Immortality and Cultivation: I can extract entries from all things.

The sea was as black as ink.

Fang He stood at the bow of the ship, his blue Taoist robe fluttering in the sea breeze.

The ten people behind him remained silent, with only the faint sound of oars cutting through the water.

After inspecting the last magic sword, Zhao Hengdao walked to Fang He's side.

"Inspector Fang, there are still ten miles to go."

Fang He nodded slightly, gazing into the distance.

There was no light on the horizon; it was the darkest hour before dawn.

"Check the concealment talisman again."

His voice was deep.

"This mission is of utmost importance; we must not engage in battle unless absolutely necessary. Our objective is to infiltrate the heart of the island and destroy the central core of the formation."

The ten vanguard members responded in unison.

Fang He looked around at everyone. Zhao Hengdao, Zhou Qing, and eight elite members of the Zhou family. He had personally selected these people, and their cultivation level was at least the sixth level of Qi Refining.

Three nights ago, Zhou Tieshan made the final decision.

"Zhou Xiaolan led the main force of twenty men in a feint attack from the front, while Fang He served as the vanguard captain, leading ten elite men to infiltrate first."

Foreign Affairs Inspector.

The monthly salary is fifty spirit stones, and the status is equivalent to that of a collateral elder.

Fang He rose from a lowly, unaffiliated cultivator to his current position in just a few years. His rise appears glamorous, but in reality, every step has been fraught with peril.

The slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin.

"What is Inspector Fang thinking?"

Zhao Hengdao asked in a low voice.

Fang He pulled himself out of his thoughts and said calmly, "I'm wondering if Qing'ao Island can remain peaceful after this battle."

Zhao Hengdao grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.

"What's there to be afraid of? With Inspector Fang around, the Dark Abyss Pavilion is nothing."

In the past few months, Zhao Hengdao's attitude towards Fang He has undergone a complete transformation.

From initial dissatisfaction to current conviction, it wasn't based on status or position, but on repeated facts.

Fang He didn't reply, but instead took out an array plate from his pocket.

"Start the talisman."

All ten team members simultaneously activated concealment talismans, and a faint spiritual light enveloped the small boat.

Fang He activated [Concealment Mastery], and the green entry in his mind glowed faintly. A profound realization surged into his heart, and he felt as if he had merged with the surrounding darkness.

"Walk."

The small boat glided silently across the sea, approaching Black Reef Island.

The sea breeze was biting, carrying a salty, fishy smell.

Fang He closed his eyes slightly, fully activating his [Divine Sense Warning] ability. His divine sense spread outwards like ripples, covering an area of ​​fifty feet in radius.

This is the maximum range of his [Divine Sense Warning] after breaking through to the seventh level of Qi Refining.

Within fifty feet, no fluctuation of spiritual energy could escape his perception.

"There is a fluctuation of spiritual energy thirty feet to the left."

Fang He suddenly opened her eyes and lowered her voice.

"A hidden sentry."

Everyone held their breath.

Fang He carefully sensed it. The spiritual energy fluctuations were weak but regular, with slight ups and downs every now and then.

"It's a sea-patrolling spirit beast, not a cultivator."

He made a judgment.

"Go around it."

The small boat turned slightly, approaching Black Reef Island from the other side.

Fifteen minutes later, the outline of the reef came into view.

We've arrived at Black Reef Island.

Fang He raised his hand to signal everyone to stop, and then silently leaped into the water using [Water Spirit Affinity].

The seawater was icy cold.

He slithered like a fish, approaching the rocky shore of the island.

[Divine Sense Warning] Two fluctuations of spiritual energy were sensed ahead. Mid-stage Qi Refining Realm, likely outer patrol guards.

Fang He surfaced, only his eyes showing.

Two black-robed monks stood on the reef, talking in hushed tones.

"Is this batch of offerings enough?"

"It has to be enough, even if it's not enough. His Majesty said the ritual must be completed when the tide is at its strongest."

"I heard that people from the Qingyuan Sect have arrived?"

"Shh! Watch your words! How could you or I possibly discuss such a person?"

Fang He's heart stirred.

Are people from the Qingyuan Sect here?

He silently memorized the information, then dived underwater and circled around to the other side of the reef.

"Splash—"

Fang He climbed onto the reef silently, followed closely by ten team members.

Everyone was soaked, but no one made a sound.

"Inspector Fang, which way do we go next?"

Zhou Qing leaned closer and asked, his voice extremely low.

Fang He squatted down and placed his palm on the reef.

Faint spiritual energy veins emanated from the ground, densely packed like a spider web. This was the first layer of the spiritual wave sensing array, capable of detecting the aura of any living being that entered its range.

"There's a formation."

Fang He said in a low voice.

"The Spirit Wave Sensing Array covers an area of ​​100 feet in radius. Once stepped into, the array's central control will immediately become alert."

The expressions on everyone's faces changed slightly.

Zhao Hengdao gritted his teeth: "Then what do we do?"

Fang He closed his eyes and sensed for a moment, then the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"This formation has flaws."

He explained in a low voice, "There is a three-breath interval between the nodes of the array. As long as you pass through the gap between the nodes within these three breaths, you can deceive everyone."

"Follow me, walk lightly, and do not circulate your spiritual energy."

Fang He led the way, with the others following closely behind.

Every step was treading on the gaps between nodes, as thrilling as walking a tightrope.

Three breaths. Five breaths. Seven breaths.

Finally, everyone passed through the range of the spirit wave sensing array.

Fang He's forehead was covered in a fine sweat, but a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.

"It's a success."

He looked at Zhao Hengdao: "Extract something from the fragments of the array plate."

Fang He squatted down and picked up a piece of the array plate that had fallen off.

[Retrievable historical traces detected]

[Item: Fragment of the Spirit Wave Array Disc]

[Historical Imprint: Insights from Predecessors on Formations (White), A Mid-Stage Qi Refining Formation Master's Breakthrough Experience]

【Whether to extract? 】

"extract."

Extraction successful

[Acquired entry: Formation Resonance (White), increases the speed of breaking similar formations by 15%]

As the entry was added to the account, Fang He's lips curled into a slight smile.

This white entry may seem insignificant, but it will be of great benefit to breaking through the formation later.

"Keep going."

He whispered, leading the group stealthily toward the heart of the island.

The darkness before dawn grew ever deeper.

A faint light appeared on the distant sea, and the sky gradually brightened.

Fang He knew that they didn't have much time left to infiltrate.

---

The island is covered with jagged rocks and dark reefs.

Fang He led his team through the reefs, taking each step with utmost care.

"stop."

He suddenly raised his hand, and everyone immediately stopped.

Three zhang ahead, faint patterns of spiritual light appeared on the ground.

"Second layer, a chain of restrictions."

This is a chain-triggered array. The nine restricted nodes are interconnected; once any node is triggered, the alarm for the entire island will be activated.

"Nine nodes..."

Fang He muttered to himself, his mind racing.

The array's structure was deconstructed and reassembled in his mind. Three safe paths gradually became clear. Each path was as narrow as a line; the slightest deviation would trigger the restriction.

"Stay close to me and step where I've stepped."

Fang He said in a deep voice.

"Not a single step can be wrong."

He was the first to step into the formation's area.

The right foot lands on the first safe spot, followed by the left foot.

The team members behind him held their breath and followed suit.

Fang He walked very slowly, checking each step repeatedly.

A quarter of an hour later, the group finally passed through the chain of restrictions.

Zhao Hengdao wiped away a cold sweat and lowered his voice: "Inspector Fang, this formation is too mysterious. If it weren't for you, we would have been dead here long ago."

Fang He said calmly, "The third level is even more dangerous."

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

As we ventured deeper, the heart of the island came into view.

The air was filled with a faint, salty, fishy smell, as well as some indescribable, eerie odor.

Fang He's nose twitched slightly.

"The smell of blood."

He whispered, "Fresh."

Everyone looked solemn and gripped their magical artifacts tightly.

The terrain ahead gradually slopes down, revealing a natural depression.

At the bottom of the depression, a thick black mist lingered and did not dissipate.

"Shadow Strangulation Array..."

Fang He's pupils constricted slightly.

Countless fine shadows, as thin as hair, could be vaguely seen moving within the black mist, cutting tiny cracks into the rocks wherever they passed.

"Inspector Fang, how do we get through here?"

Zhou Qing's voice was strained.

Fang He didn't answer, but simply closed his eyes to sense.

"Divine consciousness has been restricted."

Fang He frowned.

This Shadow Strangulation Array is more complete than when he scouted it, clearly indicating that someone is continuously maintaining and upgrading it.

"I'll scout ahead; you all wait here."

He gave the order in a low voice and went forward alone.

As soon as I stepped into the edge of the black mist, a chilling aura rushed towards me.

Fang He activated [Concealment Mastery], his figure blending into the darkness as he slowly moved forward.

Visibility was obstructed by the black fog, and one could only see three feet in front of them.

The deadly intent of the Shadow Strangulation Array lies hidden in every shadow, making it impossible to defend against.

Fang He proceeded cautiously, testing the waters at every step.

Sudden--

Fang He turned around abruptly and saw a dark shadow attacking from behind like a venomous snake!

"roll!"

He retreated rapidly, and at the same time, a fireball talisman popped out from his sleeve.

boom!

The firelight illuminated the black mist, temporarily forcing the shadowy figure to retreat.

But more shadows surged in from all directions, spreading like a spider web.

Fang He's forehead was beaded with sweat, knowing that he had fallen into the heart of the killing formation.

"Inspector Fang!"

Zhao Hengdao's shouts and hurried footsteps came from behind.

"Don't come any closer!"

Fang He shouted sternly.

But Zhao Hengdao had already rushed into the black mist, slashing at the shadows with his sword.

"I'll help you—"

Before he could finish speaking, three shadowy figures attacked Zhao Hengdao's back from cunning angles.

Zhao Hengdao was completely unaware and continued to slash at the shadows in front of him.

Fang He moved with lightning speed, grabbing Zhao Hengdao by the back of his collar and pulling him back.

laugh--

Three shadows grazed Zhao Hengdao's back, leaving three rips in his Taoist robe.

Just an inch away, and it would have meant being gutted.

Zhao Hengdao's face was deathly pale, still shaken.

"Thank you so much, Patrolman Fang, for saving my life..."

Fang He said irritably, "Reckless! Even I have to be careful when dealing with this Shadow Annihilation Formation. Are you just going to rush in and die?"

Zhao Hengdao lowered his head awkwardly: "I saw Inspector Fang in danger, and in a moment of panic..."

Fang He felt a warmth in her heart, but her tone remained indifferent.

"Stay close to me and don't act on your own."

"yes!"

The two carefully moved through the shadows.

It took the two fifteen minutes to successfully cross the Shadow Killing Array.

The eight team members behind him also passed through in the same way, without any major incident.

"Finally made it through..."

Zhou Qing let out a long sigh of relief, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

Fang He didn't speak, but just looked up and gazed ahead.

The sight before them made everyone gasp in shock.

At the heart of the island, a massive array covering several acres is operating at full capacity.

Hundreds of array plates are pieced together to form intricate patterns, with flowing light and an obscure, cold atmosphere.

At the core of the formation was an altar, around which twelve black-robed cultivators sat chanting some kind of ancient incantation.

At the center of the altar, a huge black crystal floated in mid-air, emitting a chilling aura.

A moment later, his expression changed drastically.

"They are summoning something."

He said in a low voice, his voice tense.

"The ceremony is halfway through; if it's completed..."

He didn't finish speaking, but everyone already understood the danger involved.

Zhao Hengdao gritted his teeth: "Inspector Fang, what should we do?"

Fang He took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.

He took out a specially made communication talisman from his pocket, which Zhou Xiaolan had given him before he set off.

As spiritual energy was infused, the communication talisman glowed faintly.

"In three quarters of an hour, the final assault will begin."

Fang He said in a low voice, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"Zhao Hengdao, you take five men to occupy the high ground on the east side, and launch a surprise attack from the flank when the battle begins."

"Zhou Qing, you take four men and guard the western escape route. Don't let anyone escape."

"I infiltrated alone, looking for an opportunity to destroy the core of the formation."

The group obeyed and quietly dispersed.

Fang He hid behind a rock, his eyes fixed on the altar.

The chanting of the twelve black-robed monks grew increasingly urgent, and the fluctuations of the black crystal became more and more intense.

He could sense that something was awakening deep beneath the sea.

Ancient. Evil. Powerful.

Time is running out.