Chapter 499 - Chapter 499: Chapter 314 No_1

Chapter 499: Chapter 314 No_1

The elder fell into contemplation, having scoffed at the array as mediocre before, but knowing that a hundred thousand spirit stones had been spent on it, he was entirely immersed in shock, a shock that was tinged with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

He was sure the Array Master who arranged it must be strong, stronger than himself, possessing at least four or five times his spiritual power. Though this was a blow to the elder’s confidence, he comforted himself constantly, insisting that regardless of how many spirit stones were spent, it was still an ineffective array. After all, he could construct a Master array himself.

However, after further observation, even the one thing the elder prided himself on got shattered. It wasn’t just any array. It seemed like the simplest barrier array, but it was, in reality, a three-layered array. The outermost layer held a barrier, the two inner layers were constantly devouring the Rule.

If the array runs in a proper manner, it would keep devouring the Rule for cultivation. Cultivating within this array would intensify the results, but if the array were to reverse, it would feed upon the Rule within the order, and anyone caught within the array would suffer continual depletion of their spiritual energy and divine skills.

The one who arranged the array did so in reverse. Hence the few sect leaders trapped in it were being drained, their power slowly diminishing. They were already at the Half-step Saint Seat, little concerned about their weakened power. But as time goes on and the devouring continues, they would feel extremely uncomfortable due to the accumulating cost.

From this, the elder was certain that the Array Master who arranged the array was stronger than himself—and overpoweringly so in just about every aspect. He had been studying arrays for hundreds of years, but he felt like a beginner in the face of this master. If given the chance, he would genuinely like to learn from or even become an apprentice to him.

But soon, the elder shook his head. This wasn’t what he should worry about. Since he had promised several sect leaders, he must decipher the array. That was his style. And if he can dismantle this formation, his strength will surely advance another level.

Looking at the elder’s troubled expression, the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect became fearful, “Senior, you’ve been lost in thought for a long time. Is this array truly mystical? You must find a way to dissolve it. Consider it as us owing you a favor.”

“Indeed, it’s tricky. The fifty thousand spirit stones we discussed earlier don’t count anymore. Now I must be given three hundred thousand spirit stones. Perhaps then, I can make an attempt to break it. If not, I suggest you seek someone more capable.”

The elder looked resolute and spread his hands, “It’s not that I don’t want to help, nor that I’m suddenly asking for an exorbitant sum. Each of you surely understands that an ordinary person cannot decipher this array. Initially, I thought it would be straightforward, but I must admit that the person who arranged the array is terrible.”

“Three hundred thousand?” When Celica Shingo heard the sum, he was shell-shocked. The price had increased by six folds. This was outrageous. If it increased by one or two thousand spirit stones, he might cope. But this was sheer extortion. He assumed that the elder was simply taking advantage of them, knowing they couldn’t escape without his help.

“You should consider wisely. Once you receive the three hundred thousand spirit stones, it becomes a hot potato. Can you withstand our wrath once we get out? I advise you to be clear about your position. Do not consider others yielding to you as your merit.”

The other sect leaders also displayed a chilling glare, believing the elder was overstepping his bounds. They all were at the Half-step Saint Seat, they had always been the ones bullying others. Now how did they end up being threatened by another? They would rather stay within this array for half a month than stomach this affront.

Besides, there are numerous disciples in their sects, and they could always find another Array Master who was bound to be better than the elder. They refused to believe no other Array Master could be found in the tens of millions of miles around. What’s there to flaunt? They would collectively bear the cost if it increased to a hundred thousand spirit stones.

“Don’t even think about threatening me. I’ve been an Array Master for hundreds of years and have accumulated quite a network in all these years. Believe it not, I know dozens of Half-step Saints, who are far more impressive than all of you. Even the Sanctuary Powerhouses owe me favors. Do you think I’m afraid of you?”

In fury, the elder said word by word, “I’m waiting for your retaliation. We, the Array Masters, are respected wherever we go. Never have we ever been treated with such contempt. You are all prisoners yet your words reek of arrogance. Do you really think everyone should yield to you?”

If these people truly had the ability, they would decipher the array themselves and escape. Why go through the trouble of seeking his help? He didn’t consider himself to be the best, but his array techniques were unparalleled. Furthermore, he had taught thousands of Array Masters, all cherished by many different powers.

Offending him was akin to offending tens of thousands of Array Masters, a consequence no one could bear. It wasn’t just about being hostile to an Array Master but also to all the major powers behind the Array Masters. Once you reach a certain realm, any power would need an Array Master to deploy their arrays.

The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect glared at everyone and quickly pleaded, “Senior, please don’t get angry, they’re just short-sighted. Three hundred thousand is acceptable. If they can’t come up with that amount, would they not be laughed at once word gets out? I assure you, they dare not default.”

Though he wasn’t happy about three hundred thousand, he initially planned to agree. Regardless, escaping the array was the priority. If the disagreement kept on, wouldn’t they be the ones to lose? After all, the Array Master didn’t lose anything, while they gratuitously offended people.

“Your words are pleasant to hear. We, the Array Masters, are not greedy, but you also need to think about the massive amount of spirit stones we need to arrange our arrays. Our daily consumption is far too great, so we have to save up for the unexpected.”

As the elder gradually calmed down, he sighed, “Moreover, a minimum of a hundred spirit stones is required to decipher a simple array. If there’s a mistake, the cost dramatically increases, even reaching one or two thousand spirit stones. We earn hard-earned money, which is not what you think.”

“This array is too strong, even a Sanctuary Powerhouse cannot break it. At least a hundred thousand spirit stones are required as my expense. Even then, spending a hundred thousand may not necessarily work. Calculate how much I can keep as profit? Don’t think the three hundred thousand spirit stones are too many. Do you think arrays can be deciphered out of thin air?”

Facing the elder’s reprimands and lecturing, no one argued back. Most of them agreed with the elder’s words. A lot was being discussed privately, but no one said anything out loud. After all, the situation had escalated to this point. Did they really want to drive the elder away?

Celica Shingo coughed and made his stance clear, “Senior, let’s begin. The spirit stones will be handed over as soon as we get out. I apologize for the earlier displeasure. We hope you will not take it to heart.”

Initially, he had been playing for time, hoping to delay as much as possible. Now that more than an hour had passed, he estimated that Wake Shingo and Logan would have run far away. He had nothing to worry about and naturally wanted to escape the array as soon as possible. He could feel his body’s spiritual energy continuously dissipating.