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Most of them had limbs for crawling, with some dragging a slender tail behind them, looking like some kind of supernatural ghouls.

Thus, the Ghost Cultivators referred to them as undead monsters.

These monsters couldn't be killed—only exorcised.

Wu Xiongan and the others also wore tense expressions as they watched the undead creatures surge from the sea like locusts, their numbers terrifying as they endlessly crawled up the ship's hull.

Shi Wuming turned and asked, "Yo, is it true that if someone—human or ghost—gets dragged into the sea by the undead, they become one of them, turning into these ugly-ass freaks?"

"That seems to be the case," Wen Qiao nodded.

Shi Wuming declared firmly, "We must hold our ground and never turn into these ugly freaks! If I end up looking like that, I’d rather be erased from existence!"

Though it sounded like a self-curse, it echoed the thoughts of everyone present.

They were simply way too fucking ugly. The idea of being dragged into the sea and transformed into such monstrosities was unbearable.

No wonder Ghost Cultivators freaked out at the mention of the Undead Sea—anyone with any taste wouldn’t want to end up so hideous after death.

The ship’s guards had already posted up, hacking at the undead monsters climbing aboard and sending them flying back into the sea.

After observing for a while, Wen Qiao noticed that these creatures couldn’t fly—they could only crawl up the ship. As long as they defended the vessel and prevented the monsters from boarding or dragging anyone overboard, they’d be fine.

Realizing this, Wen Qiao and the others stepped forward to help.

They summoned their Ruyi Bracelets, which rapidly enlarged, then wielded them like blades to strike down the climbing undead.

Wen Qiao’s immense strength sent the Ruyi Bracelet whirling fiercely—each swing sent the freshly boarded monsters tumbling back into the dark sea like dominoes.

The others held their own.

The Ji Clan disciples on the ship shot them looks, watching as they used mere basic-ass Earth-grade Ruyi Bracelets as makeshift weapons to knock the undead back into the water. They fought back eye-rolls.

Seven damn Ruyi Bracelets—just how much did they favor these things?

Though their weapons seemed ghetto as hell, effectiveness mattered more. Seeing they could hold their section, the nearby Ji Clan disciples moved to guard areas with more undead crawling up.

After a while of smashing, Wen Qiao suddenly switched tactics—from striking to grabbing.

Her hand snatched out faster than lightning, seizing an undead monster by its slender tail. An icy sensation shot up her arm, sending a bone-deep chill, making her feel as if she’d lost control of her hand. Yet, in reality, her grip remained firm.

As the monster twisted to bite her, she swiftly looped its body into the Ruyi Bracelet, twisting it like a pretzel.

The undead creature’s body was incredibly pliant—it could be contorted like dough.

Soon, the slimy monster was tightly bound within the bracelet, its gaping maw stuck in the loop, unable to break free.

Everyone who witnessed this got goosebumps.

Shi Wuming stammered, "S-Sis Qiao, what are you doing?!"

Ji Chengsi, who had rushed over at the commotion, noped the hell out at the sight. A sudden thought struck him—perhaps those tales Wen Qiao had mentioned about Human Cultivators capturing Ghost Cultivators to turn them into puppets weren’t just rumors. Maybe she knew the method too.

Shivering again, he suddenly felt the Undead Sea’s night grow colder.

Wen Qiao turned to them. "I just wanted to test whether they can actually be killed."

Under the lamplight, her delicate, ethereal beauty was night-and-day different from the grotesque monster she held. The way she effortlessly restrained the struggling creature creeped everyone the fuck out—human and ghost alike. The Ghost Cultivators present thought in unison: *She can just grab them like that?! Didn’t her hand freeze? And why would she even want to touch that nasty shit?*

"Haha, little sister Qiao really has a researcher's mindset. Go ahead and study then," Shi Wuming gave a strained laugh, edging away as he continued fiercely bashing back the climbing undead.

Ji Chengsi hesitated, figuring he wasn't needed here, and cautiously retreated.

Only Wen Tuti stood her ground, unflinching, beside Wen Qiao, repelling the attacking undead so she could focus on her research.

Wen Qiao put on gloves—purchased in Xuanyin City—which shielded her from the invasive yin energy.

With the gloves on, she grabbed the undead creature and found the bone-numbing chill was indeed blocked. Though still unpleasant, it was far better than direct contact.

She seized the undead’s slender tail and yanked hard.

Perhaps her strength was too much—with a *rip*, the tail tore off.

"Wuuuu—"

The Ghost Cultivators on the ship startled at the wail, glancing over. Upon seeing the beautiful female cultivator crouched there, tearing apart an undead creature bound in the Ruyi Bracelet, they silently averted their eyes.

From then on, they intermittently heard sharp, eerie wails, each one making their hair stand on end. Every stolen glance revealed new disturbing sights, prompting them to quickly look away.

By dawn, the undead creatures finally retreated.

Wen Qiao had studied ten of them. The one in her hands now hung dangling limply by its tail. Under the silent stares of the crowd, she tossed the tattered, barely-alive undead back onto the deck.

"They really can’t be killed," Wen Qiao said, eyes shining with excitement. "Their vital organs seem protected by some kind of force—they can’t be torn or destroyed. That’s why they’re undead."

Shi Wuming and Wen Tuti praised her: "Little sister Qiao is amazing for figuring that out!"

"Big sister is the best!"

Ji Chengsi, pale and unsteady, forced out, "Miss Wen is truly remarkable."

Ghost King Uncle Qi, commanding the ship, approached and suddenly asked, "Can they be killed?"