Eternal Sacred King Chapter 101 to 105

 Chapter 101: Challenging the Ten Formations Pagoda

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“Senior, I want to challenge the Ten Formations Pagoda. Is there anything to take note of?” Su Zimo came to the elder and asked respectfully.

Although Su Zimo had stayed at Array Peak for three months, this was his first time coming to the Ten Formations Pagoda.

The elder paused for a while on Su Zimo’s face. He sized him up and asked, “You look very unfamiliar. You’re not a disciple of my Array Peak, are you?”

“I’m from Weapon Peak,” Su Zimo nodded.

“Oh.”

The elder replied casually. He looked at the sect badge on Su Zimo’s waist and passed him a wooden badge, saying in a deep voice, “Take this badge. If you can’t hold it or encounter danger inside, break this badge immediately. You will be transported out safely.”

“There are dangers to be encountered within the Ten Formations Pagoda?” Su Zimo was slightly stunned.

The elder explained patiently, “Level 1 of the Ten Formations Pagoda is very simple. As long as you set up a supplementary formation, you can reach Level 2. Level 2 is an illusion formation and the type of illusion is random. You will need to dispel the formation to reach Level 3.”

“Level 3 is a trap formation. Once you clear the trap formation, you will be able to see the entrance to the Level 4, the killing array. It is extremely dangerous inside and if you aren’t careful, you might lose your life. If you can’t crack it, don’t force yourself. Crush this badge.”

“Level 5 is a combination formation consisting of two of either a trap, illusion or killing formation. You can only be considered as an Elementary Array Formation Master after dispelling the formation. With that, you can ascend to Level 6.”

With a rough understanding of the Ten Formations Pagoda now, Su Zimo bowed and expressed his thanks before entering the pagoda.

Looking at Su Zimo’s back view, the elder smiled and mumbled to himself, “It’s rare for disciples of Weapon Peak to come and try to clear the Ten Formations Pagoda. I wonder how many levels that lad can clear. Perhaps two?”

“Su Zimo. Hmm... that’s quite a familiar name. I seem to have heard it before somewhere.”

Murmuring softly, the elder shook his head and did not think much about it.

After all, there were many disciples challenging the Ten Formations Pagoda on a daily basis and he only paid attention to some of the more outstanding ones from Array Peak.

Ten Formations Pagoda, Level 1.

This was a slightly spacious room that was empty.

The floor was a little strange – it was soft with some elasticity.

Surrounded by four walls, the door behind Su Zimo slammed shut the moment he entered and the entrance to Level 2 was not in sight.

Su Zimo thought for a moment and understood.

The entrance to Level 2 would only appear if he laid out a supplementary formation on the ground.

He did not hesitate as a stream of spirit qi shot out from his fingertips. Squatting down, he drew on the ground carefully.

He was drawing a soundproof formation.

Inside, no one could hear any noise made from the outside.

This was the first formation that Su Zimo learnt and his motive was to isolate little crane’s chirping.

While drawing a formation pattern, one had to focus intently without any distractions or deviations.

Even the slightest deviation of the formation pattern would result in a failed formation that could not be activated.

This was a test of a cultivator’s patience and conscientiousness towards details! The better they were, the more perfect things would be!

Array Formation Masters were all meticulous people.

If the setting up of a formation was seen as a game of chess, the Array Formation Master would be the player.

A chess game was unpredictable and a single misstep could lead to a loss.

For Array Formation Masters, any mistakes in their spirit patterns would render their previous efforts wasted.

The soundproof formation was relatively simple and its patterns were not complex as well. Before long, Su Zimo had drawn the formation on the ground.

A spirit stone was placed in the eye of the formation as it shone brightly on the ground.

The soundproof formation was activated!

Crack! Crack! Crack!

At the same time, a stone door appeared on a wall in the south, revealing a stone staircase made of granite that led to Level 2.

The soundproof formation that Su Zimo had just drawn on the ground slowly disappeared as well as the ground returned to normalcy while the spirit stone he placed in the eye rebounded to him.

“What an ingenious set up.”

Chuckling, Su Zimo picked up the spirit stone and headed to Level 2.

The moment he entered Level 2, his body broke into a shudder.

He was faced with a towering mountain covered in clouds and surrounded by water and greenery. There was a magnificent palace that looked like a paradise.

Su Zimo realized that he had entered an illusionary formation.

From Level 2 on, the disciple’s ability to dispel formations would be tested.

The principle of dispelling formations was simple – one had to locate the core of the formation, also known as the formation eye.

The higher the grade of the formation, the more formation eyes there were.

Grade 1 formations only contained a single formation eye.

Grade 2 formations had two.

If one wanted to dispel a Grade 2 formation, it wasn’t enough to merely locate one formation eye. They had to find and destroy both in order to dispel the formation.

Even though it sounded simple, a formation eye was difficult to locate within the formation.

Take the illusion formation before Su Zimo for example. The eye could be a simple blade of grass, a cloud floating above, a stone on the mountain or even a fish swimming within the river...

A formation contained a world within itself.

If it was someone who knew nothing about formations, they might not be able to locate and destroy the formation eye within its parallel world even if they spent their entire life and effort.

However, Array Formation Masters could locate the formation eye based on their understanding of formations and guts alongside logical analysis.

One thing was certain – formation eyes were definitely far from ordinary.

Even if they may look to be normal, careful analysis would uncover their unusualness.

Brilliant Array Formation Masters would make sure to conceal their formation eyes so carefully that it would be difficult to detect.

…

Right as Su Zimo entered Level 2 of Ten Formations Pagoda, a group of disciples from Array Peak were headed towards it.

The leader amongst them wore black robes, looking cold and cool. His eyes were indifferent with his hands behind his back. Even though he was only at Level 9 Qi Condensation, he had an air of superiority.

This was Zhong Wen. A publicly recognized talent amongst the trial disciples and a genius of the sect, he was the top of Array Peak and was already an Elementary Array Formation Master. He was currently stuck at Level 7 of the Ten Formations Pagoda.

Today, he came to challenge the Ten Formations Pagoda again to see if he could clear Level 7.

Even if he couldn’t, he wanted to break the record of his previous clear time of Level 6.

Knowing that Zhong Wen was here to challenge the pagoda today, many disciples from Array Peak came to watch and surrounded him.

“Senior Brother Zhong, I wish you success this time! Be the first person in the history of our sect to clear Level 7!

“Senior Brother Zhong is a Level 9 Qi Refinement Warrior right now and he still has many chances before entering Foundation Establishment. Who knows, he might even be able to clear Level 8 in the future.”

Many disciples of Array Peak complimented him.

Zhong Wen was only in his twenties. Even though he seemed mature, he definitely felt gleeful upon hearing those words.

No matter what, it was a proud accomplishment for anyone to be the top of any one of the five peaks.

His gaze lingered on the stele at the right of the Ten Formations Pagoda, pride flashing through his eyes.

Chapter 102: Ten Formations Stele

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The ancient stele was thick and heavy. At about ten feet tall, it was called the Ten Formations Stele.

It was of extraordinary significance and honor for any trial disciples of Ethereal Peak to have their names left behind on the Ten Formations Stele.

Carrying with it the memories of Ethereal Sect over thousands of years, the Ten Formations Stele had also witnessed the changes of the sect through those years.

There were a total of hundred names on the stele, all of them geniuses through the history of Array Peak.

Time was merciless and cultivators were no exception to that rule. Many of the genius cultivators on the list had passed away and the only trace left of them was probably on the stele.

Behind every single name was the number of levels cleared as well as time taken.

The higher the levels cleared, the further ahead one’s name would be. For those at the same level, ranking would be dependent on time taken.

The bottom 30 odd names on the Ten Formations Stele were trial disciples who had passed Level 4.

A huge chunk of names in the middle were disciples who had passed Level 5 with the fastest amongst them using 12 hours.

The tens of disciples on top were those who had cleared Level 6. Zhong Wen’s name was right at the top of the list – he was the top of Array Peak!

There was reason for Zhong Wen to be proud and he was definitely qualified as well.

After all, he had already taken over every single genius through the thousands of years of history of Array Peak – he was the true number one of Array Peak!

A line of words was displayed on the first row of the Ten Formations Stele.

“Zhong Wen, cleared Level 6, 11 hours!”

Right then, Level 2 of the Ten Formations Pagoda suddenly shone with a bright light, attracting the attention of the Array Peak disciples.

That unique light that belonged to a formation pattern would only shine if someone had cleared the level.

Zhong Wen declared indifferently, “To think that someone would be here earlier than me today to challenge the pagoda. Interesting.”

“Greetings, Elder Luo.”

Zhong Wen arrived before the Ten Formations Pagoda and bowed slightly to the elder at the entrance.

Elder Luo looked at Zhong Wen in appreciation. “You’re here so early to challenge the pagoda. Are you intending to clear Level 7 this time round?”

“Yes.”

Zhong Wen nodded.

Pausing for a moment, he continued, “I’ve learnt quite a bit during this period of time. Even if I can’t clear Level 7, I should be able to make a new record on the Ten Formations Stele.”

The so-called record was naturally the one he had created.

In Zhong Wen’s eyes, no one from the five peaks could compare to him in array formations.

What he wanted to do was to constantly challenge himself!

“Alright, I’ll be awaiting your return from the challenge,” Elder Luo smiled encouragingly and passed Zhong Wen a wooden badge.

Nodding to the many Array Peak disciples behind him, Zhong Wen entered the Ten Formations Pagoda.

Challenging the pagoda was something he was extremely familiar with.

Without hesitation, spirit qi seeped out from his fingers and he started drawing the moment he entered Level 1 – his choice of supplementary formation was the simplest type.

Challenging the pagoda wasn’t only a test of the number of levels cleared, one had to take into account the time taken too.

Zhong Wen was naturally not going to waste any time.

Before long, he was done drawing the formation pattern. Placing a spirit stone in the formation eye, the entrance to Level 2 appeared.

Retrieving his spirit stone, Zhong Wen rushed up to Level 2 swiftly.

Similar to Su Zimo, Zhong Wen found himself transported into an illusionary formation the moment he entered Level 2.

Looking calm, he surveyed his surroundings and walked about casually, stopping from time to time to observe the ground.

15 minutes later, he heaved out a sigh gently and summoned his flying sword, piercing it at the ground nearby.

All of a sudden, the surrounding illusion disappeared and the entrance to Level 3 came into sight.

Zhong Wen was in excellent condition as he walked confidently to Level 3.

Su Zimo was in the Level 3 trap formation at the moment as well. Even though they were in the same level, they were in different formations and neither would see nor affect the other.

...

Outside the Ten Formations Pagoda.

When they saw the burst of light emit from Level 2, the crowd gasped.

“Senior Brother Zhong only took around 15 minutes to clear two levels! That’s slightly faster than before!”

“Of course. He wouldn’t have come for the challenge if he wasn’t confident.”

More and more trial disciples were gathered when they heard about Zhong Wen’s challenge of the pagoda today.

An hour passed and a bright light shone from Level 3.

“He passed!”

“Yes, an hour. That’s around the same as before.”

The disciples of Array Peak discussed.

“I wonder how long Senior Brother Zhong will take for Level 4.”

“I remember he took two hours previously.”

“Actually, Level 4 is not too bad. It’s just a singular formation after all. Level 5 is the most difficult since it’s a combination formation. The difficulty is doubly high!”

Time passed by quickly and another two hours were gone.

A bright light shone from Level 4. Just as the shocked disciples were about to speak, a bright light shone from Level 3. That caused a clamor.

“Huh? There’s someone else other than Senior Brother Zhong challenging the pagoda today?”

Some of the Array Peak disciples that had arrived later asked in confusion.

Many disciples of Array Peak would normally choose to avoid the pagoda if Zhong Wen was challenging it.

Even though all challengers were unaffected by one another, they would undoubtedly feel the pressure knowing that they were doing it at the same time as the number one of Array Peak and that would affect their performance as well.

“Hmph, that person sure is ambitious to want to challenge at the same time as Senior Brother Zhong,” Someone scoffed coldly.

“I wonder who he is. He’ll definitely suffer at Level 4!”

“Fufu, I’ll wait here and see that person get kicked out of the Ten Formations Pagoda in a wretched state!”

Many Array Peak disciples were waiting to see a joke.

Shocked, Elder Luo turned to look at the Ten Formations Pagoda as he recalled a handsome disciple in green.

“Disciple of Weapon Peak?”

Chuckling and shaking his head, Elder Luo murmured to himself, “To think that the lad could clear Level 3 as well. Yes... someone like that is definitely talented in formations. I wonder why he was sent to Weapon Peak to begin with.”

In truth, notwithstanding the many Array Peak disciples, even Elder Luo did not expect much of Su Zimo.

To Elder Luo, even if Su Zimo could get through Level 3, he would definitely fail at Level 4.

After all... Level 4 was a killing formation!

Every single step within was filled with danger. Any misstep and one could lose their life there. Under such tense circumstances, most people would be so rattled that they would instinctively break the wooden badge and be transported out, let alone compose themselves to dispel the formation.

For a first-timer like Su Zimo who had never experienced a killing formation, it was a level he couldn’t possibly clear.

Not only did Level 4 test one’s understanding towards formations, it also tested one’s determination and courage in life and death.

How should one maintain their composure within a treacherous situation to calmly analyze the formation while detecting the loophole within... that was the key to clearing Level 4!

However, neither the Array Peak disciples or Elder Luo understood Su Zimo.

Compared to the nights in Cang Lang Mountain Range, the danger posed by a Grade 1 killing formation was way too weak for Su Zimo...

Furthermore, he possessed an ability no one else had – spirit perception!

The current state of Array Peak was akin to a calm lake where Su Zimo’s appearance was like a pebble dropping into the lake.

Right then, no one realized that the pebble would not merely cause a few ripples. Instead, it was about to whip up a torrential tide that would shock all five peaks and the sect!

Chapter 103: 17 Seconds!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Zimo who had just entered Level 4 of the Ten Formations Pagoda did not know that someone had cleared it previously. He did not know that there were more Array Peak disciples gathered outside and that he was starting to gain attention as well.

Level 4 was the killing formation.

Amongst the formations, killing formations were the most powerful. If a cultivator was stuck in it without any means of dispelling and he wasn’t strong enough, he would definitely die within.

Cultivators could hold out temporarily against the formation. However, there would come a time where they would get exhausted and by then, they would be destroyed by the formation.

However, killing formations were the easiest to dispel across the various formations.

The main goal of a killing formation was to kill and destroy everything. As the saying goes, things would reverse at extremities. In this world, there was no such thing as absolute destruction. Therefore, life-force was bound to exist within the destruction.

If one could locate the life-force, the killing formation would naturally be dispelled.

Not far ahead was a volcano spouting billowing ashes. The moment Su Zimo was transported in, a rumble boomed out from the mountain.

Immediately after, scarlet lava gushed out from the peak of the volcano as gigantic flaming rocks plummeted down from the skies endlessly in an earth-shattering manner.

Suffocating black smoke filled the air and blocked one’s vision.

It was as though the world was ending in an apocalypse!

Faced with such devastating destruction, most cultivators would shatter their Protection Talisman and run off instinctively, finding a place to hide from the falling lava.

However, that was an extremely unwise move in reality.

This was a formation.

Unless they dispelled it, cultivators had no way of escaping!

That also meant to say that no matter the speed of the cultivator, they wouldn’t be able to escape the radius of the falling lava within the formation.

With a calm expression, Su Zimo summoned his flying sword and leapt down. Instead of retreating, he advanced.

All the plants on the ground were burnt to a crisp as bubbling lava that emitted a scorching heat flowed.

In the blink of an eye, the ground beneath Su Zimo had turned into a scarlet sea of lava leaving only rocks that had yet to melt.

For other Array Formation Masters, they would have to analyze how to dispel the killing formation while avoiding its power.

However, that was no the case for Su Zimo.

Through the dangers of the killing formation, there was only a single spot where Su Zimo’s spirit perception had no reaction to.

That must be where the loophole of the killing formation was!

Because illusionary and trap formations merely aimed to bewitch and restrain instead of kill, Su Zimo’s spirit perception was of no use since he could not sense any danger – he had to rely on his own capabilities to dispel those two types of formations.

However, his spirit perception worked in killing formations, turning everything else into mere decorations!

Before long, Su Zimo arrived on a single rock.

It looked ordinary like any other rocks protruding from the lava and only had room to fit a single person.

However, one could avoid all the dangers in the killing formation just by standing motionlessly on the rock!

If anyone else saw this, their jaws would definitely drop wide open.

As the torrential lava rained down through the world, a man in green stood without suffering any bit of damage at all!

However, locating this rock was not enough to dispel the killing formation.

After all, the volcano was spewing continuously and Su Zimo did not know when it would stop – he can’t wait here forever.

After pondering for a long time, he looked at the seemingly ordinary rock he was standing on and smiled.

Logically speaking, this should be the formation eye.

However, if it was a wrong deduction and the killing formation was not dispelled by destroying the rock, the person trapped in the formation would fall right into the lava and be burnt to a crisp!

The Array Formation Master who had set this formation had indeed gave it much thought.

This was not just a test of the cultivator’s dispel capabilities – it was also a test of their courage!

Would you dare to break away your only lifeline?

In reality, the Array Formation Master’s mindset was actually aligned with how killing formations worked – both required the trapped cultivator to seek life through desperate times.

Smiling, Su Zimo stomped down on his foot.

Bam!

The rock beneath him broke apart and Su Zimo’s body descended.

Right as he was about to drop into the lava, everything around him disappeared and reality set in once more.

The entrance of Level 5 had appeared!

Su Zimo strolled towards it.

...

At that moment, outside Ten Formations Pagoda.

When the light of Level 4 shone not long after Level 3’s light was lit up, the discussions of the disciples outside came to a halt.

Everyone looked at the nearby Ten Formations Pagoda with widened eyes and gaping mouths; they could not recover from the shock.

“Hmm?”

Elder Luo sensed it and looked back.

When he saw the light of Level 4 shining, he was stumped as well.

That lad had cleared Level 4?

Also, it was so fast! It seemed like it only took 17 seconds?

How was that possible?

Countless questions surfaced in Elder Luo’s mind as he frowned.

“What did I just see? Level 4’s formation pattern had lit up as well?”

“From the moment he stepped into Level 4 to the lights shining, it only took a few seconds. How could he be so fast?”

“Who is that person?”

After a brief moment of silence, sounds were heard from the crowd as the Array Peak disciples discussed fervently.

Even the number one of Array Peak, Zhong Wen, took two entire hours to clear Level 4.

How did that man dispel Level 4’s formation using just a couple of seconds?

“I’ve got it!”

Suddenly, a disciple exclaimed, “There must be two people in Ten Formations Pagoda other than Senior Brother Zhong! So, someone had cleared Level 3 previously and another person cleared Level 4!”

“Right, right! That must be the case!” Another disciple nodded furiously in enlightenment.

“Yes, it must be a coincidence that someone had managed to clear Level 4 right after the first person cleared Level 3.”

“Damn, that scared me. I told you it was impossible.”

The Array Peak disciples relaxed slightly as the crowd calmed down.

After all, many of them were unable to dispel Level 4’s formation yet.

If they knew that someone had cleared it using only a few seconds, it would be a huge blow for them.

Upon hearing the conclusion in the crowd, Elder Luo lowered his head slightly to conceal his shock.

No one knew better than him that from morning till now, only two people had entered the Ten Formations Pagoda.

Since Zhong Wen had already cleared Level 4, there was only one other person who could have cleared Level 4 using a couple of seconds.

It was that trial disciple from Weapon Peak – Su Zimo!

Elder Luo turned and glanced at the Ten Formations Stele.

The thirty-over lines at the bottom were all formation geniuses who had cleared Level 4. The fastest amongst them was Situ Boyan who had spent 1 hour.

Even if Su Zimo failed at Level 5, he would definitely leave a mark on the Ten Formations Stele above Situ Boyan’s name!

His time taken to clear Level 4 was the fastest through history – 17 seconds!

Chapter 104: Level 6!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Right as Zhong Wen entered Level 5, Su Zimo ascended as well.

This level was the final test for one to become an Elementary Array Formation Master.

A combination array formation.

Even between Elementary Array Formation Masters, some had deeper understanding towards formations. Some could combine two, three or even more formations together.

Level 5’s combination formation comprised of two of either an illusory, trap or killing formation.

The reason why it was difficult was partly because the combination of formation patterns was difficult to distinguish, making it easy to commit a wrong judgment.

At the same time, a combination of two Grade 1 formations implied that there were two formation eyes and that increased the difficulty level of the formation.

Even though Grade 2 formations had two formation eyes as well, they were still more difficult to dispel than two Grade 1 formations combined together.

The reason for that was simple.

Destroying a formation eye was equivalent to destroying half of the combination formation. With that, the remaining half would be much easier to dispel.

However, destroying a formation eye in a Grade 2 formation would not dispel the formation entirely.

Su Zimo stood on the spot and sensed his surroundings, realizing instantly that he was in a trap and illusion combination formation.

“My luck’s average.”

Su Zimo muttered softly.

Things would have been much simpler for Su Zimo if it was a combination formation with a killing formation.

However, given his current understanding of formations, clearing Level 5 wasn’t difficult – it was just a matter of time.

...

Time slowly passed.

The Array Peak disciples outside of Ten Formations Pagoda did not leave.

At the moment, most of the people’s attention was not on Zhong Wen. Instead, they were curious as to who the person who cleared the Level 4 formation was.

As evening approached, Level 5 lit up.

“That must be Senior Brother Zhong!”

“Yes! He broke another record once more! He’s even faster than before!”

“I wonder if he can clear Level 6.”

The disciples began to discuss once more.

From Level 6 on, it was a test of the Array Formation Masters’ understanding of Grade 2 formations.

Similar to Level 1, Level 6 only required laying a supplementary type of Grade 2 formation.

The formation patterns of a Grade 2 formation were much more complex than a Grade 1 and its difficulty was doubly so. Any slight mistake would render the formation a failure.

The Array Peak disciples knew that two hours was all it took to know whether or not one could pass Level 6.

Everyone waited patiently.

Two hours were nearly up and there was still no sign of light from Level 6.

All of a sudden!

A blur appeared at the entrance of Ten Formations Pagoda as a figure appeared.

Everyone’s hearts skipped a beat as they looked over.

It was Zhong Wen!

“Ugh!”

“It’s a pity, but I failed Level 6.”

“Actually, it’s a good thing. You took a faster time clearing the first five levels so you’ve already broken your previous record, Senior Brother Zhong.”

Because he had gone through the killing formation of the Ten Formations Pagoda, Zhong Wen’s clothes were tattered and he looked somewhat wretched. However, his expression was still calm and firm as he looked towards the Ten Formations Stele.

A bedazzling bright light shone on the first row of the Ten Formations Stele.

The name written was still Zhong Wen and it was still stated that he had cleared Level 5. However, the time taken had changed from 11 hours to 10 hours and 15 minutes!

Zhong Wen heaved a sigh of relief.

His arm had quivered slightly at the critical juncture of setting up his Grade 2 formation. As such, there were some deviations in his formation patterns and his previous efforts were wasted.

However, he had still gained something for breaking his own record once more.

Elder Luo smiled. “Not bad, not bad. Work harder when you get back and try to break through Level 6 before you become an inner sect disciple!”

“Don’t worry, Elder Luo. Level 6 can’t stop me,” Zhong Wen replied confidently.

He believed that as long as he spent more time researching, he would be able to get through Level 6.

Cupping his fists, Zhong Wen bid farewell to Elder Luo and nodded to the Array Peak disciples behind him before turning to leave.

He walked a few steps before realizing something strange.

The reason why those Array Peak disciples had gathered was because they wanted to see if he could break a new record. However, now that he had left, they did not seem like they had any intention of leaving?

Now that night had descended and those disciples weren’t attempting to challenge the pagoda, what were they waiting for?

Zhong Wen stopped in his tracks and swept his gaze across the faces of those Array Peak disciples.

He realized that everyone was looking at Ten Formations Pagoda from time to time as though they were waiting for something.

Was someone challenging the pagoda?

But, who else other than him would attract all of those audiences for their challenge of the pagoda?

Frowning, Zhong Wen came beside an Array Peak disciple and asked in a seemingly casual manner, “Junior Brother Wang, what are you guys waiting for?”

“Ah!”

That disciple was somewhat flustered as he stammered, “T-There are two other people challenging the pagoda right now and one of them made it through Level 4 as well. However, we don’t know who it is. I’m waiting to see who that person is.”

“Yeah, it’s just out of curiosity,” Another disciple smiled awkwardly.

After all, they had accompanied Zhong Wen for the pagoda challenge initially. As such, they naturally felt somewhat embarrassed that they were still lingering on with their attention on someone else despite Zhong Wen wanting to leave.

Zhong Wen’s expression relaxed as he chuckled and waved it off. “Alright, since I’ve got nothing on, I’ll wait and see too.”

The moment he said that, Level 5 lit up!

The crowd was in an uproar!

“He cleared Level 5?”

“That’s enough to leave a name on the Ten Formations Stele!”

“Amazing! Who is that person?”

When he heard the discussions of the crowd, Zhong Wen’s expression turned serious.

Even though he knew that Grade 2 formation patterns were much more complex and this person would not be able to clear Level 6, for some reason, he felt uneasy.

It felt as though his status was being threatened.

Elder Luo’s gaze lingered for a long time on Level 5.

“Where did that disheveled old man find this treasure? To think that he’s an array formation genius.”

“However, how did he manage to clear the killing formation in just 17 seconds? Could the formation eye have appeared right beside that lad?”

“Was it luck?”

Elder Luo frowned in thought.

The Array Peak disciples who already had no intention of leaving were even more determined to stay on after seeing the mysterious person clear Level 5.

Level 6 was a test of Grade 2 formation skills. An outcome would be determined within two hours.

None of them minded waiting for another two hours.

The night got darker.

Having spent an entire day waiting in front of the Ten Formations Pagoda, even the Qi Refinement Warriors were showing signs of fatigue.

“An hour has passed. It’ll be soon.”

“Yes, let’s wait and see.”

Right after that disciple spoke, a bright light shone from Level 6 and illuminated the night skies!

Silence!

Hundreds of Array Peak disciples raised their heads and watched with agape mouths, forgetting to even breathe momentarily.

Everyone’s expressions were frozen. Their eyes were filled with complex emotions – shock, confusion, amazement, surprise...

In only an hour, Su Zimo had cleared Level 6!

Elder Luo bolted upright and looked at the shining formation pattern light on Level 6, lamenting internally, “Holy shit, holy shit! A true formation genius has appeared in our sect!”

Chapter 105: Turbulent Undercurrent

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

A new record for the Ten Formations Pagoda was born.

It was so sudden, unexpected and shocking.

This was supposed to be the most ordinary day on Array Peak.

However, everything changed the moment Level 6 lit up.

The birth of a new record also implied that Zhong Wen was dethroned from his number one status in Array Peak from this moment.

Many Array Peak disciples turned to look at Zhong Wen subconsciously.

His expression was extremely ugly as he glared fiercely at Level 6. Because he was gripping his fists so tightly, both his arms were shivering in rage.

Everyone could more or less empathize with how Zhong Wen was feeling at the moment as there was inevitably a look of pity in their gazes.

It was a hard pill to swallow even for anyone else in Zhong Wen’s position.

Closing his eyes for a long time, Zhong Wen let out a deep breath.

By the time he opened his eyes once more, his gaze shone with a renewed confidence.

At that, Elder Luo nodded to himself.

To be able to walk out of such a trauma that quickly meant that Zhong Wen had a good character – his accomplishments in the future wouldn’t be bad too.

“Very well. There’s finally someone who can give me pressure.”

Smiling, Zhong Wen muttered to himself, “It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced this feeling. Even though I don’t know who you are, your appearance will force out the best in me!”

With that said, Zhong Wen looked at the Ten Formations Pagoda deeply once more and turned to leave without hesitation.

Many Array Peak disciples understood that before long, Zhong Wen would be back to challenge the Ten Formations Pagoda once more!

At that time, the number one of Array Peak would be determined by the person who clears Level 6 in the shortest period of time!

Even after Zhong Wen’s departure, many of the Array Peak disciples had no intention of leaving.

Everyone was even more curious to see who this mysterious person who was challenging the pagoda was!

The thought of the challenger clearing Level 7 did not cross everyone’s minds.

From the looks of it, it wouldn’t be long before the person was sent out.

However, time continued to pass and yet the challenger had not appeared. It was as though he was residing within the Ten Formations Pagoda silently.

The night passed just like that...

The morning sun rose and the many Array Peak disciples before the Ten Formations Pagoda were getting sleepy after staying awake for the entire night. Casually, they stretched their bodies and gathered their spirits.

“What’s that person doing inside? He should come out if he can’t continue. Why is he taking so long?”

“I don’t know but I can’t take it anymore. I’ve got to head back and rest.”

A worn out disciple shook his head, no intending to waste any more time here.

“Yeah, I’m heading back too. After all, this person will definitely leave his name on the Ten Formations Stele after clearing Level 6. I’ll just see who he is then,” another disciple remarked.

Right then, someone sped towards them on a flying sword.

When the person approached, everyone focused their attention over – it was Zhong Wen who had left the previous night!

He was back after a single night!

One could imagine how he must have spent all his time and energy into researching on Grade 2 formations rather than sleep the previous night.

Arriving before Elder Luo, Zhong Wen declared deeply, “Elder, I’d like to challenge the Ten Formations Pagoda!”

“Very well.”

Elder Luo nodded his head and passed Zhong Wen a wooden badge.

Upon receiving it, Zhong Wen turned and entered the Ten Formations Pagoda.

Upon seeing that, the disciples who planned on leaving hesitated.

“Cough, cough. Perhaps we can hold out for another day to see if Senior Brother Zhong’s able to take down that person and reclaim the first spot on Ten Formations Stele.”

“Fair enough, let’s wait another day.”

The disciples ultimately lost to their curiosity and chose to stay.

In the blink of an eye, yet another day had passed and it was dusk.

The challenger had yet to appear.

As for Zhong Wen, he was at Level 6 once more.

After a while, Level 6 lit up and everyone was shocked.

“He cleared it! How long did Senior Brother Zhong take?”

“More than an hour?”

“That means he still lost?”

“Yeah, by a little.”

The many Array Peak disciples sighed.

Before long, Zhong Wen was sent out of the Ten Formations Pagoda and he glanced at the Ten Formations Pagoda.

The first row of the Ten Formations Stele shone brightly. Even though it was still his name, the words at the back had changed.

“Zhong Wen, cleared Level 6, 1 hour 15 minutes!”

Looking at the Ten Formations Stele, Zhong Wen frowned and asked around, “That person is not out yet?”

“That’s right,” One of the disciples yawned and replied listlessly.

The record on the Ten Formations Stele would only be updated when the challenger left the Ten Formations Pagoda.

That mysterious person who had cleared Level 6 merely took an hour, faster than Zhong Wen. However, for Zhong Wen’s name to still be on the Ten Formations Stele, that meant that the challenger was still inside the Ten Formations Pagoda!

“That person has lasted for so long in Level 7?”

Zhong Wen scoffed coldly internally, “Let’s see how long more you can hold out.”

Taking one last look at the Ten Formations Stele, Zhong Wen left.

The difference between the both of them wasn’t great at merely 15 minutes. He had the confidence of surpassing that challenger during his next challenge of the Ten Formations Pagoda!

Many Array Peak disciples could not wait any longer and chose to head back and rest for the night before returning the next morning.

Some of the disciples who were unwilling to give up remained waiting, bent on witnessing the person who created the new record.

Yet another night passed.

By now, the disciples that were waiting outside the Ten Formations Pagoda were in a mess; some of them were asleep while others would open their eyes and look towards the Ten Formations Pagoda drowsily from time to time.

There was no activity in the Ten Formations Pagoda throughout the entire night.

The challenger had yet to appear.

Disciples who were impatient had already asked Elder Luo about who the person was and if he was still inside the Ten Formations Pagoda. However, Elder Luo merely shook his head and did not reveal the person’s identity, merely stating that the person was still within.

“That’s strange. How is that person not out yet? He’s already spent two whole nights in Level 7!”

“We’re already exhausted from just waiting and doing nothing. It’s hard to imagine how that person is going to survive while spending a great deal of effort on dispelling the formation.”

Right then, a disciple suddenly remarked, “Wait, aren’t there two other people in the Ten Formations Pagoda other than Senior Brother Zhong? Why is the other person not out yet?”

Suddenly, the discussions quietened down as everyone’s eyes flashed in bewilderment as though they had just recalled something frightening.

The presence of two individuals in the Ten Formations Pagoda was just their speculation.

The reason for that was because they could not believe that someone would be able to get through Level 4’s killing formation in such a short period of time.

But now, a more realistic possibility existed.

There was only one person inside the Ten Formations Pagoda!

That person had truly taken a few mere seconds to clear Level 4!

It was the same person who had created the new record!

The atmosphere in front of the Ten Formations Pagoda was stiff as no one spoke; it was as though an invisible arm had choked them into suffocating.

Right then, Zhong Wen arrived once more. He entered the Ten Formations Pagoda again, bent on breaking the record of the mysterious challenger.

This was already the morning of the third day.

In the past three days, events on Array Peak gradually spread among the five peaks.

A turbulent undercurrent was charging beneath the calm lake surface, ready to burst forth at any moment!