Inside his cave abode in the B-section, Han Li sat cross-legged beside the spirit spring, holding a newly acquired copy of the Illusory Formation Heart Sutra. Elder Mo had recently found this book deep within the Scripture Pavilion. It dealt specifically with the construction and unraveling of illusory formations. Since his promotion to a B-rank steward, Han Li had felt that, although his formation expertise had improved, his understanding of Illusion Formations remained lacking, so he had devoted himself to studying the book.
"The marvel of an Illusion Formation lies not in inflicting harm, but in beguiling the heart," Han Li recited softly from the pages. "Falsehood masquerades as truth, illusion and reality give rise to each other, drawing cultivators into heart demon illusions without their knowing..."
As he pondered, a faint sound came from the cave abode's restrictions. Elder Mo's voice sounded through them. "Steward Li, there's an urgent assignment. Come to the Steward Hall at once."
Han Li put away the Illusory Formation Heart Sutra, his interest stirring. Elder Mo rarely used the word "urgent." This matter was surely no small affair.
Inside the Steward Hall, Elder Sun wore a grave expression. A nautical chart lay spread across the desk, marking a peculiar region on the eastern side of the Green Wave Sea—the Mistbound Illusory Sea. Shrouded year-round in seven-colored mist, it was rumored to contain a naturally formed Illusion Formation that trapped unwary entrants in endless cycles until their divine souls finally dissipated.
"Three days ago, a merchant convoy strayed into the Illusory Sea and has yet to return." Elder Sun pointed at the chart. "The rescue team we sent also lost its bearings on the outskirts. Their messages were incoherent, as though they had fallen under an illusion. This has already drawn the hall master's attention.