Chapter 2028: Strike First to Gain the Advantage

For some reason, the external void was also shaking. Moreover, the Qianjun Ring's fluctuations hadn't completely disappeared, indicating that there might be more than just this one spatial fragment scattered here.

However, the Qianjun Ring's fluctuations had become very faint, far less distinct than the fragment just recovered. This might be because the other fragments were too small or too heavily damaged.

Qin Sang naturally wanted to retrieve all the fragments, but the current turn of events left him no time to consider them. He withdrew his thoughts, scanned his surroundings, and his brows furrowed tightly.

On the vast sea, distant island mountains loomed faintly, and the sky was covered by thick black clouds.

The black clouds hung extremely low, devoid of thunder or lightning, bringing only extreme darkness and immense pressure to the area below. Even with Qin Sang's cultivation level, he couldn't completely shake off this feeling, and he clearly knew that unknown dangers surely lurked within the clouds.

Fortunately, ever since they entered the archipelago, the black clouds had remained as they were, without actively attacking them.

But at this moment, the heavens and earth shook. Waves surged in the sea, and as the tremors intensified, waves several zhang high could be seen everywhere.

"Splash!"

A massive wave crashed directly towards him.

Qin Sang stood rooted to the spot, unmoving. Just as the wave was about to hit him, it suddenly split, creating an opening that perfectly bypassed Qin Sang.

Similar scenes repeatedly occurred, and not a single drop of water touched Qin Sang. He looked up, staring at the sky. The black clouds above also raged, their currents violently swirling.

Qin Sang couldn't pinpoint when the tremors began; he could only be certain it was when the Qianjun Ring underwent its anomaly. Was the Qianjun Ring, then, the source of the tremors?

It seemed like the heavens and earth were shaking, but in reality, they were within a formation. It was highly probable that something had gone wrong with the grand formation, and given the magnitude of the disturbance caused by the Qianjun Ring retrieving a fragment of a minor realm, it was very likely that the foundation of the grand formation had been shaken.

"This won't cause the grand formation to collapse, will it...?"

Qin Sang muttered to himself.

The Xin family had dispatched so many experts from their clan and dared to invite two Void Refinement cultivators to accompany them, dealing with a tiger for its hide. What they sought was immense. They couldn't possibly be here solely for the Qianjun Ring; there must be other unknown secrets hidden here.

These secrets might also be related to the Qianjun Ring, and it would be a great pity if they were destroyed.

Qin Sang thought of the mysterious halls and altars within the Qianjun Ring's space, which might hold hidden mysteries. Unfortunately, he could only stay inside for a very short time each visit, then had to exit and could only re-enter once the space stabilized. At this moment, there wasn't enough time to investigate each one.

As his thoughts flickered, the surrounding anomalies became even more terrifying.

Above and below, terrifying waves were everywhere. The black clouds surged wildly, as if the sky itself was about to collapse, threatening to fall at any moment and destroy everything.

At this moment, Qin Sang felt something and turned his head, looking back the way he had come.

What was shocking was that the phenomena on the horizon were even more astonishing than here. They formed black flowing clouds, like a myriad of black dragons or a great river in the sky, surging majestically.

Endless black clouds surged away, submerging the island silhouettes. It seemed that a more violent anomaly had occurred on the periphery of the grand formation, and the collapse would begin from the outside.

Seeing this, a strong sense of alarm rose in Qin Sang's heart, and he had a bad feeling.

This place might really be about to collapse. What followed would undoubtedly be extremely dangerous; it wasn't a question of whether he could obtain treasures, but whether he could retreat safely.

Once the grand formation was destroyed, Qin Sang's current position would clearly not allow him enough time to escape.

"When destruction comes, can I hide in the Qianjun Ring for refuge?"

Upon learning that the Qianjun Ring was a fragment of a minor realm, Qin Sang had considered this function.

He put the Qianjun Ring back on his right thumb and unconsciously twirled it. He didn't, however, place all his hopes on one ring, but looked around, searching for a hiding place.

Qin Sang was moving alone. Meanwhile, Deacon Pei and the Xin family cultivators, who had already left the valley, were completely unaware.

After leaving, they immediately began hunting for Jade Spirits.

The group moved majestically, beams of keen sight sweeping in all directions, not missing the slightest crevice. Even if Jade Spirits could vanish into the void, they couldn't escape so many eyes. However, after searching for some time, they found nothing.

The Young Lord Xin, who was at the forefront, suddenly stopped. Everyone initially thought they had finally found a Jade Spirit, but upon catching up, they found nothing. Only Young Lord Xin's brows were tightly furrowed, and his expression was grave.

Deacon Pei, who had been lagging behind and seemed indifferent to the Jade Spirits, stepped forward and asked, "Xin Sheng, what's wrong?"

Young Lord Xin gently shook his head and said in a deep voice, "Searching like this is too slow! Moreover, these Jade Spirits don't stay in one place; they move around everywhere."

Even though the formation map only showed the outer perimeter of the grand formation, the area was still very vast. It would take a considerable amount of time to cover it once.

Deacon Pei's eyes flashed, and his gaze was meaningful. "You want to split up and search?"

"Precisely!"

Young Lord Xin swept his gaze over the Xin family cultivators. "We must find enough Jade Spirits as soon as possible for Elder Qin to refine the ferry boat. Steward Luo, First Elder, Second Elder, you each lead a team and search separately."

Steward Luo was greatly alarmed upon hearing this. "Before he left, the Master ordered this old servant not to leave the Young Lord's side for a single step..."

The others also echoed their agreement.

Young Lord Xin waved his hand, interrupting Steward Luo. "We've been here for so long; have we encountered any dangers? At least this area should be safe. The Jade Spirits' concealment technique is very peculiar. Others might be deceived, but with you, Steward Luo, and the two elders personally overseeing, it will be foolproof. As for me, with the Meditation Spirit protecting me, what is there to worry about, Steward Luo? How about this, Third Elder, I'll trouble you to accompany me and guard me."

Everyone looked towards a young man.

The young man wore a white robe and had a youthful face, yet there was a profound agedness in his eyes that belied his appearance.

He paused slightly, then flew forward, cupped his hands, and replied, "Yes! Steward Luo, rest assured, this old man will certainly protect the Young Lord."

A family produces a new generation every one or two decades. Cultivators have varying talents, opportunities, and cultivation speeds. High-level cultivators have long lifespans, and if only seniority were considered, it would be too troublesome.

Therefore, many families also establish official positions. For example, a Soul Transformation cultivator in the Xin family can be promoted to clan elder, with the authority to assist the patriarch in decision-making.

The Third Elder, by seniority, was Xin Sheng's grandfather and the uncle of the previous patriarch. However, they addressed each other by their titles.

The Xin family had no patriarch, only a Young Lord. Yet, the Third Elder, as a senior, showed no disrespect to Young Lord Xin.

Xin Sheng was nominally the Young Lord, but effectively the patriarch. This was because he had sworn an oath not to officially take the position until he fulfilled the late patriarch's dying wish, not due to insufficient prestige.

The entire Xin family held this Young Lord in high regard.

Firstly, Young Lord Xin had successfully gained control of the Meditation Spirit, which was the Xin family's strongest current power and also one of the symbols of the patriarch.

Secondly, the previous patriarch's sudden demise, the lack of a clear successor internally, Deacon Pei's unpredictable intentions, and formidable enemies lurking outside had created a perilous situation. At this critical juncture, Young Lord Xin had painstakingly maneuvered between Deacon Pei and the formidable enemy, preserving the Xin family. This capability was beyond the reach of others.

Seeing that Young Lord Xin's mind was made up, Steward Luo didn't say much more. Everyone distributed the personnel, and including Deacon Pei, they split into five groups.

"Senior Pei, should I assign two people to assist you?" Young Lord Xin asked.

Deacon Pei said dismissively, "Except for you, everyone else would only hold this old man back."

The others dared not show anger or speak. They silently retreated into the distance.

"I'll go ahead!"

Young Lord Xin bowed respectfully, called out to the Third Elder, and departed in the designated direction.

Staring at Young Lord Xin's retreating figure, then after a moment, glancing at the direction Steward Luo and the others had taken, a hint of suspicion flickered in Deacon Pei's eyes. A cold smile then appeared on his lips. He let out a cold snort, his figure flickered, and he vanished into thin air.

"I'll focus on directing the Meditation Spirit to scout ahead. The sides and rear will be left to Third Elder," Young Lord Xin said, turning his head.

The Third Elder immediately acknowledged. He deliberately fell back more than ten zhang behind Young Lord Xin. He formed a hand seal, and a mass of grey mist surged behind him, eventually transforming into an eyeball. The grey eyeball slowly rotated, emitting an eerie glow, as it stared fixedly behind them.

At the same time, a green light suddenly flashed in the Third Elder's sleeve. It was a jade bracelet that glowed. The green light flickered and vanished without any ripple, and Young Lord Xin, ahead, remained completely unaware.

The two, one in front and one behind, sped across the sea.

Splitting their forces quickly yielded results. Not long after they began flying, Young Lord Xin discovered traces of a Jade Spirit. The Meditation Spirit leapt from behind her, directly pouncing into a patch of void.

"Puff!"

The Jade Spirit was forced to appear, but it was too late for it to escape. Its surroundings were shrouded in shadow. The shadows twisted, growing strange, long claws, which eagerly snatched at the Jade Spirit.

The Jade Spirit darted left and right but couldn't escape. It was eventually caught by a strange claw on its arm. Before it could struggle free, other strange claws wildly grabbed at it, and the Jade Spirit was instantly submerged in shadow.

The shadows receded, presenting a jade slip to Young Lord Xin. Having successfully retrieved a jade slip, their confidence greatly increased, and they continued forward.

Island mountains were left behind them. They didn't find a second Jade Spirit for a long time, yet Young Lord Xin's gaze remained focused, showing no sign of impatience.

Just then, Young Lord Xin stopped again, letting out a soft exclamation of surprise.

"Young Lord, what's wrong?" the Third Elder asked, catching up.

"There's a Jade Spirit's aura here, but it seems to be inside the mountain..."

Young Lord Xin looked towards the island mountain ahead. The mountain was steep and full of strange, jagged rocks. After circling half of the island, he indeed saw a narrow cave entrance.

Young Lord Xin smiled faintly. "This Jade Spirit is hidden quite deep. Fortunately, I have the Meditation Spirit to help me..."

As he spoke, the two entered the cave. They found the cave system to be long and winding, with countless branches, but under the Meditation Spirit's keen perception, the Jade Spirit had nowhere to hide. After traversing countless passages, they finally found the Jade Spirit deep underground.

After retrieving the jade slip, they returned the way they came.

When they returned to the cave entrance, Young Lord Xin was about to step out. As if suddenly sensing something, his steps abruptly halted. His gaze was like lightning, sweeping across the area outside the cave.

The scenery outside the cave was as before: a black sky, a black sea, hazy mountain silhouettes, and an empty void. There was nothing out of the ordinary.

Young Lord Xin's expression, however, suddenly changed. He cried out, "Not good!" and swiftly retreated.

The Third Elder was still unclear about what had happened. He suddenly felt the ground shake violently. Thick mist, appearing from nowhere, instantly spread, filling the entire cave.

The mist was scalding hot, carrying a peculiar burning power, as if raging flames were scorching their bodies.

Immediately after, a powerful oppressive force swept over them. Young Lord Xin and the Third Elder felt their breaths catch. They heard a tremendous roar as the rock ceiling above them collapsed, sending debris flying. They were flung out in a disheveled state, to find the area outside the mountain shrouded in dense mist.

"Whoosh!"

A crimson silhouette suddenly appeared in the mist. The elemental energy in the air violently vibrated, and a massive flaming whip was seen, lashing furiously towards Young Lord Xin with terrifying momentum.

This whip seemed capable of shattering the void. If Young Lord Xin and the Third Elder took this strike, they would surely die!

The sudden crisis struck. Young Lord Xin hastily commanded the Meditation Spirit to block in front of her. With a "thump," the whip squarely hit the Meditation Spirit. The flames fiercely tore through the shadow; although they didn't pierce the Meditation Spirit's body, they left a horrifying wound. Crimson flames burned fiercely, resembling the Meditation Spirit's blood.

"Deacon Pei, what are you doing!"

Young Lord Xin sharply questioned him, an expression of disbelief on her face.

The Third Elder was even more shocked and suspicious.

This attack surprisingly came from their Xin family's deacon—Deacon Pei!

Deacon Pei attacked them, and it was a sneak attack. It also seemed that a formation had been laid around them.

"Heh heh..."

A figure emerged from the mist, and Deacon Pei's cold laughter resounded. "You little girl, your schemes are quite deep. You tried to use a split force to confuse this old man. Unfortunately, you forgot a principle: brute force overcomes a thousand skills! This old man doesn't care what schemes or tricks you have, or what alliance you have with that Qin fellow. As long as I capture you, all truths will be revealed! That item in your hand, even if it's not the Jade Disc, must be something extremely important to this place. Did you really think you could hide it from this old man's perceptive eyes?"

"Ah!"

The Meditation Spirit let out a piercing shriek.

The crimson flames scorched the Meditation Spirit's body, bringing endless agony. However, the Meditation Spirit was by no means weak. Its phantom body writhed, and the wound instantly healed. Its form swelled, towering majestically.

But Deacon Pei's lethal moves prepared for it were not limited to this.

The mist swirled, and countless rings of fire appeared. They resembled shackles, descending from the air.

Looking at the rampaging Meditation Spirit, Deacon Pei sneered. "Do you think this old man doesn't know that your Xin family needs to sacrifice essence blood to control the Meditation Spirit? Along the way, the Meditation Spirit must have consumed quite a bit of essence blood, right? It's a wonder you've hidden its weakness so well. But how many more times can the Meditation Spirit attack? This old man's Abyssal Sun Boundless Array has been prepared for you for a long time!"

Young Lord Xin was now utterly horrified.

She had believed her concealment was perfect, but in reality, her true situation had long been seen through by the opponent. This feeling was truly despair-inducing.

This was a misunderstanding; there was no special alliance between her and Elder Qin. But any explanation would be futile. Deacon Pei had already revealed his true colors, and he certainly wouldn't hold back. There was no room for negotiation.

"You swore an oath with my father first! Aren't you afraid of being cursed by the oath?!" This was the only straw Young Lord Xin had left to grasp.

"Don't worry, this old man will capture you alive and spare your life. Both you and the Xin family are still useful to me."

Deacon Pei's tone was playful, as if victory was already guaranteed.

The Third Elder hovered behind Young Lord Xin. After his initial panic, he gradually regained his composure.

Although his expression was startled, there was a calmness in his eyes that was rarely seen in ordinary people.

He appeared to stand with Young Lord Xin, ready to fight the strong enemy together. Without a change in expression, he glanced outside the mist. His tone was full of indignation. "Young Lord, even when the old patriarch was alive, I saw through this person's malicious intentions. Now he has finally bared his fangs! This man is ruthless and ambitious; begging for mercy is useless. We must fight with all our might! If Elder Qin and the First Elder perceive the disturbance and come to our aid, we might have a glimmer of hope!"