Chapter 208: Revelations about the Formation, Ji Mingxiu's Shock
"Ji Mingxiu, we have little time, pay close attention." Dong Yuanzheng's figure shimmered into view within the mirror. He was a statuesque, lean elder, his raven-black hair emphasizing his cold detachment.
No sooner had Dong Yuanzheng finished his words than the mirror's image shifted, revealing intricate text. Displayed were snippets of formation-setting techniques and mnemonic incantations.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
Shortly after, the mirror's imagery shifted dramatically.
Contained within a small formation that radiated a gentle white glow, was a disciple from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace. But he was no longer recognizable he had been utterly transformed into a demonic entity, a chilling consequence of extensive corruption from the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi.
As he screamed in deranged fury, a massive surge of Nether Demon Spiritual Qi erupted from him. Yet, every wisp of this dark energy was trapped, unable to escape the confines of the formation.
The display lasted only for a brief moment.
Seconds later, the mirror shattered, turning into gleaming fragments that drifted away with the wind.
"Jiang Chen, what's your verdict?" Ji Mingxiu asked, his eyes intently focused on Jiang Chen.
Every eye in the room followed suit, awaiting Jiang Chen's analysis.
"It's unmistakably a formation tailored to contain the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi," Jiang Chen confirmed, nodding thoughtfully. "Furthermore, it's clear that it was developed by human cultivators."
"A human-crafted formation?" Ji Mingxiu exchanged uncertain glances with his peers. "Could we have misunderstood the intentions of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace?"
Jiang Chen's face was a mask of tranquility. "We might have jumped to conclusions," he replied evenly.
However, he held back a critical piece of information.
The formation Dong Yuanzheng had showcased wasn't ancient at all. Its techniques and chants pointed to a creation from just the last hundred thousand years.
Moreover, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning recognized several components of the formation, suggesting its origins were outside the Immortal Martial Continent.
The Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace's assertion that the formation was an ancestral legacy was clearly unfounded. Without much introspection, the truth was evident.
The origin of this formation from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace was undoubtedly suspect!
'It's highly likely the Nether Demon Clan granted this. To deflect attention, they introduced a formation of human design. Still, they inadvertently exposed themselves.' A flurry of thoughts raced through Jiang Chen's mind, his gaze cold and calculating.
Might the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace have such a formation due to ties with a superior human civilization?
Absolutely not! Because they didn't have the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets. Contrary to popular belief, this wasn't a treasured secret art.
If a superior cultivator force backed the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, wouldn't they already have the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets?
This line of reasoning solidified Jiang Chen's suspicions of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace's collaboration with the Nether Demon Clan.
Yet, he concealed these insights, already strategizing his retaliation.
In the present situation, the Purple Heaven Holy Land possessed the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets, while the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace proposed a formation that isolated the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi.
The high-level assembly at the Holy Land soon came to an end.
The venue for the three major powers' gathering remained the same: Verdant Leaf Giant Peak.
Once Ji Mingxiu and the four Supreme Elders left, the Elders of the Dao Comprehension realm gradually dispersed, each attending to their individual tasks.
With the unpredictable timing of the next demonic beast tide, combined with potential threats from the Nether Demon Clan, there was an urgent need to bolster the Holy Land's defenses.
Only after everyone had dispersed did Jiang Chen make his exit from the Holy Land Grand Hall.
Rather than heading to his own dwelling, he redirected his steps to Ji Mingxiu's residence, hoping to have another conversation.
"Jiang Chen, you've come." Ji Mingxiu had sensed earlier that Jiang Chen wanted to discuss something. Thus, he had been anticipating this visit.
"Master, the formation from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace is dubious!" Without hesitation, Jiang Chen said, "It's clear that the Nether Demon Clan provided that formation. They've been collaborating with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace for a while now!"
Ji Mingxiu's eyes widened in shock.
"Come again?" He responded, voice thick with surprise. "I thought that formation was a human creation. How could the Nether Demon Clan have bestowed it?"
"That formation did originate from the human race..." Jiang Chen began, deliberately piecing together each mystery.
"It's becoming clear: the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace has indeed been in league with the Nether Demon Clan!" Ji Mingxiu's expression shifted quickly from understanding to rage. "How can they, as humans, ally with the Nether Demon Clan? They must be out of their minds!"
"In their pursuit of higher realms, it's not astounding that the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace would resort to such measures," Jiang Chen remarked.
"The two great powerhouses at the Void Tribulation realm have mentioned that among human cultivators, many have chosen this path. They're often referred to as 'demonic cultivators'."
With a calm demeanor, Jiang Chen continued, "I now suspect that many of the elite cultivators within the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace have transformed into demonic cultivators."
"Demonic cultivators..." Ji Mingxiu heaved a sigh.
Jiang Chen nodded grimly, "At present, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace is in league with these demonic cultivators."
"Their strategy is to isolate the elite combat forces of both the Purple Heaven Holy Land and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple during the gathering, then defeat them one after another."
He cast a meaningful glance at Ji Mingxiu, "If we're not vigilant, our Purple Heaven Holy Land could be wiped out."
"Then..." Ji Mingxiu furrowed his brows, "Should we consider not attending and instead fortify ourselves within the Holy Land?"
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