Chapter 1216: Lost Soul Ruins Black Shadow
The Soul Devouring Formation, also known as the Spirit Transfer Formation, was an exceptionally malevolent formation. Even a level one Soul Devouring Formation was incredibly difficult to construct, requiring materials beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators. The primary ingredient, Soul Devouring Wood, thrived in secluded, sunless locations; exposure to light caused it to wither instantly.
The formation's malevolence stemmed from its ability to transfer a cultivator's spirit roots. This allowed one to transfer a talented cultivator's spirit roots to oneself, enhancing one's own abilities. However, this practice was exceedingly rare in the cultivation realm due to stringent requirements. Even with Soul Devouring Wood, the process was rarely undertaken because the recipient couldn't utilize the transferred spirit roots. They must be given to a blood relative of the original cultivator, making the third party the true beneficiary. This is why it was also called the Spirit Transfer Formation.
Ye Mo understood why Li He hadn't killed Feng Xi: Feng Xi was a victim, potentially at the hands of his father, Feng Chun. The Soul Nourishing and Soul Devouring Formations were remarkably similar, differing only in the use of Soul Devouring Wood. Feng Chun might have taught Feng Xi the Soul Devouring Formation, disguising it as the Soul Nourishing Formation.
Yet, Ye Mo remained suspicious, even if Feng Chun was responsible. Regardless of Feng Xi's success or failure, there was no need for such a vast illusion formation and the terrifying soul-draining mist. Moreover, the information originated from Teng Yi as a mere legend—its veracity was questionable. With Bright Moon City destroyed, the source of the legend itself was dubious, making Feng Chun the prime suspect.
Ye Mo dismissed these thoughts, leaving the room to search for spirit herbs. Upon exiting, a black figure reappeared in his spirit sense. Shadowless, anticipating Ye Mo's intentions, attacked. The figure attempted to flee, but Shadowless's voracious power proved overwhelming, consuming the figure entirely.
Ye Mo was astounded by Shadowless's power. Moments later, he sensed Shadowless's joy, realizing it had consumed a soul nurtured within the mist. This discovery sent a shiver down his spine. A terrifying entity dwelled within the mist, stripping cultivators of their souls and storing them for later consumption.
What cultivation method involved devouring souls? What kind of being was this—a demon cultivator or beast cultivator? Ye Mo contemplated leaving immediately if he found the Immortal Curl Flower, unwilling to remain in this unsettling environment.
He quickly entered the Golden Page World to consult Ji Ling. Despite Ji Ling's weakened essence spirit, Ye Mo's Herb King Spirit Range and Bitter Bamboo prevented further deterioration. Ji Ling sensed the urgency.
"Is it important?" Ji Ling asked.
Ye Mo described the grey mist and the cultivators' susceptibility to losing their souls.
"Lost Soul Ruins," Ji Ling confirmed.
Ye Mo thanked Ji Ling for his probable intention of procuring the Immortal Curl Flower, but explained the discovery of numerous souls within the mist, described as dark figures with dimly lit eyes.
Ji Ling was shocked: "Lost Soul Ruins is where soul-devouring cultivators feast. Leave immediately, Ye Mo! Even if I can't recover my body, you mustn't stay. Soul-devouring cultivators are more terrifying than demons themselves."
Despite Ji Ling's warning, Ye Mo was determined to obtain the Immortal Curl Flower. He questioned Ji Ling about soul-devouring cultivators.
Ji Ling described the cultivation method, the ability to store and nurture souls for later consumption to enhance one's own soul. These cultivators possessed exceptionally powerful spirit senses and souls, far surpassing ordinary cultivators, making them invincible at their level and capable of slaying those far stronger. Ji Ling murmured, "No wonder there are so many spirit herbs here."
"Why?" Ye Mo asked.
"The stored souls require spirit herbs to sustain them and enhance the cultivator's power," Ji Ling weakly replied.
Ye Mo, understanding the situation, asked Ji Ling to rest. Leaving the Golden Page World, Ye Mo now understood Shadowless's affinity for the black figures: they were souls nourished by high-level spirit herbs.
He suspected the cultivator was intentionally releasing souls to lure more victims. Knowing a powerful being was present, Ye Mo abandoned his herb search. He couldn't compete with such a strong cultivator. His focus shifted to finding the illusion formation's entrance, enabling him to control the formation and continue his search safely.
Suddenly, a surge of spirit essence from Shadowless signaled a breakthrough. Ye Mo rejoiced. He removed his Purple Eye Soul Sever, allowing the mist to approach. The mist formed a grey beam, devoured by Shadowless, causing the mist to retreat. Shadowless continued to search for more souls.
With Shadowless's assistance, Ye Mo could focus on the formation. While complex, it wasn't challenging for a level nine formation grandmaster. Two hours later, he located the formation door in the large square, discovering it was a combined level nine illusion formation, and a level eight attack and trap formation. He replaced the hidden formation flags with his own.