Chapter 1025
The Core of the Array?
Bai Wei followed closely behind Yang Ling, her silver snake whip gripped tightly in her hand, ready to deal with any unexpected situation. "Brother Yang, are the mechanisms here similar to those described in ancient texts?"
Yang Ling paused to examine the surrounding mechanisms closely. "Indeed, the principles behind these mechanisms are quite similar to those described in ancient texts. We must proceed with caution."
Murong Feng kept observing the top of the palace. "Have you noticed that there seems to be a star map engraved on the top of the palace? Perhaps it is related to these mechanisms."
Youlan also looked up and examined it closely. "Brother Murong is absolutely right. This star map may be the key to unlocking the mechanism."
Yang Ling nodded in agreement, "Then let's analyze the star map first and see if we can find any clues."
The four gathered around the star chart, carefully examining it, and discovered a remarkable correspondence between the stars in the chart and the positions of the mechanisms within the palace. After some deliberation, they finally determined the correct sequence for triggering the mechanisms.
"Alright, now trigger the mechanisms in the order of the deduction, but be careful," Yang Ling instructed.
The four carefully triggered the palace's mechanisms in turn. As the last mechanism was activated, a shimmering magic circle suddenly appeared in the center of the palace.
"Is this the core of the formation?" Bai Wei asked in surprise.
Yang Ling nodded in confirmation, "That's right. We need to work together to destroy it in order to break the illusion."
Murong Feng took a deep breath. "Then let's begin. Everyone must give it your all!"
The four people stood around the magic circle, each channeling their spiritual energy into it. As they continued their work, the magic circle shone brighter and brighter, eventually condensing into a huge sphere of light.
At this moment, the magic array suddenly trembled violently, and a powerful recoil force sent the four of them staggering backward. After regaining their footing, they discovered that the light sphere in the array had vanished, replaced by a deep, dark cave.
"Why is that?" Youlan asked in surprise.
Yang Ling frowned. "It seems we have triggered some kind of hidden mechanism. This cave may be the way out to the outside world."
"Then let's quickly go in and investigate to see if we can leave this place," Bai Wei suggested.
Murong Feng nodded in agreement, "Since things have come to this, this is the only way. Everyone must be careful and not let their guard down."
So the four of them cautiously entered the dark cave.
In the dark cave, the sound of their heartbeats echoed in the silent space. They huddled together, moving slowly in a line with Yang Ling at the head. The damp air inside the cave carried an inexplicable chill, causing them to shiver involuntarily.
“There is airflow here.” Murong Feng reached out and gently probed, closing his eyes to feel the breeze coming from the depths of the cave. “This means the cave is not sealed off, and there may be an exit ahead.”
“Or perhaps a wider space,” Yang Ling added, tapping the cave wall lightly with his longsword, trying to judge the situation ahead by the echo.
Bai Wei gripped the silver snake whip tightly, warily scanning her surroundings. "The atmosphere here is unsettling; I feel like something is watching us from the shadows."
Youlan silently strengthened the protection of the water-based spiritual magic, and the pale blue light appeared particularly bright in the cave, bringing a sense of security to the four of them.
As you venture deeper, mysterious murals gradually appear on the cave walls. These patterns depict ancient legends and rituals, seemingly narrating a distant past.
"Look here!" Murong Feng suddenly pointed to a mural and shouted.
In the painting, an armored warrior stands facing off against a ferocious beast, sword in hand. The beast's eyes are bloodshot, and it breathes fire, but the warrior shows no fear, poised to strike.
"Could this be the legend of the Spirit Spring Illusion?" Yang Ling examined the mural closely. "It is said that the Spirit Spring Illusion was created by an ancient god to test the warriors who enter it."
"Trials? Does that mean we've become part of the trials too?" Bai Wei said with a wry smile.
Youlan gazed at the warrior in the painting, "This warrior seems unafraid of the giant beast, his eyes filled with determination and courage."
Murong Feng nodded in agreement, “We also need this kind of courage. No matter what dangers lie ahead, we must face them bravely.” The four continued on their way, and the cave gradually widened. Soon they arrived at a huge cave hall. In the hall stood a giant stone tablet, its surface covered with ancient characters and patterns.
“These characters…” Yang Ling stepped closer to examine the inscription, “are actually ancient immortal script! It is said that only those who have cultivated to a certain level can decipher them.”
"Can you read it?" Bai Wei asked curiously.
Yang Ling shook his head, "I only know the basics. But I can try to decipher a little."
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and gently touched the inscription on the stele. After a moment, he opened his eyes, a solemn expression on his face.
"The inscription records an ancient immortal technique called the 'Spirit Spring Illusion-Breaking Technique.' Legend has it that this technique can break all illusions and mechanisms within the Spirit Spring Illusion Realm."
"Then we've found a way to escape!" Murong Feng exclaimed excitedly.
Yang Ling nodded, "That's the theory. But the 'Spirit Spring Illusion-Breaking Technique' requires four people to work together to master it. They must trust each other and pour their spiritual energy into each other without reservation."
They understood that this was the only way to leave the illusionary realm of the Spirit Spring. So they sat around the stele and began to practice the "Spirit Spring Illusion-Breaking Technique".
The four sat around the monument. Yang Ling spoke first: "Let's begin. Remember, everyone, to practice this technique, you must be of one mind and spirit, trust each other, and gather your spiritual power into one point."
Bai Wei asked nervously, "Brother Yang, what happens if we make a mistake during the training?"
Yang Ling gently reassured him, "There's no need to worry. As long as we are of one mind, there will be no major problems. However, if anything goes wrong, we may suffer a backlash from the immortal magic."
Murong Feng replied, "Bai Wei, rest assured, with the four of us united, our strength can break even metal."
Youlan gently grasped Baiwei's hand, "Indeed, we will surely succeed."
Encouraged by each other, the four closed their eyes and began to cultivate. Yang Ling, as the leader, chanted ancient incantations in a low voice, formed hand seals, and guided everyone into a meditative state.
As the incantation was recited, faint spiritual energy gradually gathered around the four of them. This spiritual energy slowly merged, forming a huge vortex that tightly surrounded the four of them.
During his practice, Murong Feng suddenly frowned, as if he had encountered a problem. He murmured, "The spiritual energy here is extremely strong, and I feel somewhat strained."
Yang Ling immediately replied, "Hold on, Brother Murong. This is a test of immortal magic; you must pass this trial."
Bai Wei also said anxiously, "Brother Murong, you can do it! We are all by your side supporting you."
Youlan silently increased her spiritual energy output, trying to share the pressure with Murong Feng.
With encouragement and assistance from everyone, Murong Feng finally overcame the ordeal. He breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you all, I am fine now."
Yang Ling smiled and said, "This is the power of teamwork. Let's continue, victory is in sight."
As time went by, the four felt their spiritual energy becoming increasingly abundant. They felt as if they had become one with the cave, sensing the flow and changes of spiritual energy.
Finally, at the last moment, the four of them simultaneously channeled their spiritual energy into the stone tablet. The stone tablet immediately burst forth with dazzling light, illuminating the entire cave hall.
As the light faded, the four were pleasantly surprised to find themselves in a completely new world. The scenery was breathtaking, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, birdsong and fragrant flowers—a veritable paradise on earth.
"We...we really succeeded?" Bai Wei asked excitedly, her eyes brimming with tears. "We've finally escaped that terrifying illusion!"
Yang Ling also sighed with emotion: "Yes, it was really not easy. It's all thanks to everyone's hard work and trust."
Murong Feng stretched: "I've never felt so exhausted, but the ending is ultimately perfect." (End of Chapter)