Chapter 70 The Mirage Illusion Confusion Array
"Everyone, retreat for now and locate the other nodes. From my observations, there might be around nine nodes in total. We need to find all of them and destroy them simultaneously. Destroying just one won't be very useful; it would only alert the enemy," Fu Jun expressed.
His words were met with agreement from the group.
"That's right. A demonic cultivator who is also a high-level Array Master will be difficult to deal with if he is alerted. If he knows we're onto him, it will be even harder to deduce his array, let alone destroy it," Tang Xie, a level 2 Core Formation Cultivator and Array Master, spoke in agreement.
"But if there are nine nodes in total, with our current speed, it might take more than half a month to locate and destroy them all. I'm afraid during this time, the demonic cultivator will notice something," another level 2 Core Formation Cultivator from the Tong Family, an ancestor, voiced his concern.
Everyone wore grim expressions as they contemplated this.
"Indeed, we should be careful. Don't separate or try to attempt deducing alone. Even a small mistake could alert the enemy. It might take time to deduce all the nodes, but there's nothing else we can do," Fu Jun acknowledged their concerns and gave them advice.
…
Xia Family.
Shangguan Yi had completed laying the Thunderstrike Offensive Array, and the commotion within the Xia Family quickly spread throughout the Serpent Embrace Entrapment Array.
"The Great Ancestor has created another level 3 array!" Xia Family cultivators exclaimed upon witnessing the upheaval.
Outside the Xia Family, Xie Xie, who had been studying the profundity of the Serpent Embrace Entrapment Array, was suddenly interrupted by the commotion caused by the birth of another level 3 high-grade array.
"Another level 3 high-grade array, created in just a few days? What exactly is his attachment in array?" Xie Xie wondered, astonished.
Outside the Serpent Embrace Entrapment Array, Fu Jun and the Red Maple City cultivators were diligently working on deducing the array when Fu Jun suddenly stopped, his eyebrows knitting in concern.
"What happened, Lord Fu Jun?" a level 2 Core Formation Cultivator, Tong Family Ancestor, asked upon noticing Fu Jun's sudden change.
Fu Jun did not immediately answer, his brow furrowing deeper. Everyone else noticed his abnormal expression and grew curious.
Soon after, Fu Jun relaxed his furrowed brow and said, "It seems another high-grade array has been born. I hope I'm just overthinking this."
"What? Another level 3 array? How is that possible?"
...
In a blink of an eye, a few more days passed, and Shangguan Yi completed another level 3 high-grade array, this time, the array was a special type that cost more to create than even a supreme-grade array.
It was the Mirage Illusion Confusion Array, a rare array that manipulates the mind. This kind of array hadn't been seen in Shanxi County for at least a thousand years. However, now, it had appeared in the Xia Family, Red Maple City.
The commotion caused by the Mirage Illusion Confusion Array far exceeded that of the Thunderstrike Offensive Array or the Serpent Embrace Entrapment Array.
Thick fog spread from the Meditation Garden to every corner of the Xia Family, causing everyone to halt their tasks and become alert.
"What's happening here? Where did this fog come from?"
"Are we under attack?"
"Everyone, be on alert!"
All Xia Family members became alarmed, some even panicking.
"Eh? Father, how are you here? Weren't you outside fighting the enemy?"
"Oh, grandfather, you're alive? Didn't you die a few years ago?"
"Beauty, you've finally come back. Don't leave me again."
"Haha, I've finally become a cultivator!"
"The enemies are coming, fight!"
Before Shangguan Yi could inform them, they had all fallen into illusions.
The commotion didn't stop there; it spread outside the Xia Family as well. The Xia Family cultivators outside couldn't escape from it, and one by one, they fell into illusions.
In Xia Feng's illusion, the grand hall of the Xia Family was filled with opulence and grandeur. Banners adorned with the Xia Family crest hung from the walls, and the air was thick with the scent of incense.
Xia Feng, clad in resplendent robes befitting a leader, stood at the head of a massive banquet table. The elders and members of the Xia Family, along with influential figures from Red Maple City, toasted to his name. "To Patriarch Xia Feng, the beacon of our family's glory!" they cheered.
Xia Feng raised his cup, a confident smile on his face,
"Haha, everyone, cheers!"
---
In Xia Kun's illusion, the duel with Xia Feng took place in the center of the Xia Family's training grounds. Spectators from the Xia Family and beyond gathered to witness the epic battle.
The sky above roared with thunder, mirroring the intensity of their clash. Xia Kun, with a swift and decisive move, disarmed Xia Feng, who fell to his knees in defeat.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, chanting Xia Kun's name. "All hail Great Elder Xia Kun!"
The respect and admiration in their eyes were palpable, and Xia Kun felt a surge of triumph and satisfaction.
---
In Xia Cao's illusion, the ancestral hall of the Xia Family was bathed in a soft, golden light. Xia Cao, now an elder with a long, flowing beard, sat on a high seat surrounded by his descendants.
Young cultivators looked up at him with reverence as he shared stories of the family's past and offered sage advice. "Remember, the strength of our family lies in unity and wisdom," he said, his voice carrying the weight of experience. The faces of his descendants beamed with respect and admiration, and Xia Cao felt a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
"Yes, ancestor!"
---
In Xia Kui's illusion, the Xia Family's ancestral hall was a place of learning and reverence. Xia Kui, an elder with an aura of authority, stood before a group of young cultivators.
He demonstrated powerful techniques and shared his vast knowledge. "With discipline and dedication, you too can achieve greatness," he proclaimed.
The young cultivators watched in awe, their eyes filled with admiration and respect.
"Ancestor is mighty!"
---
In Xia Kong's illusion, a beautiful pavilion surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms served as the backdrop for his wedding to Shuang'er. Clad in elegant wedding attire, Xia Kong held Shuang'er's hand as they exchanged vows under the crowd of Cultivators.
The entire Xia Family gathered to celebrate, their faces filled with joy and approval. As the ceremony concluded, Xia Kong and Shuang'er led the family in a new era of prosperity, their love and leadership shining brightly. "Together, we will lead the Xia Family to greatness," Xia Kong declared, his heart brimming with happiness.
---
In Xia Xiu's illusion, he stood on a mountain peak overlooking a vast, uncharted landscape. The wind tousled his hair as he took a deep breath, savoring the sense of freedom.
"A century of leaving home, a century of exploring the world."
Xia Xiu, dressed in traveler's garb, began his journey across distant lands, encountering new cultures and experiencing breathtaking adventures. He wandered through ancient ruins, discovered hidden treasures, and forged bonds with fellow travelers. The thrill of exploration and the joy of discovery filled his days, making his heart soar with excitement and wonder.
---
In Xia Fu's illusion, he stood before a monumental statue of himself in the heart of Red Maple City. The statue, crafted in his likeness, depicted him as a legendary hero.
Citizens gathered around, recounting tales of his bravery and wisdom. Lord Xia Fu, the legend of Red Maple City!" they chanted.
Xia Fu, now an elder with a wise demeanor, looked upon the city he had protected and guided for centuries. The streets were filled with prosperity and peace, his name synonymous with greatness. The sense of eternal legacy and the admiration of the people filled him with immense pride and contentment.
---
In Xia Zu's illusion, he faced off against a formidable Core Formation Cultivator in an arena packed with spectators.
The crowd watched in awe as Xia Zu, still at the peak of the false Core Formation Realm, displayed unmatched skill and power. His movements were swift and precise, and he fought his opponent to a standstill. The Core Formation Cultivators in the audience nodded in respect, acknowledging his prowess. "Xia Zu, the unparalleled false Core Formation Cultivator!" they cheered.
The recognition and respect from his peers fueled his pride, and he stood tall as a symbol of strength and determination.
---
In Xie Xie's illusion, he stood at the top of a grand pagoda in Shanxi County, surrounded by intricate arrays that shimmered with power. Xie Xie, now a level 4 Array Master, conducted a demonstration for an assembly of scholars and cultivators. His mastery of arrays was evident in every move, and the crowd watched in awe as he manipulated the energies with ease. "Master Xie Xie, the unparalleled Array Master!" they acclaimed. The recognition from his peers and the sense of accomplishment filled him with immense pride, knowing he had reached the pinnacle of his art.
---
These powerful illusions, crafted by the Mirage Illusion Confusion Array, ensnared each of them, creating a perfect world where their deepest desires were realized. Unbeknownst to them, these visions were mere phantoms, illusions meant to entrap their minds and distract them from reality.