“It seems I can finally complete the task Senior Ox-Nose entrusted to me.”
Learning he could attempt the formation, Chu Feng grew excited.
“Brother Chu Feng, this formation was crafted by my master over many years,” Yuan Shu said gravely. “It’s a formation my master staked his reputation and dignity on, along with Senior Ox-Nose. You must not be careless. Its difficulty will exceed your imagination, and you might even get injured.”
“I wouldn’t dare underestimate a formation laid by Master Tang Chen,” Chu Feng replied, still smiling confidently. “But since I’m here, I’m fully prepared.”
“Brother Chu Feng, you’re truly worthy of being chosen by Senior Ox-Nose. Your confidence alone earns my admiration. Follow me,” Yuan Shu said, smiling.
He was eager to see Chu Feng’s performance.
Though they were rivals in a sense, and logically he should hope for Chu Feng’s failure, Yuan Shu seemed to want him to succeed.
Led by Yuan Shu, Chu Feng arrived at the forbidden zone of the Seven Suns Mountain Range.
Rather than a forbidden zone, it was more like another world, created by Master Tang Chen.
Before the formation, Chu Feng sensed its complexity.
The formation’s entrance was a grand gate, rising from the ground to the clouds.
Standing before it, Chu Feng felt minuscule.
Within the gate, boundless formation energy surged like ocean waves, forming a massive vortex, both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
The gate’s frame was meticulously crafted, its decorations and patterns unique, like a work of art.
Just from the gate, it was clear this was Master Tang Chen’s dedicated creation.
“Brother Chu Feng, take this. If it’s too tough, come back out. Don’t force it,” Yuan Shu said, handing Chu Feng a talisman paper.
Chu Feng understood that activating the talisman would allow him to exit the formation.
Yuan Shu’s words also revealed the formation’s danger.
Even without Yuan Shu’s warning, Chu Feng knew this formation’s difficulty likely surpassed any he had encountered.
After all, Master Tang Chen’s prowess was unfathomable.
Chu Feng took the talisman. Though confident, he wasn’t arrogant. Accepting it was prudent, especially since it was Yuan Shu’s goodwill.
“Brother Yuan, I’m going in,” Chu Feng said.
“Brother Chu Feng, don’t push yourself too hard,” Yuan Shu cautioned.
“Don’t worry, I know my limits,” Chu Feng replied with a smile, then stepped into the formation.
Passing through the gate, he entered another world.
Mountains rose in layers, lush with greenery, and waterfalls cascaded from the void.
The plants were ordinary, and the birds—cranes and swans—were common, not exotic beasts.
Yet, the scenery was breathtaking, as if this place was more akin to a paradise.
However, after entering, the grand formation gate vanished.
Chu Feng realised why Yuan Shu gave him the talisman.
Once through the gate, apart from breaking the formation or using the talisman, there was no other way out.
Though the world was filled with birdsong and floral scents, like a paradise, Chu Feng felt no danger.
Even using his Heaven’s Eye, he detected no clues, as if this was just a beautiful world with nothing special.
“How do I break this formation?” Chu Feng wondered. “Am I supposed to wander and enjoy the scenery? Or find my own way out?”
Frowning slightly, he was perplexed, unsure how to crack the formation.
Instead of searching blindly, Chu Feng began to think deeply.
Outside the formation’s entrance, Yuan Shu remained, unable to see inside. He could only wait, pacing anxiously.
Suddenly, the space beside him trembled. Seeing the distortion, Yuan Shu’s face lit up.
A figure emerged—Master Tang Chen, Yuan Shu’s master.
“Master, didn’t you say you wouldn’t come? Why are you here?” Yuan Shu asked with a grin, his tone slightly teasing.
“This lad is challenging the formation I meticulously crafted. How could I not come?” Master Tang Chen replied.
“Then why didn’t you show yourself directly, and had me lie to Brother Chu Feng that you weren’t here?” Yuan Shu asked.
“What’s his status? He’s Ox-Nose’s disciple. If Ox-Nose isn’t here, wouldn’t I lose face by appearing?” Master Tang Chen said, pursing his lips.
“Master, you…” Yuan Shu chuckled, amused.
“Master, what’s happening inside the formation now?” he asked eagerly.
Though Yuan Shu couldn’t see inside, he knew his master could, as it was his creation.
“Why the rush? It hasn’t started yet,” Master Tang Chen said.
“When will it start? What kind of formation is it? Master, let me see it too,” Yuan Shu said with a grin.
“You really want to see?” Master Tang Chen asked.
“Yes, yes, of course! You said this formation’s difficulty doesn’t depend on the realm of spirit formation techniques. A White Robe Spiritist can break it, just as a Saint Robe Spiritist can. Its difficulty is the same for all spiritists. But formations vary in strength. What kind of formation is equal for all? I’m so curious about what this formation, your years-long labour, looks like,” Yuan Shu said.
“This formation is indeed special. When I made the bet with that old Ox-Nose, we agreed it would test a spiritist’s talent. Breaking it doesn’t rely on the strength of formation power but on sufficient talent and extraordinary insight. It’s no ordinary formation,” Master Tang Chen said.
“If so, why didn’t you let Brother Chu Feng try it before, but now you’re allowing it?” Yuan Shu asked.
“Why? How old are you this year?” Master Tang Chen countered.
“Five hundred and seven,” Yuan Shu replied.
“When did you reach the Dragon Mark Saint Robe realm?” Master Tang Chen asked.
“Over a hundred years ago, when I was four hundred and three,” Yuan Shu answered, then quickly asked, “Master, why ask this suddenly?”
“Hmph, useless thing,” Master Tang Chen said, glancing at him.
“Master, why are you scolding me out of nowhere?” Yuan Shu said, confused and aggrieved, utterly baffled by his master.
