Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8301: Probing _1

This was a massive Palace characterized by intricate carved beams and vibrantly painted pillars. Its appearance was magnificent, radiating an extraordinary aura. Naturally, it would have reached perfection if not for the gaping hole torn through the roof. This massive void had somewhat diminished the palace's majestic presence, yet the structure did not seem dilapidated in the slightest. It remained standing, defiant against time.

Zhao Hai and Yan Bei stood before the entrance, observing the structure. After a moment, Yan Bei remarked, "This must be the main hall of the Spiritual Array Sect, right? It serves as the heart of the entire Spiritual Array Palace. Do you think that hole was caused by the attackers who destroyed the sect?"

Zhao Hai nodded in agreement. "That is likely the case. However, why do I sense a life force lingering here?" Zhao Hai scanned the surroundings. His senses were sharp; he felt a distinct vitality, one that mirrored natural energy. This discovery truly astonished him.

Yan Bei surveyed the area and whispered, "No, I sense a heavy aura of death. It is death intertwined with life; the energy here is exceptionally bizarre." Given Yan Bei’s significant strength, he could clearly perceive the atmosphere. The aura was indeed potent, a strange paradox where life and death coexisted and fed into one another.

Suddenly, a voice echoed, "Do you find it peculiar? This is the power of an Almighty from the higher realm. Their wrath brought death upon our entire Spiritual Array Sect." Following the voice, a figure emerged slowly from the hall. It was an elderly man, though his form was composed entirely of a crimson blood mist, giving him an eerie appearance.

The moment Zhao Hai and Yan Bei laid eyes on the old man, they bowed in respect. His face was identical to the massive head that had addressed them previously. It was clear that he was the most powerful Array Spirit of the Spiritual Array Sect. They had evidently reached the core of the formation; otherwise, the Array Spirit would not have manifested in such a physical state.

"Enter," the old man said with a wave of his hand. The two acknowledged his command and followed him into the hall. The interior was fascinating. A massive magic formation covered the floor, incredibly complex and built from countless formation talismans. In fact, the floor, walls, and ceiling were all comprised of these talismans, interconnected to form one giant, unified formation.

In the center of this formation, however, lay a massive pit. It was so profound that the bottom was invisible to the eye, its true depth unknown. The opening was not particularly wide, spanning only about ten meters. At the pit's edge, numerous array talismans seemed to struggle to expand into the void, but a lingering force within the hole repelled them. Consequently, these talismans flickered in and out of existence.

The old man turned to Zhao Hai and Yan Bei and asked, "Do you see this? This abyss was carved by those from the upper realm. I recall it vividly—a single finger descended from the heavens, pressing down upon the main hall and shattering the central array. An overwhelming aura then surged outward. Every disciple of the Spiritual Array Sect perished instantly, and the high-ranking members were reduced to ash. Every island belonging to the sect sank simultaneously. You must understand, the Spiritual Array Sect was a formidable power in those days. To sink all our islands with just one finger... the magnitude of that attack is unimaginable." A flash of terror crossed the old man's face.

After a moment, the old man regained his composure. He looked at Zhao Hai and spoke solemnly, "What is truly strange is that while the strike sank the islands and claimed lives, the structures themselves remained largely intact. That is the most terrifying aspect. The buildings outside collapsed only because of the passage of time. They weren't destroyed initially, but they eventually fell. This place, however, remains preserved by the protection of that very force. It was because of that force that I fell—and only then did I gradually awaken."

At this point, the old man’s expression became conflicted. He stared into the deep hole and continued, "When I first witnessed that strike, I slipped into a profound slumber. I have no idea how much time passed before I woke. By then, the islands had submerged and the homes had crumbled. After waking, I began the slow process of repairing the magic formation. Not long after I started, intruders began arriving to destroy my work. This continued until you arrived. Initially, I intended to strike back, but my strength was depleted. This time, I was ready to fight, but then I encountered you. You have done well; you actually assisted me in restoring all the arrays. My power has now nearly returned to its peak."

Zhao Hai smiled slightly at the old man's words. "Senior is too kind. We only did what was necessary. To be perfectly honest, we were also acting out of self-preservation." Zhao Hai spoke the truth. Had the Array Spirit refused to cooperate and continued its assault, he wouldn't have lasted long. His only option would have been to retreat into his Space, effectively trapping himself there, which would have meant the end of his journey.

The old man looked at Zhao Hai and asked seriously, "Regardless of your motives, I wish to know one thing. What must be done for me to gain a physical body and for this entire island to move? Speak. If your plan is sound, I will agree. Once completed, I will escort you out and help you eliminate the individual waiting outside."

Zhao Hai noted that the old man’s speech was becoming increasingly human, a clear sign that his growing power was refining his consciousness. Zhao Hai replied, "Senior, this is my proposal. If we view this island as a human body, then the various restrictions are like acupuncture points. However, this body currently possesses acupuncture points but lacks Meridians. Without Meridians to connect them, the body cannot move. My plan is to link your form with Meridians so that your body can achieve mobility."

The Array Spirit nodded as he listened. Despite being a spirit, he understood the cultivation paths of the human race. Having been the guardian of the Spiritual Array Sect, he had overheard many lectures by its cultivators. He was well-versed in the concepts of acupuncture points and Meridians. Zhao Hai’s explanation struck him as highly logical.

"Explain the process," he commanded. He now felt a degree of confidence in Zhao Hai, sensing that the youth was not attempting to deceive him. The method seemed plausible, so he allowed Zhao Hai to elaborate.

Zhao Hai explained firmly, "We will use energy lines to interlink all the formations, granting you total control over the island. However, for the island to function as a body and move, it requires a power source. I believe the site left by the upper realm expert can serve as that source. It might not last forever, so we must make adjustments. We will construct a formation centered on that spot to draw energy from the Blood Sea. Of course, if you have an alternative energy source, we can use that instead."

The Array Spirit pondered this for a moment. "We will use that spot as the source, following your method. However, this hall is already saturated with formation talismans. To build a new one, must I destroy what is already here?" The spirit watched Zhao Hai closely. Yan Bei sensed a flicker of hidden hostility in the old man's tone.

Zhao Hai shook his head calmly. "There is no need for destruction. Based on the patterns, it seems you added these talismans later. You simply need to realign their positions." Zhao Hai then produced a Jade Slip and etched the details into it. Handing it to the Array Spirit, he said, "This Jade Slip contains the formation design I have conceived. Please examine it, Senior."

The Array Spirit scanned the contents of the slip. He then turned to Zhao Hai and remarked, "Impressive. You have done very well. This concept is flawless. I will handle the reconfiguration of the runes myself. You two may step outside for now." Zhao Hai and Yan Bei nodded and exited the hall.

They didn't stop until they were a safe distance from the main hall. Yan Bei looked back at the structure and whispered to Zhao Hai, "Little Hai, why did I feel like there was something dangerous about the Array Spirit's questions earlier?"

Zhao Hai glanced at Yan Bei and chuckled. "You noticed? It’s quite simple. When the Senior asked if we needed to destroy the existing array to build the new one, it was a test. Had I said yes, I suspect we wouldn't have made it out of that hall alive. He would never permit the destruction of the internal arrays for any reason. To suggest it would have crossed his bottom line, and he would have killed us instantly, even if he is currently immobile. He was being cautious, but I truly had no such intentions. He is the first Array Spirit I’ve encountered—a life form using an array as its body. While he attacked us before, it was only because we broke into his home. If someone broke into your cave to wreck it, wouldn't you fight back? I don't hold it against him. Furthermore, we need his help to leave, so I have no reason to harbor ill will."

Yan Bei nodded, finally understanding the source of that chilling sensation. The Array Spirit was testing their loyalty, showing that its intelligence was evolving. He was about to ask more when Zhao Hai gave him a sharp look and sent a mental transmission: "Say no more. I spoke those words specifically for him to hear. We are on his ground, and every restriction is his ear. He can hear everything we say, so keep your thoughts silent."