Ye Yunfei immediately soared into the air, settling cross-legged atop the Fire Clan's Fire Bow Grand Formation, beginning to contemplate the intricacies of this battle array.
Since Cui Hong had already imprinted the formation's detailed principles into Ye Yunfei's soul sea, combined with Ye Yunfei's own high level of mastery regarding formations, he soon gained a rather profound understanding of this Fire Clan battle formation.
While Ye Yunfei was deep in his contemplation, Cui Hong once again presided over the Fire Bow Grand Formation, launching two arrows in succession. The dozen or so Deities from the Guardian Faction were continuously attempting to breach the Fire Realm's entrance, but were each time repelled by the Fire Bow Grand Formation.
"Senior, I will now try to take charge of the Fire Bow Grand Formation," Ye Yunfei suddenly spoke after Cui Hong had fired the second arrow.
"Young Master Ye, have you grasped this Fire Bow Grand Formation so quickly?" Cui Hong was somewhat surprised.
Though he knew Ye Yunfei was definitely capable of comprehending this battle formation, he hadn't anticipated it would be this fast.
"Senior, I should now be able to preside over this formation and launch an attack," Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Truly, heroes emerge from the young! Very well, Young Master Ye. I now transfer control of the Fire Bow Grand Formation to you," Cui Hong said with pleasant surprise.
Then Cui Hong took a step back, withdrawing from the Fire Bow Grand Formation's area of influence.
Ye Yunfei soared upwards, arriving above the Fire Bow Grand Formation. His body constantly expanded and grew taller, transforming instantly into a gigantic figure that connected heaven and earth. He reached out a hand and grasped the massive Fire Bow resting above the formation.
"This arrow shall draw its power solely from my own energy reserves," Ye Yunfei slowly declared.
Then, three vast golden luminous spheres within his Dantian began to rage, releasing torrents of Yang-Attribute Energy. The eight Divine Meridians of Chaos within his body also simultaneously manifested, each brimming with endless, roaring golden energy coursing violently within.
Following this, a massive surge of Yang-Attribute Energy poured continuously from Ye Yunfei's body, transmitting directly into that enormous Fire Bow.
In accordance with Ye Yunfei's actions, all the energies and laws existing between heaven and earth within the entire Fire Realm converged incessantly towards him.
In the next instant, a fiery arrow materialized on the massive Fire Bow. This arrow was condensed from refined Yang-Attribute Energy and laws, exuding waves of unique, blazing runes that exuded a powerful sense of oppression.
"While this arrow doesn't utilize the energy of the Fire Clan members, it still gathers much of the Fire Realm's own energies and laws. It cannot be considered a feat of my personal power alone," Ye Yunfei thought to himself.
With a resonant *hum*, Ye Yunfei drew the bow and let the arrow fly. The fiercely burning fiery arrow shot directly outwards from the Fire Realm.
Outside the entrance of the Fire Realm at this time, the dozen or so Deities of the Guardian Faction were attempting a new wave of offense. They had already advanced to the realm's entrance, each Deity hovering one or several deity-level artifacts in front of them. The artifacts radiated surging divine light as they attacked towards the interior of the Fire Realm's entrance.
*Clang! Clang! Clang!...*
A flaming arrow shot out from within the Fire Realm, striking every single deity-level artifact and causing them all to be sent flying backwards.
"Damn it! That old bastard Cui Hong still doesn't show signs of energy depletion? Can he keep this up indefinitely?" the dozen or so Deities were forced to retreat a significant distance simultaneously, all somewhat exasperated and frustrated.
They, a group of over a dozen Deities leading the Guardian Faction's great army to deal with a single Fire Realm, had initially thought it would be exceedingly easy. Little did they expect that after all this fighting, there was still no progress whatsoever.
They had launched numerous assaults, but each time had been forced back by fiery arrows shot from within the Fire Realm. The might of the Fire Bow Grand Formation was simply too great; each arrow could simultaneously repel the entire group of Guardian Faction Deities.
Though each of these Deities was fuming with rage and had long lost most of their patience, they were at a complete loss.
"We boasted before coming here that we would annihilate the Fire Realm in the shortest time possible. But now, how much longer must we fight just to penetrate the Fire Realm?" one Deity said resentfully.
"I truly can't believe it. Cui Hong is merely an energy projection, yet he can still wield his ancient Fire Bow to such a terrifying degree. If his main body were here, wouldn't none of us dozens of Deities stand a chance against him?" another Deity said.
"Should we then report to Master Wu and Master Zhou, requesting their assistance?" one Deity suggested.
"From what I know, Master Wu and Master Zhou have been assigned to carry out another mission. They likely do not have the spare time at this moment. Moreover, a dozen or so Deities should suffice to deal with a single Fire Realm. It is unnecessary to disturb powerful beings like Master Wu and Master Zhou. Enough chatter. Let us slowly grind Cui Hong down. We've all brought plenty of pills and energy crystals that can replenish our energy anytime. I refuse to believe this single energy projection of Cui Hong's can outlast us all," another Deity spoke up.
"Indeed. Our dozen or so Deities should be more than enough to handle the Fire Realm. There's no need to trouble Master Wu and Master Zhou; otherwise, what face would we have left? Let's continue," the other Deities also nodded in agreement.
At this moment, within the Fire Realm...
"Excellent, Young Master Ye. You've completely mastered the essence of presiding over this Fire Bow Grand Formation in such a short time. Such talent is rare even in the ancient Chaotic Void Sea," Cui Hong couldn't help but heap praises upon witnessing the arrow Ye Yunfei had just fired by presiding over the formation.
"You praise me too highly, Senior. Senior, from now on, allow me to preside over this Fire Bow Grand Formation," Ye Yunfei said.
"Very well. I must trouble you, Young Master Ye. I shall depart now. Rest assured, I will locate what I need and return as swiftly as possible," Cui Hong stated.
Cui Hong then turned, took a single step, directly vanished into the void, and disappeared. This Fire Realm was the Fire Clan's headquarters, an extremely ancient world. As an ancient master of the Fire Clan, Cui Hong was intimately familiar with it and possessed detailed knowledge of its numerous arrangements. Thus, he held a method to leave the Fire Realm absolutely undetected. However, this method required exceptional strength; ordinary Fire Clan members could not use it to depart this world.
"Young Master Ye, to mislead those outsiders, I will leave a phantom here." At this moment, Cui Hong's voice suddenly echoed within Ye Yunfei's soul sea. A figure of Cui Hong then gradually materialized beside Ye Yunfei.
This figure appeared remarkably distinct and exuded Cui Hong's soul power aura. However, it wasn't a Clone, merely a phantom conjured through some sophisticated technique. It possessed no consciousness or combat capability and was specifically intended for deceiving others.
"Exactly what is Senior Cui Hong seeking? Upon retrieving this item and bringing it back to the Fire Realm, can it truly allow them to contend against the Guardian Faction?" Ye Yunfei watched the spot where Cui Hong vanished, his heart filled with curiosity.
Nevertheless, any item so valued by Cui Hong that he would personally search for it was assuredly no ordinary object.
"Young Master Ye, our patriarch has just issued an order. From this moment forth, all members of our Fire Clan are to heed your commands," a Fire Clan elder stepped forward, speaking respectfully to Ye Yunfei.
"Elder, there's no need for such formality. From now, we must continue to maintain this Fire Bow Grand Formation and jointly resist the attacks of the Guardian Faction's army outside," Ye Yunfei replied.
"Additionally, please distribute these cultivation resources among everyone. They can be used at any time to replenish depleted energies," Ye Yunfei waved a hand, conjuring a large quantity of cultivation resources that fell before the elder.
"Young Master Ye, this is unacceptable. You have come to assist our Fire Clan, and we have yet to provide you compensation, yet we would take your possessions? It is absolutely not allowed. Moreover, since our Fire Clan emerged into the world, we have enjoyed a prosperous period of development, accumulating many cultivation resources. For now, we do not require the resources Young Master Ye offers," the Fire Clan elder waved his hands repeatedly in refusal.
"Elder, do not be so concerned with such accounts. During this exceptional time, focusing on the enemy is paramount. Among the cultivation resources I provided, many are pills I personally refined. These pills contain very refined Yang-Attribute Energy, which is exceptionally useful to Fire Clan members. They can swiftly replenish your expended fire-attribute energy," Ye Yunfei explained.
"Young Master Ye, these Demigod-level pills containing Yang-Attribute Energy were refined by you? I never imagined Young Master Ye was also a Demigod-level alchemist," the elder glanced at the cultivation resources Ye Yunfei had produced. Indeed, he found pills brimming with yang energy; the majority were Demigod-level pills. These yang-attribute pills were truly beneficial for Fire Clan members, rapidly replenishing spent energy.
"Indeed, I can refine Demigod-level Yang-Attribute pills. Here's what I propose, Elder: Please gather all the yang-attribute herbs and various heavenly materials and earthly treasures from your Fire Realm at once. I shall refine pills for you. I believe my refined pills will be of great benefit to your Fire Clan members," Ye Yunfei nodded and said.
"Very well, Young Master Ye. I shall immediately dispatch members to collect all yang-attribute herbs and any heavenly materials and earthly treasures within the Fire Realm suitable for alchemy, delivering them all before you," hearing Ye Yunfei's words, the elder couldn't contain his delight. He could clearly see the exceptional usefulness of the yang-attribute pills Ye Yunfei had just produced. For Fire Clan members, these pills were indeed most beneficial, capable of swiftly replenishing expended energies—a precious commodity, particularly under the present circumstances demanding substantial energy consumption.
At this elder's command, a group of Fire Clan members immediately began gathering all yang-attribute herbs within the Fire Realm, along with various heavenly materials and earthly treasures containing Yang-Attribute Energy.
Meanwhile, outside the Fire Realm, the dozen or so Deities of the Guardian Faction launched yet another wave of attack.
"All troops heed my order! Activate all artifacts at your disposal! Join us in this assault!" a Deity of the Guardian Faction roared, issuing a command.
Instantly, every member of the Guardian Faction's allied army retrieved their artifacts.
*Rumble!...*
The dozen-odd Deities led the charge, sending their deity-level artifacts hurtling towards the Fire Realm's entrance. Then, all other members of the Guardian Faction forces followed suit, hurling their artifacts towards the same entrance.
Suddenly, vast amounts of artifacts rained upon the Fire Realm's entrance like a torrential downpour. Unchecked, these artifacts would undoubtedly penetrate into the Fire Realm.
Observing the scene, Ye Yunfei dared not delay. He barked an order. All Fire Clan members channeled their energies into the Fire Bow Grand Formation. Standing atop the formation, Ye Yunfei—*BOOM*—shot another fiercely flaming arrow.
This flaming arrow packed even greater power than his first shot, as it concentrated the combined energies of Ye Yunfei and all Fire Clan members.
*Clang! Clang! Clang!...*
The arrow shot beyond the Fire Realm, then repeatedly clashed with one artifact after another. Clear metallic clang after clang resonated incessantly—dense as pelting rain, akin to the crackle of a string of firecrackers ablaze.
Under the stunned gazes of those from the Guardian Faction, this single arrow repelled every incoming artifact.
"How is this possible? This arrow seemed even more powerful than before. How could that bastard Cui Hong grow stronger with each engagement?" The dozen Guardian Faction Deities were utterly stunned. They discovered the arrow just launched possessed greater might than those shot earlier.
Given that Cui Hong's phantom remained floating above the Fire Bow Grand Formation and Ye Yunfei's aura remained concealed by the Concealment Talisman, the Guardian Faction Deities still attributed the attack to Cui Hong.
"All of you, do not panic. This must be a desperate attempt by Cui Hong to intimidate us, recklessly expending even more energy to launch such a shot. This clearly indicates he's already flustered—a spent force. There is nothing to fear. We shall continue sapping his strength as before," one Guardian Faction Deity said sternly.
"However, we have indeed expended considerable energy earlier. Let everyone take a brief rest to replenish," the Deity contemplated, then proclaimed in a clear voice.
Hence, all members of the Guardian Faction commenced resting in their current positions, retrieving various resources they had brought along to refill their energies.
In truth, the only ones who had expended significant energy were the dozen Guardian Faction Deities. They had continuously attempted to breach the Fire Realm, yet each time were forced back by an arrow. After multiple attempts, their energies were considerably depleted. As for the ordinary troops of the Guardian Faction who had only just begun their assault, of course, they hadn't expended much energy.
While the dozen Guardian Faction Deities rested to restore their energy within the Fire Realm...
"Young Master Ye, here are the Yang-Attribute herbs and various heavenly materials and earthly treasures we have gathered," an elder leading a group of Fire Clan members arrived before Ye Yunfei, producing a large quantity of herbs and rare natural treasures.
These herbs and treasures all exuded intense fire-attribute energy and fire-attribute laws, as the Fire Realm's world primarily constituted fire-attribute energy. Thus, a vast majority of herbs and treasures produced within this world were rich in fiery energies and laws.
"Elder, whatever pills you require, simply inform me. If I'm capable of refining them, I will gladly assist. However, should you need pills whose recipes I'm unaware of, please provide the requisite alchemy formulas," Ye Yunfei swept his sleeves, gathering all the herbs and heavenly materials and earthly treasures before him. Then he materialized a Clone, sending it into the Shadowless Pagoda to begin refining Demigod-level pills.
"Very well, Young Master Ye. I shall now give you the alchemy recipes for several special pills of our Fire Clan. They are stored within this jade slip. Please refine them for us; we appreciate your trouble," another elder took out a jade slip, handing it to Ye Yunfei as he spoke.
Ye Yunfei accepted the slip, then began refining according to the few pill recipes recorded within. Naturally, besides these specific pills, Ye Yunfei also refined others from his knowledge that contained fiery energy.
Since Ye Yunfei possessed two soul bodies and over a score of Soul Force Stars, enabling multitasking, he straightforwardly condensed another five or six Clones, sending them into the Shadowless Pagoda. He then produced five or six alchemy cauldrons. Each Clone commenced refining different pills.
Given the differing temporal flows between the Shadowless Pagoda and the outer world, Ye Yunfei's Clones' refined pills soon poured forth in continuous streams, delivered into the hands of Fire Clan members.
"Young Master Ye, your alchemy skills are truly exceptional. These pills you refined are of immense use to our Fire Clan. With them, I am confident our Fire Bow Grand Formation can exert even greater might," the Fire Clan elders, having consumed Ye Yunfei's refined pills, were overjoyed.
Previously, due to the Fire Bow Grand Formation's continuous attacks, all Fire Clan members had expended some energy. Now the elders discovered that by taking Ye Yunfei's pills, their depleted energies were wholly restored within moments, sparking genuine delight.
As time flowed, more and more pills were delivered from the Shadowless Pagoda into the waiting hands of Fire Clan members. After absorbing these refined pills, each Fire Clan member swiftly recovered, brimming with spirit and burgeoning fighting intent.
"Hahaha! Young Master Ye, it appears we have nearly restored all the energy previously consumed. We are ready once again to engage the Guardian Faction scoundrels outside without reservation!" a Fire Clan elder laughed heartily.
Now, outside the Fire Realm, the dozen Guardian Faction Deities had rested and replenished themselves, rising one by one.
"Everyone, launch another joint assault!" the leading Deity proclaimed in a clear voice.
With that, the dozen-plus Deities, leading the Guardian Faction forces once more, commenced a fresh offensive.