Others might not know what the term soul foundation referred to, but Xiang Shaoyun knew exactly what it was. There were no limits to cultivation, and at certain points in one's cultivation, one would have to take a step forward to continue to grow.
One would start at the Basic Realm and advance to the Astral Realm, then to the Transformation Realm before eventually reaching the Skysoar Realm, also known as the King Realm. Beyond that realm was the Emperor Realm, whose official name was the Dragon Ascension Realm, as it was during this realm that one would be akin to a dragon among humans, known as Emperors. Those in the next realm were known as Sovereigns, with the official name of the realm being Soul Foundation Realm.
Since this person had mentioned soul foundation, it could only mean that he had a terrifying cultivation level, high enough to have a soul foundation. Xiang Shaoyun came from a tier-7 sect. Thus, he was clear that even those at the Sovereign Realm would have a hard time living for 10,000 years. This person was most likely above that realm.
Of course, his physical flesh was already dead and only his soul survived. But his soul alone was so powerful few people could contend against him. Because of that, when that person noticed that Xiang Shaoyun had talent in soul cultivation as well, he lured him down here so as to snatch a new body for himself. But since Xiang Shaoyun was the heir of his master, he gave up on that plan.
"You are saying I need to find a body capable of storing your soul foundation? That is the only way you can leave?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.
"That's right. There is a formation in place preventing my soul from leaving. Thus, I am forced to remain in this body. Otherwise, I would have been free long ago," he said with a sigh.
"What cultivation level does a person need to be at to be able to store your soul foundation?" asked Xiang Shaoyun.
This person would be a great help to him if released. The thought of that tempted him more to help this person.
"I need the body of at least a late-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator," he said.
Dragon Ascension Realm, commonly known as the Emperor Realm, and the cultivator even had to be in the late stage. That was quite a high requirement. One ought to remember that it was basically impossible for Emperors to enter this place. They would be killed by the formations here.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to get that done," said Xiang Shaoyun helplessly. "Are there no alternatives?"
"Yes, you have to find me some treasure capable of storing souls," he said. "But forget it. With your strength, it will be impossible for you to get one. Just go look for the experts of the Xiang Clan to come rescue me. Tell them I am the Devouring Ghost of the Five Great Skyslaying Generals serving under the Overlord. They will know to come for me after hearing that."
Devouring Ghost, a name that struck fear in one's heart. In truth, 10,000 years ago, this person was indeed a top expert that was greatly feared by many. But it had been too long since that era, and because of that, Xiang Shaoyun had never heard of the affairs from back then.
Xiang Shaoyun smiled bitterly, "I won't be able to reach the Xiang Clan, so I'm afraid that will not be an option either."
"Looks like the Xiang Clan of today has changed," said Devouring Ghost with a sigh. "Fine. Just wait until you grow strong enough. You can come for me then. But I really don't know if I can last that long. AHHHH! Damn it! I can't accept this!"
His voice was extremely mournful, filled with enough hatred that anyone hearing it would feel their hairs stand on end. Xiang Shaoyun sank into silence, but a voice seemed to have appeared in his head, telling him he had to rescue Devouring Ghost.
Perhaps the Nether Dragon Soul Headband will be able to help. Xiang Shaoyun decided to try using the Nether Dragon Soul Headband after thinking about it for a bit.
The Nether Dragon Soul Headband was a treasure that could be used to control the soul of others. But it was unknown if it could be used to store Devouring Ghost's soul. The only thing Xiang Shaoyun knew was that his own soul was currently stored in the space between the two ends of the headband. Staying there, his soul was protected from all sorts of soul attacks and could grow at an enhanced speed.
If he moved his soul out of that place, he might be able to allow Devouring Ghost's soul to enter it instead. At that thought, he summoned out the Nether Dragon Soul Headband.
When Devouring Ghost saw the Nether Dragon Soul Headband, his eyes lit up as he cried out, "This...is this the Nether Dragon Soul Headband from the Imperial Nether Clan? Why is it on you?"
"You know about this thing as well?" Xiang Shaoyun was surprised.
The Nether Dragon Soul Headband was something he had obtained from the Cloud Margin Pavilion auction. The Cloud Margin Pavilion people knew nothing about the Nether Dragon Soul Headband, yet Devouring Ghost was able to recognize it with one glance. It was obvious Devouring Ghost had seen the headband before.
"Haha, how would I not know it? Back then, the Imperial Nether Clan was one of the main forces besieging my master. Their ancestor was killed by my master, but the headband had actually fallen into your hands? Only the direct descendants of the Imperial Nether Clan are supposed to be able to control this headband," said Devouring Ghost as he roared with laughter. "Wait, you can't have the blood of the Imperial Nether Clan in you as well, right?"
Xiang Shaoyun smiled helplessly. "You said it yourself. Only the direct descendants of the Imperial Nether Clan can control the headband. I suppose I do have their blood after all."
Yes, he was a member of the Xiang Clan, but he had most likely gotten the blood of the Imperial Nether Clan from the previous generation. Since his father was a Xiang Clan member, it could only mean that the mother he had never met was the one who had given him the Imperial Nether Clan’s blood. But of course, he wasn't sure about that either.
"The Xiang Clan has never got along well with the Imperial Nether Clan. It is very rare to see someone with the blood of these two clans. But that also grants you the talents unique to the two clans, giving you an even brighter future in your path of cultivation. Then again, you sure are weak. You're only at the Transformation Realm?" said Devouring Ghost.
"Now is not the time to talk about all that. See if you can enter the headband," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"If even the Nether Dragon Soul Headband can't store my soul foundation, nothing else in this world will be able to cut it," said Devouring Ghost. "Put it on my forehead."
Xiang Shaoyun did as told and sent the headband flying toward Devouring Ghost's forehead. Abruptly, strands of fearsome power surged out of Devouring Ghost.
Bang! Bang!
The dreadfully destructive power slammed right into the headband. Fortunately, the Nether Dragon Soul Headband was incredibly tough and wasn't the least bit damaged. Xiang Shaoyun was given a fright, and because of that, he lost control over the headband, and it started to drop down to the ground.
"Bastards! You people imprisoned me for so many years! You dream of preventing my escape? Impossible! Just you wait. I, Devouring Ghost, shall reappear in the world. I will not spare a single one of you!" roared Devouring Ghost as he lifted the headband with his soul power and placed it on his forehead again. Next, a clump of boundless soul power converged at the space between the two ends of the headband.