Chapter 317: Nine Layer Realm

The moment Lu Ye imprinted the cluster of glowing light onto his forehead, the Hundred Array Pagoda in the valley suddenly hummed and vibrated. An unseen force then swept through the surroundings, enveloping the entire valley.

The cultivators responsible for guarding the Hundred Array Pagoda immediately noticed the anomaly and promptly reported it. Soon after, a group of high-ranking officials from the Tianyan Sect, led by Sect Master Yu Xiao, rushed to the site to investigate.

Grand Elder Bai Qian also returned.

News of the event quickly spread, and many Tianyan Sect disciples, aware of the Hundred Array Pagoda's unusual activity, hurried towards the site. However, without an order from Yu Xiao, they stopped outside the valley, observing from a distance.

The Hundred Array Pagoda resonated!

Such an event is uncommon, though not unprecedented. It generally occurs once every few years, so Tianyan Sect disciples are not unfamiliar with it.

Only one reason could cause this situation.

That is, someone is challenging the Hundred Array Pagoda and achieving exceptional results. The Tianyan Sect had previously speculated that these results needed to be good enough to qualify for a spot on a specific ranking list. However, because the Hundred Array Pagoda itself is incomplete, that list cannot be displayed, so no one can be certain if this theory is correct.

However, given that this resonance only occurs every few years, few can achieve it. Array masters from the Haotian Alliance faction across the Nine Provinces almost always come to challenge the Hundred Array Pagoda, some even more than once. Annual statistics show at least eight hundred, if not a thousand, challengers.

This demonstrates how difficult it is to cause the Hundred Array Pagoda to resonate.

The resonance occurs because the challenger gains such immense benefits that it triggers a celestial phenomenon.

The vibrations caused by the repeated hums have a remarkably enlightening effect on array masters. Thus, whenever the Hundred Array Pagoda resonates, it is a joyous occasion for the Tianyan Sect disciples.

They can meditate and cultivate in this valley, thereby deepening their understanding of array formations and enhancing their mastery of array arts.

A treasure like the Hundred Array Pagoda is truly a sacred place for array masters. The Tianyan Sect doesn't hoard it for two reasons: first, it allows them to build connections. Second, if someone can cause the Hundred Array Pagoda to resonate, their own disciples can also reap benefits. If the challenger gets the main reward, it's still beneficial for the disciples to gain something from it.

At this moment, outside the valley, numerous Tianyan Sect disciples gathered, discussing animatedly.

Today, the valley housing the Hundred Array Pagoda was suddenly sealed, and no one knew why. However, precisely on this day, the Pagoda resonated, naturally leading to numerous speculations.

“Could the challenger be Senior Sister Ling Yun? I heard recently that Senior Sister Ling Yun had a breakthrough in array formations and was preparing for her third attempt at the Hundred Array Pagoda.”

“Senior Sister Ling Yun is over there,” someone pointed. The speaker immediately saw a beautiful female cultivator, who was indeed Ling Yun.

“If it's not Senior Sister Ling Yun, could it be Senior Brother Ji Ye?”

“Are you blind? Isn't Senior Brother Ji Ye standing right next to Senior Sister Ling Yun?”

“Uh, then who is the challenger? Only these two in our sect are qualified to cause the Hundred Array Pagoda to resonate.”

“It might not be someone from our sect. The Hundred Array Pagoda was suddenly sealed today, perhaps indicating the arrival of an important figure from another sect. For our sect to treat them with such solemnity, their identity must be extraordinary, very likely from a first-rank sect.”

“Nonsense, quite a few first-rank sect members come here, and not once has the Hundred Array Pagoda been sealed for them.”

“That’s true…”

The disciples discussed animatedly, unable to figure it out.

In front of the Hundred Array Pagoda, Yu Xiao and Bai Qian stood side by side, looking towards the first floor of the pagoda.

“Didn’t Elder Bai tell him to proceed according to his capabilities?” Yu Xiao looked troubled.

Bai Qian’s old face was contorted like a bitter gourd, filled with worry: “Of course I did, I specifically reminded him before he went in. Who knows what that kid is up to? He actually triggered a resonance on the very first floor. It looks like he’s going all out.”

“According to Elder Bai, how many floors do you think he can clear this time?” Yu Xiao asked again.

“It’s hard to say. You know the rules of the Hundred Array Pagoda: the better his performance, the greater the improvement to his array mastery. Based solely on the abilities he’s shown before, clearing a dozen or so floors would be about right. However, if he gains substantial benefits inside, he might be able to clear a few more floors.”

“This is somewhat troublesome.”

“Now, I only hope he can perceive the dangers of the Hundred Array Pagoda, not be overly impulsive, and not be blinded by immediate gains. Otherwise, we won’t be able to explain this to the Crimson Blood Sect.”

If communication were possible, Bai Qian would certainly send a message to Lu Ye, advising him to proceed with caution. However, the Hundred Array Pagoda isolates its interior, forming its own realm, so no messages can be transmitted inside.

A sect elder approached, bowed, and asked: “Sect Master, Grand Elder, the disciples are all waiting. Should we let them in?”

Yu Xiao turned his head to look. Seeing his disciples eagerly awaiting outside the valley, he pondered for a moment and said, “Let them all in.”

A resonance that only occurs once every few years is also a crucial time for disciples to improve their array mastery. Naturally, they shouldn't be sent away disappointed.

Moments later, all the Tianyan Sect disciples gathered, each finding a spot in the valley to meditate. With each vibration of the Hundred Array Pagoda, they felt the profound mysteries within.