Chapter 157: Unexpected

A protective barrier shattered with a loud crack.

Immediately after, fire crows of varying sizes continuously plunged into the pool. The clear water rapidly diminished at a visible rate, until the core barrier of the grand formation was finally revealed to everyone.

The pool dried up, transforming the deep basin into the entrance of an underground cavern. The vast opening resembled a gaping black maw.

A deep blue light barrier covered the entrance. Though not as profound as the pool, it was quite robust, completely sealing off the opening. Any fire crows that landed on it were instantly extinguished, unable to shake it in the slightest.

Within the barrier, dense runes flickered in and out of existence, slowly rotating and appearing incredibly mysterious. Even with the pool dry, the thick barrier still obstructed their view, preventing them from seeing the cavern below. Furthermore, any attempts to probe the barrier with divine sense were instantly repelled.

Once the core barrier was exposed, Qingting stared intently downwards, extending several strands of divine sense to probe the barrier. Her lips moved silently, and her expression was exceptionally tense.

After a significant wait, the tension on Qingting's face vanished. "This barrier is much like I predicted!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Hearing this, Qin Sang and the others all breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Sang looked at Qingting with admiration. Her ability to deduce the entire grand formation's intricate workings based solely on its upper layers was truly remarkable; few Foundation Establishment cultivators could rival her mastery.

"Fellow Daoists, pay close attention! We are about to begin breaking the formation. You must follow my commands precisely; there is no room for error!"

Qingting issued the warning with a serious expression. Everyone nodded, quickly gathered their focus, and exerted their full power to control their Fire Crow Tokens.

Staring intently at the barrier, Qingting took a deep breath and pointed towards the Fire Crow Formation. Immediately, thousands of fire crows, cawing loudly, plunged towards the pool. The scene resembled a rain of fire crows, though in reality, these were less than one percent of the formation's total.

*Thump, thump…*

The fire crows accelerated, striking the blue barrier like arrows loosed from a bowstring, fearlessly shattering on impact. Yet, their flames persisted, clinging to the barrier like stubborn maggots, burning intensely.

Qingting's brow furrowed slightly. She then summoned another swarm of fire crows, repeating the tactic.

At that moment, the previously unmoving barrier trembled slightly. The runes within it began to spin rapidly, and a brilliant deep blue light flared as the barrier's defensive power surged. Most of the flames clinging to it immediately dissipated.

Instead of dismay, Qingting was pleased. She once again activated the Fire Crow Formation.

Swarms of fire crows hurled themselves down relentlessly. The runes within the barrier spun faster and faster. Gradually, Qingting began to exert precise control, directing fire crows from various angles. Her eyes remained fixed on the barrier, not missing the slightest shift in the formation.

The barrier's runes shifted in countless patterns until, at last, a flaw appeared. Several fleeting white points suddenly flickered across the barrier. Though momentary, Qingting pinpointed them accurately, her eyes flashing with sudden insight.

Immediately afterward, Qingting's incredibly urgent command rang in Qin Sang's ears, instructing him to instantly activate his Fire Crow Spirit and strike a specific point on the barrier.

Qin Sang dared not delay. His gaze swiftly located the spot Qingting indicated. With a slight mental command, the Fire Crow he controlled blazed brilliantly, countless flames rapidly converging on the token, instantly transforming into a colossal fire crow.

With a loud 'caw,' the fire crow spread its wings and soared, slamming violently into the barrier.

Simultaneously, Yu Daiyue and the others also moved, obeying Qingting's orders to unleash their fire crows against the barrier. The barrier vibrated continuously, yet still showed no signs of shattering.

"Keep going!"

Qingting shouted, her commands growing increasingly rapid. Qin Sang could only focus all his attention on controlling his Fire Crow Token, not daring to be distracted.

One after another, Fire Crow Spirits sacrificed themselves, taking shape and striking. The Fire Essence power within the Fire Crow Tokens was rapidly depleting, yet Qingting remained unfazed, her eyes locked onto the barrier.

*Crack!*

A faint yet distinct crack, like heavenly music to their ears.

Qin Sang's spirits lifted. He opened his eyes and looked down, noticing a sudden, almost imperceptible, hairline crack appear along the edge of the otherwise flawless barrier.

"It's finally broken!"

Just as everyone was filled with excitement, an unexpected sight emerged: a faint wisp of black appeared beneath the crack, rapidly spreading within it. It resembled a drop of ink gently diffusing, a startling sight against the deep blue.

Upon seeing this, the joy on everyone's faces instantly froze, replaced by expressions of shock and uncertainty.

"What are these black things?" Liu Jiang asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Baiyun Shanren said in a deep voice, "It appears to be some kind of mist, but it's being held back by the barrier, unable to escape. It's truly imperceptible to the naked eye."

"Could it be demonic energy? Is some powerful demon sealed within?"

Wu Yuesheng's words were met with immediate silence. Everyone exchanged glances, their faces a mix of surprise and apprehension, none daring to speak rashly.

Yu Daiyue cleared his throat awkwardly. "Things have come this far," he began, "surely none of you are considering giving up now? That would be a complete waste of our journey, and months of effort from so many people."

"Hmph! You may leave, but I will not," Li Zai stated coldly. "With so many masters present, to flee in terror from a mere wisp of black mist without even knowing what lies beneath? It would be a laughingstock, and I refuse to suffer such humiliation!"

Qin Sang's eyes narrowed slightly as he subtly observed the others.

Although everyone wore expressions of uncertainty, Qin Sang suspected no one truly intended to leave. Having come this far, he certainly wouldn't give up either. However, the black mist didn't appear to be a good omen. After breaching the barrier, it would be wise to observe for a while before rushing in.

Qingting, who had been intently staring at the crack, seemingly oblivious to the discussion, suddenly cried out urgently, "Quick! Everyone attack the crack together! Don't let it close!"

Everyone's expressions tightened as they realized the barrier could self-repair. Seeing the crack rapidly diminishing, they had no time for further thought and urgently activated their Fire Crow Tokens.

*Boom! Boom!*

The barrier endured continuous impacts, causing the entire canyon to tremble. The crack steadily widened.

"Full power! Don't hold back!" Qingting yelled frantically.

Everyone's faces tensed. The Fire Crow Formation immediately began operating at a frantic pace, siphoning a continuous stream of Fire Essence from the seven Fire Crow Tokens, causing the Fire Crow Spirits within to grow increasingly dim.

*CRACK!*

Under the relentless assault, several new cracks branched out from the main one. Some extended towards the center of the barrier, others spread to its edges. Their numbers grew, making the formation's collapse merely a matter of time.

Just as Qingting instructed them to draw every last drop of Fire Essence from their Fire Crow Tokens, unleashing their full power, an unexpected change occurred!

*BOOM!*

The barrier, which had only just begun to show a few hairline cracks, suddenly disintegrated on its own.

Everyone was caught off guard, left stunned. The fragments of the barrier plummeted into the deep abyss at an alarming speed, immediately followed by a sudden, immense suction force!