101: Uninvited guests and "entrapment" enforcement

The successful upgrade of "ark" 2.0 put the entire development of Lijian Valley onto a new fast track.

The Cultivation effects in the core area were almost comparable to the Immortal Cave of some Inner Sect Disciples, which made all the members full of drive.

However, a tall tree catches the wind. The unusual situation in Lijian Valley eventually attracted the attention of some interested parties.

On this day, several young people wearing Inner Sect Disciple attire with arrogant auras arrived at the entrance of Lijian Valley.

The leader had a handsome face, but his eyes carried a condescending sense of scrutiny, and a long sword shimmering with radiant light hung at his waist, which one could tell at a glance was no ordinary item.

"Is this the jurisdiction of Junior Brother Wen Youyi?" the leading Inner Sect Disciple asked loudly, his tone not exactly polite.

The War Hall Disciple on duty dared not delay and hurriedly reported it.

Wen Youyi raised an eyebrow upon receiving the news. It was rare for Inner Sect Disciples to visit on their own initiative.

He straightened his robes and brought Wang Wu and Zhao Iron Pillar out to meet them.

"I am Wen Youyi. May I ask what advice you have for me, Senior Brothers?" Wen Youyi cupped his hands, neither humble nor arrogant.

The leading Inner Sect Disciple scanned Wen Youyi, lingering for a moment on the token at his waist representing an Outer Sect deacon, and the corners of his mouth curled into a faint arc:

"I am Chen Feng, a Disciple of Tianshu Peak. I heard that Junior Brother Wen has been running this Lijian Valley quite prosperously, and even created a 'Spirit Gathering Formation' that can improve Cultivation efficiency, so I came specifically to see it."

Tianshu Peak? Wen Youyi's heart stirred. Of the seven peaks of the Qingxuan Sect, Tianshu Peak ranked in the top three; its Disciples were generally powerful, and it was said to have a close relationship with the Five Elements Courtyard.

"Senior Brother Chen is too kind," Wen Youyi said, his face wearing his usual harmless smile. "It's just some minor tinkering by this Disciple. I made an immature Formation, and the effects are minimal; it is truly unworthy of Senior Brother's Dharma Eye."

"Oh? Is that so?" Chen Feng smiled noncommittally, his gaze seemingly piercing through the simple defenses at the valley entrance, directed straight toward the Spiritual Qi within the valley that was much denser than outside. "But I observe that the Spiritual Qi here seems much more active than outside. Junior Brother Wen is being too modest."

A Disciple behind him also chimed in with a sarcastic tone: "Exactly. Junior Brother Wen has such good things but hides them away; isn't that a bit lacking in fellow-Disciple camaraderie? Could it be that this Formation has some shameful secret?"

These words carried a clear sense of provocation.

Zhao Iron Pillar frowned and was about to flare up, but was stopped by a look from Wen Youyi.

Wen Youyi's smile remained unchanged, but his mind was clear as a mirror. These people were not here with good intentions; it was likely not just simple curiosity, but more like they were here to find fault or... test him.

His thoughts raced, and he immediately had a plan.

"Senior Brother, you exaggerate." Wen Youyi sighed, showing a bit of "helplessness" and "candor." "To tell you the truth, this Formation was not created by me alone. It was when Envoy Mu Feng visited earlier; seeing us messing around, he casually bestowed a stabilization rune, which allowed it to barely take shape. The core was gifted by the Envoy; I am just basking in his reflected glory. As for the effects... sigh, while it seems the Spiritual Qi is denser, it is actually impure and mixed, causing significant hidden dangers when Cultivating. I am currently troubled by this."

In just a few words, he pushed the credit onto the departed Mu Feng, pointed out that the Formation had a "backer," and simultaneously implied that the Formation had "flaws," clearing himself completely.

Sure enough, upon hearing the four words "Envoy Mu Feng," the expressions of Chen Feng and his group changed slightly, and their arrogant aura subsided significantly. The identity of that mysterious Envoy was not a secret among the higher-ups, and they had heard of it as well.

"So you received guidance from the Envoy..." Chen Feng's tone softened, but the scrutiny in his eyes did not diminish. "However, since the Formation is complete, why not open it up, Junior Brother Wen, so more fellow Disciples can benefit? It would also allow everyone to study it together and see if those 'hidden dangers' can be improved."

The dagger was revealed! They wanted to forcibly "visit" or even "share" the technology!

Wen Youyi sneered inwardly, but his face showed a look of "dilemma": "This... it's not that this Disciple is hiding anything. It's just that the Envoy once said this Formation is not yet perfect, and opening it rashly might cause trouble, so he specifically instructed me to use it with caution. If you Senior Brothers are truly curious..."

He changed the subject, as if he had made up his mind: "How about this: I can guide you Senior Brothers to experience it on the perimeter of the Formation. But remember, you must absolutely not go deep into the core, otherwise, the Spiritual Qi will backlash, and the consequences would be unimaginable!"

He spoke with genuine sincerity, perfectly portraying an honest person who followed the instructions of a "Senior" while also caring about the camaraderie of "fellow Disciples."

Chen Feng and his group exchanged glances. Their purpose in coming was to investigate the reality of Lijian Valley and the so-called "Spirit Gathering Formation." Being able to experience it personally was naturally for the best.

"Since that's the case, then I will trouble you, Junior Brother Wen." Chen Feng nodded.

Wen Youyi chuckled inwardly; the fish had taken the bait. He had long been prepared for this day and had specifically set up several "display areas" with full "special effects" in the perimeter area of "ark" 2.0.

He led Chen Feng and the others toward an area in the valley that looked exceptionally dense with Spiritual Qi, even with faint multicolored light appearing. This place had been carefully disguised by him using "ark" energy and some illusion Formation techniques; it looked full of Immortal Qi, but in reality, the energy inside was extremely "lively" and... chaotic.

"Senior Brothers, please just experience it in this area." Wen Youyi pointed to that area and solemnly warned, "Remember, you may only perceive it; do not absorb it, and definitely do not circulate your Qi!"

Chen Feng and the others were skeptical but each released a trace of Mental Energy, probing into that area.

In an instant!

The expressions of all of them changed drastically at the same time!

They only felt that the seemingly peaceful Spiritual Qi, once touched, immediately became like a wild horse off its leash, violent and chaotic! Mixed within it were traces of extremely subtle yet unsettling interference fluctuations! It felt as if countless tiny needles were probing their Divine Sense!

One of the Disciples with slightly weaker cultivation even let out a muffled groan, his face turning pale, and he subconsciously took half a step back!

How was this a treasure land for Cultivation? It was clearly an energy trap!

Wen Youyi timely revealed a look of "worry" and "just as I thought": "Senior Brothers, how does it feel? This Disciple already said that this Formation has huge hidden dangers; it looks like the Spiritual Qi is dense, but it is actually like poison; one should not easily touch it!"

Chen Feng and the others quickly withdrew their Mental Energy, their faces looking somewhat ugly. They could feel that Wen Youyi was not lying; the energy in that area was indeed extremely bizarre. It seemed that this Formation really had problems and was not the blessed land they had imagined.

"Hmph, it seems I was too rash." Chen Feng's expression shifted, and finally, he gave a cold snort. "Since this Formation has such hidden dangers, Junior Brother Wen should ask the Envoy for instructions as soon as possible, or ask the Sect Elders to help solve it; do not harm yourself and others! Let's go!"

After saying that, he took his companions, who were still feeling lingering fear, and left Lijian Valley without looking back.

Watching their retreating backs, Zhao Iron Pillar spat: "Bah! What a piece of work! Thinking of taking advantage of us?"

Wang Wu was a bit worried: "Youyi, will this offend Tianshu Peak?"

Wen Youyi smiled, not caring at all: "Don't worry, they cannot fathom Envoy Mu Feng's attitude and dare not act recklessly. Moreover, the more we show that this Formation 'has problems,' the less they dare to act rashly."

This move of "entrapment" not only successfully scared off the ill-intentioned snooping but also further solidified the smokescreen that the "Formation has flaws," which could be called killing two birds with one stone.

However, Wen Youyi knew that this kind of cleverness could only deal with things for a while. True safety always comes from one's own strength.

"It seems that the expansion of 'ark' and the advancement of the 'internal test' must be accelerated..."

He looked toward the "ark" core in the valley, which was as deep as the starry sky, his gaze firm.

(End of this chapter)