154: Chapter 154 Ancient Trapping Array

Qin Changsheng felt a surge of joy and was about to step inside.

"Buzz—" Suddenly, a low humming sound echoed through the heavens and earth.

All around the valley, countless runes that had been dormant for many years instantly lit up. Golden spiritual light gushed out from the runes, weaving into a massive net of light that firmly enveloped the entire valley.

Within the spiritual light, ancient patterns flowed rapidly, emitting a stern and heavy Pressure. Like a mountain, it crashed down toward Qin Changsheng, making his body sink. His blood churned slightly, and his footsteps came to an involuntary halt.

Qin Changsheng quickly composed himself, circulating his spiritual power to resist this Pressure. His eyes were fixed on the Great Array before him, and his expression gradually became solemn.

He could clearly feel that this Great Array was by no means an ordinary Restriction, nor was it a common cultivator's Formation. It was an ancient Great Array from a long-lost era, containing infinite power.

Qin Changsheng paced slowly around the valley, carefully observing the runes and spiritual light outside the Formation, deducing a method to break it.

But no matter how he deduced, he could not find the key to breaking the Formation.

This ancient Great Array was too exquisite. Based on Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi and entwined with Dao charms, its eye was hidden and hard to find. Furthermore, it contained dual Restrictions of trapping and killing. To break the Formation, one needed not only exquisite Formation attainments but also sufficiently formidable strength, and perhaps even the help of special treasures for breaking Formations.

Qin Changsheng knew in his heart that although he had the blessing of a Golden Trait and his cultivation had reached the Fourth Level of Foundation Establishment, he still felt powerless before this ancient Great Array.

After inspecting it for a full half-hour, Qin Changsheng slowly stopped his pace. A hint of helplessness appeared on his face as he gently shook his head.

He had already reached a conclusion: with his current strength and Formation attainments, it was impossible to break this ancient Great Array alone.

Now, he could only have his Incarnation, Hu Nan, go seek help within the Sect.

Thinking of this, Qin Changsheng used his Divine Sense to contact Hu Nan.

At this moment, the Incarnation Hu Nan was sitting cross-legged on a prayer mat meditating. Upon receiving Qin Changsheng's command, he immediately headed toward the Heavenly Sword Sect's Main Sect Hall.

The Heavenly Sword Sect's Main Sect Hall was located at the peak of the Sect's main mountain. It was magnificent, built from high-grade bluestone with upturned eaves and painted rafters. The entire building was surrounded by dense and pure Spiritual Qi. From a distance, it looked like a fairyland.

Outside the hall, two Inner Sect Disciples stood solemnly with respectful expressions. Their internal Auras were refined, both possessing Late Stage Qi Refining cultivation. They were responsible for guarding the Main Sect Hall and prohibiting idle people from entering at will.

Hu Nan approached slowly with a calm expression and steady steps, without the slightest hint of panic.

"I am Hu Nan, and I wish to request an audience with the Sect Head!" Hu Nan cupped his hands.

One of the guards glanced at Hu Nan and walked into the hall.

"The Sect Head allows you to enter!" A short while later, the guard came back out.

Hu Nan nodded slightly to the two guards and then walked into the hall.

Inside the hall, the light was ample, and sandalwood incense curled in the air. In the center sat a simple jade desk, where Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and Fairy Qingling were seated.

In front of the two of them sat a Formation Plate.

At that moment, Fairy Qingling was pointing at the Formation Plate, talking softly with Sect Leader Xuanyangzi. Her expression was respectful, and her words were full of a desire to learn; the two seemed to be discussing some profound Dao of Formations.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and Fairy Qingling both turned their heads to look, their gazes falling upon Hu Nan.

Hu Nan stopped and bowed deeply to Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and Fairy Qingling: "Disciple Hu Nan greets the Sect Head and Fairy Qingling."

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi looked up slightly: "Rise."

"Thank you, Sect Head." Hu Nan slowly stood up.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi nodded gently, his gaze carrying a hint of confusion: "Hu Nan, why have you come to the Main Sect Hall today? Have you encountered some difficulty, or is there something you wish to ask this seat about?"

Hu Nan took a deep breath and spoke slowly: "Reporting to the Sect Head, while studying the Dao of Formations recently, I encountered a problem. I have deduced it repeatedly but still cannot find a way to break it, leaving me quite perplexed. I heard that the Sect Head's Formation attainments are unfathomable, so I have ventured here to request your guidance to resolve my confusion."

Hu Nan deliberately did not mention the Qingfeng Ruins or the Ancient Trapping Array, only vaguely describing it as a Formation problem.

Hearing this, a smile appeared on Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's face: "Oh? You are also studying the Dao of Formations? Rare, indeed. Since you have a confusion, feel free to speak. If I can guide you, I will certainly not hold back."

Fairy Qingling also nodded slightly and said softly: "Nephew Hu, do not be restrained. Senior Brother Sect Head's attainments in Formations are extremely high."

"Reporting to the Sect Head and Fairy Qingling, the Formation I encountered is an ancient Great Array left behind from the past. When this array is activated, runes on the ground light up, and spiritual light weaves into a net, firmly enveloping the entire area. It emits a majestic and ancient Pressure that I cannot resist with my strength alone."

Hu Nan's tone was calm and his logic clear as he described the Pressure, Restrictions, and Spiritual Qi characteristics of the Ancient Trapping Array one by one. He didn't reveal any secrets, yet it was enough for Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and Fairy Qingling to capture the key information of the Formation.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's originally gentle expression gradually became solemn upon hearing Hu Nan's description. Once Hu Nan finished, he spoke: "Is the Formation you speak of perhaps the Ancient Trapping and Killing Array within the Qingfeng Ruins?"

The words 'Ancient Trapping and Killing Array' clearly entered Hu Nan's ears and were also transmitted through Hu Nan's Divine Sense to Qin Changsheng's mind far away in the Qingfeng Ruins.

Hearing these words, a look of astonishment appeared on Qin Changsheng's face, his eyes full of disbelief.

He never expected that Sect Leader Xuanyangzi would instantly recognize the Formation based solely on Hu Nan's description, and even pinpoint its location precisely. Clearly, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi had long known of this ancient Great Array's existence.

At the same time, Qin Changsheng was very relieved; he had definitely found the right person this time.

Qin Changsheng suppressed the astonishment in his heart and, with a thought, sent a command to Hu Nan through Divine Sense, telling him to nod in confirmation.

Inside the Main Sect Hall, Hu Nan bowed slightly to Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and nodded respectfully: "Reporting to the Sect Head, it is indeed that array."

Hearing this, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi nodded gently and said: "It is quite a coincidence. Your arrival today to ask for guidance happens to be while Junior Sister Qingling and I were discussing this Ancient Trapping and Killing Array."

Fairy Qingling also nodded slightly and added softly: "This Ancient Trapping and Killing Array is from a long time ago. It is a defensive killing array passed down from ancient times with infinite power. We were just discussing the origins and the method to break this array."

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi raised his hand to signal Hu Nan to come forward: "Since you are also perplexed by the method to break this Great Array and happened to arrive at this moment, then listen from the side. If you have questions while Junior Sister Qingling and I discuss, you may raise them at any time. Junior Sister Qingling and I will naturally answer them for you."

Hu Nan felt a surge of joy and quickly bowed again: "Thank you, Sect Head! Thank you, Fairy Qingling!"

After speaking, Hu Nan walked slowly to the side of the jade desk and stood with lowered eyes. His expression was respectful, not daring to overstep in the slightest, as he quietly waited for Sect Leader Xuanyangzi and Fairy Qingling to discuss the method for breaking the array.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi picked up an ancient Formation book on the table, slowly opened it, and said to Hu Nan: "Do you know that this Ancient Trapping and Killing Array is actually not that difficult to break?"

Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Hu Nan's eyes, and he quickly bowed to ask: "Please enlighten me, Sect Head?"

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi put down the ancient book and said: "The key to this Ancient Trapping and Killing Array lies not in its formidable power, but in the time required to break it. To break this array, one must first find the hidden eye of the Formation, then use the corresponding Spiritual Qi to activate the breaking incantation. By proceeding step-by-step, it takes at least three days to completely lift the Formation's Restriction."