Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8668: Altar (1)

The assembled elders exchanged glances, acutely aware of the gravity of the decision before them. They understood that refusing it meant certain doom, yet proceeding with it offered Wei Zhen a convenient scapegoat should future repercussions arise, allowing him to claim he capitulated only under duress, not by choice.

Grasping this subtlety, the elders fell into a somber silence, appearing reluctant to voice their opinions and leaving the ultimate choice to Wei Zhen. Witnessing their reticence, Wei Zhen’s countenance darkened. He hadn't anticipated their cunning and let out a cold sneer before stating in a low, resolute tone, "We must decide swiftly, or none of us will survive. It's best we make this decision collectively. Let's not consider pinning the blame on any single individual. At most, we will simply part ways."

His words struck the elders with surprise. They looked at each other again, comprehending Wei Zhen's intention: he would not bear this burden alone. Though they might have preferred otherwise, they found themselves with no alternative. If Wei Zhen truly severed ties with them, their prospects of survival would vanish entirely.

At this juncture, an elder spoke, "Sect Master, I concur with surrendering. As long as we live, there remains hope. We must act decisively, for this matter impacts the very inheritance of our Illusionary Demon Sect. I do not wish for our lineage to be severed in our generation. Sect Master, please make the final decision."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the other elders upon hearing his words. One followed, saying, "Sect Master, I too support Elder Chen's proposal. We should surrender. Given our current strength, defeating the opposing force is an impossibility. We surrender to preserve the inheritance of the Illusionary Demon Sect. Sect Master, we implore you to make the decision."

"Please make the decision, Sect Master!" The remaining elders echoed in unison. Seeing the overwhelming consensus, Wei Zhen let out a deep sigh of relief. He then nodded, declaring, "Very well, it is decided. For the sake of our sect's legacy, we surrender." With that pronouncement, Wei Zhen soared towards the island's edge and bellowed towards the Shadow Realm Army, "I, Wei Zhen, Sect Master of the Illusionary Demon Sect, declare the surrender of the entire Illusionary Demon Sect!"

His declaration sent shockwaves through the disciples of the Illusionary Demon Sect, causing an immediate uproar. However, the clamor subsided quickly. It was evident that a portion of them harbored reservations about surrendering, yet they dared not voice them, as the ultimate decision rested with their Sect Master, Wei Zhen.

Upon hearing Wei Zhen's announcement, a figure astride a colossal python detached from the Shadow Realm Army and descended before him. The individual cast a scrutinizing glance at Wei Zhen and stated in a commanding voice, "Very well. Lead your entire sect off the island. We shall make our own arrangements."

Wei Zhen sensed the formidable strength emanating from the newcomer, realizing this individual's aura was in no way inferior to his own. Coupled with the massive python, he was clearly outmatched. This realization filled him with further despair and intensified his caution. He responded, "Yes!" Turning back to the inhabitants of Phantom Island, he commanded, "Everyone, listen! Gather immediately."

In response to his summons, the disciples on the island descended into disarray. Nevertheless, under the stern direction of the elders, they began to coalesce. A stark contrast existed between them and the Shadow Realm Army positioned outside the island. While the latter was a vast multitude, their formation was impeccably ordered; they stood in silent, disciplined ranks. Conversely, the disciples of the Illusionary Demon Sect were in chaotic disarray, lacking any semblance of formation. This comparison starkly highlighted the disparity in their discipline.

Observing this scene, Wei Zhen felt a surge of embarrassment. He loudly reprimanded, "What is all this commotion? Stand still!" His sharp rebuke, amplified by the elders' own scolding, slowly brought the disciples into a semblance of order. Though a formal formation was still absent, the chaotic mêlée subsided.

With all disciples in their designated spots, Wei Zhen turned back towards the Shadow Realm general astride the formidable Python. "Milord, we have successfully assembled!" Wei Zhen, not a particularly imposing figure himself, had yielded and thus felt a sense of deference. Despite their comparable strength, he addressed the general as "Lord," showing no apparent resistance to the situation.

The man mounted on the giant python surveyed them, his voice a deep rumble. "Follow me." He then guided the colossal serpent, turning it before soaring into the midst of the army. The troops promptly cleared a path. Witnessing this, Wei Zhen promptly instructed the disciples of the illusionary demon sect to fall in behind him. They proceeded to follow the general into the assembled army.

Before long, they reached the front of a grand hall. The man on the giant python inclined his head towards the hall. "Your Highness, the people from the illusionary demon sect have surrendered. How shall they be dealt with?" His tone indicated profound respect for the Prince within. He maintained his bowed posture as he awaited the command.

A voice emanated from the hall, carrying a youthful resonance yet exuding an immensely powerful aura. "Take them to the Qi transformation Battalion and assign them their duties!" The voice, though not aged, possessed a commanding depth that instilled a sense of supreme pressure upon all who heard it.

The general on the giant python acknowledged the order, then addressed Wei Zhen and the others. "Follow me." With his words, he led the contingent around the hall and into a gray mist that lay beyond. Wei Zhen and his followers remained utterly still, acutely aware that their power was insignificant here. The Prince's strength, they surmised, must be far beyond their comprehension. Any defiance would surely invite unimaginable consequences. Thus, they obediently followed the general into the swirling gray fog.

Upon entering the mist, they felt a subtle undulation in the surrounding atmosphere. The gray fog seemed to envelop and guide them forward. Abruptly, the fog ceased its movement and slowly dissipated. Before them stood a colossal structure, its appearance leaving them stunned. It was an altar-like edifice, strangely constructed not from mist, but from somber gray stone etched with countless enigmatic patterns.

Despite their ethereal composition, the buildings in this place were far from unsightly. Each structure, reaching nine stories high, adopted a distinctly Chinese architectural style. The roof tiles, fashioned from what appeared to be solidified gray fog, possessed a captivating beauty. As these buildings were composed of mist, a constant, gentle fluctuation emanated from them, lending an aura of celestial abodes, truly a breathtaking sight.

The figure astride the giant python addressed Wei Zhen and the others with a stern tone. "Let's proceed." He then moved inwards, with Wei Zhen and the disciples following closely. They soon arrived at a nine-story building, identical in design. The general gestured towards it. "Enter. This will be your dwelling from now on. Take heed: every day, from noon until midnight, you must channel your magical power into the array within the room without fail, exerting your full effort. Failure to comply will result in punishment, while diligent execution will be met with rewards of pills and other resources. Ensure your input is correct; the array activates precisely at noon daily. You may then proceed to allocate your own quarters. Enter now."

Wei Zhen and the disciples exchanged glances, though they couldn't fully grasp the meaning of the instructions. They offered their assent and entered the building. Subsequently, the sect elders began directing the disciples to their assigned rooms. Despite being a relatively small sect, their numbers were considerable. However, they soon discerned a hierarchical structure within the building. The first floor contained the largest quantity of the smallest rooms, sufficient to house many individuals within its vast expanse. The rooms on the second floor were slightly more spacious, and by extension, those on the uppermost floor were the most expansive. Furthermore, these top-tier rooms were furnished with superior amenities, offering unparalleled comfort. Observing this arrangement, Wei Zhen and the others realized the unspoken hierarchy. Consequently, they made a swift ascent to the highest level. Upon occupying the rooms, they discovered that the disciples of their illusionary demon sect precisely filled the entirety of the top floor. A shiver ran down Wei Zhen's spine; he found this too coincidental to be mere chance. In this world, such perfect alignment was unheard of.

Yet, he understood it was too late to ponder such matters. If this building had been constructed with their arrival in mind, it could only signify a power far exceeding their own. They were undeniably outmatched and had no recourse but to comply with the orders given.

Once arrangements were finalized, they observed that the array within the chamber had already activated. Recalling the admonitions of the cultivator astride the Python, they promptly approached the formation, channeling their respective magical essences into it. The instant their spiritual power flowed, an immense pulling sensation emanated from the array. Their magic, like a breached dam, surged into the contraption, utterly beyond their command.

This sudden turn of events sent a wave of alarm through Wei Zhen and his companions. At such an accelerated rate, they feared their internal spiritual energy would be entirely exhausted well before midnight, leaving them drained. Nevertheless, resistance was futile; they found themselves paralyzed, unable to even lift a hand, their cultivation powers acting of their own accord. All they could do was sit with expressions of stark pallor.

Moments crawled by. As the Xu hour approached, Wei Zhen sensed the complete depletion of his Dharma power. Abruptly, he regained the ability to move. He could withdraw his hand, and the formidable suction from the array had ceased. A profound sigh of relief escaped him. He painstakingly pulled his hand free and retreated several paces, diligently recuperating his depleted Dharma power, a flicker of residual terror still evident on his countenance. It was amidst this turmoil that he failed to notice a single rune upon the altar faintly illuminate as he channeled his spiritual power. Once his magic was entirely spent, that very rune slowly faded.