Perhaps it is precisely because of these terrifying rumors that have existed for many years that no cultivator has come here originally.

If Li Zhirui were not currently deep within the Gloomy Swamp, he might still believe these rumors. However, his personal experience is completely different from what is spread outside!

What kind of secrets are hidden here?

With this question in mind, Li Zhirui began to explore the swamp. Perhaps because he approached it with a purpose from the start, he quickly noticed some oddities.

For example, the giant stone pillars he just passed by; he had seen them in more than one place, and some had markings that resembled Array Patterns.

Additionally, he discovered a stone slab with similar markings in a collapsed pit.

Connecting all these elements, Li Zhirui was astonished to find a Formation with unknown purpose!

He was not an Array Master, but even an Array Master couldn't decipher the otherworldly Array Patterns in a short time.

Yet it's evident that this Great Array is definitely not simple!

To confirm his suspicions, Li Zhirui deliberately ventured to the swamp's edge, dug three feet deep, and similarly found the presence of Array Patterns!

In other words, this Great Array might potentially cover the entire swamp.

Regardless of its grade, just the area it covers indicates the Formation's complexity.

This gave rise to some worry in Li Zhirui's heart, as he murmured, "Could it be that the reason no cultivators want to come to the swamp is related to this Formation?"

Thinking of this, his desire to explore vanished, and he immediately set off back to the cave, intending to verify his guesses.

As for how to verify it? That depends on the cultivators of This Realm who have consumed the pills he refined.

Rushing back to the cave at top speed, he began to manipulate those Divine Senses.

...

In the marketplace, a cultivator suddenly experienced a "whim," as if a voice told him there was a massive opportunity hidden in the Gloomy Swamp that would greatly assist his path to dao, filling him with excitement and eagerness to rush over immediately.

He decisively ceased his work, but after calming down, he hesitated about whether to proceed to the Gloomy Swamp.

Being a cultivator of This Realm, he naturally knew the terrifying legends of the swamp; going deep into it may very well cost him his life!

However, under Li Zhirui's influence, his inner resolve grew firmer.

"This concerns a personal opportunity for my path; if missed, I might lose the chance to advance to Heavenly Immortal!"

"Besides, cultivation is inherently a defiance of destiny. The opportunity is right at my door; should I falter now?"

Driven by such thoughts, he dispelled his doubts and decided to go investigate the Gloomy Swamp.

Such occurrences didn't just affect this one cultivator!

On the contrary, over a dozen suddenly experienced "whims," perceiving a chance related to themselves.

Since they didn't know each other and couldn't share the opportunity, none realized it was a trap, each believing they were still the chosen ones.

This was actually Li Zhirui covertly influencing them.

Yet he was equally puzzled; among these dozen cultivators of This Realm, not a single one knew the secrets of the Gloomy Swamp?

He assumed the secrets were at least widely spread, if not common knowledge, as evidenced by the lack of cultivator presence here otherwise!

Otherwise, given the area's abundant Spiritual Objects, how could such cultivators remain inactive, even with the terrifying stories?

"What secrets lie hidden here?" Li Zhirui grew increasingly curious about the secrets buried in this place.

Originally thought he'd need more time to get answers, yet unexpectedly, he soon found out!

The dozen cultivators left the marketplace one by one, not suspecting they shared the same destination even when meeting others along the way.

Until stopped by several cultivators before entering.

The cultivators preventing entry belonged to various factions.

Clearly, the secret hidden within the swamp was jointly sealed by these factions, ensuring its non-disclosure over the years.

"Why should we be denied entry! This swamp isn't your territory; let us in!" A Loose Cultivator Immortal, determined to claim his connected opportunity, tried to rally others to force entry.

With a loud bang, a black silhouette was suddenly thrown out, and the troublemaking cultivator was randomly struck, landing heavily on the ground, near death.

"Anyone else want trouble?! Turn back now, and we'll pretend this never happened," the lead cultivator coldly demanded.

With the recently struck Loose Cultivator severely injured, ignoring the potential opportunity, everyone reluctantly turned away under superior force.

They departed solitary, but returned in a cluster.

"Fellow Daoists, why are you venturing into the Gloomy Swamp?"

"Rumor has it that Spiritual Objects abound there, yet none are sold outside; the price would be high. But to encounter this situation…"

Only one replied, while others kept silent, yet even the respondent spoke falsely.

"Do you think these people guard it so rigorously because it hides a massive secret?"

"I also think so."

Unbeknownst to them, such conversation brought a deadly disaster upon them!

"Hmph! Since you guessed, none of you will leave; stay here!" suddenly a chill voice echoed.

An immense shadow appeared above, and upon glancing up, they saw a mountain being summoned to crush them.

"Run!"

Though unacquainted before, cooperation in escaping was seamless, their swiftest attempts in varying directions to flee.

"Heh."

Following a cold laugh, a dominating gravity crushed down, causing airborne cultivators to crash to earth, faces filled with terror.

"Senior, spare me! I'll take a Dao Oath, never revealing this!"

"Spare us..." others pleaded, repeating his words.

One cultivator, amidst desperation, quickly surmised, "Senior, aren't you curious why suddenly, so many of us came to the Gloomy Swamp?"

"Hmm?"

This remark halted the cultivator intending to kill them, "If your explanation satisfies me, I may spare your lives."

"Senior, I experienced a sudden 'whim,' a voice incessantly spoke of colossal treasure hidden in the swamp."

"Me too!"

"Me too!"

The others revealed anger and shock, realizing they unknowingly fell into someone's trap, causing turbulence akin to raging waves.

Even the attacking cultivator sank into contemplation.

"Very well; due to your important information, I'll spare you."

They quickly took Dao Oaths, dispersing in panic, fleeing as fast and far as possible.

"Which faction secretly contrived this?"

He considered various names, yet unable to confirm, returned with unresolved queries to others for answers.