The Array's Hidden Mysteries

Upon hearing this, the White Flood Dragon's icy face showed the faintest flicker of emotion, as though a fleeting glimmer had suddenly flashed across thousand-year ice.

He did not respond at once. He merely fixed Zhang Tie with those deep vertical pupils, like bottomless frigid pools. The air itself seemed to stagnate and freeze beneath his gaze, even the flow of time slowing.

"How long would you need to set up such an array?" His voice was flat, without the slightest inflection, yet it carried more pressure than any furious interrogation. Each word was like an ice spike striking the listener's soul.

Zhang Tie felt an invisible yet mountain-heavy pressure envelop his body, making all four limbs and every bone stiffen.

He secretly drew a deep breath. The cold air flooded his lungs, and he barely suppressed his churning emotions, steadying his mind before replying respectfully, "In reply to Senior, that depends on the target of the array. The target's realm, the amount of vitality remaining—these are all variables.

"Furthermore, whether the array materials are complete and their quality are also crucial."

He spoke cautiously and clearly, not daring to leave the slightest ambiguity in his words, afraid that one misstep would bring utter ruin.

"It."

The White Flood Dragon's tone was as indifferent as if he were discussing a dead object. Without making any movement, the gray-white beast egg floated into the air, as though supported by an invisible hand, and slowly drifted before Zhang Tie.

The patterns on its shell were ancient and simple. It felt icy cold and lifeless to the touch, but if one examined it carefully with spiritual sense, one could detect an extraordinarily faint ripple of life within, like a guttering candle in the wind, stubbornly persisting.

"I will provide the materials. You need