Upon learning of Yang Xiao’s imminent departure, Jiu Shan Sha Yue, who was out on a mission, made a special trip back. The two had formed a deep bond during the mission on the Yellow Springs Road.

Of course, there was also Tong Han and Beiyu Ye. The four of them gathered together, reminiscing about the days of survival in the challenging instance.

Raising the glass, Yang Xiao’s mind once again conjured up the face of Sato Shouta, along with those he encountered on this mission, such as Yamamoto Chunai. These vivid and familiar faces filled Yang Xiao with a profound impact.

In the face of the unknown Nightmare World, the fear and unease exhibited by newcomers like them were so real, yet this made their kindness, responsibility, and courage even more pronounced.

In Yang Xiao’s heart, the truly terrifying thing about the Nightmare World was never the murderous Fierce Ghosts, but the damnable way the world eroded the fundamental kindness in people.

And it was the appearance of people like these that caused a crack to form in the deathly silence of Yang Xiao’s heart, letting a ray of light shine in.

Originally, Yang Xiao had also forced himself to adapt to the Nightmare World, believing that to survive he had to be ruthless, taking action without remorse, and completely severing ties with the person he was in reality.

This had once caused Yang Xiao to fall into confusion, deep anxiety, and internal conflict. He began to blur the line between nightmare and reality and walked further down a lost path.

Along the way, from the first step into the Nightmare World to now, it was precisely the appearance of people like Sato Shouta and Yamamoto Chunai that allowed Yang Xiao to hold onto his true self.

To be honest, they weren’t formidable, sometimes appearing so naïve and foolish that if not for Yang Xiao’s intervention, they would have perished without a trace.

Yet deep inside, Yang Xiao did not feel that they owed him anything. It was their presence that dispelled the confusion in the depths of his heart, affirming that his steadfastness had meaning.

By saving their physical bodies, he achieved a form of spiritual redemption, which Yang Xiao considered worthwhile.

He hoped for more people like them to exist and survive. The more, the better, as this would allow for the salvation of more lost souls like his own, both in nightmares and reality. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

People must have boundaries.

Regardless of when, where, or what desperate circumstances they face, a person is still a person, with things they should and shouldn’t do. Otherwise, even if they survive and leave the Nightmare World, they would no longer be a complete person, but a walking zombie.

Late at night, lying in bed, Yang Xiao found it difficult to fall asleep, having drunk only a little. The experiences of this time passed through his mind like a slideshow.

Having been in Japan for some time, he had faced immense challenges and dangers but had also gained immensely.

The greatest gain of this trip was undoubtedly meeting a strong person like Jiu Shan Cangxuan. In Yang Xiao’s view, this person was worthy of the name "junzi," a true gentleman and a worthy friend.

They even took in Tong Han, with Jiu Shan Jing Lan accepting him as a closed-door disciple, which settled one of Yang Xiao’s concerns.

He also made friends with Jiu Shan Sha Yue and Beiyu Ye. One was an ace of the Jiu Mountain Family, and the other was a distinguished disciple of the Dragon Tiger Mountain Taoist Sect, both having immeasurable futures with outstanding character.

Besides this, he also acquired several treasures, hihihi, starting with the Wordless Heavenly Scripture.

This was a top-level treasure, an unrevealed secret of the Taoist Sect, and they would even sacrifice a highly talented young person like Beiyu Ye for it without hesitation.

There was also that samurai puppet, another rare treasure, the Lifebound Puppet of the Kakemono Ninja Team General, who was at least a Half-step Nether Realm expert in life.

Even more rare was that this puppet’s abilities were perfectly suited to his own.

Even Beiyu Ye was envious, stating that with this puppet, combined with the few he already possessed, he would be the top below the Half-step Nether Realm.

Of course, this was pure boasting, because with Yang Xiao around, Beiyu Ye could never be the top.

Even if he gave him this puppet, Yang Xiao was at least seventy-percent confident he could still defeat him.

The last treasure was the old, out-of-control vintage radio, which the Jiu Mountain Family had taken but promised he could take with him when he left.

This promise came from Jiu Shan Cangxuan himself, and Yang Xiao believed there would be no issue.

Considering how to handle this item gave Yang Xiao quite a headache. It was undoubtedly a valuable artifact, or else the Black Buddha Mother and the Ghost Sect wouldn’t have been interested. It seemed likely to be related to curse techniques.

He didn’t possess any Spell-type Magical Artifacts, so this was an opportunity for him.

But because this Magical Artifact was tied to the Black Buddha Mother and the Ghost Sect, and it had left a psychological shadow on Yang Xiao in the underground world, he was sincerely resistant to it.

Yet considering carefully, Yang Xiao had already acquired the Ghost Duster, which was one of the renowned magic artifacts under the Black Buddha Mother’s Three Demon Heads, the symbol of the Little Saint White Buddha. This person’s level was far higher than the unnamed missionary under the Black Buddha Mother. This kind of divine artifact he possessed suggested all these would not be greatly significant.

Now, he had gathered together the spiritual magical artifact, space-type magical artifact, and spell-type magical artifact, estimating that within the Ghost-level Apostles, none other than him has such equipment.

It’s not that other families couldn’t gather these treasures, it’s just that people choose magical artifacts and magical artifacts choose people. If the compatibility between the two is not high and forced together, it’s tantamount to suicide.

But Yang Xiao doesn’t need to worry about this issue. He has a good sister, and he dares to equip anything if she agrees, as she is a supreme expert in treasure appraisal.

Momentarily, Yang Xiao made a decision that if the headquarters questioned him about the radio, he would submit it. If not, he would keep it.

He wouldn’t rashly use such a thing, as he was yet to determine its specific abilities and effectiveness, so he needed to study it further.

Fortunately, even if he couldn’t recognize treasures, someone could. He had Elder Sheng, who was an absolute authority in domestic treasure appraisal.

He had resolved that after returning to China to handle these troublesome matters, he would immediately visit the Esoteric Sect, for Elder Sheng to inspect the radio. With his elder’s experience, he would surely provide a satisfying answer.

If deemed suitable, he would keep it for use and concurrently seek the Cannibal Buddha to arrange an Artifact Refining Master within the Esoteric Sect to reforge it.

After all, it was a damaged artifact, temporarily bonded by Yang Xiao with a hammer. Its state was quite unstable.

If not useful, it wouldn’t matter, he’d keep it as a bomb for future use. Should anyone dare offend him, he’d bring the device close to an explosive critical state and stealthily throw it into their home during the dark nights, causing a good commotion.

It wouldn’t be tossed in China, as its uncontrollable nature could lead to widespread destruction upon explosion. It was better thrown overseas, perhaps to the Ghost Sect or Kakemono Gate, quite fitting for those bastards. If they kept pestering him, they shouldn’t blame him, Mr. Yang, for being ruthless.

During this visit to Japan, he received personal guidance from Jiushan Cangxuan, considerably improving his application of spiritual magical artifacts.

Now he could even artificially suppress his spiritual power levels, proving very useful in combat.

Additionally, his skills in Corpse Refining and Corpse Control greatly advanced, largely thanks to Beiyu Ye, who taught him extensively.

Reflecting upon memories, Yang Xiao felt very satisfied with himself and the current situation for everyone.

Except for Beiyu Ye.

In all honesty, Yang Xiao felt a shred of guilt towards him, having taken treasures from the Taoist Sect, holding humility given he considered himself a principled person of face.

Indeed, if he hadn’t assisted, not only would the Taoist Sect fail to retrieve the treasures, but even Beiyu Ye might have perished within the Secret Realm.

After returning, the so-called Taoist Great True Master’s gratitude turned into a probe. These fellows’ sense of smell was keen; they likely suspected the item was with him.

This return to the Esoteric Sect partly aimed for this reason; he needed confirmation from Elder Sheng regarding whether Master Yun Lan from the Taoist Sect could sense the existence of the Wordless Heavenly Scripture from him.

There’s likely no one more familiar with the Hundred Demons Coffin Clothes worldwide than Elder Sheng, save for his good sister.

Furthermore, Elder Sheng was a notable figure in the domestic Apostle Realm, esteemed as the helmsman of Upper Three Book House Yiling Academy, certainly linked to the Taoist Sect and potentially an acquaintance of the Taoist Great True Master.

If it’s a friend, things become easy: Know thyself and know thy enemy, and you shall triumph in countless battles.

Thinking of Elder Sheng, Yang Xiao felt quite nostalgic. These two had become thoroughly inseparable. The only people aware of the Hundred Demons Coffin Clothes on him were himself, Elder Sheng, and the former sect master of Yu Yuan Sect.

The former sect master must die, while he and Elder Sheng share a mentor-disciple relationship, though absent in name yet evident in reality. Yang Xiao was very grateful for his guidance, proving immensely helpful.

He wondered if Elder Sheng understood this Wordless Heavenly Scripture; it would be great if he knew how to use it.

The matter of Elder Sheng had always occupied Yang Xiao’s thoughts. Upon returning, he planned to consult Elder Sheng about reclaiming the academy. Now everything was set, only needing the wind’s favor.

They were waiting for the opportunity, particularly for Elder Sheng to regain his strength.

After all, the experts from the Patrol Defense Office couldn’t simply eliminate Sheng Jingxuan directly because he’s still the apparent helmsman of Yiling Academy, and intervention would disgrace the academy, hindering further collaboration and inciting gossip. Such affairs needed internal resolution.

No one was more suited to personally purge the rebels than Elder Sheng, who hadn’t appeared in the world of martial arts for a decade and urgently needed a battle to prove himself.

No one was more suited to personally purge the rebels than Elder Sheng, who hadn’t appeared in the world of martial arts for a decade and urgently needed a battle to prove himself.