Chapter 1035

Chapter 1035: Suppression

Pff!

The invisible barrier that covered the deep pool burst like a bubble pricked by a needle, instantly shattering into nothingness.

The destructive power unleashed by the fourth-level Yuan talisman was truly terrifying. After breaking through the protective formations, its residual force crashed into the water, instantly creating a massive splash and a dense mist.

Surprisingly, more than half of the pool water evaporated in an instant.

“It’s broken!”

The cultivators hovering above the small valley erupted in cheers, their faces alight with joy.

“Haha, the treasure must be hidden beneath this pool!”

Lu Hongye laughed heartily, his eyes gleaming with boundless greed.

This was his chance!

With a swift shift in mindset, the higher-level Golden Core cultivator eagerly dove toward the pool.

The other cultivators, unable to restrain themselves, quickly followed, riding their magical instruments in hot pursuit.

However, the cultivators were completely unprepared for what happened next. The moment they descended above the pool, beams of rainbow light shot up into the sky, weaving into a massive net in the blink of an eye, ensnaring everyone within.

An overwhelming force suddenly descended upon them.

“A fourth-level formation!”

Lu Hongye’s triumphant expression instantly turned to shock, and a flicker of fear involuntarily crossed his face.

Earlier, a member of the Lu family had stumbled upon strange, mysterious light emanating from the nameless small valley while out hunting. Suspecting that a treasure lay hidden beneath, he reported his findings to Lu Hongye, as his own cultivation level was too low to investigate further.

Upon hearing this, Lu Hongye was immediately intrigued and personally came to inspect the area, confirming that something extraordinary was concealed there.

A year prior, this higher-level Golden Core cultivator had been severely injured by Wang Chen and forced to retreat. He had spent over half a year recovering in his cave, depleting a significant amount of precious resources in the process.

In his estimation, the nameless small valley likely harbored an undiscovered cave left behind by ancient practitioners, its protective formations having deteriorated enough to reveal its presence.

The timing of this discovery seemed almost too perfect.

Lu Hongye’s excitement was palpable—a fully intact cave left behind by ancient practitioners often signified untold treasures!

Fearing that delays might lead to complications, he summoned several Golden Core elders from his family, along with about ten high-level Purple Palace cultivators, intending to forcefully break the formation through sheer strength.

But when the situation took an unexpected turn, he was compelled to use his trump card.

Now, though the protective formations appeared to have been breached, it seemed as though they hadn’t been broken at all. Instead, he and his companions found themselves trapped like birds in a net.

“This is a trap!”

The higher-level Golden Core cultivator suddenly realized the truth and shouted urgently, “Everyone, follow me…”

Before he could finish, a figure suddenly appeared beside the pool.

It was none other than Wang Chen!

Wang Chen gazed at Lu Hongye, who now resembled a cornered beast, and smiled faintly. “Lu fellow traveler, it’s been a while. I trust you’ve been well?”

Though the Xuan Yuan Formation had suffered considerable damage from years of neglect, its power was still formidable, even if it was less than one-tenth of its peak strength.

Given the formation’s high rank, even at a fraction of its full power, it was more than capable of withstanding attacks from Nascent Soul true immortals.

Just now, Lu Hongye unleashed a formidable strike with the fourth-level Yuan talisman, yet breaking through this formation was nothing short of a pipe dream.

However, Wang Chen, the master of the formation, feigned weakness on purpose, luring Lu Hongye and his companions into the array before launching a sudden assault. His aim was to capture all these cultivators in one decisive move!

Though the Xuan Yuan Formation lacked offensive capabilities, its true brilliance extended far beyond mere defense.

With the Xuan Yuan Seal in hand, Wang Chen was already assured of victory!

Unaware of this, Lu Hongye recognized Wang Chen immediately, and his eyes blazed with fury!

The pain from their battle a year ago had left an indelible mark on him—a humiliation he would carry for life.

Now, face-to-face with his nemesis, his rage knew no bounds!

“You little wretch!”

Lu Hongye suddenly raised his hand, his face contorted with rage as he bellowed, “So it’s you behind all this! Today, one of us dies—prepare to meet your end!”

Before his words even faded, he slammed his palm toward Wang Chen with all his might.

This strike concentrated Lu Hongye’s full power, infused with the destructive force of his lifelong secret skills. Even a mountain would crumble under such a blow!

Yet Wang Chen stood motionless, as if completely unfazed.

At first, Lu Hongye felt a surge of triumph, but then he sensed something amiss.

His fist power, though immense, dissipated before it could reach Wang Chen, failing even to ruffle the edge of his robe.

It’s worth noting that they were only about twenty steps apart!

Yet that short distance felt as vast as the ends of the earth, and the overwhelming force of his palm strike dwindled until it became utterly harmless.

A faint, mocking smile curled at the corner of Wang Chen’s lips.

Lu Hongye’s mindset shattered in an instant; his face flushed crimson as his Qi and blood surged. He lost all composure and shouted, “What are you all waiting for? Attack together!”

Though consumed by shame and fury, the higher-level Golden Core cultivator knew full well that this bizarre situation was undoubtedly the work of the formation’s destructive power.

And this formidable formation was clearly under Wang Chen’s control!

A sinking feeling crept over him—he might not escape this time.

As Lu Hongye’s roar echoed, the other cultivators seemed to snap out of their daze and unleashed their most powerful attacks against Wang Chen in unison.

They were no fools; they understood that Wang Chen was the key to breaking the deadlock.

If they didn’t kill him, none of them would escape!

In an instant, ice clashed with fire, and winds roared with thunder as countless spirit tools filled the air, aiming to overwhelm Wang Chen completely.

Yet, whether it was spells or tools, no matter how fierce their attacks, they all fell silent after traveling a mere ten steps.

Some spirit tools seemed trapped in a quagmire, suspended in midair, immobilized by an invisible force.

“Use talismans!”

Lu Hongye roared again.

Without hesitation, he pulled out a handful of treasure symbols, his eyes blazing red as he unleashed them in rapid succession.

The other Lu family cultivators followed suit.

The result was a dazzling spectacle of spiritual symbols and treasure symbols, bursting like a grand fireworks display—but with no real destructive power to speak of.

This outcome left the Lu family cultivators pale with dread!

How could they possibly fight like this?

“Is that all?”

Wang Chen said, his tone calm and unhurried. “Now it’s my turn.”

“Suppress!”

He raised his palm and instantly summoned a copper seal the size of a fist.

The copper seal had six sides, each engraved with an intricate rune, its lines smooth and shimmering.

Under Wang Chen’s command, it suddenly radiated countless beams of light.

Including Lu Hongye, all the Lu family cultivators shuddered, feeling as though an immense mountain had descended upon them, making it nearly impossible to breathe.

Not only that, but their powers within their bodies felt shackled, as if bound by heavy chains, leaving them almost unable to move.

They were completely immobilized, like fish on a chopping block!