What Kind of Trick Was This?

"Alas, this kind of formation is extremely obscure; it's quite normal that Daoist Xiao hasn't heard of it."

Gang Yuan True Monarch sighed and explained, "The so-called Two-Way Linked Killing Array is a special composite formation."

"It is set up based on two Defensive Formation, which serve as mutual killing formations."

He pointed to the sky-blue pillars of light. "These thirty-six pillars of light on each side are the Array Foundation of the killing formation."

"To break the killing formation, we must first break the Defensive Formation."

"But to break through the Defensive Formation, we must first get through the killing formation."

As he spoke, Gang Yuan True Monarch couldn't help but sigh again, clearly troubled by this sudden turn of events.

"Senior Brother, there are four of us here."

Rift Void True Monarch asked curiously, "What if we feign an attack on one side to create a distraction, while the other three attack with all their might on the other side?"

"Can we concentrate our forces and break through from one side?"

His approach to breaking through the formation is conventional.

However, Gang Yuan True Monarch shook his head. "If it were two separate large formations, your method would be excellent."

"But this is precisely Linked Formation; once activated, it becomes an integrated whole."

"Once someone breaks into either side of it, they will face both the suppressive power of the main formation and the offensive power of the killing formation. At most, they can only exert 30% of their strength."

"At this point, if we face the unpredictable attacks of the defenders, it will be easy to lose focus and expose weaknesses."

"In this way, we only need one Nascent Soul on each side to take charge of the formation."

"This way, before the Spirit Stone are exhausted, up to six Nascent Soul True Lord of the same level can be kept inside."

When mentioning the six Nascent Soul True Lord of the same level, Gang Yuan True Monarch's tone clearly revealed a hint of helplessness.

When he was on the defensive, he wished the Mountain Protecting Grand Array on Heavenly Azure Peak could be as solid as a rock.

Now that we're on the attacking side, this problem is definitely a headache.

"That's really strange."

Han Chuan True Monarch also frowned, carefully examining the terrain of the Returning Luo Islands: "Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any conditions here to set up Linked Grand Array."

How did they do it?

You should know that this used to be the territory of the Heavenly Dipper Sect.

But no matter how he looked at it, he couldn't see any special changes.

However, the Linked Grand Array in front of them was already fully activated, emitting clear fluctuations of Spiritual Power, which was clearly not fake.

But they are different.

As a layman in the art of array formations, Xiao Chen found it easier to accept the situation before him.

You should know that he had personally witnessed a new type of Spirit Gathering Formation in the New Cultivation World that did not leak Spiritual Qi.

According to the mainstream view in the Eastern Domain, that is also an impossible thing to do.

To put it bluntly, there is a certain gap between the two sides in their Array Dao Skill.

This is actually quite reasonable, and it doesn't necessarily mean that there is an overall lead.

It's normal for the Illuminating Void Sect, as a Hidden Dao Heritage, to have some unique methods of self-preservation.

Or perhaps the Sea Race provided some kind of support, which could have led to such an unexpected event.

The key issue is how to overcome this difficulty.

"Daoist Gang Yuan, besides consuming Spirit Stone, are there any other methods we can try?"

Xiao Chen recalled the book he had read, "Initial Understanding of Array Dao," and asked curiously, "For example, methods like breaking formations with formations, or breaking formations with laws and decrees."

Although he didn't know much about formations.

However, we also know that at this point, we can't expect the other party to run out of Spirit Stone.

"Ah?"

Upon hearing this, Gang Yuan True Monarch was stunned for a moment, blinked, and looked completely bewildered.

The look in his eyes as he looked at Xiao Chen changed slightly. Who taught you these tricks?

This is not because there is anything wrong with the content written in "Initial Understanding of Array Dao".

However, the difficulty of using an array to break another array is basically no different from the difficulty of adapting to changing circumstances and countering moves in a magical duel.

It's a little easier at the lower levels, but it gets more and more difficult as you go further.

Aside from a few geniuses, it's something that ordinary people simply can't do.

Therefore, Gang Yuan True Monarch couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart, wondering if there was a super Formation Master within the Hidden Dao Heritage to which Xiao Chen belonged.

We usually teach these gifted children according to this standard.

However, this kind of thing is neither convenient to inquire about, nor can it solve an immediate problem.

So he could only give a helpless, wry smile, "Logically speaking, both methods can be tried."

"But to my shame, although I have studied array formations for many years, I am only at the level of an ordinary fourth-tier Array Master."

"Handling ordinary formations or some familiar composite formations is fine."

"I'm afraid we're powerless against this complex, Linked Grand Array."

Upon hearing this, Han Chuan True Monarch sighed softly, "I am far inferior to my senior brother in the Path of Arrays, and I'm afraid these two methods will not work for the time being."

"The only course of action now is to remain inactive and plan for the long term."

The phrase "taking a long-term view" is just a nicer way of putting it.

The truth is, we've run out of options. We'll try waiting and see if there's any new opportunity.

Faced with this situation, even Rift Void True Monarch and Xiao Chen were somewhat at a loss, since they were practically clueless about formations.

A forced assault is out of the question.

The purpose of the Defensive Formation with a smaller one; otherwise, the Ink Barrier Sect and Universal Salvation Temple would have fallen ten times over.

The counter-offensive plan had barely begun when it encountered a rather thorny problem.

This made everyone in the Heavenly Dipper Sect feel somewhat disheartened.

However, Xiao Chen looked at the Linked Grand Array in front of him with great interest.

Unperturbed, he continued, "Daoist Gang Yuan, since it's a two-way formation, what if I could use a talisman to capture one?"

"If the other person lacks coordination, wouldn't the formation be easily broken?"

Should we arrest one of them?

"Ah?"

Upon hearing this, Gang Yuan True Monarch paused for a moment, the astonishment that had just faded from his face reappearing, now replaced by a look of confusion.

His eyes were filled with questions.

Who taught you these tricks?

No, what he actually meant was -- Is this even allowed?

"Does Daoist Xiao mean that we can directly pull people out of the Defensive Formation?"

Gang Yuan True Monarch repeated the question word by word, confirming the details. "Even if the formation is now fully activated?"

To be honest, if anyone else had said that, he wouldn't have bothered to respond.

Do you want to hear what you're saying?

If you can be easily caught even when hiding inside a Defensive Formation Defensive Formation, then what's the point of its existence?

If Mountain Opening True Person dared to say such a thing, the Heavenly Dipper Sect could get a new Chief Disciple tonight.

This kind of fool acting as the senior disciple will corrupt the other disciples.

However, on the other hand...

The person who proposed this idea was Xiao Chen, a Super Prodigy who broke through to the Nascent Soul at the age of twenty-nine.

When something unreasonable is done by an unreasonable person, it seems to become much more reasonable.

Therefore, Gang Yuan True Monarch stared intently at Xiao Chen, his gaze shifting rapidly.

From initial shock to bewilderment, then to doubt, a glimmer of hope finally emerged.

Upon hearing this, Han Chuan True Monarch and Rift Void True Monarch, who were standing to the side, also turned their heads to look over.

"Logically speaking, it shouldn't have any impact."

Xiao Chen thought for a moment. Hextech's description didn't say that it wouldn't work if there was an array, so he suggested, "We can give it a try."

"First, I'll need to trouble Daoist Gang Yuan to set up a Entrapment Formation outside in advance."

"If we get stopped, that's fine. But if we manage to capture one and trap him, then we can rush in and deal with the other one."

Even if this method fails, the only loss would be the materials for one Entrapment Formation, with no additional risks.

Hearing Xiao Chen give an affirmative answer without hesitation...

Gang Yuan True Monarch and Han Chuan True Monarch, both experts in formations, exchanged a glance, feeling a chill run down their spines and their hair stand on end, a sense of dread welling up within them.

What the hell is this thing?!

I know your Hidden Dao Heritage has a deep foundation, but is it really necessary to be this exaggerated?

Even Rift Void True Monarch's mouth gaped slightly open.

Although he didn't understand formations, he immediately grasped the domineering nature of this method.

To be fair, if the Sea Race had possessed similar methods for the previous two years, then Heavenly Azure Peak would have already changed hands long ago.

It's even possible that the entire Compassion Sea has already fallen.

The three were surprised, but a common question arose in their minds.

What kind of Secret Treasure could render the Defensive Formation completely ineffective?

Could it be a special technique bestowed by Spirit Transformation Venerable?

Thinking of this, Gang Yuan True Monarch's heart suddenly raced, and even his breathing became rapid.

Is there a Venerable One standing behind Xiao Chen?

Which one could it be?

He shouldn't be from the Compassion Sea side, so who exactly is he?

Or rather, what region is he from?

A variety of speculations instantly filled Gang Yuan True Monarch's mind, shaking him to his core.

However, this is clearly not the time to ponder these issues in detail.

Take a deep breath and forcefully suppress the chaotic thoughts in your mind.

Gang Yuan True Monarch answered Xiao Chen's question first, "If one of them can be captured, without the main person in charge, the Two-Way Linked Killing Array will be useless."

"As for setting up Entrapment Formation, that's not difficult either."

"Then... shall we give it a try?"

A moment later, Wang and Fan, who were hiding inside the Two-Way Linked Killing Array, discovered a strange scene.

Gang Yuan True Monarch actually led several Golden Core Disciple and positioned themselves at the edge of their great formation.

Then, with the help of Portable Array Plate and a specially made Array Foundation, they openly and legitimately set up Entrapment Formation.

This strange behavior left both of them somewhat bewildered and uncertain.

The absurdity of this behavior is akin to a hunter digging a pit in front of his prey.

Something's wrong. Have the cultivators of the Heavenly Dipper Sect gone mad?

What exactly is the other party trying to achieve by doing this?

Why couldn't they understand it at all?

What made them even more uneasy was that the Gang Yuan True Monarch, who was setting up the formation, would occasionally look up and grin at Wang and Fan, who were curiously watching from inside the Defensive Formation.

Hehehe!

He could now completely guess what the other person was thinking, because he had just gone through the same confusion.

Can't understand it?

It's okay if you don't understand now; you'll understand Entrapment Formation formation is set up.

A moment later, the Entrapment Formation formation was complete.

The Fan Family Ancestor grew increasingly wary. "Daoist Wang, I feel we cannot continue to let them do this."

"Why don't we both rush out together and destroy this Entrapment Formation?"

His idea was simple: anything done by the enemy should be opposed.

Although I don't understand Gang Yuan True Monarch is trying to do, it's definitely right to sabotage their operation.

"Hey, Daoist Fan, please don't fall for it."

The Wang Family Ancestor smiled slightly and advised, "In my opinion, this is nothing more than a deliberate attempt to mislead."

"The reason they're doing this strange thing is to throw us off balance, make us abandon the advantages of the formation, and rush out to fight them."

"Hmph, it's nothing but child's play; it's something I already knew from years ago."

"If you ask me, since they've already started resorting to such underhanded tactics..."

"This precisely demonstrates that they have no way to deal with our Two-Way Linked Killing Array."

"As long as we stay firmly in our positions and wait for His Lord Jin Luan to lend a helping hand, we will surely receive another spiritual item for our successful defense."

His analysis isn't entirely without merit.

Upon hearing this, the Fan Family Ancestor felt much more at ease, but still reminded him, "Daoist Wang, we've reached an agreement."

"After you receive this reward, you have to secretly give me 30%."

The Wang Family Ancestor immediately agreed, "Daoist Fan, you can rest assured. Since I promised you, I certainly won't go back on my word."

However, he inwardly sneered.

I'll give you 30%, hahaha, you're dreaming.

After making his fortune, he led the Wang Family family across the Storm Sea.

If it weren't for the need to acquire more spiritual items so that he could suppress his nemesis, the Sun Family, who had moved there first, once he arrived...

Who would want to stay here and risk their life with you guys?

To the Wang Family Ancestor, the Fan Family, the Illuminating Void Sect, and the Sea Race were all unreliable; they were merely objects he temporarily used to obtain spiritual items.

Once you've used it enough, you can kick it aside.

Of course, he hid these thoughts very well and didn't reveal them at all.

Instead, he smiled and befriended the Fan Family Ancestor, putting on an honest and unassuming appearance.

However, he soon noticed that four figures had appeared at the edge of the formation and had begun to cast Defensive Spell.

"This is bad, they're probably going to attack the formation."

The smile on the face of the Wang Family Ancestor vanished instantly. He took out Specially Made Formation Flag and gripped it tightly. "Daoist Fan, do it the way we trained before."

"No matter which side they attack, immediately mobilize the Formation Power to suppress them."

The reason for emphasizing this is that this is the first time the two of them have presided over Two-Way Linked Killing Array.

The Array Layout Diagram and the Specially Made Array Foundation for this thing both come from the Illuminating Void Sect.

Even the specially made Formation Flag they carried were provided by Mirror Reflection True Monarch.

The Fan Family Ancestor nodded in understanding, and the two immediately separated to the left and right, each mobilizing the Formation Power to prepare for the attack.

However, the three members of the Heavenly Dipper Sect outside cast Defensive Spell and summoned their personal Spirit Artifact.

They remained at the edge of the formation without entering, and all turned to look at Xiao Chen.

"Activate the formation!"

The Entrapment Formation was overseen by three True Disciple of the Heavenly Dipper Sect and six Golden Core stewards.

They each stood in formation holding their Formation Flag, and then immediately activated the Entrapment Formation.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Chen, using the Small Formation Flag hanging at his waist, took the initiative to step into the Entrapment Formation.

With a flick of his finger, his true essence instantly transformed into hundreds of ice needles, which directly rushed into the Two-Way Linked Killing Array, and were then crushed by the Formation Power.

"Eat my talisman!"

Xiao Chen shouted loudly and raised his right hand slightly.

In an instant, a chain flew out from his sleeve and rushed straight at the Wang Family Ancestor.

The opponent had seen this move before and was naturally prepared.

In an instant, the Two-Way Linked Killing Array shone brightly, turning the surrounding area for hundreds of miles into a blue expanse.

However, the Mechanical Grappling Claw pierced straight through the layers of Formation Power and pulled the Wang Family Ancestor directly in front of Xiao Chen.

Not too far, not too close—just the perfect close-combat distance where a punch can land.

Of course, there's also the routine of clenching his claws into a fist and striking the opponent's temple, stunning them for a moment.

Seeing this, Xiao Chen couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion. He knew he could stun the sea Sea Fish, but it was still willing to put on this act.

Of course, feelings of regret are just that.

His hands were moving very quickly.

"Sky-rushing Palm!"

Xiao Chen skillfully unleashed a palm strike, directly striking the dantian of the Wang Family Ancestor.

The blazing flames erupted instantly, then were Entrapment Formation formation, almost all of them concentrated in one place and unable to dissipate, thus increasing the actual destructive power by an extra level.

In a way, this can be considered one of the benefits of formations.

"Snap!"

The Wang Family Ancestor trembled, and a jade pendant at his waist shattered, transforming into a Spiritual Power Barrier that firmly enveloped him.

The surrounding flames were immediately blocked, and even the binding force of the formation was forced back somewhat.

It was only at this moment that the people around realized what was happening.

Xiao Chen actually managed to capture one of them.

Even though they had been mentally prepared, the three members of the Heavenly Dipper Sect were still taken aback when they saw this scene.

The main reason is that, in their expectations, even if the capture was successful, there should be a process of impacting the Formation Power.

Therefore, their first glance was directed towards the Two-Way Linked Killing Array.

No one expected that the Mechanical Grappling Claw would completely ignore the Defensive Formation and be unaffected in the slightest.

The entire process—from finding the suspect to capturing him and bringing him back—was executed flawlessly and seamlessly.

"Great! Let's charge in and break through the formation!"

Gang Yuan True Monarch reacted the fastest, immediately shouting and leading the charge into the Two-Way Linked Killing Array.

Han Chuan True Monarch and Rift Void True Monarch followed closely behind, attacking the Fan Family Ancestor together.

There are also differences among Fourth-tier Grand Array, and the differences are much greater than those between Nascent Soul Cultivator.

After losing the response from the other side's Formation Flag, only an empty array and a regular Fourth-tier Defensive Formation remained on the Returning Luo Islands.

It might be possible to withstand ordinary True Lord or three Nascent Soul Great Demon who don't understand formations.

However, when facing the Gang Yuan True Monarch, who was proficient in formations, the effectiveness of the formation was greatly weakened.

Furthermore, the simultaneous attack on the formation by the three members of the Heavenly Dipper Sect resulted in mutual restraint and consumed a significant amount of the Formation Power.

This put the Fan Family Ancestor at a disadvantage almost from the start, forcing him to barely hold on with all his might.

Given this situation, breaking through the formation is only a matter of time.

"Daoist Wang, please return to my aid immediately!"

The Fan Family Ancestor temporarily put away the specially made Formation Flag and hurriedly called for help from his companions in the distance.

Both Hidden Family. Regardless of individual talent, their ancestors left behind a considerable fortune.

As long as one activates the Lineage's secret life-saving techniques, escaping from the Entrapment Formation is not a problem.

In other words, if the Wang Family Ancestor were willing to use his Life-Saving Trump Card, he would be fully capable of returning to the Linked Grand Array and reactivating it to join forces in the resistance.

However, this was merely wishful thinking on the part of the Fan Family Ancestor.

Trapped in the Entrapment Formation, the Wang Family Ancestor, after a brief moment of confusion upon regaining consciousness, instantly realized that the Returning Luo Islands could no longer be defended.

That's right, he could certainly use his ancestral Secret Treasure to return to the great formation.

But what about next time?

How many more times can Xiao Chen use this strange and unreasonable talisman in his hand?

He didn't know, but it must have happened more than once.

Taking advantage of the jade pendant's effect, the Wang Family Ancestor turned and glanced at the Fan Family Ancestor behind him.

Then, the moment Xiao Chen attacked again, it deliberately dispelled the cracked Spiritual Power Barrier and met the attack with its head.

"Thump!"

With a sound like a morning bell being tolled, only a pile of scattered fragments remained in the Entrapment Formation.

Meanwhile, ten miles away, the figure of the Wang Family Ancestor quietly appeared in mid-air.

Without hesitation, he took out a Talisman and stuck it on himself, and immediately a gentle breeze surrounded him.

The next moment, it turned around and fled to the west.

They left the Fan Family Ancestor alone inside the formation to draw the attention of the Heavenly Dipper Sect members.

The saying goes, "Better to die for your friend than for yourself." In critical moments, saving your own life is the most important thing.

It's a pity I couldn't take any more Fourth-Order Spiritual Item before I left.

It's all that damned Xiao Chen's fault. He suddenly appeared and ruined all his plans.

Wang will remember this grudge.

It's best not to give yourself any opportunities in the future, otherwise you'll definitely get your revenge.

However, although he had good intentions, Xiao Chen had no intention of letting him go.

"Where are you headed, Daoist Wang?"

"What's the point of going to the west side? Let me send you to the Western Paradise instead."

The two sentences became increasingly clear and genuine.

When the Wang Family Ancestor turned around, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Xiao Chen, an Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivator, actually has a faster escape speed than this Nascent Soul Middle Stage!

Why should I?

"Are you fucking crazy?!"

The Wang Family Ancestor roared, "What grudge do we have that warrants you using your Secret Treasure to pursue me?"

He naturally assumed that Xiao Chen's incredible speed was due to the use of some kind of explosive treasure.

There was clearly a prey left for you; wouldn't it be better to go and kill it?

Why are you pursuing me?

However, Xiao Chen smiled and asked in return, "Wait a minute, didn't you want to get an explanation from me a long time ago?"

"Now that I've delivered myself to your doorstep, why are you unhappy again?"

As he spoke, he continued to activate the <Flying Cloud Stepping Wave Art> to close the distance between them.

"Damn it, why can't I shake them off?!"

The Wang Family Ancestor desperately activated his escape technique, trying to flee, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not only not increase the distance, but was also gradually caught up.

Seeing that things were going badly, they were about to enter the range of Law Technique attack.

With a reluctant expression, he finally took out a small box, opened it, and pulled out a palm-sized white cloud.

He then gritted his teeth and bit his tongue hard, spitting out a mouthful of Essence Blood with a "pfft!" sound.

The next moment, the white cloud was completely dyed blood red.

Its volume also rapidly increased, turning into a cloud nine feet in size.