NOVPUB"This place seems to be some kind of Array Technique. It bears some resemblance to the ancient [Dual Essence Dust Formation] mentioned in the legends," Xu Guanhai said after observing for a while, as if he had just come to a realization.
Then he added with a hint of regret, "It’s just a pity I don’t understand Array Techniques, otherwise I could try to break the formation."
"I don’t understand them either."
"..."
Everyone fell silent in response, then turned their gazes collectively toward Lan Yu.
This seasoned veteran of the Unity-Path, who had lived for thousands of years, would surely know a thing or two about Array Techniques, right?
Amid the hopeful looks of the other four, Lan Yu shook his head reluctantly, "Indeed I have some understanding of Array Techniques, but the level of this formation..." 𝓷ℴ𝓿𝓅𝓊𝒷.𝓬𝓸𝓂
"Is far above mine. I can’t see through it," Lan Yu admitted frankly.
In an instant, a sense of despair fell upon everyone.
A deathly silence enveloped them.
"The formation here is an absolute isolated space. I can’t discern an exit. But if the Dignified Flying Boat wants to kill us again, it will inevitably open a breach. That will be our opportunity," Lan Yu spoke after a while, reigniting hope in everyone’s hearts.
"As I deploy the Martial Arts Arena, everyone should take shelter inside to avoid another sneak attack from the Flying Boat."
Saying this, a ring-shaped structure appeared in the Dark Void.
With no better plan, they all flew into it.
As the breach closed, the five of them looked at one another, suddenly filled with a surge of fighting spirit.
"Lan Yu, can you not control this Magic Treasure? Now is not the time for sparring! We’re wasting all our energy, what will we do when the Flying Boat strikes?" one of them said.
"Darn it, Old Guan, why are you ambushing me?!" Xu Guanhai shouted in surprise.
Even as they forcibly suppressed their restlessness, they couldn’t help but strike at each other.
Lan Yu explained somewhat helplessly, "This treasure was passed down by the Grand Master himself. Once inside, one is compelled to engage in martial combat continuously until they leave. It’s the nature of the treasure that can’t be controlled. I didn’t use this before for exactly this reason."
"But we can adjust the intensity of the combat. I have already set it to the lowest. Do not suppress the urge to fight within you. Just casually strike and maintain a state of combat. With the supplies we have, we don’t have to worry about energy consumption."
After a hectic period of fighting, they gradually became accustomed to their situation.
They engaged in light sparring while peacefully exchanging thoughts.
"It’s a good warm-up at least, ensuring we can always strike in peak condition," Xu Guanhai remarked in an attempt to find some humor in their predicament.
Sun Luchang sighed, "It’s been ages since I’ve fought like this with others, fellow Daoists please go easy..."
Guan Xingxiu returned to the heart of the matter, "In this dire situation, we only get one chance. Thus, we must fully understand each other’s strongest abilities."
Everyone agreed with Guan Xingxiu’s words.
He took the lead, "My strongest strike, which I’ve just recently comprehended in this Star Sea, is named [Sword Dividing the Starry River]. Watch out!"
With a light chant, Guan Xingxiu’s sword radiance slashed out, and in an instant, it seemed as if infinite Starlight was born within it.
The Sword that Divides the Star River didn’t hit the others; instead, it struck fiercely against the sky of the Martial Arts Arena.
The Vault of Heaven shook, cracks emerged then quickly healed.
"Good treasure!" Guan Xingxiu exclaimed in admiration.
The other four then each demonstrated their trump cards in turn.
As they practiced their martial arts, they grew increasingly in sync.
They even jointly derived a combined attack technique.
Time flowed unknowingly within the constricting Void Formation.
The five Unity-Path cultivators, like swords being sharpened, nurtured their Spirit Essence.
Waiting for the right moment to unleash their strongest blow.
After an indeterminate amount of time...
A massive vibration startled them.
It was not the tremor of the Martial Arts Arena but rather the entire Dark Void outside of it that shook.
Or more precisely, it originated from the Dignified Flying Boat.
During the lengthy cooperation in martial practice, the five had achieved a certain degree of telepathy.
In an instant, they reached consensus, waiting for the flaw to appear.
Without warning, the darkness disappeared and light returned.
They seemed to find themselves back inside the cabin of the Flying Boat.
But having been caught off guard once, the five showed no hesitation.
The most powerful combined strike they had been nurturing was unleashed directly.
"Sword Dividing the Starry River!"
"Observing the Star Sea At Dusk!"
"Feather Extinguishment!"
...
Roars resounded simultaneously, five streams of Radiance fused together, harshly bombarding the walls of the Flying Boat.
However, what unfolded was a sight that brought them to the edge of desperation.
An inexplicable black hole emerged on the wall, swallowing the massive destructive power of their combined strike.
The hole slowly healed, and the wall was as good as new.
Their meticulously practiced moves turned into a seemingly laughable effort, failing to inflict even the slightest damage.
All five faces turned ashen.
Guan Xingxiu’s Dao Heart was shattered, his figure staggering.
"How is this possible?" he muttered in disbelief, unable to accept the outcome.
Their strongest attack had failed, and their hearts sank, hardly able to muster the thought of resistance any longer.
But quickly, the Dignified Flying Boat shook violently again, awakening them.
"Could it be wrong? Is the Flying Boat being attacked from the outside?"
"Space Catastrophe?"
Everyone immediately realized, their faces lighting up with manic joy.
"We still have a chance!"
At this moment, they also noticed the abnormality of the Flying Boat.
The Essence of Heaven and Earth that had been absorbed before were nowhere to be seen.
The Flying Boat seemed to have undergone a fierce battle, as faint cracks on the walls were visible.
While the group was still in shock and inaction,
The icy voice of the Dignified Flying Boat resonated once more.
