My gorgeous wife Chapter 2034 - 2002: Shadow Soul

As Li Chen made his way through the dense forest, the Spirit Releasing Abyss drew nearer with each step.

Yet, Li Chen had a growing apprehension regarding the immense loss of life surrounding the Spirit Releasing Abyss.

The primary instigator of cultivators falling prey to the Nether Demon Qi was none other than their own avarice.

In an environment brimming with countless treasures, it was nearly impossible for any cultivator to remain entirely free from the grip of greed.

It was precisely this sliver of avarice, lodged within its heart, that provided an opening for the Nether Demon Qi to infiltrate the vulnerabilities of a Dao Heart, thereby corrupting and ultimately destroying the cultivator.

This was a trap of deception, easily overlooked.

Could anyone truly remain unfazed when faced with treasures laid out before them, even if they were aware of the inherent danger?

Li Chen, however, could.

From his perspective, a significant portion of the treasures emanating from this place were merely detritus.

On the rare occasion something piqued his interest, he found himself too indolent to even bother retrieving it.

His true objective was the Spirit Releasing Abyss itself. If any particular item were to ignite a spark of interest or desire within Li Chen's heart, it would likely be the potential divine inheritance from the Innate Gods and Demons, rumored to lie at the abyss's lowest depths.

Of course, this remained a mere possibility.

According to the intelligence provided by Black River, there were three prominent locations within the Yushi Realm where the inheritance of the Innate Gods and Demons was most likely to be found.

The Spirit Releasing Abyss stood as one such site, with the Azure Ghost Sea and the Cloud Harvest Gully being the other two.

While the Spirit Releasing Abyss was considered a land of immense value, the latter two were perilous zones. Based on Black River's meticulous calculations, the Spirit Releasing Abyss held the highest probability of concealing the Innate Gods and Demons' inheritance.

However, even after the passage of so many years, Black River still had not fully prepared for the ordeal of the Spirit Releasing Abyss.

After all, every soul that had dared to venture into the depths of the Spirit Releasing Abyss had never returned, leaving its true nature shrouded in mystery.

"The Spirit Releasing Abyss has commenced its spewing once more!"

Suddenly, a loud exclamation echoed from a distance, drawing the attention of everyone present towards a particular direction.

This was the location of the true Spirit Releasing Abyss. As a potent wave of energy surged forth, a resplendent, ethereal glow ascended into the heavens like an incoming tide.

Intermingled within this luminous radiance were faint glimmers of peculiar lights.

Undoubtedly, this ethereal glow originated from the Nether Demon Qi of the Spirit Releasing Abyss, and the scattered lights within were the myriad treasures being expelled from its core.

The true secrets hidden at the bottom of the Spirit Releasing Abyss remained unknown. For countless ages, it had steadfastly exuded Nether Demon Qi while perpetually offering up treasures such as Spirit Grass and Spiritual Medicine.

As the treasures cascaded from the Spirit Releasing Abyss and rained upon the land, certain formidable individuals swiftly claimed the items they desired before vanishing without a trace.

However, the majority of cultivators patiently awaited the treasures' descent, carried by the Nether Demon Qi. To forcibly seize these treasures directly from the volatile Qi demanded not only immense power but also a considerable measure of luck.

This was primarily due to the fact that the treasures, veiled by the Nether Demon Qi upon their emergence, offered only fleeting glimpses of their true nature, rendering their exact contents indiscernible.

Their swift actions were merely an attempt to gain a positional advantage, deliberately avoiding unnecessary entanglements.

For, with each eruption of the Spirit Releasing Abyss, a period of brutal slaughter inevitably commenced.

"Roar!"

The eruption from the Spirit Releasing Abyss also served as a summons to the Ferocious Beasts inhabiting the surrounding forests. Despite their limited intellect, they had developed an ingrained habit over the countless years: each spewing of the abyss signaled their designated feeding time.

"Whizz—"

Abruptly, a streak of light descended directly before Li Chen. Reacting instinctively, he extended his hand and successfully caught the falling object.

It was a slender item, cool to the touch, possessing a texture akin to ice.

"Shadow Soul!" Even the Two-Yi Yin Yang Mirror exclaimed in surprise upon recognizing the item's origin.

"So, this is the Shadow Soul?" Li Chen felt a subtle tremor of excitement as the name registered in his mind.

The Shadow Soul was regarded as an exceptionally unique treasure, possessing diverse applications in Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and even in the consecration of potent Divine Skills.

Around Li Chen, numerous other cultivators couldn't suppress their greedy expressions upon witnessing the Shadow Soul held within his grasp.

"Could this be the fabled Shadow Soul? I recall reading in an ancient text that during antiquity, an individual utilized the Shadow Soul to consecrate a formidable Divine Skill. They vanished without a trace, and even those of significantly greater power found it exceedingly difficult to defeat a master who had consecrated the Shadow Soul Divine Skill!"

Li Chen cast a discerning glance around his surroundings.

It’s true that in this location, any valuable treasure that surfaced was invariably targeted by others. This reality prompted some powerful figures to secure treasures ahead of time. While it involved an element of chance, the primary motive was to steer clear of such brutal conflicts. Even individuals with immense strength would find it challenging to extricate themselves from the clutches of numerous formidable beings if they happened to be surrounded.

"Hand over the Shadow Soul! An item like this is beyond the reach of a junior like you!" A formidable warrior, distinguished by a mane of brown hair and hailing from an unknown Race, strode forward, fixing Li Chen with a cold gaze.

Li Chen’s unassuming appearance was the main reason he blended in; in a throng, one would scarcely notice such a person.

If anything set him apart, it would likely be his Human Race lineage.

Within the Yushi Realm, the Human Race does exist, yet they are exceedingly rare, comparable to an endangered species, even more scarce than certain lesser races.

Nevertheless, with precious treasures within sight, even an endangered race like the Humans would not deter these avaricious individuals.

"You desire this Shadow Soul?" Li Chen turned the Shadow Soul over in his hand, looking up at the brown-haired powerhouse. It had to be admitted, this individual possessed an exceptionally intimidating presence. Despite Li Chen’s height, nearly six feet three inches – quite tall for a Human – he seemed dwarfed in comparison to the brown-haired warrior.

Witnessing Li Chen’s gesture, the onlookers presumed he was acquiescing, and one immediately moved to claim the prize.

"Absolutely not!"

A stout figure with the body of a human and the head of a fish pushed forward: "Possessions ought to belong to those who can claim them. Is it not improper for you to wish to hoard it?"

This declaration, naturally, was not directed at Li Chen but rather at the brown-haired strongman.

"Precisely!"

Several others quickly voiced their agreement and advanced.

At this juncture, as the treasures from the Spirit Releasing Abyss began to disperse, some individuals prudently departed the area, acknowledging that the Spirit Releasing Abyss yielded a multitude of treasures, and the Shadow Soul was not the sole valuable item.

Despite this, some remained rooted to the spot, their resolve fixed on obtaining the Shadow Soul!

Observing those whose gazes were locked onto the Shadow Soul in his grasp but who hesitated due to apprehension, Li Chen suddenly let out a chuckle: "It appears you still haven't reached a decision. How about I present you with a choice to make?"

"Junior, what is your proposal?" The fish-headed warrior cast a cold glance at Li Chen as he inquired.

Upon hearing this, Li Chen’s smile widened brilliantly: "First, begone! Second, perish!"