Chapter 180: Chapter 128: The Evil Corpse Emerges
Logically speaking, with such severe injuries, Pan Yang should have been dead beyond saving.
Yet there was still a breath of life lingering.
As long as there was still breath, Pan Yang remained among the living.
Under the sinister glow of the Evil Corpse’s gaze, mysterious forces descended upon Pan Yang’s body.
Pan Yang’s body was like a puppet on strings, struggling as it rose from where it had fallen.
Dragging its broken form, it staggered step by step towards the White Jade Platform.
The barrier that had suppressed the three living corpses together with the Evil Corpse did not pose any hindrance to Pan Yang whatsoever.
He thus entered the White Jade Platform and came before Han Zhenzi.
Then extended his stiff hand, reaching for the Foundation Establishment Array Disc cradled in Han Zhenzi’s arms.
The Array Disc that Liou Yuan never dared to touch was easily picked up by him.
Almost as the Foundation Establishment Array Disc left Han Zhenzi’s remains.
Crack! The barrier that rose around shattered like porcelain.
The Evil Corpse, suppressed for hundreds of years, curled its lips into a sinister grin, its body covered with green fur slowly stood from its seated position.
"Roar!" A cloud-piercing, rock-cracking roar burst from the Evil Corpse’s mouth, seemingly venting centuries of repressed anger.
The stones within the Corpse Nurturing Land’s valley blew apart under the sonic waves, pulverized into dust.
The mountains forming the valley cracked under the roar.
The Evil Corpse stood amidst the aura of destruction, its emaciated body exuding arrogance.
...
Liou Yuan had just entered the city through the east gate of Lingjun County when the well-informed Mr. Li hurriedly rushed over from Yunlai Inn.
Seeing Liou Yuan returning alone, looking disheveled, Mr. Li immediately sensed that something was amiss.
Due to the many eyes and ears near the city gate, Mr. Li refrained from asking more questions and respectfully welcomed Liou Yuan back to Yunlai Inn.
Arriving at the secret chamber, Mr. Li impatiently inquired about Pan Yang’s whereabouts.
Because Pan Yang came to Lingjun County with Liou Yuan, and Liou Yuan had previously shown the Disciplinary Hall Token, Mr. Li mistakenly assumed both were from the Disciplinary Hall.
With the threat of emerging Evil Stars, if a member from the Disciplinary Hall were to die on his territory, Mr. Li would certainly bear some responsibility.
"Mr. Pan and I went out investigating Ji Jie’s clues, got our timing wrong, and found ourselves surrounded by Star Evil."
"During the breakout, we got separated."
Liou Yuan recounted the pre-prepared story in his mind, wearing an expression of frustration.
The death of Pan Yang was not something that could remain hidden, but the current Evil Star Shift provided Liou Yuan with a nearly flawless excuse.
As long as he stuck to this story, even the high-ranking members of Five Extremes Mountain couldn’t find fault.
After all, Liou Yuan himself had just returned from the outside world, which was the truth.
So Pan Yang’s death amidst the chaos of Star Evil was entirely plausible.
"I’m to blame, I’m to blame! Forgot to remind you of the timing," Mr. Li, not suspecting more, lamented while noticing how Liou Yuan’s clothing barely covered his body, suggesting a perilous battle during his return.
Moreover, Liou Yuan’s young appearance suggested he was new to the Disciplinary Hall, out on his first mission.
Miscalculating Star Shift timings was a rookie mistake but not impossible.
"Rest assured, Mr. Li, Mr. Pan’s cultivation surpasses mine; if I managed to survive, he surely can too." Liou Yuan maintained an impeccable act, showing trust in Pan Yang.
"Let’s hope so," Mr. Li sighed.
He then inquired about Liou Yuan’s plans, subtly suggesting he shouldn’t go out again.
"With evil stars looming outside, it’d be best for Mr. Liou not to venture out."
"To be honest, Mr. Li, that’s my intention. I’ll wait at Yunlai Inn for Mr. Pan Yang."
"Additionally, being close to Mr. Li allows us to quickly obtain any news of Ji Jie."
Liou Yuan nodded, appearing receptive to Mr. Li’s advice.
Upon hearing Liou Yuan’s response, Mr. Li breathed a sigh of relief.
If both Disciplinary Hall disciples died on his territory, he feared Five Extremes Mountain’s retribution.
Thinking this through, he quickly realized something and quietly asked, "If Mr. Pan doesn’t return, should Ji Jie still be pursued?"
Liou Yuan understood Mr. Li’s concern.
He was worried about facing Ji Jie alone.
Liou Yuan grinned confidently, his voice steady: "Mr. Li, feel free to investigate. Taking on Ji Jie, I have the means to deal with him."
To ease Mr. Li’s concerns, Liou Yuan even brandished the Disciplinary Hall’s banner.
"Once I’m after someone, there’s no escaping the Disciplinary Hall."
"Of course! Of course!" Mr. Li certainly had no doubts about Liou Yuan’s capabilities, responding affirmatively.
After all, the youth before him was an indomitable force who returned from the Evil Star Shift outside.
