Chu Hao's legs moved like wheels of fire as he almost reached the edge of the Holy City before finally stopping to rest and check his wounds.

There was a scratch mark around his heart, with death energy lingering around it.

These Netherworld People were extremely terrifying. They were forged from the water of the Netherworld River. This water was deadlier than any poison to the living; even a mere touch could be fatal.

Chu Hao took out a piece of Talisman Paper and drew a Talisman designed to absorb death energy and resentment. He placed it on the wound, and it sizzled like roasting meat, causing Chu Hao excruciating pain.

After the death energy was finally absorbed, he bandaged the wound and breathed a sigh of relief. Had it not been for my Iron Bone Curse Seal, I probably would have been dead already, he thought with a chilling afterthought.

"I'll have to inconvenience you for now, Toad. Brother Hao knows you have Heaven-reach skills, and next time we meet, this bro will find you a human sweetheart," he said, somewhat sheepishly.

Feeling a bit guilty, Chu Hao got up and left.

「...」

The Holy City was thoroughly searched by the invading crowd, who dug three feet into the ground repeatedly. It was said that within its mountains and courtyards, some wild fruits had been found—fruits no one dared to eat, as those who did either died or turned into Fierce Ghosts.

Those wild fruits were the Netherworld Fruits.

Eventually, Netherworld Fruits reached astronomical prices on the black market, and countless people went mad searching for them.

Living humans dared not eat the Netherworld Fruits, but Fierce Ghosts considered these fruits precious treasures. It was said that if Wandering Wild Ghosts ate them, their strength would greatly increase.

Initially planning to leave the Holy City to evade the pursuit of the Netherworld People, Chu Hao heard that Netherworld Fruits had been discovered in the southwestern part of the Holy City.

Zhao Yun, Zhang Fei, Sadako—they all need Netherworld Fruits. Using Pretentiousness Points to boost their abilities is far too consuming, and I don't have enough even for myself, Chu Hao mused.

After some thought, he decided, The Netherworld People probably won't be on my tail so soon, and since I have the toad to block them, I might as well take a detour to search for the Netherworld Fruits.

Arriving at the southwestern part of the Holy City, he found an area filled with many hills and mountains, lush greenery, and clear waters—a perfect place for nourishment.

But now, there were too many people, swarming like a market, lured by the prospect of selling Netherworld Fruits for a good price.

"Damn it! A bunch of Wandering Wild Ghosts have taken over this place, and they don't let any of us living humans go up the mountain. Anyone who tries gets killed!" a muscular man cursed.

"I heard the price for a Netherworld Fruit on the black market has reached 500,000,000 RMB, on par with a Curse Mark! It's making me green with envy."

"The ghosts occupying this place are from the Ghost Temple," said another.

"Isn't the Ghost Temple supposed to live in harmony with us living humans?"

"Heh, you actually believe that?"

After arriving, Chu Hao overheard people discussing the situation. So this place has been taken over by the Ghost Temple's Wandering Wild Ghosts?

Indeed, it's not just humans who have come to the Holy City; Ghosts and monsters are all drooling over the opportunities hidden deep within, he reflected.

Even though some people had already gone up, Chu Hao still decided to take a look for himself.

The muscular man who had been cursing earlier saw Chu Hao heading towards the mountain and shouted, "Brother, don't go up there! Those Ghosts are terrifying; you'll get killed!"

"It's fine," Chu Hao replied.

He plunged headfirst into the mountains.

Someone muttered, "There really are people who aren't afraid of death."

Chu Hao continued up the mountain and, after walking for a while, found an unripe fruit on a small tree. It was greyish-black, like a peach.

An unripe Netherworld Fruit! Chu Hao was overjoyed. To think I'd find one so soon after starting up the mountain!

As Chu Hao approached the fruit, he suddenly felt an icy chill on his back and was taken aback. Could it be that the Netherworld People have caught up with me?

He swiftly turned around and saw a Fierce Ghost hanging mid-air, blood streaming from its eyes, just half a meter away, staring intently at him.

Chu Hao jumped in fright and threw a punch.

The Fierce Ghost let out a wail and fell to the ground, its eye socket punched, now looking like a panda's.

Chu Hao cursed, "You scared the hell out of me! Thank goodness you're not one of the Netherworld People."

The Fierce Ghost was furious. It's too damn frustrating being a Ghost! Nowadays, very few living people are afraid of us. It let out a piercing shriek, "I found this first!"

This Fierce Ghost was not old and was fairly strong, at the level of a Semi-Ghost King, but in front of Chu Hao, it obviously didn't stand a chance.

Chu Hao said indifferently, "Just because you say it's yours, it is? Let this Taoist Master tell you, this whole mountain is mine, even you are mine. Now scram!"

The Fierce Ghost cursed inwardly. How could I encounter such a shameless person! Daring to claim the entire mountain, and even me, as his property!

The Fierce Ghost glared malevolently at Chu Hao, then vanished.

"I've been a Ghost for fifty years; I'm not afraid of you, you little brat!" its voice echoed as its figure became extremely blurred, as if dividing into countless Ghost Shadows, and it pounced with a hideous expression.

Chu Hao swiftly sidestepped, kicking at the air. The hidden Fierce Ghost let out another wretched scream as it was sent flying far away, its face now even more terrifying from the kick.

"You're not supposed to hit the face when fighting Ghosts! You... you hit so hard!" The Fierce Ghost cried out in agony, covering its contorted face.

Chu Hao dusted off his shoes and said, "You should be grateful. When this Taoist Master usually makes a move, there's bloodshed. Now get lost!"

The Semi-Ghost King was terrified. This human is too powerful! His Yang Energy is so terrifying, and his agility is surprisingly good!

Chu Hao said, "I'm not unreasonable. Now it belongs to me, so scram."

The Semi-Ghost King said indignantly, "Human, if you have the guts, then wait here and don't run! I'll call my brothers to kill you!"

Oh? Still want to offer up Experience Points? Chu Hao thought.

He waved his hand, saying, "As if I'm scared! Go on, call them."

The Semi-Ghost King vanished with resentment.

After the Fierce Ghost left, Chu Hao walked up to the Netherworld Fruit. When will this thing ripen? Never mind, I'll let Ghost General Zhao Yun out to eat one and try it.

Zhao Yun appeared and devoured the Netherworld Fruit in a few bites.

System Notification: Zhao Yun has advanced to Mid-level Ghost King.

Chu Hao was overjoyed. Just one Netherworld Fruit promoted Zhao Yun from Junior Ghost King to Mid-level Ghost King! If he eats a few more, wouldn't he become even stronger?

Zhao Yun said ecstatically, "My lord, this thing is very important to us."

Chu Hao nodded, continuing his search for Netherworld Fruits.

After half an hour of walking with no further finds, it seemed he was really too late. The ripe Netherworld Fruits had already been discovered by other Ghosts.

Chu Hao decided to proceed to the deeper parts of the area.

It was almost dark when Chu Hao heard crying—the voice of a little girl. He stealthily made his way toward the sound.

Under a big tree, a little girl in a white gauze dress was crying bitterly. At a glance, Chu Hao could tell the little girl was a Ghost.

Chu Hao considered leaving, but as the little girl cried even more heartbreakingly, he grew annoyed. He stepped out and shouted, "Stop that infernal wailing! It's the middle of the night, and it sounds terrible!"

The little girl turned around. Her complexion was pale, but her features were pretty and delicate. She appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen years old—a young Female Ghost, a loli.

The little girl sobbed, "Big brother, I'm... I'm sorry."

Chu Hao frowned and asked, "What are you crying about here, you Ghost?"

The little girl cried aggrievedly, "My dad was taken away!"

System Notification: Host has triggered A-rank Mission: Rescue the father of the Female Ghost Yang Xiao'ou.

System Notification: Completion Reward: 1,000,000 Experience Points.

System Notification: Completion Reward: 50,000 Merit Points.

System Notification: Completion Reward: One Diamond Treasure Chest.