Chapter 174: The Eight Guardians of the Zombie Clan

Regarding Zhou Qing's identity, the demon corpse named Hongyun harbored no doubts. In her eyes, Zhou Qing’s cultivation was not high, so the Tribulation-evading Robe he wore could only have been bestowed upon him by Wuchang. If Wuchang could give him such a robe, it proved that Zhou Qing was no ordinary person. Moreover, after Zhou Qing appeared, he directly stated his intention to obtain the Non-World Spirit Pearl, and even mentioned the Five Elements Water Spirit Pearl in Wuchang’s possession; this further confirmed his identity. Thus, in Hongyun’s eyes, Zhou Qing was indeed the “Master of the Way” she spoke of.

“In our zombie clan, there are eight guardians. Both Wuchang and I are among them.”

“Eight guardians? Who are the other six? Where are they now?”

“The eight guardians of the zombie clan, besides myself and Wuchang, are Xuankong, Shura, Tianhou, Muliu, Taiyin, and Gulu. Originally, Gulu and I resided here together, but several hundred years ago, a celestial being arrived and…” Hongyun paused, not revealing Gulu’s fate. Yet from her expression, it was clear Gulu had perished, and the celestial she spoke of must have been Tian Yizi.

“I don’t know where the other guardians are. After the civil strife in our clan, we scattered in all directions. After leaving, Gulu and I remained here.”

Hongyun’s words were very similar to what Wuchang had said before. Because of this, Zhou Qing felt she was not lying.

“Which of the Five Elements does the Non-World Spirit Pearl you keep belong to?”

After asking a few questions, Zhou Qing finally stated his purpose for coming.

“I possess a Non-World Fire Spirit Pearl. However…” Hongyun glanced at Zhou Qing, then continued, “However, that pearl is not in my hands. If you wish to take it, I fear it will not be easy.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Fire Spirit Pearl was originally under my care, but several hundred years ago, the celestial who came here placed it in a cave on this mountain. Outside the cave, he set up a powerful formation. Over the years, I tried to enter it, but could not set foot inside.”

Zhou Qing was aware that there was a formation atop North Que Mountain, and the fact that the Spirit Pearl was stored within it had also been mentioned in the miscellaneous records. Thus, Hongyun’s words rang true.

“Very well, I understand. Lead me up the mountain.”

With a simple command, Zhou Qing saw Hongyun nod quietly and then followed her up the mountain.

North Que Mountain was vast and towering. The two walked, one ahead and one behind, for nearly an hour before a dense, gray mist loomed before them. Following Hongyun into the mist that encircled the mountain, they ascended a short distance before the gray fog dissipated, revealing a wondrous scene atop the peak.

Beyond the mist, Zhou Qing saw that the summit of North Que Mountain was not shrouded in gray, but lush and green like any other mountain in the world. All manner of flowers blossomed on the verdant summit. The sun was setting, casting slanting rays across the peak; from afar, it was breathtakingly beautiful.

Despite the picturesque scene, Zhou Qing noticed the summit was devoid of birdsong or insect chirping. Like the gray world below, it was eerily silent.

Walking up a grassy slope to the summit, Zhou Qing saw a small patch of green meadow, and on it, a cave a little over a yard high.

Hongyun led Zhou Qing to the cave, stretched out her hand toward the entrance, and instantly a golden shield appeared, forcibly repelling her four or five yards.

“Are you all right?” Zhou Qing asked.

“Master, you need not worry. The formation only prevents entry, it causes no harm.”

“Have you tried digging a tunnel from the slope to enter?”

“This formation is no ordinary thing. It envelops the entire cave in a circular shield. No matter from above, below, or any side, every approach is blocked by the protective barrier.”

Listening to Hongyun, Zhou Qing merely smiled and nodded. Then he slapped his treasure pouch at his waist and took out the Phantom Unique.

Holding its black hilt, he thrust it toward the cave entrance. As he did, the golden shield appeared again. But this time, the shield did not repel Zhou Qing—instead, a flash of gold pierced into Phantom Unique.

As the golden light entered the artifact, Zhou Qing could feel it violently tremble in his hand.

The tremor was brief, shaking fiercely only once before vanishing. He paid it no particular mind, simply stowed away Phantom Unique and stepped into the cave.

Hongyun, not far away, watched Zhou Qing enter so effortlessly, her face full of confusion. Then she flickered forward and followed him inside.

Within the cave, it was pitch black. After walking several dozen paces, one could not see their hand in front of their face. At that moment, a beast’s roar echoed from deep within, and faint lights appeared in the darkness.

Zhou Qing was not surprised to see light coming from the depths—he knew what lay within. But Hongyun was different; though she had been leading the way, when she saw the glow, her eyes filled with uncertainty as she glanced back at Zhou Qing.

“No need to worry,” Zhou Qing said calmly, moving to stand before Hongyun with hands clasped behind his back.

Moments later, the firelight grew nearer, and the beast’s roar louder.

At last, from within the cave emerged a small fire beast, slightly larger than a grown wolf-dog, its entire body engulfed in blue flames.

At first glance, the fire beast seemed insubstantial, as its form was wholly enshrouded in blue fire. Yet, upon closer inspection, it appeared to possess a tangible body—its paws were visible as it moved.

The blue-flamed creature walked out from the depths of the cave, stopping nearby to emit a strange cry toward Zhou Qing. The sound was indescribable—no earthly animal made a noise like it.

Though it was his first time seeing such a fire beast in person, Zhou Qing knew it was called “Swift Blaze,” a fire-type demon beast ranked seventh in the Bestiary of a Hundred Demons.

Seeing Swift Blaze emerge from the cave, Hongyun’s expression turned incredulous. She stared, stunned, at the beast’s small form; it was clear she knew of this demon beast.

Since the civil strife in the zombie clan, she had settled here, living in the North Que Mountain forests for thousands of years. Never had she seen a Swift Blaze. Now, with one appearing out of nowhere, how could she not be astonished?