Chapter 38: Ghost King Part 5

“Do you know where the Heavenly Demon Palace is?” Wu Yingzong asked.

Hulü Guang fell silent.

A realization seized Xiao Kun’s mind in an instant, twisting his guts. He looked up into his birth father’s indigo eyes.

“Yes.” Jing Pian Ge knew Xiao Kun’s thoughts without using Nether Eyes. “Perhaps your past, present, and future have already truly occurred. Now, it’s just a methodical reenactment in a long regression.”

Everyone shouted out, the feeling profoundly eerie.

Xiao Kun murmured, “No wonder… I could never figure out why ‘Mu’s’ subordinates knew we were coming to Kizil! It makes sense now! This isn’t the first time! He anticipated we’d come to the Western Regions, so he arranged for Mr. Qin to act in Kaifeng, controlling the Song Emperor…”

Though immersed in it, Xiao Kun’s initial shock had passed.

“Since when?” Xiao Kun’s brows furrowed deeply. “‘Mu’ has already activated the Wheel of Fate. Wait—this also means…”

Jing Pian Ge said, “We can only speculate: in your last battle with Mu, the Demon King was defeated. So he used this treasure to rewind time.”

“This conversation, then…” Wu Yingzong spoke up again—a rare occurrence, as he never voiced opinions in front of Xiang Xian or Xiao Kun. But today, he couldn’t stay out of it.

Jing Pian Ge said, “It may have happened in the previous cycle—or more than one. We’re all trapped in the closed loop ‘Mu’ created with the Wheel of Fate.”

Xiao Kun fell silent for a long time before finally saying, “So our experiences happen again and again, everything fated and unchangeable?”

“No.” Jing Pian Ge said. “My master once said that though the Heaven-Earth Veins possess powerful corrective force, drawing all things toward the Heavenly Mandate, human effort can still interfere. At least my master once altered the course of history.”

Chaosheng made a “wait” gesture—this was too hard to grasp.

But Xiao Kun seized the key point: “This may not be our first time defeating the Heavenly Demon. Now ‘Mu’ holds more information than us and can predict our actions in advance.”

Jing Pian Ge replied, “Even if we fail this time, as long as he has enough energy, Mu will activate the Wheel of Fate again until he achieves his goal.”

Xiao Kun said gravely, “I understand.”

He had to rescue Xiang Xian, but one question remained.

“Who exactly is ‘Mu’?” As Xiao Kun stood, he stared into his father’s eyes.

“I don’t know.” Jing Pian Ge said. “There are no records of him in Shenzhou’s history. I can only say his methods defy ordinary comprehension. He’s lurked in the shadows for a millennium, masters the path of life and death, and has awakened countless ancient dead to serve him.”

“I know who he is.” Chaosheng suddenly said.

Everyone turned to Chaosheng. After thinking, he explained, “I… guessed. Pi Changge told me that two thousand years ago, a mortal came to Kunlun Mountain. The Queen Mother of the West hadn’t ascended yet, and Lord Jumang had only just flowered… But after she left, he entered the White Jade Palace again and… stole Lord Jumang’s first Divine Fruit.”

Xiao Kun: “!!!”

“He had that ability?” Wu Yingzong found it unbelievable. “A mortal, stealing from the White Jade Palace?”

“Yes.” Chaosheng said. “Though the thief was never caught, Pi Changge suspects it was him, as only he knew how to reach the White Jade Palace. Later, when Yao Ji descended to the mortal world, one purpose was to track him down and retrieve the fruit.”

“It was tied to Shenzhou’s new destiny.” Jing Pian Ge said.

“Right.” Chaosheng said. “Lord Jumang is already… very old. He bore fruit for reincarnation and rebirth as a new ‘tree.’ But that fruit was never found. In the following millennium, Lord Jumang… nurtured me instead.”

“Your fate is to become a tree spirit?” Wu Yingzong looked at Chaosheng.

“I don’t know,” Chaosheng said blankly. “No one told me what to do. Pi Changge said that when the time comes, I’ll know.”

Hulü Guang: “Will you turn into a tree?”

“Probably not?” Chaosheng was equally puzzled.

Xiao Kun’s mind reeled. Upon hearing this earth-shattering secret, his first thought was to discuss it with Xiang Xian—who was in enemy hands, heightening his fear. He should analyze it thoroughly, but there was no time. He feared for Xiang Xian’s safety. World-shaking matters could wait until Xiang Xian was saved.

Xiao Kun said, “I must set out at once. Where is the Abyss Divine Palace?”

“You need aid.” Jing Pian Ge produced a Rattle Drum and handed it to Xiao Kun. “This is our clan’s holy relic, passed down through generations. It can awaken the slumbering. But Mr. Liu holds another treasure. Before the Great Si Ming Flute, all War Dead Corpse Ghosts must obey its command. The Zenggu Drum and Great Si Ming Flute form sound domains: the flute-holder as commander, the drum-holder as deputy. Normally, the Rattle Drum’s bearer still submits to the Great Si Ming Flute.”

“But you’re different.” Jing Pian Ge continued. “Human blood flows in your veins, limiting the Great Si Ming Flute’s influence on you. Take it, unfold the sound domain, awaken all comrades who can fight for you from their long dreams. Rely on the Heart Lamp, Wisdom Sword, and Senluo Wanxiang to battle the Heavenly Demon once more.”

“Where is the Abyss Divine Palace?” Xiao Kun took the Rattle Drum and asked gravely.

“After expelling me, Mr. Liu sealed the Divine Palace entrance. Entering again is difficult.” Jing Pian Ge said. “But your companion seems to have captured an important figure from the palace?”

Xiao Kun looked to Chaosheng, who produced the Demon-Suppressing Banner imprisoning Zheng Yong.