Chapter 369: Locking Spirit Formation Initially Established

Huangfu Song deliberately gave no answer, leaving Li Fan and the others with no choice. However, it was merely curiosity, so they did not press the matter further. They walked together towards the predetermined central area of the Spirit-Locking Array.

The final division of labor had long been agreed upon. Xue Mu was responsible for inspecting and maintaining the array units that had already been built, while Jiang Qigui was in charge of installing and debugging the array core. Li Fan, positioned in the middle, would act as needed, going wherever assistance was required.

Jiang Qigui's array mastery was trustworthy, and Xue Mu, moreover, had always been diligent and rarely made mistakes. With Li Fan acting as a flexible helper, this three-pronged approach allowed them to complete the Sky Profound Spirit-Locking Array covering the Chizha Abyss two days faster than originally planned.

As a precaution, everyone chose a lull period after a surge of demonic sounds to perform the final steps. After confirming that everything was in order, the Sky Profound Array Core flew out from Huangfu Song's forehead, transforming into a flickering red phantom.

Jiang Qigui, with an extremely solemn expression, guided the core into the fully prepared central array. Unlike during Li Fan's tests, the array core did not appear indifferent; the red phantom cooperatively flew into the layers of the magic array. The moment it settled into place, a blazing azure light completely enveloped the red glow surrounding it.

Starting from the central singularity, thousands of light beams bloomed, connecting with the countless array units of the surrounding Spirit-Locking Array. Penetrating the white mist, they extended outwards, illuminating the array's structure one by one. Thus, a spectacular sight appeared within the vast white mist.

In the sea of white mist, azure light rays emanated from the central singularity, spreading outwards layer by layer along the Spirit-Locking Array's veins. In an instant, a magnificent circular azure net, covering the entire Chizha Abyss, became visible. Neither the essence-devouring white mist nor the occasional demonic sounds could obscure its grand and imposing presence.

Most of those present were the direct builders of the array. Watching their creation, the result of years of hard work, finally come into being, filled their hearts with myriad emotions.

Li Fan, staring at the brightest azure light point at the center of the array, exclaimed, "Only Sky Profound can lock spirits. The grand curtain of the Sky Profound Spirit-Locking Array's widespread adoption is finally about to rise. Who knows what the Myriad Immortals Alliance will evolve into in the future? For now, I'll observe. If things truly turn grim, then I'll simply have to make a move. However, I've certainly put in a great deal of effort. I have both merits and hardships. Surely, with so little life left in this world, I won't be denied a natural death, will I?"

While Li Fan was secretly pondering, the Sky Profound Array Core finally completed its connection with the Spirit-Locking Array. The magnificent azure net receded like a tide in an instant. At the same time, Li Fan faintly sensed something, as if a pair of eyes were constantly watching him from above.

Led by Huangfu Song, everyone erupted in cheers, enthusiastically celebrating the successful completion of the array. They seemed to be completely unaware. Only Xue Mu, who appeared honest and dull-witted, imperceptibly glanced upwards.

After Huangfu Song's successful acceptance, the array construction work outside Chizha Abyss concluded. On the way back to Broken Palm Immortal City, Li Fan inquired about Huangfu Song's next plans.

"According to the original plan," Huangfu Song said, "we were to rendezvous with Dean Ji and construct a Spirit-Locking Array outside the newly discovered 'Lost Battlefield' mystic realm. However..."

Huangfu Song paused, then continued with a solemn expression, "That mystic realm is quite peculiar and extremely dangerous. After careful evaluation and consideration, the Alliance has decided to temporarily halt the array construction at the Lost Battlefield and instead seal it off first. Since you have already completed the construction of one Spirit-Locking Array, there will be no mandatory requirements for your work moving forward. In other words, if you wish, you can go back and rest immediately."

"Of course, if you want to compete for rankings, you can choose to assist with array construction in other areas," he added. "However, the construction progress of arrays in various locations and the personnel currently in charge are only visible to the Myriad Immortals Alliance headquarters. To maximize your ranking efficiency, it's best to use some unconventional methods."

Huangfu Song gave a slight cough, wearing an expression that implied "you understand." Xue Mu and Jiang Qigui both looked thoughtful upon hearing this, wondering what they possessed that could impress the senior.

Li Fan, however, had an indifferent expression. "My life is nearing its end; I will soon descend to the Yellow Springs to meet Fellow Daoist Tantai Tao. Competing for rankings is irrelevant now. However, I'm quite curious about that 'Lost Battlefield' that Senior Huangfu just mentioned."

Huangfu Song, who had been maintaining his composure, felt a twitch in his face when Li Fan brought up Tantai Tao again. Suppressing his irritation, he let out a cold snort after Li Fan's question but proceeded to answer him.

"It's not a secret; there's no harm in telling you," Huangfu Song said. "As the name suggests, that newly formed mystic realm is the remnant of an ancient great battle. Spanning over 1,600 li, countless cultivators perished there. Not only has the strong scent of blood not dissipated, but the fallen cultivators remain preserved in the exact moment before their deaths. It's as if this tragic battle just occurred recently."

Huangfu Song narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly recalling what he had witnessed in the Lost Battlefield. "What's even more bizarre is that we cannot discern the main factions of the warring sides. Those wearing the same sect attire might have perished together while slaughtering each other, or they might have bravely died defending against a powerful enemy. It's more like a chaotic free-for-all, where distinctions blurred, rather than a traditional battlefield."

Hearing Huangfu Song's description, Li Fan couldn't help but recall the Chaotic Stone Mystic Realm he had encountered previously. Similarly, it was as if time had congealed there, and the corpses remained lifelike. The culprit there was the Celestial Physician; who could be responsible for this Lost Battlefield?

While he was pondering, Xue Mu couldn't help but ask, "Senior Huangfu, you just said this Lost Battlefield is extremely perilous. Why is that? Could it be that these deceased cultivators can come back to life and attack?"

Huangfu Song shook his head, denying. "They are as dead as can be. A mere touch turns them into dust. The true danger comes from the mystic realm itself. When Dean Ji led a team in for the first time, they fell victim to it. While astonished by the scene of the ancient, brutal war, Dean Ji was suddenly attacked by several cultivators who were accompanying him."

"Attacked?!" Xue Mu couldn't help but exclaim in shock. "Lost... could it be?" After a moment, he immediately realized, his face filled with horror.

Huangfu Song nodded slowly. "Precisely. Those cultivators were Dean Ji's trusted confidants, utterly loyal and capable of withstanding any test. Yet, despite that, once they entered that mystic realm, they still lost their minds. They attacked Dean Ji without holding back, treating him like a mortal enemy."