Chapter 89: Nan Xin

Following the path cleared by the undead, a figure emerged, resembling the other undead in many ways. This figure had the same pale, bloodless skin and deep, hollow eye sockets that glowed with a bright green flame, far more intense than the other undead. Moreover, unlike the others who were dressed in tattered rags, this undead's clothing was neat and clean, making him stand out among his peers.

"Interesting. It's been countless years since a living being has stepped into this place," the well-dressed undead spoke, surprising Lin Qian and causing him to raise an eyebrow.

As this eerie being appeared, the other undead halted their movements, seemingly acknowledging his arrival. At the same time, Ye Xin and the others gathered around Lin Qian, their gazes filled with vigilance as they eyed the talking undead.

The fact that the undead could move and fight was already beyond their understanding. Now, faced with one who could actually speak, their hearts filled with unease.

Yet, Lin Qian remained calm, his interest piqued as he looked at the undead. "I find it equally interesting that an undead can speak."

"Undead? No, the correct term is 'walking corpse.' My disciples were brutally attacked and turned into these creatures by a cruel soul technique," the undead, who introduced himself as Nan Xin, shook his head in apparent sorrow.

"A walking corpse?" Lin Qian's body remained cloaked in crimson-gold lightning essence as he prepared for a fight. The strange aura emanating from Nan Xin kept him on high alert. However, from Nan Xin's words, Lin Qian learned that these moving undead were known as walking corpses, created by a devastating soul technique that had ravaged the ancient sect.

"So, who exactly are you? Are you really from this sect?" After pondering for a moment, Ye Xin furrowed her brows and asked.

"Yes, I am Nan Xin, once a grand elder of the Dangyuan Sect. Because of the enemy's soul technique, my soul has been trapped in this lifeless body, turning me into a walking corpse," Nan Xin replied, his tone filled with sadness. "I retained my consciousness due to my high cultivation level, but my poor disciples..."

"Dangyuan Sect?" Upon hearing Nan Xin's words, Lin Qian and the others nodded silently, realizing that the name of the ancient sect they had stumbled upon was indeed the Dangyuan Sect.

And this being before them was once a grand elder of that ancient sect!

To become a grand elder of an ancient sect, especially in such a distant past, he must have been a remarkable figure. Now, though, his soul was confined to a monstrous form, while his disciples suffered an even more tragic fate, reduced to these mindless creatures.

No wonder his voice was filled with such sorrow.

After a moment of silence, Lin Qian looked at Nan Xin and said, "So, you've come to us for a reason other than just a chat, haven't you?"

Nan Xin nodded in response to Lin Qian's question, his pale hands clasped in a gesture of respect. "Indeed, I have a request and hope you can help me."

"You're asking for our help?" Lin Qian raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What exactly do you need help with, Senior?"

Nan Xin paused briefly before explaining the situation.

According to Nan Xin, the Dangyuan Sect had been attacked by a mysterious force long ago, leading to a catastrophic battle that shook the heavens and earth.

During the ancient era, the Dangyuan Sect was a dominant power, a colossal entity. However, the mysterious force that attacked them was no ordinary opponent.

The clash between the two sides was devastating, with both unleashing their peak strength, causing massive destruction. Many parts of the Dangyuan Sect were swallowed by small worlds as a result of the battle.

The small world that now housed the "ancient relic" was once a training ground for the Dangyuan Sect's Nirvana Stage disciples. Some of the sect's territories had sunk into this small world during the conflict.

The area where Lin Qian and his companions now stood was one such place.

However, according to Nan Xin, the ruins they were currently in were far from the whole picture.

Beneath their feet, there was a second layer of ruins—Dangyuan Sect's treasury!

When Nan Xin mentioned this, Lin Qian and the others' eyes lit up. If this were true, the potential rewards would be enormous.

After all, Nan Xin was referring to the treasury of the Dangyuan Sect, not just the minor spoils they had encountered so far.

Lin Qian also realized that the walking corpses likely originated from the lower layer, where the treasury was located.

"If you can help me fulfill my wish, I will grant you access to the Dangyuan Sect's treasury as a reward," Nan Xin said, pointing to the ground beneath their feet. His voice was filled with sincere pleading as he bowed to Lin Qian and the others.

"What exactly do you need us to do? If it's within our power, we'll help. But if it's beyond our capability..." Lin Qian replied cautiously.

"Below, where the treasury is located, there's an array that maintains the soul technique binding us. It traps our souls and forces my disciples to remain as walking corpses."

"I hope you can destroy the array and free us from this cursed soul technique," Nan Xin requested earnestly, bowing even lower.

"Lin Qian, what do you think?" Ye Xin turned to Lin Qian, seeking his opinion.

Lin Qian nodded without hesitation. "If it's just a matter of destroying an array, and we gain access to an ancient sect's treasury, why not?"

"Lead the way, Senior. We'll help you find peace," Lin Qian said, signaling to Nan Xin.

Upon hearing Lin Qian's agreement, Nan Xin's pale face cracked into a smile, the green flames in his eye sockets flickering with joy.

Nan Xin then turned and began leading the way toward the withered forest, with the walking corpses parting to let Lin Qian and his group follow.

As they walked, Lin Qian and the others couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation at the thought of what awaited them.

However, as he led them, Nan Xin's green flames danced menacingly in his eye sockets as he sneered inwardly, "A bunch of greedy fools... How naive."