Chapter 442

Chapter 442: Choice

Just as everyone prepared to teach Ji Yang a lesson, the previously calm great formation erupted with a fierce burst of colorful light.

"Boom!"

Before anyone could react, the once indestructible formation suddenly shattered.

This unexpected turn of events left everyone caught off guard, and they no longer looked at Ji Yang, turning instead toward the courtyard behind the great formation.

As the formation broke, several beams of bright light suddenly shot out from the courtyard, racing in all directions!

The cultivators on the scene hurriedly dodged, but once they saw what the light contained, their eyes widened in shock.

"Essence of the Way!"

"That’s the essence of the Way!"

…

Gasps of astonishment filled the crowd, for among the items shooting out from the courtyard with the formation’s rupture was the very essence of the Way that everyone had been desperately searching for.

At that moment, at least ten beams of essence of the Way shot out from the courtyard.

The cultivators instantly went wild with excitement.

Only Ji Yang, amidst the crowd, looked at the surrounding essence of the Way with a hint of confusion on his face.

Yet seeing the cultivators with red eyes, unable to control themselves, Ji Yang decisively chose to withdraw. In his current state, fighting would only worsen his injuries, which would not be worth the cost.

However, retreating outdoors was probably not an option; he could easily become swept up in the chaos of the cultivators’ battle. Instead, Ji Yang turned his gaze towards the entrance of the courtyard.

At that moment, everyone was crazed over the essence of the Way nearby, and no one noticed this place.

Seeing this, Ji Yang did not hesitate any longer; he swiftly dashed toward the entrance of the courtyard.

Upon Ji Yang stepping inside, a violent surge of magical fluctuations erupted outside the courtyard.

A fierce battle among Void Refinement stage cultivators broke out at that moment.

Among the crowd, some cultivators also shifted their gaze to the entrance of the courtyard. Most of these cultivators were not strong enough; although there were at least ten beams of essence of the Way, the number of cultivators present far outnumbered the essence, including many late Void Refinement stage cultivators from elite sects.

And with their early Void Refinement stage strength, how could they possibly seize the essence of the Way from these individuals?

Rather than fighting them for the essence, it would be better to enter the courtyard and seek other opportunities.

Given that such a large amount of essence had shot out from the formation, it was easy to imagine that there were even more treasures within the courtyard.

Especially after noticing someone had already entered, these cultivators could hardly contain their urgency as they rushed toward the courtyard entrance.

The late Void Refinement stage cultivators outside competing for the essence also noticed this scene.

However, they did not abandon their struggle for the essence; instead, they chose to enter the courtyard.

The essence of the Way was real and tangible; as long as they could obtain it, they would gain something, while the treasures within the courtyard remained an unknown opportunity.

Now is not the time to hesitate; when else should they seize the opportunity?

Furthermore, weren’t those cultivators who entered early also part of their chance?

There was no need to choose between the two; they could take both!

As the great formation outside the courtyard erupted, Ji Yang had already entered it.

After stepping through the entrance, Ji Yang turned to look back, and the previously close-knit cultivators had all vanished, leaving behind not even a trace of magical fluctuations.

Looking down at the bluestone floor, it felt as though he had crossed into two different worlds.

Ji Yang did not dwell on it for long and shifted his gaze forward.

What he beheld was not some treasure or the grand hall of the courtyard but three stone paths leading to unknown destinations. Alongside the paths, ordinary plants grew, not any rare spiritual plants.

Yet, in the abundant spiritual energy of the upper levels of the secret realm and within this extraordinary courtyard, it felt rather strange.

Ji Yang tried to peer ahead, but it was as if a thin mist covered his vision, obscuring his sight and understanding.

Even Ji Yang’s powerful primordial spirit energy could not discern the details ahead.

Glancing at the three unknown paths, it was evident that they were a choice for anyone who entered the courtyard.

However, Ji Yang looked around but saw no hints and could not discern any differences among the paths.

Noticing several magical fluctuations coming from behind the entrance, it was clear that more people had entered the courtyard.

Ji Yang scanned the area and then unhesitatingly chose the middle path.

Don’t ask why; he just picked randomly!

As Ji Yang stepped onto the stone path, he sensed several fluctuations behind him.

The next moment, a few unfamiliar early Void Refinement stage cultivators appeared in the very spot where Ji Yang had just stood.

The newcomers looked up and saw the three paths ahead, all startled and confused about why they encountered this situation upon entering the door.

Upon recognizing that there were only three paths to choose from and nothing else, they became vigilant and glanced at one another to prevent any sneak attacks.

Frowning, the group looked at the three paths before them, unsure which one to choose, as if each path were a deep abyss ready to swallow them whole.

After some hesitation, one person dashed down the leftmost path.

The others, seeing this, hesitated further, torn on what to decide.

But watching the fluctuations emerge again from the entrance, they had no choice but to take the paths that felt right to them.

Having stepped into the courtyard, they couldn’t bear the thought of leaving empty-handed.

Though danger lurked ahead, they couldn’t worry about it now.

Moreover, retreating might not yield a favorable outcome!

They must understand that many cultivators remained outside; they didn’t know what was inside, only that someone wanted to leave.

Who would leave at this moment? Undoubtedly, it would be someone carrying great treasures!

Ji Yang walked steadily along the bluestone path, keeping his gaze intent while using his primordial spirit energy to observe his surroundings.

The plants that had once stood alongside him gradually vanished, replaced by emptiness, leaving only the stone path vividly clear beneath his feet.

With every two steps, Ji Yang paused slightly as if observing something.

After inspecting, he would step back two paces and continue observing, repeating this process.

However, after lingering for a while, the scenery on either side began to change. What was once a void slowly transformed into an exquisite pavilion, accompanied by waterside gazebos and stone pillars decorated in an obviously ancient architectural style.

Faced with this sudden change in scene, Ji Yang could only sigh softly.

"Creak."

With the sound of the door opening, the entrance of the pavilion quietly swung open.

An elder dressed in a white robe, holding a duster, slowly stepped out from the pavilion.

The elder had hair as white as crane feathers and a youthful complexion, exuding an otherworldly grace. The duster in his hand emitted a faint white light, and his smiling, kind face inspired no feelings of aversion.

Upon seeing Ji Yang, the elder approached slowly, smiling as he asked,

"My young friend, do I look like a god or an immortal to you?"

In response to the elder’s smile, Ji Yang’s expression became slightly dazed.