The ideal location for Xunuo to set up this formation was within the range of his Divine Sense.
This way, he could use his Divine Sense to manipulate the power of the formation and escape in an instant. However, this place was still at least two similar spaces away from the stronghold of Yama Palace.
Of course, this information came from Tuba Five during their last encounter with Yama Palace. Xunuo couldn't be sure of Yama Palace's exact position at the moment; he could only try his best to set up the formation as close to the battlefield as possible.
The next space was a location that Xunuo found quite satisfactory. Without the protection of a formation, Zhu Xiu didn’t linger here. They passed through this space and descended directly.
Not long after they exited, Xunuo suddenly stopped in his tracks. Throughout their journey, Xunuo had led them while avoiding numerous troubles, which greatly boosted Zhu Xiu's confidence in him. But now, with Xunuo halting, the entire team came to a stop as well. Upon looking at Xunuo's changed expression, concern filled the air.
Mei Sanli hurriedly asked, "What did you discover?"
Xunuo shook his head and replied, "We’ve been locked onto."
Hearing this, Zhu Xiu's expression turned grim. Among this group of Cultivators, Xunuo's Divine Sense was already the strongest.
If someone could lock onto Xunuo while preventing him from sensing them, then that opponent's Divine Sense must be several times stronger than Xunuo’s. That meant their magical power was likely incredibly formidable.
Mei Sanli asked again, "Yama Palace?"
Xunuo responded, "The aura of a Yin Soul Beast."
"What level of cultivation?"
This question gave Xunuo a bit of a headache.
At present, only Xunuo could sense the locking presence of the Yin Soul Beast's Divine Sense. This meant others could only rely on him to gauge the opponent's cultivation level and decide their next course of action. Xunuo understood that this was an opportunity to prove his worth and stand out within the team; it was also a chance for survival.
Xunuo quickly reviewed all the Yin Soul Beasts they had encountered along the way and made a rough comparison of their Divine Senses and magical powers.
He lowered his head in thought and said, "It should be at the peak of the early Foundation Stage or the beginning of the mid-stage."
In unison, the group of cultivators turned to look at Mei Sanli.
Mei Sanli was known for having single-handedly slain a Foundation Stage Cultivator.
This astonishing information had been revealed to Xunuo by Thunderstorm on their way here.
In fact, this team consisted of dozens of cultivators, all of whom had experience battling Foundation Stage Cultivators. It was not uncommon for them to join forces to take down one.
However, to personally slay a Foundation Stage Cultivator alone required not only courage but also magical power comparable to that of a Foundation Stage Cultivator and extraordinary strength.
Mei Sanli surveyed the group and declared, "We must act swiftly and decisively; we cannot allow it to attract more powerful Yin Soul Beasts."
There was not a hint of hesitation in his words.
Then, with a cold smile, Mei Sanli said, "Luan, Friend, Tu Ba, Suffering Daoist, you three will come with me."
The expressions of the three prominent cultivators changed, but they remained silent.
Mei Sanli then pointed at two others and said, "You two should come along as well."
Finally, he turned to Fang Tooth with a faint smile. "Fang Tooth Friend, prepare your Seven Wounds Formation. If we find ourselves outmatched, we will need to draw it in. At that time, we will combine it with your Seven Wounds Formation to take down this beast."
Fang Tooth forced a smile and replied, "This little trick of mine has caught Big Mei's attention. Very well, I will make sure to prepare thoroughly."
Mei Sanli nodded slightly and turned to walk deeper into the passage. Tuba Five chuckled and followed closely behind. The remaining four left with grim expressions.
Once these individuals departed, Fang Tooth gathered his companions and sought out a spacious area within the passage. Centered around Fang Tooth, they formed a peculiar formation.
Xunuo released his Divine Sense, probing everything around him.
Thunderstorm stood silently behind Xunuo, a testament to his loyalty. However, it was loyalty to Mei Sanli, not to Xunuo.
After a moment, a Sound Transmission Talisman flew back.
The Fang grabbed it and glanced at it, saying, "Big Mei does not disappoint. The Yin Soul Beast has been eliminated. Let's move out."
The group of cultivators advanced in formation and soon spotted Mei Sanli and others resting at a fork in the path.
Although the battlefield had been cleared, the chaotic air and terrifying atmosphere still sent shivers down the spines of the Zhu Xiu who arrived later.
Meanwhile, Tuba Five and the others looked at Mei Sanli with eyes full of reverence.
Seeing that everyone was present, Mei Sanli smiled at Xunuo and said, "Please guide us, Xue Dao You."
Xunuo said nothing more and pointed towards a passageway. "This way."
Fang stepped forward, leading several teammates down the path. They encountered no significant Yin Soul Beasts below and safely reached the next space.
Here, they needed to take a moment to rest. Although Mei Sanli and the others had slain the Yin Soul Beast without injury, their magical energy had been greatly depleted. They needed to replenish their mana fully.
Moreover, after leaving this place, they could encounter Yama Palace's Cultivators at any moment. There was little chance to safely recover their mana below; this should be the last relatively safe space.
Xunuo thought for a moment that this should be the final area where they could set up a formation. Beyond this point, there might not be time or opportunity.
Before Xunuo could act, a Cultivator suddenly said, "This place is likely the last stronghold. I happen to have a formation hidden away that is perfect for setting up here. It will allow everyone to recover their mana safely."
Finished speaking, he pulled out a Formation Flag and tossed it into the air.
Xunuo was nearly driven to the brink of bloodshed upon seeing this. It seemed that this person shared the same thoughts as him, both intending to reserve their methods for last.
However, this completely disrupted Xunuo's plans. The other party had their own means of self-preservation, while Xunuo feared he might lack even the ability to escape.
Once the other party began to set up a formation, Xunuo found it difficult to object. It was impossible to force two formations into the same space.
That would reveal his intentions too clearly; even a blind person could see through it.
Xunuo watched the Middle-aged Cultivator with frustration as he slowly activated the formation.
With no other options, Xunuo had no choice but to immerse his mind into this formation and gradually comprehend it. If he couldn't set up his own formation here, he had to thoroughly understand this one.
This space might be the last safe zone. Being able to pass through here safely and swiftly during an escape was crucial for survival.
This formation was far more complex than the previous ones. It consisted of eighteen Formation Flags and appeared to be a Defensive Array. However, based on the number of Formation Flags, it likely had additional functions. Yet, after pondering for a long time, Xunuo still couldn't grasp its intricacies.
A cold smile crept onto Xunuo's face as he cast a meaningful glance at the owner of the formation before sinking his mind into the Main Array Flag.
Gradually, Xunuo's expression began to darken.
This time, Zhu Xiu had been stationed here for quite a while. Given that they were likely facing a fierce battle below, everyone was doing their utmost to replenish their spiritual energy.
Finally, at a certain moment, Mei Sanli issued a command, and the cultivators surged out of the formation with killing intent, heading toward the next space.
Xunuo exited the formation but did not follow the main group. Instead, he paused and turned back to observe the formation.
Thunderstorm had been following closely behind Xunuo and immediately halted, nervously watching him.
As soon as Xunuo stopped, the entire team came to a halt as well. Confused glances were directed at him from all around.
Mei Sanli's expression immediately darkened.
The others were unaware, but the members of Mei Sanli's team knew. Xunuo had initially joined this team as an Array Master.
Xunuo looked at the formation and hesitated. Could it be that there was something wrong with this formation?
Sure enough, after a moment, Xunuo said without turning back, "This formation has a problem."
The cultivator who set up the formation came from Ku Zulan's team. Upon hearing this, Ku Zulan's face changed dramatically as he exclaimed, "Xue Daoyou, what do you mean by that? Do you have any evidence?"
Xunuo slowly turned around, revealing a red robe in hand. He then draped the robe over himself.
The other cultivators saw five pale white flags fluttering on his chest, moving without wind.
The Array Masters of the Three Star City Array Master Guild were recognized not only in Three Star City but also in larger cultivation towns and markets like Cloud City.
It could be said that the robe of an Array Master from Three Star City was a recognition of their status. For an Array Master, it was an honor and a symbol. This stemmed from the rigorous assessments and advancement requirements set by the Three Star City Array Master Guild.
Thus, when Xunuo donned the Array Master robe, it surpassed all explanations. Instantly, the gazes of the cultivators shifted toward the owner of the formation.
The owner of this formation was Wei Chang Kong, whose face turned ashen as he said, "Xue Daoyou, do not slander me with baseless accusations."
Xunuo didn't even glance at him but faced Mei Sanli instead and said, "This formation allows exit but not entry; it is a deadlock. To put it simply, it has sealed off our escape route."
Upon hearing this, Mei Sanli's expression turned cold as he fixed his gaze on Ku Zulan.
At this moment, Xunuo coldly addressed Wei Chang Kong, "Shouldn't you provide us with an explanation?"
Wei Chang Kong's face turned pale, and he remained silent. Ku Zulan looked at him with uncertainty.
At that moment, a Cultivator beside Wei Chang Kong said, "We have known each other for years, facing life and death countless times. How could I let you, a mere child, distort the truth? You say this formation is unusual; I refuse to believe it."
After speaking, he stepped forward. "I will walk through here myself. Don't think you can slander the innocent with your baseless words."
Finished speaking, he swayed and headed towards the formation.
At the same time, a figure darted in the opposite direction, retreating deeper into the passage.
Ku Zulan and Tuba Five reached out to capture that figure mid-air.
The figure seemed to be prepared; with a quick motion, it split into three. When Ku Zulan and Tuba Five withdrew their hands, they each held only a Substitution Talisman.
However, a loud crash followed.
Looking again at that figure, it appeared to have collided with an invisible iron wall hidden in the void. It rebounded violently, flattening its face.
In the next moment, Mei Sanli coldly snorted and captured it with ease.
The Cultivator who had approached the formation turned around upon seeing this person, his expression changing dramatically. "Brother Chang Kong, did you really tamper with this?"
The person in question was indeed Wei Chang Kong, the master of the formation.
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