The path of a ghost differs sharply from that of a cultivator’s soul in its early stages—they’re not one and the same. Yet, at a certain point, the two converge, walking a shared road thereafter. That point of convergence is the Saint Realm.


    For a ghost reaching the Saint Realm, it’s as if they gain a new physical body. From every angle, they resemble a living person—fists can’t pass through them, blades meet solid form. Unlike cultivators, these Saint-level ghosts lack the burden of flesh, granting them a freedom unbound by mortal constraints. Upon reaching this stage, they too must prepare for the leap to divinity.


    The Three Yin Mountain God was one such ghost who broke through the Saint Realm to become a Yin God—a true spectral deity.


    Cultivating as a ghost, though less demanding of resources than a cultivator’s path, is far more arduous. Relying solely on absorbing moonlight to become a ghost king? You’d exhaust yourself to death long before succeeding. It’s a grim irony in this world: even dead spirits face a lifespan limit.


    Learning the truth about the Three Yin Mountain God left Han quietly astonished. “So, bringing An Lang along might actually pay off.”


    “Indeed,” Lu Qingmo agreed. “A senior from our temple once noted that the Three Yin Mountain God excelled at alchemy. When he passed through Three Yin Valley, he saw plumes of pill fragrance rising into the sky, signaling a rare elixir’s birth. He spent days conversing with the god and came away deeply impressed.”


    “Alchemy… that’s fantastic,” Han said, a spark of delight igniting within him. “With a god’s long lifespan, maybe the Three Yin Mountain God left behind some divine pill.”


    The more he learned, the more Han itched to unlock the Three Yin Legacy right away. But the Huang family loomed large in his mind, tempering his eagerness. Still, he resolved to plan ahead.


    “When I go for the Three Yin Legacy, I’ll need a new face—can’t show my real one,” Han mused. “Otherwise, even if I snag the legacy, I’ll end up clashing with the Huang family afterward.”


    Unlocking the Three Yin Legacy would almost certainly pit him against them. The Huangs controlled that territory, and sneaking into the lake wouldn’t be a walk in the park. Even if he managed it, what if activating the legacy caused a massive commotion? Too many unknowns guaranteed this second trip to Three Yin Valley wouldn’t be peaceful. Hiding his identity was a must.


    “Smart move,” Lu Qingmo nodded. “You’ve got an edge when it comes to switching identities—seamless, really. No one would guess your soul could shift into another race entirely.”


    The Myriad Transformations trait—every schemer’s dream tool.


    “My only worry is if the Huangs know about the Three Yin Mountain God and have stationed a Marrow Cleansing Saint there,” Han admitted. “I’ll need to prep more, push my cultivation harder.”


    That was his biggest fear and the core reason he’d decided to wait. The valley might’ve turned into a deadly trap—a dragon’s lair or tiger’s den. Rushing in blind was too risky.


    Man, if only Bai Tian would finish his seclusion soon, Han thought. If all goes well, he could hit True Blood Realm, and we’d steamroll everything—no need to fear a thing.


    That night, Zuo Tianzheng hosted a spellcasting duel, but Han didn’t bother attending. Unlike martial bouts, these cultivators were too weak compared to him—nothing worth watching.


    The next day, Han visited the Yun family. Yun Duo bounded out, beaming. “Hey, Han! Here to see me?”


    “To see you—and to ask your father a few things,” Han replied with a grin. Truth was, it was mostly the latter, but Yun Duo didn’t overthink it.


    “I’ll take you to Dad!”


    They found Yun Yuannan fishing by a pond. “Nephew, what brings you here today?”


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    “Got some questions, Uncle…”


    Han wanted insight on Day Roamer cultivators entering Black Mountain, Zuo Tianzheng’s moves, and the Mountain God’s trial tied to the Dragon Maiden’s words. Plus, he might need a small favor from the Yun family down the line.


    Yun Yuannan smiled after hearing him out. “Didn’t expect you to be so close with Her Highness Ao. Since you’ve caught wind of it, I’ll fill you in. Our ancestral Mountain God does plan to offer one final blessing to our homeland in his twilight moments. Heiyun’s prodigies stand the best chance of receiving it—maybe even meeting him face-to-face and earning his gifts. But whether it happens, and who he’ll favor, that’s still up in the air.”


    He shook his head. “The ancestor might change his mind at the last second, for all we know. With your talent and strength, you’ve got a solid shot, but keep a level head—don’t let high hopes crash.”


    “Noted,” Han said, bowing slightly.


    “As for Zuo Tianzheng, since he’s Qi’s envoy, let him strut around. As long as we stay out of trouble, it’s fine.”


    Two hours later, Han stepped out of the Yun residence. “Big Sis and I will swing by tonight!” Yun Duo called, waving. Han smiled and waved back.


    Back at the martial hall, he tracked down Bai Ruoyue. “Senior Sister, I might be leaving Heiyun for a few days.”


    “Where now?” she asked, eyeing him. Little Brother sure loved to roam.


    “Uncle Yun asked me to handle something,” Han explained. “I agreed. It’s at the border of Tianyue and Tianyang Counties—bit of a trek.”


    “Why’d he pick you?”


    “Because I’m dashing, sharp, strong, and ridiculously capable.”


    She couldn’t argue with that—it was pretty spot-on. “Fine, just be careful out there. Come back soon.”


    “Don’t worry, Senior Sister,” Han reassured her, then added, “You be cautious here too. Let’s head to Aunt Mo’s later—I’ll have her prep some stuff for you.”


    “Why so paranoid?”


    Han wasn’t in a rush. He practiced calmly at the hall for a bit before heading to the peach grove with Bai Ruoyue. There, he told Lu Qingmo about his upcoming trip and the reasoning.


    “Go for it,” she said. “Sounds like a win for you too. Yun Yuannan’s looking out for you.”


    By dusk, the Yun sisters arrived at the grove, and the trio left Heiyun together. A carriage awaited outside—four majestic steeds, brimming with vigor, stood harnessed. A stoic coachman greeted them with a low, “Evening.”


    “Han, hop in!” Yun Duo chirped.


    With a whinny, the carriage surged forward at breakneck speed. These weren’t ordinary horses—they had cultivation, practically spirit beasts. The carriage itself was no mundane ride either—bordering on a magical artifact. Despite the whirlwind of dust and blurring scenery outside, the interior remained steady and plush.


    No surprise from a Mountain God’s descendants—a centuries-old clan with treasures aplenty.


    Inside, the space was vast. Beyond seats, there were two beds, a wooden table, and more—all without feeling cramped. Han, a small-town guy at heart, had never ridden anything this fancy.


    Not long after their departure, a black-robed figure appeared where they’d left town, staring into the distance before turning back.


    “Didn’t expect you’d be coming with me, Han!” Yun Duo giggled.


    “Thanks to Uncle Yun’s kindness.”


    This trio’s journey stemmed from Yun Yuannan’s request. At the Tianyue-Tianyang border lies the Sun-Moon Stone Forest—half in each county. Four years ago, Yun Yuannan stumbled across a gestating treasure there. Too early to claim, he marked it for later. Each year since, he’d sent someone to check on it. This year’s early visit showed it nearing maturity—almost ready now.


    It was a soul treasure, perfect for a Night Roamer aiming for Day Roamer—a fit for Yun Duo, with her soul talent and current realm. Yun Yuannan wanted it for her. But this treasure had a catch: it needed refining on-site, using the land’s unique features, or its potency would fade if moved. So, Yun Duo had to travel to the Sun-Moon Stone Forest for a flawless result.


    Originally, Yun Feng was to escort his sisters, but Han’s visit and their rapport shifted the task to him. The treasure’s site offered extras—byproducts useful for martial cultivation, even at Viscera Realm, and portable. Han would get a share—repayment for past aid and a nod to future cooperation with Yun Duo’s friendship sealing the deal.


    “Know anything about the Sun-Moon Stone Forest?” Han asked. Yun Yuannan had only briefed him on the treasure, not the place itself.


    Yun Duo blinked. “It’s… a forest of stones.”


    “…”


    Han couldn’t even counter that. Flawless logic—classic Yun Duo.


    Yun Yun laughed, ruffling her sister’s hair. “It’s a strange spot—full of stone peaks and caves, all solid rock with wild scenery. But since it’s all stone, you get odd beasts like stone-eaters, unique to the area. The deep, dark caves hide plenty of yin spirits too—not a small number either. Cultivators go there to hunt treasures or train. You might run into Tianyang folks. Rumor has it there are thousands of caves, some linked deep down, a few like ghost dens with creepy vibes. Most who venture in are Flesh or Sinew Realm—nothing we can’t handle. Dad’s treasure spot is super hidden—he masked it after finding it. No one should’ve noticed.”


    Yun Yun had clearly done her homework, laying out the details. Han listened, piecing it together.


    Night deepened. Though the carriage had beds, their cultivation meant skipping a night’s rest was no issue. Yun Duo tapped a corner, and a hatch opened in the roof, letting moonlight spill in—perfect for cultivating.


    “Even on the road, don’t slack off!” she chirped.


    Your friendly cultivation reminder, Yun Duo, reporting for duty. Have you pushed yourself today? Let’s go!