Over half a month later, atop a massive azure cloud formation, Han Li stood expressionlessly at the pinnacle of a tower-like structure, gazing down at a verdant mountain range below.
To his sides, Fei Xiaoxi and Cao Ji stood slightly behind, also surveying the scene beneath them.
The surrounding sky, apart from a hundred or so patrolling flying chariots and warships, was eerily devoid of any other massive cloud formations.
The mountain range was not particularly vast, spanning only about a hundred miles in radius. Yet, at this moment, flashes of light could be seen darting across several towering peaks, while countless figures moved stealthily among dense forests and rocky outcrops. Numerous platforms had been erected, each adorned with faint silver spirit patterns and topped with emerald-green banners emitting a soft glow.
Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that these platforms were all positioned atop the few spiritual veins within the mountains.
At the heart of the range, within a valley encircled by several peaks, a colossal tree—over a thousand zhang tall—was growing at a visible rate, adding several feet to its height every moment. It had already nearly matched the height of the surrounding peaks.
Around the base of the tree, a pale green spell formation spanning a hundred acres had been inscribed. Over a hundred Wood Tribe cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage or higher sat cross-legged within the formation, their hands forming seals and their eyes tightly shut as they channeled their energy.
Centered on the valley, all the platforms seemed interconnected, drawing the spiritual energy of the entire mountain range into the valley in a frenzied torrent. Above, the energy manifested as dazzling, multicolored rainbows stretching dozens of zhang across the sky—a breathtaking sight.
This was not the only such scene. Tens of thousands of miles away, in several other small mountain ranges, similar colossal trees were rapidly growing in hidden locations, with countless spell formations and platforms being hastily constructed nearby.
Viewed from an even higher vantage point, one could see that across a million-mile expanse of land, thirty-six such massive formations—each centered on a small mountain range—had been erected. Though not yet fully completed, their arrangement was profoundly intricate, forming an even larger, dizzyingly complex super-formation.
Within the bounds of this super-formation, the ambient spiritual energy had already begun to stir, with faint ripples of power flickering intermittently in the void. The entire region was suffused with an aura of ominous foreboding.
Standing atop the azure cloud, Han Li spoke calmly:
“At the current pace, the formation’s core will be completed in just a few days. Once finished, we will lower this ‘Azure Light Island’ and activate all its defensive barriers, entering full protective mode.”
“That is only natural. However, the time taken to set up this Wood Realm Grand Formation has exceeded expectations. I’ve heard the other two formation cores are progressing even slower than ours. Could this delay jeopardize our plans?” Fei Xiaoxi cast a cold glance at Han Li as she spoke.
“Yesterday, I received word that our vanguard has already engaged the demon forces. As planned, they are luring them toward our Wood Realm Grand Formation. Even if the demons advance swiftly, it will take them at least ten days to reach us. By then, the formation will be fully operational. My concern is whether this formation truly possesses the legendary power to devastate the demon army,” Han Li replied indifferently.
“Rest assured, both of you. Even without the reserve Sacred Trees, the Wood Realm’s Thirty-Six Heavenly Annihilation Formation is unfathomably powerful. With thirty-six Sacred Trees embedded within, its might will multiply severalfold. Even a Mahayana cultivator trapped inside would struggle to escape. As for ordinary demons, they will be utterly powerless against it,” Cao Ji said with a confident smile.
“Your tribe’s willingness to sacrifice thirty-six reserve Sacred Trees suggests this formation is indeed extraordinary. However, even if your claims hold, we must not underestimate the demons—especially their Sacred Ancestors, whose demonic arts are peerless, and who command countless avatars. They will not be easily dealt with,” Han Li mused slowly.
“The Sacred Ancestors may be formidable, but they will be countered by our Great Elder and your Elder Mo. There’s no need for undue worry,” Fei Xiaoxi retorted coldly.
“Heh, while Senior Sang and the others may restrain the Sacred Ancestors’ true forms, their avatars will likely slip through. If I’m not mistaken, if the demons attempt to breach our formation, it will be these avatars who lead the charge,” Han Li said with a faint smile.
“Sacred Ancestor avatars?” Cao Ji and Fei Xiaoxi’s expressions darkened slightly.
“Have the two of you encountered these avatars before?” Han Li asked meaningfully, noting their reactions.
“During the demon invasion, I once faced one alongside a fellow tribesman of similar cultivation. After a fierce battle, one of us died, and I barely escaped with my life,” Cao Ji said, his usual laziness replaced by a flash of hatred in his eyes.
“I haven’t faced them personally, but many of my kin have fallen to them. If I encounter these avatars, I will test their strength myself,” Fei Xiaoxi declared icily.
“Lady Fei, heed my advice—if you meet a Sacred Ancestor avatar alone, flee immediately. Otherwise, you’ll only throw your life away,” Cao Ji urged with a bitter smile.
Fei Xiaoxi snorted, clearly unmoved.
“Brother Cao, there’s no need for alarm. If the Wood Realm Formation is as formidable as you claim, its restrictions should give us a fighting chance against these avatars—assuming we face them one-on-one. If too many come at once, we’ll need alternative measures,” Han Li said calmly.
“Alternative measures? Do you have a contingency plan, Fellow Daoist Han?” Cao Ji’s eyes lit up with curiosity.
Fei Xiaoxi also looked intrigued.
“Since I was assigned to guard this second formation core, I naturally made some preparations. Whether they’ll suffice against powerful foes remains to be seen,” Han Li replied offhandedly, stroking his chin.
“So Brother Han has other plans! That puts my mind at ease,” Cao Ji said, visibly relieved.
“From your tone, Fellow Daoist Han, you seem quite familiar with these Sacred Ancestor avatars. Have you fought them before?” Fei Xiaoxi pressed.
“I’ve crossed paths with them a few times,” Han Li admitted after a pause.
“And the outcomes? I’ve heard these avatars far surpass ordinary late-stage Body Integration cultivators,” Fei Xiaoxi pressed further, her eyes gleaming.
“I’ve slain two or three, but I’ve also been chased across thousands of miles by others,” Han Li replied evenly, leaving both the Yaksha maiden and the Wood Tribe man stunned.
“You’ve killed Sacred Ancestor avatars? Ah—you must have commanded a tribal army, using their combined might to trap and eliminate them,” Cao Ji reasoned, nodding to himself.
Fei Xiaoxi also seemed to reach the same conclusion.
Given Han Li’s late-stage Body Integration cultivation, leading an army to besiege an avatar was plausible.
“Heh, the past is irrelevant. What matters is that if too many avatars come at once, the two of you need only hold off one each with the formation’s aid. Leave the rest to me,” Han Li said with a confident chuckle, sidestepping Cao Ji’s question.
“If you’re so assured, we’ll defer to your leadership,” Cao Ji said, his tone now tinged with respect.
After all, regardless of how Han Li had achieved his feats, his confidence suggested his claims were genuine.
“If you truly have a way to handle the other avatars, I’ll follow your lead as well,” Fei Xiaoxi said after a moment of internal struggle, giving a slight bow.
“Good. Since you trust me, I’ll spare no effort,” Han Li agreed readily with a faint smile.
Thus, Han Li formally assumed command of the second formation core.
Over the next few days, the trio took turns overseeing the final preparations.
Five days later, the layered restrictions around the second formation core were finally complete.
All Wood Tribe guards and formation masters returned to the structures atop the massive cloud.
Under Han Li’s direction, the azure cloud descended with a thunderous rumble, settling beside the valley housing the towering Sacred Tree.
As the tree shimmered, the surrounding spiritual energy surged violently. Countless pale green motes of light poured from the void, merging with the mountain range.
A series of tremors shook the platforms, and layers of light barriers materialized in unison. Thick green mist erupted from the mountains, swiftly engulfing all peaks.
With this, the second formation core’s defenses were fully activated. Bolstered by the reserve Sacred Tree, its intricate restrictions could trap even ordinary Body Integration cultivators with no hope of escape.
Half a month later, the remaining formations were completed. The Wood Realm’s Thirty-Six Heavenly Annihilation Formation was now fully operational, transforming the million-mile expanse into a realm of slaughter!
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