Chapter 61:

Mangkang Mountain was hazardous, inhabited by fourth-stage demonic beasts equivalent to the genesis stage. The mountain peak was said to have a unique magnetic field, and magnetic storms sealed off a significant portion of the area. Only specific regions were accessible, and flying too high was impossible. In the accessible areas, there was still a risk of encountering formidable demonic beasts, so ordinary Golden Core cultivators were reluctant to venture too deep into Mangkang Mountain, let alone attempt to cross it.

Do we need to continue onward? the Sect Leader asked.

Upon hearing this, Li Su released his grip on the Sect Leaders hand. He had been holding it unconsciously, enchanted by its softness and smoothness. The Sect Leaders reminder brought him back to the present.

Li Su arrived at the formation disc, with the Sect Leader following suit, and he began to operate it. As he did, the mist in front of them dissipated, revealing the situation within the killing formation.

Master, look, thats the demonic cultivator, Li Su said, pointing to the still cross-legged figure with closed eyes. The demonic cultivators composure appeared remarkably stable. At this point, he had no means of cultivation, lacking even spiritual energy as all his spirit stones and spiritual items had been depleted. The passage of time for cultivators was swift, but sitting without cultivating for months, let alone hundreds of years, could drive anyone insane. It was a testament to his remarkable mental fortitude.

The shadow continued to swirl around the demonic cultivator, and the Sect Leaders gaze remained fixed on him.

Master, I can now control this killing formation, but Im concerned that I might not have enough spirit stones. Let me demonstrate it for you first, Li Su explained as he manipulated the formation disc.

Not everyone could control a formation disc, especially one as complex as the Grand Expansive Sword Formation. Different formations had distinct nuances, and defensive formations like this were intentionally made more intricate by the formation master.

With Li Sus control, several ancient-looking long swords materialized and rushed towards the demonic cultivator.

Here they come again! The expression on the demonic cultivators face displayed a mix of surprise and suspicion. Being imprisoned for centuries had taken a toll on his mental state.

Li Su carefully manipulated the flags, sending one to the north, two to the east, and two to the south. These flags were swiftly inserted into the ground, and Li Su once again used the spirit stones as a catalyst to activate them, integrating them into the entire Dayan Sword Formation. Finally, Li Su manipulated the formation disc, causing the flags to flutter. As a result, the entire Dayan Sword Formation was repaired and enhanced. Though not fully restored, it was now sufficient to confront the demon cultivator.

After completing these actions, Li Su clapped his hands and stated, Its done, Master.

The Sect Leader was surprised by the apparent speed of the repairs.

Huh?

Within the Dayan Sword Formation, the demon cultivator sensed something was amiss. The formation appeared to have changed in his perception, and two consecutive attacks from the Dayan Sword Formation had put him on edge. For hundreds of years, as long as he remained at the formations center, it wouldnt attack him. He speculated that the one who set up the formation was either dead or had fled.

Given the damage he had inflicted on their souls, he believed they were likely dead. His malevolent cultivation technique was particularly effective against cultivators souls. If the formations creator was indeed deceased, switching the Dayan Sword Formation from an offensive stance to a defensive one would be wise, as a killing formation wasnt designed for containment.

When a killing formation lacked an operator, its attacks were less potent but could still effectively ensnare people. The demon cultivator suspected that the two individuals might be running low on spirit stones, but he was severely injured at the time and focused on healing.

His cultivation recovery was slow, with no spiritual energy available and his supplies dwindling. After reaching the early stage of the Yuan Infant realm, he attempted to break free. Still, the Dayan Sword Formation had absorbed years worth of earth energy, making it incredibly resilient.

So when the cultivator Bai, received the message on the stone tablet, he saw it as a lifeline. Without the confidence to break free easily, he refrained from wasting spiritual energy. Now, as the Dayan Sword Formation unexpectedly launched attacks on its own, it seemed someone was actively controlling it.

Who is it? the demon cultivator demanded, scanning the surroundings. Kid, is it you? He suspected Li Su, as they had communicated through the stone tablet, and Li Sus actions had been unpredictable. The demon cultivator hoped that Li Su would cooperate under the threat of the Heavenly Demon Palace, but Li Sus silence left him uneasy.