Chapter 188

Chapter 188: Continuing to Break the Formation

Early the next morning, Zhou Luo stretched leisurely as he emerged from the formation, feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

The five others outside seemed to have stayed awake all night, weariness faintly visible on their faces.

"Brother Xu, we must rely upon you now," Wu Gang said to Zhou Luo with a hearty laugh.

Though he was a sixth layer Qi Refinement cultivator himself, due respect was necessary toward a formation master.

After all, if the other party grew displeased and simply abandoned them inside the formation, the loss would far outweigh the gain.

"Rest assured, I will spare no effort," Zhou Luo stated seriously.

The group then shifted their focus to the island ahead, slightly to the left.

Spiritual energy swirling around him, Zhou Luo stepped forward first, advancing across the water’s surface.

The lake lay utterly still, without a ripple of disturbance.

The magical beasts that had attacked them within the formation appeared to have retreated into hiding, leaving no trace of their presence.

Wu Gang attempted to probe with his mental strength, but as it touched the water’s surface, a sluggish, sinking sensation overcame him—as though his mental strength was mired in thick mud, unable to move freely.

Beneath the water seemed to lie some kind of restrictive formation.

Soon, Zhou Luo paused before the second small island.

Understanding his meaning, Wu Gang stepped forward ahead of him. This time, however, no anomaly was triggered; he merely felt his body pass through something like a transparent film.

Seeing this, the others collectively released a breath of relief.

It seemed this formation would not be as terrifying as yesterday’s.

Zhou Luo wasn’t surprised at all.

A space formation wasn’t something easily deployed. Its creation demanded both exceptional skill from the array maker and enormous quantities of formation materials.

Even the Qinyuan Sect would not recklessly waste so many resources on a place like this.

Not being a space formation didn’t equate to a lack of danger.

Only after the others had safely entered the formation did Zhou Luo follow at a measured pace.

Their journey thus far made him realize that the formations across the Longfeng Mountain range were likely the work of a Second Level Formation Master from the Qinyuan Sect.

If so, each formation here would incorporate at least two functions.

If its purpose wasn’t spatial regulation, nor restriction-based, then the possibilities narrowed to offense and defense.

Because a trapping formation isn’t easily broken.

A top-grade trapping formation could imprison even high-level Qi Refinement cultivators.

Since the Qinyuan Sect intended this as a trial for disciples, the goal was surely to temper them through adversity—not to prevent them from obtaining treasures.

As Zhou Luo drew near, everyone’s gaze settled upon him.

"I must ascertain the nature of this formation before I can deduce its layout," Zhou Luo stated calmly.

His meaning was clear: someone needed to scout the path ahead.

Wu Gang looked toward the Wei Family siblings, his expression turning grave. "If so, let us advance together then."

Since estrangement had arisen, forcing pretense of harmony would only bring suffering upon oneself.

Wei Qingtao understood his meaning. Holding his magical artifact, he stepped forward and bowed to Shangguan Qianxue. "Please look after my sister," he requested.

"Wei Qingtao…" Wei Qinghong’s face clouded with worry.

Shangguan Qianxue gave a slight nod.

Since he had spoken, she would certainly extend some care.

Because this aligned with the path of cultivation she pursued.

Long ago, after slaying the magical beasts to avenge her family, she had resolved to someday travel the world and eradicate all vile magical beasts and malevolent forces upon achieving mastery.

Moving beside Wu Gang, Wei Qingtao spoke expressionlessly, "Proceed."

Without another word, Wu Gang gripped his great blade and advanced.

The two strode forth side by side, treading upon the water as they approached the island.

Shortly after they set out, an immense pressure abruptly descended, crushing them like a mountain.

Their expressions shifted. Swiftly, they mobilized spiritual energy to resist the force.

Boom!

At that instant, the water surface suddenly churned. A watery column erupted skyward, its cascading droplets glittering brilliantly under the sunlight.

"The water is dangerous!" Zhou Luo’s sharp warning rang out behind them.

Watching the curtain of lake rain descend, fierce determination flashed in their eyes. Without hesitation, they summoned their magical artifacts and channeled spiritual energy.

Instantly, crimson and azure spiritual glows erupted. Empowered by a powerful aura, the radiance slashed toward the falling water.

Clang!

When the expansive spiritual light met the water, a clear metallic clang resounded.

Transformed by the formation, every droplet had morphed into thousands of sharp blades hurtling toward them.

Both instinctively moved to retreat.

"Do not retreat! This area will be affected!" Zhou Luo’s voice commanded again.

Gritting their teeth, they swung their magical artifacts once more while simultaneously casting spiritual symbols into the air.

The symbols burst above, unleashing dazzling golden light that enveloped their bodies.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The watery blades struck with violent thuds.

Under the assault, the golden shield fractured into countless cracks.

Forbidden from withdrawing, their only option was forward.

Unleashing torrents of spiritual energy, they accelerated their approach toward the island.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Yet as they took their next steps, countless watery columns surged anew. The lake transformed into relentless, razor-edged torrents crashing down.

Behind them, Zhou Luo had already retrieved a formation disk, his mental strength expanding to envelop the array.

As expected.

This was both an offensive and defensive magic formation. The lake water was merely one of its mechanisms; the true killer move remained to be seen.

But time was pressing, and he couldn’t yet fully determine the formation’s attack trajectory.

For now, lives would have to be used to test it.

Thinking this, he lifted his gaze towards the two figures battling the water torrents opposite him. His eyes darkened as he resumed calculations and deductions.

On the water’s surface, Wu Gang and Wei Qingtao faced the torrential rain of pear blossoms-like assault. They employed various techniques and were managing to hold on, for the moment.

But this was only the beginning.

Whoosh—

Indeed, it was only the beginning. As they pressed forward, a fierce gale suddenly swept through, churning the once calm water into surging waves.

The waves surged violently and, shaped by the formation’s power, abruptly reared up thirty feet high, forming a watery curtain that blocked the duo’s path.

This was the formation’s defensive measure.

From within that curtain, the piscine magical beasts that had attacked them inside the formation yesterday reappeared. Leaping out of the water like projectiles, they bombarded the pair.

The two attempted to dodge.

But the sheer number of onrushing magical beasts left no room for evasion.

Left with no choice, they steeled themselves and cut the beasts down.

This caused the Illusionary Power inside the beasts to erupt outwards, immediately assailing their minds.

Behind them, the others observing the scene wore serious expressions.

Though their current position was relatively safe, the pervasive Illusionary Power continued to press upon them.

"We have to break through that water curtain, quickly," Zhou Luo uttered gravely.

The others naturally understood they couldn’t just wait passively.

The remaining three surged forward together. Beneath their feet, three distinct rays of multi-colored spiritual light erupted as they charged towards the watery barrier.

Struggling against the encroaching Illusionary Power, they each summoned their own powers. Several bolts of spiritual energy lashed out as attacks.

Boom! Boom! Boom! —

The fierce attacks struck the water curtain, unleashing a series of violent explosions and sending countless plumes of spray into the air.

Before the curtain, the five fighters shimmered with luminous spiritual energy, their movements crisp and decisive.

They could no longer afford attention to the attacking magical beasts; speed and escape were paramount.

After a fierce concerted effort, the seemingly impregnable water curtain finally tore open a large breach.

"Brother Xu, quickly! Over here!" Wu Gang shouted back towards Zhou Luo.

Zhou Luo remained motionless, his expression resolute.

"Do not mind me. Just keep moving forward."