I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

The Desolate Emperor snorted coldly, "This Ksitigarbha King is indeed not simple. Fellow Daoist Jiang, you must be careful of his tricks during your seclusion."

Ao Yuwei nodded and said, "Senior Shi is absolutely right."

The disciple will order strict guards with golden shackles and silver chains at every pass in the underworld, ensuring that Mount Ling has no opportunity to take advantage!

The golden shackles and silver chains said in unison, "Miss Ao, rest assured, we will do our utmost to protect the Underworld!"

Meanwhile, inside the quiet room of the Eight Views Palace, Jiang Wang sat cross-legged, his body surrounded by talismans, his primordial energy surging like a tide. The eighty-four talismans transformed into a galaxy in his sea of ​​consciousness, reflecting the profound mystery of cause and effect in the Three Realms.

He was so engrossed in it that he vaguely sensed the true power of the God-Slaying Whip, knowing that this treasure could not only suppress gods and demons, but also determine the fate of the three realms and balance yin and yang.

Forty-nine days passed in the blink of an eye. Jiang Wang's body shone with golden light, and the eighty-four talismans were completely integrated into the Great Evolution Heavenly Book, transforming into a golden whip phantom that hung above his head, with faint sounds of dragon roars and tiger howls.

He opened his eyes, which shone brightly, and stood up, saying, "The God-Slaying Whip is complete. I, Jiang Wang, will rightfully take on the role of Lord of the Underworld!"

"Old Pig, why are you getting slower and slower? If I hadn't arrived in time, you probably wouldn't even be able to keep up with those little devils from Flower Fruit Mountain!"

Jiang Wang held the Nightfall Spear in his hand, the tip still stained with a trace of undried demon blood, his tone full of mockery.

He glanced sideways at Pigsy, whose chubby face was now full of embarrassment, his ears drooping like a wilted eggplant.

"Hehe, Brother Jiang, don't say that. I, Old Pig, was just... just a little careless!"

Pigsy scratched the back of his head, puffing out two puffs of hot air from his pig nose, trying to hide his embarrassment. "The demon's magic is too strange. I wasn't careful and fell for it."

Normally, my nine-toothed rake would have smashed them into mincemeat long ago!

Jiang Wang snorted coldly, put away the Nightfall Spear, and stared sharply at Zhu Bajie, "Don't try that on me."

"You're supposed to be a former Marshal Tianpeng, how could you be so easily fooled by a few remnants of the demon race? Tell me, how much do you actually know about the demon race? Don't try to fool me!"

Pigsy's eyes darted around, his fat body shrank back, and he fiddled with his rake, stammering, "This... I really don't know much about the demon race."

It's just some rumors that they're hiding in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble. As for the specifics, I... I don't know either!
Brother Jiang, why are you asking this? Aren't we still supposed to protect our master on his journey to the West to retrieve the scriptures?

Jiang Wang narrowed his eyes. Zhu Bajie's hesitant manner clearly indicated that he was hiding something.

Just as he was about to ask further questions, the system's voice rang in his mind, cold and mechanical: "Host, current mission updated: To revive the spirit bone, you need to retrieve the soul devoured by the Soul Devouring Pearl."

The Soul-Devouring Pearl is located deep within White Tiger Ridge, its exact location unknown. The host is advised to investigate.

"White Tiger Ridge?"

Jiang Wang murmured softly, his brows furrowed slightly, and turned to look at Zhu Bajie, "Old Pig, are you familiar with the territory of White Tiger Ridge?"

Pigsy was taken aback and quickly waved his hand, saying, "White Tiger Ridge? That place is extremely eerie!"
I've heard that the mountain is filled with demonic energy, but I, Old Pig, have hardly ever been there.

"But Brother Jiang, why are you asking this? Is there some treasure you're looking for again?"

"baby?"

Jiang Wang sneered and patted Zhu Bajie on the shoulder, "I don't know if it's a treasure or not, but if you keep hiding it, don't blame me for not showing brotherly mercy with this Night-Shocking Spear!"

Pigsy's fat jiggled three times after being slapped by Jiang Wang, and he chuckled awkwardly, "No, no, no, Brother Jiang, I really have nothing to hide!"

All I know about White Tiger Ridge is that it's a den of monsters; you'll have to go and see for yourself to find out the details.

"I, Old Pig, have to protect my master, so I won't be going with you, hehe!"

Jiang Wang was too lazy to waste any more words with him, so he mounted the white dragon horse and galloped off towards White Tiger Ridge.

Behind him, Pigsy watched his departing figure and muttered, "That kid's eyes are like knives. I, Old Pig, dare not say a word... Sigh, it's best to stay out of the demon race's business."

White Tiger Ridge is a steep mountain with jagged rocks, and a faint fishy smell permeates the rugged peaks.

Jiang Wang rode his white dragon horse along the rugged mountain path, the Night-Startling Spear lying across his back, its shaft faintly gleaming coldly.

He felt a persistent unease; the system's notification, though brief, carried a strange undertone.

The Soul-Devouring Pearl—the name itself sounds extraordinary. Something capable of devouring souls is definitely not something easy to deal with.

As the sun began to set, the fog in the mountains grew thicker. Jiang Wang reined in his horse and gazed intently around.

Suddenly, the sound of gurgling water came from ahead, mixed with a few clear laughs, echoing like silver bells in the valley.

He frowned, dismounted, gripped the Nightfall Spear tightly, and followed the sound.

After passing through a dense forest, a deep valley suddenly came into view.

At the bottom of the valley lies a pool of pitch-black water, its surface eerily calm, without a single ripple, as if it could swallow all light.

At the edge of the pool, seven young women were laughing and joking, some squatting, some standing, some combing their long hair by the water, and some loosening their robes, preparing to go into the water.

Their skin was like jade, their eyes were full of spring, and their laughter carried a captivating charm.

"Young master, why are you standing there in a daze?"

One of the women turned around, gave Jiang Wang a flirtatious wink, and said in a soft, sweet voice that seemed to melt into his bones, "It's so quiet in these mountains, young master, why don't you come over and play in the water with us sisters to relax?"

Jiang Wang was stunned for a moment, and his heart skipped a beat for no reason.

The woman's voice seemed to possess a magical power, causing him to subconsciously take a step forward. However, the Nightfall Gun in his hand trembled slightly, and the icy touch from the gun jolted him back to his senses.

He stopped, squinted at the seven women, and said coldly, "Ladies, aren't you afraid of running into bad guys while bathing in this desolate wilderness?"

"A bad guy?"

Another woman covered her mouth and chuckled, her long, black hair cascading over her shoulders and clinging damply to her snow-white neck. "Young master is too kind. There are no villains in White Tiger Ridge. My sisters and I have lived here for many years; it is the most peaceful place we can be."

"But you, young master, look travel-worn; you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you come down and soak in the water? The water is very cool and refreshing; it will surely relieve your fatigue!"

Jiang Wang's gaze darkened, and he vaguely sensed that something was wrong.

The pool was eerily dark; it hardly looked like a place for bathing. And these seven women were all unrealistically beautiful, their laughter possessing a captivating charm.

He sneered, gripped the Nightfall Spear tightly, and said in a deep voice, "Cool? I'm afraid this pool is so cold it could freeze your bones to pieces!"
"Tell me, what exactly are you?"

Upon hearing this, the women's laughter abruptly ceased, and seven pairs of beautiful eyes turned to Jiang Wang, their gazes revealing a hint of coldness.

The leading woman slowly rose, her bare jade feet stepping onto the edge of the pool, her smile becoming even more alluring: "Young master, your words are so uninteresting. We sisters merely wished to invite you to join us in our fun, how can you be so oblivious to our charm?"

"Charm?"

Jiang Wang snorted coldly, flicked his Night-Shocking Spear, and pointed the tip directly at the woman, "Stop playing tricks on me!"

"This pool of water is clearly where the Soul-Devouring Pearl is hiding, isn't it? Confess honestly, or I'll have to take action!" "The Soul-Devouring Pearl?"

The women exchanged glances, then suddenly burst into laughter, their sharp, piercing sounds like countless needles stabbing into Jiang Wang's eardrums.

The leading woman covered her mouth and laughed, "Young master has excellent eyesight!"

However, since you've already guessed it, why rush to act? Why not play with us a little longer? I guarantee you'll be having so much fun you won't want to leave!

Before the words were finished, the seven women swayed and leaped into the pool, splashing up a spray of black water.

Jiang Wang's heart tightened, and he was about to retreat when he saw a thick black mist rise from the pool. Within the mist, seven graceful figures were faintly visible, their naked bodies appearing and disappearing in the fog. A seductive laugh rang out again: "Young master, come on, the water is so comfortable..."

Jiang Wang felt a fog rise in his mind, and the scene before him gradually blurred. The figures of the seven women seemed to transform into countless phantoms, dancing gracefully around him.

His hand unconsciously loosened its grip on the Nightfall Gun, and his steps moved uncontrollably toward the pool.

Just as he was about to step into the water, the system's cold voice suddenly boomed: "Warning!"
The host has been affected by a bewitching spell. Please wake up immediately!

The voice was like a sudden blow to the head, and Jiang Wang bit his tongue hard, the sharp pain instantly bringing him back to his senses.

He staggered back a few steps and roared, "You monster, you're asking for death!"

With a sudden swing of the Night-Startling Spear, a streak of silver light pierced through the black mist, the spear tip pointing directly at the pool.

Within the black mist, the figures of the seven women suddenly twisted, their alluring faces rapidly decaying into seven skeletons. Crimson light flickered in the skeletons' eyes, and wisps of black energy coiled around their bones, emitting a piercing, eerie laugh: "Since you don't know what's good for you, then leave your soul behind!"

Jiang Wang sneered, gripping the gun with both hands, his spiritual power surging wildly within him: "You bunch of pretty skeletons think you can devour my soul? Dream on!"

He stomped his foot and shouted, "Heavenly Net, trap!"

The Nightfall Spear swept out horizontally, and countless silver light threads burst forth from the tip of the spear, transforming into a huge net of light that instantly enveloped the seven skeletons.

The skeletons struggled, letting out sharp howls, the black energy dissolving within the net of light, yet unable to break free.

Jiang Wang gave them no chance to breathe, formed hand seals, and shouted in a deep voice: "Thunderbolt from a clear sky, destroy!"

Suddenly, dark clouds filled the sky, and a thick bolt of lightning struck down from the clouds, hitting the skull in the net of light.

"boom!"

A burst of lightning shattered the seven skeletons, instantly reducing them to dust. The black mist dissipated, and the pool returned to its deathly stillness.

Jiang Wang sheathed the Nightfall Spear, took a deep breath, and sneered, "A bunch of skeletons, daring to act wildly in front of me!"

Just as he was about to approach the pool to investigate, the system's voice sounded again: "Host, do not be careless."

The Soul-Devouring Pearl has not yet appeared; the demon may still have a backup plan.

Jiang Wang was taken aback, his gaze sweeping over the dark pool, his brows furrowing: "A backup plan? Aren't these skeletons the guardians of the Soul-Devouring Pearl? What other tricks could they possibly have up their sleeves?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a low rumble suddenly came from the pool, as if something underground was awakening.

Jiang Wang's heart tightened. He gripped the Nightfall Spear tightly and whispered, "It seems the real trouble has only just begun..."

The surface of the pool began to churn, and the black water seemed to come alive, slowly coalescing into a blurry human figure.

The figure was clad in a black robe, his face hidden beneath a hood, revealing only a pair of scarlet eyes. His voice was hoarse and chilling: "Jiang Wang, you ruined my plans. Today, I will use your soul to sacrifice to my Soul-Devouring Pearl!"

Jiang Wang snorted coldly, pointing the tip of his spear directly at the figure in black robes: "You cowardly fellow, stop talking nonsense!"
"Where is the Soul-Devouring Pearl? Hand it over, and I'll spare your life!"

The black-robed figure cackled and waved his sleeve, causing countless black wisps to rise from the pool, transforming into ferocious tentacles that swept towards Jiang Wang: "Spare me? A mere transmigrator dares to utter such arrogant words!"

Die! "

Jiang Wang flashed, his Nightfall Spear flashing silver light as he severed all the tentacles.

He sneered, "Is that all you've got? It seems the owner of this Soul-Devouring Pearl is nothing but a coward!"

The black-robed figure roared, forming hand seals. The black energy in the pool surged and transformed into a huge black tiger, roaring as it pounced on Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang remained calm and unhurried, taking mysterious steps and shouting, "Heavenly Net, trap me again!"

The silver net of light reappeared, trapping the black tiger tightly.

"A bolt from the blue! Break!"

Lightning flashed again, crashing down with a deafening roar. The black tiger howled in agony and vanished into black mist.

The figure in black robes staggered backward, his voice tinged with shock and anger: "You... how can you be so difficult to deal with!"

Jiang Wang approached step by step, the tip of his spear flashing coldly: "Troublesome? This is only the beginning!"
"Tell me, where exactly is the Soul-Devouring Pearl hidden? If you don't tell me, I'll make sure you're nothing but ashes!"

The figure in black robes remained silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a strange laugh: "You want to find the Soul-Devouring Pearl? Fine, I'll show you its true power!"

He slammed his hand on the pool, causing the surface to explode. A black bead the size of a fist slowly rose up, its surface shimmering with an eerie light, and countless souls seemed to wail within it.

Jiang Wang's gaze sharpened, and he thought to himself, "This is the Soul-Devouring Pearl? It's truly sinister!"

Just as he was about to make a move, the system voice sounded again: "Warning!"
The Soul-Devouring Pearl possesses immense power; the host must proceed with caution!

The black-robed figure laughed wildly, his hands forming hand seals. The Soul-Devouring Pearl shone brightly, and countless black wisps transformed into ghostly figures, swarming towards Jiang Wang: "Jiang Wang, your soul is mine!"

Jiang Wang snorted coldly, raising the Night-Shocking Spear high, pouring spiritual power into it, and the spear emitted a dazzling silver light: "Want to devour my soul? First ask if this Night-Shocking Spear agrees!"

He moved with lightning speed, rushing towards the ghostly figures, his spear tip shattering them wherever it pointed.

"There's definitely something special about these beads of yours!"

As Jiang Wang brandished his gun, he sneered, "But you're unlucky to have run into me!"

The black-robed figure roared repeatedly, manipulating the Soul-Devouring Pearl to continuously release black energy in an attempt to suppress Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang, however, fought with increasing ferocity, wielding the Night-Surging Spear with impenetrable precision, each strike shattering the black energy into pieces.

"impossible!

How could you possibly withstand the power of the Soul-Devouring Pearl!

The black-robed figure's voice was filled with terror, and his body was gradually becoming ethereal within the black mist.

Jiang Wang sneered, then suddenly thrust out his spear, the tip striking the Soul-Devouring Pearl directly: "Can't block it? That's because you haven't seen true power!"

A burst of silver light erupted, and the Soul-Devouring Pearl emitted a crisp sound. A fine crack appeared on its surface, and the black aura quickly dissipated. (End of Chapter)