Four-Elephant Formation

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The capital of Yue State, within the Qin Palace.

In a courtyard swept by bleak autumn winds, three men and one woman sat around a stone table.

They were disciples of Li Huayuan: Liu Jing, Song Meng, Zhong Weiniang, and Han Li.

Han Li had been sent by his master, Li Huayuan, to protect the descendants of his master's friend at the Qin Mansion. While there, he unexpectedly uncovered traces of the Black Evil Cult operating within Prince Xin's residence.

Realizing the potential danger, Han Li sent a message to his master and asked a few fellow disciples to assist him. Yet even with their arrival, Han Li felt uneasy. After some thought, he decided to reach out to Qi Yuan.

Liu Jing, who had been tormented by a demon cultivator as a child, held a deep hatred for demonic cultivators. His experiences had shaped him into a steadfast and righteous figure, one who had dedicated his life to fighting evil.

"Judging by Junior Brother Han's expression," Liu Jing said, his gaze sharp, "it seems someone else is coming. Who is it?"

"Yes," Zhong Weiniang added playfully, a soft smile gracing her delicate features. "You didn't invite any senior sisters or junior sisters, did you?"

Liu Jing's serious demeanor faltered for a moment as he glanced at her, but he quickly regained his composure.

Song Meng, a battle-hardened warrior known for his love of combat, chimed in impatiently. "Brother, stop keeping us in suspense. Just tell us already!"

Han Li smiled bitterly under their questioning gazes. "It's Qi Yuan, Uncle Hongfu's disciple. I had a feeling things could get worse, so I sent him a letter. I'm not sure if he'll come..."

"Qi Yuan?" Song Meng's face lit up with excitement. "You mean the Qi Yuan who's been tearing through the enemy on the front lines? Junior Brother Han, I envy you for knowing him!"

Song Meng's desire to fight flared visibly in his eyes.

Zhong Weiniang's curiosity sparked as well, and her gaze softened as she imagined meeting this famed cultivator.

Liu Jing's face turned stony as he shot Song Meng a warning glare. "If Junior Brother Qi comes to help, that's excellent. But Junior Brother Song, don't embarrass Master by challenging him to a fight the moment he arrives."

Though Song Meng obeyed, his eyes betrayed his restless energy.

Han Li exhaled quietly. Even though Liu Jing's aura wasn't directed at him, the cold pressure was still unsettling.

Moments later, a streak of light descended into the courtyard.

"Senior Brother Qi, you made it!" Han Li exclaimed, visibly relieved. The burden he had carried now felt lighter.

Qi Yuan had followed Han Li's directions to the Qin residence, arriving swiftly. As he landed, he noticed the group's curious stares. He chuckled. "What's with those looks? Did I forget to wipe my face or something?"

Han Li grinned. "These are my senior brothers and sister. Let me introduce you."

With pleasantries exchanged, the atmosphere turned friendly, yet everyone harbored their own thoughts.

Liu Jing, surprised by the depth of Qi Yuan's magical power, realized that despite both being in the late Foundation Establishment stage, he was no match for Qi Yuan. If they fought, Liu Jing knew he would fall within dozens of moves.

Song Meng tried to hide his excitement, but his gaze sparkled with the desire to spar.

Zhong Weiniang, despite herself, felt a flicker of admiration for Qi Yuan's presence. She quickly suppressed the thought, stealing a glance at Liu Jing instead.

Liu Jing noticed her gaze and returned a subtle nod.

Han Li felt mixed emotions — relieved by Qi Yuan's strength but frustrated at how far behind he had fallen.

Qi Yuan observed their reactions with a faint smile.

That evening, they finalized their plan. Under the cover of night, they would infiltrate the palace and strike from four directions — east, south, west, and north — to ensure no evil cultivator escaped.

Liu Jing had strongly insisted on this no-mercy approach, making his hatred for demonic cultivators clear.

Qi Yuan took the north side. With his skills, not even the Black Evil Cult's leader could stand against him. He knew he could clear the area without trouble, but Liu Jing's insistence left no room for debate.

"Who goes there?" a guard barked.

Qi Yuan narrowed his eyes, sensing demonic energy within the guards. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and unleashed a fireball that consumed them instantly.

Moving deeper into the palace, he eliminated every guard tainted with demonic aura. These corrupted individuals couldn't be left alive — their presence posed a threat to peace.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the air.

Disciples of the Black Evil Cult surged into the sky, shouting alarms about an intruder.

Seeing no reason to hide anymore, Qi Yuan soared forward at high speed. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed waves of low-level talismans imbued with elemental magic. Each explosion left trails of charred bodies in its wake.

Following his spiritual sense, Qi Yuan swiftly reached the meeting point.

At the heart of the palace, four figures stood together — Qingwen, Leaf Snake, Ice Demon, and Tieluo — all powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators. After transforming into monstrous forms, their strength had doubled.

Tieluo, a muscular brute, barked orders. "The enemy's in the Four-Elephant Formation. Activate it now!"

The blood servants exchanged uneasy glances but complied, fearing their leader's wrath.

A thunderous boom followed, and a powerful formation shrouded the palace. A shimmering barrier sealed the surroundings.

Qi Yuan examined the formation and smirked. Compared to what Xin Ruyin had taught him, this formation was barely passable.

Moments later, the rest of his group arrived.

"This formation could slow us down," Liu Jing muttered darkly.

"It's tricky," Song Meng agreed, his bloodstained spear resting on his shoulder. "But if we combine our strength, we'll break it easily."

Liu Jing glanced at Song Meng, his earlier frustration easing. "I rushed earlier. Thanks for the reminder."

Qi Yuan stepped forward, confidence gleaming in his eyes.

"A mere Four-Elephant Formation... we can break it without much trouble."

(End Of Chapter)