You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

Seeing that Liu Haoran had also relented, the last dozen or so people stopped insisting and followed him into the ruins.

Seeing that everyone had come in, Chen Yang stopped wasting time and immediately began to organize the manpower.

"Fellow Daoists who are seriously injured, please rest in the relatively intact stone house ruins in the center of the ruins and look after each other."

Fellow cultivators with minor injuries and still able to move, please immediately check the bunkers and high points inside the ruins, and set up some early warning traps and simple defensive fortifications as much as possible along the inner edge of the array circle!

Fellow Daoists who understand formations, please try to check and reinforce those remaining formation nodes, even if it's just by injecting a little magic power to maintain them! Be quick!

Everyone understood that time was of the essence. Although exhausted, they mustered their spirits and acted according to Chen Yang's instructions.

Some people went to clean up the stone houses in the central area, some moved the collapsed stones to build simple low walls, some set up tripwires and bells at key intersections, and the few cultivators who knew array formations began to carefully explore and try to activate the dim array patterns.

For a time, the ruins, which had been silent for countless years, suddenly showed signs of life and activity.

Time flies by in the midst of a hectic schedule.

As the sky was completely enveloped in a deep, inky darkness, the entire ruins had been initially set up as a makeshift defensive camp.

The relatively intact stone houses in the center became a shelter for the wounded, and several defensive lines were built around the perimeter using collapsed walls and transported stones, with people on duty at key positions.

With the efforts of several array masters, a few key nodes of the dilapidated array were barely lit, emitting a faint, pale golden light, like a candle flickering in the wind, yet bringing a slight sense of security to the people in the darkness.

However, this sense of security did not last long.

"Waaah—waaah—"

A chilling wailing sound surged in from all directions, coming closer and closer!
The sound was like the weeping and howling of countless wronged souls, drilling directly into people's minds, making them uneasy and their blood churning.

They're here!
They're here!

The lookout shouted, his voice trembling.

Everyone stared nervously into the darkness beyond the ruins.

In the thick, impenetrable night, tiny, dark red, will-o'-the-wisps of light began to appear, multiplying and multiplying until they were densely packed, like stars, yet filled with malice and greed.

Immediately afterwards, blurry, distorted, and shadowy figures, existing between reality and illusion, began to "flow" out of the darkness. They came in various shapes, some resembling humans, some beasts, and some just a swirling cloud of smoke, but without exception, they all exuded an aura of coldness, resentment, and bloodlust.

Hundreds and thousands of "evil spirits" gathered from the direction of the canyon and from the depths of the wilderness, like sharks that smelled blood, surrounding the entire ruined town!
"My God...so much!"

Some people were so scared that their legs went weak.

"It's over...it's over...we're surrounded!"

A sense of despair began to spread.

"I knew I shouldn't have come in!"
Now they're truly trapped!

Liu Haoran's face was deathly pale, and his voice trembled with regret.

It's all your fault!

Chen Yang! You're the one who ruined us!

Some people who were already wavering now directed their fear and resentment at Chen Yang, and the situation once again showed signs of getting out of control.

"Everyone, calm down!"

Liu Piaopiao screamed, even though she herself was trembling.

"look!

They...they stopped! Outside the formation!

Upon hearing this, everyone suppressed their fear and stared intently. Sure enough, the densely packed army of "fierce spirits" stopped as if they had encountered an invisible wall when they approached to within a dozen feet of the edge of the ruins!
They roamed and wandered around the ruins, emitting more anxious and ferocious roars. Their dark red "eyes" stared intently at the people inside the ruins, but not one of them actually stepped into the area covered by the remaining array!

Although surrounded by hundreds of terrifying monsters, at this moment, that invisible boundary became the clearest chasm between life and death.

"Is...it really impossible to get in?"

Someone murmured in disbelief.

"The formation...the formation is working!"

The cultivators who understood formations shouted excitedly.

"Although they were weak, they were indeed blocked!"

Hope, like the first torch lit in the darkness, though faint, instantly dispels some of the despair.

Looking at the hesitant "evil spirits" on the periphery, and then at the group of people around him with varying expressions, but mostly relieved, Chen Yang felt a little more at ease.

His speculation has been verified, at least for the time being.

"Everyone, did you see that? The formation is effective!"

Chen Yang's voice rang out in the silent ruins.

"But that doesn't mean we can rest easy. The formation is damaged, and no one knows how long it can hold out or whether they will find a weakness and break through. We need to stay vigilant at all times, take turns on guard duty, and observe the movements of these 'evil spirits'."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally settling on those who still wore expressions of fear and doubt. His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

"Now, I'm going to the edge of the formation to observe these 'fierce spirits' up close and see if I can discover more information, such as their activity patterns or the formation's weak points. Those who trust me, please stay at your posts. Those who think I'm just throwing my life away or doing something unnecessary, please do as you please."

But remember, we're all in this together now; infighting will only hasten our demise.

After saying that, before anyone could react, Chen Yang took a step forward and, under the gazes of everyone—some surprised, some puzzled, some worried, and some mocking—walked alone toward the edge of the ruins, toward the place where the faint golden light met the boundless darkness.

As he approached the border, the "evil spirits" that had been merely lingering outside suddenly became agitated and boiling as if they had been thrown into boiling oil and cold water!

Countless dark red "eyes" locked onto him, filled with greed, resentment, and an almost insane desire!

Like a swarm of sharks attracted by the scent of blood, they surged frantically toward Chen Yang's location, layer upon layer, crowding together and completely surrounding that small section of the boundary.

The sharp roars and whimpers suddenly rose in pitch, forming a terrifying mental shockwave that attempted to shake Chen Yang's mind.

They extended their dark, twisted, and unpredictable claws and teeth, constantly probing and scratching forward. They were only inches away from Chen Yang, just waiting for him to take another step forward, or for this seemingly fragile barrier to disappear, before they would swarm him and tear him apart and devour him completely!
Inside the ruins, everyone who witnessed this scene felt their hearts leap into their throats.

"They've gone mad!"
He's insane! Why is he standing so close?!

"If you want to die, don't drag us down with you! What if those things break in..."

"Come back quickly, Fellow Daoist Chen!"

"Hmph, just trying to attract attention! Let's see how he gets out of this mess!" Several of Liu Haoran's close fellow disciples whispered mockingly, their faces showing schadenfreude.

Hearing these comments, Liu Piaopiao's pretty face turned pale with anger, and she couldn't help but loudly retort.

"Shut up, all of you!"

Brother Chen is doing this to verify if this place is safe, for all of us! If you're so capable, why don't you go and try it yourselves! What kind of skill is it to hide in the back and make sarcastic remarks!

Her words silenced some of the people who were talking animatedly, but the disapproval in their eyes did not diminish.

Liu Haoran watched with a gloomy expression as Liu Piaopiao protected Chen Yang, then glanced at the horrifying scene outside, his heart filled with a mixture of jealousy and anger. A weasel-faced disciple beside him leaned closer and whispered provocations.

"Senior Brother Liu, look at Junior Sister Piaopiao. She's only known that Chen guy for a short time, and she's already speaking up for him like this! I think Junior Sister Piaopiao is probably..."

"Yes, Senior Brother Liu, that kid is obviously no good. He's deliberately showing off to attract Junior Sister Piao Piao's attention!"

Another person chimed in.

Liu Haoran snorted coldly, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, his eyes fixed on Chen Yang's back with a sinister gaze, and he squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth.

"You fool! Daring to play tricks on me and seduce the woman I've set my sights on... Once I get past this, I'll make him pay!"

While everyone in the ruins had their own thoughts, Chen Yang at the border seemed to feel that it wasn't "exciting" enough.

Instead of retreating, he stretched out a hand and carefully and slowly reached out towards the dark area outside the array's light.

His action was like lighting the fuse of a powder keg!
The few "fierce spirits" closest to the boundary let out an extremely sharp shriek and rushed towards his outstretched hand without regard for anything else!
More "evil spirits" also surged forward frantically, trying to break through that invisible boundary.

However, just as those dark, twisted claws were about to touch Chen Yang's fingertips—

"Boom!!!"

The entire dilapidated array surrounding the ruins suddenly emitted a deep, rumbling sound, as if it originated from the depths of the earth!

Those pale golden array patterns that were originally just flickering faintly suddenly burst into dazzling light!

A layer of pale golden light, much more solidified, expanded outwards several feet from Chen Yang's location, separating him from the onrushing "evil spirits"!

Immediately afterwards, countless tiny, leaping silver-white arcs of electricity appeared out of thin air on the light screen, crackling and popping!

These electric arcs were not chaotic, but rather seemed to possess a life of their own, quickly locking onto those "evil spirits" that attempted to attack the formation or got too close to the light barrier!
"Sizzle—!!!"

Blinding streaks of silver-white lightning, like whips of divine punishment, lashed fiercely at the "fierce souls" charging at the forefront!
"Awooo—!!!"

A bloodcurdling scream, so shrill it was inhuman, suddenly rang out!

The "evil spirit" struck by lightning twisted and swelled violently, as if it were ignited from the inside out. Its dark red "eyes" burst out with a final, frenzied light. Then, its entire body melted and vaporized rapidly, like ice and snow thrown into the scorching sun, turning into wisps of smoke without leaving a trace!

This is not over yet!

Lightning seemed to be contagious; after the first wave of attacks, more silvery arcs of electricity leaped and converged on the light screen, forming an ever-expanding electric grid that spread and bombarded the densely packed "evil spirits" on the periphery!
"Boom! Sizzle! Crack!"

Lightning flashed and electric snakes danced wildly! Swarms of "evil spirits" were reduced to ashes under the power of the thunder!
They seemed to have an innate fear of this extremely yang and powerful energy that could overcome yin and evil. Their originally frenzied offensive suddenly stopped, and they retreated in terror, huddled together, and emitted chaotic and fearful hisses.

The previously impenetrable encirclement was completely cleared out!

Within the ruins, there was a deathly silence.

Everyone stared wide-eyed and gaped, looking incredulously at the miraculous scene before them.

The dazzling lightning not only dispelled the darkness, but also the despair and fear in their hearts!
"It really...it really works! The formation has been fully activated!"

"My God... this lightning... it's incredible!"

"We're saved! We're really saved!"

After a brief silence, a huge cheer and shouts of relief erupted!

Many people were so excited that they trembled and their eyes were filled with tears, as if they had been pulled back from the brink of death.

Liu Piaopiao also breathed a long sigh of relief, a bright smile appearing on her face. She looked at those who had mocked Chen Yang earlier, her voice clear and crisp.

"Now, what do you have to say? Who said Brother Chen would get us all killed?"

Those who had previously made sarcastic remarks were now blushing, some even lowering their heads in shame and shrinking back.

Some scratched their heads, chuckled sheepishly, and readily admitted it.

"Junior Sister Liu is right, we were wrong!"
Fellow Daoist Chen, no, Brother Chen!
Thank you so much! We were blind to your abilities just now!

"right!

Thank you so much, Brother Chen!

More people joined in the shouting, their gazes towards Chen Yang filled with gratitude and admiration.

Chen Yang withdrew his hand at this moment. The violent lightning seemed to be targeting only the "evil spirits" outside the formation and had no effect on him.

He turned around, meeting the excited and grateful gazes of the crowd, his face showing little pride, and simply said calmly.

"It seems my judgment was correct."

This is indeed the 'safe zone' reserved by the trial designers.

Although these formations are damaged, their core protective mechanisms are still functioning, enough to withstand or even kill these demonic creatures that rely on yin energy and resentment to exist.

As long as we stay inside and don't go out, we're safe, at least for tonight.

His words completely calmed everyone down. People nodded in agreement, offering their own analyses, thankful they had made the right choice, and some even began to sincerely thank Chen Yang for his decisiveness and insight.

Liu Piaopiao walked to Chen Yang's side, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration, and sincerely thanked him.

"Brother Chen, we really owe you a lot this time! If it weren't for your insistence, we might still be living in fear outside, or even..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Chen Yang waved his hand.

"No need to be so polite. Meeting is fate, and it's only right that we support each other. I've also learned a lot about the Trial Grounds from you, so it's been mutually beneficial."

Seeing Chen Yang's humility, everyone's goodwill towards him increased even more.

Watching Liu Piaopiao and Chen Yang's intimate conversation, and seeing everyone praising Chen Yang so highly, Liu Haoran felt a tightness in his chest, his face turning pale and then flushed. (End of Chapter)