Huangfu Song clearly had no intention of answering, leaving Li Fan and the others with no answers. It was just curiosity, however, so they didn’t press the matter further.
They gathered and moved toward the pre-established central zone of the Soul-Locking Array.
The final division of labor had been settled long ago. Xue Mu was responsible for inspecting and repairing the already-constructed array units, while Jiang Qigui handled the installation and calibration of the hub device.
Li Fan positioned himself in the middle, ready to move as needed, lending a hand wherever it was required.
Jiang Qigui’s skill with arrays was reliable. Xue Mu, for his part, had always been diligent and meticulous, rarely making mistakes. With Li Fan acting as a flexible swingman, the three-pronged effort proceeded even faster than originally planned.[1] The Tianxuan Soul-Locking Array around the Roaring Abyss was nearing completion two days ahead of schedule.
Out of caution, they chose a lull period following a major demonic sound tide to perform the final steps.
After confirming everything was in order, the Tianxuan hub device flew from Huangfu Song’s forehead, transforming into a flickering red phantom.
Jiang Qigui’s expression turned serious as he guided the hub device into the fully prepared core array. There was no repeat of the uncooperative behavior Li Fan had witnessed during his assessment. The red phantom flew with perfect compliance into the layers of arrays.
The moment it settled into place, a fierce green light completely overwhelmed the red glow surrounding it.
Starting from the central point, countless beams of light bloomed forth, connecting with the array units of the surrounding Soul-Locking Array. Piercing through the White Mist, the light expanded outward, illuminating the entire array structure as it went.
Thus, a wondrous spectacle appeared within the boundless white fog.
In the sea of White Mist, lines of green light spread outward from the central point, following the veins of the Soul-Locking Array, layer upon layer.
In an instant, a magnificent, circular green web manifested, vast enough to cover the entire Roaring Abyss. Neither the Lifespan-Devouring White Mist nor the intermittent demonic sounds could obscure its grand, majestic form.
Most of those present had personally helped construct the array. Now, witnessing the fruit of their years of labor finally come to life, a multitude of emotions swelled within them.
Li Fan's gaze settled on the brightest point of green light at the array's center. He sighed.
Only Tianxuan can lock onto the soul. The grand curtain on the universal deployment of the Tianxuan Soul-Locking Arrays is finally about to rise.
Who can say what will become of the Myriad Immortals Alliance?
I'll observe for now, and if things take a turn for the worse, I can always fall back on Return to Truth. Even so, I've put in no small amount of effort. I have merit and hard labor both to my name. Surely this lifetime won't end before I've lived out my natural span... right?
As Li Fan pondered these thoughts, the Tianxuan hub device finally completed its integration with the Soul-Locking Array. The magnificent green web faded away like a receding tide. At the same time, Li Fan felt a faint, indistinct sensation—as if an eye had opened somewhere above them all, watching him constantly.
Led by Huangfu Song, the group erupted into jubilant cheers in celebration of the array’s successful completion. No one else seemed to notice anything amiss. Only Xue Mu, who appeared honest and somewhat dull, lifted his head and cast an almost imperceptible glance skyward.
***
Following Huangfu Song’s inspection and signing off, the array construction work outside the Roaring Abyss was concluded. On the journey back to Severed Hand Immortal City, Li Fan asked Huangfu Song about the next steps.
“According to the original plan, we were to rendezvous with Dean Ji and construct a Spirit-Locking Array outside that newly discovered Lost Domain called the Lost Battlefield.
“However...” Huangfu Song paused, his expression turning grave. “That Lost Domain is truly peculiar and extremely dangerous.
“After careful evaluation and consideration, the Alliance has decided to postpone array construction at the Lost Battlefield and first implement a blockade.
“Since you have already completed the construction of one Spirit-Locking Array, there will be no mandatory requirements for your next assignment.
“That is to say, if you wish, you may return directly to rest.
“Of course, if you are aiming for a higher ranking, you may also choose to support array construction in other regions.
“However, the construction progress of each array and the current personnel in charge can only be viewed at the Myriad Immortals Alliance headquarters.
“To maximize your efficiency in the competition, it’s best to employ some... unconventional methods.”
Huangfu Song gave a light cough, wearing an expression that said “you know what I mean.”
Upon hearing this, both Xue Mu and Jiang Qigui looked thoughtful, pondering if they possessed anything that could impress this senior.
Li Fan, however, wore an utterly indifferent expression. “My days are numbered. Soon, I will descend to the Nine Springs to meet Fellow Daoist Tantai Tao.
“Rankings and such hold no meaning for me.
“Rather, I am intensely curious about this Lost Battlefield you just mentioned, Senior Huangfu.”
Huangfu Song, who had been maintaining his dignified posture, couldn’t help but twitch at the mention of Tantai Tao again. Suppressing his irritation, he snorted coldly at Li Fan’s question but proceeded to explain.
“It’s no great secret. As the name implies, that newly formed Lost Domain was the site of an ancient, great battle.
“It spans over 1600 li. Countless cultivators perished within.
“Not only has the thick scent of blood not dissipated, but the fallen cultivators remain frozen in the very instant of their death, as if that horrific battle had just concluded.”
Huangfu Song narrowed his eyes slightly, as if recalling his experience within the Lost Battlefield.
"Even stranger, we couldn't tell who the main opposing sides even were.
"Some of those wearing the same sect uniform appeared to have killed each other. Others appeared to have joined forces against a common enemy and died together.
"That place... it felt more like a chaotic free-for-all where no one could tell friend from foe. Not a battlefield in the traditional sense."
Hearing Huangfu Song’s description, Li Fan couldn’t help but recall the “Chaos” Stone Lost Domain he had seen before.
The scene there was similar: as if time had frozen, the corpses still lifelike.
The culprit there was the Heavenly Physician. Who, then, was responsible for this Lost Battlefield?
As he pondered, Xue Mu couldn’t resist asking, “Senior Huangfu, you said this Lost Battlefield is extremely perilous. Why is that?
“Could it be... these dead cultivators can come back to life and attack us?”
Huangfu Song shook his head. “They are beyond dead. With a slight touch, they turn to dust.
“The true danger comes from the Lost Domain itself. When Dean Ji led a team in for the first time, they fell victim to it.
“While still reeling from the horrific scale of the ancient battlefield, several of the cultivators who had entered alongside Dean Ji suddenly turned on him.”
"Turned on him?!" Xue Mu couldn't suppress a startled exclamation.
"Lost... could it be?" A moment later, understanding dawned, and his face paled with horror.
Huangfu Song gave a slow, grim nod. "Precisely. Those cultivators were Dean Ji's most trusted men. They were utterly loyal, their devotion proven beyond doubt.
"And yet, the moment they entered that Lost Domain, they lost their minds.
"They attacked Dean Ji as if he were their mortal enemy, holding nothing back."
1. In basketball, a "swingman" is a player who can effectively play both shooting guard (2) and small forward (3) positions. ☜