Chapter 170

Chapter 170: Schemes

Within the valley, the mist was thick, restricting vision to only about ten feet ahead, and even mental strength couldn’t penetrate the white fog.

Zhou Luo walked amidst the crowd, his expression calm, observing the surroundings.

The other cultivators gripped their magical artifacts tightly, faces serious, seeing every tree and bush as a potential soldier.

"Everyone, this area is relatively safe, but from now on, absolutely be cautious of attacks hidden within the fog."

"Also, do not fall behind. We’ve charted a safer route. If we can follow it through, we’ll reach the heart of the valley."

Lu Ming’s voice sounded slowly from the front, causing everyone to draw closer to him.

Zhou Luo also took out his Xuan Sky Sword, vigilantly scanning the area.

Generally speaking, formations possess a single function.

But powerful formation masters, striving to make the formation more comprehensive, will design it to incorporate multiple functions simultaneously.

The functionalities of a formation are also a crucial benchmark for evaluating a formation master’s strength.

Often, the more comprehensive the functions a formation master can achieve, the higher their rank.

A Second Level Formation Master can integrate two functions; a Third Level, three functions.

To incorporate all functionalities, one must at least be a Sixth-tier or higher.

The formation currently present here was likely set by a Second Level Formation Master.

The formation they deployed was significantly more potent than others of the same rank.

Even Zhou Luo would need some time to break a formation like this.

Because it wasn’t just one top-grade formation, but two.

No wonder this formation remained unbroken for so long.

It seemed highly probable the Dragon Blood Grass was still inside the valley.

Though it was unknown if there might be other rare treasures beyond this grand formation.

Swish—swish—swish—

Suddenly, dozens of swishing sounds exploded, objects darted through the fog at blinding speed.

Everyone reacted as though facing a mighty enemy, instantly summoning their magical artifacts and staring towards the source of the noise.

The next second, countless ice blades, carrying a bone-chilling frost, hurtled towards the group. The temperature around them noticeably plummeted.

Zhou Luo quietly retreated behind the others.

The other cultivators immediately took action. Various techniques erupted, dazzling spiritual lights exploded violently, painting a spectacular scene within the mist.

Lu Ming and his companion merely watched coldly, their gazes flickering slightly as they glanced at Zhou Luo behind the group.

Soon, the attack was easily resolved, and everyone sighed with relief.

"Friend, why did you not engage?"

At that moment, Lu Ming suddenly spoke, smiling broadly as he looked towards Zhou Luo standing behind the group.

Simultaneously, everyone else whipped their heads around in unison, expressions displeased.

"It’s not that simple to enter the valley without doing anything," the burly man from earlier said sternly as he approached him, wielding a large blade.

"Why didn’t they need to take action?" Zhou Luo countered calmly, his eyes serene.

"We’re formation masters, so naturally we have more vital tasks," another Lu Family disciple blurted out.

"Then I’m also a formation master, so naturally I don’t need to act either," Zhou Luo shrugged, his expression indifferent.

Upon hearing this, an uproar swept through the crowd.

Especially the burly man, his scrutinizing gaze sharpening.

The others also showed hesitation on their faces.

Only Lu Ming’s eyes flickered with a glimmer of light before he stepped forward with a smile.

"Who would have guessed you’re a formation master, friend? My apologies for the oversight."

If the other party truly was a formation master, he might play a crucial role in the upcoming formation-breaking.

Therefore, winning him over was essential.

Zhou Luo waved his hand dismissively.

"I’m merely a middle-tier one, not comparable to you all."

Lu Ming’s smile broadened.

"My name is Lu Ming, and this is my younger brother Lu Chou. May I ask your name, friend?"

Merely a middle-tier formation master? That meant he’d be easy to control later.

If something went wrong, they could pin the blame on him.

"I never hide my identity—I am Xu Changsheng," Zhou Luo declared solemnly.

Hearing the surname Xu, Lu Ming’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Not from the long-life families? That made things even easier.

But his background still needed confirmation—he might be a Qinyuan Sect disciple.

Lu Ming clasped his hands and bowed.

"Might I ask where Brother Xu trained?"

"I’m just a loose cultivator," Zhou Luo replied straightforwardly.

Hearing he was a loose cultivator, Lu Ming relaxed completely.

Clearly, the other wasn’t a Qinyuan Sect disciple.

Otherwise, given that group’s nature, he’d have boasted extravagantly.

"Since Brother Xu is a formation master, this whole matter is pure misunderstanding," Lu Ming said with a hearty chuckle.

The other cultivators witnessed this with discontent but held their tongues.

In such circumstances, a formation master’s value far exceeded theirs.

"Brother Xu," Lu Ming inquired again, "what insights might you offer regarding this formation?"

"I’m only a middle-tier formation master and dare not claim any insights—I’ll rely entirely on you all later," Zhou Luo feigned humble deference.

"Nonsense, Brother Xu! The art of formations is inherently profound and unpredictable; we’ll study it step by step," Lu Ming offered superficial reassurance, while inwardly plotting how to pin responsibility on this guy.

"Stop dawdling—let’s keep moving," the burly man cut in impatiently, having listened to their exchange.

Lu Ming wasn’t annoyed and said to Zhou Luo, "Brother Xu, please join us."

Zhou Luo didn’t refuse and walked over to them. The three moved deeper into the thickening mist together.

Not long after, they encountered another attack.

Zhou Luo remained motionless, leaving everything to the cultivators behind him.

Just as the burly man had said, gains demanded payment—this was what they owed.

When they finally reached an area where the fog began to thin, Lu Ming smiled and transmitted his voice to Zhou Luo, "Brother Xu, we’ve explored this area before."

"Directly ahead is a dead end. That leaves two directions. Which way do you suggest we go?"

This path was one Lu Ming’s group had spent much time mapping. They’d already explored the area straight ahead and successfully located one formation base.

Yet even after destroying that formation base, the grand formation remained unaffected.

They concluded that other bases must exist elsewhere.

Initially, they attempted to venture left or right, but faced ferocious assaults.

With just two of them, their strength fell short of forging ahead.

That was why they gathered the group—to clear a path and confirm whether another formation base existed.

Zhou Luo’s eyes flickered.

So the other was setting him up to take the fall.

Unlike the pair, he needed no scouting. As a top-level formation master, his powerful mental strength had already perceived the entire terrain.

He well knew both paths were fraught with perils. Without his intervention, this group would suffer heavy losses.

Whether a formation base was found or not, he alone—the one who chose the path—would ultimately shoulder the blame.

Thus Zhou Luo replied impassively, "My cultivation is humble. I dare not make such decisions."

Lu Ming continued his transmitted reassurances, "Worry not. We’ve studied this formation endlessly. Sometimes an outsider’s fresh perspective sparks inspiration. Speak freely."

Zhou Luo sneered inwardly.

Don’t you believe him, you crafty old fox. Pure deceit.

‘Sparks inspiration’? This whisper is deliberate—masking that he framed the decision as mine. Making me the scapegoat.

Faced with this, Zhou Luo deliberately abandoned voice transmission and announced loudly, "Brother Lu speaks wisely! I suggest left. What say you?"

Lu Ming hadn’t foreseen Zhou Luo seizing the narrative aloud.

Outwardly all smiles, inwardly he cursed vehemently.

Transmission allowed subtle manipulation. Now all eyes were upon him.

No matter his choice, any mishap would turn the crowd’s fury upon him.

Why? Because he was a high-tier formation master, while the other was merely mid-tier.

Cornered, Lu Ming clenched his teeth and declared bluntly, "We go left."