Chapter 327: Spirit Control Technique
"Vengeful Spirit..."
Tao Yu remembered that one of the subsequent steps in the Art of Corpse Refining was that if zombies wanted to further elevate themselves, one of the options was to integrate with vengeful spirits; however, he did not possess the Spirit Control Technique.
When he was in Monster World, he obliterated a boss who had the potential to be a Fortune Thief, and after merging into Wino's corpse, it turned into a storage vessel.
And these two were undoubtedly a legitimate combination of vengeful spirit + zombie.
"Zombies are tough and resilient, while vengeful spirits are unpredictable and changeable; without the understanding of a Grandmaster, even first-rate experts would struggle significantly."
As Tao Yu beheld the occasional appearance of a female ghost within his aura, he pondered deeply.
From their situation, it is possible that they possessed the ability to possess others or launch mental assaults, but it was a pity that he completely overpowered them.
As Tao Yu suddenly intensified the erosion of killing intent, the two female ghosts screamed miserably, after which one of them pleaded for mercy,
"Daoist, please show great mercy, my sister and I were also compelled against our will, controlled by others."
"Where is Shi Shaojian? What about Shi Jian? Is he dead?"
While using the killing intent to erode and threaten them, Tao Yu asked coldly.
"Young Master Shi has gone north to Chang'an, preparing to perform rituals at the Land of Dragon's Rise. Shi Jian is still in seclusion, healing, but after that, he will also go to Chang'an to corrupt the Chosen One."
The other female ghost timidly revealed, their hearts also marveled, contemplating how the other party knew about the injured old master.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through their minds at the same time.
This is a Pioneer!
"Corrupt the Chosen One?"
Tao Yu too was somewhat astounded.
"It means to subject the Child of Destiny of this world to trials beyond his endurance, then to bewitch him and thus reap rewards."
"Shi Jian said only those Chosen Ones who are pure of heart and resolute in will can withstand such corruption..."
Suppressing their shock, the two female ghosts spoke one after the other.
This information took Tao Yu by surprise; he had not expected such schemes.
It made him think of Cao Shaolin; he was initially lurking in Jack's survivor camp, and despite his strength, he had not taken action. Tao Yu found this odd, but now, it seemed there might be a plan in the works!
But isn't the Chosen One with me?
Who else could it be? Wannian? She seems to be in Shu Land too.
"Who do they want to corrupt?"
"Of course, Li Shimin..."
"..."
After hearing this, Tao Yu nodded blankly, as according to the situation known through Ming Cult's Zhu Chongba, Li Shimin was unlikely to be the Chosen One.
"What do they intend to do?"
"Inflict an infection on Chang'an's residents, forcing Li Shimin to personally undertake a massive slaughter..."
Tao Yu was somewhat bemused upon hearing this.
Are they shaping Li Shimin in the mold of Arthas?
But, he thought, if they really succeed, it might indeed be possible to turn Li Shimin dark!
"Then what does this mean for me?"
Tao Yu's eyes were deep and thoughtful.
The two female ghosts, trapped within the aura, fell silent for a moment before speaking,
"Young Master Shi said that the two of you might be from another world and could be Chosen Ones, but since he has his own plans, he is too busy to seek you out for now, just stalling for time..."
As they spoke, thinking of Tao Yu's strength, they felt a wave of bitterness, grateful that he had not been sought out lest they were delivering themselves to a Pioneer's doorstep, and all would be lost with just a message delivered.
In fact, it might already be too late, as the Young Master was not yet aware of this news!
When that terrifyingly beautiful woman arrives, it will all be over.
"The Chosen One, okay..."
Tao Yu had not anticipated receiving such treatment.
"How did you find your way to this world, did you come by sea?"
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Tao Yu wanted to understand the connection between this world and Zombie World.
"Yes, a Pioneer helped us obtain a boat,"
A female ghost said timidly.
After knowing Tao Yu was a Pioneer, they began to release other information, attempting to cling to life.
"Someone from our place has maintained a cooperative relationship with you..."
Good grief, a cooperative relationship!
The thought of a mad organization like the Fortune Thief Alliance having cooperators baffled Tao Yu.
He continued to contemplate, then remembered the current situation where the Suns dominated the gathering place.
It was a situation hard to break; as Sun Shiyu said, even if a teleportation array was set up, she could adjust it to prevent the arrival of beings with too high energy levels, making the new Development Zone practically the Suns' backyard.
Even those forces coming from Floating City would need the Suns' approval to settle down.
How could this problem be solved?
The Fortune Thief Alliance certainly had a chance!
It might just be a contingency plan that didn't need to be activated immediately, but maintaining secret contact was entirely understandable.
Or it could be the Heretic God Followers, who also had the motive to overturn the gathering place.
However, the specifics were clearly beyond their knowledge, and even Shi Jian and his group might not know exactly who was involved.
"Now, come with me and let's have a thorough talk..."
Tao Yu didn't care about the damage sunlight did to them, wrapping the zombies in his Unity of Heaven and Man domain and darting down the mountain with two corpses in tow.
It wasn't difficult for Yuzhou to take control given there were so many Martial World experts present at the outbreak's onset, as well as having Kou Zhong, an experienced fellow, commanding them.
Now, it was time to set up a target for these Martial Artists. External forces would conveniently unite them, and to end this Chaotic Era, a swift resolution was necessary...
...
"Young Master Zhong, the west has been cleared."
"Young Master Zhong, we're all set here too."
"No more living dead spotted…"
"…"
Kou Zhong stood somewhat tiredly on a vantage point, looking at figure after figure returning to report the situation under control, and he let out a slight sigh of relief.
This really wasn't a job for humans.
"Thank you all for your hard work. Brother Tao sent word earlier that he has something to discuss. Since the zombie transformation is under control, let's see what he wants to say. It seems that the source of this living dead incident has been found..."
Compared to Yangzhou, which ultimately had to be abandoned, Yuzhou had the advantage of timing, terrain, and unity, suffering much less damage.
Even so, the corpse collection teams cleaning up after the battle still faced piles upon piles of bodies.
While the terrain of Yuzhou helped residents evade the zombies, it also brought its own set of new troubles, as transporting bodies by carts was difficult, and many had to be dragged by manpower.
Looking at the bloodstains flowing down steps and slopes, at the numbness of the hastily conscripted strong men hauling bodies, the atmosphere was indeed heavy.
"They found the source? Song wants to see who would do such a thing!"
Song Que flicked the blood off the Heavenly Blade, his face grave.
"I, too, would like to see for myself."
Zhang Sanfeng at this moment also lacked his usual elegance.
He had dealings with Demon Sect members before, but such nondiscriminatory, genocidal atrocities were too inhumane!
Then, the leading representatives of the Martial Artists headed together to Tao Yu's temporary dwelling, a rather clean courtyard. Upon entering, they immediately saw the hideous remains of two zombies.
"Zombies!"
"To think such demons exist!"
"…"
Indeed, the Martial Artists didn't need Tao Yu to say much upon entering to react, as their faces all showed signs of shock.
"Indeed, they are zombies, and there are complications involved. These are not just zombies, but Vengeful Spirits as well, and they can communicate..."
Tao Yu released two bound female ghosts, allowing them to recount their tale to the crowd.
"Damn it! They still intend to slaughter Chang'an?"
"The people of Yangzhou are no fewer than those of Chang'an; they are capable of doing it."
"Utterly heartless and mad!"
"…"
Initially, the primary reason these Martial Artists came to confront Tao Yu was the living dead. Otherwise, just an outsider Heavenly Demon wouldn't have attracted such an assembly.
Li Shentong's face was particularly pale at this time
"What exactly do they intend to do, and why is it always Shimin?"
At this point, Bi Xuan sighed and spoke,
"Actually, we have a time discrepancy. On the other side of the steppe, it is hundreds of years later, and there are records about us. According to the historical records, it was ultimately the Li clan that seized control, and Li Shimin won the throne, which is why I accepted him as a disciple."
"Ah, this..."
Li Shentong found it difficult to accept; first joy, then panic, followed by confusion, he hesitantly asked,
"So Shimin inherited the throne?"
"That's right, the Xuanwu Gate Incident; he killed his brother and placed Li Yuan under house arrest."
At this point, Bi Xuan was not concealing much, as everything was now leading towards an increasingly murky path; at present, it all had just a bit of referential value.
But most importantly, they needed the nod from the person before them!
"Right now, everything else is secondary. We must set off for Chang'an without delay..."
Tao Yu said while simultaneously stirring up his Fist Intention, beginning to erase the two Vengeful Spirits.
"Wait, we've told you everything, why still kill us..."
"Please, spare us, we were forced too!"
The two female ghosts felt Tao Yu's Fist Intention and let out piercing cries.
"I want to see if you can reveal anything more..."
So many deaths in Yuzhou couldn't be glossed over by merely claiming coercion.
It may be understandable, but forgiveness wasn't necessary...
Tao Yu's voice was calm, without a trace of hesitation, his Fist Intention instantly erasing the two female ghosts.
Subsequently, some pure Yuan Force gathered into two wisps of faint smoke, feeling like cotton when pinched, which Tao Yu directly inhaled into his palm and then fully absorbed.
[Spirit Control Technique]: A technique for controlling spiritual bodies, which could lead to backlash when dealing with powerful spirits...
Well, this seems to complete the collection. Initially, the zombies dropped the [Art of Corpse Refinement], and now the Vengeful Spirits dropped the [Spirit Control Technique]. It must be something the Fortune Thief spent great effort and even lifeblood and thoughts to create, which is why it has these properties...