Chapter 158: Lose? Suppress? This Formation! Heaven-Sealing!

Chapter 158: Lose? Suppress? This Formation! Heaven-Sealing!



"Seems like both of them have quite a bit of fire in their hearts."

Watching the two enter the formation, Fang Lin’s expression remained unchanged, still smiling as he spoke.

He had initially thought that today’s competition would be a simple test of insight, but it now seemed that blood might be shed.

However, the Fang Family was not worried.

Because they had the advantage of Heavenly Timing, Geographic Advantage, and Human Harmony.

In contrast to Fang Lin’s relaxed demeanor, Wu De’s face was dark and gloomy.

The competition of array cultivators did not depend on cultivation levels but on their understanding of the Array Path and the strength of the formations they controlled.

In the current situation, if it were a simple comprehension of the great formation, the gap between the two might not be significant.

However, if they started to engage in battle, Su Changqing would definitely be at a disadvantage.

Because the formation Su Changqing was comprehending, the Heaven-Shielding Formation, had no offensive attributes and could not even provide defense.

On the other hand, Xiao Fan was comprehending the Emperor Killing Formation!

Both formations were already laid out, with the array disk, array base, and array patterns in perfect condition, ready to be activated at any moment.

In other words, as the comprehension process progressed, Su Changqing and Xiao Fan would gradually gain control over the formations!

If one of them harbored murderous intent, they could completely use the power of the formation to attack the other!

However, the problem was that the Heaven-Shielding Formation Su Changqing was comprehending had no offensive attributes, and it could not even defend.

If a real fight broke out, Su Changqing would only be on the receiving end of the attacks.

"Fang brother."

Wu De frowned deeply and looked at Fang Lin, saying, "This matter concerns the foundational strength of both our families."

"We must not let a small matter lead to unexpected consequences."

"I think it’s best for each of us to focus on our own comprehension and prioritize the bigger picture."

The Fang Family members smirked disdainfully upon hearing this.

They had just begun, and he was already backing down?

"Ha ha ha, Wu brother, you’re overthinking it."

Fang Lin said casually, "The grudges of the younger generation should be settled by the younger generation."

As he spoke, he glanced at Wu De, whose face had turned slightly cold, and said teasingly:

"Rest assured, Wu brother, no one will die."

After all, this place was still within the Wu Family’s domain. Even with an absolute advantage, the Fang Family dared not kill anyone.

However, Fang Lin’s words made it clear that he could only guarantee no deaths. As for whether there would be injuries or severe injuries, that was not his concern.

"Does Fang brother really want it to be this way?"

Wu De’s expression turned serious, his voice slightly cold.

While the Fang Family and the Wu Family had a somewhat delicate relationship due to their mutual interest in each other’s formations, they were not enemies.

But if the Fang Family insisted on using harsh measures, then friendship would be impossible.

"Heh, it’s not that I want it this way, but the rules are like this."

Fang Lin understood Wu De’s meaning but showed no signs of backing down, his smile still in place.

If it were any other matter, he would have given in to avoid offending the Wu Family.

But this was about the Xiao Clan’s imperial lineage. Why should he offend the Xiao Family over such a trivial matter?

The Wu Family was not from the Eastern Region. Compared to the Xiao Family, who was more important, he naturally knew.

"Hmph, very well!"

Wu De’s chest heaved slightly, and he nodded with a bitter smile.

He then turned his gaze to the valley ahead without another word.

After this incident, the atmosphere between the Wu Family and the Fang Family became even more tense, with strong animosity on both sides.

Now, the Wu Family could only hope that Su Changqing would comprehend the formation faster.

To end the competition before Xiao Fan could gain control of the killing formation.

...

Meanwhile, inside the valley.

Su Changqing stepped into the dark depths, and before his eyes was a small Heaven-Shielding Formation.

This formation was far less grand than the killing formation, but the array patterns inscribed on it were extremely intricate and profound.

The array patterns intertwined and flowed in the void, as if constantly changing.

Su Changqing sat cross-legged before the formation, calming his mind to carefully comprehend the great formation before him.

"An array within an array? To increase the difficulty of comprehension?"

Within moments, Su Changqing discovered a problem with the formation before him.

Around the Heaven-Shielding Formation, there seemed to be a sliced version of the same formation, used to obscure the true great formation.

Clearly, the Fang Family had tampered with the formation, increasing the difficulty of comprehension.

However, the Fang Family might not have realized that this sliced version of the Heaven-Shielding Formation was too simple for Su Changqing.

"The essence is the same as the Heaven-Sealing Needle Technique, but much shallower."

"One is to shield, the other to seal. This formation is too rudimentary."

Su Changqing observed the great formation before him, comparing it with the Heaven-Sealing Needle Technique.

The sliced version of the formation had no effect on him.

Su Changqing made a seal with his hands, using even more profound Heaven-Sealing array patterns to cleverly seal the sliced formation.

In an instant, the true Heaven-Shielding Formation was revealed before him.

The exquisite array patterns and the profound Array Path intertwined in a way that was difficult to understand.

Although it was only a small formation, in Su Changqing’s eyes, it seemed like an endless expanse of heaven and earth.

Above that expanse, a vast and boundless Heaven-Shielding Formation disrupted the heavenly mechanisms and severed fate.

Countless array patterns crisscrossed in the void, and the complex and profound truths of the Array Path were vividly displayed.

The endless array patterns reflected in the depths of Su Changqing’s eyes, and his understanding grew stronger.

"Indeed, to seal the heavens, one must first shield the heavenly mechanisms and block the way of the heavens!"

"This Heaven-Shielding Formation is a part of the Heaven-Sealing Needle Technique!"

A bright light flashed in Su Changqing’s eyes as the array patterns of the Heaven-Shielding Formation merged with the Heaven-Sealing Needle Technique in his mind.

Su Changqing had been practicing the Heaven-Sealing Needle Technique for nearly two years. Given his terrifying insight, he should have already condensed his Lifebound Dao Seal.

But the technique was incomplete, lacking a crucial element!

And that element was the Heaven-Shielding Formation!

Now that the technique was complete, Su Changqing’s comprehension of the concept of Heaven-Sealing was advancing at an alarming rate.

...

Meanwhile.

Xiao Fan, who was also in the valley, encountered the same difficulties that Su Changqing initially faced.

The complexity of the array formations had increased, and the Wu Family had added more elements to the killing array.

"Trivial skills, I will break through within ten days!"

Xiao Fan sneered, glancing at Su Changqing, who was sitting dumbly next to him.

"With the Heaven-Shielding Formation, you might not even break the first line of defense by the time I finish my comprehension."

"Ha, once I understand the intricacies of the killing array, I'll play with you properly!"

Xiao Fan sat cross-legged in front of the massive Golden Dragon, a look of pride on his face.

After careful observation, a confident gleam appeared in his eyes. He formed seals with his hands, and array patterns began to shoot out.

It was clear to see that with the continuous landing of the array patterns, the interfering formations were being gradually eliminated.

...

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.

The Wu Family and Fang Family members remained like statues, quietly watching the valley.

The Emperor Killing Formation was not a simple thing; they were well-prepared for a prolonged battle.

According to their estimates, even just memorizing the arrangement of the killing array patterns would take more than three months.

As for thoroughly comprehending the killing array?

They didn't even know if it was possible, and if it were, it would take a long time to accumulate the necessary insights.

The main purpose of today's competition was to record the arrangement of the array patterns, and then to study them in detail later.

The challenges set by the Fang and Wu Families were designed to obscure the true array patterns, thus prolonging the time.

However, as time slowly passed, the Wu Family members began to become restless.

"Things don't look good! Xiao Fan is already breaking the last line of defense, but why hasn't Lord Su made any progress?"

"Yes, he only managed to form a few array patterns at the beginning and has been unresponsive since."

"This is a huge difference. Xiao Fan is about to comprehend the true killing array, but Lord Su hasn't even passed the first level?"

Seeing Su Changqing sitting motionless, the Wu Family elders were sweating profusely.

This is an Emperor-Level array formation. Even a little progress would be acceptable.

But if Su Changqing can't even pass the first level, does it mean the Wu Family will have to give away an Emperor Killing Formation for free?

"Hahaha, it seems that Young Friend Su is having some trouble."

A Fang Family elder said with a mocking smile, "After all, even a simplified version of the Heaven-Shielding Formation is beyond his comprehension."

Upon hearing this, the Wu Family members all had extremely difficult expressions.

Using a segmented Heaven-Shielding Formation to obscure the true formation?

These two formations share the same origin and array patterns. Once merged, they would be extremely difficult to break.

They didn't expect the Fang Family to have such a deep understanding of Emperor-Level formations.

The Wu Family had also considered doing something similar, but the aggressive nature of the killing array made such a fusion impossible.

"Alas, we lost."

One Wu Family elder sighed, looking at the still motionless Su Changqing.

The other Wu Family members also had somber faces, silent and speechless.

"Brat, didn't you say your senior brother had superb insight? What's going on here!"

Wu De's lips twitched as he whispered to Wu Yong.

"This..."

Seeing that Su Changqing had only formed a few simple array patterns at the beginning and had been unresponsive since, Wu Yong hesitated and said:

"Could it be that my senior brother is already comprehending the array?"

Wu De was taken aback and then speechless, "Don't tell me that your senior brother broke through the Fang Family's interfering formation with just those few simple array patterns on the first day."

Wu Yong raised an eyebrow and said matter-of-factly, "What's wrong with that?"

Three black lines appeared on Wu De's forehead.

What's wrong with that?

That's wrong on a huge scale!

Even the segmented version is derived from an Emperor-Level formation.

And he broke it on the first day, in the first hour?

Do you think your senior brother is a god?

Wu De glanced at Su Changqing and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Forget it, as long as nothing happens to him."

He was very clear that, barring any unexpected events, the Wu Family was doomed to lose.

...

On the eleventh day, Xiao Fan's loud laughter echoed through the valley.

The additional formations set by the Wu Family had been completely stripped away.

The complete and clear Emperor Killing Formation lay before him, like a naked beauty, fully exposed.

"Hahaha, boy, what do you have to fight me with!"

Seeing the still motionless Su Changqing, Xiao Fan's face was filled with disdainful smiles.

"I can already comprehend the grand formation, but you are still stuck at the first level."

"Do you even deserve to be my opponent?"

In the dark depths, Su Changqing seemed unaffected by any interference.

No one saw that the Su Changqing, facing away from the crowd, had eyes that shone like stars, bright and radiant.

Deep within his eyes, two complex and profound formations were merging, their intricate array patterns gradually fusing into one.

"Ha"

Seeing the unresponsive Su Changqing, Xiao Fan sneered and turned his attention away.

He turned to the killing array in front of him, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

After a brief observation, he waved his sleeve, and a wooden mirror, about ten feet high, floated in the air.

The mirror was engraved with numerous strange patterns, and its surface emitted a faint, soothing light.

Under the illumination of the light, Xiao Fan felt his divine sense become clear and his mind enlightened.

Looking at the profound Emperor array patterns again, insights continuously emerged in his mind.

"Once I can control a fraction of the killing array's power, I'll play with you properly."

Looking at Su Changqing, Xiao Fan's lips curled into a cold smile, and he sat cross-legged in front of the killing array.

At the same time.

Outside the valley, the Wu Family members were all shocked when they saw the wooden mirror Xiao Fan had taken out.

"The Buddhist Bodhi Zen Light Mirror!"

A Wu Family elder's face turned pale as he muttered, "A Near-Emperor Dao Artifact made of Bodhi Wood."

"Those illuminated by the mirror's light can see their true selves, have a clear mind, and a greatly enhanced insight!"

Seeing the mirror, the Wu Family members all smiled bitterly.

They never expected that the Fang family would even bring out such treasures.

The Bodhi Tree, an Emperor-Level supreme divine material, can greatly enhance one's insight.

Three hundred years ago, the Buddha master Jia Ye severed a branch of the Bodhi Tree, using myriad spirit materials, and created a supreme treasure!

The Zen state of mind cultivated from this tree.

This state of mind, where the heart is free from demonic influence, and a hundred evils are hard to enter, is the most important for greatly enhancing one’s insight.

But with such treasures, Wu Family had no way to win.

“Fang Family, good means.”

Wu De’s face fell heavy, and he couldn't help but sigh.

Before, Su Nan had acknowledged Su Changqing’s abilities, and he harbored a bit of hope.

But when the Zen state of mind appeared, the Wu Family had completely lost.

It turned out this was the Fang Family’s true strength.

“Hahaha, it must also be luck.”

Fang Lin's face flushed red, and he laughed loudly, “Not long ago, the Buddha master Jia Ye, from my Fang Family, sought a Heaven-Shielding Formation.”

“I merely mentioned it casually, didn’t expect the Buddha master to agree.”

“Luck, hahaha luck.”

Hearing Fang Lin’s pleased laughter, the Wu Family was silent.

From the start, they had no hope of winning.

“What did the Buddha master do with the Heaven-Shielding Formation?”

Unlike other elders, Wu De’s thoughts were deeper.

As a domain master, he still needed to rely on the Emperor-Level array to conceal his opportunities, it seemed he had great ambitions.

“Well, in any case, it doesn’t matter much to me.”

Thinking this, Wu De glanced at Su Changqing, muttering,

“Hope for some gains, even if only a little.”

…

In the oppressive atmosphere, time passed another twenty days.

Suddenly,

“Aah!”

A thunderous dragon roar erupted from the valley, shaking the earth and sky with overwhelming killing intent.

“Hahaha, finally understood a bit!”

Xiao Fan laughed as he stood up, with a wave of his hand, a powerful killing aura shattered a large area of the ground.

In these twenty days, he finally comprehended a bit of the killing formation’s secrets, able to control a fraction of its power.

This power, in terms of the killing formation itself, might be just a fraction, but it was enough for Xiao Fan at this time.

“Kid!”

Xiao Fan looked at Su Changqing with a cold expression, saying coldly,

“Not yet fully comprehended, let me help you!”

As his voice fell, the array patterns in Xiao Fan’s hand condensed, and a massive golden dragon emitted a deafening dragon roar, heading straight for Su Changqing!

“Hm?”

Just as he was about to take the final step, preparing to thoroughly condense the Dao seal, a sense of crisis suddenly surged in Su Changqing’s heart.

Without any hesitation, Su Changqing’s step crossed the mountain and river shift, instantly leaving the original spot.

Boom!

In the next instant, a terrifying killing intent struck, and the ground sank momentarily.

“Pretty fast, huh?”

Xiao Fan, with his hands crossed behind his back, looked at Su Changqing and laughed coldly:

“Being fast is useless, this valley has a great array protection, where can you run to?”

“Today, no one can save you, even if you live, but your limbs will be left behind!”

As his voice fell, another thunderous dragon roar erupted, the terrifying killing intent headed straight for Su Changqing.

“Originally, I wanted to settle accounts after finishing the busywork.”

Su Changqing looked at the valley, calmly saying, “Seems like, I have to deal with you first.”

“Hahaha, deal with me?”

Xiao Fan seemed to have heard some great joke, laughing loudly:

“Don’t worry, I’ll spare your life.”

“Of course, you can counterattack, but do you have the power to break through the Heaven-Shielding Formation?”

As his voice fell, the array seal in his fingertips condensed, with a fierce shout,

“Kill!”

Aah!

A dragon roar shook the heavens, overwhelming killing intent spread across the sky, heading straight for Su Changqing.

“Spare my life?”

Su Changqing, hearing this, smiled slightly, seemingly not seeing the approaching golden dragon.

With a light wave of his hand, the Heaven-Shielding Formation, belonging to the Fang Family, rose up from the ground!

This scene made the Fang Family’s faces change instantly, the Wu Family’s faces showed boundless shock.

The sky was covered by the formation, endless dark light made the day dim and lightless.

In the deep darkness, a calm voice sounded.

“Who says the Heaven-Shielding Formation has no killing power?”

As his voice fell, the endless array patterns within the Heaven-Shielding Formation changed their original trajectory, the sky filled with boundless silver light!

A multitude of silver needles, as if pinning down all things in the world, appeared in the sky!

“This formation, Heaven-Sealing!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end