System's Super Sect Chapter 1005 - 933: Stalemate in Battle

Muttering curses internally, both Di Chen and Jin Busan felt a pervasive sense of unease settle upon them.

Di Chen, in particular, was deeply unsettled.

As the Hall Master of Jisheng Hall, tasked with overseeing the myriad forces within the Red Domain, his greatest desire was to maintain a delicate equilibrium—a state where no single sect could claim absolute dominance.

This was a precarious balance, characterized by constant, albeit usually contained, friction among the three major powers, much like their shared apprehension towards the Nine-tailed Race. Nevertheless, this dynamic had preserved a semblance of order within the Red Domain.

However, the Red Leaf Sect now displayed nascent signs of decline, casting an uncertain shadow over its future prospects.

Amidst this shifting landscape, both Xuan Court Pavilion and the Yin Yang Family had proactively sought alliances with the Immortal Sect.

Furthermore, the Domain Master himself harbored a desire for amicable relations and a stable, long-term partnership with the Immortal Sect’s esteemed Sect Leader.

Considering the current trajectory of the Immortal Sect and the potential presence of an expert from the Celestial Unrestricted Realm supporting them, it was highly probable that the Immortal Sect would ascend to become the preeminent power in the region, eclipsing all others.

Such an outcome would undeniably cause a seismic upheaval in the established power structure of the Red Domain.

This was a development that neither Di Chen nor Jin Busan wished to witness.

As the two exchanged meaningful glances, the conflict unfolding on the plains below underwent yet another subtle transformation.

The whereabouts of Yun Liao became an enigma to the four combatants, his movements eluding their Perception entirely.

This inability to track Yun Liao's trajectory induced a suffocating frustration, akin to a skilled cook rendered helpless without essential ingredients.

Their only recourse was to repeatedly parry Yun Liao’s formidable spells and shatter the pervasive Mirror Lake Barrier that enveloped them from all sides.

Yet, with each fragmentation, the Mirror Lake Barrier would miraculously reform, intensifying the adversaries’ growing irritation.

Fortunately, Nu Huanfeng managed to regain his composure, swiftly directing the four to collaboratively establish a Vein Array.

Bang!

The substantial Meridian Gate they coalesced materialized as a robust, earth-toned circular shield, encasing the quartet.

Its surface was intricately adorned with terrestrial patterns, resembling the very crust of the earth.

This was the formidable Vein Array Technique, known as the Shield of the Earth.

Unlike standard Vein Techniques, the Vein Array Technique was not delineated by Grades.

Its potency was contingent upon two factors: the number of participants in the Vein Formation Array and the individual strength of those participants.

A larger number of cultivators invariably resulted in a more potent Vein Array Technique.

Similarly, the higher the cultivation base of the individuals forming the Vein Formation Array, the greater the inherent strength of the resulting technique.

When the searing Bone Spirit Cold Fire surged towards them, this earthen-yellow Shield of the Earth provided an impenetrable defense, ensuring not a single wisp of flame could penetrate its integrity.

While the Bone Spirit Cold Fire could erode the outer layers of the earth shield, it proved incapable, for the moment, of completely breaching the shield’s core.

Under the Aegis of the Shield of the Earth, the four cultivators diligently expanded their Perception across the entirety of the battlefield, awaiting Yun Liao’s next reappearance.

"The opportune moment to strike is fast approaching," Nu Huanfeng stated, his Perception keenly focused on the plains below. "Should we detect even a single misstep from Yun Liao, we can deliver a fatal blow. While his Spirit Body is undoubtedly frail and susceptible to powerful assaults, we must not underestimate him. We cannot afford Yun Liao a second chance, for he certainly won't grant us one."

Nu Huanfeng had meticulously analyzed Yun Liao's strategy. The Mirror Lake Barrier, he deduced, was Yun Liao's primary tool for engaging all four of them simultaneously.

This peculiar method had allowed him to achieve a stalemate, placing immense pressure on his opponents.

However, Nu Huanfeng perceived a crucial vulnerability within this apparent strength.

The key was that Yun Liao had to periodically emerge from the confines of the Mirror Lake Barrier.

Had he remained ensconced within its protective embrace, their predicament would have been far more dire.

But the necessity of launching attacks compelled Yun Liao to break free from the barrier, thereby presenting his adversaries with a fleeting window of opportunity.

Now, with the four united in their Vein Array formation, success hinged on a single, decisive strike against Yun Liao!

Just one strike!

Nu Huanfeng harbored a strong conviction that such an opportunity would permit him to end the battle decisively.

As time slowly ebbed away, the relentless assault of the Bone Spirit Cold Fire continued its inexorable work, gradually diminishing the integrity of the spherical Shield of the Earth, thereby imposing significant strain upon the four cultivators.

However, this mounting pressure remained within the realm of their endurance.

Yet, with their defensive posture secured behind the Shield of the Earth, Yun Liao appeared to have relinquished any intention of re-emerging from concealment.

"He must be lying in wait somewhere behind this defense," Nu Huanfeng mused to himself.

Since a battle of endurance was his preference,

they would soon find out whose patience held out longer.

Could the four of them truly be defeated by just one individual?

However, just as Nu Huanfeng was contemplating this, Ji Tian Fengxin suddenly bellowed towards the heavens, "Yun Liao!"

Nu Huanfeng had barely opened his mouth to intervene when he heard Ji Tian Fengxin venomously declare, "Has anyone ever pointed out that your facial features bear a striking resemblance to a woman's? A man possessing a woman's face—how utterly pathetic. And now, you're resorting to hiding behind the Mirror Lake Barrier. Is this your attempt to confirm you are, in fact, a woman?"

Once Ji Tian Fengxin concluded his tirade, Nu Huanfeng abandoned any notion of stopping him.

Perhaps employing such a crude tactic might actually compel Yun Liao to emerge.

After all, the capacity to tolerate severe insults was hardly a common trait among those engrossed in Cultivation at their stage of life.

"Carry on," Nu Huanfeng even urged, his voice laced with anticipation.

Ji Tian Fengxin continued his angry outburst, his reasoning quite straightforward.

He was consumed by rage.

His conviction was that Yun Liao was a woman.

Only a woman would exhibit such cowardice and evasiveness.

Fearful of engaging in a direct, honorable confrontation.

"Yun Liao, is that you? Do you genuinely believe you can exhaust us by remaining concealed like this? Your naivety is astonishing. The Shield of the Earth, being the predominant Vein Array Technique of You Country, is expertly designed to withstand the most formidable attacks with minimal energy expenditure. Yet here you are, simultaneously deploying three distinct types of Magic..."

Ji Tian Fengxin intended for Yun Liao to grasp the grim reality of their situation.

Concealment would prove utterly futile.

Their demise had been sealed from the outset.

An ant invites mockery not due to its minuscule size, but rather because it persists as an ant while harboring the ludicrous aspiration of a grand roc.

At that very moment, Yun Liao's voice, ethereal as a phantom, finally drifted across the expanse.

"Everything you've asserted is indeed correct."

This response filled Nu Huanfeng with a surge of delight.

His ploy had been successful!

Subsequently, Nu Huanfeng began vigilantly surveying their surroundings, keenly attuned to the subtle shifts within the Mirror Lake Barrier.

The slightest perturbation would prompt an immediate, decisive strike from him.

For any disturbance within the Mirror Lake Barrier signified Yun Liao's imminent emergence.

Meanwhile, upon hearing Yun Liao's admission, Ji Tian Fengxin felt as though his fists had met only empty air.

Everything I said is right? He actually conceded the truth of his words?

"Since you acknowledge the correctness of my statements, I might as well impart another indisputable fact. The fate of the eighty disciples from the Immortal Sect was predetermined long ago. Even if they were to miraculously escape this encounter, the distinction of ten Heaven-Piercing Gates would be rendered meaningless in the finals. Regardless of which Heaven-Piercing Gate they were assigned to, they would all converge in a single contest."

"Their proficiency in Vein Techniques is commendable and sufficient to overcome countless aspiring cultivators. However, when confronted by true powerhouses, their mastery of Vein Techniques will ultimately fall short in bridging the gap in Realm. My three senior brothers possess the capability to eliminate them all."

As he concluded his pronouncement, a sinister grin flickered across Ji Tian Fengxin's countenance.

He reveled in recounting tales of hopelessness to those already devoid of it.

Sincerley laying bare the stark realities of their despair.

Concurrently, on the other side, concealed behind the Mirror Lake Barrier, Yun Liao's gaze remained locked onto the Shield of the Earth, now entirely consumed by the Bone Spirit Cold Fire.

He mused inwardly, "I am already aware of all you speak. Therefore... my objective is to create a situation so dire that you won't even have the time to utter the word 'surrender.'"

As for the matter of energy depletion resulting from the simultaneous casting of three Tier Three Magic spells, which Ji Tian Fengxin had highlighted,

Yun Liao had merely borrowed that particular sentiment from his Sect Leader's teachings.

How can one find happiness if they are constantly embroiled in futile arguments?

It's best to avoid engaging with foolish individuals whenever possible.

He could employ the Tier Three Recovery Magic – Forest's Song – to replenish his Spiritual Power.

Furthermore, the unique ability inherent in the Vortex Map offered a gradual restoration of his expended Spiritual Power, piece by piece.

Thus, he intended to leverage these advantages to the fullest, aiming to wear down the quartet of opponents.

He could not permit the four of them to remain comfortably ensconced within the Shield of the Earth, basking in the safety of their impenetrable "Turtle Shell."