Chapter 183

Chapter 183: Island in the Lake

The opponent’s attack caught Wei Qingtao completely off guard. That it wasn’t an illusion made him deeply shaken and extremely shocked.

The others also hadn’t expected the incident to happen so quickly.

Wei Qinghong saw her brother being attacked and immediately took out a talisman and slapped it toward the attacker.

The talisman emitted spiritual radiance, and a fireball whooshed out, bringing intense heat.

Seeing this, Wu Gang quickly acted. He grabbed his companion and pulled him back hard to avoid the fireball.

The opponent still bore a fierce look, his eyes bloodshot, and he yelled loudly: "Gang bro, don’t stop me. They really are villains who killed Iron bro!"

Liu Tie stood there dumbfounded.

I was killed?

"Sixth Son, wake up."

Wu Gang used spiritual energy to restrain him and forced a potion into his mouth.

After taking the potion, his body convulsed, and his face, previously angry, showed a dazed expression.

He glanced around and saw Liu Tie, then cried out with joy.

"Iron bro? You’re not dead?"

"You’re the one who died," Liu Tie said in exasperation.

"Sixth Son, that was all an illusion. In such a place, all of us are smart people. Why would we fight among ourselves?" Wu Gang said sternly.

The young man called Sixth Son appeared embarrassed.

Across from them, Wei Qinghong hurriedly helped Wei Qingtao up and glared angrily at the three men.

"What exactly do you mean?"

"Sorry, sorry, it was all a misunderstanding. Sixth Son was trapped in an illusion," Wu Gang apologized profusely.

Sixth Son also bowed and apologized: "I’m sorry, I was deceived by the illusion."

Wei Qingtao had a sullen expression as he looked at the wound on his left shoulder. Fortunately, he had detached from the illusion in time and barely dodged the attack. Otherwise, he might have died here today.

"Is a mere apology enough?" Wei Qinghong said sharply, very dissatisfied.

She knew that the other party might have been influenced by the illusion, but what did that have to do with them?

Since her brother was injured, the other party naturally had to pay the price.

Wu Gang, being sensible, quickly took out a bottle of Healing Elixir from his robes and offered it to them.

"This is indeed our fault. Please accept this bottle of Healing Elixir."

The Healing Elixir was a medium-grade potion with great healing efficacy. It was one of the most sought-after potions for cultivators in the Longfeng Mountain range.

After receiving the bottle of Healing Elixir, Wei Qinghong’s expression softened slightly.

Wei Qingtao didn’t press anything further.

Then Wu Gang spoke up loudly: "Next, everyone must trust your companions. That way, even if illusions are encountered again, they can be easily resisted."

No one replied.

However, everyone also understood clearly that without trust, they might be unable to move even an inch within the illusion.

Not replying didn’t mean refusal.

Wu Gang didn’t continue further. After a few more brief words, he led everyone deeper in.

Zhou Luo silently followed at the rear, his gaze coldly fixed on the scene throughout.

It seems this group’s mental strength isn’t strong. If things go wrong later, I’d better make an early escape.

As they advanced, more people fell prey to the illusions.

But having learned the lesson from the earlier incident, they could react swiftly whenever betrayal among companions occurred again.

Truly, these illusions were terrifying.

Beyond betrayals by comrades, they could warp the surrounding environment.

Some saw beautiful flowers wilt instantly, thorns and withered wood sprouting in their place.

Hua Yu saw the bright sun swallowed by dark clouds, the sky turning gloomy.

Or suddenly appearing magical beasts attacking, the ground splitting open beneath their feet, marketplaces reduced to ruins, or childhood’s deepest fears resurfacing…

Countless illusions surged toward everyone like a crushing tide.

Although everyone ultimately emerged intact, breaking free from the illusions, their spirits were severely depleted.

Apart from Zhou Luo, everyone wore pale, strained expressions.

Continuing like this, their mental state would only deteriorate further, making them more susceptible to the illusions’ influence.

Except for Zhou Luo.

His mental strength was inherently robust, tempered by the Qinyuan Sect’s training. Combined with the aid of Spirit Xiyu and the Ethereal Symbol, he could resist the Illusionary Power’s assault.

After nearly half an hour, the group finally traversed the forest. Yet instead of exiting, they encountered a lake.

Indeed, a lake lay within the expanse of the forest, its water so clear the bottom was visible. Three small islands floated upon its surface.

These islands were small and round, each roughly twenty feet in diameter. Strange, vibrant plants draped them in a dreamlike radiance, concealing the scenes within.

“Gang Ge [Gang Bro], this lake… is it an illusion?” Liu Tie rubbed his eyes, his voice doubtful.

“It’s not an illusion. It’s real.” A spark of delight broke through Wu Gang’s weary face.

His spirit visibly lifted as he addressed the group. “Those islands are our destination. Rumor says each holds treasures.”

At his words, joy bloomed on every face, their gazes toward the islands turning fervent.

Yet not one person rushed forward toward the islets.

Reason warned them the danger had not passed; these seemingly impossible islands surely harbored peril.

Wu Gang made no attempt to hide it. “Of course, this lake is said to possess a formation.”

As he spoke, his eyes instinctively sought Zhou Luo. “Brother Xu should be able to detect it. It’s vast, enveloping the entire approach to any island. The exact details within this formation remain unknown to me.”

“My suggestion is that we all enter together.” Wu Gang looked at everyone earnestly.

This formation evidently posed great danger—explaining the need to gather such numbers.

After he spoke, every eye turned to Zhou Luo.

After all, he was the formation master, albeit only at the beginner level. This marked the first time throughout their journey he commanded such collective attention.

Zhou Luo offered an awkward smile. “My mastery of formations is very poor. Don’t place much hope in me.”

“Brother Xu, just do what you can,” urged Wu Gang first.

“Then I’ll try,” Zhou Luo conceded.

Just as he prepared to step forward and feign an attempt to dismantle the formation, Shangguan Qianxue’s voice cut through.

“Can you deploy a Tranquil Mind Formation?”

The Tranquil Mind Formation was a basic formation. Its primary function was aiding cultivators in maintaining mental clarity by shielding against illusions.

Being elementary, its effect was limited. But right now, everyone neared their breaking point against the Illusionary Power’s assault. Something was better than nothing.

Zhou Luo glanced at the haggard group. They need to scout the path for me later.

He nodded. “I can manage it.”

Relief washed over their tense faces at his words.

Immediately, he retrieved his formation plate and began setting it up.

For him, laying such a simple, entry-level formation was trivial. Yet, to avoid revealing his true abilities, he deliberately made it appear laborious.

Even so, the others watched him intently, as if beholding their savior.

Fifteen minutes later, the Tranquil Mind Formation was complete.

Everyone swiftly settled within its perimeter, cross-legged in meditation, striving to restore their focus and fortify their spirits.