Chapter 82: The Molting Technique (Scheduled for Release on May 14)

The first technique was called “Ancestral Reversion Method.” At first glance, it appeared ordinary, following the path of refining bodily parts into natal demon artifacts, but its distinguishing feature lay in its ability to allow one’s true demon form to continually evolve.

The second technique was “Shed Remnant Method,” the one Zhou Bai favored most. It involved refining the corpse of a demon creature into one’s natal remnant. Its potential depended primarily on the practitioner’s innate talent—a point where he had the system’s assistance, leaving no room for doubt.

The third technique was “Demon Body Art.” Zhou Bai singled it out purely for its peculiar nature; it was difficult to fathom who could have conceived such a method.

Why so? The Demon Body Art bore some resemblance to the external dharma body path—cultivating a clone, then splitting one’s divine sense in two, each half inhabiting the main and the clone.

Yet its flaws were considerable. The clone’s consciousness would become independent, necessitating the periodic merging of the two divine senses. If neglected, the clone might rebel and escape.

After pondering for a moment, Zhou Bai decided to abandon Demon Body Art. Ever since his true form had become uncontrollable, he had grown exceedingly cautious in cultivating unusual abilities—the risks here were simply too great.

He also gave up the Ancestral Reversion Method; the path of refining bodily parts did not suit him. Still, he planned to take it along, for it detailed many spiritual materials capable of triggering ancestral bloodlines in demon creatures, which could prove valuable.

But it was the Shed Remnant Method that satisfied him most. Its potential ranked among the highest of these foundational arts. The only requirement was a demon creature’s corpse—a matter he would have to consider carefully.

Li the Rat, skilled in tomb raiding and blessed with a convenient demon body, possessed no shortage of treasures; perhaps Zhou Bai could entrust him with procuring a demon corpse.

With this in mind, Zhou Bai picked up the book and rose to his feet. Daoist Hou told him to take his time selecting—now that he had the token, it was convenient enough; Hou could be contacted at any time.

He proceeded to Steward Yan and used contribution points to purchase the Shed Remnant Method and the Ancestral Reversion Method, spending just over fifty points.

The Ancestral Reversion Method cost nearly forty, while the Shed Remnant Method was remarkably inexpensive. After questioning Steward Yan, Zhou Bai learned the reason.

In truth, the drawbacks of the Shed Remnant Method were much like those of the Reliance Technique: if the practitioner’s cultivation had not reached a certain realm, the natal remnant could not be stored in the elixir field.

The Reliance Technique allowed one to refine smaller natal artifacts, but the Shed Remnant Method required a demon body—these creatures tended to be enormous, making carrying them around highly conspicuous.

Leaving the Thousand Arts Hall, Zhou Bai was approached by Old Ox, but his next destination was rather hidden, so he planned to go alone.

After politely declining Old Ox, Zhou Bai followed Wen Meng’s instructions, heading deep into Nether Street, to the area the officials called the Dark Zone—the most densely populated part.

On the way, foot traffic was sparse; shop doors were tightly shut, though each left a narrow gap, catering only to familiar patrons—that was the survival code here.

Being near the margin, the place teemed with all sorts. The lowest ranks of the Nether Registry were concentrated here.

Someone as unfamiliar as Zhou Bai was immediately targeted upon entering the Dark Zone.

A few men, each bearing obvious demon creature traits, approached him with apparent intentions.

Zhou Bai was utterly unruffled. This was Nether Street; any fight would see them expelled at once.

“Kid, first time in the Dark Zone? Hand over twenty contribution points as a toll.”

Zhou Bai glanced at them, unmoved.

One, whose face resembled a snake’s, grinned slyly: “You know the rules here, don’t you? If you won’t spare a few points, we’ll just have to throw you out of Nether Street ourselves.”

Another, whose head was like a locust, chimed in, “Once you’re out, you won’t get back in for thirty days. No sense wasting time over a handful of points, right?”

“No need to waste time. I’m here to see someone—the Rat Master.”

Yu Jun had told Zhou Bai that simply dropping Li the Rat’s name in the Dark Zone worked wonders.

And there was little fear of impersonation: Li the Rat was vicious and extremely petty—anyone daring to use his name to swindle would be courting death.

The men exchanged glances. The snake-faced one clasped his hands in respect. “Apologies for the trouble, sir. Please, inside—the Rat Master happens to be in today.”

Zhou Bai reciprocated the gesture and passed by them.

This Dark Zone housed the lowest ranks of the Nether Registry—those whose mastery of their true form was neither high nor low.

Though not fully demonized, their bodies were already mostly corrupted by demonic energy. They dared not use supernatural powers for fear of hastening their transformation, and so lingered here, barely surviving.

Zhou Bai continued toward the edge of Nether Street. Soon, he spotted a solitary, dilapidated house, the surrounding buildings seeming to keep their distance.

He approached, but before he could knock, the wooden door was opened from within.

Looking inside, he saw the furnishings were sparse—hardly a decent piece of furniture. In the center, a fire burned, surrounded by several thin figures in black robes, their backs to Zhou Bai.

“What business do you have with me?” Li the Rat’s voice was sharp, almost like a rodent’s squeak, chilling to the bone.

“Wang Zhen sent me to find you.”

No sooner had Zhou Bai spoken than Li the Rat spun around, his face coming into view—pointed snout, sunken cheeks, eyes glowing red.

“Wang… Wang Zhen… damn, here to collect debts?”

Li the Rat was startled; he must have wronged Wang Zhen before, his body instinctively shivering.

Zhou Bai hadn’t expected Wang Zhen’s name to carry such weight with Li the Rat. He handed over a piece of earth-colored jade—passed to him by Wen Meng, said to be Wang Zhen’s token.

“Alright, so long as you’re not here for debts. Whatever help you need, just ask.”

Zhou Bai explained his impending tribulation to Li the Rat, who breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s a small matter. First, tell me about the traits of your ghost path ability.”

“Though it’s a Yin-Yang Eye, my true form may be somewhat related to bones.”

Li the Rat was puzzled, muttering, “Bones? The true form of a Yin-Yang Eye should be the Staff-Wielding Ghost… Never mind, I’ll help anyway. As for requirements, they’re not my concern.”

He bent down and quickly scribbled on an old piece of paper. In a short while, the page was densely filled with writing.

“Here you go. I’ve written it according to what you said—Bone Ghost Path tribulation. Just follow the instructions. If anything goes wrong, don’t blame me.”

Zhou Bai took it and quickly skimmed through. The method for crossing the tribulation was quite complex, requiring not only an array but also specific materials to activate it.

He could enlist Daoist Hou and Wen Meng for the array, but the materials were rather intricate.

“Is there any requirement for the location of the array?”

Li the Rat waved his hand impatiently. “Not really. Since yours is a ghost path ability, a Yin vein would be ideal; if not, it’s no big deal. Just find somewhere with strong Yin energy.”

“Yin vein…” Zhou Bai’s thoughts stirred. That mass grave outside Hangdu City, though an acquired Yin vein, should suffice.