As for how to break it, that's probably a secret only the legendary Eastern Wizard knows.
They tried various evasive methods, but to no avail, as the array seemed like a maze without a solution, trapping them firmly.
At this moment, Lin Beichen and the others stood outside the array, silently watching it all.
They could clearly see those mercenaries scurrying around inside the array like headless flies.
But those trapped inside seemed oblivious, unable to hear or see them.
"Oh my, this is unbelievable! They are indeed trapped!" Ma Hong stared wide-eyed at the spectacle, seemingly unable to believe his own eyes.
Yu Fei was also in shock: "The legendary Eight Array Diagram truly exists! This is hard to believe!"
Even the usually composed Han Zuan showed a surprised expression, turning to his teammates: "Lin Beichen boy, everything he said turned out to be true!"
Wild Ox laughed and patted his shoulder: "I told you all along, now do you believe it?"
The members of the Venomous Snake Special Team were surprised by the Eight Array Diagram, but having grown accustomed to Lin Beichen's miraculous feats, they were relatively composed.
Meanwhile, the members of the Wolf King Special Team were all stupefied, with even Long Chuzhi casting an unusual gaze at Lin Beichen.
"Lin Beichen, who are you? How did you do it?" Long Chuzhi asked, his brow furrowed and voice full of disbelief.
At the same time, Lin Beichen heard the familiar electronic prompt sound in his ear—signifying the continuous increase in Faith Value.
He smiled blandly and replied lightly: "I'm just a regular special forces soldier, with just a bit of understanding in the mystical arts of the Daoist Family."
Upon hearing this, everyone was speechless, thinking: You call this ordinary? This is just textbook humblebrag!
"Alright, now's not the time to discuss this." Lin Beichen said seriously, "We need to hurry inside and follow the methods I taught you to deal with these mercenaries!"
Everybody nodded in agreement, although they didn't have live ammunition, their bayonets were still sharp.
Following Lin Beichen's instructions, they swiftly entered the Eight Array Diagram and subdued the mercenaries who remained bewildered.
After dealing with them, everyone quickly evacuated.
They knew that although this battle was won, the danger was not yet over.
They needed to leave this place quickly to seek reinforcements and weapons.
However, right then, gunfire suddenly erupted behind them.
"Bang bang bang!" Xia Luyao exclaimed: "Oh no, it's the mercenaries' backup squad!"
Long Chuzhi decided promptly: "We need to retreat separately and find ways to shake them off!"
The group immediately took action, dividing into two routes in different directions. The pursuing mercenaries rapidly split up to chase them.
The Venomous Snake Special Team successfully ditched their pursuers using the cover of the woods.
Just then, it started to rain, and Lin Beichen frowned at the falling raindrops.
"What's wrong, Lin Beichen?" Xia Luyao sensed something was off and quickly asked.
Lin Beichen sighed: "This rain feels rather peculiar."
But at this moment, they had no time to investigate, as the unexpected rain turned out to aid in their escape.
Lin Beichen, with bayonet in hand, swiftly slashed across a nearby tree trunk.
Xia Luyao watched him, confused, and asked: "Lin Beichen, what are you doing?"
"I'm setting up an array." Lin Beichen answered succinctly, then walked to another tree and carved a few marks with his bayonet.
Although unsure, Xia Luyao chose to remain silent due to his trust in Lin Beichen.
Lin Beichen carved marks on eight trees.
By now, the rain intensified, turning the dirt muddy and slippery.
Xia Luyao looked at the ground, furrowing his brow.
"Oh no, the ground has become so muddy after the rain, our footprints will reveal our track." he said worriedly.
However, Lin Beichen calmly said: "Don't worry, leaving footprints is actually better."
After speaking, he walked to a tree with marks, forcefully pressing down to make a deep footprint, then walked several steps, leaving evident prints with each step.
Others were puzzled by Lin Beichen's actions, not understanding why he deliberately left footprints.
But Lin Beichen had no time to explain, merely urging them to join him in making footprints.
Despite their doubts, everyone complied.
Once there were enough footprints, Lin Beichen shouted: "Quick, we need to leave now, they might catch up soon." Upon hearing this, everyone promptly followed Lin Beichen and ran forward.
Minutes later, the mercenaries caught up, only to find the area ahead empty.
They looked around in confusion until someone discovered a trail of footprints.
"Look! Footprints here, they must have run in this direction." The leading mercenary ordered to follow the trail.
However, as they pursued the footprints, the rain intensified, mist enveloping them.
Unconcerned, they continued tracking.
Soon, they realized they seemed to be circling the same spot.
"Why does this place look so familiar?" a mercenary said perplexed.
The leading mercenary surveyed the surrounding and noticed the problem too.
"We seem to be going in circles." he said, furrowing his brow.
Others echoed the sentiment, starting to suspect they encountered the legendary 'ghost wall.'
The leader doubted it but, despite several attempts, they still couldn't escape the loop.
Simultaneously, the Venomous Snake Special Team members successfully evaded the pursuers, arriving at a concealed stronghold.
Curious, an old veteran asked Lin Beichen: "What method did you use to shake off those mercenaries?"
Lin Beichen smiled: "I set the Eight Gates Golden Lock Array."
Wild Ox scratched his head and asked: "Eight Gates Golden Lock Array? What's that array?"
Xia Luyao mused: "Is it related to Qimen Dunjia?"
Lin Beichen nodded approvingly: "Yes, that's the array. It's considered the predecessor of the Eight Array Diagram and is known for bewildering and trapping the enemy. Those mercenaries trapped inside naturally couldn't catch up to us."
"The Eight Gates Golden Lock Array consists of eight gates: Rest, Life, Injury, Hide, View, Death, Fear, and Open, each corresponding to north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest." Lin Beichen began to elaborate.
"Once inside the Eight Gates Golden Lock Array, entry through the Life, View, or Open gates brings fortune, while the Injury, Fear, or Rest gates bring harm. If one accidentally enters the Hide or Death gates, it becomes life-threatening."
"I intentionally left footprints at the Hide gate, trapping them within once entered."
Lin Beichen explained further, having calculated that the mercenaries would follow the footprints, thus deliberately choosing the Injury gate as bait.
Using the cover of rain, making them lose direction and circle in place, successfully shaking them off.
"I see, truly ingenious!" Xia Luyao nodded in praise, deeply admiring Lin Beichen's cleverness.
"Will they truly be trapped in the Hide gate till death?" Thunder asked wide-eyed, incredulous.
Can merely carving marks on a tree suffice to trap those mercenaries unto death?
This array's power is astounding!
Lin Beichen shook his head: "Due to time constraints, I only set up a simplified version, naturally lacking the full power of a true Eight Gates Golden Lock Array."
"Yet even so, it's enough to trap them for three to five days."
"It's impressive! Just by setting up a simple array, you can trap mercenaries for so long." Flame sincerely praised and curiously asked, "How powerful would a full Eight Gates Golden Lock Array be?"
Others also looked towards Lin Beichen, expecting his answer.
Lin Beichen sighed and then slowly began: "A true Eight Gates Golden Lock Array can capture an army of thousands, leaving them nowhere to escape, facing only certain death."
"Oh my, could there truly be such power? If so, why hasn't anyone used it over the years?"