C783 Root of the Lunar Meridian!

The once desiccated River Styx now murmured with flowing water.

At its bed, countless minute thoughts sparkled and zipped by like streaks of lightning.

An icy will, devoid of human emotion, abruptly descended upon the River Styx.

These myriad fleeting thoughts at the river's bottom were the currents of this will's musings, the illumination of its wisdom.

"The Root of the Lunar Meridian!"

Yu Yuan's heart trembled as he swiftly came to the realization that an ancient will, steeped in mystery and profundity from the Everlands, had made its presence known.

He had long been aware that the Root of the Lunar Meridian, situated beneath the Land of Terror, threaded through the entirety of the Everlands. Moreover, it was endowed with superior intelligence, a form of life distinct from that of flesh-and-blood creatures.

The Root of the Lunar Meridian possessed thought, consciousness, and intelligence. It was the oldest living entity in this realm.

Its origins were unknown; no one could pinpoint when the Root of the Lunar Meridian first came into being or first became sentient. However, one fact was universally acknowledged—the Root of the Lunar Meridian predated all life.

First came the Root of the Lunar Meridian, followed by the evilkind, humans, livestock, white birds, and insects.

Some even speculated that without the Root of the Lunar Meridian, the Everlands would never have brought forth life.

Each River Styx was a boon from it. Only with its favor and recognition could a River Styx be extended into the Underworld, allowing a Spectre-level soul to evolve into a Ghost King.

Its will permeated the Land of Terror.

Any life that ventured into the Land of Terror could be sensed by it in an instant, should it wish so. It had the power to perceive all.

Each River Styxy served as a conduit for its soul, enabling its thoughts and consciousness to be transmitted without hindrance, even to the point of manifestation.

Taking a deep breath and remaining in his seated meditative stance, Yu Yuan spoke with reverence, "My name is Yu Yuan, from the continent of Aetherius. I..."

A tendril of consciousness drifted from the River Styx, "You have come here once before."

Yu Yuan was taken aback.

The consciousness from the Root of the Lunar Meridian, silent and without the disturbance of remnant soul waves, conveyed its message with clarity, "Your first visit was over three hundred years ago when you were just beginning your journey of cultivation. Back then, you were solely a practitioner of medicine."

The consciousness from the Root of the Lunar Meridian, conveyed through the River Styx, declared, "You were once known as Hong Qi."

Yu Yuan was profoundly shaken.

This was his most guarded secret! Throughout his life, no one had penetrated this mystery to discover his origins!

Yet, the Root of the Lunar Meridian had dispatched a sliver of awareness that laid bare the truth!

"Your rebirth was orchestrated by me. Every living creature born in the Everlands, regardless of their identity, must pass through me," the Root of the Lunar Meridian explained in a voice devoid of emotion, "Your past life as Youling, and your current existence as White Bone, both followed this path."

"It's not just you. Everyone who has been reborn through the River of Time requires my consent."

"I oversee the cycle of life and death for all beings in the Everlands."

The will of the Root of the Lunar Meridian revealed this fact, known to all the mightiest beings.

Once Yu Yuan overcame his initial astonishment, he swiftly composed himself, steadied his breath, and then spoke: "Hong Qi of my past life, Yu Yuan of this life, I pay my respects to the Enforcer of Reincarnation in the Everlands!"

His demeanor, voice, and gestures were brimming with reverence!

For such an enigmatic ancient being to extend a fragment of thought and communicate with him through the Root of the Lunar Meridian was an immense privilege!

In his former life, as the leader of the Order of Healing, he had encountered the Primordial Spirit and the Dark Deity but had never had the fortune to perceive the Root of the Lunar Meridian, let alone engage in direct conversation.

As the oldest living will in this vast universe, this enigmatic entity that governs the cycle of life and death has witnessed the flourishing of the Nagas, the evolution of the Evilkind, the ascent of humanity, and the incursions of the Star-Spawned Terror and Otherkin.

It has observed in silence for countless years, devoid of emotion, joy, or concern.

What could be the reason for such a being to suddenly take an interest in him and reach out with a thought?

"I am amassing more Yin Qi here to aid you in refining your Lunar Spirit. In return, you must help me eliminate Dhoreus," the will of the Root of the Lunar Meridian communicated from the River Styx. "You wield the sword sheath left by that individual, and within you resides their sword spirit. Upon your arrival in the Land of Terror, I became aware of you and have since been watching you from the shadows, to see if you truly live up to your reputation."

After observing for quite some time, I've come to believe in you. Perhaps you do possess such capabilities. Still, it seems I must lend you a hand once more."

"That's precisely why I've initiated this formal dialogue with you here by the River Styx," the Root of the Lunar Meridian stated calmly.

Yu Yuan's face took on an indescribable oddness as he fixed his gaze on the river, shimmering with streaks of lightning. "The Nether Capital? Are you referring to... Dhoreus?"

"Indeed, it's him."

Yu Yuan's brow furrowed deeply.

He had heard tales of the Ghost King from the Land of Terror, a figure shrouded in legend. Dhoreus was likely the sole sovereign in the history of the Land of Terror!

Before Dhoreus's time, the Land of Terror often had several Ghost Kings ruling simultaneously.

These Ghost Kings, however, were unwilling to acknowledge each other's authority, each governing independently.

It was only during the reign of Dhoreus that all Ghost Kings were compelled to heed his command.

Even after Dhoreus soared beyond the extraterrestrial realm, the Land of Terror reverted to its old ways, with numerous Ghost Kings, none bowing to another.

According to ancient lore, Dhoreus was born of the River Styx, and some even claimed he was an integral part of the Root of the Lunar Meridian!

His ability to command the multitude of Ghost Kings stemmed from his peak power to control every Styx originating from the Root of the Lunar Meridian!

Each Ghost King's power and combat prowess were intrinsically linked to a branch of the River Styx. Dhoreus's control over the River Styx made him far more formidable than any other Ghost King!

Naturally, the other Ghost Kings stood no chance against him and were forced to submit.

Yet now, the Root of the Lunar Meridian regarded Dhoreus as a threat to be eliminated. What could this mean?

Yu Yuan struggled to grasp the situation.

"I understand your confusion. Dhoreus indeed came into being because of me and can be considered an extension of myself. I won't delve into what transpired in between. Since you were once a herbalist with expertise in poisons, I'll explain it in terms you'll comprehend."

"Consider the current Dhoreus as a toxin that has accumulated within me."

"He has long escaped my control. In his late period, he even sought to enslave me and alter the immutable laws of reincarnation. He went so far as to transport the River of Souls out of the Land of Terror."

This time, he is determined to ascend to the status of a God of Ghosts in the Land of Terror. Should he achieve this, the millennia-old laws that have safeguarded the Land of Terror will be shattered! I will assist you in forging your Lunar Spirit, but you must promise to swiftly locate him and strike at the River of Souls, annihilating Dhoreus who lurks within."

"Within the River of Souls, he continues to be eroded by the sword spirit. If his soul perishes before his body is delivered from the extraterrestrial realm, he will cease to pose any threat."

The Root of the Lunar Meridian meticulously revealed the secrets of Dhoreus to Yu Yuan.

He informed him that although Dhoreus had been vanquished by the Moon Slayer Cultivator, his corpse had been abandoned in the Star River of the extraterrestrial realm, with a fragment of his residual soul concealed within the River of Souls, now returned to the Land of Terror.

After many years, it appears that someone has discovered the remains of Dhoreus.

Amidst the current turmoil in the Everlands, a mysterious individual, whose allegiance is unknown, is escorting the remains of Dhoreus toward the Everlands.

Previously, it would have been nearly impossible for him to set foot in the Everlands.

Beyond the stars, the Unbound cultivators and even those with primordial spirits from the five greatest powers would have ensured his demise.

But now, with the five supreme powers preoccupied, the remains of Dhoreus stand a good chance of reaching the Land of Terror.

Should Dhoreus manage to reunite his soul with his body in the Land of Terror, harnessing the abundant Yin Qi of this place, which he knows well, he would be unstoppable once healed. No one could then eliminate Dhoreus in the Land of Terror.

The other Ghost Kings might even capitulate as they did before.

If Dhoreus seizes this moment to become a God of Ghosts and takes control of the Root of the Lunar Meridian, it would plunge the world into turmoil.

Such chaos would be far more uncontrollable than the incursions of the Boulderdawn or the invasions of the Sky Fiend.

"Dhoreus!"

Yu Yuan's expression grew solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he abruptly asked, "Youling, is White Bone positioned over there?"

Standing shoulder to shoulder, we've come to slay Dhoreus," the Root of the Lunar Meridian's thought echoed once more. "The flames kindled by White Bone can purify the soul of Dhoreus. United, you two can ensure that Dhoreus vanishes within the Land of Terror."

"White Bone, have you been in communication with him for some time?" Yu Yuan called out.

"In a manner of speaking," the Root of the Lunar Meridian responded.

Without further hesitation, Yu Yuan declared, "I accept!"

No sooner had he spoken than the vast Yin Qi within the River Styx, under the influence of the Root of the Lunar Meridian, began to furiously rush into Yu Yuan's Mindscape.

"There's no need to worry about a shortage of Yin Qi; your heaven soul can draw in as much as it desires."

Yu Yuan concentrated and observed his Mindscape brimming with the swirling mist of Yin Qi. "Then I shall graciously accept."

Outside, Yuan Lianyao and Rahu continued their discussion about Yu Yuan, occasionally glancing towards the Crucible of Evil.

White Bone, steadfast as a mountain, blocked the stone fissure, his green eyes devoid of any flicker of light, as if deep in meditation.

After some time, both the White Bone King and Rahu King trembled slightly.

White Bone looked over his shoulder, while Rahu's gaze fixed intently on the crack behind White Bone's skeletal form, his expression filled with even greater astonishment. "Is it really it?" Rahu inquired, his voice strained.

White Bone nodded. "Yes, it's there, in that confined space, communicating with Yu Yuan."

"Who is it?" Yuan Lianyao demanded.

"The Root of the Lunar Meridian," White Bone replied coolly.

Yuan Lianyao gasped in surprise, her concern for Yu Yuan's safety intensifying upon learning that the entity the Ghost Kings referred to was none other than the Root of the Lunar Meridian from the Land of Terror.

At that moment, the stationary Crucible of Evil began to shake violently.

Inside, Yu Yiyi, the artifact soul, was evidently eavesdropping on the external dialogue. The revelation of the Root of the Lunar Meridian's presence sent her into a state of disarray, uncertain of the events unfolding within.

"White Bone, I accept your proposal!" Rahu King declared, no trace of doubt in his voice. "My real body will arrive forthwith from my domain to join you in battle. I will lend you my full support to ascend as a God of Ghosts in the Land of Terror! I trust you will honor our agreement."

The White Bone King nodded slightly. "I will."

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