"I have slumbered for too long. Based on my memories, I have guarded this place for over sixty years. I can only awaken once every thirty years. Calculating the time, it will be another five years until my next awakening."
The skeletal frame's voice was low. "If my calculations are not mistaken, in three more days, I shall awaken."
"At that time, I can borrow the power of the Netherworld to restore my peak battle strength and sweep across the entire Northern Yue Prefecture!"
Zhou Yan's heart stirred, and he asked, "What exactly is the power of the Netherworld?"
"Heh heh, the power of the Netherworld originates from the yin and yang of heaven and earth, and the resentment of all living beings. It is condensed from the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, possessing infinite wonders. It can strengthen the body, accelerate cultivation speed, and even bestow special attributes upon martial artists, such as lightning, wind, or fire. Its power is immense, capable of devastating attacks..."
The skeletal frame spoke eloquently, expounding on the mysteries of the Netherworld's power, much to Zhou Yan's astonishment.
"You must remember, the power of the Netherworld not only increases cultivation speed but also has other effects: it can temper the soul and strengthen the will."
"Oh!"
Zhou Yan's expression subtly shifted, surprise appearing in his eyes.
"Boy, you are fortunate. I obtained a drop of Netherworld Blood after slumbering for thousands of years. Now, I bestow it all upon you."
As soon as the words fell, the skeletal frame drew a line in the air with its finger, unleashing a series of runes that intertwined and merged, forming a pitch-black bead that floated in mid-air.
"Boy, consuming this will help you stabilize your realm," the skeletal frame said.
"Thank you!"
Zhou Yan nodded, not refusing.
After all, his cultivation was too low, and he needed to significantly improve his realm.
"Boom ~~"
Suddenly, the skeletal frame trembled, its body shuddered, and it erupted with resplendent divine light, transforming into a myriad of stars that enveloped an area of a thousand meters.
In an instant, Zhou Yan's face changed drastically. He flickered and retreated a hundred feet, putting himself at a safe distance.
"Whoosh!"
Concurrently, thick smoke billowed out, obscuring the sun, like an apocalyptic catastrophe sweeping in all directions.
Zhou Yan looked up and was stunned. A colossal altar had risen from the ground, piercing the clouds, emitting a faint golden glow like a sun.
Runes were engraved on the surface of the altar, connecting to the void and constructing a vast formation diagram.
The formation diagram rotated, casting down billions of rays of divine light that enveloped the skeletal frame, shimmering and radiating a dazzling brilliance.
"This formation..."
Zhou Yan was inwardly horrified, sensing the formation's immense aura, filled with a vast and ancient energy.
"The Netherworld Demon Suppression Formation, based on the yin and yang of heaven and earth, gathers infinite power from the cosmos. It is sufficient to suppress all beings below the Saint Martial realm!"
The skeletal frame's eyes sparkled with light as it muttered, its expression excited. "I never expected to encounter such a legendary formation after slumbering for thousands of years. Truly, heaven favors me!"
Boom~
The skeletal frame gave a jolt, its figure dissipated, and it instantly plunged into the formation diagram, resonating with it.
Hum~
The next second, the formation diagram vibrated violently, and a ripple spread outward, transforming into a vortex that swallowed the surrounding energy.
"Roar...."
A roar echoed. Within the Netherworld Demon Suppression Formation, boundless ghostly mist boiled and surged towards the center, forming the phantom of a terrifying demon.
"Heh heh heh...."
The demon phantom opened its mouth and spat out a mass of black liquid, imbued with extremely sinister power that made one's heart palpitate. It seemed capable of corroding even the soul.
"Netherworld Poison!"
Zhou Yan's eyes widened, his face filled with shock.
Netherworld Poison, as the name suggested, was the essence of the Netherworld's power, containing a dreadful toxicity.
Even existences at the level of a Holy Lord would surely die if tainted by it.
However, Netherworld Poison was extremely rare, each drop precious beyond measure, even for Holy Lords.
Furthermore, Netherworld Poison posed a fatal threat to anyone below the Saint realm. Even if one miraculously escaped, they would suffer severe injuries.
Therefore, within the Netherworld Mountain, although Netherworld Beasts were terrifying, they dared not approach. Only those at the Holy Lord level would venture in.
"Netherworld Poison, huh..."
Gazing at the black liquid, Zhou Yan's eyelids twitched, feeling a sense of danger.
Without hesitation, Zhou Yan swiftly retreated, creating distance to avoid being affected.
Swish~
A moment later, the Netherworld Demon Suppression Formation fully activated. A black chain flew out, coiling around the Netherworld Poison and extending towards the skeletal frame.
"Hahaha...."
The skeletal frame let out an excited shout, unleashing powerful blows with both fists.
Instantly, the Netherworld chain shattered, breaking into countless fragments that scattered in all directions.
Simultaneously, the Netherworld Poison permeated the air, transforming into a misty gray haze. It was highly toxic, capable of corroding skin upon contact, making it impossible to clear.
Zhou Yan held his breath, hiding in a corner, continuously retreating, his heart pounding.
The Netherworld Demon Suppression Formation was no trivial matter. Once activated, it could unleash world-shattering power to obliterate any enemy.
"Creak!"
The skeletal frame's bones creaked, and its body rapidly expanded, eventually growing to three meters tall. It was entirely black, covered in dense, intricate patterns, a terrifying sight.
Crack~
The skeletal frame extended its withered, bony claws and tore fiercely, actually ripping off two links of the Netherworld chain.
"This guy..." Zhou Yan cursed inwardly.
The Netherworld chain was tough and sharp, and even a Saint artifact could not damage it in the slightest, yet the skeletal frame tore it apart with its bare hands. This strength was simply astonishing.
"Roar!"
Suddenly, the skeletal frame roared at the sky, venting its pain and agony. Its body trembled and struggled continuously.
"This is bad!"
Seeing this, Zhou Yan's expression changed, sensing something was amiss.
The Netherworld Demon Suppression Formation was a type of restriction specifically designed for monstrous, peerless prodigies.
The skeletal frame had slumbered for thousands of years and had long lost its ability to resist. How could it possibly break free from the confinement?
"Heh heh heh...."
A moment later, the skeletal frame stopped struggling, its lips moved, and it emitted a piercing laugh. "I am finally free."
Before the words even finished, a strange power erupted, instantly engulfing the skeletal frame. Its body shrank, transforming into a man in green robes, three feet tall.
"Huh...."
Looking at the man's appearance, Zhou Yan's pupils contracted, a look of astonishment on his face, as if he recognized the person.
"My memories are still retained within the seal," the skeletal frame said. It raised a hand to its head, explaining, "I obtained my memories in a secret realm in Xuan Prefecture, where many peerless heroes were buried."
"I entered to seek fortune, but I encountered a senior who bestowed upon me cultivation techniques and a talent testing device. He told me that if my strength met the standard, I could possess a new body!"
"Possess a body?" Zhou Yan's heart grew cold.
"Indeed, possession!" the skeletal frame nodded. "However, those seniors were too powerful. Even in death, they retained their former majesty and strength. Even I could not overcome them!"
"I could only choose a physical body to inhabit, waiting for rebirth."
"My lifespan has reached its limit. If I do not revive soon, my soul will surely dissipate beyond the heavens!"