novelraw Chapter 161: Hidden Intent
Chapter 161: Hidden Intent
The formation flags had somehow embedded themselves directly into the crystal wall! They appeared to have grown organically from the barrier’s surface, as though they had always been part of its structure rather than external additions.
The flags weren’t sitting on top of the wall or pushed partway through—they were integrated with it at a fundamental level, their bases seamlessly merged with the glowing blue crystal.
Marcus and Mr. Yun both revealed unconcealed delight on their faces. Their eyes brightened with renewed hope and their confidence in Vogue’s abilities grew substantially. If he can manipulate the barrier at this level, they both thought simultaneously, perhaps he really can break through!
Sir Collins’s expression shifted through multiple emotions in rapid succession—first stunned surprise, then thoughtful analysis, followed by reluctant admiration. He had to acknowledge that this level of formation manipulation was genuinely impressive.
Sean’s face showed complex feelings as well, though his reaction was harder to read. He appeared amazed and perhaps slightly worried, though whether he worried for Vogue’s safety or something else wasn’t clear.
Vogue didn’t pause to observe their reactions. He took several confident steps forward until he stood directly before the wall where the flags were now embedded. He pressed both palms firmly against the crystal surface, his fingers beginning to glow with faint azure light.
At that exact moment, the formation flags embedded in the wall seemed to awaken in response to his touch. The center of the flag arrangement began pulsing with brilliant rainbow-colored light—far more vibrant and intense than their initial glow.
The rainbow radiance became increasingly brilliant with each pulse, gradually spreading outward from the formation’s core. Within seconds, it had expanded to cover a significant portion of the wall in a magnificent, shifting display of prismatic color.
As everyone watched with rapt attention, completely entranced by the beautiful and mysterious phenomenon, Vogue suddenly pulled his hands away from the crystal wall and took several steps back.
His figure blurred with impossible speed—and in the next instant, he had reappeared at a neighboring section of wall several meters away, as though he had teleported rather than walked.
After examining this new section carefully for a brief period, Vogue withdrew another set of formation flags from his storage space. He arranged these flags in a notably different configuration from the first formation—the pattern and positioning were distinct, though clearly designed to complement rather than conflict with the initial setup.
The flags flickered with white light as before, then embedded themselves smoothly into this second wall section without any resistance.
The other cultivators had been better prepared this time, protecting their eyes with spiritual barriers in anticipation of another flash. As a result, they were able to clearly observe how effortlessly the flags pierced into the supposedly impenetrable walls under Vogue’s expert command.
They couldn’t help but make small sounds of amazement—quiet clicks of tongues or sharp intakes of breath.
He’s making it look so easy, several of them thought with a mixture of envy and respect. As though the Saint-level barrier is cooperating with him rather than resisting. How is this possible?
Using this same methodical process, Vogue proceeded to place specialized formation arrays on each of the four main walls surrounding the hall. Each configuration was slightly different, precisely tailored to the specific energy flows and structural properties of its respective wall section.
The entire setup process took no less than one full hour of concentrated work, during which Vogue moved between walls, made minute adjustments to flag positions, and carefully balanced the energy distribution across all four formations.
The other cultivators didn’t show any signs of impatience during this extended period. They all understood from experience that dissolving such a profoundly complex ancient protective barrier wasn’t something that could be accomplished quickly or carelessly.
If anything, several of them were impressed by how efficiently Vogue was working—most formation specialists would have required days of preparation for an undertaking of this magnitude.
Having successfully arranged specialized formations on each of the four walls, Vogue walked purposefully to the exact center of the hall. He raised one hand, revealing a green jade formation plate approximately the size of a dinner plate.
This was clearly the control mechanism—the master key that would coordinate and activate all four wall-mounted formations simultaneously.
Vogue held the jade plate level in front of his chest and began striking it with a rapid series of complex incantation seals. His fingers moved so quickly they became a blur, each seal precisely shaped and charged with specific spiritual commands before being released into the plate.
The formation plate responded to each input, beginning to pulse with increasingly intense light. Simultaneously, the four crystal walls also began twinkling with various colored radiance, their embedded flags activating in synchronized patterns.
The lights pulsed in perfect rhythm with each other—plate and walls coordinating as a unified system.
Vogue didn’t bother to glance around at the spectacular light show surrounding him. He simply kept his head lowered, focused entirely on the formation plate in his hands, and uttered a single authoritative word:
"Break."
In the exact instant that command left his lips, the synchronized light from all sources surged dramatically. The entire hall filled with such brilliant radiance that it became painful to look at directly.
An ear-piercing cry erupted from somewhere—or perhaps from everywhere at once—as the formation activated fully. The sound started relatively quiet but became increasingly loud and high-pitched with each passing second.
Within moments, it had grown so intense that it sounded as though ten thousand birds were simultaneously crying out in distress or celebration. The noise was almost unbearable, forcing several cultivators to cover their ears despite their enhanced resistance to such effects.
Then came a final, tremendous rumble that shook the entire mountain. The assembled experts felt the vibration travel through the floor and up through their bodies.
And suddenly, dramatically, the entire hall went dark. All the lights—from the walls, from the flags, from everywhere—vanished simultaneously, plunging them into complete blackness.
The cultivators stood in confused darkness for several heartbeats, unsure what had just happened. Had Vogue succeeded or failed?
Then their eyes adjusted, and they discovered something extraordinary:
The glowing blue crystal walls that had surrounded them moments ago had completely vanished! In their place were ordinary stone walls—rough, natural rock surfaces that looked like they belonged to any normal cave system.
More importantly, one of these stone walls featured a massive door. The entrance was approximately twenty meters tall and twelve meters wide—far larger than any normal doorway, clearly designed to accommodate beings of substantial size or to create an impression of grandeur.
The door itself appeared to be constructed from some kind of dark, weathered wood that had somehow survived centuries without rotting. Ancient symbols were carved into its surface, though their meaning wasn’t immediately clear.
The barrier is down, everyone realized simultaneously. The path is open.
A genuine flash of joy and excitement crossed Marcus’s face. He couldn’t contain his enthusiasm as he spoke with warm approval:
"Excellent work, Fellow Cultivator Vogue! I must say I’m genuinely impressed. I didn’t expect that you possessed such advanced skills in formation manipulation. This is wonderful news!"
He laughed heartily, relief and anticipation mixing in the sound. "Mr. Yun and I will naturally keep our word regarding priority selection. After we both make our choices from whatever treasures we find, you’ll have the next selection opportunity before anyone else. You’ve more than earned that privilege."
Mr. Yun wore an equally satisfied smile as he gazed at the newly revealed stone door. His eyes gleamed with barely controlled fervor and greed at the thought of what might lie beyond.
After a hundred years of searching and planning, the old man thought with intense satisfaction, we’re finally going to access a Saint’s inheritance!
Sir Collins, unable to contain his excitement and impatience, stepped forward eagerly:
"Family Head Marcus, let’s see what treasures await inside! Surely there can’t be additional protective barriers beyond this point?"
Marcus replied with complete confidence, his earlier caution replaced by certainty:
"Be at ease, Fellow Cultivator Collins. According to the historical records we’ve studied, this ruin should only have two layers of protective formations—the outer mountain seal and this inner Wondrous Soul barrier. We’ve now overcome both successfully. Whatever lies beyond this door should be accessible without further obstacles."
He strode forward decisively and, without further preamble, swept his sleeve toward the massive stone door. A pulse of spiritual energy struck the ancient mechanism, and with a deep grinding sound of stone against stone, the door began slowly opening inward.
The many cultivators felt their last remaining worries and doubts evaporate as they watched the entrance reveal itself. After so much effort and danger, they were finally about to claim their rewards!
Everyone began moving forward, following Marcus toward the now-open doorway, each person eager to see what a Saint had left behind three centuries ago.
Vogue walked calmly among them, his expression neutral and unrevealing. But his mind was racing with cold calculations.
Just a little longer, he thought with icy patience. Let them think everything is proceeding according to plan. Let them think I’m a useful tool who’s been properly used and discarded. When the time comes for revenge, they won’t see it coming until far too late.