CHAPTER 685: CHAPTER 84 THE DEVIL OF THE UNDERGROUND PALACE PEERS INTO THE XUANJI

After securing Su Yihong, Zhang Yan was unwilling to forfeit the honor of breaking the Flag Gate’s formation. With a clear whistle, he rose with his sword, transforming into a streak of light that shot directly into the Array Gate.

As soon as he entered, a mist of colorful smoke brushed past his eyes, obscuring everything and making the path indiscernible.

Yet such obstacles posed no hindrance to him. He summoned the Star Sword Ball and, with the casting of a spell, released the sword light to open the way.

A piercing brilliance cleaved through the fog and turbid Qi, cutting through it like a blade through paper, racing forward as if traversing an unguarded path.

After advancing for approximately five miles, the mist suddenly cleared, revealing a towering three-zhang formation platform ahead. Atop it stood a majestic archway with eaves and corners, rising ten-zhang high. Crafted from jade and wood, with glazed tiles adorning its roof, the structure gleamed brightly, dazzling the eyes.

However, at this moment, the formation platform was guarded by a group of people numbering roughly forty to fifty. Most were Xuan Guang cultivators, with a few Hua Dan cultivators mixed in. When they saw Zhang Yan approaching, a middle-aged Daoist, steady in demeanor, stepped out from the crowd and bowed respectfully, saying loudly, "Is the Master of the Mingcang Sect here?"

Seeing no hostility from them, Zhang Yan withheld his sword light, swept his cold gaze across them, and asked, "Who are you?"

The middle-aged Daoist bowed again with utmost respect and replied, "To report to this Master, we are all guests under the Su Family’s banner. When Su Yihong departed earlier, he ordered us to guard this spot and instructed that any outsider who intrudes must be killed."

"Oh?" Zhang Yan glanced at him, speaking with a trace of amusement, "Then why did you not act according to his orders when you saw me arrive?"

The middle-aged cultivator responded loudly, "Though we are not blind nor deaf, we can clearly see that those besieging the area outside are disciples of the Mingcang Sect. It is certain that the Su Family has committed some heinous act that has enraged both heaven and earth, leading to their fellow sect members launching an attack. We refuse to ally ourselves with such treachery."

These people were merely hired aides whom the Su Family had gathered over time, ignorant of the family’s inner secrets. Most of them were loose cultivators, neither loyal nor fanatical toward the Su Family. Naturally, they had no intention of being dragged into the chaos on the Su Family’s behalf.

With a low chuckle, Zhang Yan remarked, "The Su Family has committed the unforgivable crime of betraying their masters and ancestors. If you do not wish to die, you should know what to do."

The middle-aged Daoist gasped in shock upon hearing this, his face turning pale. The crime of betrayal against one’s masters and ancestors was a grave offense, whether in the Xuanmen or the Demon Dao. Those branded with such infamy were seen as deserving of death by all; anyone who dared ally with them might as well be seeking their own demise.

After steadying his nerves, he declared angrily, "I see now! The Su Family has deceived us too greatly! Hmph, if they lack righteousness, we cannot be blamed for being disloyal!"

This group of dozens was not composed of virtuous individuals. After hearing Zhang Yan’s words, their minds cleared—they knew the only way to sever ties with the Su Family completely was to turn against them.

Zhang Yan waited for a moment, but seeing that they remained motionless, he furrowed his brows and said, "Why have you not left quickly?"

Looking embarrassed and hesitant, the middle-aged Daoist replied, "None of us are skilled in array formations. If we attempt to leave recklessly, we might get lost in the formation’s maze."

Lifting his sleeve to point, Zhang Yan said, "Why don’t you destroy this Flag Gate?"

The middle-aged Daoist let out a bitter laugh and replied, "This Flag Gate is exceedingly sturdy. According to the Su Family members, it was constructed with over ninety thousand blocks of Green House Jade and three hundred beams of Geng Chen Wood, all engraved with talisman prohibitions. With our abilities, I fear we cannot damage it. Master, it would be better to summon a Nascent Soul True Master here; they would surely be able to break this gate."

With a faint smile, Zhang Yan replied, "A mere Flag Gate—why would I require a True Master’s intervention? There’s no need to trouble others; I shall deal with it myself."

The middle-aged Daoist and the group behind him, hearing his confident words, were skeptical in their hearts.

They had secretly attempted to destroy the gate earlier. No matter how hard they tried, the Flag Gate remained completely unmoved. It seemed impossible for one individual to bring it down.

Without further explanation, Zhang Yan activated his Mysterious Skill, and suddenly, a stream of Earth True Light burst forth. He directed this force onto the Flag Gate, pressing it down and then amplifying his mana.

As he continued to channel his Elixir Evil, the True Light grew heavier and denser, until it seemed almost solid, as if a mountain was genuinely being lowered onto the gate. Before long, the Flag Gate began to groan and sway, astounding everyone present.

A few moments later, the Flag Gate finally could no longer withstand the pressure. With a thunderous crash, smoke and dust billowed, and the gate collapsed completely under the tremendous force!

As the gate fell, the entire formation shattered. The mist and smoke were dispersed, and above them, the sky once again returned to its clear, serene state.

The middle-aged Daoist stood dumbfounded, watching in shock for a long while before regaining his senses. When he looked at Zhang Yan again, his eyes were filled with boundless awe and reverence.