Golden Core's Wrath

As Liu Xiaolou repeatedly hopped half a step forward, half a step back, half a step forward, half a step back, the aura above White Crane Ridge shifted without cease.

Clouds gathered, clouds dispersed; clouds gathered, clouds dispersed. Other than that, nothing much could be seen.

Yet the three on the opposing mountaintop all noticed the change. They quickly determined that the gathering and dispersing clouds were related to Liu Xiaolou's repeated hopping, for the pattern was unmistakable: half a step forward made the clouds gather, and half a step back made them disperse.

"What is that brat doing?" Sect Master Luo muttered.

"Testing the formation? It doesn't seem to be going well. He can't break in?" Elder Lu asked and answered himself.

Elder Bai knew Liu Xiaolou somewhat better and guessed, "He's provoking them."

While things outside were like this, chaos reigned within the mountain gate. Several disciples arrived and asked the guards stationed above the Mountain Hollow, "The Sect Leader wants to know what happened."

The guard pointed below. "This thief came from who knows where and is toying with the sect here. The grand formation opens, then closes, then opens again, then closes again. It can't display its power. We've never seen anything like this before."

"Is he a Formation Master?"

"He claims he is. I think he probably is too."

"What is his cultivation?"

"I can't tell."

"Why haven't you taken him down?"

"The Sect Leader gave strict orders: no one may leave the mountain gate by even half a step."

"That's far too rigid! You should act according to the circumstances!"

"Then please, Senior Brother, act according to the circumstances!"

"Junior Brothers, charge with me!"

"Fifth Senior Brother, duty binds this junior brother. Without orders, I cannot leave the formation. I'd better stay here and