Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2117 1528: Rumors (2)

Perhaps it is precisely due to these long-standing, terrifying rumors that no cultivator has ever ventured here. If Li Zhirui were not currently so deep within the Gloomy Swamp, he might still give credence to these tales. However, his personal experience has proven to be entirely contrary to what is being circulated!

What profound secrets lie concealed within this place? With this burning question, Li Zhirui began his exploration of the swamp. Approaching with a clear objective from the outset, he swiftly began to notice peculiar anomalies. For instance, the colossal stone pillars he had passed were not isolated; he had encountered them scattered throughout, some even bearing markings that bore a striking resemblance to Array Patterns.

Furthermore, within a collapsed pit, he unearthed a stone slab bearing similar enigmatic inscriptions. Connecting these disparate elements, Li Zhirui was astonished to realize he had stumbled upon a Formation of unknown purpose! While not an Array Master himself, Li Zhirui understood that even a seasoned expert would struggle to decipher these otherworldly Array Patterns in a brief period. Yet, it was undeniably clear that this Great Array was far from simple!

To corroborate his growing suspicions, Li Zhirui purposefully journeyed to the swamp's periphery, dug three feet deep, and astonishingly, discovered the presence of Array Patterns once more! This strongly suggested that the Great Array's influence might potentially encompass the entirety of the swamp. Regardless of its inherent grade, the sheer scale of its coverage pointed to an immense complexity in its design. A flicker of unease stirred within Li Zhirui's heart as he murmured, "Could it be that the reason no cultivators dare to frequent this swamp is intrinsically linked to this Formation?"

The thought immediately dampened his exploratory ardor, and he resolved to return to his cave without delay, intent on verifying his burgeoning theories. The method of verification? It hinged upon the cultivators of This Realm who had partaken in the pills he had so meticulously refined. Speeding back to his cave, he commenced the manipulation of his Divine Senses. ...

In the bustling marketplace, a cultivator was suddenly struck by an 'inspiration,' as if an inner voice whispered of an immense opportunity concealed within the Gloomy Swamp, one that would significantly accelerate his Dao cultivation. Excitement surged through him, compelling him to hasten towards it immediately. He decisively halted his current endeavors, but as his initial fervor subsided, a seed of doubt took root: should he truly venture into the Gloomy Swamp? As a cultivator of This Realm, he was acutely aware of the swamp's fearsome legends; venturing deep within could very well spell his demise!

Yet, under Li Zhirui's subtle influence, his determination solidified. "This opportunity pertains to my personal path; if I let it slip away, I might forfeit the chance to ascend to Heavenly Immortal! Besides, cultivation is inherently an act of defying destiny. Such a chance beckons at my very doorstep; can I afford to falter now?" Empowered by these reflections, he cast aside his doubts and resolved to investigate the Gloomy Swamp.

Such inexplicable occurrences were not isolated to this single cultivator! On the contrary, over a dozen individuals were simultaneously seized by these 'inspirations,' sensing a unique opportunity tailor-made for them. Since they were strangers to one another and unable to communicate their newfound perceptions, none suspected a coordinated ploy, each firmly believing they were the sole chosen one. This was, in fact, the result of Li Zhirui's covert manipulations.

However, even he found himself perplexed. Among these dozen cultivators of This Realm, not a single one seemed to possess any knowledge of the Gloomy Swamp's secrets? He had presumed these secrets were at least widely known, if not common knowledge, given the conspicuous absence of other cultivators. Otherwise, with the abundance of Spiritual Objects in the area, how could such cultivators remain idle, even in the face of the terrifying legends? "What secrets truly lie buried here?" Li Zhirui's curiosity about the hidden truths of this place intensified. He had initially anticipated a lengthy period would be required to unearth answers, but unexpectedly, enlightenment arrived much sooner!

The dozen cultivators began to depart the marketplace individually, none realizing their shared destination even when encountering others en route. Their paths converged only when they were halted by several cultivators standing guard before the entrance. These intervening cultivators belonged to various prominent factions. It became evident that the secret concealed within the swamp had been jointly protected by these factions, ensuring its secrecy throughout the years.

"Why are we being denied entry! This swamp does not belong to any single territory of yours; allow us passage!" An Immortal of the Loose Cultivator path, intent on seizing the opportunity that seemed intrinsically linked to him, attempted to incite others to breach the blockade. With a resounding thud, a dark silhouette was abruptly expelled outwards. The instigating cultivator, caught off guard by a random strike, crashed heavily to the ground, mere inches from death.

"Does anyone else desire trouble?! Turn back now, and we shall pretend this incident never occurred," the lead cultivator stated with icy menace. Witnessing the severe injuries inflicted upon the Loose Cultivator, and abandoning any hope of claiming the potential opportunity, everyone reluctantly retreated under the overwhelming display of force. They had dispersed individually, but now they found themselves gathering once more. "Fellow Daoists, why do you venture into the Gloomy Swamp?"

"Rumor has it that Spiritual Objects abound there, yet none are sold outside; the price would be high. But to encounter this situation…"

Only one replied, while others kept silent, yet even the respondent spoke falsely.

"Do you think these people guard it so rigorously because it hides a massive secret?"

"I also think so."

Unbeknownst to them, such conversation brought a deadly disaster upon them!

"Hmph! Since you guessed, none of you will leave; stay here!" Suddenly a chill voice echoed.

An immense shadow appeared above, and upon glancing up, they saw a mountain being summoned to crush them.

"Run!"

Though unacquainted before, cooperation in escaping was seamless, their swiftest attempts in varying directions to flee.

"Heh."

Following a cold laugh, a dominating gravity crushed down, causing airborne cultivators to crash to earth, faces filled with terror.

"Senior, spare me! I'll take a Dao Oath, never revealing this!"

"Spare us..." others pleaded, repeating his words.

One cultivator, amidst desperation, quickly surmised, "Senior, aren't you curious why suddenly, so many of us came to the Gloomy Swamp?"

"Hmm?"

This remark halted the cultivator intending to kill them, "If your explanation satisfies me, I may spare your lives."

"Senior, I experienced a sudden 'whim,' a voice incessantly spoke of colossal treasure hidden in the swamp."

"Me too!"

"Me too!"

The others revealed anger and shock, realizing they unknowingly fell into someone's trap, causing turbulence akin to raging waves.

Even the attacking cultivator sank into contemplation.

"Very well; due to your important information, I'll spare you."

They quickly took Dao Oaths, dispersing in panic, fleeing as fast and far as possible.

"Which faction secretly contrived this?"

He considered various names, yet unable to confirm, returned with unresolved queries to others for answers.