Chapter 837: Trap

"Zhou Yuan appears to be setting up a Genesis Pattern Barrier." Amidst the rain-shrouded landscape, Zhu Lian squinted into the distance, faintly discerning subtle fluctuations of genesis patterns.

"What kind of barrier?" Fang Ao asked with a frown.

"It's likely some sort of barrier to block external perception," Zhu Lian explained. "He's probably worried that fighting the Heavenly Annihilation Beast will attract other Genesis Beasts from the forest."

Hearing this, Fang Ao's brows relaxed slightly, and he sneered, "This kid is quite vigilant." However, it was a pity that Zhou Yuan probably never dreamed that his true threat wasn't other Genesis Beasts, but rather their group, the 'fishermen' lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce.

"Later, the others and I will move in; you stay back and provide support," he instructed Zhu Lian. A flicker of displeasure crossed Zhu Lian's eyes. He couldn't miss the subtle contempt in Fang Ao's tone. This man had always vied with him for the second-in-command position in the Fire Pavilion, often looking down on him because he was only at the early Divine Dwelling stage. Yet, this muscle-headed fool failed to consider how the Fire Pavilion could have reached its current standing without the Trace-Capture Patterns Zhu Lian had introduced. In terms of contributions, Fang Ao wasn't even fit to shine his shoes.

Zhu Lian, however, chose not to argue further at this moment, merely offering a faint "Hmm." He understood that his early Divine Dwelling stage cultivation would offer little advantage in a battle of this caliber. Fang Ao paid no mind to Zhu Lian's attitude, sneering inwardly. Completing this mission successfully would be an immense achievement for the Fire Pavilion. The position of second-in-command might very well be within his grasp, and should Lu Xiao secure the Chief Pavilion Master role in three months, the vacant Fire Pavilion Master position would likely fall to him.

As they engaged in their internal power struggles, the Genesis Pattern Barrier fully formed in the distance, instantly shrouding that part of the world. The space within it subtly warped, making it impossible for anyone to peer inside. "They should start fighting very soon," Fang Ao said, a look of impatience in his eyes. Although the Genesis Pattern Barrier could obscure most disturbances, careful perception could still detect subtle ripples. They planned to use these faint tremors to gauge the intensity and duration of the battle within.

Just as Fang Ao had anticipated, shortly after the Genesis Pattern Barrier materialized, unusual movements suddenly emanated from within. It was the clash of powerful Genesis Qi. Faintly, Fang Ao also seemed to hear furious beast roars echoing. "I really want to see how miserable they are right now," Fang Ao said, stretching. Even if the Heavenly Annihilation Beast was severely wounded, it was still a Grade 6 Genesis Beast. Zhou Yuan and his eight Divine Dwelling realm companions attempting to hunt it would undoubtedly pay a considerable price. But alas, as 'fishermen,' they had to make their grand entrance at the very last moment.

Besides Fang Ao and Zhu Lian, five other elites from the Fire Pavilion accompanied them. These individuals were formidable even among late Divine Dwelling realm practitioners. Hearing Fang Ao's jest, they all chuckled. Their relaxed demeanor clearly showed they didn't take Zhou Yuan and his group seriously. After all, with their combined strength, even a direct confrontation wouldn't be difficult. And now, lurking as 'fishermen' in the dark, this mission was practically guaranteed.

Fang Ao sat at ease on a tree branch, his eyes narrowed like a viper's as he fixed his gaze on the distance. He sensed continuous waves of Genesis Qi fluctuations emanating from the barrier. Though he couldn't see what was happening inside, a vivid picture had already formed in his mind. *That kid must be running around like a dog, hounded by the Heavenly Annihilation Beast,* he thought.

Fang Ao kept track of the time. After approximately the duration of an incense stick burning, he suddenly stood up. "It's about time. Both sides are likely exhausted by now," he said with a faint smile, exuding a calm confidence that suggested the situation was entirely within his grasp. "Let's go!" With a wave of his hand, Fang Ao shot forward, and the others promptly followed. Zhu Lian, left standing alone, watched them depart with a displeased expression.

Concealed by the heavy rain, Fang Ao and his group silently approached the Genesis Pattern Barrier. From up close, the barrier appeared like an invisible shroud, truly difficult to discern without careful observation. "This kid's mastery of genesis patterns isn't bad," Fang Ao sneered. He extended his palm, condensing Genesis Qi, and lightly slashed at the barrier. Instantly, the barrier tore open with ease, creating a gap. Fang Ao gestured, and several individuals followed closely behind him, pouring inside.

Upon entering the Genesis Pattern Barrier, Fang Ao immediately looked forward, but then he froze. To his surprise, there was no chaotic devastation as he had imagined within the barrier. Instead, everything was perfectly calm. More importantly, there was no sign of the Heavenly Annihilation Beast, and the area showed no signs of a fierce battle. "What was that commotion we heard earlier?" "What's happening? Where are they?!" the bewildered individuals behind Fang Ao questioned.

Fang Ao fell silent for a moment, then his expression drastically changed. "Damn it, we've been tricked! Retreat, quickly!" He spun around and slammed a palm forcefully against the Genesis Pattern Barrier. This time, however, the barrier seemed to have undergone a significant transformation, surging with powerful Genesis Qi that actually blocked Fang Ao's strike. "Quick, everyone, blast this barrier open!" Fang Ao roared, his face ashen.

Just as they were about to act, a light chuckle abruptly echoed. "Are you gentlemen planning to leave so soon after arriving?" Fang Ao's gaze snapped over. The void not far away rippled faintly, and several figures emerged. The one leading them was none other than Zhou Yuan himself. Behind Zhou Yuan, Ye Bingling and the others also looked at them with a hint of shock. "Zhou Yuan," Fang Ao ground out, "you actually knew we were following you?!"

Zhou Yuan smiled faintly. While Lu Xiao's investigation into him had been highly secretive, and Zhou Yuan, relying solely on his own status and power, might not have detected it, he wasn't alone. He had the backing of his senior sister. Although Senior Sister Xi Jing had allowed him to develop independently after placing him in the Wind Pavilion, she still greatly cared for her junior brother's safety. Thus, when Lu Xiao began probing his whereabouts, Xi Jing's informants became aware and reported it. Xi Jing naturally informed Zhou Yuan, advising him to proceed with caution. And so, the current spectacle unfolded.

"Zhou Yuan, remove this Genesis Pattern Barrier!" Fang Ao bellowed, a mix of shame and rage in his voice. "Vice Pavilion Master Fang Ao, you're here to watch the show, aren't you? The main act has just begun; it would be a shame to leave so soon," Zhou Yuan said, a strange smile playing on his lips. "What do you intend to do?!" Fang Ao felt a surge of unease.

Zhou Yuan extended a finger and lightly snapped it. At that very instant, a massive explosion of Genesis Qi suddenly erupted from a distant abyss, followed by a furious, deafening roar that shook the air. Zhou Yuan's hand seals shifted, and swirling mist quickly enveloped his group, causing them to vanish within the barrier.

Meanwhile, Fang Ao and his group watched, their faces paling, as a colossal black shadow surged from the abyss. Overwhelming malevolence filled the air, and a pair of furious, crimson beast eyes locked directly onto Fang Ao and his companions. The beast had also detected the Genesis Pattern Barrier concealing the area and, thus, concluded that this was an encirclement by the Heaven Abyss Territory, with Fang Ao's group being the obvious culprits. As Fang Ao and the others stared into the Heavenly Annihilation Beast's enraged, crimson eyes, a chilling sensation shot from their feet straight to the crowns of their heads. By then, how could they not realize they had been outmaneuvered by Zhou Yuan? The notion of the "clam and mussel fighting, and the fisherman benefiting" was utterly turned on its head. They had considered themselves the fishermen, yet they never anticipated that the observers would suddenly be forcefully dragged into the fight. In an instant, the roles of fisherman and prey were completely reversed.