Chapter 1060: Chapter 1059: Small Qinglong Array

The fiery red figure within the doorway gradually dispersed the flames surrounding him, revealing his tall and sturdy figure. It turned out to be a man dressed in a red robe, with a resolute face. He stood before the great door, holding a long bow emanating a scorching aura. Clearly, the rain of arrows just now was shot by him.

"It’s Flame Star, the former right God’s Envoy of the Fire God Sect."

The voice of an elderly white-haired man came through, with a hint of sigh, "I didn’t expect him to end up in such a state, neither human nor ghost."

"He seems to have no evil aura about him."

Golden light flickered in Ling Chen’s eyes, and he immediately shook his head. From this red-robed man, he hadn’t sensed any evil presence. Though the man’s gaze appeared somewhat vacant and devoid of emotion, he didn’t seem to be controlled by evil forces.

"Perhaps he only wants to guard this place."

The elderly white-haired man said.

"Has he held on with just a sliver of obsession until now?"

Ling Chen was a bit surprised. The members of the Fire God Sect were each more formidable than the last, capable of maintaining the immortality of their flesh bodies through sheer will. Although this Flame Star likely used some secret art, achieving such a feat was still astonishing.

"Why is there another gatekeeper, and seemingly a strong one at that?"

Huangfu Qi’s face turned somewhat unsightly. He was already mentally prepared to venture inside in search of treasure, but another red-robed man emerged halfway through, cutting off their path.

The opponent had, in just a moment, eliminated a large number of their experts. His strength was likely not much inferior to that of the demon shadow they encountered before.

Having suffered a big loss, no one dared to rush forward recklessly. Everyone was hesitant and afraid to advance.

"Everyone."

At this moment, Murong Qingcheng bowed slightly to the many experts and smiled, saying, "Our aim is to enter this secret realm and search for treasures. However, to enter now, we must first deal with the obstruction before us."

The crowd fell silent, and all the experts focused on Murong Qingcheng, but curiously, no one spoke. They knew that since Murong Qingcheng was speaking out, he must have a plan.

Perhaps this lady had a way to get them into the secret realm.

"The strength of this red-robed man before us is quite similar to the demon shadow we encountered before. If we force a confrontation, the damage among our group would not be insignificant."

Murong Qingcheng surveyed the crowd, "To defeat him, sheer numbers may not be enough."

Hearing these words, some people couldn’t help but feel slightly moved. Having witnessed the power of the black demon shadow earlier, they understood that no matter how many people they had, without sufficient strength, they’d merely be cannon fodder.

"Does Lady Murong have a good idea?" someone asked with a skeptical tone.

Murong Qingcheng smiled faintly and said, "Our Azure Dragon Family indeed has a method to deal with this entity, but it requires the assistance of many experts here. Otherwise, it may not succeed."

With these words, there were some movements in the sea of fire, and even Ling Chen raised an eyebrow. The Azure Dragon Family, as one of the Nine Great Families, truly had a means to deal with this red-robed man?

"Haha, since Lady Murong has a plan, that’s naturally for the best. Everyone’s goals are aligned; as long as we can handle this obstruction, offering help is no problem."

After pondering for a while, each expert smiled in agreement. Regardless of the situation, as long as they weren’t directly confronting these entities head-on, that was fine. After all, they had already suffered heavy losses in a brief encounter. They did not wish to go through that purgatory-like assault a second time.

Hearing this, Murong Qingcheng’s beautiful eyes also showed a smile. She then flipped her delicate hand, revealing a cyan formation flag with ancient patterns and strange fluctuations.

"This is a sacred artifact of our Azure Dragon Family, known as the Qinglong Banner. As long as this formation flag can gather enough power, it can set up the Azure Dragon Sky Locking Array. With the Azure Dragon Sky Locking Array, we should be able to trap this red-robed man for several days. During that time, we should have enough time to enter the secret realm and hunt for treasure."

"Oh, it’s actually the Azure Dragon Sky Locking Array? I’ve heard of this array; it’s a famously powerful array. Setting up such an array usually requires the cooperation of several saints, right...?"

An experienced expert asked with some doubt.

"That’s right. To set up the true Azure Dragon Sky Locking Array, indeed it requires the combined effort of several saints. However, what I intend to set up now is not the true Azure Dragon Sky Locking Array but the Small Qinglong Array. Setting up this Small Qinglong Array does not have strict cultivation level requirements."

Murong Qingcheng spoke calmly.

"I see. Even if it’s just the Small Qinglong Array, as long as it can subdue this red-robed man, whether or not it’s the true Azure Dragon Sky Locking Array doesn’t matter."

"Murong Qingcheng indeed brought some treasures out. Whether we can enter the secret realm this time depends on this lady."

As soon as Murong Qingcheng’s voice fell, numerous astonished whispers spread around. It seemed that some of the strong had heard of the treasure in Murong Qingcheng’s possession.

Ling Chen’s eyes were slightly surprised as he stared at the ancient Formation Flag in Pang Hao’s hand, which emanated a bluish glow. From it, he sensed distinct fluctuations, and couldn’t help but click his tongue. Truly worthy of the Nine Great Families, with such deep foundations and abundant resources, to trust such a treasure to a young person.

"However, deploying the Small Qinglong Array requires substantial True Qi, and it’s difficult for me to accomplish alone. I must rely on everyone’s strength..." Murong Qingcheng’s eyes swept across the crowd as she spoke softly with a smile.

Hearing this, everyone smiled and nodded. They naturally understood that Murong Qingcheng didn’t want to exhaust her Azure Dragon Family’s resources to deal with the fire-robed guards, so she needed their help. Nonetheless, these strong individuals didn’t mind, given that only Murong Qingcheng possessed the means to deploy the Small Qinglong Array.

Ling Chen watched the scene indifferently. Since Murong Qingcheng stood out, claiming she could trap the Flame Star Envoy guarding the entrance, he was happy to take advantage of the situation.

But before Murong Qingcheng finished speaking, just as her voice fell, she suddenly continued, "It’s just that while the Small Qinglong Array is powerful, it isn’t very flexible. We need someone talented and daring to lure the fire-robed person into the array."

As soon as these words were spoken, many strong individuals’ eyes became slightly apprehensive. The fire-robed person’s strength was so fierce, who dared to approach? Without sufficient strength, recklessly attempting to lure him could lead to mortal danger.

No one wanted to undertake such a thankless task.

"Now, the Azure Dragon Family has exerted great effort. If you want to obtain treasures, you must put in some effort." Murong Qingcheng spoke calmly.

However, her words brought silence to the scene, as no one was willing to take the initiative. It was clear that no one wanted to take the responsibility.

Murong Qingcheng wasn’t surprised by this. Her gaze then turned to the Huangfu Clan and fell on Huangfu Qi, clearly indicating she wanted Huangfu Qi to take up the role.

Huangfu Qi’s eyelid twitched. He had no intention of doing such dangerous work. After his eyes flickered for a moment, he sneered, seeming to have an idea, "Ladies and gentlemen, previously, I think you should remember when we were chased by that black light Demon Shadow below the lava lake, and then it went after Brother Chen Ling, who managed to escape unharmed. So perhaps Brother Chen Ling is most suited to lure the fire-robed one into the array."

Swoosh!

As soon as Huangfu Qi’s words fell, numerous gazes from above the thunder cloud instantly shot towards Ling Chen not far away. Those eyes were quite surprised, clearly not expecting Ling Chen to escape alive from the Demon Shadow’s hands.

"Haha, I see Brother Chen Ling is so strong. Naturally, this task is best suited for you."

"Yes, we must rely heavily on Brother Chen for this matter."

"Brother Chen has such talent. Please don’t hide it."

As the surrounding experts listened, their eyes flashed, and they all spoke with smiles. Some of them knew Huangfu Qi’s intentions towards Ling Chen, but they didn’t have the leisure to care about it. As long as they didn’t have to face the fire-robed person, it didn’t matter who took the task.

"That bastard."

Ling Chen’s eyes flashed with a cold light abruptly. This guy clearly intended to push Ling Chen to the forefront, making it impossible for him to refuse. If he were to decline, he would be immediately opposed by everyone.

"Haha, Brother Chen Ling, what do you think of my suggestion?" Huangfu Qi smiled at Ling Chen, waiting for him to get angry and oppose the idea, which would put him in an extremely awkward situation.

"Alright, I’ll do it."

Ling Chen showed no sign of opposition and nodded in agreement.

This debt is recorded against Huangfu Qi, but now is not the time for payback.

"Brother Chen Ling is truly straightforward, and I haven’t misjudged you."

Huangfu Qi’s face once again held a smile, though it exuded a sinister chill.

"Thank you, Brother Chen Ling."

The speaker was Murong Qingcheng, her eyes still indifferent. "Don’t worry, since Brother Chen Ling is willing to help with this task, I won’t let anyone threaten your safety."

Huangfu Qi’s face suddenly changed upon hearing this. Her words were clearly directed at him. Indeed, he initially intended to plot against Ling Chen, but with Murong Qingcheng’s assurance, he had no choice but to reconsider. If he acted, Murong Qingcheng would not allow it and would instead cause a conflict with the Azure Dragon Family.

Then he must endure this well-timed opportunity.

"Thank you, Lady Murong."

Ling Chen’s lips curled into a smirk. Her words reassured him greatly. Although he didn’t fear Huangfu Qi’s tricks, Murong Qingcheng’s assurance comforted him, suppressing the secret thoughts of those with hidden intentions.