “Wonderful! This silver carp’s bone armor is jagged and magnificent, its tail spikes cleave the waves, its gills flare like drums, and its red eyes hold starlight. Excellent appearance!”
The ghost cultivator giant tried hard to maintain his composure. In a calm voice, he said modestly, “To be honest, it was luck that I caught it.”
Sun Lingtong shifted his gaze from the fish and fixed it on the giant’s face. “Brother, being able to catch such a fish in the River of Forgetfulness means your choice of fishing spot must be extraordinary. Just this kind of eyesight alone is comparable to Bo Le judging horses!”
The ghost cultivator giant’s lips curled upward slightly before he forced them back down. “You’ve hit the point. If you want to catch good fish, you must choose the right fishing spot. There are also differences between deep water and shallow water—how to bait the deep waters and how to fish the shallow ones, each has its own method.”
Sun Lingtong nodded repeatedly. “Although I didn’t see the process of you catching it, I can imagine that to hook such a rare treasure, one must possess tremendous strength, along with superb fishing techniques, before success is possible.”
The ghost cultivator giant could no longer suppress his smile and burst into laughter. “Aside from studying military strategy as my main path, my greatest pleasure is fishing. Among the many arts of cultivation, this is what I’m best at. I’ve truly invested a great deal of effort and hard work into it.”
“It’s indeed a pity that you didn’t witness it. When I saw the fish bite the hook, I immediately swung the rod like a sword. This wretched beast tried to escape with a flick of its tail, so I used the martial technique ‘Upside-Down Scallion’ to unload its brute force, then applied the ‘Figure-Eight Ring’ method, using the water’s momentum to draw a Taiji circle. It dashed left and right but was ultimately trapped within a radius of ten feet.”
“After we remained locked in a stalemate for the time of half a teacup, I finally pulled it out.”
Sun Lingtong clapped his hands and praised him. “Amazing, truly amazing…”
Having mixed long among the streets and markets, Sun Lingtong’s eloquence was outstanding. Under his continuous flattery, the ghost cultivator giant laughed heartily and felt extremely pleased.
Sun Lingtong quickly discerned that the giant possessed a tendency to enjoy teaching others. Taking advantage of this, he immediately asked for guidance, saying that he too was interested in fishing and wanted to learn his techniques—how to choose fishing spots, how to make bait, and how to scatter bait.
The ghost cultivator giant suddenly restrained his smile and looked Sun Lingtong up and down. “Little brother, have you also cultivated a Forgetting Emotions technique?”
Sun Lingtong’s heart jumped, and he could not help but feel puzzled. “How could fishing be related to some Forgetting Emotions technique? There must be a connection here!”
His thoughts raced. Steeling himself, he continued expressing his desire, saying he indeed wanted to learn such techniques and the art of fishing.
The ghost cultivator giant stared at him intently. “You have already successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage, yet you want to change your cultivation method? Although one does not regret forming a Golden Core, changing your technique after reaching Foundation Establishment is still extremely troublesome.”
“You insist on changing it?”
Sun Lingtong said nothing. He simply looked at him with a firm gaze.
The ghost cultivator giant let out a long sigh. “You are also trapped by love.”
“If you wish to cultivate the Path of Forgetting Emotions, it is indeed the best choice.”
“But remember—our path of forgetting emotions does not mean heartlessness. Never go to extremes and cultivate the Path of Severing Emotions. That is the path of the demonic way; those who walk it are no longer human.”
When Sun Lingtong heard this ghost cultivator speak about no longer being human, he found it somewhat amusing.
But Ning Zhuo, listening from the side, sensed helplessness and sorrow within those words.
The ghost cultivator giant continued speaking endlessly.
“If you switch to a Forgetting Emotions cultivation method, then fishing by the River of Forgetfulness will perfectly complement your cultivation.”
“The emotions and memories that trouble us can serve as bait for fishing.”
“Whatever kind of emotions or memories we expend will attract corresponding fish to take the hook!”
Sun Lingtong suddenly understood something. Looking at the Obsession-Bone Silver Carp, he thought that this ghost cultivator must have some obsession that could not be fulfilled, so he used it as bait for fishing to relieve himself.
“Well then, since we have met, it is fate. The teachings of cultivation techniques cannot be lightly passed on, and due to my sect’s rules, I cannot teach my main cultivation method to others.”
“But fishing techniques—I can teach you a little.”
“I have spare rods, lines, and hooks here. Take them first.”
As he spoke, the ghost cultivator giant took three items from his Storage Bags and handed them to Sun Lingtong.
The three items were a long spear, a bundle of red thread, and a copper coin—each at the Magical Treasure level.
The ghost cultivator giant tied one end of the red thread to the spear tip and the other end to the copper coin before placing the whole thing into Sun Lingtong’s hands.
“You must attach your own emotions to the copper coin and cast it out.”
“The most basic casting technique is the overhead cast. If you encounter headwinds or many obstacles, use a side cast. Sometimes when fishing near grass holes or bridge piers, you use a swinging cast. There’s also the water-skipping method—making the bait bounce several times to attract carnivorous fish.”
“But along the banks of the River of Forgetfulness, the river is wide. An overhead cast will suffice.”
“The fishing technique I’ll teach you for the overhead cast is called ‘Azure Edge Breaking the Waves.’ This technique carries a sharp edge capable of piercing the river surface and reaching deep beneath the waters.”
The ghost cultivator giant then recited the incantation.
Sun Lingtong possessed astonishing comprehension. After hearing it once, he fully understood it and asked several questions, all hitting the key points.
The ghost cultivator giant answered them one by one, and Sun Lingtong could not wait any longer and immediately tried it.
His very first attempt was excellent.
The fishing line traced a long arc in the sky like a bridge. Then, accompanied by the sound of a sword’s cry, it pierced directly through the heavy river surface that resembled molten metal, stabbing straight into the depths below.
The ghost cultivator giant looked at Sun Lingtong in surprise. “Little brother, it seems you are extremely suited for fishing.”
Just as he was speaking, a gust of Yin Wind swept past, causing faint ripples to stir across the river.
Seeing this, the ghost cultivator giant frowned slightly. “Be careful. River waves are about to rise.”
“Although we are protected by the riverbank and won’t be swept into the river, our memories will suffer.”
“Each strike of the waves will wash away our recent memories, so be careful!”
Sun Lingtong was shocked. “What?”
But it was already too late.
The next moment, a river wave rushed forward and slammed against the black stone embankment, sending water spraying high into the air.
The spray splashed across Sun Lingtong’s face. His mind tightened. “What did I forget? What did I forget?!”
When the water of the River of Forgetfulness touched a living being, it immediately evaporated into mist and vanished without a trace.
“Huh?”
Sun Lingtong discovered that a treasure seal appeared within his soul.
The Empty-Empty Mark!
The power of the River of Forgetfulness was illuminated by the mark and instantly dissipated.
“I… seem to have forgotten nothing?”
“Wait!”
“If I really forgot something, how could I possibly know it?”
“Little Zhuo, Little Zhuo!”
Whenever Sun Lingtong could not decide something, he would ask Ning Zhuo.
Connected through the Divine Ability—Life Hanging by a Thread, their spiritual senses communicated with extreme convenience.
Ning Zhuo had already been paying attention and quickly compared everything with Sun Lingtong, confirming that he had not lost any memories.
“Is it the Empty-Empty Mark?”
“Just a mark alone can provide such protection. Truly worthy of being the sect-defending supreme treasure of a super great sect!”
Ning Zhuo could not help but sigh in admiration.
Sun Lingtong guessed, “Perhaps it’s also because we accidentally absorbed the Void Evil God’s bone marrow in Thousand Peaks Forest, causing my Empty-Empty Mark to undergo some mutation.”
In any case, he was safe.
Ning Zhuo reminded him at the right moment, “The water of the River of Forgetfulness truly has this effect. Boss, be careful not to reveal anything. Perhaps this mysterious ghost cultivator is tricking you.”
“Mm.” Sun Lingtong nodded secretly and turned his gaze back toward the ghost cultivator giant.
The giant wiped his face, removing the water droplets.
Strangely, under normal circumstances the water of the River of Forgetfulness would quickly evaporate upon touching a living being. But on his body, it behaved like ordinary river water.
Sun Lingtong’s heart stirred slightly. “Is it because of the Forgetting Emotions technique he cultivates?”
The ghost cultivator giant also noticed Sun Lingtong and immediately showed vigilance. “Who are you?”
Sun Lingtong smiled slightly. “Brother, we just met and immediately felt like old friends. We talked happily.”
“You even taught me fishing techniques. For example, the fishing technique ‘Azure Edge Breaking the Waves’…”
As he spoke, Sun Lingtong quickly recounted the contents of the technique.
The ghost cultivator giant burst into laughter and lowered his guard. “That’s right. This is the ‘Azure Edge Breaking the Waves’ technique I created myself. No one else knows it.”
“It seems you truly are my friend.”
“Hm… I must have been lonely. Fishing alone is too dull, so I wanted to make you a fishing companion.”
“Did I tell you about the dangers of fishing by the River of Forgetfulness?”
Sun Lingtong nodded. “You said we would forget previous memories.”
The ghost cultivator giant replied, “I forgot, but you didn’t. Clearly you have some reliance if you dare to come to the River of Forgetfulness.”
Sun Lingtong’s heart tightened, and he probed cautiously. “Brother, since you often fish here, with your strength couldn’t you obtain one or two magical treasures to resist the power of the River of Forgetfulness?”
“You casually gave me three magical treasures and turned them into fishing gear!”
As he spoke, Sun Lingtong raised the fishing rod in his hand.
The ghost cultivator giant slapped his forehead. “Haha! No wonder the spear in your hand looked so familiar. I even gave you these things—clearly we really hit it off at first sight!”
“It’s nothing.” He waved his hand boldly. “I am the foremost general under the Prefecture Lord of the River of Forgetfulness—Ghost General Luo Si of the Forgetting Emotions Path. As for the spear, I can simply get another one when I return. The copper coin and red thread were also gifts from others.”
“As for why I come here, I fish while using the river water to forget memories and emotions, thereby enhancing my cultivation. I’m basically here to drink this river water!”
This was the first time Sun Lingtong learned the identity of the ghost cultivator giant, and he could not help but be secretly shocked.
He had not expected that his first exploration of the Underworld would lead him to unexpectedly meet a high-ranking figure of the Prefecture of the River of Forgetfulness.
He immediately cupped his hands. “Lord Luo Si, my name is Sun Tong. I have only just arrived at this esteemed place. I heard that your prefecture is currently undertaking major operations?”
Luo Si nodded. “You were drawn here by the Black Snow, right? Recently, quite a lot of ghosts from other places have come.”
“The major operation you’re referring to—is it the ritual personally controlled by the Prefecture Lord, or the siege I’m responsible for?”
Sun Lingtong quickly asked, “Your prefecture seems to be attacking an immortal city in the living world, yet it has been unable to conquer it for a long time?”
Luo Si replied, “We are indeed attacking it, but don’t listen to rumors. We only just started attacking. How could it be called a prolonged siege? At the very least, if we can’t capture it for two or three years, then it could be considered prolonged.”
“After all, the target is a genuine immortal city. And it’s in the living world. Many of our prefecture’s strengths and methods cannot be fully used.”
Sun Lingtong gave a faint laugh. “The living world…”
Luo Si looked at him deeply. “Little brother, if you wish to wander around the living world, the Yin Tide Black Marsh Wetlands are indeed a good place.”
“In the past, a Nether Flood Dragon with profound foundations and extraordinary talent created the Yin-Yang Wheel Rotation Art. It wanted to defy the heavens—transform Yin into Yang. During its tribulation, it almost succeeded, missing success by only a single thread before being struck down by heavenly punishment.”
“After its death, its divine abilities transformed an entire region, connecting Yin and Yang, forcibly creating a treasure land.”
“The fact that you and I met here by the River of Forgetfulness is fate.”
“In that case, I can recruit you into the army. You won’t hold any official rank, but if you carry my command token, you won’t be bound by military rules and may act freely.”
These words made both Sun Lingtong and Ning Zhuo hesitate.
Ning Zhuo quietly warned, “Be careful, Boss.”
Sun Lingtong decided to speak frankly. “Brother, I am only a Foundation Establishment cultivator, while you are a Nascent Soul–level existence. We’ve only just met—why would you give me magical treasures and grant me such convenience?”
If he pushed the excuse of instant friendship again, it would be too fake.
After all, the river water had already washed away their recent memories.
Luo Si burst into laughter. “I’m not afraid to tell you the truth. I was framed and killed by my family’s enemies. I wasn’t even allowed to enter my ancestors’ shrine and became a wandering ghost. I was extremely unwilling and vowed revenge.”
“But after falling into the Underworld, my obsession with revenge became so strong that I nearly turned into a monster.”
“Luckily, in my muddled state I encountered the Gray Bone Elder. With his help, I escaped disaster. Otherwise my mind would have completely dissipated.”
“Of course I wanted to repay him. He told me that saving me also had a purpose—he had calculated that I would be useful to him in the future.”
“I immediately agreed to help him when the time came.”
“But he said I must first pass three destined calamities. Only after surviving those three calamities would I have the qualification to assist him.”
“My main cultivation method and my practice of using the River of Forgetfulness for cultivation were all taught by him.”
“I have received great help from him and wish to repay him, but the time has stretched too long and the day seems distant. So I practiced fishing here. All the fish I catch are offered to him.”
“A few days ago, he sent me a message saying that my first calamity would soon arrive—and he also told me how to resolve it.”
At this point, Luo Si paused slightly and recalled the contents of the letter:
“Luo Si, if you wish to return to the living world for revenge, the person you encounter will be extremely important. He concerns your true destined lord! If you establish a good relationship with him and place yourself under his command, it will bring you tremendous benefits in the future!”
