181: The Forbidden Zone About to Open

While Shuiyue Peak and the Formation Hall were each making intensive preparations, Lu Yang was also conducting his final preparations within his own Immortal Cave.

He sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion in the center of the Quiet Chamber, a deep cyan Storage Pouch spread open before him. A faint spiritual light flickered at its mouth as Lu Yang's Divine Sense sank into it, meticulously taking inventory of the items inside.

Stacks of them were neatly categorized and arranged. Offensive Talismans were the most numerous, among which several sheets of the sharp, imposing 'Sword Qi Talismans' and a few 'Blazing Explosion Talismans' sealing the power of violent fire spirits were the most eye-catching.

Defensive Talismans came next, with several 'Mysterious Tortoise Shell Shield Talismans' and 'Golden Light Shroud Talismans' having spiritual light contained within.

There were also many auxiliary Talismans, including several 'divine movement talismans' for increasing speed, several 'Concealment Talismans' for hiding one's aura, and several 'Restriction-Breaking Talismans' and 'Spiritual Resonance Talismans' for dismantling simple Restrictions or detecting spiritual energy fluctuations.

These were his accumulated stock, obtained through exchanges using his Primordial Yang and his own Talisman-making skills or crafted himself, serving as his Sharp Weapons for dealing with sudden battles.

Apart from Talismans, there were also Medicinal Pills.

Several Jade Bottles and jade boxes were lined up beside them. The primary Qi-replenishing pills were several bottles of high-quality 'Return to Origin Pills', capable of rapidly replenishing a large amount of consumed spiritual power. Healing pills mainly consisted of 'Muscle Regeneration and Bone Mending Pills' and 'Clear Heart Jade Dew Pills' (for stabilizing internal organs and expelling foreign spiritual energies).

For detoxification, he had prepared three precious 'Hundred Herbs Poison-Warding Pills', which could counteract most common potent poisons. Additionally, there were a small number of 'Mind-Concentrating Pills' for refreshing the mind and 'Blood-Burning Pills' for briefly stimulating potential.

Most of these pills were refined by himself, with a smaller portion obtained by exchanging pills or his Primordial Yang with other alchemists.

Regarding Formations, Lu Yang had also prepared some.

The most eye-catching were two Formation Plates. One was the basic defensive Formation Plate 'Four Symbols Defensive Array', which, when activated, could form a small protective light barrier capable of withstanding the full-force attacks of a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator for a period of time.

The other was the 'Minor Five Elements Maze Array', used to confuse enemies and conceal one's tracks. These two Formation Plates were finished products he obtained by exchanging self-refined pills with Disciples from the Formation Hall, and they were relatively simple to operate.

Furthermore, there were several blank Formation Flags and a small box of spiritual ink for carving basic Formation patterns, prepared for unforeseen needs.

After confirming that all supplies were complete, in good condition, and positioned within the Storage Pouch for easy access, Lu Yang nodded in satisfaction and tied the Storage Pouch back to his waist.

He stood up, left the Immortal Cave, and headed straight for the Inner Sect Deacon Hall.

The Deacon Hall was bustling with people, as many Inner Sect Disciples who had obtained spots for the Forbidden Ground were making their final registrations. Lu Yang found the Steward in charge of the matter and presented his identity token.

"Disciple Lu Yang, fully prepared, hereby reports. I will participate in the journey to the Blood-colored Forbidden Land tomorrow," Lu Yang said in a calm tone.

The Steward checked the list, confirmed it was correct, recorded the information on a Jade Slip, and handed Lu Yang a specially crafted positioning jade Talisman: "Identity confirmed.

This is a positioning jade Talisman issued by the Sect. Infuse it with spiritual power to activate it. Within the peripheral areas of the Forbidden Ground, it can be vaguely sensed by the Sect's large-scale detection Formation. If you encounter an irresistible crisis, you can try to crush this Talisman. The Sect will attempt to locate and provide aid, but the outcome is unpredictable. Do not rely on it entirely.

Assemble at the Void Breaking Platform tomorrow at Chen hour (7-9 AM). Do not be late."

"This Disciple understands. Thank you, Steward." Lu Yang received the positioning jade Talisman, feeling its slight coolness in his hand. After storing it safely, he left the noisy Deacon Hall.

Returning to his Immortal Cave, Lu Yang did not rest.

He took out two specially crafted sound transmission talismans; these Talismans had a longer range and better stability than ordinary ones.

He first picked up a sound transmission talisman shimmering with a faint water-blue halo; this was used to contact Xia Yuxuan.

He infused a wisp of Divine Sense into it, and the Talisman lit up: "Junior Sister Yuxuan, it's me, Lu Yang. Regarding the journey to the Forbidden Ground tomorrow, has your spot been confirmed? Who is leading the Shuiyue Peak team?"

After speaking, he released his fingers, and the water-blue sound transmission talisman transformed into a streak of flowing light, piercing through the sky as it flew towards the direction of Shuiyue Peak.

Next, he picked up another sound transmission talisman flashing with a sharp golden radiance; this was the token for contacting Chi Rong of Golden Palace Peak.

Similarly infusing his Divine Sense: "Martial Aunt Chi Rong, the Blood-colored Forbidden Land opens tomorrow. I trust your spot is secured? The Golden Palace Peak team is strong; Senior Sister must prioritize safety above all.

If we meet within the Forbidden Ground, we may be able to exchange resources. Regarding the items I previously asked you to keep an eye out for, if you find any clues, I hope you will inform me." With a flash of golden light, the sound transmission talisman also vanished into the horizon.

The wait was not long. Roughly half an hour later, two faint rays of light almost simultaneously flew into Lu Yang's Immortal Cave.

The first water-blue light fell into his hand. Probing it with his Divine Sense, Xia Yuxuan's crisp voice, tinged with a trace of concern, came through: "Senior Brother Lu, rest assured. I, Senior Sister Spring Breeze, and Senior Sister Transforming Rain have all confirmed we will go together, led by Senior Sister Spring Breeze. My mother has permitted us to assist each other on the premise of safety.

We obtained a map of the Forbidden Ground in the Scripture Pavilion and have now copied one for you. Once we enter the Forbidden Ground tomorrow, let's agree to meet at the Youhuang Valley!

Senior Brother, please be extremely careful. See you tomorrow at the Void Breaking Platform!" Her voice carried a subtle hint of eagerness and worry.

The second golden ray arrived immediately after. Chi Rong's voice, slightly cool yet carrying an implicit pride, sounded: "This Senior Sister's spot is naturally secure. Golden Palace Peak is led by Senior Sister Jin Ling; safety is no concern of yours. You should focus on taking care of yourself and avoid overreaching. Regarding the things you want, if I come across them, I'll keep an eye out for you a bit. Don't be late tomorrow morning." Although her tone still bore the unique pride of Golden Palace Peak, Lu Yang could discern the promise and the implied reminder within her words.

Having received the definite replies from both, the last trace of uncertainty in Lu Yang's heart dissipated. He briefly exchanged Voice Transmissions with both again to confirm some details and possible contact signals, then ended the communication.

Silence returned to the Immortal Cave. Lu Yang made one final check of the Storage Pouch at his waist, confirming that the Talismans, Medicinal Pills, Formation Plates, positioning jade Talisman, several sets of spare clothes, and some collected fragmentary map Jade Slips about the Forbidden Ground were all present. He sat cross-legged back on the meditation cushion, closed his eyes, not to Cultivate, but to allow his mind to settle completely, adjusting his condition to its peak, silently awaiting the arrival of dawn and the opening of the spatial gate leading to the Blood-colored Forbidden Land.

Outside the Immortal Cave, the night deepened. Only the lights from the various peaks of the Hehuan Sect in the distance dotted the mountain ranges like stars, heralding the upheaval set to begin tomorrow.