Ye Huian’s Might

"What?" Tu He's voice rose in disbelief, echoing through the cavern. "That's reckless! How can she possibly grasp a new set of laws quickly enough to make a difference?"

Ming Ren's gaze remained steady, his confidence unwavering. He looked directly at Ye Huian, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding of her potential. "It is possible, because this set of laws are extremely similar to the techniques she mastered before. Besides, she doesn't need to master them right away. Please trust me." 

Ye Huian, despite the tremor of uncertainty in her heart, nodded in agreement. There was an undeniable aura of wisdom and power surrounding Ming Ren, an inexplicable trust that had blossomed between them since their fight.

"Good," Ming Ren declared, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "Let us begin."

Instead of relying on the cumbersome method of transmitting knowledge through spiritual consciousness, Ming Ren guided Ye Huian into a lotus position and gently placed a finger upon her forehead. A surge of information, like a rushing river, flowed into her mind.

He had already scanned her body conditions before, and, this time, creating the new set of laws was almost instantaneous.

She had no time to marvel at the sheer complexity and elegance of these arts. Instead, she focused on comprehending their essence, her mind racing to keep pace with the torrent of knowledge. It was not just her own comprehension that aided her, but Ming Ren's guidance. He seemed to illuminate the path to understanding, highlighting key principles and subtle nuances that would have taken years to grasp on her own.

Under his tutelage, Ye Huian swiftly mastered the basics of the three arts: a cultivation law, a movement art, and an offensive blade art. The cultivation law resonated with her Metal Innate Physique, enhancing her ability to absorb the ambient Metal Qi and transforming it into a surging torrent of power within her meridians. The very air around her crackled with energy, showcasing the strength coursing through her body.

While, to reach full mastery of any art, the cultivator couldn't rely on shortcuts and help like this, to master the basics this was tremendously helpful, even more in front of a divine teacher like Ming Ren.

"You have done well," Ming Ren praised, his voice filled with approval. "However, remember, these arts are not separate entities, but parts of a unified whole. To reach their true potential, you must harmonize them, weaving them together into a seamless dance of power. They are called the Iron Serpent Dance."

Ye Huian pondered his words, her brow furrowed in concentration. Rising to her feet, she drew her blade, its polished surface gleaming in the ethereal light of the crystals. Her initial movements were hesitant, the unfamiliar forms feeling awkward and disjointed. But with each repetition, she gained fluidity and grace, her body adapting to the intricate flow of the arts.

'This Cultivation Law, Movement Law and Offensive Art are extremely unique. They are very similar to the arts I used before. Did he copy them? Is that even possible…?' She sideyed Ming Ren, who looked extremely calm, 'This art isn't made only for Cultivation in a lotus position, but to cultivate while moving and even attacking with the Offensive Art. This means I will be able to absorb Spiritual Energy even during the fight.' 

The blade art was a mesmerizing display of agility and power. It mimicked the movements of a serpent, its strikes swift and unpredictable, its defenses impenetrable. Ye Huian weaved through imaginary opponents, her blade flashing like lightning, leaving trails of shimmering afterimages in its wake.

Old Lai also felt very proud of his young mistress, tears almost appearing in his eyes.

Ming Ren observed her progress, a flicker of pride in his eyes, 'Her comprehension is remarkable', he thought, 'She has grasped the essence of the art with astonishing speed.' 

He knew that in this Metal Qi-rich environment, even with his vast experience and unique physique, defeating Ye Huian would be a formidable challenge.

"Excellent," he announced, his voice filled with satisfaction. "We are ready. Ye Huian, you can just go crazy. The others will assist you while I activate the next spot in the formation."

A sense of anticipation hung in the air as they prepared to face the next trial. The others weren't completely sure how it would go and how much of a difference would Ye Huian changes make, but they weren't in a position to discuss. Time was of the essence. They could see the Spirit Beasts waiting for them. Sitting around doing nothing was not an option.

The path to the next formation was a gauntlet of gnashing teeth and flashing claws. Spirit beasts surged from the crumbling ruins and the shadows of the Metal Trees, their metal-infused bodies gleaming with an eerie luminescence. Yet, this time, they were met with a whirlwind of steel and determination.

Ye Huian, her movements fluid and precise, danced through the chaos, the Iron Serpent Dance transforming her into a living weapon. Her blade, an extension of her will, cleaved through flesh and bone, leaving a trail of slain beasts in her wake. The Metal Qi that permeated the environment fueled her every strike, replenishing her energy and enhancing her speed and power.

Tu He and his remaining followers, inspired by Ye Huian's prowess, fought with renewed vigor. Old Lai followed his young mistress closely behind, like a shadow, fulfilling his role as a silent guardian despite lacking battle prowess. The spirit beasts, despite their ferocity and superior numbers, found themselves outmatched. Ye Huian, like a reaper of steel, cut through their ranks with relentless efficiency. Her movements were a blur, her strikes too swift to parry, too powerful to withstand. The ground ran red with the blood of their fallen foes, the air thick with the stench of death and desperation.

Finally, they reached the designated location – a crumbling altar adorned with ancient runes, its surface pulsing with a faint red glow. Ming Ren sat down cross-legged and focused his spiritual sense on the formation, his fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air as he channeled his Qi into the dormant structure.

The altar hummed with power, its runes glowing brighter with each passing moment. The ground trembled, and a wave of energy rippled outward, pushing back the remaining spirit beasts. With a resounding boom, the killing array activated, bathing the surrounding area in a lethal red light.

The surviving beasts, their instincts screaming in terror, fled in a panicked frenzy, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation.

Exhausted but triumphant, the cultivators collapsed to the ground, their bodies battered and bruised, their spirits soaring with the thrill of victory. Ye Huian, though she had borne the brunt of the fighting, remained standing, her chest heaving, her eyes shining with a fierce light.

The others were completely dumbfounded by Ye Huian's prowess. She wasn't even tired and full of spiritual energy while they had to replenish themselves using pills.

"We did it," she whispered, her voice hoarse but filled with pride.

Ming Ren offered her a smile of approval.

"Just how…?" Tu He's voice trailed off, his gaze flitting between the seemingly tireless Ye Huian and the enigmatic Ming Ren.

A satisfied smile played on Ming Ren's lips as he looked upon Ye Huian. "How do you feel?"

"Perfect," she replied, her voice brimming with newfound confidence, "It's as if these arts were made for me."

Ming Ren nodded, his smile widening. "Then we have no time to waste. As soon as everyone has rested, we shall proceed to the next formation."

He had barely finished speaking when a tremor shook the cavern, followed by the sound of cascading rocks and choked cries. The ground beneath their feet vibrated as a section of the tunnel at the opposite end of the clearing collapsed, revealing a battered and bloodied group of cultivators stumbling into the open space.

It was the Brave Clan entourage, led by the young lord and Senior Luo. Their numbers had been drastically reduced, their faces etched with exhaustion and the grim realization that their sacrifices had been in vain. They had emerged from the tunnel expecting a reprieve, a moment to collect themselves and strategize. Instead, they were met with a brutal ambush, a horde of spirit beasts surging from the shadows, their metal-infused bodies reflecting the eerie glow of the Luminous Wind Crystals.

With their escape route cut off by the collapsing passage, the Brave Clan had no choice but to fight. The battle was fierce and desperate, each cultivator fighting for their lives against overwhelming odds. The young lord, his arrogance stripped away by the harsh reality of their situation, battled with a ferocity born of fear and desperation. Senior Luo, his normally stoic demeanor cracking under the pressure, barked orders, his voice hoarse with exhaustion.

One by one, the Brave Clan cultivators fell, their bodies torn apart by gnashing teeth and razor-sharp claws. The young lord, his armor dented and stained with blood, watched in horror as his followers were overwhelmed, their cries of pain echoing through the cavern.

It was then that they noticed Ming Ren's group, standing calmly within the protective embrace of the activated killing array. The spirit beasts, sensing the lethal energy emanating from the formation, kept their distance, their eyes burning with frustrated hunger.

"They... they are unharmed," one of the surviving Brave Clan cultivators whispered.

"Look!" one of the Brave Clan cultivators exclaimed, his voice hoarse with disbelief, "The spirit beasts… they are leaving them alone!"

Indeed, the remaining spirit beasts, sensing the power of the activated killing array, had retreated to the edges of the clearing, their eyes fixed on the newcomers with wary curiosity.

The Brave Clan entourage, their options dwindling with each passing moment, had no choice but to seek refuge within the protective embrace of the formation. Led by the young lord, his pride wounded but his survival instincts kicking in, they cautiously approached the stone stele, their gazes shifting between the activated array and Ming Ren's group.

As they entered the safe zone, a couple of the bolder spirit beasts attempted to follow, their hunger overriding their fear. However, they were swiftly met with the lethal force of the killing array, their bodies disintegrating into dust upon contact.

"An array!" Senior Luo exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise. Despite his expertise in formations, he had failed to detect its presence until it had activated. This realization sent a shiver down his spine. Whoever controlled this array possessed a level of mastery that far exceeded his own.

"Oh, if it isn't the Great Young Lord of the Brave Clan!" Tu He's voice dripped with sarcasm, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he surveyed the bedraggled state of the Brave Clan entourage. "What happened? Your group seems to have shrunk considerably."

The young lord's face contorted with rage, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "You dare mock me, you sniveling Earth Sect whelp?!" Killing intent radiated from him, a palpable wave of animosity that washed over the clearing.

Tu He, unfazed by the threat, returned the young lord's glare with a wide, mocking grin. "Are you sure about that?" 

Before the situation could escalate further, Senior Luo stepped between the two young men, his voice calm but laced with authority. "Enough," he commanded, his gaze sweeping over both groups, "The situation is dire enough without resorting to petty squabbles."

The young lord, his anger still simmering but tempered by the formation master's intervention and the precariousness of their situation, reluctantly backed down. He turned away, his eyes scanning the clearing, taking in the carnage and the still-present threat of the spirit beasts lurking at the edges of the killing array.

"Explain the situation," Senior Luo demanded, his gaze settling on Tu He.

Tu He clasped his fists, "It is as you see, Senior Luo. We are surrounded by those Spirit Beasts, and they seem to be endless. There is also a king or queen commanding them, at least at the Spirit Gate."

A scoff escaped the young lord of the Brave Clan, his voice dripping with disdain. "Humph, spouting nonsense now, are we?"

Tu He's eyes narrowed, a spark of defiance igniting within them. "Well, if you think that is nonsense, why don't you cross these Spirit Beasts over there and check?" He gestured towards the periphery of the clearing, where the shadows writhed with monstrous forms, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger.

Before the young lord could retort, Senior Luo intervened, his voice calm but laced with a hint of curiosity. "And this array? How did you come to activate it?"

A hush fell over the group as all eyes turned towards Ming Ren. He stood calmly amidst the tense atmosphere, his unassuming demeanor belying the power that resided within him.

With a polite clasp of his hands, Ming Ren introduced himself. "I am Yu Ren, a loose cultivator. I stumbled upon the secrets of this array by chance."

Senior Luo's brow furrowed, his keen eyes scrutinizing the young man, 'So it wasn't the Earth Clan, but this youngster? Even when I'm spreading my senses, I can't sense anything. How could he find it?'

"You?" the young lord of the Brave Clan sneered, unable to fathom the idea that someone of such low cultivation could possess such knowledge. "A mere Ninth Layer Body Tempering Realm trash?"

Ye Huian and Tu He bristled at the insult, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. However, Ming Ren remained unfazed, his gaze steady and his expression serene. 

Ignoring the provocation, Ming Ren continued to address Senior Luo, his voice respectful but firm. "Senior, there are two more arrays like this one, connected to a much larger formation at the heart of the city. I believe it is a Teleporting Formation, capable of leading us out of this mountain."

A spark of hope ignited in Senior Luo's eyes. The possibility of escape, of salvaging some semblance of victory from this disastrous expedition, was too tempting to dismiss. "Are you certain?" he pressed, his voice betraying a hint of eagerness beneath his usual stoicism.

"Yes," Ming Ren affirmed, his confidence unwavering.

"Show me," Senior Luo commanded, stepping closer to the stele.

Ming Ren, with a graceful gesture, traced his finger across the ground, highlighting the locations of the remaining formations and the complex network of energy flows that connected them to the central Teleporting Formation.

"Indeed," Senior Luo murmured, his eyes widening with understanding as he studied the image intently, "It appears to be a Teleporting Formation, similar to the one at the mountain's entrance. By connecting all five arrays, we may be able to trigger it and escape this prison."

A wave of excitement rippled through the clearing, lifting the spirits of the weary cultivators. The possibility of freedom, of escaping the clutches of this treacherous mountain, rekindled their hope and fueled their determination.

"Therefore, Senior," Ming Ren suggested, his voice calm but persuasive, "why not divide our forces and activate the remaining formations simultaneously? By splitting the spirit beasts' attention, we increase our chances of success and minimize casualties."

Senior Luo nodded in agreement, recognizing the logic in the young cultivator's proposal. "A sound strategy. Since I am aware of the array, I will be able to control it without interruption."

The Young Lord from the Brave Clan grit his teeth. He didn't like how trash at the Ninth Layer was able to speak with Senior Luo so casually like this and even discover and control arrays.

However, they still had the biggest group. It was obvious they would have an easier time defending the spot, especially since the Spirit Beasts were able to instinctively feel the weakest group to attack.

Although he hated that group, when he thought of the array, he didn't act out. Instead, he would wait for the moment Senior Luo gained control of the Teleporting Formation.

"I have a bad feeling about waiting, so we should start whenever Senior is ready," Ming Ren said.

Senior Luo nodded, beginning his group preparations. He turned to his followers and began issuing orders, assigning them to their designated formations and outlining the plan of attack. His movements were swift and efficient, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he prepared his group for the impending battle. 

However, beneath his composed exterior, a sinister plan brewed. He discreetly activated a sound transmission, directed solely at the young lord of the Brave Clan, 'Young Lord. After I take control of the Formation, we will send those of the Earth Clan out, leaving that brat behind. He should have some treasure on him.' 

A cruel smile spread across the young lord's face, mirroring the malevolent glint in Senior Luo's eyes, 'Of course. I thought it was strange this Senior seemed tranquil despite being so prideful. No wonder this brat could find the formation, he must have some sort of treasure on him.'

"Begin!" Senior Luo's command echoed through the chamber, shattering the tense silence.

Both groups, each driven by their own agendas, dispersed towards their designated formations. The spirit beasts, sensing their movements, erupted into a frenzy of gnashing teeth and flashing claws. The clearing once again became a battleground, the air thick with the clash of steel, the roar of beasts, and the desperate cries of cultivators fighting for survival.

Ye Huian, a tempest of steel and unwavering resolve, navigated the chaotic battlefield with the deadly grace of the Iron Serpent she embodied. Her blade, empowered by her Metal Innate Constitution and the unique arts she had learned, cleaved through the ranks of their adversaries with unstoppable force. Each strike was a masterpiece of devastation, severing limbs, shattering armor, and sending tremors of fear through the spirit beasts. Despite their ferocity and metal-infused hides, they fell before her like brittle reeds before a raging storm.

While Ye Huian danced her deadly Iron Serpent Dance, Ming Ren, Old Lai and Tu He fought with their own unique styles.

Ming Ren moved with an almost ethereal grace. His movements, guided by the principles of simplicity and efficiency, were devoid of wasted motion. Each strike, whether delivered with his fist or the gleaming first-rank sword, carried the weight of a thousand lifetimes of experience. 

Tu He, on the other hand, fought with the raw, untamed power of a wild beast. His movements were less refined than Ming Ren's, but no less effective. His [Earth Shield Style], honed through years of brutal training, turned him into an immovable bulwark against the tide of claws and fangs. Spirit beasts, their attacks imbued with metal and earth energies, found their strikes met with unyielding resistance. Tu He, like a mountain weathering a storm, absorbed their attacks and retaliated with devastating counters, his fists and feet becoming instruments of blunt, crushing force using the earth itself.

Together, they formed a formidable trio. Where Ye Huian was a whirlwind of devastation, Ming Ren was a calm center of calculated force, and Tu He an unyielding wall of defense. Their combined might carved a path of survival through the seemingly endless horde of spirit beasts.

Across the blood-soaked clearing, the Brave Clan's struggle escalated into a desperate fight for survival. Their once-imposing formation had crumbled into disarray, their numbers dwindling, their spirits waning like the fading light of dusk. The young lord, his face a mask of terror and fury, fought with the frenzied desperation of a cornered beast, his initial arrogance shattered by the overwhelming onslaught.

"This is madness!" he roared, his voice laced with panic. "Why are so many of them attacking us? We have the larger group!"

The horrifying truth dawned on him. The spirit beasts, with their keen instincts and innate ability to sense weakness, had abandoned their scattered attacks and focused their full fury on the Brave Clan. They were drawn to the young lord's fear, his desperation, and the dwindling morale of his followers.

The Brave Clan was crumbling, their defenses collapsing under the relentless onslaught. And yet, in the other group, Ye Huian stood as a bulwark against the tide of bestial fury. 

"What? How is she so powerful!?" A bewildered cultivator from the Brave Clan exclaimed, his voice a mixture of awe and disbelief. He had witnessed countless battles, seen seasoned warriors fall before the might of spirit beasts, yet here was this young woman, seemingly untouchable amidst the chaos.

It didn't take long for Ming Ren's team to reach the designated location – another crumbling altar adorned with ancient runes, its surface pulsing with a strong green glow - clear the area and take defensive positions.

Ming Ren sat down cross-legged once again, focusing his spiritual sense on the formation and channeling his Qi into the dormant structure. Once again, the altar hummed with power, the ground trembled, and a wave of energy rippled outward. With another resounding boom, the killing array activated, bathing the surrounding area in a lethal green light.

Meanwhile, the Brave Clan's started to be overwhelmed when the Spirit Beasts completely switched to them.

"Argh! You bastards, aren't you helping?!" A wounded cultivator from the Brave Clan roared, his voice thick with pain and desperation. His pleas for aid echoed across the battlefield, a stark reminder of the dire situation they faced.

"We should help," Ming Ren declared, his voice firm despite the chaos surrounding them.

"What? Why should we risk our necks for those arrogant fools?" Ye Huian retorted, her eyes flashing with defiance. "It's not like we need them to survive."

"The Brave Clan is notorious for holding grudges," Tu He added, "While I share your sentiment, having their young lord perish would undoubtedly bring unwanted trouble upon us."

With a collective sigh of resignation, they turned their attention to the faltering Brave Clan. With Ming Ren, Ye Huian, Old Lai, and Tu He, they carved a path through the encroaching horde, her blade a beacon of hope amidst the carnage. Their intervention, like a sudden gust of wind against a dying fire, provided the Brave Clan with a much-needed respite. 

Senior Luo, taking advantage of the momentary lull in the chaos, focused his efforts on the final piece of the teleporting formation. Unlike Ming Ren, his manipulation was much slower. After what seemed to be an eternity to those cultivators fighting, he slotted the last component into place, a surge of energy pulsating through the clearing as the killing array roared to life.

"Senior did it!" The young master from the Brave Clan celebrated, his clothes a mess from the intense combat. With the last piece of the teleporting formation connected, Senior Luo smirked. He silently tinkered with the connection to sever other people from gaining control. Or so he thought.

The cultivators briefly sat down to recuperate, using all sorts of pills to hasten their recovery.

"Finally! We can escape this infernal place!" A cultivator exclaimed, his voice filled with relief.

"Now that we have a secure spot," another suggested, "shouldn't we gather some of those spirit stones and fruits?"

Senior Luo, his eyes gleaming with a newfound authority, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. All of you, proceed with haste. I shall remain here and ensure your safety with the arrays."

From that point on, it didn't sound like a request, but an order. 

Right now, with control of the array, Senior Luo was finally showing his colors!