Chapter 158: Activating Seven Layered Array Formations

Suddenly, a flurry of activity in the distance snapped him back to the present. His heart skipped a beat as he saw not just the Iron Hammer Sect cultivators approaching, but two additional groups – the Wyvern and Fox tribes! This wasn't part of the plan. A cold sweat prickled his skin.

'An alliance with the beasts? No...that can't be...' he thought, his mind racing. 'The Iron Hammer Sect must have formed an alliance with the Shadow Blade Sect!'

It was the only explanation for the presence of these powerful beast species.

The Shadow Blade Sect, known for their stealthy tactics, were likely lurking in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

Anxiety gnawed at him.

Had he made a grave mistake? He was the one who had indirectly set this catastrophe in motion, feeding the Iron Hammer Sect misinformation about Jiu Lan's injuries.

Thankfully, he knew the Palace Mistress was probably closer to full strength by now, but facing a combined force of cultivators and beasts was a daunting prospect.

A wave of self-doubt crashed over him.

Maybe his formation traps wouldn't be enough.

He had tailored them specifically for the Iron Hammer Sect, and a three-pronged attack was something he hadn't anticipated.

He cursed inwardly. Had his eagerness to seduce Jiu Lan blinded him to the bigger picture?

But there was no time for regrets. He had to at least try and contain the situation.

Taking a deep breath, he activated the outermost layer of formations – the Spirit Sense Disruption Array.

The approaching forces would be met with a confusing distortion of spiritual energy, their ability to sense and coordinate their attacks hampered.

As the Iron Hammer Sect cultivators, accompanied by the ferocious Wyverns and nimble Fox cultivators, drew closer, their initial confidence faltered.

Whispers of unease crackled amongst their ranks.

The normally vibrant flow of spiritual energy felt disoriented, making it difficult to pinpoint locations and gauge their opponents' strength.

"What sorcery is this?" bellowed a burly Iron Hammer Sect Elder, his voice laced with frustration. This wasn't how they envisioned a weakened Jade Lotus Palace camp.

Elder Feng offered a confident smile. "Leave the foxes to me, Palace Mistress. Their illusions will find no purchase against mine."

Jiu Lan nodded lastly to three other elders, each formidable cultivators with years of experience etched in their faces. "Elders, engage the Iron Hammer Sect cultivators. Remember your training, but above all, remember we fight for the survival of our sect!"

A chorus of "Yes, Palace Mistress!" resonated through the camp, the response filled with unwavering determination.

Jiu Lan's gaze lingered on her disciples, young faces etched with fear and resolve. "My disciples," she said, her voice softening slightly, "you are the heart and soul of the Jade Lotus Palace. Fight with your hearts but fight smart. And remember, mercy is a luxury we cannot afford today."

Then, her voice hardened once more. "As for me, I will handle the Soul Integration Realm experts. None of them shall interfere with your battles!"

A gasp escaped many lips. Palace Mistress Jiu Lan, alone, against three Soul Integration Realm cultivators – the leader of the Iron Hammer Sect, the Nine-Tailed Fox, and the Wyvern Lord? It seemed a suicidal proposition, yet they saw in her eyes a burning determination that could not be denied.

Jiu Lan surprised them once more. With a flick of her wrist, she activated the White Bone Sect's existing defensive array. It wasn't as sophisticated as the formations Wang Li had set up, but it would provide a much-needed boost to their defenses and empower their attacks.

A warm glow emanated from the ground, enveloping the entire camp. The beauties of the Jade Lotus Palace felt a surge of strength course through them, a testament to the activated array.

Meanwhile, Jiu Lan couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity. A faint sense of an unfamiliar yet powerful formation hummed beneath her own. It was a layered structure, intricately designed, unlike anything she had encountered before. This wasn't something the White Bone Sect had left behind.

A ghost of a smile touched her lips. Someone, it seemed, was looking out for the Jade Lotus Palace. Whoever it was, Jiu Lan was grateful. With these additional defenses, they had a fighting chance.

Meanwhile, unseen and unheard, Wang Li remained cloaked in invisibility. He focused intently on his layered formations, activating them strategically as the battle unfolded. The Spirit Sense Disruption Array continued to disorient the attackers, while the Illusionary Maze Array threw them into further chaos.

His eyes flickered towards Liu Xue, a flicker of concern crossing his face. She was bravely fighting alongside Elder Feng against the Fox tribe, her movements graceful yet deadly. He activated the Binding Chains Array around her, a hidden safety net in case she was overwhelmed.

The initial confusion caused by Wang Li's formations had given the attackers pause. The Wyverns, their leathery wings flapping uselessly against the Sonic Disruption Array's disorienting barrage, slammed into each other in mid-air. The Fox warriors, known for their swift movements and cunning traps, found themselves entangled in the Earthbound Trapping Array's invisible binds.

Even the Iron Hammer Sect's prized Human Corpse Puppets, imbued with demonic energy, were quickly disabled by the Essence Devouring Array, their movements sluggish and hesitant.

But as the battle raged on, the attackers started to adapt. The astute elders of the Iron Hammer Sect, sensing the presence of multiple formations, focused their attacks on the faint fluctuations emanating from the formation disks. Human puppets and expendable beastmen were sent forward, their sacrifice revealing the locations of the array's eyes, the critical points powering each layer.

With a sickening crunch, formation disks shattered under concentrated blows, deactivating specific portions of Wang Li's defenses.

Wang Li watched with a grimace. He knew his formations wouldn't last forever, but he had hoped for a bit more time. Still, they had served their purpose. The Jade Lotus Palace beauties, empowered by the White Bone Sect's array, had inflicted significant damage on the attacking force.

Despite being outnumbered three to one, the sheer skill and elegance of their fighting style kept the battle in a precarious balance.