Chapter 180

Chapter 180

"Let me first inspect this formation and see what's truly at play," Mu He remarked, hands clasped behind him, wearing a warm and approachable smile.

Those unfamiliar with Mu He might easily mistake him for a benevolent, generous individual.

"This way, Brother Mu," Lu Xingfeng promptly stepped forward to lead the way.

Mu He followed, hands still behind him. As they walked, Lu Xingfeng briefly recounted their confrontations over the past year with Ye Shi and Mu Chen.

"Is this where Brother Lin encountered trouble?" Mu He inquired.

Gu Miaoyu nodded, commenting, "Indeed, this sinister place not only took Lin Moyuan's life but also left me gravely wounded. I fear it will take more than a decade for me to fully recover."

"Brother Mu, do you notice anything amiss here?" Ning Huai asked.

Mu He chuckled, his tone filled with admiration, "Genius!"

The others exchanged puzzled glances.

"Taking this spot as the core, five 'Five Elements Lethal Arrays' are flawlessly integrated around it. Even I struggle to find flaws at first glance. This location itself is harmless. However, when the five arrays are activated, harnessing the power of the 'Seventy-Two Star Cloud Formation', anyone within this vicinity will be shredded by the murderous aura," Mu He explained with a light laugh.

Gu Miaoyu's expression fluctuated. "Indeed, Brother Lin was torn apart by the sword aura. His tragic death has made me more wary of those two young devils, Mu Chen and Ye Shi."

"Clever lads," Mu He jovially commented, "Such bright talents, yet they often meet untimely ends."

...

"Mu Chen, have you finished your ascension?" Ye Shi approached to ask.

Mu Chen nodded. Opening his eyes, they glowed with a swirling luminance and a surging intent to kill. The strength at the Martial King level was incomparably greater than the Martial Spirit level. He felt an overwhelming power within him.

"What's the situation outside?"

Ye Shi shrugged, murmuring, "Two more bothersome old men have arrived."

Mu Chen glanced at the projection on the wall, his eyes flashing with intensity.

"What's Luo Qing thinking? Wasn't he just supposed to get that Mu elder? Why bring another?" Mu Chen expressed his confusion.

Ye Shi pondered, "Perhaps he felt one wasn't reliable enough, so he called for an additional person."

Mu Chen shook his head, "Not necessarily. I think this person might not have been summoned by Luo Qing."

"If he didn't call for him, then why would that man come?" Ye Shi inquired, perplexed.

Mu Chen narrowed his eyes, "Perhaps he came on his own accord. Regardless of how he arrived, we've gained another adversary."

Ye Shi nodded, "Indeed. It's almost inconceivable to think we have to contend with six emperor-level experts."

...

"Brother Lou, you've been trapped by this formation for over a year?" Qiu Feng asked incredulously, a hint of disdain evident in his eyes.

"Brother Qiu, if you have the means, feel free to showcase them. We're limited by our knowledge and abilities," Lu Xingfeng coldly retorted.

Qiu Feng, hands behind his back, confidently remarked, "I indeed have a method to test. However, let me be clear: if this formation is broken, I expect a bigger share of the spoils inside."

Luo Qing nodded, "Naturally."

Qiu Feng turned to Mu He, who amiably smiled, "If Brother Qiu possesses such skills, taking a larger share is only fair."

In his heart, Mu He sneered. Eager to gain an upper hand, Qiu Feng likely feared missing out on the benefits if Mu He broke the formation first. Yet, he underestimated Lu Xingfeng and his comrades; the seventh-tier formation wasn't so easily handled.

Relieved by Mu He's words, Qiu Feng slapped his spirit beast pouch, releasing a swarm of red bugs. These fist-sized creatures, numbering in the thousands, covered the sky, a sight to behold.

"Fire Devouring Bugs," Ning Huai whispered, his eyes lighting up with recognition.

These bugs thrived on consuming flames; the more they consumed, and the purer the flame, the more powerful they became.

Habitually storing flames within, they could spew fire at adversaries.

Qiu Feng's insect-controlling skills were well-known and formidable.

"Impressive, Qiu Feng! Ten of these bugs have already evolved to king-tier leaders. Such a swarm could even pose a threat to emperor-tier experts," Lu Xingfeng admired.

Gu Miaoyu, taking refuge to one side, eyed Qiu Feng with a mix of wariness and trepidation.

Ever since her severe injury, her strength and influence had waned considerably.

Qiu Feng smirked with pride, "While each of my bugs might be slightly weaker, they have strength in numbers." With the aid of these Fire Devouring Bugs, he had defeated two Martial Emperor experts. Even usual emperor-level experts would show him respect upon meeting.

In his dedication to cultivate these fire-eating bugs, he traversed numerous volcanoes, purchasing over a dozen unique types of flames. Truly, he spared no effort.

"Go." With a wave of Qiu Feng's hand, thousands of fire-eating bugs descended upon the array, igniting thousands of sparks.

Ye Shi, observing the images on the wall, furrowed his brows and said uneasily, "Mu Chen, he intends to destroy the array!"

Thousands of fire-eating bugs simultaneously spewed flames towards the array, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.

"Impressive, Master Qiu!" Gu Miaoyu remarked, her face showing a hint of delight as she watched the flames scorch the array, which groaned under the intensity.

Qiu Feng stroked his beard, smiling confidently, "Thank you."

Watching the raging fire enveloping the array, Ye Shi grew anxious, "Mu Chen, won't this cause trouble if it continues burning like this?"

Mu Chen replied nonchalantly, "It won't be a problem for now."

A seventh-tier array isn't so easily destroyed by fifth-tier fire-eating bugs. However, with the power of seventh-tier flames, it would soon be reduced to ashes.

"Although it won't be a problem immediately, we can't let them continue burning it like this!" argued Ye Shi.

"You're right, let's go out and see," Mu Chen nodded in agreement.

Scratching his head, Ye Shi inquired, "Do you have a plan?"

A sly smirk appeared on Mu Chen's face, coldness flashing in his eyes, "A plan? Having just reached the King rank, and someone is already presenting me with such a generous gift. How considerate!"

Puzzled, Ye Shi stared at Mu Chen, "Mu Chen, what are you talking about? I don't understand."

Mu Chen chuckled, taking Ye Shi's hand, "Let's head out and meet our two new old friends."

Following Mu Chen, Ye Shi murmured, "Actually, I've seen those two old geezers before. Both of them are... quite ugly."

Mu Chen glanced back at Ye Shi, a resigned smile on his face.

Spotting Mu Chen and Ye Shi, Gu Miaoyu's spirits lifted, "The two brats have emerged."

Through the array's barrier, Qiu Feng's gaze landed on the duo inside. Such young talents!

But alas, their time was coming to an end. Gu Miaoyu and her allies loathed the duo to their core. If these youngsters were wise, they'd end their lives now and spare themselves the agony. Pity and sympathy filled Qiu Feng's eyes as he looked at Mu Chen and Ye Shi.

Mu Chen shot Qiu Feng a fleeting glance. This man seemed to pity him, but soon it would be Qiu Feng in need of sympathy.

Mu Chen's focus shifted to Mu He, his pupils narrowing. In his eyes, while Qiu Feng was merely a fool, Mu He was the real threat.

Ye Shi, looking up, stared blankly at the fire-eating bugs swirling menacingly in the sky, his face turning pale.

"You're doomed, little brats! Try acting arrogant now!" Gu Miaoyu sneered malevolently.

Ye Shi glared back at Gu Miaoyu, who, infuriated, snapped, "Still daring to glare at me even at death's door?"

Mu Chen gave Gu Miaoyu a dismissive look, amusement evident in his eyes.

With a wave, Mu Chen unleashed the Qingming Flame, which multiplied and descended upon the array.

The agonizing shrieks of the fire-eating bugs filled the air.

"The Qingming Flame consumed those bugs!" Ye Shi exclaimed, eyes wide.

Mu Chen nodded, "Indeed."

When it comes to the marvel of flames, none can compare to exotic flames. This fool, showing off a swarm of flame-spewing bugs in front of someone possessing exotic flames, was like wielding a blade before a master swordsman.

Watching the scene, Ye Shi felt a surge of exhilaration. So this was the "grand gift"? Truly, what a generous present!

In an instant, thousands of fire-eating bugs were devoured, including the dozens at the King level.

Witnessing the demise of his cherished fire-eating bugs, Qiu Feng spat out blood in anguish—half from injury and half from sheer frustration.

He shared a blood pact with these thousands of fire-eating bugs, binding their fates together. He had poured his life's savings into nurturing them, but he never regretted it because with them, he was nearly invincible among his peers.

The Qingming Flame circled in the air before returning to Mu Chen's hand.

Holding the Qingming Flame, a faint smile graced Mu Chen's lips.

"Mu Chen, it seems the flame has grown considerably larger!" Ye Shi remarked.

Nodding, Mu Chen replied, "After consuming thousands of fire-eating bugs, it naturally became more robust. That old man must have put a lot of effort into nourishing those bugs, making them plump and juicy. Quite the nourishment!"

Watching decades of dedication go up in smoke, Qiu Feng felt the weight of despair.

Clutching his chest and seething with rage, Qiu Feng glared at Mu Chen from within the barrier.

Mu Chen tilted his head with a faint smile and bowed respectfully to Qiu Feng. "Thank you for your generosity, elder. I am deeply grateful."

Qiu Feng, angered by Mu Chen, spat out a mouthful of blood. Lou Qing couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie seeing Qiu Feng's reaction.

"Young whelp, I'll remember you," Qiu Feng said, eyes bloodshot as he glared at Mu Chen.

"Oh dear, seems like another one wants to skin me, break my bones, and make me into soup," Mu Chen said with a tilt of his head and a hint of lamentation, addressing Ye Shi.

Ye Shi reached out and held Mu Chen's hand, reassuring, "Mu Chen, don't be afraid."

Mu Chen smiled faintly at Ye Shi and replied, "Why would I be scared? You're overthinking it. I have to protect you. Even if a royal-level expert stands before us, I'll remove each obstacle one by one."

"This old man has a poor temperament! Just losing a few bugs and he keeps spitting blood," Ye Shi remarked disdainfully.

Mu Chen nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed."