181: Fantasy

On the ruins of the dilapidated walls, the leaders of the two sides were already engaged in fierce battle.

Ma Zhi wielded a large hammer, unleashing a blinding golden light that stirred up immense power, while Wu Gang's large saber was covered in crimson spiritual energy, and when he swung it, a scorching flame roared forth.

At the same time, a series of spiritual technique attacks erupted in the battlefield.

Some released lightning bolts at their enemies, accompanied by crackling electric sounds, while others were enveloped in golden light, their fighting spirit soaring.

Various attack methods like Water Sphere Technique and Fireball Technique also emerged one after another.

Zhou Luo had been watching, silently memorizing the fighting styles of Wu Gang and the others.

For example, Wu Gang and his four companions were more skilled in melee attacks, and their methods were all of the domineering and powerful type.

The pair of siblings who joined later were more skilled in long-range attacks. They stood in a rear position, releasing powerful spiritual energy from time to time.

Moreover, the female seemed to be a Spiritual Talisman Master, so most of her methods relied on the spiritual Talismans she released.

What caught Zhou Luo's attention was Shangguan Qianxue.

Besides her exquisite swordplay, she seemed to also control a movement technique, which made her appear at ease when facing such a chaotic battle.

Time flowed by, and the battle was exceptionally intense.

Ma Zhi had clearly underestimated the combat power of this group.

He had been full of confidence initially, but when the real battle began, he realized how powerful the opponents were.

However, due to the initial attack from the formation, the eight people also suffered severe spiritual energy depletion. Facing this chaotic battle, some were already injured, and some were even killed with a single sword thrust to the throat.

The ones who died were the companion who had spoken with Liu Tie earlier, and another young man.

Seeing this situation, Wu Gang finally stopped holding back.

He painfully sacrificed a top-grade Talisman.

The Talisman bloomed with dazzling spiritual light in mid-air, unleashing countless light blades that shot out, carrying immense power and assaulting in all directions.

The power unleashed by a top-grade Talisman is unimaginable.

Even Ma Zhi had to temporarily avoid its edge.

Seeing that continuing the battle might not lead to victory.

In the end, Ma Zhi and the others could only leave in resentment.

After expending a top-grade Talisman, the crisis was finally resolved.

Zhou Luo also took the opportunity to jump down from the big tree and walk towards the crowd.

Seeing his appearance, the others didn't pay him much mind, only Shangguan Qianxue slightly furrowed her brows, a hint of confusion flashing in her beautiful eyes.

When did this guy leave?

With the enemy gone, Wu Gang looked at the two companions lying on the ground, sighed deeply, and then took their storage bags.

No one had any objection to this.

Because these two were originally his brothers, and he was also the captain.

"I will take good care of your wives and children," Wu Gang said with a solemn expression, standing before the two of them.

Immediately, he threw down a Fireball Talisman and incinerated the bodies of the two.

There was not much grief.

In a place like this, Death is a commonplace occurrence.

After experiencing this sneak attack, everyone also became more cautious.

Fortunately, aside from some demon beast attacks, they did not encounter any other assaults afterward.

As night deepened, Wu Gang suggested that everyone stop and rest.

After all, the Magic Forest at night is even more terrifying. The demon beasts lurking in the darkness are more ferocious and frightening than those in the daytime. A moment of carelessness could lead to falling here.

Wu Gang marked out an area, took out illuminating Talismans and posted them around, and lit a ball of fire.

In a place like this, fire is sometimes more threatening than light.

Zhou Luo and Shangguan Qianxue sat in front of the fire, silent.

Wu Gang and the two of them kept watch during the first half of the night, while the others sat cross-legged on the ground, closing their eyes to rest.

Wu Gang plopped down next to Zhou Luo and asked with a smile, "Brother Xu, how did you sense the danger during the day?"

Everyone already knew that he had left the formation first during the day.

However, Wu Gang didn't seem to mind his self-serving behavior, only curious how a Qi Refining Fifth Layer fellow could react so quickly.

"It's mainly because I was relatively close to the edge of the formation, plus I understand some Array formation, so I reacted faster."

"Actually, I didn't expect there to be a formation here either, otherwise I would have notified you earlier."

Zhou Luo explained with a sincere expression.

He really hadn't expected someone to set up a Formation here. He had only sensed a trace of Array Formation aura and thought it was residual from the Joyful Union Sect ruins.

"You are an Array Master?" Wu Gang exclaimed in surprise, looking at him with respect.

The status of an Array Master in the Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range is very high.

For example, that old man during the day, if it weren't for his existence, Wu Gang and the others wouldn't have suffered such heavy losses.

"Just started, just started," Zhou Luo waved his hand.

Wu Gang, however, looked extremely happy: "If Brother Xu is an Array Master, then things will be much easier from now on."

"What do you mean?" Zhou Luo asked with a puzzled expression.

"There is an illusion at the place we are going. I was originally thinking of forcing our way through with people, but if you are here, perhaps we can pass through without any loss," Wu Gang said in a low voice.

"I'm not sure I can do it," Zhou Luo replied.

"It will be more convenient regardless," Wu Gang said happily.

Across from them, Shangguan Qianxue listened to their conversation, deep in thought.

...

The next morning, Zhou Luo woke up.

After tidying up, everyone continued on their journey.

Half a day later, everyone finally arrived at the place Wu Gang had referred to as the "illusion".

The entire illusion was surrounded by dense mist, like a sea of clouds, isolating it from the outside world.

A faint spiritual energy permeated the mist, and one could vaguely see the exceptionally tall trees.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that the trunks of the large trees were covered with moss and some ancient runes, as if narrating a history unknown to others.

These trees were lush with branches and leaves, and the leaves displayed a myriad of colors, constantly changing under the reflection of the mist and light, like a colorful painting.

No one felt relaxed because of this beautiful scenery; instead, everyone had a solemn expression.

Because they felt an extremely dense illusionary force here.

Once they stepped into it, they would definitely be invaded by the illusion.

"Everyone, after passing through this illusion, we will be able to obtain the treasure," Wu Gang said with excitement.

But the others were not very happy.

Because they sensed great danger in this extraordinary forest.

Seeing this, Wu Gang seemed to have been prepared. He took out several Talismans and said, "These are Ethereal Talismans. As long as you attach these, you can be immune to the invasion of illusionary force."

Ethereal Talisman is a type of High Grade spiritual Talisman that can allow the user to resist mental attacks and be unaffected by illusions.

Zhou Luo's eyes narrowed.

The other party actually took out such valuable treasures. It seems their objective is not small.

Shangguan Qianxue and the other pair of siblings were also on guard.

Wu Gang didn't say much, only stating, "If you don't believe me, then stay here."

"However, without the Ethereal Talismans, the difficulty of passing through here will greatly increase."

"All I can tell you is that behind the illusion, there might be the inheritance of the Joyful Union Dao."