Chapter 389

Break it for me!

Mu Yi brandished his long sword, slashing with the swift, diving speed of a spreading wing; the blood‑witch in the Blood‑Transformation Formation instantly had his head flung high into the air.

Translation: Mu Yi unfurled his long blade, borrowing the speed of wings unfolding and diving downward to slash out; the blood-transformation sorcerer in the Blood Transformation Formation immediately had his head fly high.

We need to keep meaning concise but not omit. Let's produce: "Mu Yi unfurled his long blade, borrowing the speed of wings unfolding and diving downward to slash out; the blood-transformation sorcerer in the Blood Transformation Formation immediately had his head fly high."

By the time Mu Yi landed, the great Asura dharma‑image was already in ruins.

Translation: When Mu Yi landed, the Great Asura Dharma Aspect was already shattered and ruined.

Even this weakened, incomplete Blood‑Transformation Formation wields such might that an ordinary demigod would likely have already dissolved into blood.

Translation: Even a weakened, defective version of the Blood Transformation Formation wields such power that an ordinary demigod would probably have already turned to blood water by now.

If it were the full Blood‑Transformation Formation, even his dharma‑image would be useless—he himself would have been instantly turned into blood.

Translation: If it were the genuine Blood Transformation Formation, not only his Dharma Aspect but he himself would have been directly turned into blood water by now.

Wow, what a powerful Blood‑Transformation Formation!

Translation: "What a formidable Blood Formation!"

Mu Yi narrowed his eyes, scanning his surroundings and trying to commit as many details of the Blood‑Transformation Formation to memory as possible, but from within the formation his view was blocked like a single leaf obscuring the eye, so he could only retain less than a tenth of its arrangement.

Translation: Mu Yi narrowed his eyes, scanning everything around him, trying to memorize as many details of the Blood Formation as he could, but being inside the formation obscured his view; he could not see the full picture and only remembered less than a tenth of the layout.

The next few steps are probably all guarded by the masters of the Ten Absolute Formations!

Translation: "The next few steps are probably all masters of the Ten Absolute Formation!"

He inwardly gasped, yet Mu Yi showed no fear; had it been the true Ten Absolute Formations he would have fled three leagues away, but this counterfeit version is nowhere near enough to make him yield.

Translation: He secretly marveled, yet Mu Yi felt no fear; if it were the genuine Ten Absolute Formation, he would surely retreat three leagues, but this pirated Ten Absolute Formation is still far from making him admit defeat.

If he can break the Blood‑Transformation Formation, he can break the other absolute formations as well.

Translation: If he can break the Blood Formation, he can break the other absolute formations as well.

He stepped forward with renewed determination, only to see the surroundings suddenly engulfed in a vast expanse of red water.

Translation: He took another resolute step, and suddenly the surroundings were flooded with endless red water.

He instantly understood.

Translation: He instantly understood.

Red Water Formation!

Translation: "Red Water Formation!"

The Red Water Formation captures the essence of Ren and Gui, conceals the marvel of Tianyi, and shifts unpredictably.

Translation: The Red Water Formation seizes the essence of the water stems and hides the wonder of the Heavenly One, ever-changing and unfathomable.

In the middle lies an Eight Trigrams platform with three gourds; any person or immortal who enters can tip a gourd, releasing endless red water—if even a drop contacts the skin it instantly becomes blood‑water, leaving even immortals no escape.

Translation: Within it stands a Bagua Platform bearing three gourds; anyone, immortal or mortal, who enters the formation may hurl a gourd downward, pouring out red water that spreads boundlessly—if even a drop splashes and sticks to one's body, it instantly turns to blood water, from which even immortals cannot escape.

A verse attests: "Within the furnace lies the true mystery of yin and yang, refined and hidden within Ren and Gui; even a diamond‑like body, upon meeting water, perishes instantly."

Translation: As a verse attests: "Within the furnace, the true marvel of yin and yang is refined, storing the essence of the water stems. Lord Rao is a Vajra Body; upon contact with water, he perishes instantly."

Mu Yi wasted no time, opening the Asura Path barrier and setting the limitless sea of blood against the red water.

Translation: Mu Yi dared not delay; he directly opened the Asura Path Boundary, pitting the boundless sea of blood against the endless red water.

The Red Water Formation unleashed a boundless sea of red water, while the Asura Path barrier released a boundless sea of blood; the two forces collided, neither prevailing.

Translation: The Red Water Formation poured forth boundless red water, while the Asura Path Boundary released a limitless sea of blood; the two forces clashed, neither gaining the upper hand.

Apparently provoked by Mu Yi's counter, the Red Water Formation suddenly churned violently, transforming the sky‑filling red water into countless red snakes that surged toward him.

Translation: Apparently provoked by Mu Yi's response, the Red Water Formation suddenly surged violently, turning the sky‑filling red water into countless red snakes that rushed toward Mu Yi.

Asura!

Translation: "Asura!"

From the blood sea emerged countless Asura warriors, wielding blades and fighting the myriad red snakes; severed snakes turned back into red water returning to the formation, while corroded Asuras dissolved into blood that returned to the sea.

Translation: From the sea of blood countless Asura warriors crawled out, brandishing swords and battling the myriad red snakes; the severed red snakes turned into red water that returned to the great formation, while the corroded Asuras likewise turned into blood water that returned to the sea of blood.

Once more the clash ended in a deadlock.

Translation: Yet again the battle remained evenly matched.

I've found you!

Translation: "I found you!"

In that interval Mu Yi also found the eye of the Red Water Formation—a single Eight Trigrams platform on which stood a daoist whose features were indistinct.

Translation: Mu Yi also located the formation's eye within that time—a Bagua Platform on which stood a Daoist whose face could not be made out.

As before, it appears the formation's power was focused on the main array, rendering its core fragile; Mu Yi dispatched it with a single blow.

Translation: Just as before, it seemed all the formation's power was concentrated in the great formation, leaving its core weak; Mu Yi felled it with a single stroke.

Once more he had noted less than a tenth before being cast back into reality.

Translation: Again, having recorded less than a tenth, he was flung back to reality.

Mu Yi sighed; although he wanted to record more, he realized that slighting this formation would exact a cost, and between forging ahead and copying, he chose to advance.

Translation: Mu Yi sighed; though he wished to record more, he knew that underestimating the absolute formation would exact a price, and between breaking through and plagiarizing, he ultimately chose to break through.

After all, he recorded this formation not to copy it, but to draw lessons for enhancing his own tactical skills, not to depend on the formation itself.

Translation: After all, he recorded this absolute formation not merely to copy it, but to enhance his mastery of military formations, not to rely on the great formation as a foundation.

If he merely sought to copy the Ten Absolute Formations, he would be putting the cart before the horse.

Translation: If he merely sought to replicate the Ten Absolute Formation, he would be neglecting the root and chasing the trivial.

Mu Yi continued forward without pause.

Translation: Mu Yi pressed on.

Earth‑Blaze Formation!

Translation: "Earth Fierce Formation!"

The Earth‑Blaze Formation follows earthly numerology—inside lies a solid core, outside shows lively wonders, ever‑shifting, concealing a single red banner that, when raised, summons thunder above and fire below; any mortal or immortal who enters, even versed in the five‑element arts, cannot escape this doom.

Translation: The Earth Fierce Formation likewise follows the numbers of the Earth Dao, concealing a condensed substantial body within and displaying a lively wonder without, its changes manifold; hidden inside is a red banner that, when stirred, brings thunder above and fire below—mortals and immortals who enter, even with wondrous Five‑Element techniques, cannot escape this calamity.

Howling Wind Formation!

Translation: "Wind Howl Formation!"

The Howling Wind Formation hides an arsenal of weapons, secretly arranged in a wondrous heavenly net.

Translation: Within the Wind Howl Formation lies a weapon nest, secretly harboring a profound mystery that spreads a heavenly net.

It can injure even an immortal's body, draining all flesh and blood.

Translation: It can wound even an immortal body, draining all flesh and blood.

Based on the numbers of earth, water, fire, and wind, the formation harbors wind and fire—primordial qi, the Samadhi true fire—from which countless weapons pour forth; should a mortal or immortal step inside, wind and fire combine, myriad weapons converge, and the limbs are instantly pulverized.

Translation: This formation follows the numbers of earth, water, fire, and wind; inside it contain wind and fire. These wind and fire are primordial qi, Samadhi true fire, and a million weapons that emerge from within. Should a person or immortal enter, wind and fire interact, myriad weapons converge, and the limbs are instantly reduced to powder.

Blazing Flame Formation!

Translation: "Blazing Flame Formation!"

Only the fire‑driller wields heavenly fire, which nourishes the cinnabar furnace within.

Translation: Suiren possesses heavenly fire; within the furnace he cultivates cinnabar.

The guardian of the Palace of Separation leads; when the red banner unfurls, it becomes void.

Translation: Guarding the Li Palace as leader, the red banner's movement transforms into emptiness.

Inside are three fires—Samadhi fire, heavenly fire, and stone fire—united into a single qi, with three red banners at its heart; should a mortal or immortal enter, the banners unfurl, the three fires surge together, and in an instant they are reduced to ash; even fire‑avoidance mantras cannot escape the Samadhi true fire.

Translation: Within this formation lie three fires—Samadhi fire, heavenly fire, and stone fire—combined into one qi, with three red banners at its center. Should a person or immortal enter, the banners unfurl, the three fires soar together, and in an instant they are reduced to ashes; even a fire‑avoiding incantation cannot evade the Samadhi true fire.

Soul‑Falling Formation!

Translation: "Soul-Falling Formation!"

This formation is no trifle; it closes the gate of life and opens the door of death, gathering the fierce qi of heaven and earth; within lies a single white paper bearing talismans—if an immortal enters, the white standard waves, soul and spirit scatter, vanishing instantly; no immortal can survive entry.

Translation: This formation is no trivial matter; it seals the Gate of Life and opens the Door of Death, harboring the dreadful qi of heaven and earth, coalescing thus; inside lies a single sheet of white paper bearing a talisman seal—should an immortal enter, the white banner stirs, soul and spirit dissipate, vanishing instantly, regardless of immortality; all who enter perish at once.

A verse confirms: "When the white banner sways, black vapor arises; refined into a wondrous art that fills the void; those who doubt the immortal body, upon entering the formation see their soul fade and spirit sink."

Translation: As a verse attests: "The white paper banner sways, black qi arises; refined into a wondrous technique that fills emptiness and fullness; never trusting the immortal body, upon entering the formation the soul fades and the spirit sinks."

Red Sand Formation!

Translation: "Red Sand Formation!"

A pinch of red sand holds boundless Dao; within the Eight Trigrams furnace lies a profound mystery.

Translation: A pinch of red sand holds endless Dao; within the Bagua furnace lies a profound mystery.

It gathers all phenomena into one, revealing that the Sect of the Cut possesses primal chaos.

Translation: All‑encompassing, one comes to know that the Sect of the Cut harbors Primordial Chaos.

According to the three powers of heaven, earth, and man, the formation splits into three qi, holding three measures of red sand—though it appears as ordinary red sand, it bears razor‑sharp edges; contact brings no awareness of heaven, earth, or self; should a mortal or immortal charge in, at the juncture where wind and thunder meet, flying sand lacerates them, instantly reducing bones to dust; even immortals and buddhas cannot escape.

Translation: Within the formation, according to the Heaven‑Earth‑Human Three Powers, the three qi are divided; it stores three dou of red sand—though appearing as red sand, it bears hidden blades; one who touches it knows neither heaven nor earth nor self. Should a person or immortal charge in, at the point where wind and thunder move, flying sand wounds them, and their skeletons are instantly crushed to powder; even immortals and the Buddha cannot escape once struck.

Ice Formation!

Translation: "Ice Formation!"

Should a mortal or immortal encounter this formation, neither skin nor bone will find any support.

Translation: Should a human or immortal encounter this formation, not even skin or bone remains to rely on.

This formation cannot be forged in a single day's practice; though called the Ice Formation, it is actually a mountain of blades.

Translation: This formation cannot be forged in a day's practice; named "Ice," it is in truth a Blade Mountain.

Inside lie profound mysteries: wind and thunder in the center, ice peaks like wolf fangs above, and ice blocks like swords below.

Translation: It harbors a profound mystery; within are wind and thunder, above an ice mountain like wolf's fangs, below ice chunks like swords.

Should a mortal or immortal enter, when wind and thunder stir, a single blow from above and below shatters the limbs to powder; even extraordinary arts cannot avert this fate.

Translation: Should a person or immortal enter, at the point where wind and thunder stir, a single bump up and down reduces the limbs to powder; no special technique can avert this fate.

Several coefficients of the great absolute formations have been solved; these formations pose similar difficulty, and Mu Yi need only project his dharma‑image or a single path's samsara barrier to glide past them effortlessly.

Translation: Several of the great absolute formations' coefficients have been solved; these great formations differ little in difficulty, and Mu Yi need only project his Dharma Aspect or a single path's Reincarnation Barrier to glide through effortlessly.

As the opponent's strength grows, the Ten Absolute Formations should become harder to break, yet the Ice Formation on the thirty‑eighth step is paradoxically the easiest to overcome.

Translation: Given the opponent's growing strength, the Ten Absolute Formation should become progressively harder to break, yet the ice formation on step thirty‑eight is paradoxically the easiest to dispel.

Mu Yi's two strongest paths are the Asura Path and the Hell Path; when the Hell Path's blazing flames sweep over, they directly melt most of the Ice Formation.

Translation: Mu Yi's two strongest paths are the Asura Path and the Hell Path; when the Hell Path's raging flames sweep over, they directly melt most of the ice formation.

Even before the formation could reveal its full power, Mu Yi shattered it.

Translation: The great formation had not even begun to display its power before Mu Yi dispelled it.

Next should be the Heaven‑Severing Formation, right?

Translation: "Surely the next must be the Heaven Absolute Formation?"

Mu Yi narrowed his eyes and stepped forward again.

Translation: Mu Yi narrowed his eyes and took another step forward.

Heaven‑Severing Formation!

Translation: "Heaven Absolute Formation!"

The Heaven-Extinction Array is what the Sect Master of the Sect That Reaches Heaven deduced from the primordial numbers; it obtained the primordial pure qi, internally contains the mechanism of chaos, inside are three banners, according to the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and Man, together they combine into a single qi.

If one enters this formation, where thunder roars, they turn to ash; if an Immortal Dao practitioner encounters this place, their limbs shatter into powder.

Mu Yi had just landed in the formation when he saw a long banner bearing the character for "person" flying toward him—it was the Three-Head Banner, specifically the Banner of Human Talent.

Mu Yi pointed, and the Great Asura Dharma Appearance spontaneously launched forward to meet the attack.

Yet the Great Asura Dharma Appearance, in grappling with it, was instantly overpowered; only by gripping its weapon with both arms and exerting full force could it barely hold its ground.

Immediately after, a long banner inscribed with the character for "earth" came crashing down, its power twice that of the Banner of Human Talent; the Great Asura Dharma Appearance extended all six arms and barely managed to block it.

Then the Banner of Heavenly Talent attacked again, its power twice that of the Banner of Earth Talent, and the Great Asura Dharma Appearance could scarcely withstand it.

The six arms were shattered in an instant; the Banner of Human Talent, swiftest of all, struck the Great Asura Dharma Appearance's head directly, crushing it to pieces. The hitherto unstoppable Great Asura Dharma Appearance suffered its first frontal defeat, causing Mu Yi's expression to finally turn serious.

This sign shows that the power of the Heaven Absolute Formation has already undergone a qualitative change compared to the previous absolute formation.

"Asura Path!"

Vast seas of blood surged forth, and the Great Asura Dharma Appearance, as if having taken a supreme tonic, regained vigor and gained strength from the blood sea.

The Great Asura Dharma Appearance again took the initiative to rush forward and meet the three banners.

Even with that power boost, it could only fight the Banner of Human Talent and the Banner of Earth Talent; each time it clashed with the Banner of Heavenly Talent, half its body was shattered by the immense force.

"I've heard that the power of the Ten Absolute Formation can stack; if this Heaven Absolute Formation is combined with the initial Blood-Transforming Formation, the dharma appearance probably couldn't endure even a moment!"

Mu Yi narrowed his eyes, scanning everything within the absolute formation, seeking the great formation's eye; he secretly marveled at the Ten Absolute Formation, for if the rumors were true, it could stack its power together.

Simply combining the Blood-Transforming Formation and the Heaven Absolute Formation—one responsible for destruction, the other for suppressing rebirth—would likely annihilate the Great Asura Dharma Appearance in an instant.

Fortunately, he was facing only isolated absolute formations, which made the difficulty much lower.

Mu Yi found the formation's eye, left the Great Asura Dharma Appearance to battle the Three-Head Banner, and rushed straight to the eye; after cleaving the figure within with a single stroke, he returned to reality.

"This Ten Absolute Formation is truly marvelous; if I could also record the final Golden Light Formation, perhaps I could deduce part of the genuine Ten Absolute Formation?"

Mu Yi narrowed his eyes; in his normal state he could manage three-layer military formation stacking, but this ten-layer great formation stacking was truly beyond his comprehension—yet as he continued to record, a glimmer of insight seemed to be on the verge of emerging.

Carrying an inexplicable emotion, Mu Yi took his fortieth step.

Yet this time, what appeared was not the Golden Light Formation.

It is said that the Golden Light Formation contains twenty-one precious mirrors mounted on twenty-one tall poles, each mirror bearing a set.

However, at this moment only a single silhouette appeared before him.

Unlike before, this time the silhouette had a distinct appearance.

Appearing before Mu Yi was a handsome young maiden, her skin as white as fresh snow, her pretty face flushed with anger, puckishly cute, utterly charming.

A pair of bright eyes revealed warm, clear lucidity, and her slender, graceful figure seemed carved by the finest jade artisan.

Although the maiden's features were lovely and pure, for some reason they gave Mu Yi a feeling of awe-inspiring wrath.

Merely looking at her, one could sense her terrifying nature.

As Mu Yi sized her up, she too was sizing him up, as if she were a living person.

"Really rare, come play with me!" the maiden laughed innocently.

With a wave of his hand, red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple—seven-colored thunder exploded all around.

He lightly clapped, and ninety-nine paths of red thunder came crashing straight toward Mu Yi.

The Great Asura Dharma Appearance brandished its weapon to meet the attack, but in an instant it was hewn to pieces.

"What a pathetic dharma appearance—this bloody sea's impurity naturally fears heavenly thunder, yet you've turned yourself into an Asura monster; you can't even withstand a single blow, how dull. I'd actually thought you could keep me company a while longer!"

The maiden sighed, her interest waning, quite dissatisfied with Mu Yi's performance.

"Not necessarily!"

Mu Yi waved his hand, meanwhile guessing the maiden's identity as he opened the Heaven-Human Path.

Within the Sea of Blood, the Great Asura Dharma Appearance reformed and reappeared.

"Heaven-Human Path!"

Mu Yi pointed, and the formerly ordinary Great Asura Dharma Appearance instantly became awe-inspiring, as if a deity had descended.

"Those bald donkey Asuras of Buddhism? No, not right, you're……"

The maiden stared at the transformed Great Asura Dharma Appearance, puzzled, as if searching her memory for what this was.

"Blood God Son?"

Seeing the Great Asura Dharma Appearance rush toward her, the maiden showed not the slightest fear; instead she clapped and declared its origin.

"Hahaha, now this is getting interesting!"

The maiden laughed, then immediately raised her hand lightly to meet the weapon descending upon the Great Asura Dharma Appearance.

Seventy-seven paths of orange thunder boomed, and the strengthened Great Asura Dharma Appearance was driven back, more than half of its body destroyed.

Mu Yi's eye twitched—just who is this person?

Though she emanated a demi‑god aura, slaying the Great Asura Dharma Appearance was as easy as breathing.

This, after being reinforced by two layers of Six Paths Boundary, was enough to match a top‑tier demi‑god in a test of strength—yet it was so easily driven back and shattered?

"Anything new? I haven't crossed hands with anyone in ages—let me play a while longer!" the maiden said, eyes gleaming with interest as she looked at Mu Yi.

"May I ask, fairy, are you from the heartland of Jiuzhou?" Mu Yi probed.

"Why bother with all that? Defeat me, and you'll find out!" the maiden said, looking at Mu Yi with some displeasure.

"Damn it, take this!"

Boom!

Again thunder boomed; this time fifty‑five paths of yellow lightning appeared. Mu Yi did not dare be careless—he unfolded the Hungry Ghost Path and simultaneously activated the Heaven Plague Seal within it.

Countless tiny organisms accompanied the evil spirits as they rushed toward the yellow divine thunder, cooperating with the Great Asura Dharma Appearance to barely withstand this move.

Although the Heaven Plague Seal can devour vital energy, these thunderbolts seem to carry the caster's will, making it impossible to fully consume and dissolve them.

Even weakened, the power still cleaved the dharma appearance, leaving it paralyzed on one side.

"Huh? A familiar aura—damn, it's too far away to make out clearly!"

At the instant the Heavenly Plague Mark appeared, the girl seemed to sense something, but she was too far away to perceive it clearly, so she grew a little irritated.

Hmph, I underestimated you a bit—you actually managed to withstand that move!

But in the blink of an eye, the girl regained her composure, and dozens of crimson bolts of lightning coiled around both her left and right hands.

Come, let's play—let me see your limits!

Then I won't hold back!

Mu Yi drew his sword; the searing hot blood within him made it impossible for him to suppress his fervent fighting will at this moment.

Come!

Blade light and sword shadow intertwined with the heavenly thunder that filled the sky.

The longer Mu Yi fought, the more astonished he became; they were actually evenly matched.

The opponent's combat experience was extraordinarily rich, and their gaze was terrifyingly sharp, awe-inspiring; if it weren't that the opponent seemed unsuited to fighting in their current body, he would likely have been forced onto the defensive.