Chapter 120 - 120 119 Illusion Array

120: Chapter 119: Illusion Array 120: Chapter 119: Illusion Array Lin Xuan felt annoyed, having just asserted they wouldn’t lose their way, only to end up back where they started. His expression turned grave as he fully unleashed his Purple Spirit Eyes, examining his surroundings intently. “This is an Illusion Array, one that can be broken with either more ingenious methods or sheer brute force,” Lord of Wine’s voice echoed in his mind. “Unless you reach the Spirit Sea Realm, you cannot break it now.” Lin Xuan understood and chuckled, transmitting his voice, “Isn’t that what you’re here for, Lord of Wine?” “Hmph, it’s a piece of cake for me!” Lord of Wine snorted, then instructed, “Walk eight steps towards the right front.” Lin Xuan acknowledged and said to Shangguan Liuyun, “I’ve figured out some things, stick close to me.” Following Lord of Wine’s directions, he took eight steps with Shangguan Liuyun following closely behind him, full of curiosity yet still imitating Lin Xuan’s movements. “Then walk straight for five steps…” Lord of Wine continued to guide without pause, as Lin Xuan led Shangguan Liuyun through stops and starts, sometimes employing odd step techniques. After about fifty steps, the fog seemed to thin out considerably for both of them. Phew! They had finally made it out. Lin Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. Behind him, Shangguan Liuyun was once again astounded by Lin Xuan. Honestly, he felt rather bewildered the whole time, clueless about what he was doing. Had it not been for Lin Xuan, he reckoned he’d never have made it out. Just as the two relaxed, they heard the sound of fighting up ahead. After exchanging glances, Lin Xuan and Shangguan Liuyun decided to go take a look. Channeling Spiritual Power discreetly, ready for unforeseen events, they cautiously approached. Ahead, the fog was visibly denser than elsewhere. Using his Purple Spirit Eyes, Lin Xuan saw many disciples trapped in illusions, wielding their weapons and swinging them wildly in the air, appearing quite absurd. Some were so caught up, they turned on each other, looking to be moments away from bearing serious injuries or death. Lin Xuan was no saint and, with his limited abilities, he had neither the responsibility nor the capacity to look after others in this perilous place. So, he preferred not to get involved. But among those caught in the Illusion Array, he spotted Hu Man. This girl, who had previously undertaken missions with him, was now deeply tormented by the illusion technique. Naturally, Lin Xuan would lend a hand to a friend in trouble. He explained the situation to Shangguan Liuyun, who raised no objections. Together, they rushed into the mist. “Stop!” As soon as he entered, Lin Xuan rushed to Hu Man’s side, swiftly restraining her. Then he channeled his Spiritual Power in conjunction with his Soul Power and let out a fierce shout. It was as if Thunder Shock manifested, exploding beside everyone’s ears. The illusion-stricken disciples trembled, snapping back to reality. “What happened?” confusion filled the disciples’ eyes. “Ah! I’m hurt, damn it, what’s going on?” “Brother Lin, it’s you!” Hu Man’s eyes also held confusion, but she cried out in astonishment upon seeing Lin Xuan. “Are you alright?” Lin Xuan asked. Hu Man shook her head, “What exactly happened?” “Weren’t you aware that you were caught in an illusion?” Shangguan Liuyun asked curiously. “Illusion!” Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill, and recalling their previous actions, cold sweat broke out as fear filled their hearts. Hu Man looked gratefully at Lin Xuan, “Thank goodness you arrived in time; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.” “What do we do now?” “Are we going to be trapped here to die?” a group of disciples panicked. Lin Xuan took a deep breath, “Follow me, I can lead you out.” “You?” Most people didn’t believe him, among them was a Spirit Sea Realm Martial Artist who wore a sneer. Lin Xuan ignored everyone else and spoke to Hu Man and Shangguan Liuyun, “Follow my footsteps exactly. Do not make a mistake.” Afterward, he contacted the Lord of Wine and began to dismantle the Illusion Array. The other disciples looked at Lin Xuan with a mix of skepticism and resolve. Finally, gritting their teeth, they followed him. The entire process was slow; Lin Xuan moved cautiously, pausing and confirming something from time to time. Suddenly, the trees surrounding them shook, gray branches twisted and pierced into one of the disciples. “Ah!” A scream echoed as that disciple’s flesh instantly caved in, his body turning into a dried husk. Lin Xuan’s pupils also contracted sharply; he hadn’t expected such a turn of events. He quickly enveloped the three of them in Soul Power as a precaution. “Why is this happening? Didn’t you say you could lead us out?” someone yelled at Lin Xuan. Shangguan Liuyun and Hu Man frowned, while Lin Xuan simply let out a cold laugh, his gaze icy as he looked at the shouting disciple. “Don’t be foolish. Maybe this is his trap, luring us here specifically to kill us!” sneered the Spirit Sea Realm Martial Artist among the group. “Damn, it’s the Ling Family people!” Hu Man’s expression changed slightly, knowing that the highest in cultivation among them would only make the situation more chaotic. As expected, after the Ling Family Spirit Sea Realm disciple finished speaking, the rest of the group looked uncertain, unsure who to trust. Lin Xuan faced them, his expression unchanged, “Your legs are your own. I have never forced you; if you don’t want to follow, you are free to leave at any time.” “Hmph, leading us here and then saying this, you obviously have ill intent!” the Ling Family Spirit Sea Realm Martial Artist retorted sharply. Lin Xuan’s expression darkened slightly. He was well aware that the grudge between him and the Ling Family was irreconcilable. Shaking his head, Lin Xuan beckoned to Hu Man and Shangguan Liuyun, preparing to leave. “Kid, you think it’s that easy to leave after leading us here?” Ling Family disciple Ling Kun sneered maliciously as his form flashed, striking fiercely. “Scatter!” Lin Xuan shouted. The attack of a Spirit Sea Realm Martial Artist was not something Hu Man and the others could withstand. Lin Xuan moved to avoid involving his companions. He executed the Illusion Thunder Step, leaving trails of illusions behind, creating confusion between what’s real and what’s fake. “Trifling tricks, all shall be extinguished!” In Ling Kun’s hand, blue Spiritual Power transformed into a long whip, like a sinister Poison Snake, twisting and striking through, shattering all the false images in the air. Reaching the Spirit Sea Realm, the ability to Transform Spiritual Power signified a major milestone, indicating the Martial Artist’s more refined use of Spiritual Power. Destroying all of Lin Xuan’s illusions with one strike, Ling Kun laughed triumphantly, “Boy, today is the day you die!” Lin Xuan was a sworn enemy of the Ling Family and had comprehended Sword Intent, an indication of limitless potential. Killing Lin Xuan would be a great feat; perhaps the Family would even foster his growth significantly. With that thought, the Spiritual Power around Ling Kun surged even more intensely. Hu Man watched the unfolding scene with alarm. Although she knew Lin Xuan was formidable, facing a genuine Spirit Sea First Layer Heaven Martial Artist was a different matter, the opponent’s strength was immense. “Don’t worry, he won’t have any trouble!” Shangguan Liuyun muttered under his breath, then he recalled the fearsome azure light column, its power still causing him to shudder. Lin Xuan also knew that using the azure gloves, he could easily kill Ling Kun, but those were his life-preserving means, which he didn’t want to use carelessly. Besides, he hadn’t truly tested his strength in battle since reaching the Ninth Rank of Congealing Veins. “What’s so great about the Spirit Sea Realm? Today, I will use my sword to slaughter through the Spirit Sea!” Lin Xuan’s eyes sparkled, his Sword Intent soared to the sky, sweeping across all directions.