Chapter 171
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Chapter 171: Spatial Currents
Tianwu North City lay concealed within the dense mist of the battlefield of the heavens. As they traversed the sunlit expanse, Ming He clasped Qin Chu Yi’s hand, stepping back into the shadowy realm, her spirits lifted beyond measure.
With a beauty by her side, even the most perilous paths seemed trivial to Ming He, her heart free from fear or concern.
Nineteen, wielding the black array flag, summoned the winds and clouds, standing resolute at the heart of the tempest. Stripped of her cultivation, yet untouched by the mist and storm, her eyes sparkled with undiminished pride and audacity.
The journey from Tianwu North City to the central pavilion was brief. Ming He, Qin Chu Yi, and Nineteen soared through the skies, unlike Chen Huang, who had to navigate the mist and evade the Tian Yan Tribe’s relentless patrols. In mere hours, the silhouette of a dilapidated ancient platform emerged before them.
Amidst the swirling dust, the vast, flat expanse of the blood-red wasteland stretched endlessly, a common vista on the battlefield of the heavens. The dark horizon bore a faint crimson hue, the air heavy with the foreboding of an impending storm.
At the heart of this desolation stood the ancient platform, cloaked in a soft, white luminescence, silent and still.
Beneath the white light shield, Qin Huai Yuan stood firm, his gaze unwavering despite the bloodstains. With a long sword in hand, he and his fellow cultivators formed a battle formation, their spiritual energy waning but their resolve unyielding, steadfast against the formation’s invasive force.
As per Ming He’s directive, no human cultivators guarded this place, and curiously, the Tian Yan Tribe’s army was nowhere to be seen.
Nor were there any signs of He Lou Feng or Wei Rou.
Ming He scanned the surroundings, her brow furrowed, before descending gracefully. Her feet met the scorching sand, and with a cautious step, she conjured a surge of spiritual energy.
It shot forth like a thunderbolt, striking the white light shield with a brilliant flash, only to rebound with a force that sent her reeling. Qin Chu Yi swiftly intervened, her sleeve catching Ming He, shielding her from the backlash.
“I’m unharmed,” Ming He assured, steadying herself against Qin Chu Yi’s sleeve. She exhaled softly, her gaze fixed on the white light shield enveloping the ancient platform, her expression contemplative.
Structures were a rarity on the battlefield of the heavens; the central pavilion was a creation of human cultivators, forged from vitality and soul. Yet, this ancient platform—
Though in ruins, it bore the marks of a storied past, enduring the relentless storms and mist. Its origins were undoubtedly profound.
Moreover, the trio stood mere steps from the platform, the transparent white light shield revealing Qin Huai Yuan and nine other human cultivators within, poised for battle.
Yet, their focus remained on the shifting array within the shield, seemingly unaware of Ming He and her companions.
Ming He and Qin Chu Yi exchanged a glance, the gravity of the situation mirrored in their eyes. Their hands remained clasped as Qin Chu Yi stepped forward, her red attire billowing in the wind, shielding Ming He from the storm’s fury.
Nineteen advanced, planting a purple array flag, her voice soft yet laced with confidence: “This is the Ghostly Wall Formation, a segment of the ancient path’s maze, symbolizing a ghost hitting a wall.”
“Cultivators ensnared within lose their bearings, trapped until their spiritual energy is depleted, leading to their demise. Once inside, their senses are clouded, making escape nearly impossible.”
“Breaking the formation from the outside is equally challenging.”
“For the Ghostly Wall Formation is a dual-layered construct.”
“As Friend Ming He experienced, the formation reflects any spiritual energy directed at it, turning the force back upon the caster.”
“It’s a battle of energy against energy, the outcome hinging on the cultivator’s strength; an absolute formation, as recorded in the ancient inheritance.”
A cultivator may conquer many, but overcoming oneself is the true challenge.
Ming He’s lips curved into a smile as she absorbed Nineteen’s explanation: “Then, I leave it to you, Friend Nineteen.”
She harbored no doubts about Nineteen’s ability to dismantle the formation.
Nineteen turned, her smile radiant, her eyes meeting Ming He’s with a spark of camaraderie and delight: “A trifling matter!”
With a nod, she directed her gaze towards the ancient platform, her smile outshining the daylight, “Please, stand by for a moment.”
In but a moment, she would unravel the formation.
“Understood,” Ming He responded, her smile gentle as she guided Qin Chu Yi to the side, her gaze unwavering, her expression serene.
Qin Chu Yi’s heart paused for a moment, a smile tugging at her lips as she gazed at their intertwined hands. Standing silently beside Ming He before the ruined ancient platform, she focused intently on Nineteen’s technique to dismantle the formation.
"Boom!" A deafening explosion pierced the air, cutting through the chaos of swirling dust and roaring winds. The shockwaves caused the turbulent storm of sand and wind to momentarily still.
Ming He’s sharp eyes caught Nineteen, her black robes fluttering in the wind, standing as steadfast as a mountain. Her posture was erect, her hands moving swiftly through a series of intricate seals, summoning formidable spells.
The small purple array flag she had planted moments ago suddenly expanded, its eerie purple light cutting through the dark mist, revealing glimpses of the desolate landscape beneath the faint glow.
"Reveal!" Nineteen commanded in a low voice. With a swift change in her hand gestures, the purple array flag danced with a life of its own, gathering the mist and storm into a powerful force that surged toward the white light shield encasing the ancient platform.
"Bang!" Another explosion thundered through the air, echoing for miles. The white light shield trembled under the immense force, its surface cracking like a spider’s web, threatening to shatter at any moment.
Yet, the overwhelming force was deflected by the Ghostly Wall Formation within the shield, sending chaotic currents and the formation’s backlash hurtling toward Nineteen.
At this moment, Nineteen was devoid of cultivation, merely a mortal. If struck by such a force, she would be obliterated, her soul unable to reincarnate.
From a distance, Qin Chu Yi’s eyes widened slightly, concern flickering in her gaze. She gathered her energy, ready to intervene at any moment.
Ming He, however, tugged gently at Qin Chu Yi’s sleeve, her expression calm and composed, a faint glint of cold light in her lowered eyes.
"Hmph!" Nineteen snorted, her hands moving rapidly. Shadows flickered in the air as the purple array flag rose from the ground, its fluttering banner stirring a chilling wind. It clashed with the rebounding force, not dissipating but instead entangling fiercely, as if locked in a battle for supremacy.
In an instant, the winds shifted, and the two forces collided, merging into an even more powerful attack that veered off into the void, accompanied by a muffled grunt.
Amidst the swirling dust, a dark shadow seemed to fall from the void.
Ming He was prepared. She swiftly drew the Jing Ying Sword, channeling her spiritual energy into the blade. With a deep breath, she adjusted her grip and, like an archer releasing an arrow, hurled the sword through the mist toward the descending shadow.
Qin Chu Yi released Ming He’s hand and, in that critical moment, shot a reassuring glance back. With a light push of her toes, she surged forward like an arrow, the Chi Li sword flashing as it left its sheath, tracing a streak of light across the sky.
The Jing Ying Sword reached the shadow, its sharp energy piercing through, but the shadow deftly evaded, its movement hindered by Ming He’s flying sword. Qin Chu Yi’s blade was already thrusting forward.
As a cultivator at the peak of the Earth Emperor Realm, her sword intent was formidable, reminiscent of her prime.
The shadow, knowing it was outmatched, crouched and attempted to retreat, moving with the formation’s flow to escape the battlefield.
But it had underestimated Qin Chu Yi.
The Young Master of the Ancient Clan, her talent unparalleled, was not inferior to Ming He.
As the shadow retreated, Qin Chu Yi advanced!
For every ten steps the shadow took back, Qin Chu Yi took ten steps forward!
She pressed on relentlessly, step by step.
Clad in fiery red, the pure white Chi Li sword gleamed as it danced in her slender fingers. The sword’s tip glinted menacingly, filling the sky with sword shadows, forcing the dark figure into a corner in mere moments.
The shadow, dressed in black as if drenched in ink, was reduced to tatters under the chill of her sword energy, no longer reflecting the dignified arrogance of the Tian Yan Tribe’s Fifth Prince.
That shadow was none other than He Lou Feng.
Nineteen’s goal had never been merely to break the formation and kill.
Chen Huang had revealed that this Trap Formation was set by He Lou Feng, who was accompanied by Wei Rou, a cultivator at the peak of the Earth Emperor Realm. Her true target was not Qin Huai Yuan, but Ming He, Qin Chu Yi, and Nineteen.
However, when they arrived, He Lou Feng was nowhere to be seen.
Fifth Prince of the Tian Yan Tribe.
The relentless bloodshed on the battlefield of the heavens had given Ming He ample insight into her character and temperament.
He Lou Feng was proud, arrogant, and ruthless, leaving no room for mercy in her actions.
Such a person would never retreat after successfully trapping Qin Huai Yuan with the Ghostly Wall Formation; she wouldn’t leave this place so easily.
Therefore, she must be lurking in the shadows, biding her time and observing the situation.
Realizing this, there was no need for discussion about their next move.
Ming He, Qin Chu Yi, and Nineteen had always shared an unspoken understanding.
Ming He helped Nineteen, who was slightly pale and catching her breath as she retracted the array flags, and glanced at the battlefield. Despite the chaos, she wasn’t overly worried.
With Nineteen present, He Lou Feng’s formation mastery was effectively countered. In terms of cultivation and combat strength, she stood no chance against Qin Chu Yi.
But there was still Wei Rou to consider.
As Ming He pondered this, a shadow suddenly darted out from the battlefield, intercepting the tip of Qin Chu Yi’s sword and forcing He Lou Feng to retreat several steps. Wei Rou’s face was pale, her strength clearly drained.
Qin Chu Yi sheathed her sword and turned back, more concerned for Ming He and Nineteen’s safety than pursuing the fight. She returned to Ming He’s side, her sword held firmly, her gaze sharp and cold as it fixed on He Lou Feng and Wei Rou ahead.
"Life is but a dream!"
He Lou Feng sneered, her icy gaze lingering on Nineteen, a flicker of reluctant admiration in her eyes. “Young Master Fusheng, your skills are impressive.”
Nineteen laughed heartily. “I’ll take that as a compliment!”
She accepted the praise without hesitation.
He Lou Feng’s expression darkened further as she stood in silence.
Her Ghostly Wall power relied on leveraging strength to overcome force, using minimal effort to deflect great power. Yet Nineteen’s method of breaking the formation was sheer, overwhelming strength.
In the face of absolute power, no amount of cunning could prevail.
There was no finesse, no trickery—just raw force.
“Boom!”
Another deafening explosion echoed.
The white light shield had been breached, a spiderweb-like crack forming. Qin Huai Yuan and his comrades, trapped inside, had merged their strength into a Combined Attack Formation, shattering the confinement and regaining their freedom.
“Little Yi!”
Qin Huai Yuan called out, relief washing over him as he saw his sister unharmed. “What are you doing here?”
“I…” Qin Chu Yi began, but then hesitated. She glanced toward He Lou Feng and Wei Rou, who stood motionless in the distance, a shadow of unease flickering in her eyes.
Lowering her gaze, she spoke softly, “This isn’t a safe place. Let’s leave for now.”
Though Wei Rou was a cultivator at the peak of the Earth Emperor Realm, she had been gravely wounded by Ming He’s sword during the earlier battle and hadn’t fully recovered. He Lou Feng, on the other hand, was only at the Human King stage.
Logically, Qin Chu Yi alone could handle them. Yet, an inexplicable unease stirred within her, a cultivator’s instinct to avoid unnecessary risks.
She didn’t want to linger, fearing complications might arise.
As for He Lou Feng—
In truth, whether she lived or died had little bearing on the tides of the battlefield of the heavens.
Though the Ancient Formation of Heaven stood in balance against the Absolute Formation of Mist, within the Tian Yan Tribe, He Lou Feng was the sole practitioner of formations. Among the human race, however, the mighty allies of the Earth Emperor Realm and all formation masters could lend their strength to sustain the Ancient Formation of Heaven.
As one side waned and the other waxed, the day would inevitably come when the Ancient Formation of Heaven would surpass the Absolute Formation of Mist, securing victory for the human race.
But this victory hinged on Nineteen’s survival.
This, perhaps, was the very reason He Lou Feng had schemed so meticulously to force Nineteen to come here.
Ming He gave a slight nod. “Very well.”
She took Qin Chu Yi’s hand, her gaze flickering briefly toward He Lou Feng and Wei Rou in the distance. A shadow of worry crossed her mind—if they lingered too long, the Tian Yan Tribe’s army might descend. After exchanging a glance with Nineteen, she turned away, ready to leave, heedless of He Lou Feng’s fate.
“Do you think it’s that simple?” He Lou Feng’s voice cut through the air like ice. With a swift motion, she formed a hand seal, and the winds and clouds converged instantly, coalescing into a dark light in her palm. She swept her hand outward, and a web of intricate formation patterns rippled across the space.
“This is the Ghostly Wall Formation—a vast array that envelops the entire area,” Nineteen murmured to Ming He, her tone calm and composed.
Having dismantled the Ghostly Wall Formation atop the ancient platform, Nineteen was confident she could unravel this expanded version as well.
“Young Master Fusheng’s mastery of formations is no less than mine—this much I already know,” He Lou Feng said, her gaze piercing. “And since you know it too, I’ve prepared more than just this for you.”
With a flick of her wrist, the ancient platform was engulfed in a surge of icy winds. The chaotic currents of the void carried a sharp, murderous intent, and a pitch-black vortex roared within the formation, darting like an ancient beast with jaws wide open, ready to devour its prey.
Nineteen’s eyes narrowed, her breath quickening as her expression shifted. “Spatial turbulence!”
She cast a long, measured look at He Lou Feng, exhaling deeply. She had underestimated her opponent.
Spacial turbulence was a rare phenomenon on the battlefield of the heavens, akin to mist and storms but far more perilous. Unlike the latter two, which were frequent occurrences, spatial turbulence appeared unpredictably.
Yet its danger eclipsed that of both mist and storms combined.
Cultivators clad themselves in black heavy armor not only to withstand the oppressive mist and raging storms but, more crucially, to resist the ravages of spatial turbulence.
Forged from the Phoenix Fire Seed, the heavy armor bore the laws of the heavens and the forces of nature, anchoring its wearers to the ground and shielding them from the chaotic currents.
Spacial turbulence was a force that defied the natural order, appearing without warning. For thousands of years, no one had been able to control it. To be caught in its grip was to face certain death.
Yet He Lou Feng could command it.
This complicated matters considerably.
Qin Huai Yuan and his companions had yet to break through to the Earth Emperor Realm, and though their heavy armor was battered and bloodied, it still offered protection.
But Nineteen, Ming He, and Qin Chu Yi wore no such armor.
In the tense silence, Qin Huai Yuan stepped closer to Qin Chu Yi, his voice gentle. “Little Yi, take my heavy armor.”
He would sooner face death himself than see his sister harmed.
Behind him, another cultivator spoke up. “Young leader, I offer you my heavy armor.”
“Young Master Fusheng, I will give you mine as well.”
Spacial turbulence had always been an insurmountable force. Though He Lou Feng could manipulate it, she was the Fifth Prince of the Tian Yan Tribe—a sworn enemy of the human race.
They knew, then, that even with Ming He’s brilliance, Qin Chu Yi’s exceptional prowess, and Nineteen’s profound mastery of formations, there was little they could do to counter this threat.
To remove their heavy armor and offer it to the three was to trade their lives for theirs.
They did so willingly, without hesitation or regret.
Qin Huai Yuan was Qin Chu Yi’s elder brother; protecting his sister was only natural.
However, before this moment, Ming He and Nineteen had never met them.
Nineteen’s eyes glistened slightly as she shook her head gently. She met Qin Huai Yuan’s disapproving gaze with a firm resolve, saying, “You all go first. I have a way to protect the lives of Friend Ming He and Friend Chu Yi.”
As if struck by a sudden thought, her eyes sparkled like stars. “Even if we are caught in the Spatial turbulence, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end.”
As someone who carried the ancient formations inheritance, even if she wasn’t as skilled as He Lou Feng, she wasn’t far behind.
Moreover, perhaps she could use this encounter with the Spatial turbulence to test an idea of hers.
If that idea proved viable, the human race could achieve victory without waiting for the Ancient Formation of Heaven to completely surpass the Absolute Formation of Mist, driving the Myriad Races from the battlefield of the heavens and confining these two lingering nightmares to their generation.
Seeing Qin Huai Yuan’s lingering doubt, Nineteen spoke softly, “Have you ever heard of the phrase ‘to catch, first let go’?”
“To catch, first let go.”
Qin Huai Yuan’s body trembled slightly, a bright light flashing in his eyes. Though worry still lingered, he no longer questioned Nineteen’s decision. After giving Qin Chu Yi a meaningful look, he barked at the cultivators behind him, “Everyone, follow my command—”
“Form the formation!”
With a sharp sound, blades were drawn. Ten cultivators, standing tall and exuding a fierce aura, spread out, taking unique positions, supporting each other as they fought and retreated, making their way to the gap in the Ghostly Wall Formation that Nineteen had created on the west side.
“Trying to escape?” He Lou Feng sneered, her right hand gesturing, clearly unwilling to let them go.
“Your opponent is me,” Nineteen declared, her voice sharp. The formation surged again, blocking He Lou Feng’s power, restraining the chaotic winds and storms of the void from engulfing her. With a forceful motion, she pulled He Lou Feng closer.
Ming He and Qin Chu Yi stood protectively beside Nineteen, ensuring her safety. Seeing He Lou Feng lose control, a murderous intent flared in Qin Chu Yi’s eyes. She aimed the Chi Li sword at He Lou Feng’s heart, striking without hesitation or mercy.
“Your Highness!” Wei Rou cried out, rushing forward with a palm strike. She spat blood, her injuries worsening, but the fierce wind from her palm slightly deflected the tip of Qin Chu Yi’s sword, leaving a scratch on her shoulder’s robes.
In an instant, He Lou Feng regained her composure, her eyes turning cold. She formed another hand gesture, summoning the Spatial turbulence to surge forth, enveloping both Nineteen and Ming He, while deliberately sparing Qin Chu Yi.
Though she could control the Spatial turbulence, her power was limited. Thus, she chose to target Ming He and Nineteen first, letting go of Qin Chu Yi, who had repeatedly tried to kill her.
Her greatest hatred was reserved for Ming He and Nineteen.
Killing Nineteen would dissolve the Ancient Formation of Heaven, plunging the battlefield of the heavens back into despair. Killing Ming He would extinguish any hope for the human race, leaving them abandoned.
Thus, the Tianwu Continent would eventually crumble under the relentless attacks of the Myriad Races.
He Lou Feng’s lips curled into a wicked smile, her gaze dark and chilling, a madness swirling in her expression as she disregarded her own safety.
“Ming He, Li Fusheng, and all of the human race and the entire Tianwu Continent—I want you all to accompany her to the grave!”
She chuckled coldly, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.
As her body lifted into the air, she felt a strange sense of relief.
With that person gone, she truly had no reason to continue living.
Yet, He Lou Feng was still unwilling.
Unwilling that Yóu Lìng had died, while the one who killed her continued to live, achieving greatness and grasping the Nine Heavens Stars, ascending to the supreme realm.
Why should Ming He enjoy companionship and friendship while she struggled to survive among the Tian Yan Tribe?
Since this world could not accommodate her, then let it be destroyed.
He Lou Feng closed her eyes slowly, vaguely recalling the girl in white lying in the Mass Grave, covered in blood, her bones broken.
Though that scene was filled with despair, she herself didn’t realize how bright her own eyes were!
Shining like the bright moon above, interwoven with hatred and despair, it wasn’t terrifying but rather a brilliant contrast.
“Ming He!” Qin Chu Yi cried out, her heart racing as she watched Ming He gradually disappear into the Spatial turbulence. At that moment, all reason and perspective slipped away.
She met Ming He’s anxious, pleading gaze and curled her lips slightly. Though her body wasn’t caught in the Spatial turbulence, she stepped forward and leaped into the black vortex, finally clutching Ming He’s hand, her heart settling at last.
Ming He’s heart stirred as she channeled her Star Power to keep herself from fainting, struggling to control her body in the chaos. Just as she was about to speak, Qin Chu Yi cut her off:
“When we say we share life and death, we must keep our word.”
She turned to Ming He, sweeping her sleeve to stir the airflow, instinctively wanting to protect her, even against her own will.
Ahead, Nineteen had already thrown out a green array flag, her eyes focused as she muttered something, seemingly calculating. After a moment, she looked back at Ming He and Qin Chu Yi, “Grab on, I’ll take you away.”
She waved her sleeve, offering a piece of black silk.
Ming He’s eyes sharpened; with her right hand holding Qin Chu Yi, her left reached out to grab the silk. But suddenly, a fierce gust attacked, forcing her to retract her hand just in time, leaving her unscathed. However, the black silk broke into several pieces, falling below and instantly turning to dust.
She turned slightly, seeing He Lou Feng in black clothes also struggling against the Spatial turbulence, her body unsteady. Despite her own peril, she used her last remaining strength to thwart Nineteen’s efforts to save Ming He and Qin Chu Yi, smiling wickedly, “Let’s head to hell together.”
She had committed countless evils and killed many innocents; she knew very well where she was headed.
As for Ming He, she would drag her down to hell with her!
“Ming He!” Nineteen’s voice rang out again, this time tinged with panic and helplessness.
It was a frustration and self-reproach as things spiraled out of control.
She had thought she could save Ming He and Qin Chu Yi, but she had not anticipated the depth of He Lou Feng’s hatred, willing to destroy everything to eliminate Ming He.
Now, as the Spatial turbulence struck back, it swept like lethal blades, and without cultivation, how could she save Ming He and Qin Chu Yi?
Ming He bore her no grudge.
She had never felt her life was more precious than anyone else’s and did not want others to sacrifice their lives for her safety, so she felt a strange calmness within.
Ming He kept her eyes open, holding Qin Chu Yi’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go. Looking down at her friend’s face, a faint smile crossed her lips, and deep down, she was not afraid.
Senior Sister, I’m glad to die with you!
Seeing Qin Chu Yi lose consciousness, her heart ached slightly. Then, the turbulence swelled within her chest, finally forcing out a mouthful of blood as she lost consciousness.
Suddenly, radiant light burst forth, illuminating a pure white glow.
As her consciousness faded, she seemed to hear a cold, ethereal voice resonate:
“Ding! Detected flow of Vast Jade energy, opening the Vast Ancient Realm. Welcome Trial Participant One and Trial Participant Two to the secret realm.”
“Ding! Detected presence of Vast Legacy; now starting the first challenge of the Vast Ancient Realm Trial: cause and effect of the mortal world.”
