This martial saint is too cautious.

Chapter 377 Fourfold (Seeking further reading and monthly votes)

The moment Ge Ming pointed his finger, a surge of information rushed into Lin Yan's brow and directly into the depths of his consciousness.

Along with this torrent of information, an even purer energy also surged into his body.

In an instant, Lin Yan's three grotto-heavens all activated simultaneously, and the power of his Dharma form surged forth wildly.

boom!

The fourth cave-heaven broke open, followed by the fifth and sixth, each of which was fifty feet in size.

Lin Yan was stunned when three cave heavens broke open in succession. He had already reached the sixth level of the cave heaven?

"Young friend, I have temporarily opened up these three Void Caves for you to help you condense the Eight Trigrams Sword Formation. Once the sword formation is successfully condensed, these three Void Caves will disappear."

When Ge Ming's voice came, Lin Yan nodded slightly, understanding what this senior Ge Ming meant.

My current strength is not enough to condense the Eight Trigrams Sword Formation.

To condense the Eight Trigrams Sword Formation, one needs at least the strength of the sixth level of the Cave Heaven.

With the old man's energy blessing him, Lin Yan began to form hand seals, and streams of Dharma power condensed in front of him, transforming into array patterns.

One, two, three —

One hundred, two hundred, three rounds —

There were a thousand array patterns that began to arrange and combine, forming a complex five-pointed star.

But this was not the end. After the pentagram appeared, Lin Yan's gesture changed again, and the pentagram array began to be stretched, just like a graphic being stretched continuously at an unequal ratio, until it finally became a polygon.

This peculiar polygon began to spin wildly, and with each spin, several more array patterns would fall into it.

It is unknown how much time has passed, but the entire array diagram has finally stabilized. The array patterns in the diagram have a flowing luster, and each array pattern is connected to the others, with nodes intersecting. Among these, eight nodes are the most dazzling.

These eight nodes correspond to the eight directions: Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui.

"The foundation of the Eight Trigrams Formation has been laid; the next step is the Sword Formation."

Ge Ming's voice continued, and the next moment, the sword intent from the five sword pellets within Lin Yan's body surged wildly into the array diagram.

More than two hundred sword intents, like array patterns, began to spread on the array diagram and merged with it.

The entire formation instantly erupted with sword energy, revealing a deadly intent.

Lin Yan silently felt his sword intent being injected into the array diagram. More than two hundred sword intents were not the upper limit of the array diagram. According to the information about the Bagua Sword Array Diagram that he had received in his mind, the first stage of the Bagua Sword Array Diagram could integrate five hundred sword intents.

After this trip, I need to complete the remaining two hundred or so sword intents.

As Lin Yan pondered, the power of the Dharma Image in the first cave heaven was running wildly.

boom!

The Symphony of the Dharma Sword emerged from the first grotto, with sword light filling the sky and music resounding throughout.

This time, the Sword Melody did not appear above Lin Yan's head. After it appeared, it went straight to the Bagua Sword Formation Diagram and finally embedded itself firmly into the core of the formation.

As the sword symphony entered the center of the formation, the formation diagram came to life in an instant.

The energy of the eight array patterns flowed like eight streams, rushing towards the central Sword Symphony Dharma Image.

The sword symphony's form trembled, followed by a surge in sword light.

The Abyss Sword appeared within the sword inscription, instantly transforming into countless sword energies within the array diagram.

Within the array diagram, any sword energy can become the Abyss Sword!

"The Eight Trigrams Sword Formation Diagram is now complete. If you have the opportunity in the future, you may seek out seven or eight more swords to add to the formation and complete the eight key points. As for the method of upgrading the Eight Trigrams Sword Formation Diagram, I have already passed it on to you."

Ge Ming's voice came through, and Lin Yan nodded slightly: "Thank you, senior."

"While I still have some strength left, I will tidy up for you, young friend, and open up another grotto."

Before Lin Yan could respond to Ge Ming's voice, he felt the immense energy within his body surge once more.

The three previously opened void caves trembled slightly and began to slowly dissipate.

However, after the three void heavens dispersed, the energy did not dissipate, but instead gathered together and began to collide with the location of the fourth void heaven within Lin Yan's body.

At the same time, the power of Lin Yan's own three grotto-heavens also surged wildly, converging with this energy.

boom!

A crack appeared, and the fourth grotto-heaven was broken open under the violent tremors. The power of the Dharma form surged wildly into the crack, and in an instant, it opened the crack.

Within the grotto-heaven, as the power of the Dharma Image surged in, it was also constantly expanding.

Five zhang, ten zhang, twenty zhang —

Finally, the fourth grotto-heaven stopped at fifty feet, exactly the same as the previous three grotto-heavens.

Just as the fourth grotto-heaven was fully formed, the Bagua Sword Formation Diagram seemed to sense its destination. The formation diagram suddenly contracted, transforming into a stream of light that disappeared into the fourth grotto-heaven.

boom!

The moment the Bagua Sword Formation diagram disappeared into the cave heaven, the world within the fourth cave heaven was turned upside down.

The once empty cave space is now filled with array diagrams.

At the heart of the formation, the sword symphony radiated brilliant light, with countless sword energies crisscrossing within the cave, and the music echoing between heaven and earth.

At this moment, the entire Fourth Grotto Heaven transformed into a world of sword formations.

"Young friend, I must take my leave!"

As Ge Ming's voice faded, his figure, sitting cross-legged atop the steps, began to slowly fade away.

Lin Yan didn't have time to absorb the information about the Bagua Sword Formation in his mind. He quickly opened his eyes, but in just a moment, the old man's figure had already disappeared.

"Junior Lin Yan respectfully sees off Senior Ge Ming."

There was no further response from the surrounding area.

After bowing deeply, Lin Yan then examined his own body internally.

The four grotto-heavens complemented each other, and the power of the Dharma Body flowed, allowing him to break through to the fourth level of the grotto-heavens.

Lin Yan could clearly feel that the power of his Dharma Aspect was far more abundant than before. With the four grotto heavens operating simultaneously, the recovery speed and total amount of Dharma Aspect power increased several times over.

"This is the fourth level of the grotto-heaven—"

The breakthrough in his cultivation level delighted Lin Yan, but compared to that, the Eight Trigrams Sword Formation Diagram within the Fourth Cave Heaven excited him even more.

This formation is one that can be upgraded.

Even at its current initial stage, its power is astonishing.

With a thought, Lin Yan's sword formation world in the fourth cave shone brightly, and in an instant, the Bagua sword formation appeared beneath his feet, enveloping the surrounding area for hundreds of feet.

Feeling the terrifying sword energy within the sword formation, Lin Yan's lips curled up slightly. Even he himself felt the pressure standing in this sword formation. If it were an opponent below the fourth level of the Cave Heaven Realm, they would probably be shredded into dust by this sword energy in an instant, and even those at the fourth level of the Cave Heaven Realm would probably not be able to struggle for long.

As for the fifth level of the Cave Heaven Realm, Lin Yan had never fought against someone at that level. However, by trapping them within the sword formation, and further using his own divine power, the Divine Palace Light, to dispel their Dharma Aspect power, and because they couldn't absorb the energy of heaven and earth within the sword formation, which operated on its own without requiring him to infuse Dharma Aspect power, the balance would shift—

Lin Yan was confident that he could severely injure even a fifth-level cultivator at the Cave Heaven Realm, if not kill them.

Next, Lin Yan did not leave the steps, but began to experience controlling the Bagua Sword Formation. Only after he had fully mastered the Bagua Sword Formation did he step back.

An hour later, after completely mastering the Bagua Sword Formation, Lin Yan walked forward, and soon a vortex appeared in front of him.

And in the world beyond that vortex, Lin Yan knew in his heart that it must be the place where Senior Ge Ming had mentioned the Hidden Recruitment Order.

After pausing for three breaths, Lin Yan put on the Emei Peak mask and stepped inside.

boom!

After stepping into the vortex, Lin Yan felt a pulling force, and before he could even stand firmly in mid-air, he felt an extremely sharp energy attacking him.

He turned around, threw a punch, and unleashed a devastating blow!

Everything was accomplished in the blink of an eye.

The punch landed, and the incoming energy dissipated instantly. A middle-aged man ten feet away, seeing the spear in his hand trembling, quickly said, "Sorry, I mistook you for someone else."

"You've mistaken me for someone else?"

Lin Yan nodded upon hearing the middle-aged man's words: "Understood."

"Yes, thank you for your understanding—"

Before the middle-aged man could finish speaking, his pupils suddenly contracted, and the power of his Dharma body surged, instantly forming a protective shield. At the same time, he retreated rapidly backward.

However, it was still too late.

Lin Yan's fist slammed down, and the terrifying force instantly shattered the protective shield around his body.

boom!

The middle-aged man was sent flying like a sandbag, crashing into a mountain peak dozens of feet away. Rocks tumbled down the mountainside, and the man's life force dropped to its lowest point at that moment.

"Tell me, why did you intend to kill me?"

Lin Yan spoke coldly from a distance of ten feet from the middle-aged man.

A martial artist of the Dharma Aspect realm would never mistake someone for someone else. Even if they were in a state of heightened awareness, they could still stop at the last moment. But the other party did not. That last shot was filled with killing intent. If I were not as strong as this person, I would have been seriously injured by now.

Even if we assume that this person is whoever appears, and he goes all out, even if he has mistaken the person for someone else, he is still thinking of killing the wrong person rather than letting him go. So, I have no burden in killing this person now.

"I am a member of the Wen family. If you kill me, Young Master will definitely avenge me. You should have heard of Young Master Wen, one of the four great young masters on the Dharma Aspect Prodigy Ranking."

The middle-aged man didn't explain why. He knew very well that since the other party had already made a move, there was no point in him saying anything. The only way to save his life was to mention his young master to make the man wary.

"I was the one who struck first, so it's only natural for you to retaliate. Let's call it even. My young master won't cause you any trouble. He's also part of the Eight Phases Secret Realm this time."

After saying that, the middle-aged man glanced at Lin Yan and added, "My young master has a good relationship with Commander Qin. Since you have chosen the path of inspector, you should know Commander Qin."

Hearing the middle-aged man's words, Lin Yan's eyes narrowed slightly. He had naturally heard of the four young masters on the Dharma Aspect Prodigy Ranking, and his enemy was one of them.

This title doesn't have a fixed level; it just so happens that in this year's Dharma Aspect Prodigy Ranking, there are four martial artists under sixty years old who are at least at the fourth level of the Cave Heaven Realm, and they are thus given the title of the Four Young Masters.

As for Commander Qin, he is a powerful expert in the Patrol System. Currently, there are six Commanders in the entire Patrol System, but only one of them is under sixty years old and has the surname Qin.

He learned of this from Lord Luo, who had jokingly said that he would be the next commander.

"I'll give you one last chance."

Upon hearing Lin Yan's words, the middle-aged man's pupils contracted. He had mentioned his own young master, yet the other party still showed no fear. Could this person also be under the command of some young master?

But the opponent is so young, and that punch he just delivered was at least close to the Realm of Reality.

"I—I am acting on your orders, young master, to clear out the area and eliminate any Dharma Aspect martial artists who have entered this place."

boom!

Lin Yan's fist landed, and the middle-aged man's body exploded.

If this person is still not telling the truth at this point, then there's only one explanation: if he reveals the reason, then you'll know that I won't let him off the hook.

A sixth-level Void Realm martial artist thus perished.

After the opponent's body exploded, a light slowly appeared. Lin Yan reached out and grabbed it; the light landed in his hand, revealing a jade slip.

After reading the contents of the jade slip, Lin Yan finally understood why this person had attacked him.

This jade slip contains a method of alchemy that uses the flesh and blood of martial artists as a catalyst to refine powerful elixirs.

"Something's not right about the contents of this jade slip."

Knowing the reason for the other party's actions, Lin Yan frowned slightly. This jade slip was something this person had obtained in the Eight Phases Secret Realm.

However, given the character of that senior Ge Ming, it's impossible for him to have left such an evil technique in the secret realm.

Flood dragon!

The phantom of the dragon he had seen before flashed through Lin Yan's mind; only this beast could have done such a thing.

So this beast wants the martial artists who come in to kill each other?

Having made his judgment, Lin Yan looked at the man's remaining flesh and blood and did not consider refining it into a powerful medicine.

Since the contents of this jade slip are most likely the work of that dragon, and even a powerful martial arts tree cannot gain cultivation by killing people, Lin Yan does not believe the contents of this jade slip. Moreover, even if it is true, there may be other hidden dangers.

With a pinch of the hand, the jade was reduced to powder.

Of course, Lin Yan had already memorized the contents of the jade slip.

Half an hour later, Lin Yan encountered two more people.

"Brother Emei Peak?"

"Brother Luo."

Lin Yan didn't expect to meet Luo Xiao here. After all, Senior Ge Ming had said that only four doors could be entered, and the other four doors would be eliminated once entered.

With nearly a 50% chance, Luo Xiao also managed to get in.

"I didn't expect Brother Emei Peak to be here too. Um—Brother Emei Peak, would you be willing to reveal your surname?"

Luo Xiao spoke to Lin Yan, then explained, "Addressing him as Brother Emei Peak is a bit awkward."

"My surname is Zhuang," Lin Yan replied calmly.

"So it's Brother Zhuang."

Luo Xiao quickly recalled whether there was a Dharma Aspect expert with the surname Zhuang. Several figures quickly appeared in his mind, but their ages and cultivation levels did not match this Brother Zhuang.

It's a fake name.

Luo Xiao muttered a curse in his heart, but said aloud, "This is Brother Pan, a sixth-level inspector. He came in with Qin Dutong."

Pan Zhuo sized up Lin Yan, who had concealed his aura, making it impossible for him to discern his cultivation level. With that thought, he clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Greetings, Brother Zhuang."

"Brother Pan, you're too kind."

"Brother Zhuang, quite a few Dharma Aspect warriors have entered the Eight Aspects Secret Realm this time. There are six Divine Power Realm warriors alone. Almost all those who meet the criteria on the Dharma Aspect Prodigy Ranking have come."

Hearing Luo Xiao's words, Lin Yan asked curiously, "Did all of these people choose the correct door?"

"After the name 'Eight Phases Secret Realm' spread, some powerful figures made deductions that it is very likely related to the Eight Trigrams Formation. There will be a choice of Eight Trigrams positions, and some powerful figures have also told us how to choose them."

"I see."

Lin Yan suddenly realized that there must be people in the Great Zhou who understood array diagrams, and the choice of the eight gates set by Senior Ge Mingqian was not too difficult.

"As long as you don't choose the Qian Gate, it's easier to enter through one of the other three gates. However, it's said that those six powerful experts all entered through the Qian Gate."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yan's eyes narrowed slightly. Did Lu Junlou and his six companions enter through the Qian Gate?

I was already inside the Qian Gate before this, so these six people took two different steps?

Are they martial arts steps?

Lin Yan had a hunch that these six people were most likely on the path of martial arts, otherwise they would have encountered him.

"Brother Luo, Brother Zhuang, let's reunite with Commander Qin as soon as possible."

Pan Zhuo glanced around, and Luo Xiao nodded slightly: "Brother Zhuang, let's talk as we walk."

"it is good."

Lin Yan did not refuse, and the three of them transformed into rainbow light and headed in one direction.

Three hours later.

A majestic mountain peak loomed in sight, and as Lin Yan approached its foot, he sensed more than a dozen figures, ranging from the weakest at the Void Realm to the strongest at the Cave Heaven Realm.

"Commander Qin is over there."

Pan Zhuo whispered something and took the lead, heading towards a certain area at the foot of the mountain. Lin Yan and Luo Xiao followed.

There were five figures here, and one of them stood at the front, gazing at the mountain peak. Hearing the noise, he turned his head and looked over. His gaze swept over Luo Xiao and Pan Zhuo, and finally landed on Lin Yan.

He knew Luo Xiao and Pan Zhuo, but this was the first time he had seen the person wearing the silver mask.

Most importantly, this person concealed his aura to the extreme, and almost no Dharma power leaked out. Judging from the Dharma power revealed by his flight, he was also a Reality Realm expert.

"Commander Qin, Brother Zhuang is also one of our patrolmen. He is known as Emei Peak. When the Eight Phases Secret Realm opened, he and I entered around the same time."

Luo Xiao immediately explained Lin Yan's identity, and Lin Yan clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Greetings, Commander Qin."

"Um."

Qin Zhen nodded, then asked, "Is there any trace of that dragon?"

"no."

Luo Xiao shook his head, while Lin Yan remained silent. He had learned about the situation from Luo Xiao on the way here.

The dragon did not begin its transformation into a dragon an hour later. The reason for this was that while the secret realm could protect the dragon, it also restricted its movements.

The dragon needs to wait until the secret realm closes before it can leave.

One of the tasks that Commander Qin led his men into was to find the dragon and kill it.

Previously, Luo Xiao and Pan Zhuo had searched everywhere, but unfortunately they had not been able to find any trace of the dragon.

"In that case, let's wait here; the dragon will appear."

Qin Zhen didn't say anything more. Lin Yan also found a place to sit down cross-legged, just like Luo Xiao, but his gaze was fixed on the mountain peak shrouded in clouds and mist in front of him.

According to Luo Xiao, this mountain is the only part of this world that cannot be entered. And according to Commander Qin's deduction, the greatest opportunity in the entire secret realm lies within this mountain.

"Recruitment Order"

Lin Yan had some guesses about the opportunities that existed in this mountain. For him, having already obtained a disciple quota from the Tianyan Sect, the Recruitment Token was no longer of much use. However, if possible, Lin Yan still wanted to obtain it, as having another Recruitment Token would give him more options.

In addition to the recruitment order, there may be other martial arts resources.

Luo Xiao had previously discovered a medicinal herb needed to refine a great medicine, and Pan Zhuo had also found a spiritual weapon.

The senior didn't mention it because, given his strength, he wouldn't normally care about ordinary resources.

Martial arts resources that a semi-saint level expert might look down upon would be enough to drive a Cave Heaven Realm martial artist crazy.

After a short while, another figure landed; it was the woman in the white dress.

The woman's clothes were stained with blood in one area. After landing, she simply greeted Qin Zhen and then sat down cross-legged.

Lin Yan glanced at the woman and could tell she had just been in a battle. For a Dharma Aspect expert to rush here without even cleaning the bloodstains from her clothes, there was only one possibility: she had made a great acquisition and was trying to avoid being intercepted and robbed.

They rushed over without stopping for a moment.

Not long after the woman sat down, two figures appeared in everyone's sight. However, when they saw the people sitting there, their expressions changed, and they turned and left.

Upon seeing this, the woman in the plain dress smiled slightly, a hint of smugness flashing in her eyes.

As time passed, more and more martial artists appeared at the foot of the mountain.

"Oh, Junior Brother Pei is here too?"

Looking at the five figures that had just landed on the ground, Lin Yan's expression changed slightly beneath his mask.

Needless to say, he knew Junior Brother Pei, and he also knew the other four. One of them was Zhao Qing, who was also an acquaintance, and the other three were all at the Cave Heaven Realm. One of them was Wang Lingsong, whom he had cleaved away with a single sword strike. So the identities of the other two were self-evident.

Lin Yan did not go forward to greet Pei Shidi and his group of five when they appeared. He was currently inspecting Emei Peak, not Lin Yan, a disciple of the Taiyi Sword Sect.

Not long after Pei Wujiu and his group of five landed, several more streaks of rainbow light pierced through the sky in the distance.

"Lu Junlou, do you dare not fight me?"

Along with these streaks of rainbow light appeared a domineering voice.