With the aid of a special artifact before him, Ji Yuan could discern that the grand formation of Jiulang Mountain comprised three formation eyes.
Two of these formation eyes were auxiliary; their destruction or preservation made no difference and had no impact on the formation.
Only the main formation eye atop the mountain, once a significant portion of the formation's foundation was disrupted, could be destroyed to cause the entire formation to collapse.
With this thought, Ji Yuan acted immediately. He used his natal flying sword to break free from the formation's restraints and, guided by a small formation flag, moved to the locations of various formation foundations.
He did not destroy these foundations immediately, but instead left behind dormant sword energies. With a mere thought, these energies could erupt, obliterating everything within a radius of several zhang.
Concurrently, during this process, he had also roughly assessed the situation on Jiulang Mountain, observing over ten second-realm cultivators, matching the number Ren Feihong had stated.
Seeing this, Ji Yuan's heart sank slightly. It seemed the young man had been correct; the Liuhuo Bandits were planning significant movements soon, likely to escort the goods plundered this year as tribute to some important figures and powerful factions.
Otherwise, this band of brigands would likely be dispersed elsewhere, either searching for suitable targets or already preparing for raids.
And halfway up the mountain, where the two auxiliary formation eyes were located, he sensed two powerful auras, likely the second and third-in-command of the Liuhuo Bandits.
These two individuals' auras were far stronger than ordinary third-realm cultivators, not far from reaching the mid-stage of the realm.
Moreover, Ji Yuan even felt a subtle threat emanating from them, and a moment's carelessness could lead to an unforeseen downfall.
He immediately heightened his vigilance, fully concealing his aura as he slowly ascended towards the mountain peak through the void.
He dared not make any significant movements; if he moved too quickly, the fluctuations in the void might be detected by the two third-realm experts.
Along the way, Ji Yuan found no treasure vault storing wealth. The entire mountain, inside and out, showed no glimmer of treasure, appearing like a desolate peak, with only the formation foundations exhibiting a faint spiritual glow.
"It seems the goods are likely with the Great Chieftain."
Ji Yuan's eyes flickered, deducing that the other party likely possessed a storage artifact.
Such items were far more precious than mountain and river bags. Their internal space was not only larger but also more robust. Even if stolen, without the method to open them, the contents would remain inaccessible.
Just like his former emerald thumb ring and his current colorful cloud jade pendant, they were storage artifacts of a considerably high grade, containing several layers of restrictions. Without the opening method, they were extremely difficult to unlock.
"Something is wrong!"
As soon as he stepped onto the mountain peak, Ji Yuan, who was traveling through the void, suddenly felt a jolt of unease.
Possessing a powerful spiritual sense, he could feel a mortal danger silently enveloping him.
In the blink of an eye, countless thoughts raced through his mind, and he immediately made a decision. Without creating any disturbance, he retreated at the fastest possible speed.
However, at the same moment, a pressure surged from all directions, seemingly intending to imprison him within this void.
Above his head, half a blade materialized out of nowhere. A gleaming, snow-white long blade then descended towards his neck!
At this point, he understood that his whereabouts had long been exposed, and there was an ambush by the Liuhuo Bandits atop the mountain!
"Open!"
A flash of light appeared in Ji Yuan's eyes, and his white jade flying sword shot upwards, unleashing a barrage of sharp sword energy!
With a 'ding,' the sword tip struck the descending blade mid-air, instantly producing a shower of sparks. Even a single, seemingly insignificant spark could easily inflict severe injuries on a cultivator in the early stage of the second realm!
Moreover, layers of sword energy cascaded upwards like a waterfall, dragging the long blade in mid-air towards a higher altitude.
Simultaneously, Ji Yuan retrieved the formation flag before him, drew the long sword from his back with his other hand, and then unleashed several sword strikes in all directions.
The dazzling sword light flashed, instantly cleaving through the surrounding void and breaking the crushing pressure!
He stepped out of the void and scanned his surroundings, whereupon he saw figures emerging, revealing themselves to be the second-realm cultivators of the Liuhuo Bandits.
Among them, one figure seemed to be bathed in fierce flames, with a crimson bead suspended before him, emitting astonishing heat.
The third-in-command of the Liuhuo Bandits!
Ji Yuan raised an eyebrow, instantly recognizing his identity.
Therefore, the one who had ambushed him in the void earlier must have been the second-in-command, skilled in assassination.
He scanned the crowd, not seeing the Great Chieftain among them, and his heart grew wary.
As expected, a moment later, the formation of Jiulang Mountain was fully activated, a curtain of light enveloping the entire mountain.
A vast and powerful spiritual pressure immediately permeated the heavens and earth. Then, in the very center of the mountain peak, a middle-aged man with a head of white hair floated into the air, casting a gaze from above.
Just being looked at by the other party made Ji Yuan's heart pound wildly, as if he were being targeted by death.
He also sensed the aura emanating from the other party at this moment.
"Late stage of the third realm!"
With the amplification of the formation, the Liuhuo Bandit Great Chieftain, who should have been in the mid-stage of the third realm, now possessed the power of the late stage of the third realm!
Ji Yuan's heart sank, and his gaze became extremely solemn. He was now trapped within the meticulously planned encirclement of the enemy.
Did Ren Feihong play a trick, secretly colluding with the Liuhuo Bandits?
No!
If that were the case, he could have lured everyone into Jiulang Mountain, thereby capturing them all in one fell swoop!
"A mouse that sneaked in!"
The third-in-command, enveloped in flames, let out a deafening roar, "Die!"
As his voice rose, the man stepped forward and transformed into a streak of fire, rushing straight forward.
The distance of several zhang was merely a flick of a finger for him. His fist was raised high and then violently smashed down!
Instantly, scorching flames surged, tendrils of fire swirling around his arm, finally converging on his fist, which was as large as a sand pot.
Boom!!!
As the flame-wrapped fist descended, a thunderous roar echoed through the area!
Billowing smoke rose, and a tempestuous surge of magical power swept in all directions. Some second-realm cultivators could not even control their bodies and could only retreat continuously.
The next moment, a figure was sent flying out of the smoke, enveloped in layers of clear light. Above his head, a small nine-story pagoda, several inches tall, spun rapidly in the air.
"So strong!"
Ji Yuan's eyes flashed as he stealthily wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
He looked at the smoke before him and immediately formed a sword seal. The natal flying sword in mid-air immediately flew back.
"Slash!"
With a low cry, the flying sword abruptly shifted in mid-air, transforming from several inches into a size of thirty feet!