The three sect masters joined forces, and a Teleportation Array instantly appeared in the air above the mountaintop.
This was the first time Mo Tiange had seen a Teleportation Array. Although she studied array formations, creating a set of Teleportation Arrays was on a scale comparable to a mountain-protecting grand array, far beyond her current level of attainment. Before her eyes, the circular Teleportation Array was covered in profound cloud patterns, with Spirit Stones embedded within. The entire array shimmered with flowing light and color, exuding an aura of mystery.
She stared intently at the Teleportation Array, trying to comprehend its meaning. All array formations were interpretations of the heavens, earth, yin-yang, the Five Elements, and the Eight Trigrams, but the complex arrangement of Eight Trigrams patterns and yin-yang sequences before her was utterly incomprehensible for the moment. Mo Tiange sighed. It wasn't just a lack of attainment in array formations; some things simply couldn't be understood at her current realm. Perhaps only after advancing to Foundation Establishment, or even forming her Core or Nascent Soul, would she be able to grasp them.
Once the array appeared, the disciples rushed to teleport one after another. If not for the presence of their sect elders, conflicts might have broken out. A moment later, it was finally their group's turn. With a flash of white light, the five of them vanished together into the Teleportation Array.
The surroundings darkened. Mo Tiange opened her eyes and couldn't help but feel astonished. Where was this place?
The others also opened their eyes to observe their surroundings, and they all frowned.
The place they were in was surrounded by rock walls, with a long, narrow passageway. It seemed to be some kind of cavern.
"Where is this?" Xu Jingzhi said while looking around. "They didn't teleport us into some spirit beast's den, did they?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone else's expressions changed. Indeed, the surroundings did look very much like a cave, possibly the dwelling place of a spirit beast. If that were the case, they had really hit the jackpot. Without even encountering disciples from the other two sects, the spirit beast itself would give them a hard time.
Liu Yidao was the first to calm down. "Junior Brother Xu makes a good point. We'd better be careful."
After observing for a while, the five of them chose a direction, summoned their spirit artifacts or protective spells, and proceeded cautiously.
But this cave, whatever spirit beast it belonged to, had numerous forks in all directions. The five of them walked around, bypassed several dead ends, but couldn't find an exit no matter what, nor did they encounter any spirit beast. Gradually, they became lost. The cave was like a maze; no matter where they went, the surroundings showed no change, even the patterns on the rock walls were identical.
After walking for nearly half an hour, everyone finally lost patience. Xu Jingzhi was the first to speak up. "We'll never get out like this!" Even Jiang Shanghang wore an impatient expression. Mo Tiange also felt a trace of irritation in her heart. The unchanging scenery was truly annoying.
After pondering for a long time, Liu Yidao said, "Otherwise, shall we split up to find a way?"
"This..." The others hesitated. If they split up, what if they encountered a spirit beast?
"Let's split up," Mo Tiange finally made up her mind. "We don't even know if this is a spirit beast's den. It might just be an underground karst cave. If we keep circling like this, who knows how long it will take? Better to split up and scout the paths."
"Right," Xu Jingzhi also said. "I agree with Junior Brother Ye. Even if we really encounter danger, let's just consider it gaining experience. There's no real loss."
Seeing that no one objected, Liu Yidao said, "In that case, shall we split into two groups or three? Two groups might be safer, but three groups would find a way faster."
Qin Xi said, "Since we've decided to split up, let's do three groups."
"Alright. If we split into three groups, I'll take one alone. Junior Brothers Jiang and Qin, you each take one Junior Brother with you for the other two groups." Liu Yidao made this arrangement because among the five of them, he, Jiang Shanghang, and Qin Xi were all at Qi Refining Level 10, while Xu Jingzhi and Mo Tiange were at Qi Refining Level 8. This ensured each group had roughly similar strength, so they wouldn't be defeated too quickly if they encountered danger. Taking a path alone himself was arguably the most disadvantageous, so the others had no objections.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Liu," Qin Xi expressed his thanks, then turned to Mo Tiange and Xu Jingzhi. "Which of you two Junior Brothers will come with me?"
Mo Tiange and Xu Jingzhi exchanged a glance. Xu Jingzhi said, "Junior Brother Ye, you go with Senior Brother Qin. I'll go with Senior Brother Jiang." As he spoke, he winked at her. Mo Tiange understood his meaning. Last time, she had saved Jiang Shanghang, but he hadn't shown any gratitude at all. Xu Jingzhi knew she disliked Jiang Shanghang, so he was letting her go with Qin Xi.
Mo Tiange also knew that Xu Jingzhi's relationship with Jiang Shanghang was slightly better than hers, so she didn't refuse. She nodded. "Alright."
The five of them split into groups and each chose a direction to set off.
It was still the same maze-like paths, the same unchanging rock walls. Mo Tiange followed Qin Xi for a while, encountering several dead ends. They still marked them as before, but it had no effect.
Another half hour passed like this, and Mo Tiange grew somewhat impatient. She became increasingly certain that this was no spirit beast's den. It was likely a maze array set up here by the seniors of the Three Sects, because a spirit beast wouldn't have the ability to create such a maze-like effect. Within it, one couldn't even distinguish direction.
At that moment, Qin Xi suddenly turned his head and glanced at her. "Junior Brother Ye, guard your mind."
Mo Tiange was startled. Only then did she realize she was about to be overwhelmed by impatience. Alarmed, she quickly focused her Qi in her Dantian, and only then felt clarity return to her mind. She couldn't help but feel a wave of fear. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother." It seemed this maze wasn't so simple. Being inside it, one unknowingly became emotionally unstable. In such a state, it would be easy to make mistakes when encountering danger. What exactly was this place?
Qin Xi carefully examined the surrounding rock walls and asked, "Junior Brother Ye, do you understand the Dao of array formations?"
Mo Tiange nodded. "I know a little."
"Then, do you think this looks like an array formation?"
Mo Tiange had already thought so. She replied immediately, "Yes. Everything here is exactly the same, as if we can never reach the end. It very much resembles a maze array. However, if this is an array formation, the person who set it must be at least at the Foundation Establishment stage or above. From what I know, it would be very difficult to break."
Qin Xi wasn't disappointed. "I had indeed heard before that Mist Valley, before it became a competition ground, was once a secluded cultivation site for seniors in the sect. Perhaps this is an array left behind by those seniors."
"Oh?" This was the first time Mo Tiange had heard of this. She asked curiously, "Senior Brother Qin, where did you learn this?"
Qin Xi said, "An uncle-master from the North Peak mentioned it. I only heard him bring it up in passing. But because the Spirit Vein here grew increasingly poor and the mist grew thicker, gradually no one came anymore. Later, when the Three Sects needed a place for competitions, they rediscovered this valley."
"So, when they selected the competition ground, they should have thoroughly investigated it. How could this array still be here?"
"Perhaps it was too well hidden. Or perhaps they thought this array could be part of the competition."
That was possible. Mo Tiange didn't say anything more and continued to carefully investigate step by step with Qin Xi. Even if it was an array set up by a high-level cultivator, there must be an array eye. Once they found it, it would be easier to get out.