Chapter 111: Tianlin Takes Action – Tianxuan Maze Formation and Mount Shu Talismans

As the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake rapidly approached, it finally appeared before Tianlin and the others. Tianlin stepped forward, arranging the seven formation stones in his hand into a special configuration and using his soul power to activate the formation that had already been embedded in the stones. Unaware of the intricacies of the formation, the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake naively entered the trap. At that moment, a bizarre scene unfolded. The snake's movements became highly peculiar. Though the path ahead was wide open, it veered as if it had encountered a dead end. When faced with a giant boulder, it inexplicably rammed into it, leaving itself dazed and confused. "What... what's going on here?" Oscar exclaimed in surprise. "Could this be some kind of formation?" Zhao Wuji speculated. He had seen something similar before, as one of his colleagues, a control-type Soul Emperor named Lu Qibin, possessed a spirit skill with his Star Chessboard Martial Soul that resembled such formations. However, Tianlin was clearly a power-attack-type soul master. How could he have mastered such techniques? Tianlin smiled faintly. It worked! Although this was his first attempt, the simplified version of the Tianxuan Maze Formation had been a success—albeit with a smaller range, enough to trap only a few targets. The so-called Tianxuan Maze Formation was a creation of Qing Shi, one of the Seven Sages of Mount Shu. When fully deployed, anyone who recklessly entered would fall into a deadly and surreal illusion. Tianlin's diluted version was a hundred times weaker and couldn't achieve such a lethal effect. It could only delay or confuse opponents for a short while. "This is an illusion formation. The Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake is likely seeing something entirely different from what we see," Tang San remarked as he activated his Purple Demon Eye. Yet, even with that skill, he couldn't fully see through the Tianxuan Maze Formation. Still, he managed to deduce its essence. "Brother Tianlin, are you trying to make the snake destroy itself within your formation? Clever!" Tianlin shook his head. "It's not that simple. While that could work, it would take too long. I have other plans." As he spoke, Tianlin retrieved two yellow talismans from his belongings and approached the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake. Immersed in the illusion, the snake didn't even notice his presence. Tianlin easily attached the two talismans to the snake's body. "Binding Curse Talisman, Seal! Restraining Talisman, Lock!" The Binding Curse Talisman immobilized soul power, while the Restraining Talisman restricted physical movement. When used together, the two talismans were incredibly effective. The reason soul beasts were superior to wild beasts was their immense soul power, akin to that of human soul masters. By first sealing the soul power with the Binding Curse Talisman and then physically restraining the target with the Restraining Talisman, the opponent was rendered completely helpless. "Talisman techniques? Brother Tianlin, your sect possesses such extraordinary skills!" Tang San was astonished. In his previous life, he had read about such techniques in Daoist sects, but they were merely legends. Witnessing them firsthand was a first for him. "Wow, Boss! Is this also a secret skill of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan? That's amazing! Just two talismans, and the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake can't even move!" Ma Hongjun exclaimed excitedly. "Boss, if I join your sect, will you teach me this awesome skill?" "Of course I can teach you," Tianlin replied without hesitation. "But if you want to learn, you can't slack off. Talisman mastery requires effort no less than cultivating your soul power." Hearing this, Ma Hongjun immediately deflated. "Then... forget it. I'll focus on cultivating my soul power. Once I become a Titled Douluo, I'll study talismans if I have the time." Tianlin shook his head. While Ma Hongjun was talented, his temperament was still too lazy. He lacked the determination, confidence, and patience necessary to become a true powerhouse. It seemed he would need more guidance in the future. "Alright, Oscar, the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake is yours to deal with now. Finish it!" Tianlin gestured to Oscar. Just as Oscar prepared to deliver the final blow, a hoarse, aged voice rang out: "Stop!" Two figures emerged from the forest—a pair of women, one old and one young. The older woman appeared to be in her sixties or seventies, with neatly groomed white hair. Despite her age, she radiated energy, a clear sign of her impressive cultivation. She held a three-meter-long staff with a snakehead carved on top. As she took each step, her soul rings appeared one by one: two yellow, three purple, and one black—a Soul Emperor! Her soul rings shimmered around her, yet her body remained unchanged, indicating that her Martial Soul was the snakehead staff in her hand. The younger woman, about sixteen years old, wore a form-fitting purple outfit that accentuated her graceful figure. She was stunningly beautiful, only slightly less so than Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing. She also held a shorter snakehead staff, about two meters long, and bore two yellow hundred-year soul rings. This duo was unmistakably Chao Tianxiang, the Snake Granny, and her granddaughter Meng Yiran, as described in the original story. "Hmph, six soul rings!" Zhao Wuji smirked disdainfully and immediately activated his Martial Soul. Seven soul rings appeared around him, shining brightly in the best configuration: two yellow, two purple, and three black. When Chao Tianxiang saw Zhao Wuji's seven soul rings, her heart sank. She hadn't expected to encounter a Soul Sage here. Without her husband present, retrieving the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake seemed near-impossible. Still, she had to try. Perhaps the other party would show them some respect. After all, the Dragon and Snake Couple were famous across the continent. "Greetings, Soul Sage. I am Chao Tianxiang," she said respectfully. "You cannot give that child the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake." "Chao Tianxiang?" Zhao Wuji's initial disdain faded as he realized who he was dealing with. 'So it's the Snake Granny of the Dragon and Snake Couple. She's not too difficult to handle, but if her husband, Meng Shu, is nearby, things could get tricky.' Meng Shu, also known as the Dragon Duke, was a powerful Soul Douluo. Together with Chao Tianxiang, they could unleash a Martial Soul Fusion Skill that even Titled Douluo struggled to counter. If Meng Shu appeared, Zhao Wuji knew he wouldn't stand a chance. With this in mind, Zhao Wuji uncharacteristically softened his tone. "Ah, so it's Senior Snake Granny. I am Zhao Wuji." Chao Tianxiang's expression flickered. "So the young Soul Sage before me is the renowned Unmovable King, Zhao Wuji." Though her words were polite, her heart grew more anxious. Zhao Wuji was infamous for acting on his whims, even daring to provoke Spirit Hall. It seemed unlikely he would fear the Dragon and Snake Couple. Without her husband present, the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Snake's fate was all but sealed.