Chapter 182

Chapter 182: Illusion

Wu Gang’s words seemed extremely serious, making the eyes of the four listeners flicker with uncertainty.

As for Zhou Luo, it went without saying; he had come specifically for the Hehuan path inheritance. Regardless of whether the other party’s words were true or false, he insisted on going to take a look.

As for Shangguan Qianxue, it seemed she was there for training. The so-called treasure didn’t hold enough attraction for her, but this illusion environment greatly interested her.

As for that pair of siblings, they had the typical Longfeng Mountain range cultivators’ mindset. If there were benefits to be gained, they didn’t mind entering to take a look.

So after a brief hesitation, the four ultimately chose not to refuse.

Of course, they weren’t foolish enough to completely trust Wu Gang.

When they actually entered the illusion and if the situation seemed wrong, they would immediately withdraw.

Seeing everyone agree, Wu Gang beamed with joy and immediately handed over the Ethereal Symbol he held.

Zhou Luo weighed the spiritual symbol in his hand and felt a mysterious power attached to it.

This power was the so-called Illusionary Power.

When he pressed it to his chest, he clearly felt a cool sensation flooding into his body. The previous fatigue vanished completely, replaced by a refreshing and comfortable feeling.

"Everyone, be careful of the Illusionary Power impact later," Wu Gang said, then stepped forward into that illusion area first.

In front of the illusion, there was a transparent membrane.

The moment he stepped in, the space seemed to twist.

Then he stepped onto the ground inside the illusion. His body shook violently, seemingly struck by some force.

But besides that, no other anomalies occurred.

Wu Gang turned back and waved at everyone, indicating that everything was safe.

Immediately after, his two companions followed closely behind, smoothly entering the illusion area without being affected either.

Seeing this scene, the pair of siblings stepped forward first and also walked in.

Then it was Shangguan Qianxue, and finally Zhou Luo.

The moment he stepped into the illusion, Zhou Luo distinctly sensed a vast force surging towards him, like ocean waves crashing against his body, causing his form to stagger.

The next second, the Ethereal Symbol on his chest emitted a bright light, temporarily blocking that force outside.

"This talisman can only last for half an hour; we have to pass through as quickly as possible," Wu Gang’s voice sounded from ahead.

Without lingering too long, everyone followed him, heading deep into the illusion.

The deeper they went, the stronger the Illusionary Power became, and the more they were affected.

Zhou Luo focused his mind tightly; his powerful mental strength enveloped his entire body, and at the same time, the Spirit Xiyu on his chest emitted a faint glow, defending him against the Illusionary Power assault.

Due to his powerful mental strength and the blessings of the treasures, he was practically the best off among the group.

As for the others, some were biting their lips fiercely, some had resolute expressions, and others looked pale.

Everyone was resisting the attacks of the Illusionary Power, advancing deeper.

As they navigated through the bizarre forest, ordinary things in front appeared strange under the influence of the Illusionary Power.

Just then, Liu Tie ahead had a surge of spiritual energy, suddenly pulled out a magical artifact, and looked around warily.

Others looked puzzled.

"Liu Tie, what are you doing?" Wu Gang frowned and shouted loudly.

Liu Tie was startled awake by this stern shout, flashing a trace of bewilderment on his face.

"Brother Gang, wasn’t there a magical beast attack just now?"

"Don’t be fooled by the illusion," Wu Gang said gravely.

Only then did Liu Tie glance around and notice everyone staring at him with strange expressions.

He then realized that he had entered an illusion earlier, feeling only a wave of lingering fear.

The group continued forward.

Time passed slowly; Wei Qingtao held a magical artifact sword and remained vigilant of his surroundings.

He and his sister Wei Qinghong had lived in the Longfeng Mountain range for decades and had long heard about this Illusionary Forest.

It was only because of certain matters that they had never visited the place before.

This was the first time they had set foot in such a novel spot.

He and his sister had prepared for a long time for this day.

They carried all sorts of items on them, from magical artifacts meant to ward off mental attacks to talismans and potions that enhanced spiritual power.

Fortunately, although the Illusionary Power of the illusion was terrifying, they didn’t seem to face any danger.

Wei Qingtao couldn’t help his gaze shifting to the three people ahead.

He was somewhat aware of Wu Gang’s reputation.

This man was a capable captain of an exploration team who had once led his squad to uncover a ruin filled with various heavenly treasures.

They made a huge fortune from it, buying a courtyard in the eastern district of the market.

Following such a figure, they might actually find valuable items.

But they still needed to exercise caution and prudence.

In the Longfeng Mountain range, for the sake of profit, even blood brothers could turn against each other; Wu Gang’s group surely harbored ulterior motives.

Luckily, they had lost two comrades, giving him and his sister a chance to match them.

As for the woman at the back, she was likely a disciple of the Qinyuan Sect; such a person would probably scorn scheming against others, yet her strength was somewhat unknown and elusive, so winning her over might be beneficial.

Then there was the man skilled in formations, a junior at the initial stage of the fifth layer of Qi Refinement, barely worth fearing.

On the whole, even if entranced by an illusion, he and his sister held the upper hand.

"Brother!"

Just as Wei Qingtao pondered, a feeble cry suddenly rang out beside him.

He turned in confusion and saw only his sister’s pale, distorted face.

Behind her, Shangguan Qianxue wore an indifferent expression, gripping a sharp blade that was deeply embedded in Wei Qinghong’s lower back; blood soaked her clothes, looking fierce and hideous.

Wei Qingtao’s expression changed dramatically—he was about to raise his magical artifact sword and strike back.

But he suddenly realized that given her nature, she wouldn’t do such a thing.

It was an illusion.

He had entered an illusion.

Wei Qingtao immediately grasped his predicament.

Fortunately, he stayed composed; otherwise, if he had truly attacked her, who knew what disastrous consequences might unfold.

The stabbed Wei Qinghong began to lose her voice; she stared at her older brother, her face contorted in silent pleading for rescue.

But Wei Qingtao remained impassive, merely taking out a blue potion and swallowing it.

The next moment, a refreshing coolness flooded his heart; his spirit surged, as if realizing a sudden understanding.

Instantly, the scene before him shifted; the supposedly injured Wei Qinghong walked beside him unaffected, and Shangguan Qianxue still maintained a safe distance, without any trespassing behavior.

Wei Qingtao sighed in relief.

It truly was an illusion; luckily, he reacted promptly, or attacking her might have needlessly provoked her hostility.

Just as he relaxed, that young man up front suddenly turned around and swung his big blade sharply.

His face twisted with rage; faint blue spiritual energy shimmered on the blade, radiating fierce momentum.

Wei Qingtao paled in alarm.

Was it an illusion?

Or reality?

He didn’t know, but he instinctively tried to dodge.

Yet the attack came swiftly and caught him off guard.

Even as he leapt sideways, the faint blue spiritual energy brushed his left shoulder; a sharp pain seared through him, instantly leaving a gash and splattering blood.

"Damn it, it’s real!"