Chapter 1046: Saintess Bai Hang

In the Mangshan Mountain Range.

Bai Hang hid, not daring to venture deep into the Mangshan Mountain Range, fearing she would encounter powerful demonic beasts and become their prey.

She was fortunate, having avoided many demonic beast territories, and arrived at a relatively safe place; at least for her, this spot was safer than other mountain ranges, and scattered low-level demonic beasts with little intelligence roamed nearby.

After catching her breath, she observed her surroundings and noticed some clues; the peaks were unnaturally quiet, not like the Mangshan Mountain Range but rather some kind of blessed cave-heaven, and the spiritual qi varied slightly from place to place, each peak having its own qi despite being similar to the range's overall qi.

Such subtle differences could not be detected without great familiarity with spiritual qi.

Moreover, many spirit trees grew here, but spirit herbs on the ground were scarce, as if they had been harvested, leaving only wild grass; although the qi was abundant, becoming true spirit herbs would still take time.

What surprised her even more was that a secret lay hidden in the center of those few peaks.

At a glance, they looked no different from the surrounding mountains; among the many peaks, these were insignificant, shrouded in mist that blocked both sight and spiritual sense, preventing any probing or entry.

Between these peaks, a formation seemed to have formed, a naturally existing formation.

"A natural formation? Are these peaks a natural formation?"

The possibility was tiny, though not impossible; natural formations do exist, but they are exceedingly rare, and those that do exist are extraordinarily defiant of heaven, the work of nature's miraculous craftsmanship.

It is unlikely for a natural formation to arise here, as the area is controlled by demonic beasts, with countless peaks forming their paradise, a forbidden zone for humans, where a natural formation would not appear.

If those demonic beasts merely refrain from destroying this place, it's already fortunate; how could they allow a formation to arise?

Yet before her eyes, there were indeed traces of a formation; coincidentally, Bai Hang had some accomplishment in formations, making her a half-fledged formation master—though only half, she still understood formations quite well, just lacking formal initiation.

She could still discern some simple formations; otherwise, she could not have traveled through Cangzhou.

Without familiarity with formations, moving even an inch in this realm could be difficult.

"How could a natural formation exist here? If it isn't natural, then it must be man‑made."

Bai Hang's first thought was that humans had laid the formation; as for demonic beasts—

She would never think that, for demonic beasts are unskilled in formations, weapon forging, and pill refining; relying solely on brute strength and knowing only how to fight, they understand nothing.

Among the entire Monster Race, only a few know formations, a status akin to a military strategist—extremely rare and precious.

The Monster Race would not allow such talent to appear here; the formation in this place is not low‑level, and Bai Hang observed for a long time before noticing its existence.

The formation before her eyes was not inferior to that of her own sect.

"There must be a formation grand master here, right?"

The person may not be inside, having left only a formation behind.

Inside, could there be that person's treasure?

This place is quite safe; if she were to enter, would it be possible?

The Mangshan Mountain Range is dangerous; if her presence were discovered, she would face endless peril.

Rather than die in a demonic beast's belly, she would rather take the risk, for inside the formation there remains a sliver of hope.

Bai Hang hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and entered the formation.

Having reached the formation's interior, she lifted her foot and stepped inside.

The mist blocked her view and concealed her aura.

Suddenly, Bai Hang vanished among the mountains.

Inside the formation.

Qinglong Daoren opened his eyes, glanced at the formation's location, his gaze fell on Bai Hang, and a faint smile appeared.

"Well, we have a guest coming… how… unfortunate."

"Has this place been discovered?"

"Is the newcomer an enemy or a friend?"

"He is in Tianwai, with hardly any friends; most likely it's an enemy."

Elder Xinran also spotted Bai Hang's trace, narrowed his eyes, and fixed on the silhouette below; the formation concealed Bai Hang, allowing Xinran to see her while she could not see him.

Qinglong Daoren stepped out, and Elder Xinran said, "Someone has arrived."

"I know."

Qinglong Daoren stood beside Elder Xinran; together they examined the person who had entered the formation—a woman, not bad‑looking.

She bore an air of grace, and her white long dress set off her splendid figure.

Elder Xinran glanced over and clicked his tongue, "Not bad looking, and her strength isn't shabby either."

"Have we been discovered here?"

"Finally, have we been discovered?"

"A human has entered here, not a demonic beast," Elder Xinran exclaimed in surprise, "I thought a demonic beast would find us first, but instead it's a human woman—she's no ordinary person."

Qinglong Daoren nodded: "Indeed, she's not simple."

Elder Xinran turned and asked, "What should we do with her?"

"Should we let her in? Question her on the spot? Or leave her in the formation to continue being tormented by it?"

"All of this depends on Qinglong Daoren's decision; Elder Xinran is just here to watch the show."

"Let her be for now; since we don't know if she's friend or foe, let the formation temper her well."

"We'll talk after she breaks down; I want to see how long she can endure in the formation."

Qinglong Daoren said lightly, "No one has tested this formation's power; we're unsure of its exact strength, but now someone has come in—we can give it a try."

Before, demonic beasts had entered—only low‑level ones—and they were slain by the formation, becoming its nourishment.

Not a single strong one had appeared; Bai Hang's arrival made up for that lack.

What Qinglong Daoren cared about was not Bai Hang, but the enemy outside.

Just moments ago, he sensed external hostility and malice; his body flickered with a pulse—a bloodline‑drawn force, a means left by the Mu Dragon Clan, unexpectedly manifesting directly on his avatar.

"Are they from the Mu Dragon Clan? Are they hunting this woman, or are they here specifically for me?"

"No matter what their purpose, as long as I don't go out, there's no danger."

"Mangshan Mountain Range, a human forbidden zone; if members of the Mu Long Clan dare to enter, they will surely suffer retaliation from demonic beasts."

Demonic beasts hate humans; this has been the principle since ancient times.

And the Mu Long Clan is the existence most hated by demonic beasts among humans; once discovered, they are killed without mercy.

The members of the Mu Long Clan are not foolish; none would enter the Mangshan Mountain Range.

The Mangshan Demon Palace is still very powerful; within Cangzhou, its strength is not inferior to any force.

No one would willingly offend the Mangshan Demon Palace; doing so is hardly different from seeking death.