The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 390: Illusory Sky Array

Illusory Sky Array . . .

The familiar mountain stood tall, and the bamboo forest remained unaltered. Cha Eun Xiao arrived at the edge of this area, a place that was both haunting and inviting. A single step into this realm could mark the boundary between life and death.

As he surveyed the forest, Cha Eun Xiao morphed his appearance into that of Feng Zhiling. With a sense of solemnity, he regarded the bamboo forest, feeling an inexplicable sense of oppression every time he gazed upon it.

This oppressive sensation emanated from the presence concealed within the forest – Master Bai.

Legend had it that this mountain and forest had preserved their appearance for thousands of years, concealing untold secrets. Nevertheless, no matter how mystical it might be, it couldn't evoke such an overwhelming sense of dread in Cha Eun Xiao. That power belonged to Master Bai alone.

Cha Eun Xiao was certain that if not for Master Bai's presence, the sisters Wan of Clouds and Xiu of Heavens wouldn't inspire such fear in him. With his array of skills and knowledge, he could obstruct their every move. However, the sheer brilliance of Master Bai's wisdom rendered any opponent powerless.

One thought reverberated in his mind as he advanced toward the bamboo forest – "I will conquer you someday, face to face."

Within the bamboo forest, Cha Eun Xiao, disguised as Feng Zhiling, moved swiftly but found himself ensnared in a perplexing illusion.

Seasons shifted with each step – spring, summer, autumn, winter – creating a bewildering cycle. Green bamboo leaves gave way to a snowy landscape, ushering in bone-chilling cold. Then, suddenly, spring returned, and the bamboo leaves rustled in the breeze, only to transition once more into a crisp autumn day.

The loop was unending, and everything else remained constant. It felt as though he were utterly isolated, with no other living soul within thousands of miles.

Yet, he was still situated within Chen-Xing City.

Cha Eun Xiao had been to this place before, and the memories of his previous visit were etched deeply in his mind.

"This must be an array," he realized. But this was no ordinary array. Standard arrays deceived the senses by creating false perceptions or diverting one's attention. The array Cha Eun Xiao now found himself in was different – it provided him with authentic sensory experiences of changing seasons, including minute details. It surpassed ordinary arrays, likely an example of one of the most advanced and complex forms of array magic – the Illusory Magic Array.

The Illusory Magic Array had once been relegated to the realm of myth and legend, and Cha Eun Xiao had only heard of it in stories. Now, he was experiencing its power firsthand.

Cha Eun Xiao had never expected to find himself amidst the legendary array concealed within this lowest realm under the vast heavens. Whether it was a stroke of luck or a cruel twist of fate, he couldn't quite ascertain.

Pausing in his tracks, Cha Eun Xiao stood in silent contemplation, his mind racing to unravel the mysteries of the array. Regardless of the type or level of an array, be it low-level or legendary, it always possessed a vulnerability. The individual who set up the array would have an escape route; they wouldn't purposefully trap themselves. Thus, the path they took to exit the array was also the key to breaking it.

As Cha Eun Xiao mulled over his options for disabling the array, he was unaware that he was being observed by a man of profound wisdom.

Upon entering the bamboo forest, Master Bai sensed Cha Eun Xiao's presence and began watching him intently. Master Bai possessed a unique way of observation that transcended the abilities of ordinary individuals. His gaze extended far ahead before he extended his hand and revealed his palm. In it, the palm prints faded away, replaced by a mirror-like plane that displayed everything within its confines.

Within this mirror plane, the entire mountain and bamboo forest, complete with its ever-changing seasons, was revealed. And in the midst of it all was Feng Monarch.

A black-clad man respectfully bowed before Master Bai and spoke with grave seriousness, "Master, this place has remained untouched for thousands of years, and no one dares intrude upon its sanctity. Yet, Feng Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall has dared to breach its boundaries. Perhaps it is time to demonstrate our dominion to the world."

Master Bai shook his head and replied, "There's no need for that. Let us observe whether he can surmount this challenge or not. Rules exist to be broken, but they remain unbreakable because no one possesses the means. If he can break my array, it will be a pleasant surprise. This Feng Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall, I am quite eager to see his performance."

The black-clad man nodded solemnly and said, "Yes, Master."

Master Bai continued to gaze into the mirror, smiling, and murmured, "I wonder if you can conquer my Illusory Sky Array? If you can, it would indeed be fascinating."

As he pondered, he hesitated, then let out a chuckle. The Illusory Sky Array was a marvel, a formidable construct. Even in the Qing-Yun Realm, only a few could hope to breach it, let alone in this lower realm, the Land of Han-Yang. Reflecting on this, he found it highly unlikely that Feng Zhiling, even with his mastery of supreme-level dan-making, could also be a master of breaking arrays.

Shrugging off his initial intent to summon Feng Zhiling, Master Bai noticed that Feng Monarch had come to a halt, closing his eyes and binding them with a piece of black cloth.

Master Bai regarded this with a bland smile and curiosity, remarking, "Are you attempting to use brute force? It may work for breaking normal arrays, but in my Illusory Sky Array, that won't suffice. You simply lack the power. If you cannot break it with a single strike, the array will restore itself, rendering your efforts futile. Nonetheless, I'm curious to see what you're made of. Perhaps you'll surprise me.".